Disclaimer: I obviously don't own the idea of Harry Potter or any of the money making forms of it.
Question Concerning:
Relationships: I have yet to decide everyone's, but know I will be putting Ron and Hermione together, as well as Harry and Ginny, but it won't get serious until later, obviously.
- - - Book 2 – Part 8: Godfathers
"Sirius, calm down," Lupin said for the tenth time that hour.
Sirius, like the previous times, didn't listen, but continued to hit his right heel on the front end of his left foot, before switching feet.
"Sirius, I mean it, if you don't stop, you're going to wear out your shoes, either that, or you're going to break a toe."
Sirius continued tapping, but turned to Lupin.
"I can't help it, I'm nervous. Is he like James? Will he like me? Is he okay after everything? Is he happy? Does he like flying? Will he—"
"Sirius! Just breathe. You'll meet him soon, okay?"
Sirius nervously rubbed his hands and took a deep breath.
"Sirius, there is something you should know though," Lupin said after a moment.
"Oh?"
"Don't make any comments against Slytherins, or about Snape. Harry has some Slytherin friends, and after seeing the interaction between one of them first hand…it would not be wise to say anything against them, he is very protective of all of his friends."
"S-Snape?!" Sirius asked, flabbergasted.
"Yes. And as I told you before, Snape has helped him a great deal this past year. He has earned my respect, as well as Harry's. Snape may not have moved past his grudges against James, but he has definitely put them aside when it has come to Harry. Harry told me it was a little rough at first, but as Minerva has told me, Harry worked an amazing feat, and Snape no longer looks at him as a mini-James. I've actually seen glimpses of esteem in Snape's eyes when he looks at Harry when he thinks no one is looking."
Sirius took all of it in, remembering everything he had been told over the past week, when he had been aware enough to listen that is.
"So Sirius, if you want to get to know James' son, keep in mind what has happened to him, and who his friends are: people most others would never have thought possible to befriend at once, I mean, come on, a Malfoy and a muggleborn?"
"I get it Lupin."
"Good. I wouldn't want you to mess something up you would no doubt regret doing later."
- - -
"Do you think they got them?" Neville asked Harry.
"I'm sure they did. Draco will send word if they come to a decision," he said.
"So your godfather is going to come today?" Ron asked closing the bedroom door behind him as he entered.
"Yeah, that's what Lupin said," Harry answered.
"Are you nervous?" Neville asked.
"A little, I mean, I'll probably be living with him after this year, but at least I know one thing."
"What?" Ron asked.
"He's got to be better than the Dursley's," Harry said happily.
"No kidding," Ron agreed.
After casting some strong privacy wards and things about Neville's room, they went into business, knowing that there would be little time for it later, since Sirius Black would be arriving soon after breakfast and then after lunch, they would all be going to Diagon Alley.
"Harry, you're sure you want to carry it out, I mean, with the goblins?" Neville asked, referring to building the network they had sketched out with Draco and Hermione.
"Yes, I'm sure. When we go to Diagon Alley, I'll go to Gringotts and find a way to talk to one of them alone. I think they could be a great ally."
"Don't you think that's a little risky?" Ron asked. "Trusting them, even if it is just one for right now…"
"That's why it will work. Goblins hold trust and respect very highly. When I trust and respect them, they will gladly return it," Harry said. "I'm sure they will help us."
"I hope you're right, because you'll be telling one of them everything," Ron stated.
"Not everything, just more than anyone else for right now," Harry clarified.
"Alright, just wanted to make sure you were sure," Neville said.
"Okay. Letters…" Ron said, reminding them what else they had to do.
"Right. Dobby?!" Harry called.
-POP-
"Harry Potter sir called Dobby? What can Dobby do for the great Harry Potter sir?"
"Can you deliver these two letters without being seen? Just lay it on the person's desk in their office when they're not there. We also don't want anyone else knowing about the letters except the people they are addressed to, so make sure you drop them off at a good time. Understood?" Harry asked, pulling out two fully charmed and warded letters.
"Dobby understands sir. Dobby is to deliver letters just like Dobby delivered the letter to the great Albus Dumbledore."
"That's right. Here they are," he said, handing them to him.
"Arthur Weasley and Amelia Susan Bones…" Dobby read.
"They both have personal offices at the Ministry, can you find them?" Ron asked.
"Yes, no problem sir," he said with a bow.
"Thank you Dobby, return to me to tell me how it went," Harry said.
"Dobby will sir."
And with that, Dobby popped away.
"I wonder how my dad is going to take it…" Ron muttered, a little worriedly.
"I don't know, but we'll see soon, you are his personal contact," Harry said.
"So, what about those potions?" Neville asked, changing the subject.
"I was thinking about Rejuvenating, Wound-Healing, Burn-Healing, and Strength potions to be a part of the standard Custosae kit," Harry began, before they then started discussing what other potions to have, including when and how they were going to brew a supply.
- - -
Draco got ready quickly, but when he was finished, he stood in his room and centered himself.
He knew his Occlumency would be no match for his godfather's Legilimency, but at least he would know if he looked.
If he looks… Draco muttered.
He didn't know if Snape would actually do that since it was a clear invasion of privacy, and he and Snape had come to an understanding of trust days after he had become his legal guardian, but Draco couldn't help but feel that Snape might deem it necessary to breach that trust they had formed.
If it happens, it happens. Harry has already come up with a plan if it does, so just go down there and face whatever is waiting…
Draco left his bedroom and went down for breakfast, descending the stairs and turning the corner towards the kitchen.
He heard Snape fixing breakfast, so knew he was there even before he entered.
"Good morning, Godfather," he greeted, immediately doing his task of putting out the plates and silverware.
"Good morning, Draco."
Draco finished laying out the plates and sat down.
"So…what are we doing today?" Draco asked, acting as normally as he could.
"We will be going to Diagon Alley later, after lunch. You will probably see your friends there when we go," he stated, setting the food down on the table and taking a seat himself.
"So I will be getting my books and things?" Draco asked.
"Yes."
They began eating, Draco nervously waiting. He looked up from his food to find Snape gazing at him.
Draco was about to ask what was wrong, when Snape suddenly moved his plate away from himself.
"Draco, I got a letter last night," he stated.
"Oh?"
Snape leaned back in his chair, as if to get a better perspective of his godson.
"Tavi."
Draco raised his chin at that, that movement being the only thing to show his more attentive focus, since he was already sitting straight and dignified-like.
"Dark Knight," Draco replied.
Snape became more concerned and was yet relieved.
"Do you understand the magnitude of the choice you have made?" Snape asked. "The risks you are taking?"
"The same as you, though not as immediate," Draco replied, knowing he had to show how sure he was in this decision. Showing any hesitancy would not encourage his godfather, and would only make him think Draco regretted joining the 'organization'.
They sat in silence, Draco deciding he would not say anything else, but wait for Snape to continue.
"I have spoken with Long Beard; we have come to a decision."
Draco kept eye contact, knowing he was giving Snape the chance to use Legilimecy on him, but praying he wouldn't take it.
"We discussed a great deal last night, and let me make this perfectly clear: we have taken it very seriously."
"They wouldn't have expected anything less," Draco stated simply.
"Of course. But before I continue, is there anything you want to inform me on?" Snape asked.
"As in additional information they did not include in the letter?" Draco asked.
"Do you know what was in the letter?" he asked.
"A fair amount, but obviously not everything."
"Draco, do you know why they are doing this?"
"Same reasons they said in the letter, I'm sure. They have had enough of everything involving Riddle — yes, they shared that tidbit with me — and everything he stands for. Also, from what they have hinted at to me, once Riddle and his followers have been taken care of, they will continue their efforts in improving the Wizarding World as a whole."
"'Improve the Wizarding World'?"
"Godfather, it took the events of the past year for me to see how corrupt the Wizarding World is. Even without Death Eaters roaming around, Crouch Jr. for example, the Ministry is too power hungry and racist. Granger has been looking into Wizarding Law and it is pretty obvious who they favor. All I'm saying is that it is time for a group of people, even if they work in the background for a few years, to help get things moving in the right direction again."
"You're speaking of the start of a revolution."
"If that's what the Custosae and theAmici Lucis have to do to make things right, then so be it."
"Have they shared with you how they are planning to do all this, after they take care of the Dark Lord that is?"
"Through the people. They will reveal the wrongs of the Ministry to the public, with our help, and when that happens, change will be inevitable."
"And you think you can help in this?" Snape asked, inwardly awed at the passion he was seeing from his godson in this.
"Has to start somewhere, Godfather. Why shouldn't my generation play a part?"
Snape smirked, leaning back in his chair slightly before saying what Draco was hoping for.
"Tavi, We are a Formation of Defenders. I am the Dark Knight, please tell Griffin we accept."
- - -
"Hi, Ginny," Harry greeted, passing her in the hall.
"Hello, Harry."
The first few days the Weasley's had been at the mansion had been interesting, particularly with Ginny. She had been very jittery around Harry at first, so much so she blushed red when he just glanced at her, but she was better now, though still slightly shy.
Breakfast had gone well, and now Harry was anxious for Sirius to arrive.
They would be going to Diagon Alley after lunch, since Mrs. Weasley had suggested that it would be productive and would allow something simple for Harry and Sirius to do together without awkwardness.
"Harry, mum says he should be coming soon. Living room," Ron said.
"Alright," he said, following him and Neville.
A few moments after they entered the living room, the fire blazed, and Harry held his breath as two men stepped through: Remus Lupin, and a tall distinguished looking man in handsome brown and blue clothes.
He stepped beside Lupin, and his eyes immediately focused on Harry.
His eyes were deep, haunted but not overly so, for intermingled within was hope and youth.
He went forward, stopping in front of Harry and causing him to have to look up a little bit to keep eye contact.
"Hello, Harry. In case you haven't guessed already, I'm Sirius," Sirius greeted with a slight mock seriousness.
"Hi, uh, Sirius," he said with a smile, entertained by the man already.
Harry got the sudden feeling he was going to get along with this man just fine.
The next few hours passed quickly, Sirius and Lupin both talking to him (though Sirius did most of it). He told Harry about his parents, providing juicy details about their Hogwarts years and continued on about what he would be doing while Harry was in school.
"I've already spoken with Dumbledore, and he has already agreed to add more wards to my place (not that it's needed), so that it will be safe when you come and stay with me during the holidays and summer... that is, if you want to," he added quickly, not yet sure of what Harry had been told concerning the whole guardianship/godfather situation.
"Where do you live? Lupin said you had to get the house ready, can I help? Can I come over this Christmas?"
Lupin started laughing as Sirius seemed to glow upon hearing Harry's excited questions.
"Whoa, one question at a time, and remember you still have to breathe," Sirius interrupted.
"I live in a safe location, or rather will, but because I'm not the secret keeper I can't tell you where, but I'll have them tell you soon. And no, you can't help me fix up the house, it isn't safe right now, and yes, hopefully you can come over by the time Christmas arrives."
Harry beamed, which only made Sirius beam too before they went to have lunch.
- -
Harry couldn't believe how well things were going. He was finally really learning about his parents, and with some of his friends nearby, Sirius and Remus were including stories about their parents as well.
Neville straightened in pride when Sirius mentioned how much he respected Frank Longbottom, and then blushed when Sirius said he was even jealous of him when he got Alice as a girlfriend.
Lunch passed quickly, and before they knew it, they were standing by the fireplace to floo to Diagon Alley.
"I can't believe you got your books earlier and read them," Ron said.
"Most of them, I couldn't read another page in any of Lockhart's books," Harry corrected. "If they weren't required books, I'd return them."
"I wonder who our new DADA teacher is. Probably a lovesick witch," Ron said.
"Probably," Neville muttered.
"Ready to go?" Sirius asked, holding out the bag of floo powder for them.
"Yup," Harry said.
And so they were off to Diagon Alley.
Molly, Percy, the twins, Ginny, Ron, Neville, Harry, Sirius, Lupin, and Augusta all flooed.
"You alright, Harry?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, first time I've ever done that," Harry said with a nod as Sirius and Ron helped him up and brushed the ash off of him.
"Alright!" Molly shouted, gathering everyone's attention. "We are going to split off into groups since together we are too big and it would take too long. I think it would be best for us to go like this: Fred, George, Ginny, with me. Lupin: Percy and Ron please. Neville and Augusta. And Harry and Sirius."
No one argued.
"Okay, everyone back here before dinner."
- -
"So where to first, cub?" Sirius asked once they were on their own.
"Gringotts," Harry stated, choosing not to say anything on the surfaced nickname of 'cub' since he liked it.
Upon entering, Harry and Sirius went to one of the desks, Harry politely nodding to the goblins who passed them.
"Mr. Black," the goblin behind the desk greeted.
"Hello, Araag" he said, inclining his head slightly, having seen the Goblin's name on the desk.
Araag then looked to Harry.
"May prosperity shroud you like a cloak," Harry said with a small bow, not seeing the utter surprise on Sirius' face, or the pleased one from Araag.
Araag smiled, recalling the last time Harry had entered Gringotts.
"And may your cloak pockets always be full of gold, young sir. What business do you have we can assist you with?" he asked, not completely blowing Sirius off, but no doubt showing who his main customer was at the moment.
"I'd like to speak with someone about my account. I'd also like to discuss something else with them that I believe will require special attention," Harry said.
"Attention including secrecy?" he asked.
"The highest."
Sirius raised an eyebrow at that.
Does Harry understand what he has just asked for? Sirius wondered. And what could he possibly wish to talk about that he believes requires 'special attention'?
He was about to suggest to Harry to correct or rephrase his request, since he couldn't find anything Harry would need to discuss that would warrant his request, but suddenly stopped when Araag gave a slight nod.
"It is being arranged right now, Mr. Potter. Griphook will be your manager. I believe you met him the last time you were here."
"Was he the one to escort me to my vault?" Harry asked.
"Yes."
"He will do perfectly then. I was actually hoping for him," Harry admitted before taking a step back, signifying that he was now done and would wait for them to tell him they were ready for him.
"Mr. Black?" Araag asked, not completely hiding the fact he was enjoying the confused expression on Sirius' face.
"Um, I just need to get to my vault," he stated lamely.
"Dregg will take you," he said, waving a young goblin towards them.
"Sir," Dregg addressed, before another goblin came up.
"Griphook," Harry greeted with a slight bow, to the surprise of Griphook who had not expected such familiarity.
Sirius looked at Harry, wondering if he should allow him to be on his own.
"All is well, Mr. Black. Mr. Potter is safe with us, and with his request of having the highest secrecy, I need not tell you what that entails."
"I'll be fine, Sirius. I just want to discuss some things I didn't think about asking before. As for the secrecy…I've learned one can never be too careful," Harry said.
"Well, alright. I'll wait out here for you when I get back."
And with that, they went their separate ways, Harry following a proud Griphook, and Sirius following a young energized Goblin.
- -
Harry entered a small rune filled room.
"Here we are, Mr. Potter," Griphook stated, closing the door behind them and sealing it, the runes activating.
"Wow," Harry whispered.
"You requested the highest security. No one can overhear us, I can never reveal what you discuss with me, and this room is warded against all forms of detection, in and outside this room."
"Nice."
"Yes, it is. Rune magic is very useful. Now, what can I do for you, Mr. Potter?" Griphook asked as they took their seats at the small round table.
"Griphook, I am going to be extremely open with you, I respectfully request the same."
Griphook looked slightly curious, but he was also hesitant.
"What are your thoughts on Voldemort, his followers, and the Ministry?" Harry asked, inwardly surprised and pleased that Griphook had not jumped at Voldemort's name.
"Goblins normally stay out of the affairs of wizards, why do you care what I think about them?" Griphook asked.
"I'm just asking to hear your opinion of them right now. I'm just curious, I suppose," Harry replied.
Griphook smirked, deciding to play along.
"I think the Ministry is corrupt, greedy, and egotistical, and will collapse in on itself if something is not done to correct it, with or without the influence of Voldemort and his followers," he answered.
"So you know Voldemort is still alive?" Harry asked.
"People who say he is not are allowing themselves to fall into a false sense of security and will fall the hardest when the truth is brought out."
"Griphook, what would you say if I told you I have a way to start correcting all of this, and that I would like you to be a part of it? A part of something that will destroy Voldmort once and for all, remove the racist ideals of the Ministry, and place a firm desire for peace between our people, and all other magical nations?" Harry asked.
"Then I would have to assume you have a plan to permanently destroy Voldemort."
"I do."
"If I heard that from anyone else I would not believe them, but I believe you."
"But I need your help."
"For you to do something like this on your own would be impossible," Griphook said simply.
"Without a doubt."
"So, Mr. Potter, are you going to share this grand plan with me?"
"Have you agreed to help me carry it out?"
"If not, I would not have asked," Griphook stated, enjoying the banter.
"I am the leader of a secret organization called the Custosae de Lux. I have knowledge concerning how Voldemort appears to be unable to die, and I am currently building another group we umbrella called the Amici Lucis. With the network they will make up with Custosae members, we will effectively get things moving and taken care of. All of this is done through codenames and secrecy, with everyone's protection in mind."
"Go on," Griphook said, since Harry had paused.
"I'd like to make an Equal Loyalty Oath, please, if you truly wish to join the network," Harry said, knowing he was on dangerous ground here, having read a book on goblins from the Longbottom library. He knew such requests were even harder to get than his request of top secrecy.
Griphook paused, and Harry could have sworn the goblin had raised an eyebrow slightly as a determined glint appeared in his eyes, before he held out his hand for Harry to take. Harry took it.
"I will give you an oath ten times better," he stated, his long fingers firmly, almost painfully, wrapping around Harry's small hand.
"I, Griphook, son of Gefrook, accept this soul as an equal, and will treat him as such. His secrets are my secrets, and my secrets are his secrets. However, I extend my purpose beyond this. I aid him as my own. I dub Lord Harry James Potter as an honorary member of my kin, for he has little of his own and I, as his family's Manager of All Things Material, have the right to claim use of this ancient law since I deem it necessary to ensure and provide the protection and support of this respected client. I, Griphook, Head of the In-ook family, hereby swear the veracity of my previous words. Do you except?"
Harry was utterly dumbfounded, but by some miracle replied, "I, Harry James Potter, respectfully do."
Either from the magic of the runes surrounding him, the magic within Griphook or himself, an energy seemed to radiate from around them, before going still once more.
"That was not exactly what I had in mind, but I am grateful for it all the same," Harry got out, trying to process what had happened.
"The other goblins will know of this vow, since my magic has marked you and your magic has marked me, so don't be alarmed by any of their actions towards you. Though you were already quickly becoming one of the most respected of your kind, this will make that process complete. This vow has not been done in over five hundred years, Mr. Potter. We goblins don't take vows lightly."
"I was not expecting this, obviously, but will do my best to bring about a positive change between my kind and yours."
"Of that I have no doubt. Now, Head of the Custosae de Lux, what can I do to aid you?"
"I would like to hear about any Death Eater activities, I'm sure you know who they are, and later I will have a very serious request, but for right now that can wait."
"You said you have information on Voldemort?" he asked.
"How much do you know about Horcruxes?" Harry asked.
Griphook's eyes grew wide as he lost several shades of pigment.
"I see you have," Harry said softly.
"He is even more of an abomination than my kind had initially believed. I am now even more glad I vowed to help you."
Griphook paused, thinking.
"To split one's soul in two…" Griphook muttered, shaking his head.
"Not two, six, and he was attempting to make it seven," Harry gently corrected.
"You're going to have to destroy them all you know," Griphook replied, utterly disgusted and appalled.
"I know, and one of them involves that favor I'm going to have to ask of you later."
"Favor?"
"One of the Horcruxes is in Bellatrix Lestrange's family vault. I know how serious the suggestion is to take something from a vault, considering what had happened last year here with the Sorcerer's Stone, but if it comes down to taking the cup or letting Voldemort continue to roam…"
"You are very well informed," Griphook noted.
Harry didn't say anything to that.
"I'll see what I can do," Griphook said simply, surprising Harry with his statement and the tone of his voice. "You said a cup?" he asked.
"Yes, it belonged to Helga Hufflepuff. It's white with one handle and a badger on it."
Griphook nodded, clearly thinking hard.
Is he thinking about doing what I think he is? Harry wondered.
"I shall contact you concerning it later. I will devise a reason for you to personally come see me here," he said after a moment.
"Alright, though you should know, I am still trying to find a way to destroy them."
"I'll see if I can devise a way," Griphook said mysteriously.
"Thank you."
"What is my codename?" Griphook asked.
"Rook," Harry answered, having decided that name only moments ago.
"And how will I know if I have met someone from the Custosae or the Amici?" he asked.
"They will greet with the same courtesy I do, request for you specifically and top secrecy. Then once you are alone with them, they will say: 'Rook, we are a Formation of Defenders. I am'… they will then give their codename and continue by saying their business. If they are delivering a message from me, they will say, 'Griffin requested me to tell you…'."
"Very well. Is there anything else? For I believe your godfather may be getting worried now. Inform him we discussed your four properties and their worth, as well as what repairs may need to be done to improve their value," Griphook stated.
Harry nodded, wondering if Griphook just made that up for an excuse, but somehow knew there was truth behind his words.
"I'll write to you about my properties," Harry replied as they exited the room.
"I will gather the needed documents and information on them and everything else I believe you need," Griphook said, a hidden meaning lying beneath.
Harry understood.
"Harry! I thought you'd gotten lost or something," Sirius said, quickly going to them.
"Here you are, Mr. Potter," Griphook said, handing him a sack of galleons, making Harry wonder where that had suddenly come from.
"Thank you, Griphook," he said, taking the bag and going beside his godfather.
Griphook then bowed, Harry following suit.
"May your wealth, material and otherwise, never fade or waver," Griphook said, grabbing the attention of the surrounding goblins and human clients.
"And may your honor grow as far as my wealth, material and otherwise," Harry returned, making it up as he went along, Riddle's memories only going so far when it came to the goblins, since Riddle did not respect them.
Griphook smiled, and if Sirius hadn't seen it he would have never believed it, but it appeared as if Griphook was touched by Harry's reply.
Sirius and Harry then turned and left, Sirius very aware of the side glances of all the goblins in their direction.
What on earth did Harry do?
- -
Relieved they were finally out of Gringotts, Sirius decided not to question what Harry had needed to discuss with the goblin, since he had overheard 'properties', and because he didn't want to say anything stupid. They were just beginning to build a relationship, and he didn't want to mess it up; besides, Harry seemed to be able to handle himself very well with the goblins.
"So, where to now?" Sirius asked.
"Um, the Apothecary?" Harry asked.
"You need potion supplies?" he asked.
"Yeah, though I have everything a second year needs, I uh…" Harry shuffled his feet.
Sirius assumed this was due to realizing he had admitted to possible future guiltiness.
"My lips are sealed," Sirius said with a smile as they made their way to get potion supplies.
"So you're good with potions?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah, I made some this summer. Good thing too, Draco came just…just a day after."
"Oh. Yeah, Lupin told me about that."
They entered the store, Harry quickly filling his basket up with everything he thought he might need.
Sirius just gaped as Harry calmly grabbed several expensive rare items while mumbling what potions he was planning to make with them. And with his minimum knowledge on the subject, Sirius could gather that Harry actually knew what he was talking about.
"I think I'm done," he said, the two of them now making their way to the counter.
"You think?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah, if not I can always order it through the post. That's what I did with my books."
"I see."
After the Apothecary, they went to the Cauldron shop, and Harry got the best one he could find, despite the sales person stating that his year could use the simple size two pewter cauldron. After that, they went to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
"Ooo, dashing," Sirius said as Harry stepped out in his new robes.
"Really?" he asked, looking at himself in the mirror.
He had gotten a whole new wardrobe, Dudley clothes having been banished a long time ago. He had gotten several pairs of very nice dark shirts, tan and black pants with cargo pockets, and a new pair of shoes.
He was now wearing tan cargo pants and a black collared shirt with long layered black robes.
"As dashing as a noble gentleman," Sirius said.
Harry went to pay for his new clothes, Sirius shrinking them with his other things as two people entered the store.
"Harry, the twins said they saw you come in here," a voice said from behind him.
Harry turned around to find Draco and Snape standing there.
"Hey Draco, getting new robes?" Harry asked.
"No, just dropping this one off to be repaired. Severus and I were dueling, and one of his curses slashed it pretty good," he said, handing the folded robes to Madam Malkin.
"We're heading to Flourish and Blotts next, I still need to get some books," Draco continued, suddenly noticing Sirius.
"Oh. Draco, Professor, this is Sirius Black, my godfather. Sirius, this is my friend, Draco Malfoy, and his Godfather, Professor Severus Snape," Harry introduced, suddenly realizing Sirius probably didn't know who Draco was.
Sirius stepped forward.
"Draco, Severus," he greeted, moderately stiffly, but he politely shook both of their hands, Severus being just as stiff as him.
"I'm done getting what I need, we'll join you," Harry said, deciding to draw their godfathers' attentions to something else rather than each other, since their glares were bordering on becoming murderous.
Malkin returned with the repaired robes and Draco paid her before they departed to the book store.
"'Gilderoy Lockhart will be signing copies of his autobiography, Magical Me'?" Harry asked, reading the sign. "Good grief," he muttered, causing Snape to mutter an agreement.
"I tried reading his books…I couldn't finish them. I nearly became sick from the ego alone, not to mention the stupidity," Harry told Draco.
"It seems really crowded in there," Sirius noted.
"Harry and I can just go in, Mr. Black," Draco suggested.
Sirius looked relieved, while Severus nodded his consent, privately thankful he would be spared from having to look at the idiot man. He could deal with Sirius. He was playing nice, so he could too. Lockhart on the other hand…
Harry and Draco went in, quickly finding the books Draco needed as well as some other books Harry was itching to read, including: Wards and Runes: the Power Within; Wands? Who Needs Those?; and Ministry, Law and Order, which they particularly enjoyed mocking the oxymoronic title.
Moving to the back, where the long line turned to a minor mob, Draco looked to see if there was anything else he needed, but paused to stare at an idiotic smile of the man at the desk.
Is that smile a leftover from a curse? He wondered.
Harry stopped beside him to wonder the same thing as people continued to push and shove around them, flocking to the man.
"Out of the way, there," a short, rude man with a black camera snarled at Draco. "This is for the Daily Prophet – "
"Well, excuse me, is all you had to say," Draco shot back with a glare.
Geeze, the nerve of some people!
Lockhart heard him and looked up, quickly taking him in as well as Harry who was beside him.
"It can't be, the Boys-of-Light?" he positively shouted.
The crowd around them parted, whispering excitedly as Lockhart dived towards them, seizing a handful of robes at the scruff of their necks.
"Hey! Let go!" Draco shouted.
"Get off!" Harry added, both of them pulling back.
"Come boys. Together, we are worth the front pa—" he began, attempting to heave them towards himself as suddenly, two hands, from two different, clearly pissed off, men, seized his wrists.
"Release. My. Godson. —" Sirius and Snape simultaneously growled, before both continuing with their own threats.
"—unless you want your arm removed and used to bash in your bloody hollow head," Siruis threatened.
"—unless you want your arm detached and utilized as a weapon against you," Snape promised.
They both, perfectly mirroring each other's moves and expressions, glared at Lockhart — the crowd staring at the five of them, wondering what was going to happen next.
Sirius was to Harry's right, Snape to Draco's left, Lockhart still gripping Harry and Draco's robes; though he could no longer feel his hands due to how tightly his wrists were now being held.
"Are you threatening Gilderoy Lockhart? Order of Merlin, Third Class; five time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award, and Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League?" asked a man from the crowd.
"Did the buffoon just manhandle the 'Boys-of-Light'? The boys who faced more genuine dangers than what Lockhart supposedly faced in all of his conceited books combined?! I know the law, believe me. I read all 201 books after the Ministry graciously released me upon realizing their mistake. And according to Volume 27, page 182, paragraph 3 of Wizardry Law and Order, 'the dragging of underaged wizards against their will or the will of their guardians to partake in public photos for newspapers, advertisements, or any other such things, including fan club-like engagements, are strictly prohibited, punishable by a 2,000 galleon fine, depending on severity, -BUT- if the manhandling is undesired by both the underaged wizard and his guardian, the fine can be waved and replaced by the desired action of the guardian!'
"So, it being my right, I repeat my previous demand of: 'Release. My. Godson. Unless you want your arm removed and used to bash in your bloody hollow head!'" Sirius declared, dangerously narrowing his eyes, Snape doing so as well. "I will not say it again, let them go."
"Just some friendly photos," Lockhart said suddenly with an uneasy 'I'm-an-ignoramus,-please-shoot-me' grin as he released Harry and Draco, briskly shaking out his now numb hands attached to his very raw wrists.
Snape leaned forward, gently brushing past Draco's form to lock eyes with Lockhart.
"Ever touch my godson or his friend again, and you will answer to me," he warned, his black eyes somehow darkening further.
Lockhart stopped smiling, visibly shaking now as Harry, Sirius, Draco, and Snape turned around, the crowd quickly letting them pass.
"Draco, put those useless books back; you will not be getting them. Potter, if you bought them, return them, and if you have any trouble with that, tell me," Snape stated as they made their way up to the counter.
Sirius glanced over at Snape, deciding right then and there that he was alright, considering he had not only defended Draco, but Harry as well.
"Black and I will be talking to the Headmaster. You two will not be studying anything that man teaches," Snape stated, looking to Sirius.
"I am definitely in agreement," Sirius said with a nod.
- - -
A/N: Again, for those of you who review (kindly and honestly), -thanks- each of you help me improve and type faster. :)
Next Part: Revlis
