Chapter 3
Sirius POV
I couldn't help but stare at him as he closed the door behind Harry.
This man, scarred, shabby, and beaten. Perfect,he thought absently.
Just as he'd always been to the disgraced black. But that was for another time, right now Harry was the priority.
"You can use veritaserum on me, if you want"
The words felt bitter in his throat. How long ago had it been when there was complete and utter trust between them? Now there was nothing. Well, at least from Remus's side.
"That can wait, tell me why you kidnapped Lily and James's son."
I couldn't help but flinch.You deserve it, you let them die, you-
"Sirius!" Remus said, a bit less bitting then before.
"I had to moon- Remus. The bearded bastard left him with PETUNIA!" I exclaimed hurriedly. Remus didn't look convinced.
"Did you ever stop to consider the fact that maybe he was happy there?" My beloved werewolf asked tiredly.
I looked aghast, " Remus, they left him with Petunia! Of course he wasn't happy!" I cried, placing both hands flat against the table.
" did ya see him Remus? Skin and bones! Looks like he hasn't eaten a day in his life. Scared like a rabbit-" I rambled, trying to keep my voice level.
Looking back, it probably took all of his will power and self control not to burn down their perfect little house.
He'd been thinking about it for days, sitting in his rotten cell.
‘You could escape, transform and get out of this hell.’ He'd mused. But alas, he hadn't moved.
You deserve to rot in here, their dead because of you~ the dark little voice in his mind whispered.
He groaned in agony and rolled over, voices pounding in his ears.
“You killed me!"
“It’s all your fault, how couldn't you see it coming!"
“Could have stoped him."
"I hate you!"
That last one was always Remus, a look of disgust on his face that made Sirius whimper.
He rolled over once more and closed his eyes. He should cry, but he'd run out of tears long ago. Now he was just empty and hollow.
A large clang sounded, making him peel one eye open. An dementor stood over him, throwing something through the bars before moving on. It looked like a newspaper, be it soggy and old.
Summoning his last bit of strength, he gingerly picked it up.
It definitely was a Daily Prophet, dated five years ago today (he only knew the date because of dear cousin Bellatrix).
It showed a picture of a man, a women, and their baby, all smiling happily up at the camera.
It was James and Lily, little Harry snug between them. The caption read, "The Boy-Who-Lived's Second Birthday!".
Looking down, the animagus reverently read the article.
‘The Boy-That-Lived is turning two today! Not one year ago, this very special little boy defeated he who must not be named, ending the war. We hope that where ever little Harry is, he is enjoying his birthday. Our sources tell us that he has been sent to live with his closest living relatives, away from all the fuss. Let this day be filled with hope and happiness for all!
Sirius blinked rapidly, closest relatives? That would have to be...No. there was no way, surly Dumbledore wouldn't have sent him to them.
"You could go check on him, they'd never know." He said aloud. Just a quick check, you his godfather, it's your job.
Raising quickly, Sirius transformed, the skinny black dog slipping through the grimly bars. He walked out, carefully avoiding dementors at each turn. Once outside he apperated, reappeared in some wooded area by the coast. He breathed deeply, he was free.
Harry first.
He quickly apperated again, this time standing on a prim street he hadn't seen in some 10 years or so.
The dishonored black could remember the last time he was here. He, Remus, and James had come to get Lily.
He remembered the front door opening to reveal her tear-stained face. Petunia and Lily's fight had been legendary, ending in James threatening Vernon and Lily swearing to never step foot in this house again. AndDumbledore though this was the best option?
Shifting back, he scampered over to number four, peaking through their front windows.
The inside was relatively the same, unbearable clean and sleek. Pictures of them all over.
Petunia, as horse like asever, Vernon, still a overweight walrus, and their demon spawn. But no Harry? Surly as their nephew (no matter how estranged) he'd be in at least one family photo.
As if on que, a tiny boy came into sight, making Sirius gasp. Now he wasn't an expert, but no five-year-old should be that skinny.He was drowning in the baggy fabric of his shirt, a piece of string all that kept his trousers to his small hips.
In his arms was what looked like a trash bag, the green-eyed boy barely strong enough to carry it. What was he doing?
Suddenly, a harsh yell came from somewhere deeper in the house, making Harry jump.
"Get on with that cleaning boy! You still have dishes to do brat!"
Sounds like Vernon, Sirius thought. The little boy sighed miserably, making the black dog whimper.
Chores? He was seven! And shouldn't he be asleep at this time of night?
Harry continued to heave the trash bag to the front door and down the drive way sadly. Sirius decided to follow, picking his way over.
He looked worse up close, glasses with scotch tape keeping them together. The beginning of a bruise crawling up his arm.Sirius blood boiled at the sight. They were hurting him! His godson!
He couldn't let this go on, Lily and James would have been appalled! He sighed as memories of his friends washed over him. He missed them desperately.But grief could wait, Harry needed him.
He inched forwarded, letting out a gentle whine to let his presents be known.
The boy jumped, turning with wide eyes to see the large black dog. He stumbled back,tripping over the forgotten trash bag as he tried to get away. He didn't yell Sirius noticed , like he knew no one would come.
Looking around to make sure the coast was clear, he turned back into himself. Harry's eyes grew to the size of diner plates at the sight.
"Hello there Harry." His voice sounded rough in his ears.
"How do you know who I am." His godson asked, voice barely above a whisper.
" I'm you godfather, Harry. I knew your parents" the little boys face changed from fear to amazement in a heartbeat.
"You knew my mummy and daddy!?" The black-haired boy exclaimed.
Sirius nodded sadly, trying to keep his face blank.“Yes I did, they told me to take care of you." He explained, trying not to let his heart crack right in half.
"They don't take good care of you, do they?" he asked, glancing up menacingly at the house. Harry looked down and shook his head sadly.
"You don't like them?" He had asked,Harry's eyes filling with tears at the question.
"N-No, not r-really." The poor boy hiccuped, rubbing his eyes.
Sirius was stuck between a rock and a hard place.
No, of course he couldn't leave Harry with these people, the barely treated him like a person. But could he bring him back toAzkaban, absolutely fucking not.
Then he wouldn't go back, Sirius decided.
He'd raise Harry on his own, on the run. Not the best situation, but better then this.
"Would you like it with me better?" He asked shakily, preparing for rejection.
"If you don't mind, I would like that very much." He squeaked, eyes still dropped.
Sirius blinked and smiled gently.“Then let's go." Sirius said simply, offering the little boy his hand.
Harry hadn't looked back at Number Four , but Sirius did, trying very hard not to think about lighting it on fire.
"Sirius!" Remus's voice shook me out of my thoughts. He was standing next to me now, snapping his fingers in my face.
"Sorry, lost my mind a minute there."
Remus didn't say anything, so I continued. " I had to take him Remus, you didn't see him, or them!"
"Then why did you bring him here, this surly isn’t better?" The wonderful shabby man asked.
I jumped from my chair,"Isn't better? This is loads better the thought god awful muggles! They hurt him Remus! I saw it!" I exploded, making his eyes go wide.
"They hurt him?"Remus asked in horror, a look of dread and disgust on his face.
I sighed and stepped closer to him, placing a gentle had on his shoulder. He could have brushed me off, but he didn't, just stared at me hard.
I could see the guilt now, so I quickly said, "And there was no way you could have known."
He glared at me, but didn't move away. "He can't stay here, You can't stay here. They'll find you." Remus finally said, looking away.
"I know a place we can go, we'll be safe." I replied airily, still looking him.
" The why come here, why come talk to me?" The werewolf sounded tired and sad, my heart ached.
I grimaced. Because I need you, because I love you, because I can't do this alone.
"Because I want you to come with me."
He looked up at me in alarm, his brows scrunching together. "May I reminded you that I am a werewolf and part of the order!" He hissed franticly.
I scoffed,"Your also one of my best friends, there's no one who could love him more then you or me."
He was silent, trying to process my words.
"Please Remus! I need you!" I pleaded. He looked up sharply, and I winced at the look on his face. Hardened and neutral.
"We'll figures out your little furry problem later, you've got 3 weeks til the full moon. Just... please come with me." My voice was lowered now, strained. I tried desperately to keep the pleading out of my voice.
Remus surveyed me one last time before pinching his nose in annoyance, "Let me pack a bag." He finally muttered, packing a bag.