Thank you all so much for the reviews! You obviously really like the story and the whole Sirius incident. Wasn't too sure how ye would react! Anyway enjoy chapter 15!
One week after Sirius accident revelations began to improve. James and Lily were in talks with Dumbledore over their present living arrangements. So far nothing had been decided, partly because neither Sirius nor Remus was present at these meetings. Whenever James and Lily were with Dumbledore, Remus was at home minding Harry or else working. However they all took it in their turns to visit Sirius so that he was never alone. Harry knew that Sirius was in hospital because he had a broken leg but he had no idea just how bad the situation was. Sharina on the other hand had gone to visit Sirius with the others but initially she couldn't face seeing him in that state.
Sirius injuries had healed a great deal over the course of a week. His once swollen eyes were reduced to their original size. His sprained ankles were completely healed and his chest had minimum scarring. The only injuries he now maintained was a broken leg which, according to Madam Pomfrey should be healed completely within three days and a couple of scattered bruises on his arms. If Madam Pomfrey had her way, Sirius would stay in hospital until his cast could be removed, but Sirius was determined to return home. James and Lily with Remus agreed to call into him before their meeting with Dumbledore at 3:00.
As promised Lily, James and Remus visited Sirius at 2:50 before their meeting. Sirius was sitting upright on the bed reading a copy of the daily prophet. His castrated leg was resting on two pillows on the bed while his other leg was dangling from it. He had three pillows behind his back and was whistling to himself as they entered. Upon seeing this spectacle before them, they each smiled warmly at each other. Lily tried to get his attention by clearing his throat. Sirius looked up mid whistle and grinned at his friends.
"Alright Padfoot mate?" asked James smiling.
"Sure as hell I am Prongs me ole son!" said Sirius reciprocating a smile.
"How is your leg Sirius?" inquired Lily.
"Ah well as you can see I can't walk on it just yet Lils but according to ole Pomfrey the cast should be off by Saturday."
"Well that is good news mate." Said Remus smiling.
"Ya it is. However we had better go and see Dumbledore now. So are you coming with us Sirius or are you going to stay here?"
"Why must you go and see him James?"
"About the living arrangements. I told you that before. He wants us to live here for a while just to make sure that we are safe."
"Ya I remember but I thought we agreed to decline his offer."
"We have not agreed to anything Sirius. We all want to stay where we are but what it boils down to is what is best for Harry." Said Lily solemnly.
"Ya Lil I know but nothing is going to happen to us…."
"We can discuss this later Sirius. Right now we must go to Dumbledore so are you coming or not?"
"Yes Remus I am coming." Said Sirius.
James grabbed Sirius wooden crutches by the bedside as Remus assisted him to his feet. As soon as Sirius was ready, they all ventured to Dumbledore's office.
Upon knocking and entering on request, they found not only Dumbledore but also four order members present. One of the members present was Jaoquin Phoenix, the young auror who helped in rescuing Sirius from the Malfoys. The others were Kingsley Shackbolt, an auror who works in the ministry of magic. Andromeda Tonks who is Sirius cousin was present and of course the notorious Mad Eye moody. All four witches and wizards were sat obtuse to Dumbledore's desk and four more seats remained in the same position for James, Lily, Sirius and Remus.
"Welcome James, Lily, Remus and of course Sirius. How are you feeling may I ask?"
"I am not too bad Albus. Thank you for asking." Said Sirius gratefully.
"Good. I am glad to hear it Sirius. Right now on with business. James have we reached a decision about my offer?" asked Dumbledore.
"Well you see the thing is Sir, we don't think that it is necessary to move even if it is temporary."
"Now hang on just one minute Potter!" shouted Moody.
"One minute you say you will and the next you say you are unsure now what is it going to be? "
"Moody it is not an issue. I mean Albus has already owled Fudge about the Malfoy attack on me so do you honestly believe that they are going to try and track us down when they know that the ministry is on to them?" asked Sirius.
"We are talking about death eaters Black! Just because the ministry is watching them does not for one minute suggest that they are going to play the good Samaritan card! What they want is your godson! And they won't rest until they have him! Now can you tell me that you would be comfortable sleeping in your bed at night or would you lie awake wondering if they are near by?"
"Of course I want what is best for Harry ok? But let's say we do move here for a few months and we are safe. What then? Do we become prisoners all our lives for fear that we may be seen out in public or do we show them that we will not be terrorised by their demeanour?"
"I think Sirius does have a valid point Albus. I mean where does it end?" Said Andromeda.
"Ah thanks Andy darling." said Sirius with a wink.
"Look Albus there is no way in hell that they are going to be safe where they are now. They must move while they have the chance." Said Moody.
"How many TIMES MOODY………"
"Sirius cool down there mate." Said Remus.
"Remus I……."
"Sirius that is enough mate. Look Albus maybe we should just stay there. I mean we are not under any threat as such. Okay so Sirius was captured and tortured I know but I think it would be fairly risky for Malfoy and company to strike again. Since the ministry is scrutinizing their every move it is very unlikely that we are in any real danger." Said James.
"Finally someone agrees with me." Said Sirius.
"Shut up Sirius." Said James, Lily and Remus in unison.
"Okay James if that is what you all want then fine. I am not in favour of this resolution but we all shall all keep a watchful eye over your every move. For the next few weeks I want you all to play a low profile." Said Dumbledore calmly.
"How do you mean sir?" asked Lily politely.
"Well Lily, I do not want any one of you to leave your home. Stay on the grounds at all times. If you need anything from the shops please contact one of us or else the shop directly. James, Remus, Sirius, I shall speak to your places of work immediately and ask that you be paid for your leave of absence. Under no circumstances are ye to come into town. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir." They all replied in unison.
"Good. Now that we have finally reached a mutual understanding, you may leave. I shall be in touch with you all later this evening." Said Dumbledore.
With that all four got up to leave. As they reached the door Moody called out;
"Beware young aurors. I fear we are looking at bleak times ahead."
Back at home Molly had offered to make dinner as a special welcome home treat for Sirius. Harry was already over there playing with Ron all day so the adults would be joining the party at 7:00.
Sharina had not seen Sirius for two days due to work demands so she agreed to come over at about 9:30 as a surprise for Sirius. In the Weasleys home, Molly was making the dinner while her older sons Charlie, Bill and Fred and George were setting the table. Fred and George were on their best behaviour because Molly told them that she would give them chocolate chip ice cream with whipped cream if they didn't pull any stunts tonight.
At 7:00 Lily arrived with James, Sirius and Remus on either side. Harry and Ron were outside watching Charlie and Bill fly around on their broomsticks when they heard Sirius voice.
"Ya alright Prongslet mate?"
The twins and Harry and Ron turned instantly to the sudden uproar. Once Harry realised who it was, his face became luminous with his 100 watt smile as he ran to his godfather immediately. Sirius obviously could not bend down to hug him in the usual way so he just ruffled his hair affectionately.
"How are you Harry?"
"Ok. You?" he asked looking up at Sirius.
"I am not too bad now kid. Leg is a little bit sore but Ill be ok again in a few days."
"What's that Padfoot?" asked Harry pointing to Sirius cast.
"That is a leg bandage Harry."
"Leg bandage?" asked Harry curiously.
"I broke a couple bones in my leg Harry and this is the only bandage that can help heal it."
"It is really big Padfoot."
"Ya well….like I said, this is the only type of bandage which can help make someone's leg better Harry."
Harry just nodded in understanding. Molly then emerged from the kitchen upon hearing all the commotion.
"Oh, Sirius Your home!" she cried as she went over and kissed him on the cheek while Sirius hugged her quickly in turn.
"I sure am Molly. How are you?"
"Oh I am the same as ever Sirius. Busy with this lot. They certainly give you plenty of exercise let me tell you."
They all sniggered a little at this before Molly continued.
"Fred and George in particular are a handful. If you take your eyes off them for literally one second they will have caused more damage in that one second than a single child will cause in a week."
"Oh Molly they will grow out of it. All children are handfuls at that age. Look at Harry. He gives the impression of being all sweet and innocent but behind it all he is just as mischievous as them."
"Lily I have my doubts that Harry could ever be as bad as my two."
"Trust me Molly he is. How could he not be? His father was the president of the marauders while his godfather was the chairman." Remus smiled at his two friends who were sniggering.
"Then it's up to Remus and me to correct him half the time. I swear sometimes it's like having three children instead of just one."
"Good evening folks." Said Arthur as he apparated a few yards away from them. They all greeted him.
He kissed Molly on the cheek and then Lily."
"So, are we all set for dinner?" he asked.
"Oh yes. Everything is prepared inside. All we have to do is bring it out here."
"Molly we can help you." Suggested Lily.
"Indeed you will not. You are our guests and you will take your seats over there at the picnic table Lily."
"Okay if you are sure?" asked Lily.
"Yes now sit." Said Molly. They did as they were told while Arthur rounded up his four older sons to help their mother. Harry and Ron soon joined the table. James and Lily sat opposite Remus and Sirius. Harry of course seated himself beside Sirius.
"So what did you get up to today Harry?" asked James.
"We played with Ron's quiddtich players. Then we watched Bill and Charlie play real quiddtich with Fred and George. It was so cool dad! They went up really, really high. And I wanted to go and they said you'd kill them if I did. So I didn't." said Harry which made his four guardians smile.
"Okay. Dinner is served folks. We have spicy chicken and curry with rice and garlic bread with it if you wish. So dig in." said Arthur as he placed a basket of garlic bread and a jug of pumpkin juice in the centre of the table.
Throughout dinner the adults were discussing various issues going on in the wizarding world especially Sirius accident while the children were discussing quiddtich mainly. After everyone was finished their meal and desert was over, Sirius decided that he would head home. James, Lily and Remus were going to stay on for another while and after reassuring them all that he would be fine, Sirius walked up the pathway to the house. As he approached the house he thought he heard voices coming from the main road but he took no notice of it and entered the house. He didn't get the opportunity to finish reading today's issue of the daily prophet so he decided he would read that in the sitting room before going to bed.
At 8:30 he was just finished the daily prophet when he heard a panicking voice shouting for him.
"Sirius! Sirius where are you!"
Sirius rose from the sofa immediately and hobbled out to the hallway where he saw Sharina coming out of the study. He smiled warmly at her as she ran over to him and looped her arms round his neck.
"Hey ya. You alright darling?" he asked after she turned to face him directly in the eyes.
"Sirius we have to get out of here now!"
"What? Why? Shari what is wrong with you?" Sirius asked anxiously.
"When I apparated here, I saw two people standing at the edge of the road….."
"You're kidding!" Exclaimed Sirius cynically.
"Sirius this is not funny. Those two people were death eaters. They were then joined by two more and I ran in here to tell you that we have to get out of here now! Sirius they are coming to get you!" shouted Sharina with fear evident in her eyes.