The Dursleys' Just Desserts
Writings
Flashbacks
Silent communication
……………………
Date: Friday, January 5, 1996
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Private Drive, Surrey
Dark alleys, smoking ruins, battlefields with flashes of vicious colored lights, piercing screams, and death all around couldn’t compare to the eeriness of this place.
Rows and rows of houses identical to each other plotted the neighborhood on each street they walked past. Identical lawns, along with nearly identical cars to go along with the identical homes. There was only one difference between the houses: the gold-plated numbers.
The quiet, unassuming, cookie cutter neighborhood isn’t a place where one would think cruelty lurks.
Appearances aren’t all they seem to be.
If anyone knew the truth about that, it would be him.
Surely and steadily the four witches and wizards, and one dog Animagus, made their way to the home of Vernon, Petunia and Dudley Dursley.
As much as Sirius hated the reason why they were here, of what it meant for Harry, he couldn't help the giddiness he felt at the horror on Petunia's face at seeing so many magical people on her doorstep. Mostly their reactions towards Remus and himself. Sirius knew that Harry had used his status as mass murderer and escaped convict to get them off his back as much as possible. Harry had also casually mentioned that he had met one of his father's old friends who was extremely protective of him, and also happened to be a werewolf. When Harry had told them this Sirius couldn't help his bark of laughter and didn't miss the humor in Remus' eyes. He was so proud of his godson.
They both were.
Soon enough they arrived at the doorstep of the Dursleys' residence. Sirius watched as Dumbledore raised his hand and knocked three times on the door. He listened to the sound of heels making their way towards the door and the lock clicking open. He watched as Petunia opened the door and took in the people standing in front of her. Her eyes immediately went to Dumbledore. He knew she recognized the old Headmaster by the widening of her eyes. The way her expression shifted from surprised to extreme contempt. Without saying a word to any of them she went to slam the door in their faces.
Unfortunately for Petunia, and amusingly for Sirius, Andromeda Tonks née Black was not one to suffer such treatment. She may have been disowned by the family, but she was and will always be a Black.
"I would very much advise against such an action, and kindly request for you to act civilly and invite us in. It's obvious that things of great importance had come up that involve your family, otherwise we would not be here. Trust me, we like being here even less than you do." Andie had stopped the door closing with her foot. Her voice and face were pleasant, but Sirius could hear the underlying danger and venom in it. It was obvious to him his cousin did not like the woman in front of her.
"This is my home, who do you think you are?" Merlin, the woman's voice was shrill. His ears weren't the only ones affected by the way Remus had flinched. The way she sounded was so much like his own mother.
"I am Andromeda Tonks, this is my husband Ted, this is Albus Dumbledore, this is Remus and his mutt Padfoot." Wisely, Sirius would choose to ignore the mutt comment as he was man enough to admit that it was not worth going against Andie. Even he was not reckless enough to go against his older cousin. Apparently, Remus knew what was going through his mind as he spared an amused glance in Sirius' direction.
When Andie had introduced Dumbledore, he saw nothing but deep loathing. The expression morphed to one of panic and fear the second Remus' name was mentioned. Sirius couldn't help the glee that rose in him upon seeing it. Based on the tilt of his head, the slightest, barely noticeable smirk on his lips, and allowing the amber of his eyes to bleed through, Remus knew what had gone through the horse faced woman's mind and felt great amusement.
Some may think that their joy in seeing the woman so obviously scared was cruel of them. Neither of them could bring up the will to care as they knew this woman had brought up their boy with little care for how he felt. With complete disregard as to how their treatment of him would affect Harry. Remus and he will gladly take any enjoyment they can out from their fear and discomfort from them.
"Why are you here?" Petunia tried to sound annoyed but there was no mistaking the trembling in her voice. The way her eyes kept glancing back at Remus, as though if she looked away for too long it would give enough time for the man to attack.
People always thought Sirius was the most dangerous one in the group. With his name and his family, his rebellious nature, and his brashness. Only three people ever knew the truth. The first has been dead for many years, the second was a rat and traitor, and the third was Sirius himself. The truth of the matter was that Remus was the dangerous one. It didn't have anything to do with him being a werewolf, but with who Remus was as a person. His penchant to remain calm, to critically think things through before acting, made him methodical, meticulous, and brutally vicious.
Remus rarely attacks anyone outright. The only time he did was if his emotions were already running wild and boiling over. He always preferred to use painstaking exactness to plan an attack that would leave his targets ravaged and decimated. He didn't just want to leave his victims hurt; he wanted them to be broken beyond all recognition.
Sirius remember the time in their fifth year when he was caught on his own heading back to the castle from the Forbidden Forest. He was caught by Dolohov, Rosier, McNair, Rowle, Travers, and Rabastan Lestrange. That summer he had officially ran away from home and was burned off his family tapestry. The others took it as an invitation to hold nothing back during their interactions. Even being two years younger than them Sirius could have managed to take at least three of them down without a problem. Unfortunately, his arms were full of ingredients he had gotten for a prank they were planning.
They had managed to disarm him and stun him before he could even drop what he was holding. He came to, while being dragged further into the forest, that the castle was no longer visible. He managed to land a few kicks and punches but couldn't do much more. It seemed that on his way down when they first stunned him, he had to have hit his head hard. His movements were sluggish, and his vision was blurred.
It wasn't long before they managed to bind him.
For the next couple of hours Sirius was the target of barely legal spells, some extremely illegal spells, and sadistic Death Eaters in the making. After they had their fill of torturous fun, they left him in the forest, unable to move.
He closed his eyes.
By the time he opened them again it was dark, and the moon was high up, barely visible through the canopy of leaves. He tried to sit up, but any movement caused his body to spasm uncontrollably in pain. Trying to take in his surroundings, because he knew being this deep in the forest during the day was extremely dangerous, it was that much worse at night.
Sirius noticed the distant flickering of torches. It seems that his absence did not go unnoticed.
Sirius had tried to call out for help, to let the others know where he was. All that came out was a harsh whisper and a spray of blood. Then a coughing fit that caused excruciating pain to rock his body. He could feel the blood flow more freely.
When the coughing finally stopped, he heard the faint sound of quick footfalls. Suddenly, their pace quickened, and they grew louder.
"SIRIUS?!" The voice belonged to Remus. He doesn't think he's ever heard Remus sound like that before. Frantic and so very worried. Sirius could help the first thought that entered his mind.
Aww, Moony, you do love me.
It must have been his coughing fit that brought Remus the closest to him. He most likely heard it with his enhanced hearing. He knew now that Remus must be following the scent of his blood. It is the only explanation for why, as his voice gets louder, his fear and panic increase.
Suddenly, Remus' face swam into view, his face the picture of horror and alarm illuminated by the flames of the touch in his hands.
"Moony, you win, you found me." Sirius can't help but say in relief even as each word he utters causes a viscous stab of pain.
"Oh Padfoot, you should know by now, I always win." He sees the tears in Remus' eyes, and he wants to say something that will ease his worry but he breaks out into another coughing fit.
As gently as he could, Remus lifted Sirius' head off the ground. He can't complain about the pain it causes him because he's too busy choking on his own blood. Remus sits where Sirius' head once sat and tenderly places his head back down on his lap, his face facing his stomach. Sirius' blood had already started covering his friend's shirt and pants. This coughing attack ended sooner than his last one. The change of position stopped him from choking on his own blood.
After making sure that he wasn't about to choke to death, Sirius watched Remus send a barrage of flares up into the sky. Over and over again lights shot into the air signaling to the others their location.
"I think the others saw them, Remus. They should be on their way. You can stop." With the number of flares that he sent up, he didn't want his brother to exhaust himself. Especially with the full moon just a few days away.
"You would do the same for me, Sirius. I can't lose you. I won't." The utter despair and anxiousness in his friend's voice hurt him more than any curses that were just thrown at him. Sirius wanted to tell him that he was fine but another coughing fit hit him.
As soon as he stopped, he heard his and Remus' names being called and Remus responding. Seconds later James came skidding right next to them dropping on his knees, hands hovering over Sirius wanting to check him over but scared of causing him more pain.
"Padfoot, oh dear Merlin, Padfoot. What happened?" The way James sounded broke Sirius' heart. It was soft and filled with grief. Merlin, he can only imagine how they're both feeling. If he had to see either of them in this condition, he knew it would kill a part of himself.
"Prongs." Sirius wanted to say more but he knew that that it would cause him to start coughing all over again. Instead, he offered him a weak smile.
"Moons, what happened? Did he tell you? Did he tell you who did this?" James' questions are frantic. His voice edging into hysterical.
"He hasn't been able to say much. Every few words and he starts coughing again." He can tell Remus is trying to control his emotions. Trying to remain the calm one. Sirius knows it's taking everything out of his friend.
"Moony? Moons? Were you hurt? Your shirt is covered in blood." James' voice is panicked. Sirius has never heard him so scared before.
Prongs has never been good at seeing any of them in pain. He would always try to take the brunt of it. Whenever a potion reacted badly and was about to explode, if he realized that they weren't going to be able to make it out in time he would jump in front of them and take the brunt of it.
He watches as Remus looks down at his shirt and pants and back into James' eyes. Sirius sees tears filling his eyes, making the amber shine all the more brightly in the firelight. Feels his body trembling minutely.
"It's not mine, Prongs. It's not mine." He hears the words that Remus didn't speak. Both Sirius and James do.
"I wish it was because it would mean my best friend wasn't hurt as badly as he is."
James squeezes Remus' shoulder with one hand and gently holds Sirius' with his other hand.
Moments later they hear a half dozen other people heading their way. McGonagall was the first to arrive, running at full speed that Sirius can't help but think she wouldn't even be as fast if she was in her Animagus form. Dropping down on her knees she gently brushes Sirius' hair out of his face.
"Oh, Sirius, what happened? Who did this to you?" Sirius can see that her usual professional exterior has cracked. McGonagall's greatest strength and biggest weakness was the care she had for the students she was responsible for. She did all she could to protect and care for them.
"We don't know, Professor. If he talks to much he starts coughing and his bleeding gets more severe. Any movement causes him tremendous pain. His breathing is shallow and quick like he can't get enough air. I can hear rattling in his chest. Its hard for him to keep his eyes open and when they are it's difficult for him to focus. He's cold, Professor. I put his head on my lap to try and stop him from choking and kept as close as possible without moving him too much since I run hotter than others to warm him up as much as possible. " Remus informs their Head of House and Madame Pomphrey who was barely a second behind Minnie on arrival.
"I need him to lie flat down to scan him." Poppy's voice is calm and clinical. All three boys could hear the underlying worry laced within. Sirius knew that all the Marauders had grown on the Healer from all the time they had spent in the hospital wing, from experiments and dares gone wrong. Mainly, from all the time they had spent there with Remus while he recovered from the full moon every month.
Sirius felt soft gentle hands on him.
They could of been beating him for all he felt was agony coursing through his body as they tried to move him. The pain was so severe that he welcomed the darkness that quickly clouded his vision and mind.
Nearly a week later, he awoke in the hospital wing. Remus and James were sitting next to him. James was passed out, his glasses were awry, and he was lightly snoring. Remus must have heard him waking up because he had a glass of water ready for him. He stared at him like all his prayers had finally been answered.
"Padfoot, it's good to see you awake." The relief in Remus' voice was palpable.
"How long have I've been here?" Sirius wanted to know. With how stiff his body felt he had to have been here for at least two days. Or maybe it was from all the pain he still felt.
"We found you late Monday night, and it's Sunday morning." Six days. He had been out for six days.
At that point, Madame Pomphrey had come to check on him after being alerted that he had woken up. She had informed him of all his injuries. The majority of it was already known to him. He was more informed about the Dark Arts than most because of his family background.
Before leaving she had told Sirius that she would let McGonagall and the Headmaster know he was up. She also told...threatened...James and Remus not to cause him any stress as his recovery was still in a delicate place.
"Sirius, what happened?" Remus' voice was gentle but held a cold fury. A fury that foretold a future of regret for his attackers.
In the safety and comfort of his closest and dearest friends, Sirius broke.
He told them about his trip to the forest. How, on the way back, the others found him, jumped him, and knocked him out. How, when he woke up he was being dragged deep into the forest. That where they had found him was the place where he had been tortured for hours.
Sirius told them that even after all they had done to him, after what they took from him, he couldn't tell the professors who it was. He couldn't do anything about it. He knew what would happen if he did and Sirius couldn't allow that to happen.
"You may not be able to do anything, but I can." Remus' voice was the coldest he'd ever heard it.
"You mean we will, Moony." James followed suit.
"No, Prongs. Just me. What I have planned, I know will not sit right with you. I'm not as good as you are. My limits are further than yours." Viciousness soaked in each word Remus spoke.
"Moons..." Sirius didn't want Remus to get in trouble for whatever he was planning.
"I got this." The conviction in the werewolf's voice was undeniable.
It was three months later before Remus enacted his retribution. When the six seventh years were found, they were bloody and suspended from the Quidditch hoops. Mumbling to themselves, eyes darting around in fear. Anytime anyone came close to get them down they would start thrashing around, screaming their lungs out. Once the professors had finally been able to get them down, they had to be taken to St. Mungo’s. They stayed there for the next two months. When they returned, they refused to even look in Sirius' direction. And Remus. They would go deathly pale and flee in the other direction.
Even after they graduated and joined the Order of the Phoenix during the first war, they still refused to venture anywhere near Remus. They would put an entire battlefield between them and his best friend.
"I thought it would be obvious why we were here, Petunia. We're here for Harry. I think it would be advisable, and safest, that we discuss this inside." Remus' voice was soft and pleasant, his expression cordial. The fire and intensity in his eyes belied his emotions for his disdain and contempt for the woman in front of him.
It seems Petunia had seen it too as she started shaking slightly and swallowed an audible gulp of air. Remus stepped closer to the entrance of the home causing the horse-faced woman to take a staggering step back. Remus let himself in and opened the door wider for the others to come in.
"If you be so kind as to show the others the way to the living room. It would be more convenient to have our conversation there. Wouldn't you agree, Petunia?" Remus' words may have sounded like a suggestion. There was no doubt in their minds that it was an order. Giving a jerky nod, Petunia followed the instructions.
If Sirius didn't know that Andromeda and Ted approved of Remus for their daughter, he would now be certain. The look Andie gave him was full of pride and respect. It wasn't because Remus clearly frightened the Muggle woman.
Andie was a Black, and Blacks have no limits to protect, defend, and avenge what's theirs. Harry was Remus'. This woman and her family had hurt what was his. His cub. Remus was in the process of doing what any Black would do. Except he didn't need to raise his wand, hand, or voice to do that. Only the most powerful of people can get results with little resistance. It was nice knowing for the two Tonks' that even though their little girl could fight and defend herself, with Remus, he would gladly do it for her.
Making their way into the Dursley household, Andie followed Petunia to the living room, followed by Ted, then Dumbledore. When Dumbledore passed Remus, the old man gave his brother a sad expression of disappointment. Sirius was proud when Remus didn't even blink. Instead, he just gave their old Headmaster a look himself.
"I'm doing what you should've done many years ago."
Sirius watched as Dumbledore's eyes filled with grief and he bowed his head.
"If it comes down to me needing to act the way you would like, that will make you proud of me, or me having to act to defend and protect Harry. It will always be Harry. Always." Remus' voice stops the four people making their way down the hallway. He can see the troubled look on Petunia's face, the approval on Ted's, the pleasure on Andromeda's. Remus ignores everyone but the Headmaster, whose face is filled with regret.
"It's what he should've always had." Sirius couldn't agree more. Butting his head against Moony's stomach as if to say, "He has us now."
Turning to close and lock the front door, the two last Marauders walked side by side down the hall to the living room.
Once everyone arrived in the living room, Andromeda and Ted took seats on the loveseat, while Dumbledore took one of the two sofa chairs.
"The presence of your husband and son are needed for this conversation. I would suggest you go get them. Now." Everyone heard the demand in Remus' voice. He was leaning on the arm of the chair, filled with too much pent-up energy to sit down fully.
Petunia could only stare at them. A mixture of revulsion, hatred, and no small amount of fear etched the features of her face, making her look all the more unpleasant to look at.
"How do I know you won't hurt my family? That you won't hurt my son?" The unfortunate looking woman asked.
"Unlike you and your husband, we don't hurt children." Sirius said as he dramatically shifted back into his human form, draping himself onto the chair fluidly with grace that belied his anger at the audacity of this woman. The amusement that he would have felt at seeing her reaction to his display was quelled by the shrillness of her scream.
His poor ears.
He could only imagine how Moony was feeling.
Oh dear, Merlin, his poor Harry. Even his own lovely, acidic mother didn't have the shrillness of what he had just endured. He felt a whole new wave of sympathy wash over him for his son.
Sirius knew, without even having to introduce himself that Petunia recognized him. As her body shook more, her complexion paled, making her appear nearly translucent. She was shaking her head compulsively as if trying to deny that what she saw was true, that he was here. Sirius found great amusement in her reaction. He could tell Remus did too, although he could tell the man was a bit disgruntled by it too.
Sirius gently brushed his hand on Remus' hip.
"Don't worry, we both know who really deserves that reaction."
The dog Animagus could tell that slightly appeased the wolf.
Although Sirius knew that it was true, Remus really was the more terrifying of the two, he couldn't help but be extremely proud of Harry. His godson had used what he could, Sirius' very existence, as best he could to protect himself as much as possible from his relatives. Even with Sirius' limited capabilities to do anything.
In Sirius' honest opinion he believed his son was the most Slytherin Gryffindor there ever was. He wouldn't be surprised if the Sorting Hat had initially wanted to place him in Slytherin and Harry had managed to talk his way out of it. Sirius had done the same. Part of Sirius wished his boy had gone to Slytherin. He knew that if anyone could, it would be his beautiful, kindhearted Harry who could tear down the stigma that has haunted Slytherin house. Had Harry existed during his time and had been sorted into Slytherin, his brother, and others like him would have had a chance.
"Sirius Orion Black of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Mass murderer of 12 Muggles. Wanted felon. Former Hit Wizard, much like your MI6, and former because of the mass murderer and felon bit. The only person to have ever escaped Azkaban without assistance. Best friend and brother to Remus Lupin and James Potter. Best friend and annoying brother to Lily Potter née Evans. Godfather to Harry James Potter. If I'm not mistaken, I'm pretty sure Harry has told you about me." Sirius couldn't help but remind the woman of who he was and what he had done. Both the lies he has been accused of, and the truth. It gave him deep satisfaction to watch the fear rise in her eyes after each title. He had a feeling that Harry would no longer need to remain with this woman after the readings. However, just in case he wanted to reinforce just who exactly he was and his reputation.
"Go get your husband and son. Now." He knew his blood was shining through. The way Sirius was raised to demand and not ask from those considered less than him. To wrap each syllable spoken with power and command. To allow his presence alone to fill a room with haunting and unrivaled power. There was much that went into being a true Black. Much to his mother's annoyance and displeasure, Sirius effortlessly, thoroughly personified all the true Black traits.
It was why his grandfather, Arcturus, had made him Heir over his father. Even after his mother had blasted him off the family tapestry, and being thrown in Azkaban, his grandfather never formally disowned him. Arcturus kept Sirius as Heir.
Arcturus and Sirius did not have the same beliefs. His grandfather strongly believed in pure-blood supremacy while Sirius abhorred it. Sirius was made Heir because even though he may not have held the same views as most other Black's he understood the true meaning of being a Black.
Toujours Pur.
Always Pure.
The family motto.
The true meaning wasn't about blood purity. It was purity to oneself. Purity to one's family.
Blacks did not bow. They were not branded as cattle. They did not serve any masters as slaves.
Blacks would stand up, back straight, and die on their feet, rather than live on their knees. They were their own master. The only ones they served were themselves and their family.
Arcturus saw what Voldemort was doing to his family. While he agreed with his position on matters, Arcturus was first and foremost a Black. He would rather his family, with Sirius at the Head, follow a path that he did not agree on, rather than watch his family live in servitude to an outsider.
"T-t-t-th-they're not h-h-here." Sirius watched with a blank face as it took Petunia a few moments to barely stutter out the words. Seeming to almost choke on the few words she did say.
Sirius didn't even bother to dignify her with a verbal response. Instead, he imperiously arched an eyebrow.
"Well..."
"T-th-they left t-t-t-to go t-to th-the store. I-I-I'm n-n-not sure w-when they'll be b-back." Barely a second after the woman finished her garbled response, they all heard a car pulling into the driveway. Sirius didn't know if it was possible, but the blonde woman looked all the more terrified.
"It seems the question of their whereabouts has been answered." Ted's jovial voice is heard.
They all listen as the sounds of keys unlocking the front door are heard, the door opening a moment later.
"Petunia, dear. We're home. Where are you?" Vernon's voice is cheery as he announces his arrival. It grates on Sirius' nerves. What right does this man have to any joy when he's made his son's life miserable?
"I-I-In the li-living room, dear." It seems that her husband's arrival eased some of the stutter Petunia had been afflicted with since Sirius' presence was revealed.
"Dudley and I bought some chocolate biscuits. I know they're your favor...YOU!" The human walrus entered the room and his eyes immediately focused on Dumbledore, completely ignoring the other occupants.
"You! What are YOU doing here?! You have no right to be in my home! I want you out! NOW!" Sirius watches in disgusted fascination as spittle flies from the man's mouth and his face changes from a furious ruddy red to a vicious looking purple.
"They forced their way in, Vernon. Said they needed to talk to us. That it's about the boy." Petunia's words are quick and tremble with fear.
"Yes, we're here about the boy. My boy. My godson." Sirius cuts off the great whale before he continued yelling.
The man snapped his head to face Sirius. His eyes immediately focused on Sirius and Remus. Sirius was slightly alarmed, yet still amused, at how fast the disgusting man's face turned from purple to the color of curdled milk.
"Y-Y-Y-You...y-y-y-y-you’re..." the two Marauders watched in amusement as Vernon couldn't even stutter out a full sentence.
"Yes, as I had informed you wife a little earlier. I am Sirius Orion Black of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Mass murderer of 12 Muggles. Wanted felon. Former Hit Wizard, much like your MI6, and former because of the mass murderer and felon bit. The only person to have ever escaped Azkaban without assistance. Best friend and brother to Remus Lupin and James Potter. Best friend and annoying brother to Lily Potter née Evans. Godfather to Harry James Potter. If I'm not mistaken, I'm pretty sure Harry has told you about me." Sirius couldn't help but use his titles again. He was a man on the run, he had to find amusement where he could.
"This is Remus John Lupin. Best Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Hogwarts has seen in decades. Marauder extraordinaire. Best friend and brother to James Potter and myself. Best friend and commiserating brother to Lily Potter née Evans. Pseudo godfather to Harry James Potter. The man who sends Death Eaters running from fear of annihilation. Werewolf since the age of three. Ability to tear your hearts out without even transforming." Remus' face remained pleasantly blank throughout his introduction. The only way Sirius could tell that it was becoming exceedingly difficult to maintain his composure and not laugh hysterically was from the strength he had gripped the arm of the chair. Quickly looking down Sirius could see the fabric tearing.
"Sitting over there, the beautiful witch you see is my cousin, Andromeda Calliope Tonks née Black. Prodigy of the Dark Arts since the age of three. Duelist extraordinaire. One of only a handful of people to be able to stand toe to toe with Voldemort’s right-hand witch. Master of potions and poisons. Defier of the Darkest and most powerful magical family in Europe. Mother of the first recorded Metamorphmagus in centuries. One of the only three women alive who Remus and I are terrified of." Sirius introduced his cousin.
"Thank you, Sirius, that was very kind." Andie kept her features soft and blank but her eyes were filled with mirth.
"Of course, dear cousin. Every word was true." It was the truth.
His cousin really terrified him at times.
Most of the time.
Majority of the time.
He had a healthy respect for her and remaining in one piece.
"Who are the other two?" Of course, she would want to know.
"Minnie." His old Head of House still petrified him. Always will.
"Yet, you call her Minnie." The sound of laughter in her voice was clear to those who knew her best.
"Absolutely." His grin is roguish. Of course, he calls her Minnie. They all did back in school. She may have terrified them, but they also loved and respected her more than most people.
"Who's the third?" He knows Remus knows who the third is. They're both terrified of the three. Although the third is more like terrified in training as she hasn't reached her full potential yet.
"Hermione." Remus and he say at the same time. No shame in their voice or face. She may not be able to take them in a fight but there was no denying her ferocity.
"Harry's friend, Hermione?" Both men could tell she was laughing at them, but they also could hear intrigue in her voice. Ted was next to her, and his expression mirrored what Andie was feeling.
"The first time I met Hermione she thought that I was going to murder her, Harry and Ron. Her response was to kick me full force in the ribs. Hurt a lot more than you would think." He's still surprised that she didn't break any. Sirius was sore for days afterwards.
"The same night she nearly broke his ribs. She thought that I had betrayed her and the boys by helping Sirius kill Harry. Even after that and knowing I was a werewolf she did not back down from letting her displeasure be known." Remus appreciated the fact that once she had realized he was a werewolf she never revealed it to any of the others. It was only after she believed that he had been a part of a plot to end the life of her best friend that she revealed his affliction. Even with the knowledge of his condition and the thought that she may die that night she didn't back down from confronting him.
"Not to mention that that same night she, along with Harry and Ron did the most satisfying, amazing, terrifying thing ever." The glee and amusement were clear for all to hear in Sirius' voice.
"What was that?" There was a huge smile on Ted's face as he listened to the two men explain the budding fear of a teen girl.
"She helped disarm and knock out Snape." The two Marauders said simultaneously with Cheshire smiles on their faces.
Ted let out a warm, boisterous chuckle at the retelling. Even Andromeda couldn't contain her laughter and let out a soft musical chuckle of her own.
"Why did Harry and his friends think you were going to kill him?" The laughter was cut off by a soft voice.
The last Marauders whipped their heads to face where the voice had come from. Standing by the far wall was the forgotten form of Dudley Dursley. They knew Harry and this boy did not have a pleasant relationship. Sirius was of the belief that his godson and the large boy had more of the relationship he had with cousin Bella than the relationship he shared with Andie. Unfortunately for Harry, it would seem the blonde boy was more like the Bellatrix of the relationship too.
Sirius and Remus, along with the two Tonks', saw that like his parents the boy was frightened by their presence. Unlike his parents he wasn't hostile, nor did he show any disdain. He was more curious, more open to what their presence might mean. Although both him and Remus knew that this boy had likely made Harry's life hell, they couldn't allow themselves to talk or treat him as they did his parents. They knew that he was the product of how his parents had raised him. That his actions and deeds spoke more of his parents' character than his own. Additionally, Dudley's apparent curiosity and openness gave Sirius a bit of hope.
Sirius knew that family didn't always equate to blood but having someone that you share that connection with does mean something. Even after Sirius had run away from his family, the fact that he still had Andie, still had someone who he knew wanted to be a part of his life that shared the same blood meant the world to him.
"It's a long story. One that you will most likely soon learn the entirety of. I'll give you the short version of it." Sirius cleared his throat as it felt like it was closing. Talking about everything that had happened to him was always hard. Always felt like the memories were trying to choke and squeeze the life out of him. It felt as though a Dementor had taken residence inside of his body. There to suck the happiness out of him, turn his vision black at even the slightest whisper of the years he had spent in that cold lonely cell. He can already see his vision fading.
Suddenly, he felt Remus' hand squeeze his shoulder.
"You're not there anymore. You will never be there again. Your place is here. With me. With Harry."
The contact was grounding. Brought him back to his surroundings. To the here and now. Merlin, did he miss Moony.
"I was arrested and thrown into Azkaban prison for 12 years. I managed to break out before the beginning of Harry's third year at Hogwarts. I had found out some information that indicated that Harry's life was in danger so I had to do what I could to protect him. Unfortunately, due to the crimes that I was imprisoned for, when Harry and I finally met face to face, he and his friends believed I was there to kill him. It was a misunderstanding that was soon sorted." Sirius gave as little details as he could that made the situation make sense to the boy who had no idea what had transpired.
"Why were you arrested?" The question was simply. The boy couldn't know what the weight of the answer was to Sirius. The guilt and grief that came with it.
"The list was long. The one that made Harry believe that I was there to kill him was that I was the one who had betrayed his parents to Voldemort. The truth was revealed to him of who truly betrayed his parents. That I was there to protect him." Merlin, did he thank every deity there was that his boy was as good of a person as he was to allow Sirius to explain what happened.
"Azkaban. The guards there, they're those things. Those Dementors." He sees the large chubby face pale after mentioning the nightmarish creatures.
It was then that Sirius remembered that Harry's cousin was there when his son was attacked by those monsters over the summer. That the boy in front of him was attacked as well. Had to endure the presence of something so vile and terrifying that they cause grown witches and wizards to descend into insanity. He felt sympathy well up in his chest for the boy. No child deserved to go through such an ordeal. It already hurt Sirius more than words could ever explain that his son had several close encounters with them.
Sirius watched as the boy opened and closed his mouth. Saw the questions that floated into his mind.
"You mentioned a name before. Weird sounding." Sirius couldn't help the half smile that formed over his face. Remus was in the same predicament as him. If only Voldemort could hear this muggle teenager say his name was weird
"Yes, Voldemort." He's a Black. He's never been scared to say his name. Even one as pretentious as Voldemort.
"That name. Voldemort. I've heard Harry say it before. I've heard him..." Dudley cut himself off. Sirius watched as the boy gathered his thoughts. He could tell the boy wasn't the smartest around, but it looked like he was starting to piece a few things together. Like he was trying to piece everything he could together.
"During the summer. At night. He would scream that name. Over and over again. Along with another name. Cedric." Merlin, a Crucio from his mother would've been less painful. Sirius couldn't help the grief that rose in him at what his son had been through. Guilt at what he couldn't protect his boy from. Regret for not being there to help him heal from all the trauma he endured.
The rage at being forced away from Harry when he was needed the most. Forced away by someone sitting in this very room with him. It took everything in Sirius to swallow the rage and venom he wished to throw at the old man. By the stillness of the body next to him, he knew Remus was experiencing the same emotions.
"I don't doubt that. I don't doubt that at all." It hurts Sirius beyond all mention to say those words. He wished they weren't true. Wished he hadn't had to hear the screams himself. Wished he could take it all away from Harry.
"Before the attack. I was talking to Harry. Teasing him. Taunting him about moaning in his sleep about someone named Cedric. If Cedric was his boyfriend." Sirius wanted to rage at the boy. To demand to know why he had to taunt his son about something so painful. Something so traumatic.
He swallowed his rage when he looked at the large boy's face. He looked contrite. Regretful. Maybe there really was hope for him.
For him and Harry.
"He was angry. I don't think I've ever seen him that angry before. But he wasn't, was he? He was hurting. He was hurting and what I said hurt him even more. Yet, he still saved me. Why would he do that?" His voice is small, full of confusion and deep regret.
"That's who Harry is. He's the type of person who would try to save the life of someone who just tried to kill him. He gives people second chances, even when they don't deserve them." Sirius should know. He was on the receiving end of Harry's compassion when he allowed Sirius to plead his case to him at the end of his third year.
"Can you tell him I said sorry. That I'm sorry for everything. Thank him for saving my life. If the roles were reverse, I don't think I would've done the same." Yes, there was hope for the boy in front of him after all.
"That is enough! You will not fill my son's head with this nonsense. I demand you leave at once!" It seemed the Dursley parents had managed to reel in their shock and fear and let their displeasure be known. Sirius watched in disgusted fascination as the man's three chins wobbled as he yelled.
"I would think you would be happy to know that your son is capable of feeling remorse for his cruelness to his cousin, and gratitude that he was saved by that same cousin. It shows that he has better character than you obviously raised him to have." Andie's voice is sharp and filled with disdain that was difficult to miss.
"Who do you think you are coming into my home and criticizing me and my family?" Petunia's voice is filled with righteous indignation.
"I know our presence is unexpected, but I assure you, if it was not of utmost importance we would not impose upon you and your family." He knew Dumbledore tried to take control of the conversation as Andie would have had something to say about her comment.
"You and your kind have been nothing but an imposition on me and my family." Her feelings for Dumbledore's words showed on her sneering face and in her scornful voice.
"And what exactly do you mean by 'your kind'?" Andie's face was perfectly blank, but her voice was colder than the artic, darker than the name she used to carry. Petunia realized she made a mistake and wisely kept her mouth shut.
Vernon took a menacing step in Andie's direction. Even knowing that his cousin could defend herself, Sirius moved to stand beside her, ready to strike the man if he even tried to lay one fat, disgusting finger on her. He felt as Ted shifted so that he was standing in front of his wife. Unwilling to let him get any closer to the woman he loves.
"FREAKS! All of you! Waving your sticks around with your freaky powers. Abominations the lot of you! Just like that freak of a boy who has been nothing but a burden and AHHHHH!" The disgusting man's diatribe was cut off as Remus grabbed the man by his fat neck and slammed him so hard against the wall, a crack formed in the plaster leading all the way up to the ceiling.
"If I were you, I would contemplate my next words very carefully. You are not speaking to people who would allow you to get away with talking about Harry any way you wish to. You are talking to people who would fight, bleed and die happily for him. Without hesitancy. Now I would advise you to sit down and shut up. And if you ever try to intimidate her again, not only will you have to deal with her husband who would curse you till you don't know left from right, up from down. You would have to deal with me. Except I'll wait until the full moon and cause you more pain than you have ever experienced before. Do I make myself clear?" Remus had moved quicker than was possible to track when the oversized man took another step towards his cousin.
"Remus, please, calm down." Dumbledore tried to placate him.
"I am calm, Headmaster. I want to know if I'm clear?" Remus shows no signs of difficulty or strain holding the beached whale by the throat. His face is the picture of cordial, as if he were only having a conversation about the weather. Voice soft, more than a whisper. They all heard him as clearly as if he had shouted at the top of his lungs. Saw the brightness of amber in his eyes.
Vernon's eyes were wide and glassy. His face turned a deep shade of purple from lack of air. Trying to fight the grip on him the big man clawed and lashed out at Remus. Remus did not react. He did not move. The grip around the oversized neck tightened.
"Am I clear?" The words his old friend spoke were barely louder than an exhale of breath.
The rotund man realized there was no point in fighting an unmovable force. He quickly and desperately nodded his head.
The hand that was around his throat suddenly disappeared and Vernon collapsed onto his knees on the floor, coughing and wheezing, trying to get much needed air into his lungs. Petunia ran to her husband's side trying to help in any way she could. Dudley was staring at the scene with wide shocked eyes.
"I think it's time we all took our seats and discussed the reason for our visit." Andie's voice left no room for argument.
The witches and wizards returned to their previous seats in the room. They waited as the Muggle family slowly made their way to the three-person couch. Petunia was helping her husband as he was still trying to get his breathing under control and his bearings straight. Dudley followed his parents with slight trepidation and intense curiosity shining in his eyes.
Once they were all seated, Dumbledore explained to them why they were here and what was to happen.
"As you were informed the beginning of this past summer, Voldemort has returned. What you were not informed of is that Harry was made to bear witness and forced to be a part of the ritual that brought him back." Sirius knew this but it didn't stop his heart from aching at what his godson had been made to go through.
"That boy was part of some freakiness that brought back my sister's murderer." Petunia's voice was acidic and harsh. It was impossible for him not to let his powers lash out. The temperature in the room dipped making their breath visible as puffs of white clouds were seen with each exhale.
"Do. Not. Dare. I will not hear you speak as if he is to blame. As if he had a choice in the matter. Not you. Not when you couldn't even raise the son of your sister with love are care." Sirius can't keep the fury and loathing out of his voice. This woman had no right to judge his son. No right at all.
He watched as the skinny woman snapped her mouth shut and averted her eyes from him. Unable to face the truth of his words.
Dumbledore waited a few moments before continuing to allow Sirius to get his emotions back under control. It took great effort and Remus' presence at his side to slowly reign in everything he was feeling. He gave the old Headmaster a nod when he had gained back control of himself.
"Yes, Sirius is right of course, Harry has no blame in the matter. He was forced to be a part of the ritual after he had already been hurt and forced to watch a friend of his murdered." Sirius heard the pain in the Headmaster's voice. He may not be the man's biggest fan, but he knew he did truly care for his students.
"It was Cedric. The friend that was killed. The one Harry calls out to at night." Dudley's voice is small. He's realizing what he was taunting Harry about during the summer.
"Yes, it was Cedric. He was an unfortunate circumstance of 'wrong place, wrong time.' His killers had no qualms about taking his life. Luckily Harry managed to escape before he could be killed. Bringing with him the body of Cedric. He could not leave him with the people who callously took his life." His boy risked everything so his friend could be brought back home.
"When he arrived back, he had informed me, along with others of Voldemort’s return. One such person was the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge. Unfortunately, the Minister refused to acknowledge what Harry had said. Even when the proof was right in front of his eyes." Thus began the hell that has been their life since. Sirius swore that if he ever got his hands on that man, he would let his displeasure be known.
"Instead, the Minister had decided to besmirch mine and Harry's name. Make it seem as though Harry had lied about Voldemort’s return all for fame and attention. That he was a liar and unstable." Sirius watched Vernon open his mouth. He gave the man a look.
"I dare you to make a comment. Please, make my day."
Luckily for Vernon, unfortunately for Sirius, it seems the fat man decided that it would be smarter to keep his mouth shut.
"A campaign against Harry and myself was started. The Minister had become suspicious and paranoid that this was a plot against him. If you would recall, after the incident with the Dementor, Harry received a letter of expulsion and then another that rescinded the expulsion, and instead informed that there was going to be a hearing about his use of magic." Watching at the violent flinch from the Dursley adults, and a slightly less violent one from their son, Sirius was beginning to suspect that Harry's treatment was more severe than he assumed if just the word 'magic' caused this reaction.
"Luckily for Harry, the Wizengamot decided to see reason and cleared him of all charges." The fact that his son had to defend himself in front of the full Wizengamot still made his protective instincts roar viciously.
"After failing in his mission to remove Harry from Hogwarts, he installed a ministry employee, Dolores Umbridge, as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Dolores has spent her time trying to gain power in the school to give the Ministry the upper hand." Dumbledore continued.
"That brings us to the crux of the matter. In her pursuit against Harry and myself, Dolores had made a discovery that she believes will help her in her goals. It seems she had found a room while wandering the school corridors. The room is commonly known as the Room of Requirement. It appears under certain conditions and when it does, it provides what is needed. In the room she had found several books and a large envelope addressed to her. According to one of the letters in the envelope, all were from the future. The books are a recount of Harry's seven years at Hogwarts. The letter stated that the books needed to be read to all individuals mentioned in the letter. Dolores believes that the books will reveal everything about myself and Harry and help her in her quest to oust me and have me imprisoned and for Harry to be revealed as a liar and attention seeker." If there was one thing Harry was not was an attention seeker. Sirius knew how much Harry hated the attention. He prefers to blend into the background. He couldn't help but be offended on his godson's behalf.
"Dolores brought her discovery to the attention of the Minister. In accordance with the letter's instructions, the Minister has decided to hold the reading. The reason why you are here is because your family are three of the people required for the reading." Dumbledore finished speaking and both Petunia and Vernon were looking at him as though he was crazy.
"You expect us to us to upend our lives for God knows how long so we can read a bunch of books about the fre..." Vernon trailed off as sparks flew out of Sirius' wand.
"I beg you, please, finish that sentence. Give me a reason, I dare you." Sirius was not going to let this hideous man say a bad word about Harry in front of him.
Wisely, the overweight man kept his mouth shut.
"Trust us, we're even more unhappy than you are with your presence being needed. You don't deserve any more time around Harry than you've already have. Especially, since you can't even see the amazing person, he is." Remus was quick to speak the words that were running through Sirius' own mind.
"How long will we be gone?" Dudley asked.
"You would be staying at the school for quite some time. Not only are some of the books extremely long, but I'm sure we will need days in between for rest. Some of the content may be difficult and a lot to handle. The children will need time to come to terms with what they have learned." Dumbledore informed the family.
"It seems that the sender of the books was aware of this and acted accordingly. Once the reading commences, a time bubble will envelope Hogwarts and her grounds, suspending time itself to avoid any time conflicts people may have." There was a fascination in the old man's voice at the Magick involved. Sirius could admit he found it fascinating as well if it wasn't for the reason that it will be used for.
"I'll go and pack my things." Dudley said as he got up and headed towards the stairs.
"Dudley?" There was no denying the shock in his mother's voice.
"Harry saved my life. I would have been soulless if it wasn't for him. If it were reversed, I wouldn't have done what he did. Despite how I treated him all these years, he didn't hesitate in saving my life. The least we could do, the least I could do for him is this." Dudley's voice was soft yet firm when he turned to face his parents. His face was resolute. Turning back around, he made his way up the stairs.
His parents watched him with wide shocked eyes. It took a few moments and the sounds of their son packing his things that made them realize that their son was serious. Slowly, begrudgingly, they made their way up the stairs to do the same.
"Well at least there's hope for one of them." Ted's voice broke the quiet that had fallen upon the room at the departure of the home's owners.
"Harry is a truly amazing person. He's able to change the hearts of someone who had little love for him." Dumbledore's voice was full of pride.
"Do you believe any relationship can be salvaged for the two of them." Ted knows what it meant to Andie to still have Sirius even after she was disowned by the family.
"I think that Harry's capacity for forgiveness is greater than most people who are older, wiser and more mature." Dumbledore's words were thick with fondness. Sirius did not miss the underlying tones of regret and grief. As though even with how forgiving his Harry was, Dumbledore may not be awarded that forgiveness.
Fear raced down Sirius' spine at what that would mean. What did the Headmaster do that would cause him to think that someone as kind and special as Harry could not forgive him?
Sirius looked at Remus and saw his question reflected in the amber eyes. They had a feeling that they were going to hate it when they found out.