The Betrothal

It a library, the walls are shelves and there are rows of shelves across the room. Sirius closes the door behind him and walks past Harry. He follows behind as they walk through the corridor of books. Soon though there is a break in the shelves and Harry is met with a small sitting area. It’s got three leather love seats, each with there own table to the left of them. The whole thing is very cozy.

Harry follows Sirius’ lead and takes a seat.

“So, I believe we have a lot to talk about, Harry.” Sirius states.

#####

Sirius’ POV

“We do?” Harry inquires, carefully.

The tone Sirius used was far more serious than he thinks he’s ever used before in his life. But he knows this conversation is going to be difficult. He wants to be there for Harry, he wants to be present and supportive and caring. He wants to be everything Molly Weasley says he isn’t. He wants to prove her wrong, that he is a parent for Harry. He’s the boys goddamn godfather for fucks sake.

“Yes, we do. So, I’ll ask, what would you like to talk about first? How the Dursley’s have actually raised and treated you. Why you didn’t eat anything at dinner. Why you’re angry with me. Or what the Order have been doing all summer.” Sirius inquires.

“I’d like answers to those questions too.” Remus’ voice informs, as the man walks over to the empty seat.

Harry, obviously hadn’t heard him open the door, considering the startled expression that overtook his face. To be fair if Sirius wasn’t in-tuned with the wards of the house, he’d have likely startled too. But he hadn’t as he’d felt Remus pass the staircase, having given him permission to come to this floor almost immediately. Sirius hadn’t even considered the fact that he wouldn’t be able to use let alone feel the wards if he’d been kicked out, like he’d thought he had.

Sirius decides that he’s going to find a way to get to Gringotts…safely. He isn’t risking leaving Harry alone. Not again, never again.

“I’m angry because I haven’t received any letters from either of you all summer.” Harry informs.

“You have to understand Harry, Dumbledore said…” Remus starts.

Sirius watches Harry and realises very quickly that, that was the wrong thing to say. The next thing he knows Harry is out of his seat and is pacing in front of them, red in the face.

“Oh! Dumbledore said? Well then please excuse me, I had no idea the great all-powerful Dumbledore said something!” Harry exclaims in a sarcastic tone of voice.

“Harry…” Sirius tries but gets cut off.

“No, absolutely not. My anger is completely justified and I will not be talked to like a child throwing a tantrum.” Harry snaps at him.

That wasn’t what Sirius’ was trying to do.

“Of course not Harry, but if you don’t explain to us what the issue is, we can’t fix it.” Remus jumps in.

“The issue is that I watched someone die in front of me. I saw Cedric get killed and then I was sent back to the Dursley’s and left alone with no support from anyone. I got no letters from my friends, my family. And why? Why was I left completely and utterly alone? Because Dumbledore said.” Harry rants at them.

“We thought we were doing what was best. Obviously we were wrong.” Sirius says.

“No shit.” Harry huffs.

“Language.” Remus scolds, lightly.

“Bite me, you were doing worse at my age.” Harry says.

“He is not wrong.” Sirius chuckles before facing Harry. “I’m sorry Harry. I should have thought through how my actions or lack thereof would affect you. Especially considering everything you went through.”

“I’m sorry too. I could try to explain to you my reasoning but I don’t want it to seem like I’m excusing my actions. And you’re right, we’re adults. We should have realised that you didn’t just need to speak with a mind healer but that you also needed us too.” Remus apologises.

“What are you on about? What mind healer?” Harry questions.

Sirius gives Remus a look of alarm which his friend shares.

“The mind healer that Dumbledore had you see during the summer…” Sirius says carefully.

Harry laughs, it’s a small derisive thing that has Sirius’ stomach dropping.

“You did see a mind healer this summer, right Harry?” Remus checks.

“No, no I did not.” Harry tells them as he retakes his seat.

“Why would Dumbledore lie about that?” Remus asks the room in confusion.

“Don’t know…Can we talk about what the Order has been doing all summer now?” Harry says, changing the topic.

“Of course.” Sirius agrees still feeling a sense of confusion and betrayal.

“Let’s see, once the summer holidays started Dumbledore sounded the alarms and brought the Order back together, since then several things have been happening at once. Our main mission is to get as many people aware and ready to defend themselves as best we can.” Remus starts.

“Which hasn’t been going well, considering the Daily Prophet article that Hermione showed me.” Harry nods.

“No, it hasn’t been going well.” Remus agrees.

“We’ve been trying to track where known death eaters have been so we can figure out what that monster is planning.” Sirius continues.

“I have a feeling there’s a but at the end of that sentence.” Harry prompts.

“But…they’ve been acting exactly like they usually would; going to work, coming home, having their ridiculously fancy pureblood parties.” Sirius can’t help but roll his eyes.

He remembers those parties, the dressing up, the snobbishness. His desire to smash everyone’s faces in. Specifically his parents. He’d hated them, hated how they were always for good causes but the causes themselves were never actually spoken about. Sirius would bet most of the money ‘donated’ went into the hosts pocket anyway.

“Do we know anything about you-know-who and what he’s been up too?” Harry asks, incredulous.

Sirius and Remus share a look, wondering if they should tell Harry or not. Eventually Remus sighs before turning back to Harry.

“We know that he’s living between a couple of houses.” Remus starts. “The Crouch’s, the Nott’s and the Malfoy’s.”

“How did he get access to the Crouch’s. Bartemius Crouch is dead and his son is still considered dead right? Or does the public believe that part about him being alive but nothing else?” Harry inquires, sounding so fucking done.

“No the public still believe Barty Crouch to be dead but Gringotts only closes an account if magic tells them a line has been wiped out. The ministry and the public are just assuming that there is another Crouch out there. We believe Barty managed to visit Gringotts at some point, possibly under polyjuice potion and got access to his accounts and house.” Sirius answers.

“Okay, so we have a good idea on where he is and who is actively interacting with him on a regular basis. What have those people been doing? Malfoy and Nott.” Harry questions.

“Nothing out of the usual.” Remus answers, “Though we have heard rumours of them having a house guest from who had previously been traveling. We can’t be sure though if that’s just a cover for you-know-who staying with them.”

“Have the Order been able to do anything? No offense but it sounds pretty useless so far.” Harry points out.

“We’re mainly on the defense at the moment what with protecting the proph…” Sirius stops talking when Remus smacks him in the arm.

“I agreed to telling him some stuff, but this…” Remus hesitates before turning to Harry. “You know I care about you and it’s because I care about you that I feel this piece of information shouldn’t be given to you yet.”

“You think this piece of information will make me act out?” Harry checks, as he seems to consider what Remus is saying.

“I think you are a teenage boy who has the weight of the world on his shoulders because no one else is offering to take the load for you. This is me asking you to let myself and Sirius to carry this for you.” Remus offers.

“Fine, but I want to know this information either on my seventeenth birthday or when you think I need to know it. Whichever comes first.”Harry instructs.

“Deal.” Remus agrees.

Sirius releases the breath he didn’t know he was holding. He, like Harry, hates secrets. Especially when they revolve around and interrupt your life. So he knows exactly how much trust Harry is giving them with agreeing to this.

“Next topic, why didn’t you eat anything at dinner?” Sirius pushes on forwards.

“You have to promise not to react the way I know you’re going to want to. I have a plan and I need you both to trust that.” Harry asks of them.

“Will whatever you’re about to tell me make me angry?” Sirius inquires.

“Probably.” Harry admits.

Sirius nods before taking his wand out. He places it at the center of the table next to him.

“Can you cast a sticking charm on that please.” Sirius instructs.

“Mine too.” Remus adds.

“Aren’t I supposed to not be doing magic?” Harry questions.

“You’re in a magic house with several magic users, the ministry won’t be able to tell who’s magic is whose.” Sirius informs.

“That is so unfair for the muggleborn kids and the half-bloods that live with their muggle parents.” Harry huffs as he proceeds to place sticking charms on both of their wands.

“Okay, one more thing.” Sirius says before he uses his connection to the wards to lock the library doors. “Go ahead.”

Harry opens his mouth, closes it, opens it, huffs and then sticks out his hand. It takes Sirius a second to realise what he’s looking at. A ring, an heir-ship ring…the Black heir-ship ring. Once he figures that out Sirius goes through several thoughts.

Why is Harry wearing it? Because he’s the Black family heir.

How did he get a hold of it? Gringotts most likely.

How long has he been wearing it? Impossible to know unless asked.

Why would the ring stop him from eating? Because it warns you about potions being in your food.

What type of potion? Mind manipulating potions.

And it’s as he gets to the end of that last thought that Sirius’ anger takes hold.

“Who the hell is putting potions in your food!” He exclaims as he stands from his chair.

“I can’t know for sure, seeing as the food popped onto my plate from house elf magic…” Harry starts.

“Elf! That little! Kreacher!” Sirius yells.

Kreacher pops into the room several feet away with a snarl on his face.

“No good master called Kreacher.” The house elf says.

“You put food on Harry’s plate?” Sirius asks loudly.

“No Kreacher did not.” Kreacher denies.

“Was the plate already made before you gave it Harry?” Remus questions in a tone that belies his anger.

Kreacher doesn’t answer and instead just glares at Remus. Obviously not liking him because of Remus being a werewolf. It just goes to anger Sirius further.

“Answer him.” Sirius snaps.

“Yes.” Kreacher grumbles.

“Who put the food on the plate and told you to give it to me?” Harry inquires.

Kreacher huffs and mutters under his breath but doesn’t answer. Sirius goes to demand an answer but Harry beats him to it.

“Kreacher, I am the heir to house Black and you will treat me with respect and answer my questions.” Harry informs.

Sirius watches as Kreacher’s eyes widen and look down towards Harry’s hand where the heir ship ring is still visible. The elf’s eyes go wide and he looks close to crying.

“Kreacher didn’t know!” The elf cries. “Kreacher would never harm Black heir!”

“But you’d harm a guest of the Black family?” Harry points out.

“Mistress says…” Kreacher starts.

“Lady Black is dead and therefore no longer your mistress. You will listen and follow the orders that Lord and heir Black set for you.” Harry interrupts.

Sirius’s anger has somewhat dissipated as he listens to Harry order the crazy elf around with ruthless efficiency.

“Kreacher understands.” Kreacher whispers as he pulls on his ears.

“Very good Kreacher, now answer my question. Who put the food on the plate and who told you to give it to me?” Harry questions.

“No good blood traitor woman made plate and tried to order Kreacher, but she isn’t a Black. Kreacher didn’t listen to her. So she had filthy half-blood Black do it.” Kreacher grouches.

“Thank you Kreacher, you may leave now but you are under strict orders to tell no one about this conversation.” Harry instructs.

“Yes master.” Kreacher bows before disappearing with a pop.

“Unstick my wand. I’m going to kill them.” Sirius decides as he moves back over to his chair and the table his wand is stuck to.

“Sirius…” Harry starts.

“No, the woman who not even an hour ago claimed you to be family and herself to be a better parent than me, tried to dose you with a mind altering potion. And the woman who claims to be my cousin helped her.” Sirius states angrily.

“Remus, talk to…” Harry stops talking so suddenly that Sirius looks up and over at Remus.

He finds his best friend trying to take deep breaths as his eyes flicker between brown and golden and his nails dig into the leather of his seat. The sight has Sirius’ anger flying out the window. He needs to calm Remus down before they have a werewolf problem on their hands. It’s not normal for a werewolf to turn outside of the full moon but it has been known to happen if the person was feeling a strong enough emotion at the time.

“Remus, breathe. Come on, deep breaths.” Sirius instructs as he carefully makes his way over to his best friend.

He makes all of his actions clear and obvious as he carefully picks up one of Remus’ clawed hands. He gently places it on his chest and proceeds to take big, over-exaggerated breaths. Sirius keeps an eye on Remus’ breathing pattern and finds that it’s slowly calming down and starting to follow his.

“Good, that’s good. You’re doing great.” Sirius says, trying to further soothe Remus.

“They tried to hurt our pup.” Remus manages to get out between fanged teeth.

“But they didn’t.” Harry jumps in. “Remus, Remus look at me.”

Remus does as asked and Sirius watches out the corner of his eye as Harry gives the man a smile.

“They didn’t hurt me. I’m okay. Nothing is going to happen to me because together we are smart enough to make sure it never happens again. But we can’t make smart decisions when we’re riding on anger. So right now we really need you to breathe and calm down.” Harry calmly instructs.

“Pups not hurt?” Remus checks.

“They didn’t hurt me.” Harry says and Sirius can’t help but notice the way Harry side steps the question.

They didn’t hurt Harry but someone did.

Slowly though, very slowly, Remus calms down. His eyes stop glowing amber, his nails shrink back to human and his canines disappear, leaving a row of human teeth. It takes another couple of deep breaths after that for Remus to look at either of them.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean for that to happen.” Remus sighs, scrubbing his hands over his face.

“It’s okay, Remus. You never need to be sorry for the fact that your anger issues take a more physical side than others.” Harry soothes.

“I should have had better control, I knew you were going to say something upsetting and I still didn’t brace myself for it.” Remus huffs, angry with himself.

“You’re too hard on yourself.” Sirius states.

“What are we going to do about Molly and Tonks?” Remus asks, side stepping the conversation.

Sirius will allow it, for now, but they will be having a private chat about Remus’ need to look down on himself…again.

“At the moment, nothing.” Harry answers.

“What do you mean nothing?” Sirius inquires, shocked. “They tried to dose you with a mind-altering potion, who knows what that could have done to you.”

“I know that, but we have no proof. And even if we did it’s not like we could call the authorities. It happened at a dinner with a, wrongfully, convicted criminal, who happens to be the only one that could explain to the Wizengamot what protections the Black heir-ship ring has.” Harry points out.

“Why does it matter that Sirius is the only one that can explain what protections the ring has?” Remus questions.

“If a criminal offense happens that was only caught because of a lordship or heir-ship ring then the head of the house must come on the stand to tell the Wizengamot of the protections of the ring in question, otherwise the accused will be set free.” Sirius answers Remus before turning to Harry. “I didn’t realise you were that far along in your heir-ship classes.”

“What heir-ship classes?” Harry asks, sounding very, very done with life.

“The ones that…” Sirius starts, Harry stops him.

“I’m gonna stop you right there, if the end of that sentence is, ‘the ones that Dumbledore has set up for you’ then I’m going to need to inform you that at no point in my life has Dumbledore set anything up for me.” Harry sighs.

“I was going to say the ones that Hogwarts offer.” Sirius corrects, but still takes note of Harry’s obvious dislike for his headmaster.

“Hogwarts don’t offer any classes like that.” Harry informs.

“Since when?” Sirius asks, shocked.

Those classes were important, they allowed heirs to learn more than just what their family was willing to teach. And the reason families like his still allowed him to attend such classes was because it was also a good place to interact with other heirs. Creating allies and friends out of people that likely wouldn’t interact otherwise. Not that it was easy during his time at Hogwarts, what with the war brewing but still, the class was an important one.

“I don’t know…it’s not in Hogwarts a History and that’s the only book that really is out there about Hogwarts. Which just to be clear, is weird. Hogwarts is a big school that has been up for decades, centuries even, there should be more books.” Harry grumbles.

“Okay, just so I’m clear on some stuff. We aren’t doing anything about Molly and Tonks, Dumbledore has been doing nothing to help you and Hogwarts has stopped more classes than I realised.” Remus checks.

“What do you mean more classes than you realised?” Sirius asks. “What other classes have they stopped?”

“Alchemy for one, heir-ship classes apparently, the welcome to the magicking world for muggleborns class, pureblood studies but that was stopped before we were at Hogwarts. The hexes and curses class that taught you how to undo them. The health classes both healing and exercise. And a few more. Plus things that were mandatory aren’t anymore, like muggle studies.” Remus answers.

“Muggle studies was mandatory?” Harry questions while Sirius wonders what on earth Dumbledore is doing, stopping all of those classes.

“Yes and from my understanding of certain muggleborn students grumblings, the class is no longer up to date.” Remus states.

“Yeah, no it isn’t. It teaches nothing of how dangerous muggles could be to wizards nowadays.” Harry adds.

“What do you mean?” Sirius inquires, already feeling like everything is just a tad too much and maybe some fire whiskey would be a good thing.

“I mean all the recent inventions that muggles have come up with. Bombs and machine guns and Nuclear anything…Magic is amazing but if muggle-kind somehow found out about wixen-kind and they reacted the way they do with everything then we wouldn’t stand a chance in a fight.” Harry informs.

Sirius doesn’t want to believe that for a second but then he notices the way Remus is nodding his head in agreement.

“Okay, so we’ve thoroughly upended my world view tonight and we still haven’t gotten to the most important thing that we need to talk about.” Sirius sighs, exasperated.

“And what’s the most important thing we need to talk about?” Harry asks.

Sirius tries to start, to open his mouth and ask Harry what life is actually like living with the Dursley’s, but finds he can’t quite bring himself to do it. He doesn’t want to deal with the knowledge that if Harry’s life is as bad as he thinks it is, then it’s his fault. Because if Sirius had thought for even a second before handing Harry over and running off after Peter then none of what Harry went through would have happened.

Remus, obviously sensing Sirius’ pain, places a hand on his and starts the conversation himself.

“Why was there a doggy door in your bedroom door Harry?” Remus inquires.

Doggy door, Sirius had seen those on muggles back doors. Those were for animals, pets, to leave the house and do their business. They had no right being on the door to Harry’s bedroom, no point of being there. It shouldn’t have been there.

“So my relatives could give me food and water without having to actually see me.” Harry answers easily but with a cutting tone that wounds Sirius.

“And the bucket in your bedroom.” Remus continues.

“I think we both know what the bucket was for Remus.” Harry states, tone cold, icy.

It hurts Sirius deep in his chest.

“You mentioned bars on the windows.” Sirius reminds.

“I don’t see what you’re both not getting.” Harry says.

“Harry, we can’t help you if you don’t tell us.” Remus points out.

“Help me? Neither of you could help me anyway. Sirius is trapped in this house because he’s considered a criminal and you’re a werewolf. No one would let me live with either of you, I’m personally surprised I’m being allowed to live with you now.” Harry scoffs.

“We could go to Dumbledore…” Remus tries.

“You mean the man that placed me there in the first place and has been denying my pleas to live elsewhere every year since I came to Hogwarts? Excellent idea Remus. But hey, let’s say that works. Who do you think he’ll have me live with? My bet is the Weasley’s who we’ve all just found out have no problem dosing me with potions, so please oh please continue down that line of thinking.” Harry’s sarcasm pains Sirius, it makes him whimper and want to turn into a dog just to get away from the emotions.

“He hasn’t helped you?” Remus asks, sounding aghast.

“He’s just the principle of my school Remus. Why would he help me with anything?” Harry questions.

“But he…” Remus seems to finally shudder under the weight of Harry’s anger, of Harry’s pain.

Sirius finally, finally manages to open his mouth and the words that tumble out aren’t the words he wanted to say. He wanted to reassure Harry, to promise him that he’d find a way, instead what tumbles out is, “Do they hit you?”

“They do a lot more than hit me Sirius. My scars have scars. And before you ask, I have tried showing people, I have tried asking for help but each and every time I got told I’m lying, that things aren’t that bad, that I just need to be better behaved. And each time I go back to that house and they hurt me worse for daring to open my mouth and spread my lies and slander. So yes Sirius, they do hit me.” Harry answers.

Sirius doesn’t say anything, can’t say anything, tears are threatening to escape and his muscles are so tense they ache. And Harry is just sitting there, looking like if they say or do the wrong thing he’s going to break apart and they won’t be able to pick up the pieces.

“I’m tired and I don’t want to sleep in the same room as Ron. Is there somewhere else for me to sleep?” Harry inquires.

“We need to talk about this Harry.” Remus says.

“We just did.” Harry snaps. “And now I’m tired and want to sleep.”

Remus goes to try again, to continue the conversation but Sirius knows better, he knows that Harry has given all that he can tonight. That the anger and spite is hiding fear and pain. He knows that pushing will only hurt them all. He remembers being in Harry’s shoes and hiding. Harry hides behind anger and cutting remarks whilst Sirius hid behind jokes and pranks that went too far. So Sirius places a hand on Remus’ before standing up.

“I’m going to need my wand back if I am to show you to your new room.” Sirius informs.

Harry watches him, looking for anything that would suggest Sirius is going to keep pushing. It seems he finds nothing, as he soon flicks his wand and both his and Remus’ wands unstick. Sirius picks his up and places it into the wand holster that used to be his fathers, as did the wand. The feel of them burn, he wished it was his own wand warming his skin with the potential of magic but that had gotten broken the moment he was thrown in Azkaban.

Sirius unlocks the Library doors before gesturing of Harry to follow him. Harry does and they make their way out of the room and a couple doors down. He takes a deep breath before opening the door to what was once his brother’s bedroom. When the door opens, Sirius allows Harry inside without taking a step into the room himself. It’s clean, it’s the only clean room in the house, other than the master bedroom which Sirius has been staying in.

Harry walks around the room, looking at all the little nicknack's Regulus once collected. Sirius expects Harry to ask who’s room it once was, but he doesn’t. Instead he nods before sitting on the bed.

“Are you nervous about the trial?” Sirius questions.

“Not really, I have a pretty good defense.” Harry informs with a glint in his eye that speaks of mischief.

“I suppose so, although they are going to try to point out that your cousin as a muggle couldn’t see the Dementor.” Sirius reminds.

“I know, but I can just point out that he is my cousin, who already knows about magic and I therefore didn’t reveal anything to anyone.” Harry states.

“Excellent point.” Sirius grins.

“Tomorrow, can I go back in the library, I’d like to see what books you have.” Harry asks.

“Of course, but I will want to be there with you. Some of the books bite.” Sirius says with full seriousness.

“Is it okay for me to send letters whilst the house is charmed?” Harry queries.

“I see no reason why you shouldn’t. I’d just make sure you spell Hedwig to tracking spells slide off him first.” Sirius suggests.

“I don’t know that spell.” Harry admits.

“It’s fine, I’ll teach you.” Sirius promises. “Do you need me to go and get you your things?”

“That’s the reason he doesn’t like you.” Harry points out.

“Who?” Sirius questions.

“Kreacher, he’s a house elf Sirius, he lives to serve and you’re taking his job.” Harry informs.

“I don’t like the way house elves are treated.” Sirius defends.

“So don’t treat him badly then, but still give him something to work with. Like this…” Harry sits up straight and with a calm commanding voice, he calls for the elf. “Kreacher.”

“Kreacher help no good master Black and Black heir.” The little elf snarls.

Sirius has never liked Kreacher, the elf always scared him as a child. Didn’t help that the elf would follow his parents orders to the letter. Kreacher always liked Regulus more than him, Sirius always thought it was because Regulus treated the elf better but when Sirius tried to do the same he’d just get snarled at.

“I need for you to retrieve my belongings from the room on the second floor, make sure you aren’t seen or heard, and bring them to me.” Harry instructs.

It’s a very similar fashion to how his brother used to talk to Kreacher. The elf nods and disappears. They wait for barely a few seconds and then the Kreacher is back with Harry’s trunk and Hedwig’s cage with the owl inside it.

“Thank you Kreacher, you did a great job.” Harry says and the elf snarls before popping away. “And that is how you treat a house elf, give them orders, thank them and congratulate them on a job well done.”

“But he snarled at you.” Sirius points out.

“Sirius, he’s an elf, that’s how they smile.” Harry explains.

“No…but…” Sirius stutters as some of his childhood memories take on a different light.

If a snarl is a smile then why does Sirius get called a no good master? Probably because just like Harry said, Sirius started doing jobs he could have given Kreacher because he no longer liked the house elf.

“Give it some time and effort and I’m sure soon enough Kreacher will be smiling at you.” Harry says.

“Well, you’ve upended up world view far too many times tonight. So I’m off to bed.” Sirius finally walks into the room, over to Harry and gives the teenager a kiss on the head. “Good night Harry.”

Sirius walks back to the door and starts closing it. It’s almost all the way shut when Sirius hears, “Goodnight Padfoot.”

The nickname makes him smile as the door shuts. Sirius then turns back towards the library, knowing the Remus is still in there. They have a some stuff they need to talk about.