Hi everyone! So here we are, back with Harry for the beginning of the new chapter… He needs to see, learn and do certain things before his journey really starts and he's not yet through with all of the preparation it will take to rescue the boy he loves.
Lori
********** Chapter 7 **********
"So Dobby's been helping you all these years?" Harry asked incredulously when he'd finished his tea. "What a brave little elf!"
Sirius grinned as he refilled his own cup and wordlessly offered Harry some more. "He's a good little helper, too. He keeps me and Sev informed while bolstering your Draco's spirits."
Though Harry patted his belly to indicate that he was full, his answering smile was dazzling. "My Draco…I don't even know him and I miss him…Does that sound mental?"
Ron grimaced at him. "Just a bit, mate."
Siri placed a hand on the back of Harry's neck with a grin. "Nonsense, I understand perfectly, Harry."
"I wish I could just walk in there and get him, Uncle Siri." Harry went on; his smile didn't dim. "But it'll take work and risk…"
"It may also take blood, sweat and tears as well, Prince Harry." Blaise smirked from the corner where he was discussing strategy with Dumbledore.
"For my Draco, I'll gladly shed any and all of that." Harry vowed with fire in his eyes.
Pansy and Hermione sighed at the romanticism. Ron muttered something about being whipped.
Sirius smirked at the easy camaraderie that had developed between the five teens over the course of just one day. "Alright… I'll trust you. I don't know why, but I will. So what's my plan of action, Mr. Zabini?"
"We'll get there, sir. Let's start with the suspect list. Who's at the top of it, Lord Black?" Blaise inquired turning to face Harry and Sirius.
"If you're going to send me and my godson into such dangerous situations, you may as well use my name, son. The two I told of James' royal order – that would be Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew – are the most likely." Sirius informed the boy.
"What can you tell us about them, Uncle Siri?" Harry asked when Blaise had accepted.
Sirius sighed. "Of the two, I mostly suspect Pettigrew because Lupin was almost as close with your father as I was. He'd have done anything to protect both your parents and was going to be made the godfather of their second child – whenever it came along. Pettigrew was one of those hangers on types. He was overly nice to James and Lily but they very rarely took him into their confidence."
"So he was jealous?" Blaise questioned Sirius.
"Yes…and no…" Sirius answered quietly. "He was jealous of the love James and Lily had between them, but he didn't begrudge it of them. James counted Peter among his closest supporters. He was one of the riders on the night of your birth, Harry."
"So, if he was that trusted by the king and queen, what sparked your suspicion, Sirius?" Blaise pressed.
"You know the tradition, Mr. Zabini. When a couple marries – especially a royal couple – the entryways into their home – the front gates, drawbridge, portcullis and so on – are stripped of their previous wards and blessed by a trusted friend of the groom." Sirius took a deep breath. "Many people offered to do it…I offered, Lupin offered, even Dumbledore offered, but James chose Peter because he'd already chosen me as his heir's godfather and Lupin as his second child's godfather. Then there was Albus – he didn't know Albus that well and to James, Albus was just a trusted advisor of his father's."
Blaise nodded. "Alright so King James chose Peter to strip and reward the castle so he'd feel important."
"That's pretty much it – Well, that plus the fact that Peter was one of the best people at defensive wards in our circle of friends." Sirius nodded. "Now on the day of Voldemort's attack upon Hogwarts castle, I've been informed by a reliable source that it took Voldemort less than ten minutes to – and I quote – curse the doors off their hinges and capture James and Lily. What am I supposed to make of that?"
Harry frowned. "It's certainly suspicious, Uncle Siri… You're sure about this Lupin fellow, then?"
"I'm fairly certain he's on your side, Harry…" Sirius had a troubled look on his face. "But I can't really be positive until it's proven beyond doubt."
"I hope we find proof of his innocence, then." Harry tried to smile. "Now go spend some time with Severus before he leaves to visit with Draco."
********** LTF **********
Over the next couple of days, Sirius took Harry to a tailor and bought several new sets of clothing as well as some lightweight leather tunics and even a few pieces of custom armor.
The group took several weeks, while temporarily staying at the Black estate, to train against a number of Sirius' allies as well as Severus and Sirius himself. Kingsley Shacklebolt helped Ron and Blaise learn a bit of advanced sword handling, which lifted them up to Harry's level of expertise. Sirius gave each boy a dagger and proceeded to tutor all three in the use of it. Once they were deemed competent in the physical forms of fighting, Dumbledore began teaching them how to counter several dark spells.
While Severus had assisted the others in their teaching efforts, his specialty was in other subjects than swordplay or magic. He taught them how to brew several helpful potions before asking Harry to attend some private lessons for which he would divulge the subject upon his arrival.
When Harry knocked on the door to his godfather's study, he was met by a very solemn Severus.
"Your Highness, please join me." The older man said as he stepped back to allow the prince to enter.
Harry was confused by the formality of the address so he followed the other man with a frown. "What's this about, sir?"
Understanding that the situation was unlike their usual dealings, Severus gestured for him to sit. "We are about to discuss very 'official' subject matters, Your Highness. I thought it best to set the tone."
Harry's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Official? Shouldn't Uncle Sirius be here then? As an advisor since I've never done anything official?"
"This is not that type of 'official', Your Highness." Severus sighed. "I will be giving you useful information about Draco."
Harry's eyes lit up and he quickly focused on his companion. "Really? Like what?"
Severus smirked. "Several years ago, I began to instruct your betrothed in the art of occlumency. It is a form of magical mental protection and self control. He is therefore able to protect his mind when he chooses."
"Does that mean you told him about me, since he can protect those thoughts?" Harry began to get excited.
"No." Severus cut him off just as quickly. "As you used to dream of him, he has dreamt of you. He knows from his dreams what you look like but not who you are."
Harry visibly tried to hide his pout. "How do you know?"
"He told me…" Severus then drew his godson's pictures out of the locked drawer in the desk and handed them over. "And he showed me."
Harry let his fingertip graze the edge of the picture's jawline. "How?"
"Draco was given permission to study all manner of subjects, Your Highness." The older man informed him. "Drawing was the one he enjoyed most. It also gave him something to do when he found himself locked away."
Harry fell silent as he looked at himself through the eyes of his beloved.
"The reason I began to teach him occlumency was the blasted curse… as well as these drawings." Severus motioned toward the stack of parchment. "Draco needed to be told some of the things Voldemort had done and he needed to conceal the fact that he knew about them. He also needed to know that if he unknowingly exposed you to Voldemort, you would be in extreme danger."
"So he knows about his parents?" Harry said softly.
Severus only nodded solemnly.
"You…you were gentle when you told him…yes?" Harry's eyes filled with tears. "I can't imagine someone telling me my guardian's servants were actually my parents!"
Severus nodded again and handed the younger man a handkerchief. "I taught Draco occlumency before I told him and then provided what comfort I could. Have you been taught occlumency, Harry?"
Harry calmed himself before answering. "No, sir. Should I?"
The older man simply nodded and began to give instructions on how to clear one's mind.
********** LTF **********
Finally, September rolled around and Severus walked out of his study with Harry following behind him.
"But what's wrong, Severus?" Harry asked as he rushed after the older man. "Did I do something?"
Severus had a slightly dazed look in his eyes as he navigated his way to Sirius' side. "We must speak, Sirius."
Harry's godfather blinked at his lover in confusion.
"The study, Sirius. Now!" Severus hissed and then turned, stalking off.
Harry and his godfather shared a glance between them and followed Severus back to the study.
Sirius stared at Severus who was leaning against the desk with a distant expression.
"Now will you finally tell us what's going on?" Harry asked as he sat in the chair across from the desk.
"Sirius…" Severus began. "What is the one thing about occlumency that all the masters agree on?"
Sirius frowned as he wracked his brain. "I suppose it would be that each person's focus is unique. There are no two alike."
"Amazingly enough, it has happened." Severus was now staring at the young brunette. "Harry's focus is the Sword of Gryffindor."
"But how can that be? That's Draco's focus." Sirius gaped for a moment before catching himself.
"Indeed." Severus nodded solemnly. "I cannot explain it myself."
"What does this mean?" Harry asked, finally speaking.
"The sword has many powers, Harry." Sirius shook his head slowly. "Perhaps there is a specific power contained within it that allows for the dual protection."
"There's only one person who knows exactly what powers the sword holds…" Severus glanced at his lover.
"Godric himself…" Sirius sighed. "There should be a portrait at Hogwarts, but I've only ever seen the one in the royal family's Gringott's vault."
"Should I make a side trip, Siri?" Harry asked. "It might be helpful."
"Perhaps after we take Malfoy Castle, Harry." Sirius told him. "This isn't to be divulged to anyone. You must not let this strength become a weakness."
Harry nodded. "Alright Siri. I'll keep it to myself."
"Shouldn't we at least speak with Dumbledore about it?" Severus asked quietly as Harry left the room.
"No. We could be overheard. I won't take that chance." Sirius took his lover's hand. "Not with our godsons' safety on the line."
********** LTF **********
It was decided over the next few days that Sirius would search out the two suspects and tell them to meet him at a special place and time and led to believe that Hogwarts was their target. It took a few more weeks before Sirius was convinced that Harry and the group of supporters that would be helping his godson were ready to move forward but when he deemed them fit for the mission, he went first to the home of Remus Lupin…
"Remus?" Sirius called out as he knocked on the front door of the large cabin. "Remus, please come to the door! I have information of a sensitive nature."
The door opened to show the tall brunette known to Sirius from childhood. "You know its bad form to shout that kind of news, Siri. Now, come inside so we can talk."
Sirius followed him into his living room and removed his cloak before sitting down on a settee. "I've had word from Harry, Remus. He's sixteen now, you know. He's studied hard over the years and feels that the time is ripe. He wants me to gather a few of his father's friends to consult with about retaking the throne!"
"Where?" Remus' eyes widened in excitement. "When?"
"The Weasley home…tonight just before dusk." Sirius told him. "Now I must go. More friends to find, you know." He replaced his cloak and hurried out to his next destination. Peter would be told to arrive at dawn and he'd already spoken to Hagrid and Shacklebolt as well as some others who would attend both meetings.
********** LTF **********
The Weasley family was as large as they were loyal to the Potters, with six sons and a daughter in addition to the head of the family and his wife. They welcomed Dumbledore, Harry and Sirius for dinner but the rest of their guests arrived soon after the dinner hour. This still allowed time to arrange the guard posts around the Burrow, as it was named, before Lupin was due.
The Burrow was located in southern Scotland with a large field on one side and marshland on the other. It was the perfect setting for the meeting because if Remus came as part of an attacking force, the Weasleys would have plenty of room to move during a fight to protect Harry and their home. Also, if he was alone, they would invite him inside where they could give him a potion and interrogate him to find the truth. This plan would also work for the next morning's meeting with Peter.
Harry and Ron took up positions at the attic windows with Ron's little sister where they could see in all directions. Pansy, Hermione and Blaise were stationed on one of the middle floors while Sirius, Severus and Dumbledore remained at ground level with Arthur and Molly Weasley, Ron's parents. The elder Weasley siblings used disillusionment charms before going out into the grounds. This protected Harry if battle came while allowing the young prince an active role.
Dusk fell and suddenly, a spelled ward sounded. This was a warning that someone had passed through the outermost defenses. In the distance, Harry could see a lone man walking slowly toward the house. He cast a Sonorus spell and called through the hallway. "He's alone, Siri!"
Soon he was answered with, "Plan A is in effect! Open the window and tell him to stop. You know the rest!"
Harry raised the window and called out. "Halt!"
The man stopped in his tracks.
"Who goes there?" Harry yelled with laughter in his voice, though his companions looked at him curiously. He'd always wanted to say that line! In the muggle shows on the telly, a guard at the castle always said it and he'd never had a chance to play 'castle siege' with friends the way he recalled seeing Dudley do.
The man was close enough to the house for Harry to see his face. It had looked cautious and alert but now it was startled and sad as he raised his wand to his own throat. "My name is Remus Lupin, my prince. As for how I know it is you who called out – you sounded just like your father and he was a dear friend."
"Thank you for joining us, Mr. Lupin." Harry told him warily. "You will now be scanned for Portkeys, weapons and dark magic, as well as mind altering drugs or spells and any potions. If you are clean, I will invite you inside."
Silver sparks soon flew at a point close enough to Lupin that he was surprised.
"That means you're allowed to come in." Harry informed their guest. "Sirius will allow you entry and you will surrender your wand and any other weapons you may be carrying to him."
"As you wish, my prince." Lupin dipped his head and drew his wand holding the middle of it between his forefinger and thumb with his palm up.
"You may cast the counter to Sonorus first." Harry allowed and watched as Lupin did so. As soon as the door opened and Sirius called out to Lupin, Harry patted Ron's shoulder and started down the stairs where he switched places with Blaise. From this position, Harry would be able to hear Sirius' questioning of Remus. If he passed the testing, Harry would be brought in to meet the man. They heard Remus walk in and Sirius offer him a seat and coffee.
Pansy smirked at the young prince. "If I was you I'd want to see as much as I hear…" She waved her wand at the floor and a clear square appeared allowing the group to see through it. "This spell acts as a one-way disillusionment charm. We can see them but they won't be able to see us. It's useful for spying on my siblings."
"You're the best, Pansy; thanks!" Harry chuckled and asked for her to teach the whole group this spell while Hermione frowned, jealous of Harry's compliment. They quieted down when Sirius began.
********** LTF **********
"Hello, Remus." Sirius said. "Now that you've drunk it, I can tell you there was Veritaserum in your coffee."
A slight smile overtook Remus Lupin's face. "I had a feeling."
"As the guardian of the heir to the throne of Magical Scotland, I ask you to submit yourself to this questioning. Be aware that if you refuse, you will be branded a traitor and Obliviated before I return you to your house and you will remember nothing at all of this day." Sirius bit the inside of his cheek to keep from showing emotion.
The chair Remus sat in grew shackles at the places where his wrists and ankles were. Remus nodded as he placed his wrists and ankles in the restraints. Once the shackles closed, Remus twisted his wrists and tugged lightly to test them but the restraints were strong so he spoke again. "I expected to be questioned, Siri. Please proceed."
"What is your name?" Sirius barked.
"Remus Lupin – son of John and Mary Lupin." Remus didn't fight the words that fell from his lips.
"What is your purpose here?" Harry's godfather asked more gently.
"I wish to assist Harry Potter in retaking his rightful place in the world which is upon the throne of Magical Scotland." Remus' voice rang with confidence.
Sirius smiled, then. "Why did you expect to be questioned, old friend?"
"Someone weakened the wards on Hogwarts doors. Only that would've allowed Voldemort such a quick conquest and I knew you would investigate so I conducted my own investigation. The bastard had a spy and the suspect could be one of two people…me or Peter." The man was being blunt and truthful and since he'd passed the preliminary scan, they knew he hadn't drunk the antidote for veritaserum.
"Why are you a suspect?" Sirius asked wanting to know how well his old friend knew his mind.
"I'm guessing it's because I'm one of the two people who barged into your place the night the king and queen were murdered and you gave us sensitive information." Remus looked toward the stairs. "Can I see him, Siri? Please?"
"You'll see Harry only when I determine that you aren't the spy who let James and Lily die under that murderer Voldemort's wand." Sirius glared.
"I wasn't good enough with wards at the time to have tinkered with them, Siri. It's one of the reasons James didn't pick me to ward the doors of his home." Remus told him with a shake of the head. "The skill of Wardworking went through the list of James' choices in this order: Dumbledore and Peter were the best, with you just below them, and then me. It was to James' stupidity that he didn't pick Dumbledore. He played favorites instead of picking the best person for the job."
"How did you come to be with Peter that night?" Sirius asked, still suspicious.
"Peter escaped from the castle after being forced to witness James' and Lily's deaths." Remus informed the group. "He came directly to find me so that we could break the news to you and find out why you weren't there, fighting for your king."
"I was protecting the heir of the realm. I feel only mildly guilty now, that I wasn't there that night." Sirius confessed. "Harry needed me and I refuse to fall into a lifelong depression simply because I followed a direct order from my king."
"That's what you told us that night and, even though I miss James and Lily, I'm so glad you did your duty to them." Remus' voice rang true. "I'm dying to see him, Siri. Please?"
"Harry, please join us." Sirius spoke softly.
********** LTF **********
Harry stood and went to the door when Hermione grabbed his arm.
"Look!" She told him, pointing down.
There was someone that looked just like Harry suddenly in the room with Siri and Remus.
Harry gasped. "Who in the world?"
"Glamours…or polyjuice potion." Hermione knew a lot about magic and she'd been reading more for the rescue mission.
Interested in the conversation again, Harry settled down to watch.
********** LTF **********
"So handsome! Oh, Harry! You look exactly like your father!" The boy Remus had known as an infant was a grown boy of legal age now. "But those eyes are just so Lily!"
"Thank you, Mr. Lupin." Dumbledore wearing the 'Harry' glamour said. "I've been eager to meet you. What have you been doing since the night Sirius last spoke to you?"
"For the first few years, I investigated the wards. Since then I've gotten better at manipulating them. I can apply a good strong ward and also adjust wards that are not my own. I can weaken or strengthen them at will and the owner of those wards remains ignorant of my influence." Remus didn't show undue pride as he announced this. He simply conveyed the information. "I am also a competent teacher of magic to youngsters of all ages."
"Why should we trust you?" Dumbledore as Harry asked.
"Check the wards." Remus told them.
Arthur came into view with Molly. They waved their wands and looked at Sirius. "The wards are stronger than I could manage without blood magic, Lord Black. This property is so secure that only Gringott's Bank could match the new defenses. They will even attack him if he moves against Harry."
Dumbledore nodded and looked up at the ceiling with a twinkle in his eye.
********** LTF **********
Although he didn't know how the old man could see them, Harry took that as his cue that it was safe to really show himself. He stood again and called up the stairs for Ron and Blaise who came running. Ginny would remain on lookout and the girls would join her. Pansy was already dismissing the spyglass spell.
Flanked by Ron and Blaise, Harry walked down the staircase. "Hello, Mr. Lupin."
Remus was shocked to see Harry even though the boy standing next to him had changed into his old mentor, Professor Albus Dumbledore. "A glamour…of course – to protect him further. I applaud your efforts, Siri."
"Further protection ensures that you will not touch him until I allow it. No handshake and no kissing of his ring…which, incidentally, he isn't wearing yet because we aren't advertizing his presence." Sirius informed Remus lightly.
"Of course not. That would be inviting trouble." Remus grinned as he looked with wonder upon his old friend's son. "Let me look at you, Harry. Please?"
"He should be addressed by his title, Remus, or 'your highness'…" Sirius bristled. "At least until he invites you to use his name."
"It's alright, Siri." Harry looked uncomfortable as he stepped a little closer to their guest. "There's spells on that chair to keep a certain distance between us, sir…and I ask that you respect my godfather's wishes."
Remus nodded slowly. "I do, my Prince. I do respect his wishes. I just can't help being overcome this way… You look just like him…James. It's like you walked out of a portrait. Except…"
"My eyes…" Harry nodded. "Or, rather - my mother's eyes."
"It's astonishing…" Remus glanced back and forth between Harry and Sirius. "I want to help, Siri. I want a Potter on Hogwarts' throne again."
Harry looked at his godfather and Sirius looked back at him. They had a silent conversation, at the end of which both nodded to each other.
"I actually have a few questions of my own, if you don't mind, Mr. Lupin..." Harry spoke softly.
The older man bowed his head. "I will answer what I can, Your Highness."
"Have you anything against England or the Malfoys?" Harry asked wanting to know if this person was safe to bring with them to Malfoy Castle.
"Nothing at all, Highness." Remus said shaking his head. "In fact, England's queen was among our age group when I attended school with James and Sirius. I met her several times and she was very kind to me. Of the king, I haven't much knowledge as he was taught in England."
"Draco – their son and the heir to the throne is in danger from a horrible curse. One of the things I intend is to free him. Do you have a problem with this?" Harry asked looking intently at their guest.
"Not at all, Your Highness. I look forward to assisting in all your endeavors." The older man seemed not to be impaired by the potion at all.
"Lie to me." Harry narrowed his gaze at the man.
Remus blinked rapidly in surprise but attempted to do so. "My name is J-James-s-s - Remus! I live in I-I-Ire - Scotland! I'm a Scot!"
Harry nodded. "I'm sufficiently convinced that the potion is working and you've told the truth as you know it. Thank you for humoring me, Mr. Lupin." Again Harry shared a look with Sirius as his godfather took over.
"Well, if you're not the spy, then Peter most likely is, but we'll need to talk to him before any decisions are made." Sirius unlocked the door and let in the two eldest Weasley boys. "You'll bunk with Charlie and Bill in the attic and we'll wake you about an hour before Peter is expected. I'll return your wand after the meeting if we find conclusive proof of Peter's guilt versus yours."
Remus nodded and allowed the men to lead him away. He knew he wasn't the spy but he couldn't prove it until the morning so he'd just go along with things for now.
********** LTF **********
Harry listened as Sirius and the other adults discussed the answers Remus had given them. He'd had more questions for the older man. He should've used his time more wisely.
Why didn't he try to contact Sirius over the last fifteen years? If he had tried then why did Sirius still suspect him at all? Why had Voldemort never found him if his forces were looking for supporters of the Potter family?
He quietly repeated these questions to his new friends in the privacy of the room upstairs. They pondered the possible answers but came up empty so he decided to bring it up with either his godfather or the man in question at a later date.
Ron's bedroom had been set up for Harry and Blaise to bunk in as well so the boys all went up to rest before the dawn meeting.
********** LTF **********
Almost as soon as Harry's eyes closed, they opened to meet silver ones. Harry smiled. "You're back."
Draco remained silent for a moment. "Yes…but I'm not sure how. I'm not supposed to be here, but elsewhere."
"I know. You're sleeping in your tower." Harry whispered reaching out to touch his pale cheek. "I'm sleeping in my safe house. It shouldn't be possible but here we both are."
The young blond nodded with a worried expression.
"Will you let me hold you?" Harry asked ever so softly opening his arms.
Draco blushed, glancing at the green eyed boy through his lashes. "If you'd like…"
Harry lifted his coverlet, allowing Draco to join him, and the blond settled himself in his beloved's arms for the rest of the night.
As always, please let me know how you liked it? I love hearing from you!
Lori