Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I do own any non-canon characters, AU and made-up magic.
I will write as fast as I can create, edit and publish online :-). As a gentle reminder, please be sure to have read The Fight and What do blood, bruises, burns belts and bites have in common? They explain at the forefront. This is sequel fleshing out the previous storylines.
Asterisks (*) mean I am referencing. Check below for citations. Every few chapters I plan on fixing minor edits. There will be no new material in previous chapters due to these edits other than adding/verifying my references.
Special thanks to my reviewers. It is really motivating to receive them. Thank you!
Ch. IV: Sirius Concerns
Harry had a wonderful summer filled with play and laughter with the Weasleys and Hermione. Soon, it was time to leave for Hogwarts.
The usual hustle and bustle happened. Mrs. Weasley took them all to Diagon Alley once more with a watchful eye on Harry in particular. It made Harry feel sheepish and guilty for worrying her so. After visiting Gringotts they all received their new (or used) books, quills, parchment and a quick stop to Quality Quidditch Supplies to ogle, dream and wish for the new Firebolt.
After their farewells before boarding the Hogwarts Express Harry reflected while Hermione read, Ron napped and Ginny left to visit classmates.
He did not regret saving the little Gobliness. He was treated with more respect than usual at Gringotts, which surprised the young boy. Harry shrugged and thought about his infamous godfather and wondered how this year would be different. He hoped it would be less eventful.
Little did he know the Goblins had much in store for him.
~*Hogwarts Grounds before dinner*~
"Harry," Hermione said softly, causing her raven-haired friend to glance her way. "Can I speak to you for a moment?" She asked. It bothered her immensely that her best friend could not see clearly what he so desperately needed. But then, she thought. that's what friends are for.
Surprised, Harry nodded since Ron shrugged and left to speak with his brothers.
Hermione led Harry outside to a stone bench and placed a Mufiliato Spell* around them. "I think you need to contact Sirius." She said flatly.
Harry gaped at her. "But why?" Harry sputtered. "You just told me it was 'too dangerous' to contact him—and his letter said the same thing!" Harry did want to contact his godfather. He was terribly worried about him and felt silly after departing the Hogwarts Express looking toward the Forbidden Forest in hopes of seeing a shaggy, black dog.
"Harry," Hermione said as patiently as possible. "You have a cursed scar." She looked at him pointedly. "I've been reading up on Pureblood families—and Sirius was listed as one of the oldest." Harry's eyes widened. "He may have been disowned—but he was taught Dark magic from the cradle." Harry glared at her and opened his mouth to retort.
"Look—," Hermione said quickly. "I like Sirius—but whether you like it or not Harry, we're out of our league here. I can't research much more without looking really suspicious as a Muggleborn delving into Pureblood business." She added bitterly. "And, Madam Pince will think you've gotten the Quidditch field on her precious books." Hermione deadpanned. "We need some Sirius help."
That startled a giggle from her friend at the unsuspecting pun on his godfather's name. "But how?" Harry asked plaintively. "I can't use Hedwig and—and oh! Dobby!"
CRACK! Their little House-Elf friend appeared.
"Yous called Dobby Master Harry Potter and Master Harry Potter's My-My?*" Dobby squeaked.
Harry had no idea what to think about Dobby's nickname for his friend and blushed.
"We have a few questions we wanted to ask you about—about school grounds," Harry said covering his blush.
Dobby looked at Harry attentively. "Dobby will help Master Harry Potter sir. What's it yous like to know about Lady Hogwarts?"
"Lady Hogwarts?" Hermione asked curiously and then quickly straightened at Harry's impatient look. "I mean, I'll ask you that part later, Dobby, if you'll talk with me? Good." Hermione nodded, her bushy brunette hair flying everywhere at Dobby's eager nod. "Right. We wanted to ask you if House-Elves can Apparate anywhere on school grounds and beyond?"
"Yes, Master Harry Potter's My-My," Dobby assured. "We House-Elves have our own magic that allows us to better serve our Masters and Mistresses. Be they employed by Lady Hogwarts or are owned by the Noble and Most Ancient Houses or Ancient Houses."
"Wait a minute," Harry said slowly. "What's the difference between a Noble and an Ancient House?"
"There are few Noble and Most Ancient Houses left. They are predominantly Pureblood families or a few Half-Bloods that can trace their lineage all the way to Merlin himself." Dobby answered surprisingly serious. "They are the most influential of wizarding society." Dobby's ears drooped. "Unfortunately, The Sacred 28* are either extinct, rich in name only, or they have all the power politically and economically because they chose the Dark path to survive when You-Know-Who was in power. Including yours, Master Harry Potter."
Harry and Hermione exchanged surprised looks. "My―my family?" Harry stuttered quietly.
"Yes sir," Dobby said respectfully. "Your family was decidedly a Light family. You are all that's left. Other Light families, like the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom, are barely managing until their Heirs become of age. Such as Master Harry Potter's Neville is the same."
Hermione pursed her lips and glanced at Harry worriedly. Yet another thing You-Know-Who's stolen from Harry.
"Can you help us, Dobby?" Hermione asked carefully. "It would require you to keep a very important secret." She wanted to remind them of the real reason for getting Dobby's assistance. Dobby snapped his fingers. Unbeknownst to the children, he placed an Anti-Eavesdropping Charm* on the three of them and included a Notice-Me-Not Charm* for good measure.
"Dobby will keep a secret for Master Harry Potter, sir, and Master Harry Potter's My-My." Dobby answered gravely.
Harry took a deep breath and explained in detail about his godfather's condition and the letters. Both children were surprised Dobby did not interrupt until Harry finished.
"Dobby can make extra food baskets to Master Harry Potter's Snuffies." Dobby remarked thoughtfully. "Dobby thinks Master Harry Potter should warn his Snuffies about Dobby's knowledge and whereabouts before he delivers."
Hermione nodded. "Perhaps—after your letter Harry—," she said meaningfully. "We can make a list of anything we think he might need? And ask him to tell us what Buckbeak might want as well?"
Harry looked at her for a moment. "Yeah, sounds good you two." Harry answered softly. In truth, Harry felt guilty ever since Ron's comment about how Snuffles must really love him in order to live off rats everyday had prompted him to make a list about basic care items*. He wanted to ask Hermione for her parents' dentistry samples since he figured small items would be easier for Snuffles to carry. Scissors would be good for both cutting his hair and using as a weapon. Harry mused.
"I think I'll order a Quidditch trunk. You know—like my necklace*? To make sure we can store everything because it shrinks, compartmentalizes and has a built-in Featherlight Charm* in it." Harry said slowly.
Hermione's eyes brightened. "And, it won't look suspicious! I can use Everfresh and Quantifier Charms* on all the supplies we send Si-Snuffles. So it can't run out on him."
Harry looked between Dobby and Hermione. "Thank you." Harry said sincerely as his eyes brimming with tears.
Dobby beamed up at him. "Anything for the Great Master Harry Potter sir!"
Hermione smiled gently. "Sirius deserves it, Harry." And you deserve a real guardian. It is painfully obvious to Hermione Sirius thought the world of Harry—and Harry had no idea how loved he is. We'll see about that. She silently vowed.
Dobby quickly conjured a quill, parchment and a common owl. "Mistress Heddy* is too obvious." He reminded inclining his head toward Harry's early reference to Sirius' letters as Harry began to write. Harry raised an eyebrow at the appellation and dismissed it with a shrug.
Dear Snuffles,
I think I found an interesting solution. I talked it over with a friend who's quite small and we have figured out the perfect birthday present for our large, persnickety feathery friend and thought you could help us in this surprise?
Please write back when a convenient time would be for you both. These deliverables will be ready for you then.
HJP & HJG.
"Does that sound…" Harry waved a hand. "Inconspicuous enough?"
Harry knew he was awful at playing Slytherin with his words as opposed to his survival skills.
"It should do but we should come up with our own names—and Harry." Hermione bit her lip. "I think we should keep this from Ron."
Harry blinked. "You think he'd say something stupid?"
Hermione slowly released a breath. While she was friends with Ron. The fact remained if it were not for Harry neither would be friends. Afterall, it was Ron's fault she had been crying last year in the girl's bathroom with a troll on the loose.
"I think the fewer people the better." Hermione answered diplomatically. Harry quickly strapped his letter to the school owl with 'Snuffles,' written on the envelope. "I suppose you're right." Harry said. "You'll have to distract him when I get a response."
Hermione smirked. "That shouldn't be too hard." She commented as Harry rolled his eyes.
Fiat justitia, pereat mundus (Let Justice be done, even if the world perish)*
Sirius had barely found shelter after a maddening flight to an old house and secret island farther north from his Uncle Alphard. When this is over, Sirius silently vowed as he sighed in relief as Buckbeak landed safely through the Black Blood Wards*, I'm going to properly honor him—flowers and all.
He was very thankful that he was protected and hidden from all and everyone thanks to his mother's brother's Fidelius Charm* and the infamous Black Blood Wards. The Fidelius Charm's Secret Keeper had been his Uncle Alphard and he had tasked Sirius to be the spellcaster. As long as the spellcaster did not die the secret would remain alive—even if the Secret Keeper died. As for the infamous Black Blood Wards automatically causing anyone who accidentally infiltrated to receive a very nasty shock while trying to enter this abode and kill anyone who intentionally tried to.
For the first time, Sirius felt...relieved and somewhat safe. He was not sure about what sort of predators or what he would find on this island. His uncle left this secret island to Sirius when he was 14-years-old. Sirius visited twice. Thank Merlin I studied geography with Grandfather. Sirius shuddered. His Grandfather Arcturus had been a difficult taskmaster. He did not praise often but Sirius had sought his approval and achieved that at least.
"Best not wander far, Buckbeak." Sirius croaked. "I'm not sure what we'll find. I suggest we kip here for a few days until I get my bearings."
Sirius spied bananas and grinned. He was unsure if he wanted to eat first or soak in the sun. Taking a step forward he looked cautiously around him.
The tree shook and several bananas rained on Sirius.
"Ouch!" Sirius hissed as the bananas landed on his head. He lunged for a few and slowly peeled the skin and chewed slowly savoring the first healthy food not ruined by Dementors and jailors. Sirius felt a full-body soreness and exhaustion. Buckbeak pawed the ground enviously.
"Sorry mate." Sirius said swallowing. "Let's find us some meat? I'm sure I can make us a fire even without a wand."
Sirius was puzzled about the tree. The Hippogriff suddenly charged and caught a monkey and tore at his prey eagerly.
Poor bastard. Sirius shuddered. It reminded him of a few Azkaban prisoner scenes.
Slowly, Sirius walked toward the abandoned two-story house emblazoned with the Black Family Crest. Carefully, he raised an arm and the door opened. The house was in an Everfresh* stasis.
It was as if Sirius was 14-years-old again.
"Hello?" Sirius called. His voice cracked and he winced.
Silence.
Too good to be true, he thought bitterly for some friendly company. Although, I just didn't want to believe Uncle Alphie* died, too.
Buckbeak trotted toward Sirius sniffing the air.
Sirius shrugged. "Let's go, Beaky." The house had a large drawing room, a kitchen in the back, two bedrooms, a laboratory, a washroom, three bathrooms and a courtyard filled with herbs. The herbs seemingly had several maintenance charms on it for pruning and the like.
Sirius headed toward his uncle's room and checked all the closets.
Nothing.
Frowning, he checked the drawers. Empty.
"Bollocks!" Sirius swore. Absolutely no personal effects...it was as if his uncle took everything and left the house intact...but for what purpose? On the off-chance Sirius would return? Not bloody likely.
"Well, I should've expected this," he muttered. There were no furniture. Just rickety remains of an interior. Sirius braved the shower. No running water. He sighed.
"Well Beaky," Sirius mumbled. "At least we have a roof over our heads." Buckbeak clamped his beak in derision.
Stepping outside, Sirius saw a bathing pool beckoning him...until the Hippogriff drank from it.
Right. Sirius thought drily. Smart animal really.
The tall, gaunt man saw the shallow turquoise water lead to the sea.
Disrobing, Sirius carefully settled in and grimaced at his sore muscles, while his banged and bruised body began to relax.
"Bloody hell!" Sirius yelped. "I'd kill for soap and shampoo right now." Sirius knew he could not remain in the pool for too long—he would catch his death. Wouldn't that be a charming way to go? He thought darkly before remembering Harry.
Sirius squinted spotting something flying toward him as he grabbed large leaves in lieu of a towel to quickly dry off and change.
"Odd," Sirius muttered. "Only those who have good intentions toward the Blacks can enter the wards—how many can that be?"
The owl plopped a letter in Sirius' outstretched hand. Sirius read the name and his vision blurred with tears.
Reading the letter quickly and hungrily at the young scrawl. Thankfully someone, Probably Hermione, Sirius thought ruefully, included a grease pencil and parchment for Sirius to respond. Quill and ink would not have survived the flight.
Sirius hoped his penmanship was not atrocious. Afterall, he had not written in over a decade. Before, he had been taught by esteemed tutors and his penmanship always had an aristocratic flair to it.
Setting down the letter and supplies reverently. He turned toward the owl. "Please wait a bit," Sirius croaked. "Anything you catch is yours." The school owl took flight and settled in a tree to rest and later hunt.
The wizard suddenly burst into hysterical tears while laughing.
"Children!" He cried to the late afternoon sun. "Bloody children—caring for me. They saved me—I'll never be able to repay them for that—and now these same good, sweet children— trying to help me get back on my feet!" Sirius sobbed uncontrollably.
His emotions were everywhere. His treacherous Azkaban escape, Hogwarts, and everything in-between had been buried for his survival. Sirius was quite sure a part of him was a bit mad due to his extended stay at the Dementor Hotel.
He was humbled, touched and...vulnerable. The first to show him true kindness in a dozen years were Prongslet, Truly your father's son, and a Muggleborn witch reminiscent of Lily.
Taking a deep breath, he wrote slowly and left the letter for the school owl under the tree. As Buckbeak settled around Sirius offering feathery comfort Sirius reverted to Padfoot, shivering from exhaustion on all levels.
Harry sighed glumly. This is so stupid! He thought. I'm just waiting around...what if Sirius doesn't care? Or Hermione's—.
The school owl flew toward Harry and Hermione immediately got Ron into a bickering session about a Potions essay completion.
Dear HJP and HJG,
I am most interested in what your small friend's interesting solution is for our persnickety, feathery friend's birthday present would be.
I would like to be a part of his surprise. Anytime is convenient for us.
Snuffles
Harry smiled and pocketed the letter.
"Oi!" Harry called to his bickering friends. "I left my jumper upstairs. I'll see you lot in time for Potions." Hermione caught his eye and smiled knowingly while Ron shrugged and stuffed his mouth.
"Best hurry up, Harry—don't want Snape to turn you into an experiment if you're late!" Ron yelled after him.
Harry quickly went to the Room of Requirement* and began to pace three times.
Quiet, private place. Quiet, private place. Quiet, private place.
Rushing in he summoned Dobby who carried the school owl on his hand.
Dear Snuffles,
I'm so happy for your prompt reply! Our little friend will arrive with the present once you've finished reading this letter. Tell him if we've gotten the right size for our large friend or not. I've got to run—Potions, blegh!
Yours,
HJP
P.S. I know our friend has trouble saying our names—do you think he could pronounce it for him? If not we can always come up with a solution later.
"Dobby," Harry said. "I want you to arrive once my friend Snuffles has read this—so as not to startle him." He took a deep breath. "D'you have everything?"
"Yes Master Harry Potter sir!" the House-Elf yelped brightly. He carried a large package of food and around his neck was the shrinking Quidditch trunk necklace.
"Right, then." Harry said. "I'll be in Potions—oh!" Harry passed him a Gringotts sack. "Use everything for Snuffles, OK? I'll get more later—but don't let him know?" Harry had an inkling his godfather is a very proud man and did not want to offend him unnecessarily. He may not keep me...shut it, Potter!
"Dobby," Harry said haltingly. "D'you think...do you think I'm—."
"Yes," Dobby answered firmly. "yous helping someone in need. Dobby will deliver as instructed to the letter!" Dobby snapped his fingers and the bag of gold disappeared.
"Master Harry Potter must hurry to class." Dobby trilled. "The bell's ringing."
"Blast!" Harry cried as he rushed away. Knowing his detention is guaranteed and figured it would all be worth it.
Even if I'm turned into a Potions' experiment.
The owl returned and Sirius murmured a greeting. Reading quickly the wizard frowned. "After I read—?"
POP!
"Yous must be Master Harry Potter's Snuffies!" Dobby announced. "He and his My-My have ordered Dobby's word to safeguard you and procure and provide for you, Master Harry Potter's Snuffies!"
Sirius sank to his knees. "Th—thank you?" Sirius croaked. Dobby conjured a table and chair for Sirius in the de facto campsite.
He made a raw meat pile for an eager Buckbeak and passed Sirius the trunk necklace.
Swallowing, Sirius pressed his thumb in the center. The trunk floated to the ground and expanded to a large armoire, doors flying open.
Gaping, Sirius raised his hand to finger the myriad of clothes inside. A list in a girl's neat handwriting levitated in front of him.
Dear Snuffles,
Harry and I came up with a perfunctory list. We hope this fits you. Please tell us if you need anything else. (P.S. Harry is the one who picked everything and we both tried to guess your size? My Dad's a little shorter than you so I tried to compensate—I hope I did alright!)
Food: supported weekly with Dobby's help
Muggle clothing (just in case): we picked plainclothes so you could blend in better.
~3 pairs of trousers
~1 reversible black/brown belt
~3 pairs of shirts
Men's undergarments (Harry handled this!)
Wizard's clothing
4 robes
~2 plain black ones
~1 dark brown
~1 navy
2 pairs of pyjamas
~1 winter
~1 summer
Common health potions
~Pepper Up
~Blood Replenisher (I noticed you were hurt when you escaped)
~Nutrient
~Calming Draught (maybe for a good night's rest?)
Grooming
Soap (body wash and bar soap): we weren't sure of your preference? Harry picked ocean scented but let us know what you actually prefer.
~2 razors (a better disguise? Harry thought you could use it as a weapon)
~1 pair of scissors (Harry thought you could use this one as weapon, too.)
Several samples of toothbrushes, floss, and mouth rinse (my parents are dentists or Tooth Healers. No magic required) and toothpaste.
~1 mirror
Misc.
~1 canteen (charmed Everfresh and Everflowing*)
~1 trunk necklace
~5 blankets (for you and BB)
~2 pillows
~1 stationery set and quill/ink
By the way, I charmed everything with a Quantifier* spell just in case it might look suspicious.
Harry discovered the Room of Requirement or, as Dobby told us, the Come-and-Go Room. It's unmentioned in Hogwarts, A History!*
Keep us posted—oh and we need codenames since you're Snuffles.
HJP and HJG
Sirius clutched the letter to his heart.
Dobby smiled his large green eyes watering. "Dobby knows what it's like to be free, Master Harry Potter Snuffies sir—Master Harry Potter rescued Dobby from bad Master Lucius Malfoy—."
Sirius whirled around. "Malfoy was near my godson?!" He all but snarled at the little House-Elf.
Dobby gulped. "Yes sir. Dobby tried to protect Master Harry Potter—and it backfired because Dobby did not account for Master Harry Potter to find other ways to circumvent Dobby. Then Master Harry Potter helped free Dobby, sir. Dobby will always be grateful to him."
Sirius relaxed and knelt to face the House-Elf. "I'm not angry at you Dobby," he said sincerely. "Malfoy's wife is Narcissa?" Dobby nodded. "It's her I'm worried about—she's one of my cousins."
Dobby nodded. "Yes, she visits Mistress Bella often." The little House-Elf said with a shudder.
Sirius' eyes narrowed. That shouldn't be possible. I'd've known...He shook his head reminiscent of a certain Grim. "Another thing to worry about." He grimaced before returning to the House-Elf. "Thank you, Dobby." Sirius reiterated.
"Dobby will bring more food. But for now, Master Harry Potter's Snuffies must try on the robes and allow Dobby to administer House-Elf healing magic to him." Dobby nodded sagely. "Dobby knows enough to help Master Harry Potter's Snuffies heal before he finishes his plan."
"Plan?" Sirius echoed, black brows raising.
"Dobby sees it clearly," Dobby said gravely. "Master Harry Potter's Snuffies cares deeply for Master Harry Potter and Master Harry Potter must not return to his relatives, sir."
"Tell me everything while I freshen up and feel human again." Sirius' grey eyes sharpened to a deadly mercury.
References: per FanFiction policy I cannot include the URLs. You can Google it if you are interested :-).
Official magic
Kendrick, Christine. "The Secrets of the Fidelius Charm." Beyond Hogwarts
Levy, Duncan. "The Unofficial Harry Potter Spellbook: The Wand Chooses the Wizard."
Harry Potter Wikia/Pottermore:
The House of Black lineage and Black Blood Wards (tweaked for my usage)
Room of Requirement was discovered post-GoF by Harry.
The Sacred 28 (Listed Pureblood families)
Alphard Black died when Sirius was 17-years-old and left a decent bit of gold to Sirius so he would not be destitute and did not seem to care that his sister (Sirius' mother) would disinherit him posthumously.
Pretend magic―I am almost positive every FanFiction author has made-up magic similar to this. Still, I would like to reference it all the same :-P.
Everfresh Charm: used as a refreshing stasis (generally for plants and food preservation)
Everflowing Charm: used for water to have as a never-ending source.
Quantifier Charm: quantifies an item once. Although, it can be repeated innumerably as long as the caster does so.
The Trunk necklace: from my first story, The Fight.
Other
Fiat justitia, pereat mundus (Let justice be done even if the whole world perish) is from Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor from Art & Pop Culture
I have a reason as to why I have given different nicknames than what is used in the canon from Dobby/Harry. Please be patient :-D.
If someone could PM/review me as to where in GoF did Ron say to Harry about Sirius must really loving him if he chose to survive off rats―I'd be much obliged! I know it is from the movie.