Chapter 4: The Lord's Command
Word count: 3,084
A/N Finally finished chapter 4. I found this one harder to focus on for some reason. I also had a bit of a friendship bracelet obsession over the summer which took up time.
Sirius didn't say anything as Harry shared his tale, just listened to everything he had to say. At one point Sirius moved to sit on the settee and once Harry had finished they sat in silence side by side. As the silence continued Harry began to ruminate on everything he'd said. Had he missed anything important? Were all his reasons for the choices he'd made clear?
Harry was broken out of his reverie when Sirius abruptly stood up and began pacing up and down in front of him.
"So to clarify," Sirius stated, turning to look at Harry. "In your first year Dumbledore hid a valuable and sought after object behind a few obstacles that 3 first years were able to get past."
"Yes." Harry confirmed, nodding his head.
"And in your second year there was a series of attacks that you and your friends were able to figure out the cause of but Dumbledore apparently couldn't. And over the two years you nearly died, several times."
"Yeah."
"I don't like it, Harry. The headmaster seems to have plans and doesn't care if you and your friends get hurt along the way." Sirius sat back down pulling Harry into a sideways hug. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you but I will be. We'll catch the rat, get me free and then I can get you out of Dumbledore's control."
"Ok." Harry said as he lent further into Sirius' embrace. An unusual feeling of contentment and safety seemed to fill him up. That finally there was an adult that was his, who actually cared about him and wanted to help him.
"And you know, even before we get my freedom you can still talk to me, get my advice if any problems come up or about anything really." Sirius told Harry.
Harry looked at him and nodded his head showing he understood.
"So with that in mind, Parselmouth, huh." Sirius said changing the topic.
Harry's content mood abruptly vanished. Why was Sirius interested in that?
"Um, yeah. Is that ok?" Harry replied somewhat nervously.
"Of course. You just seemed anxious when you were telling me about it and I was a bit surprised. I don't think any Potter has ever had that ability."
"Oh. Everyone else thought it made me evil." Harry explained, remembering the reactions of all the reactions of the rest of the school. "Dumbledore thinks it came from Voldemort, that he transferred some of powers to me when he failed to kill me."
"Does he now? Well given everything we've learned about Dumbledore I'm not sure I'm inclined to believe his opinion on this or anything else. Regardless, whether you got Parseltongue from Voldemort or inherited it doesn't matter, what matters is how you choose to use it, alright?"
"Alright." Harry agreed, yawning as he did so.
"Long day, huh." Sirius said, smirking slightly.
"Mm, yeah. How long was I talking for, what time is it?" Harry said, looking around for a clock.
"Don't know. What time did you get here at?"
"Just before one I think." Harry replied.
"Must be getting on for early evening then."
"Yeah, probably. I guess I should leave soon." Harry said a little sadly, he really liked being with Sirius. "The Minister told the landlord at the Leaky Cauldron to keep an eye on me."
"The Minister!" Sirius said, surprised.
"Oh, yeah. I didn't tell you. When I got to the Leaky Cauldron yesterday, the Minister was there waiting. He grabbed me and just dragged me through the pub, without even introducing himself first. I don't like him." Harry sighed, he really didn't like it when people grabbed him. "He didn't even tell me anything about you, just told me not to wander into muggle London."
"Right, well, clearly the minister is somewhat incompetant. Something to keep in mind when dealing with him in the future. For now though you should probably go back, let them see you're still alive."
"Yeah, ok then." Harry replied. He started gathering up all of his paperwork. One set caught his eye as he tidied the pile. "Oh, I got the Black bank records. Did you want them?" Harry asked, holding them out to Sirius."
"Thanks." Sirius replied as he took the records.
"I also got some extra money out in case you needed some." Harry stated, seeing the money bags when he put the paperwork back in his backpack.
Sirius looked up at him from where he'd been flicking through the bank records.
"Oh, you did. That wasn't really necessary, there's piles of Galleons hidden around the house. My family were…" Sirius paused, evidently trying to think of the right word. "Odd. They were odd." He settled on eventually.
"Right." Harry thought there was probably more to that explanation, but he didn't comment. "What about muggle money? I got some of that too."
"Muggle money." Sirius echoed thoughtfully. "Yeah there probably isn't any of that here. That could be helpful."
"Cool." Harry responded feeling pleased that he'd gotten the money. Retrieving the bag containing the muggle money, he pulled out about half the notes and handed them to Sirius.
"Thanks." Sirius took the money and placed it and the bank records before standing up. "That everything then."
"Yeah, I think so." Harry looked around to make sure he hadn't missed anything.
"So, what are your plans for tomorrow?"
"I suppose I should do my school shopping in the morning and then I can come back here in the afternoon." Harry said.
"Sounds like a good idea. Are you planning to get new clothes too?" Sirius asked, looking over Dudley's cast offs that he was wearing. Harry looked down at himself a little self consciously.
"Yeah, I am. I've never been clothes shopping though. I thought I'd just ask in Madam Malkin's for a full wardrobe."
"Mmm, not a bad idea, but I don't think you should limit it to Madam Malkin's." Sirius responded. "You don't know what you like so you should get a variety, some formal clothes too." Sirius paused, contemplating his words. "I'd recommend going to Twilfit and Tattings and, if it's still there, Adelford's up on Verdant Alley as well. Oh, don't forget shoes too. I don't remember the name of the shoe shop but I'm sure they'll be one somewhere."
Harry stared at him, somewhat overwhelmed at Sirius' suggestion.
"You think I should go to three shops. And get a full wardrobe at each." Harry clarified.
"Yep, get a variety like I said." Sirius confirmed.
"But, that's excessive. I don't need all that and it wouldn't fit in my trunk anyway." Harry tried to convince Sirius.
Sirius looked at him contemplatively. "Well, you'll just have to get a new trunk too. One with several compartments." He said after a moment.
"That's,… that's ridiculous. I don't need... I can't…" Harry trailed off, unable to fully articulate what he was thinking. He did need a range of new clothing, he knew that. And new glasses, and a watch, and probably some other things he hadn't thought of yet. He was happy to spend the necessary amount of money on these things but what Sirius was suggesting was insane. He didn't need all that.
Sitting back down on the settee he dropped his head into his hands hoping Sirius would stop suggesting ridiculous things.
"Harry, look at me." Harry looked up to find Sirius had dropped to his knees in front of him. "If your Dad were here he would want you to have everything you need and want. Also, you're the Black heir and Lord," He paused, waving his hand in the direction of the chain on which Harry was keeping his rings. "Whichever of those titles you pick as the primary one."
"Huh" was Harry's slightly confused response to that.
"Typically if someone has more than one title they pick one to use for most situations. It gets confusing otherwise. But that's not the point. If you want to make use of these titles then you'll need to look the part."
"I suppose," Harry said. It did make sense. "But, it's just, it's so much." He dropped his head back into his hands.
"I could command you." Sirius whispered uncertainly.
"What!" Harry's head shot up to look at Sirius. "What does that mean?"
Sirius sighed and ran his hand through his hair. Moving to sit next to Harry on the settee he started to explain. "Some families, like the Blacks, have been around for a long time. Over that time each family has developed magics that are unique to them and bind all the members of a family together. Through this family magic the head of house can exert influence on the rest of the family."
"So, you could make me buy the things you think I should buy." Harry said, trying to understand exactly what Sirius was telling him.
"Not precisely. It wouldn't force you, you'd be able to act against the command if you really wanted to, though it would be uncomfortable to do so. It's more about encouraging you to act inline with my wishes."
Harry looked at Sirius contemplatively trying to decide how he should feel about this.
"Look Harry, if I could I'd take you shopping myself and buy you everything I think you need but I can't. And, well, this really shouldn't be your choice. Kids aren't supposed to have to figure out for themselves what they need and don't need. That's what parents and guardians are for, so let me do this. Please."
Harry stared ahead of him not looking at Sirius as he considered everything he'd been told. Part of him wanted to resent Sirius for suggesting he shouldn't need to make decisions for himself. He'd been doing that his whole life and he was doing fine. But at the same time that there was an adult who actually wanted to look after him was nice. To have someone who decided Harry needed decent things and the only thing he was expected to do was accept it.
"Ok." Harry said finally somewhat softly.
"Really. You're sure?" Sirius replied, looking at him fairly intensely.
"Yes, I'm sure." Harry confirmed more emphatically than before.
"Ok, good." Sirius said as he stood up. He pulled Harry up with him and oriented Harry in front of him. Looking directly into Harry's eyes he took a deep breath. "I Lord of the house of Black command that tomorrow while shopping you purchase everything you need and everything you want. Including but not limited to a multi compartment truck and a range of clothing from at least 2 shops." He stopped and Harry felt the magic of the command settle over him. He had expected it would feel cold and constraining but instead it was warm and like he was being hugged by the magic.
"As my Lord wishes." Harry said, smiling up at Sirius. The magic seeming to have pulled those particular words directly out of him. Sirius pulled Harry into a tight hug and for once Harry didn't flinch at all.
"You know you don't have to call me that right." Sirius spoke quietly into his ear. Harry pulled back a little so he could look at Sirius.
"I didn't exactly intend to say that. It was like, the magic made me. But, you are aren't you, my Lord. I mean, isn't that the point." Harry responded.
Sirius sighed. "You're right, I know that, but I ran away from all this, you know. I didn't want to be Lord Black so hearing you call me that feels wrong. But I suppose now we need it, the title and the power that comes with it, I'll just have to get used to it, won't I." Sirius tightened the hug briefly and then let go of Harry. "Anyway, you need to go. Have dinner, be seen so no one thinks you've been kidnapped by any dangerous escaped convicts."
"Yeah, don't want that." Harry replied, chuckling lightly, but then he sombered as he thought about how he actually had to leave now. "I don't want to go. I wish I could stay here with you."
"I know, I don't want you to leave either but you have to. There are things you need to do." Sirius pulled Harry closer and whispered into his ear. "Leave. I command it."
"Yes my Lord." came Harry's quiet response. Sirius pushed him away gently, towards his backpack. Harry picked it up and took the portkey off his wrist. Ensuring he was holding the raven charm firmly he gave one last look at Sirius and muttered the activation word, "Return." The same gripping sensation pulled him away from Sirius and landed him back in his room at the Leaky Cauldron.
Harry dropped his bag onto the floor and sank into his room's armchair, suddenly feeling very tired. It had been a very long day. He felt overwhelmed with all he had learned at the bank and although he felt better for having been able to share everything with Sirius, the telling of it had still been very draining. He stared at the bed longingly, contemplating just going straight to sleep.
However he couldn't, he needed to eat and be seen. He pulled the Black Heir ring off his finger and thread it back onto his chain. Then he pushed himself back up off the chair to head downstairs. Entering the main room of the pub he saw Tom behind the bar.
"Hi Tom." Harry said, getting his attention.
"Evenin' Mr Potter," came Tom's reply after he looked up to see who was talking.
"Do you have the time?" Harry asked.
"Sure, it's twenty to six." Tom replied after pulling out a pocket watch. "You should get yourself a watch, Mr Potter."
"Yeah, I'm going to, tomorrow." He said smiling. "For now though, could I get the dinner menu?"
"Of course."
After ordering his food, Harry settled into the same corner table he'd used in the morning and waited for his food to arrive. He'd chosen a shepherd's pie and a glass of pumpkin juice but no sides. It didn't take long and soon enough Harry was digging into his food.
Eating seemed to revive him a bit and by the time he had returned to his room Harry was feeling somewhat more energetic. As he entered his room his gaze fell on the trunks he had brought back from Gringotts.
Grabbing his parent's trunk he placed it on the bed and opened it up. He removed the cloaks sitting on top and hung them up in the wardrobe before beginning to sort through the contents.
There were a lot of textbooks. Most of these he discovered were his Mum's, her name written neatly on the inside cover and many of them had notes in the margins. The remaining textbooks looked a lot more worse for wear and were mostly duplicates of his Mum's. These didn't have a name in them but Harry assumed they were his Dad's.
Alongside the textbooks there were also a number of notebooks. There was a set of red leather bound books that seemed to primarily contain Transfiguration notes. The handwriting was different in these to his Mum's textbooks so again he assumed they were his Dad's. Definitely something he wanted to confirm with Sirius.
The rest of the notebooks were his Mum's, they had her name written in just like her textbooks. These notebooks were all different though and each seemed to be on a different topic.
Once all the books were out of the trunk Harry could more clearly see what else was in the trunk. There was lots of stationary; quills, parchment and pots of ink, some of which were in some quite random colours. Some of the quills were broken, he'd have to sort through it properly to see what was still usable. There was also a leather case that Harry found to contain various potions knives, stirrers and other items. They looked high quality and far nicer than the inexpensive ones he'd bought 2 years prior under Hagrid's guidance.
As he removed the last of the stationary he found tucked into one corner a pendant. Lifting it up he saw it had a snake curled around a lion engraved on one side. The other side had the words "Friends Forever SS" engraved on it. That was the last significant thing in the trunk and Harry added it to his mental list of things to ask Sirius about the next day.
He placed the pendant on the desk and after a moment's thought he also randomly selected one of his Mum's notebooks and put that on the desk too. He then set about putting everything back in the trunk in a tidy fashion. After setting the now refilled trunk back on the ground he settled in at the desk to read his Mum's notes.
The notebook he'd chosen turned out to be potions notes. He didn't understand a lot of it, but it was still nice to be able to read things his Mum had actually thought. It was clear his Mum enjoyed potions and was really good at it. Harry felt a little sad that he didn't share that with her. Perhaps he should spend time going over his potions textbooks and researching the ingredients and techniques his Mum mentioned. Maybe then he could understand the notes.
Every so often there was a sentence that started Sev said or Sev thinks in the notes. It was clear that this was a person that his Mum liked and that he too was very good at potions. Harry's eyes strayed to the pendant. It was likely, he thought, that SS and Sev were the same person and he was beginning to suspect who that person was. But he couldn't quite believe it. If he'd been his Mum's friend why was he so horrible to Harry.
Harry set the notebook down, feeling like he had read enough for one evening. Getting up to stretch his legs he wandered over to the window. It was starting to get dark so Harry felt it was late enough in the evening to go to bed.
He dug through his trunk to find something to sleep in. He had no intention of falling asleep in his clothes as he had the previous night. Finally finding something vaguely suitable, he was definitely including sleepwear in his shopping the next day, Harry changed and settled into bed.