The Marauder surveyed what had previously been a dark dungeon filled with green and silver Slytherin colors. Now the decor resembled something you would expect to see in a 5 year old girl's room. The cold slimy stone walls had been changed to bright pink and the floor which had been scrubbed stone was now covered in a frilly purple rug with pale pink mermaids stenciled on it. The tapestries which had been filled with images of serpents and bloody battles had been changed by Sirius himself and instead of people bleeding to death on the ground ponies frolicked in the sun and nibbled on fields covered in flowers. Snape's bed had been transformed from a simple four poster bed covered in green blankets to being in a pale purple see through hanging and a slightly darker coverlet. The furniture had also received the pink and purple treatment and Sirius grinned pleased with their work. And to think all it had taken was teaching Harry and Draco a color changing charm.
"Paddy won't Snape just wave his wand and make this go bye bye?" Harry asked from his perch on the arm of the now pink sofa.
Sirius smirked and put on his teacher voice. "Now that is a very good question Prongslet. Any thoughts on how we can solve that little problem class?" He asked.
Harry and Draco's hands shot into the air making the boys strongly resemble Hermione. Sirius pointed at Harry. "What do you suggest Mr. Prongslet?"
"Put it in one of the cauldrons and melt it down."
Sirius laughed. "As brilliant as that sounds pup I don't know how melted wand cores react. And I'd rather not have the caldron blow up in my face."
Harry's face fell slightly but his grin soon returned as Draco found the wand in question on Snape's bedside table and twirled it between his fingers. He raised his hand and waited for Sirius to point to him. "Mr. Glaciereyes?"
"What should we do with it Sirius?" The blond asked tossing the wand to Harry who nimbly snatched it out of the air.
"I think we should hold onto it and see if an opportunity to dispose of it presents itself. Now let's finish up our work and head to bed."
Harry and Draco scrambled off the sofa and headed towards Snape. Sirius let the pups take the lead on just what was going to happen to the Death Eater.
You should do something about his skin fur. Moony murmured sounding exhausted and Sirius knew moonrise must be close.
Skin fur?
Moony sent him a mental image of robes.
That's clothes Moony and your right. How about making them female to match his den?
Well he's defiantly not getting a female looking and acting the ways he does. So he can be his own mate.
Do not give me that mental image Moony.
The werewolf snickered and pulled away from Sirius's mind slightly his mind beginning to darken as he the moon became close to sinking.
How the hell does the werewolf that spends all its time locked in a basement become so perverted? Sirius asked himself.
Promise… Moony murmured sleepily sounding like he was on the edge of slipping into unconsciousness.
Sirius nuzzled Moony's mind knowing what he was going to ask. He did it every time he prepared to change back.I'll be right here waiting for you to wake up again Moony. I may not be there physically but I'm in your head and in your heart.
Moony sent him a way of affection through the link and Sirius felt his mind fade even more and he knew moonset was only minutes away.
Moony I need you to do me a favor can you do that for me?
'Course I can.
You gotta make sure Remus doesn't remember you talking to me. Can you hide that from him?
Not sure never tried. I'll try though.
Sirius glanced down at his watch and realized he had all of thirty seconds to say bye to his friend. It's time for you to sleep Moony. I'll see you next moon.
His voice slurred with sleep Moony responded. I love you Padfoot.
Sirius smiled and felt tears welling up in his eyes. He dabbed at them before the pups noticed. I love you too.
Moony had just acknowledged him when Sirius felt the magic rip through the link and before he knew it Moony was gone. The conscious in its place was slumbering but human and Sirius yanked his mind back into his own head and threw up his blocks. After the contact with Moony his head felt oddly alone. As if he wasn't complete without the playful little wolf chatting his skull off. Holding back his whimper of loneliness despite the fact Harry and Draco were only feet away Sirius instinctively reached out towards that part of him that James had always occupied. The part of him that he had felt leave him forever.
He allowed himself to mope for a few more moments before Harry's laughter caught his attention. He looked up and couldn't help the grin from forming on his face as Harry managed to turn Snape's hair red. And not normal hair color red. Like the red you'd get out of a box of …what were they called? Those Muggle things that came in the box and were all different colors. Harry use to color the walls with them. He even got James broom once. Only time I saw James mad at the kid. Wouldn't hold Harry for a whole ten minutes.
I wasn't mad at Harry. I was heartbroken. Thought it meant he didn't want to be a Quidditch star. And it wasn't ten minutes. More like 8 minutes and 53 seconds. Oh and the muggle things are called Crayons. Lily bought them for him when he started using his baby food as paint.
Sirius took a calming breath so he didn't start screaming at his head. I am going insane. I am not being haunted by my dead best friend. Repeat. I am going insane. I am not being haunted by my dead best friend.
Repeat James Potter is a thousand times better looking than me. The voice added.
Sirius hit his head into a wall earning odd looks from the pups but who were far too busy changing Snape's skin color so it looked like he was wearing make-up to see why the Animagus was trying to bash his skull in on the dudgeon wall. It was different this time. He could smell James's distinct scent not just the stag smell he'd gotten before. And more than that he could feel James around him. As if he should be able to shift to the side an inch and lean into his friend's side.
You know Pads you really don't have the brain cells to spare. So you might want to stop knocking them out of your ears.
Go away. I refuse to go completely and utterly insane now when Harry needs me.
You were all ready to believe it was me before. You said it. I quote the great and wise Sirius Black "Prongs if you are going to haunt me at least say something that makes sense." So what's changed? You said before I was haunting you now I'm back to being a sign of you rapidly degrading mental health?
Because why would you choose to haunt me when Harry is right here? And if you are a ghost or whatever how come I can't see you?
The thing with James's voice sighed, Pads I know thinking was never your strong point. Hell I'm pretty sure escaping Azkaban was the first time you thought ever. But you gotta think for a moment mate. Harry doesn't remember me at all. He's been raised to believe he was a freak. How do you think he would take to a voice chatting with him in his head?
Sirius considered what James had said for a moment. Then the realization dawned on him. It would make him believe he was a freak even more then he already does.
Ten points to Gryffindor. James's murmured trying to lighten the tension most likely as a strong wave of anger overtook Sirius.
Those bastards had made it so Harry couldn't even hear his father's voice. They made it so Harry couldn't even have a sense of the wonderful man James Potter had been. His vision flashed red and a growl slid between his clenched teeth and he gripped the table he was leaning against tightly between his hands. He was stronger than a normal human thanks to Padfoot and he heard the wood groan beneath his fingers. As his outrage grew Sirius felt James's own anger burned through his mind and it strengthened his own. James's temper along with his own was something even Lord Voldmort should fear. His mind must look like a rolling patch of thunder clouds. Images of Harry being beat by a belt, being locked in a cupboard, being denied food bubbled up from the depths of James's mind. At first Sirius thought they were the nothing more than James imagining what had happened to his son but then he realized something. They weren't made-up. They were memories.
YOU KNEW. YOU KNEW THAT HE WAS ABUSED AND DID NOTHING? YOU COULD SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND YOU LEFT YOUR SON TO BE BEATEN AND STARVED. WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?! Sirius's screamed and would have tried attacking the voice as soon as he figured out how but James's words stopped him.
Don't you think I tried? I threw myself at that fucking bastard and I tried to strangle the life out of him but I could do nothing. All I can do is watch Sirius. Lily and I nearly rekilled ourselves we tried so hard to murder that pig. I even tried talking to Harry and so did Lily. We rather he thought he was freak then be killed but we couldn't. We tried and tried to get him to hear us but he couldn't. For some reason you're the only one I can talk to. Lily's tried to scream at you more than once especially after the three headed dog incident but you didn't hear her. I can't even talk to you constantly. I've been trying all night to tell you it was the full moon and Moony was tearing himself up locked in Remus's basement but I couldn't get you to hear me at all until you were singing our song. And then right now. I can translate for Lily and she is forcing me to do so now. She wants the fawns in bed now. And she is pissed at what you three are doing to her pet. So get them to sleep and then we'll talk.
With that James's voice and presence faded giving Sirius the chance to think in his own head without anyone chatting.
Sirius still wasn't sure it was James he was talking to but smart money was on that he had his best friend back in some degree. Happiness just as strong as it had been the day Harry was born filled him. He had James back. He had his Prongs back. He wasn't alone in trying to raise Harry. James was here. It was all going to be okay. He had his best friend back. Words could not describe the pure joy that filled him and a few joyful tears fell onto his cheeks before he hastily wiped them away. He had the pups to care for and then he could chat to James more. Quickly he decided to leave telling Harry about this until he was a thousand percent sure he wasn't going insane. He didn't want to get Harry's hopes up for it to turn out he had a few screws loose.
"Pups that's enough." He called softly Harry and Draco looked up at him before hurrying over to sit on the couch next to each other and stare at him with sleepy eyes. "I am gonna go do the finishing touches. Stay here then I'm taking you two to bed. You can sleep for a few hours at least."
Neither boy spoke so Sirius hurried to Snape and once glance at the Slytherin had him clutching his sides laughing. Grinning he followed Moony's suggestion before returning to the pups. His heart ached at the sight that met his eyes. Harry's head lay on Draco's shoulder his green eyes hidden from sight beneath sleeping lids. Draco was no different his own eyes closed and his breathing slow and deep. His blond head rested on top of Harry's unruly black hair making the difference in hair colors all the more noticeable. Smiling to himself and wishing he had a camera Sirius carefully lifted the boys up so he had one in either arm. Heads resting on his shoulders he made his way to the door his stride slow and careful so as to not disturb the sleeping boys. Draco stirred when he shifted him so he could get the doorknob but other than that the boys slept on. He carried them silently through the halls his dog vision allowing him to see far better than a normal human and allowing him to navigate the corridors without a problem. The Fat Lady was slumbering in her portrait and he whispered the password knowing she would just swing open without opening her eyes. Climbing through the hole was a little more difficult then he thought with carrying the pups but he managed. Exhaustion slowed his strides as he climbed the stairs but the knowledge the sooner the pups were in bed the sooner he'd be able to talk to James kept him moving. Carefully he nudged the door the boy's dorm open and carried them over to Harry's bed. Depositing them on the bed he spent several minutes removing their sneakers and tucking them. A quick goodnight kiss on both foreheads and a little pillow fluffing later and he was satisfied enough to curl on at their feet as a dog.
James? Are you with me? Sirius called softly with his mind feeling stupid.
You sound stupid. James piped up his presence flooding Sirius's mind more strongly than before.
Sirius ignored the insult and enjoyed James's presence. A million emotions churned in his skull but he simply said. I missed you.
I never really left you. I spent as much time as I could with you in Azkaban. Lily was always with Harry trying to get him to hear her and I spent as much time as I could helping you. I only left if you were sleeping or were Padfoot and only to watch over Harry and Remus. James hugged him tightly which it being mental was like having your brain mushed together with someone else's. Sirius clung to James's mind wishing more than anything that James was solid so he could throw himself in James's arms and have a good long cry. Love, protectiveness, and relief poured off of James and into him and he basked in the warmth and love that was just such a part of who James was.
Prongs could hear exactly what he was thinking but Sirius didn't care. He just wanted to have his best friend, his brother, the first person to actually love him for him back.
Me to Padfoot. James released his mental hold on him and Sirius whimpered missing him he tried to hide his hurt and knew he failed when James's mind was right back to being wrapped around his own. Memories and emotions passed freely from one mind to the other and for Sirius is it was just like he had his mind open to James during the days of the pack link never being closed.
Lilly says she hates to interrupt our little reunion but she has something she wants you to do.
Reluctantly Sirius pulled away from the…. ghost? Mind? Proof that Azkaban had killed his sanity?
I think we can settle on Prongs. I don't even know what I am except I'm here for you and Harry. Anyways Lily says she wants you to prove your innocence so you can get custody of Harry.
Sirius gave the room the best WTF look he could manage as a dog hoping Lily was watching and from James's laughter he guessed she was. Would Lily care to elaborate as to how the hell I'm supposed to do that?
She says you have to get Remus on your side. She doesn't expect you to think of anything useful to get yourself out of trouble but she says he's smart enough.
NO! Sirius snarled and James nuzzled his mind soothingly. He didn't even try and get me a trial. He didn't even bother to see why I'd supposedly betrayed you. Even worse he left Harry. He never checked on him not even once.
I know mate I know. You're pissed at him and so am I. Remus knew how I felt about Lily's family and he did nothing to stop Harry going there. Lily and I had it in our wills that if something happened to you Remus got custody of the fawn yet he didn't even ask to take him when Dumbles said Harry went to those bastards.
HE KNEW WHERE HARRY WAS AND HE DID NOTHING? I BROKE OUT THE INSTANT I HEARD! I WENT AND GOT HIM!
I know Pads I know. James soothed and Sirius got the distinct impression that James had freaked out in a similar fashion. You know how Moony was. Always kissing Dumbles ass and acting like he was some great man.
Sirius nodded his head focusing on hisbreathing to keep himself from going and tracking Remus down and ripping the werewolf a new one. James snorted in the back of his skull. Now I would pay to see that fight. Grim vs Werewolf.
Sirius snarled. That wouldn't be a fight Prongs. That would be a slaughter. Remus wouldn't stand a chance against me.
Never said you would lose Padfoot. Just that I would find it entertaining. Speaking of entertaining things Harry has his first flying lesson tomorrow. I expect him to be perfect. We should begin training him for the team now. I started him the moment he popped out of Lily but ten years of no flying might have left him a little rusty.
The Animagus sighed rolling his eyes. Only James could go from attempting to prove his best friends innocence to a werewolf/Grim fight to a flying lesson. What do you want him to play?
Chaser of course. He IS my son.
Prongs I hate to break this to you but first years aren't even allowed to own brooms. How am I supposed to train him without a broom?
How the hell can't they be allowed? That should be like illegal. When you get your freedom you have to demand first years be allowed to have brooms. I will not have my fawn without a broom. In fact screw waiting that long. Get a catalogue right now we'll smuggle one in.
Sirius shook his head grinning. Only his Prongs. He yawned as another wave of exhaustion washed over him. James noticed instantly.
You're exhausted and so am I. It takes a lot out of me to talk to you. Get some sleep and I'll rest up and see if I can talk to you in the morning.
No, I'm fine. I missed your voice and just you so much. I don't need sleep.
Yes, you are. I can tell your about ready to pass out. I am not going anywhere Pads. You'll be sick of hearing my voice in a week I plan on chatting with you so much. I'll even sing you a lullaby if you want.
Reluctantly Sirius closed his eyes and snuggled a little closer to Harry's legs. I love you Prongs.
And I love you too Padfoot so does Lily though she's gagging at us right now. Give Harry a kiss in the morning from Lily and me.
Sirius allowed himself to drift off to sleep with James singing the pack's lullaby in his head.
The next morning had a slow start to it to say the least. Neville had to poke and prod at Draco and Harry for nearly ten minutes before Harry the lighter sleeper of the two even cracked an eye open. He had then promptly rolled over and tried to go back to sleep but Neville had by then realized nice means wouldn't work and ended up attempting to yank the covers off the bed only to fall back on his rear when he was faced with moving two hundred pounds of black dog. His cry of pain though was enough to rouse Sirius who had promptly jumped off the bed and licked the boy's face until he had stopped crying and left to get ready. The Animagus then turned to the daunting task of waking his pups up. He decided to start with Harry. His own tiredness weighed heavily on him but he shook it off. Half his time at Hogwarts he'd been tired from sneaking out with the Marauders. Sirius circled the pups careful to step on them at every opportunity. He surveyed them and smiled. Harry was lying on his side his arm thrown across Draco's chest head resting on Draco's arm. His face was upturned with his hair always unruly now even more messy from sleep falling onto his face and hiding the lightning bolt scar completely from view. His lips were slightly parted and his face was calm and peaceful. Draco's face was turned towards the side and the arm that Harry wasn't lying on was flung across his face and covered his eyes but he had a small smile on his lips.
Note to self, buy a camera.
Harry and Draco were once again in a Kodak moment and the gushing godfather in him wanted to take a thousand pictures and send them off to everyone he knew. He was sure the inmates in Azkaban would love to coo over his adorable godson.
Sirius might have let them sleep for a while longer but his stomach grumbled and he ended up jumping on Harry's chest placing on massive paw directly in the center and putting just enough weight behind it to make Harry stir in his sleep. Leaning his muzzle so that it was directly over Harry's face Sirius licked his cheek a few times. Harry grumbled and lifted one arm to swat at his godfather before letting it flop back into its earlier position.
Wakey wakey Prongslet. He called barking a few times. By now he was sure both boys were awake just far too lazy to get up. He pawed at Draco's face and got no reaction and his theory was pretty much confirmed.
That's it. Nice puppy time is over.
Sirius starred down at Harry and let the excess saliva that always seemed to be in his mouth build. He imaged pleasant drool worthy things like bacon and the wetness built. A long string of saliva slipped from the side of his mouth and dragged its way down and landed directly on Harry's face.
"EWWWWWWW PADFOOT!" Harry yelled sitting up and scrubbing his face on his sleeve. Sirius barked his tail wagging and he jumped back as Harry tried smacking at him
Hey I gave you plenty of time to get up.
Harry glared at him moodily before getting out of bed and beginning to pull on the first things he found in his trunk. Satisfied his godson was awake Sirius turned his attention to his cousin. Draco's eyes were clenched shut and Sirius considered just how to wake him up in a creative way. He decided that being nice was not option. So instead he grabbed Draco by his arm and yanked him right off the bed. Draco groaned as he hit the ground and shot the dog a disgusted look. Sirius licked his face happily and nudged the boys a few times to get them moving. Then sure that no one was paying him any mind he reached out with his mind and called.
PRONGS!
God Sirius I'm dead not deaf. James grumbled and Sirius grinned as his best friend's mind joined with his. Apparently being dead also didn't stop James from being a royal ass in the morning. A trait his son seemed to have inherited for as Sirius watched Harry threw a shoe across the room when he couldn't find its pair.
Finally after much complaining from the pups Sirius had them walking down the stairs. Half way down though Harry remembered that the whole school would see the results of their prank and he grabbed Draco's arm and dragged the other boy down the stairs with him Sirius bounding along at his heels. Despite the slow start they were far from being the last ones to trickle in. A quick glance at the staff table showed the Snape hadn't shown up and Sirius snickered. He was probably tearing about his room looking for the wand that was safely stowed in Sirius's backpack.
Harry and Draco started bolting their eggs and bacon while Sirius enjoyed his pancakes. James was grumbling in the back of his head about having to wake up so early but Sirius was able to tune it out thanks to years of practice.
He glanced up as he watched Harry's hand inch towards the coffee.
James your kid is trying to drink coffee. Am I supposed to stop him?
James pulled away from his mind slightly to talk to her.Lily says he's too young for coffee. I say let him have it. He looks like he could use it.
Sirius snagged the pot by the handle and tugged it closer to him and gave Harry a stern doggy look.
You listened to Lily over me?
Hell yeah. Even dead she scares the living hell out of me.
You are a very brave man Pads.
Sirius snorted and shoved the top off the pot of coffee and found the sugar cubes and dumped them in along with some cream. A few people gawked at the dog as he stirred his pot of coffee with a spoon before lapping it up.
"Harry what if someone else had wanted that coffee. Your dog stuck his tongue in it." Hermione scowled as she flopped down across from the boys having missed the odd dog behavior.
"You can have some. Its only dog slobber." Harry replied lazily as he watched Draco nod off where he was sitting.
Before Hermione could snap at him the doors slammed open and Sirius nearly jumped off the bench as Snape came plowing in. His hair was long and bright red with bright red lips and blushed tinged cheeks. His clothes were a blue sundress with a white apron exposing his pale hairy legs. All and all he looked like very ugly Raggedy Ann on a murderous rampage. The hall fell silent as Snape stormed across the room. Laughter broke out as people registered that this was the feared potion's master. Snape headed straight for the Gryffindor table and before Sirius could react he seized Harry by the back of the neck.