Another chapter and more Sirius angst!

As always, a big thank you to my wonderful beta Ambush99.

Chapter 22

It had been a couple of days since Sirius had finally regained consciousness and he slowly seemed more aware of his surroundings. He was still painfully quiet. Sirius was still sleeping a lot, but Fleamont suspected Sirius was pretending to sleep half of the time so as to avoid any conversation. He knew the absolute worst thing he could do would be to push Sirius into talking about what had happened, but it was so frustrating watching the boy. He watched as Sirius picked at his food with disinterest. The boy was already too lean as it was, but he didn't blame Sirius. Fleamont didn't know if it was the after-effects of the poison, or the events that had happened to Sirius which Fleamont could only guess at, or maybe, and more likely, it was a combination of both. No, he didn't blame Sirius. He knew the lad was struggling with it. He knew Sirius was lost and didn't know his way back. He, Fleamont, had tried but, as of yet, he hadn't had any success. But maybe, now, as Sirius had become lucid, he would have a better chance.

"Sirius?" Fleamont called out, as he gently knocked on the door. "Can I come in?" He waited a moment, pausing to consider his next words. 'I wanted to just check you were okay'? No, that didn't seem right. After the last couple of days, Sirius was probably sick of it; doctors poking and prodding him; he and Euphemia hovering nearby. 'I wanted to see if you wanted anything.' Well, that seemed the same to him, so it would sound the same to Sirius who, after all, was anything but stupid. Fleamont waited, his ear pressed up against the door, waiting for any sign the boy had heard him. "Sirius, I've got this morning's Daily Prophet. I thought you would like to see the Quidditch results. I can leave it outside if you don't want to see me."

"No. It's okay, you can come in," a quiet, hesitant voice finally came from the room.

"Thank you and good morning," Fleamont replied quietly, as he made his way slowly into the room.

"You know, well, it's your house. Umm. Well, you don't." Sirius stopped and pulled his knees up his chest. "It's your house. You don't need to knock," he finished, as he buried his head into his knees.

"No, I don't," Fleamont started. "But yes, I do. This is your room. I respect your privacy." He watched Sirius slowly nod before patting him on the shoulder. "I've got the Prophet if you want to have a read."

Sirius slowly nodded. "Thanks," he managed, before swallowing a couple of times and adding, "I'll look at it in a moment."

Fleamont nodded as he watched the boy carefully. He had thought about this on numerous occasions since he had known Sirius was in trouble. James hadn't been forthcoming with information, other than telling him Sirius had made a stupid mistake, but it wasn't his fault, but yes, the consequences could have been really bad. Many theories had circled his head, but he kept coming back to one, well one individual in particular. Remus Lupin. He had known of young Lupin's condition when Remus had first come to stay. He had been good friends with Remus's father, Lyall, for a while, before Lyall had seemingly disappeared, only to reappear six years later on Platform 9¾. He had had his theories and suspicions, and after a couple of conversations in the pub Lyall had finally confessed that his young son had been infected with lycanthropy. Fleamont watched Sirius for a moment, wondering how he was going to broach the subject.

"Tornadoes played the Canons last night," Fleamont started. "Who do you think won?"

"Canons," Sirius replied in a distant tone.

"I guess. They have spent a lot of money over the last two seasons," Fleamont continued.

"Yeah."

"I just want our local team, Puddlemere, to start playing better. Our last match against the Magpies was frankly embarrassing."

"Yeah."

Fleamont stopped and raised an eyebrow at Sirius's distant and non-committal responses. He interlaced his fingers and took a breath, as he considered his next approach. He knew it carried a lot of risk, but it was a risk he was prepared to take. "I know of Remus's condition."

"What?!"

"I know about it."

"What?!" Sirius replied, becoming alarmed.

"Remus's father told me about it when Remus first stayed."

"What condition?" Sirius replied frantically.

"His monthly condition." Fleamont watched Sirius continue to look wildly around before pressing on. "How long have you known?"

"Will James be in trouble?" Sirius replied in a small voice.

"No," Fleamont replied reassuringly, as he took Sirius's hand. "In fact, it makes me proud we brought him up well enough so he wouldn't discriminate against someone who has a condition that cannot be helped."

"First year, second term."

Fleamont nodded. "Does your suspension have something to do with it?" He watched as Sirius slowly nodded, before his eyes filled with tears. "James says it wasn't your fault."

"It was. He's only saying that because he feels sorry for me," Sirius choked out.

"Yeah, he did say he had been very angry with you," Fleamont started, watching Sirius flinch at the words, "But he also said he was angry with you when he didn't have the full picture. To quote my son, and pardon my French, 'it was completely fucked up. Sirius fucked up but he didn't mean to. And then there was Snape, I mean the stupid prick! He just wants us expelled!'"

"Did he?" Sirius asked hesitantly.

"Did he what?"

"Did James tell you?"

"No," Fleamont replied, shaking his head. "James didn't tell me anything apart from what I've just told you. Why don't you tell me your version of events?"

"But,"

"Sirius, I'm your lawyer, remember? I can't tell anyone about this conversation. It doesn't have to be illegal or legal. I can't. Anything you tell me won't leave this room," Fleamont said in a reassuring voice.

"James and Remus won't get into any trouble?"

"No," Fleamont replied, shaking his head. "And nor will you. Dumbledore suspended you for a week and you've served that punishment. Can you tell me what happened?"

"It doesn't matter. I'm messed up. I nearly destroyed one of my friends' lives."

Fleamont reached and placed a gentle hand on Sirius' shaking shoulder. "It does matter. Nothing in life is simple. There must have been a reason you did whatever you did."

"No there wasn't. I'm just messed up."

"I'm sure that isn't true. Can you tell me what happened? I won't be angry. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I can tell it's bothering you," Fleamont urged.

"I, I told Snape where Remus hides during a full moon," Sirius finally spat out.

Fleamont slowly nodded. "Okay, why did you tell him?" he asked gently.

"I told you, because I am messed up!" Sirius snapped.

"No, you're not. I find that hard to believe. I can believe you made a mistake. That's what James believes, and Remus has forgiven you, so he obviously believes you made a mistake," Fleamont reasoned. "So, why did you tell Snape?"

"Because, because, I don't know, okay!" Sirius exclaimed, as he buried his head into his hands. "I don't know. I can't remember! I'm messed up, just like the rest of my family."

"You're not messed up. You made a mistake," Fleamont reassured, as he gently rubbed Sirius' back. "Can you remember what happened before you told Snape?"

"I just wanted him to leave us alone. I just wanted him to leave Remus alone! I just wanted them to leave me alone," Sirius sobbed dryly.

Fleamont frowned. What was Sirius trying to say? "Was Snape harassing you?"

"No. Well, not directly. It doesn't matter."

"Was he harassing Remus?"

Sirius swallowed. "Yeah," he finally said. "He was unnaturally interested in Remus. He was stalking him." Sirius paused for a moment. "It doesn't make it right what I did!"

"No, it doesn't but it makes sense. Did you think you were protecting Remus?"

"I don't know, okay," Sirius replied in a panicked voice.

"So, you were stressed?" Fleamont suggested.

"I don't know!"

"Did you want anything bad to happen to Remus?"

"What?! No, of course I didn't!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Did you want Remus to hurt Snape?"

"No! I hate the git, but I didn't want him to be badly hurt or die or anything. I definitely didn't want Remus to do it, especially when he wouldn't have known he did it. I just wanted Snape to be scared so he would just leave Remus alone!"

Fleamont nodded. "So, you thought you were protecting Remus?"

"Yeah, how messed up is that?! Sending that git to face a werewolf!"

"But did you actually send him?"

"If you mean, did I drag him down there, tie him up and stick up a sign, saying 'wolfie, free meat this way' then, no I didn't. But I did tell him how to get into the place!" Sirius snapped.

"So, Snape already knew where Remus went during a full moon?"

"Yeah, well he at least suspected," Sirius replied, his shoulders slumping.

"But you've known Remus had lycanthropy for five years. I'm guessing Snape hasn't recently started stalking Remus." Fleamont watched as Sirius looked at him before quickly looking away, and took it as confirmation. "So, why did you suddenly tell Snape?"

"Because I lost it. Because I didn't want to go home. Because I felt trapped," Sirius finally confessed. "It still doesn't make it right! They would have carted Remus off to Azkaban or worse, when it wasn't his fault. He's only dangerous one night a month, the rest of the time flies are more harmful than he is! His whole life could have been destroyed, all because I couldn't keep my bloody mouth shut."

"True, but you have to look at the full picture. You were unbelievably stressed and probably scared as well. This should have been picked up by the teachers. One of the teachers should have picked up that you didn't want to go back home, and it was more serious than just not seeing eye to eye with your parents. Then there is Snape. Why did he decide to visit someone who he believed suffered from lycanthropy on a full moon?" Fleamont reasoned.

"What?" Sirius managed, sounding utterly confused.

"What I am saying is you are not wholly to blame. You made a mistake. Yes, a mistake that could have had far reaching consequences for you, Remus, Remus' family, Snape, the school. You were right when you said Remus' life would have been destroyed. You know how our society treats people suffering from lycanthropy. But there are two other players involved: the school and Snape. They both played a part in this." Fleamont stopped and wrapped a protective arm around Sirius' shoulders. "You made a mistake but so did the school and so did Snape. I will work with you so that, if you do get stressed like that again, you won't react like that. Well, that's if you want."

"Mr, Mr Potter," Sirius stammered out. "Why? Are you sure?!"

"Yes, definitely," Fleamont replied determinedly. "Because the school failed you. The school also failed Snape and it failed Remus. They allowed this to happen. Not directly, but their inaction allowed it to happen. We will figure this out together. But when you go back to school, might I suggest you avoid this Snape fellow for a while."

"Yeah, I think that would be for the best," Sirius replied, nodding.

"So, the Tornados," Fleamont started, as he flicked through the paper to the appropriate page. "What do you think the result will be?"

"Umm," Sirius started, as he rubbed his face, feeling grateful for the change of subject. "Canons by seventy."

"Canons by fifty. An improvement. Now let's see how Puddlemere did against the Catapults," Fleamont said in a heavy voice, as he traced a finger down the page. "Oh, we only lost by twenty. Sirius my boy, we'll soon be top of the table."

Sirius found a small smile before replying. "In which century, Mr Potter?"

"You rogue," Fleamont laughed, as he ruffled Sirius' hair. "This century, Sirius!"

"Nah! Tornadoes all the way."

"Just as long as you don't support the Canons, we'll be okay." Fleamont waited for a moment before gently pulling Sirius' head onto his shoulder. "It's going to be alright Sirius. I know it probably doesn't seem like it now. But it will be. We will work through it together and you'll be back playing Quidditch, messing around at school. I will be waiting for the letters from school because of some prank you and James have pulled. Just best leave Mr Snape alone."

"Yeah, I guess," Sirius replied quietly, as his eyes grew heavy.

"Get some sleep, Sirius. I'll be here when you wake up, I promise." Fleamont watched as Sirius slowly closed his eyes and fall into what he knew was not a restful sleep. He waited a couple of moments before pulling out a piece of parchment. He had been trying to figure out a timeline of what had happened to Sirius. With the minimal information he had received from Sirius, James and Regulus, he had something but not a lot. Pulling out a quill he started to write.

Friday 12th December, suspended from school. Stress, fear, abandonment.

Fleamont stopped for a moment and rubbed his chin. He frowned as he circled the 12th, and then the 24th December.

Parents become disinterested in cellar. Parents celebrate.

Fleamont frowned as he tried to work through all he had learnt. He paused before he scribbled on the parchment the '8th January' then, circling the '24th December', he drew a question mark between the two dates. Whatever happened then, was why Sirius was hurt. It was why Sirius had been poisoned; he was sure of it. As much as he hated it, he needed to speak to Dumbledore.

Ooo

Fleamont paced up and down Minerva's office, before sighing and sitting down. He couldn't let his fear, frustration and anger show. Regulus was a particularly sensitive boy, and he didn't want to frighten him.

"Fleamont," Minerva McGonagall said, as she extended her hand. "I'm so sorry for how I dealt with this whole situation."

"No, Minerva, it is I who should be apologising. My behaviour earlier was inexcusable. I could say it was the fear talking, but it still doesn't make it right. I was worried about Sirius, but it doesn't make it right the way I spoke to you," Fleamont apologised, as he took Minerva's hand.

"How is he?"

"Better. He's not in danger anymore, but he's not ready to come back to school yet. He's still in pain and gets tired very easily."

Minerva nodded and dabbed her eyes slightly. "How." She stopped and took a shaky breath. "How close were we to losing him?"

Fleamont felt his breath catch in his throat. "Closer than I want to think about."

"When is he coming back to school?" Minerva started, as she slowly composed herself. "It is his OWLs year, but there is no rush. We don't want to put any pressure on him. We are happy for him to do his schoolwork from home. I'm more than happy to teach him from home, if that's what works for him."

"Thank you Minvera, I will definitely consider that. I'm not sure when he'll return but it won't be for a bit. After everything that's happened and his reactions, I just want to minimise the amount of magic around him. But, a bit later, some of that school work, you know the theory based stuff, might be good for him."

Minerva found a tight smile and nod. "Of course. Well, I don't think Horace should be long but then again, he does like to talk," she finished, making a slight face.

"It's not a problem. I promised Regulus I would keep him updated. Is he, well, is Regulus okay?" Fleamont asked carefully.

"Yes, as far as I know. Ah," Minvera said, hearing a knock on her door. "That should be them now. Come in."

"Minerva! Ah Fleamont Potter!" Horace Slughorn said, his movements exaggerated and large. He seemed to be as wide as he was tall, his waistcoat buttons threatening to pop off and cause serious injury at any moment.

"Horace," Fleamont said, stepping forwards and taking the professor's hand. "Did you bring Regulus?"

"Of course! Regulus, my boy, come on. Don't be shy!"

Fleamont cocked his head to one side, to see the young boy seemingly trying to disappear into the background. "Regulus? I don't bite. I just wanted to let you know that Sirius is going to be okay."

"He's not going to die?"

"No. He's still very poorly but he's going to be okay," Fleamont said gently, as he stepped to one side, letting Regulus into the room. "Is there anything you want to know or is there anything you want to give him."

"When's he coming back to school?" Regulus asked in a small voice, as he wrapped his arms around himself.

"Not yet. He still needs a bit more time to get a bit better."

Regulus slowly nodded. "But he's okay."

"Yes, I promise. He's very tired but he will be okay."

"And he's safe?"

"Yes. I won't let anyone hurt him."

"Thank you," Regulus replied, as he rubbed his arms, rocking himself slightly. "I know our parents have said bad things about him, but he's not like that."

"I know," Fleamont replied. "Regulus, are you alright?"

"Yeah. Umm, can you give him this," Regulus said quietly, as he handed over a rolled canvas. "And, umm, just say hi to him from me."

"Of course, I will," Fleamont replied with a smile, as he laid a gentle hand on Regulus' shoulder.

"Thank you," Regulus said, as he turned and made his way out of the office.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Fleamont asked, watching Regulus' retreating figure.

"I'll make sure he is. I know I failed Sirius, but I'm not going to fail Regulus," Minerva replied, with a slight nod. "James should be here shortly."

Fleamont nodded. "How is he?"

"Honestly? He's a bit lost. He and Sirius have been inseparable since they met. The only time I see them apart is when James is in Divination and Sirius is in Ancient Runes."

"And the beginning of this term," Fleamont added.

"Yes, and then. Fleamont, again, I am so sorry."

Fleamont raised his hand. "Mistakes were made. We all made mistakes, myself included. I just think we all need to learn from this."

"Agreed. Come in," Minerva said, hearing a knock at the door. "Ah, James."

"Professor. Dad? Is Sirius," James started hesitantly.

"Sirius is going to be okay. He's out of danger."

"Oh, wow," James replied, sinking into the sofa. "Are you sure? The healers thought, well I don't think they knew what they were doing, but they said there was nothing they could do."

"The muggle doctors managed to test his blood and work out what he had been poisoned with. They have given him potions to get rid of the poison. He's still very poorly but he's going to be okay," Fleamont said, as he sank down next to his son and draped an arm around his shoulders. "He'll be back before you know it. He'll be back pranking with you before you know it."

"But not yet," James replied quietly.

"No, not yet. He needs a bit more time."

James nodded. "If I had-"

"No," Fleamont said, as he gently hugged his son. "No James, there was nothing you could have done differently. When the healers realised they couldn't do anything, when they realised they were in over their heads, they should have reached out to muggle methods. There was nothing you could have done."

"Yes, but if I had helped him earlier."

"I spoke with Sirius about what happened last term. I can understand why you were angry with him. If I'd been in your shoes, I would have been as well. But then you learnt the whole story, and you forgave him."

"I should've tried speaking to him before though."

"Maybe," Fleamont reasoned. "But I don't think Sirius' parents would have allowed that. And when," he continued when he saw James about to interject. "When you saw him at the beginning of term, I can't imagine how confused you must have felt."

"After the initial shock, I did try and talk to him, but he disappeared."

"He's been doing a lot of that recently," Fleamont surmised. "You did what you could. It was difficult. It was confusing. There were many mistakes made. Yes, you made one, but it was minuscule compared to the mistakes the adults in your and Sirius' lives made, me included."

"I guess. But he's really going to be okay?"

"Yeah, it's going to take some time, but he will be. He'll need you, if you're up to it."

"Yes," James said enthusiastically. "I've got him some stuff. Just cards and stuff from the team and house etc. Do you think you could give them to him?"

"Of course," Fleamont replied, accepting the large parcel from his son. "It'll be really good for him."

"I miss him, dad."

"I know," Fleamont replied quietly. "When he's a bit better, I'll see if I can bust you out of here to visit him."

"Thanks, dad. I'd better go; I don't want to be late for Transfiguration. McGonagall will skin me alive!"

Fleamont laughed. "James, I've said the same to Sirius, but I think it's best if you steer clear of Mr. Snape for a bit."

Fleamont watched his son walk away, seemingly with an added spring in his step. He was glad for that. James needed Sirius, as much as Sirius needed James. He leant forwards and raked his hands through his hair. Now, he was going to do what he really wanted to avoid. He needed to talk to Dumbledore, and somehow he needed to rein in his temper.

A few minutes later he found himself standing outside the headmaster's office. He took a breath, before raising his hand and knocking on the door. He waited for a moment before hearing the door open.

"Fleamont, what a nice surprise. I wasn't expecting you," Dumbledore said pleasantly.

"I popped over to update James and Regulus," Fleamont filled in as he allowed himself to be guided into the office.

"How is young Sirius?"

"Better," Fleamont replied, keeping his responses short.

"Good," Dumbledore replied, nodding. "That's good."

"I need to talk to you about the age line," Fleamont said, as he sat down.

Dumbledore nodded again. "Tea?"

"No, thank you," Fleamont replied, shaking his head. "Dumbledore, the age line. It's really important."

"Yes, I installed it in October. The pub had been experiencing a couple of troubles from a few of my students. The pub requested I install one."

"And there's only one entrance into the pub?" Fleamont asked, as he pulled out his notes.

"Yes," Dumbledore confirmed. "But the age line ring fences the whole pub, windows included."

"And the roof?"

"The roof too. Someone underage wouldn't be able to fly in."

"Could they cross the line if they were being carried by someone of age?" Fleamont asked.

"No," Dumbledore replied, shaking his head. "The person of age would be permitted to enter, but the underaged person would be rejected. Fleamont, my age line isn't perfect. There is a chance I may have made a mistake."

"But you don't think you did, do you," Fleamont pushed.

"No," Dumbledore replied, shaking his head. "Fleamont, can I ask where you are going with this? If I know, I may be able to help."

"I'm just trying to work out how Sirius got there."

"He hasn't told you?"

"No," Fleamont replied. He stopped and ran a tired hand through his hair. "And I am not about to push him into telling me. He's wound up tighter than a caged bludger. He'll tell me when he's ready."

"But you need to know?"

"I need to know who he's in danger from."

Dumbledore nodded. "He would be safe here."

"No, no he wouldn't be," Fleamont replied, shaking his head. "Not at the moment in any case."

"But if you don't know who the attackers are," Dumbledore pushed.

Fleamont clenched his jaw and tried to push the negative thoughts from his head. "Maybe in time, but not at the moment. Euphemia and I aren't using any magic around him." He watched Dumbledore carefully for a moment. "Look Dumbledore, I know what you are trying to do, but it will take a long time before Sirius and I can trust you again."

"Fleamont, I will admit mistakes have been made but-"

"Yes, they were, myself included, but you abandoned Sirius. How did you not pick up he was badly hurt when he arrived back?! Why didn't you push the healers to seek muggle methods when they had exhausted the magical ones?! We were this close," Fleamont exclaimed, holding his forefinger and thumb a parchment width apart, "From losing him! He's a sixteen year old boy, Dumbledore! Or have you forgotten that!"

"After last term-"

"I know everything about last term. I know Sirius was stressed beyond what he could take. I know he was terrified. I know he felt lost. I know he felt abandoned. I know he felt trapped. I know he felt the walls were closing in him. And yes, he reacted. Yes, he shouldn't have done what he did. But didn't anyone question why? Sirius is known for his loyalty, so why didn't one teacher question why Sirius, of all people, seemingly betrayed Remus' secret?!" Fleamont growled, as he stood up suddenly and started to pace the room, his temper getting the better of him.

"Fleamont, if I could just talk to-"

"No," Fleamont replied, cutting Dumbledore off. "No, not at the moment. He's exhausted and I don't want to put him under any more stress than he is already under."

"Of course," Dumbledore replied simply, knowing he was fighting a losing battle.

"Well, I'd better be off," Fleamont said, as he looked at his watch. "I'm sorry I was short with you, but some things needed to be said."

"I understand and, for what it's worth, I am sorry," Dumbledore said, extending his hand.

Fleamont paused for a moment before accepting Dumbledore's hand. "As I said, I need to get back to Sirius. But I accept your apology. We all made mistakes, myself included, but we need to move on and support Sirius. And thank you for talking about the age line."

"Anything you need, please let me know. The school misses Sirius. It has been a duller and quieter place without him. Please let him know that," Dumbledore said, resting a hand on Fleamont's shoulder.

"I will do," Fleamont replied, finding a smile. "Can I use your fireplace to floo?"

"Of course," Dumbledore said, stepping forwards and handing a pot of powder to the other man.

Fleamont carefully balanced the parcel under his arm and took a pinch of powder. "Thank you, Dumbledore," he said, before stepping forwards, dropping the powder into the flames. "Potter Manor."