Snape's fingers closed over Harry's neck and the boy let out a scream of pain and fear. Sirius didn't even think he just reacted. He launched himself off the bench and his front paws collided soundly with Snape's chest knocking him backward with enough force to break ribs. The Death Eater kept his hold on Harry dragging the pup down with him. Sirius snarled in outrage as Harry struggled to free himself yet somehow Snape held on but not for long. Teeth clamped down around the appendage and bones shattered and his scream of pain pleased the attacking canine. Locking his jaw in place he shook his massive skull blood splattering his face and chest. A part of him heard people but he didn't care. All heknew was that this bastard had gone to hurt his pup. He wanted to rip him into little tiny pieces.
He would have happily done that if something hadn't collided with his side and knocked him back. Pain blossomed along his side and he groaned struggling to breathe. The pain startled him from his blood lust and he realized James was screaming at him.
Padfoot get up NOW! Harry is freaking out. He needs you.
That got through better than anything else and Sirius staggered upright and looked around. McGongall had her wand out and was pointing it at Snape and yelling something. A circle of teachers had formed around the Gryffindors and were trying to get the students out of the way but Sirius couldn't care. He scanned the students and saw that Hagrid had grab ahold of Draco who was struggling his eyes locked on the doors to the Great Hall. And no sign of Harry.
Where did he go?
Out the door. Lily went with him. She said to stay with you. I think he's hurt. Hurry.
Sirius didn't need the urging he charged through the crowd and out the door ignoring the shouts that erupted from behind him. His legs were shaky and felt like jelly but Sirius thundered on stubbornly. He knew where Harry would be and James agreed.
His paws found the familiar path without even thinking about. He flung himself forward his paws pounding as he raced along. His head and side ached but he paid it little attention as his nose picked up on the scent of blood. The Whomping Willow loomed ahead and Sirius didn't even pause to hit the knot in the wood. He ducked the branches as they whistled past ignoring the twigs the tugged at his fur as he slipped down the hole and into the tunnel. James was a boiling mass of anger and worry in the back of his skull which only added to his own. James mind raced with the spells he wished he had the ability to cast. A curse that would make your blood heat up until you essentially boiled to death from the inside out seemed to be the kindest fate that Snape was going to face. Sirius personally thought it sounded far too good for the Death Eater but James was the boss.
Finally after close to an eternity of running Sirius emerged from the tunnel and saw Harry curled up into a ball on the bed. James whimpered at the sight of his beloved son as Sirius took a moment to change into a human and get his temper under control. It would do no good to act angry around Harry. It would only scare the boy. Softly Sirius padded across the room and sat down beside his godson who was lying on his side eyes locked on the wall with his knees tucked against his chest silent tears falling from his eyes.
My fawn…. James whimpered
"It's okay pup. I handled it. You're safe. I'm here." Sirius whispered stroking the messy black hair. Harry sniffed a few times before sitting up and squirming into Sirius's lap.
"Sorry." Harry chocked out as another sob wracked his body and Sirius hugged him tightly.
Why is he saying sorry? James asked mentally as Sirius said the same out loud.
Harry looked up at him with those big emerald eyes shinning with tears. "I made him mad with the pranks. Then you got hurt protecting me."
"Harry what Snape did was wrong. No one and I mean no one has the right to hurt a child. No teacher should ever think of laying a hand on their student. You did nothing wrong . Say it." Sirius ordered his voice firm but filled with love for his godson. James squirmed restlessly in his mind and Sirius knew he was dying to be the one comforting his son and he sent a wave of regret James's way.
"It's not my fault." Harry mumbled refusing to meet Sirius's eyes and the Animagus sighed. An idiot could tell that Harry believed his own words about as much as Sirius believed that Death Eaters were secretly fairies.
You got any suggestions Prongs? Or does the she-demon you married?
Yeah, how about you heal yourself and him. You're getting blood all over Harry.
Surprised Sirius looked down and saw that his side was a soaked in blood. As his eyes took in the large gapping gash the pain flooded him and he whimpered. "Oww where did that come from?"
The git who sent you flying across the room. They used that slashy hex that Snape used on my handsome face all the time.
Who was it?
Dunno. Didn't see them clearly. I was too busy trying to figure out how to help you murder Snivellus.
You are a great help James.
I know. His voice sounding oddly bitter
Sirius chose to ignore him having the more pressing matter of the hole in his side. He prodded the wound hissing in pain. The slash was deep a little over an inch as long as his hand and two inches wide. Sirius decided that despite the blood pouring from it that he was in no immediate danger of dying and turned to examine Harry's neck. Thankfully Snape hadn't done any major damage. Harry's neck was bright red as Sirius pushed his hair away from the skin and the half-moon shaped cuts from Snape's nails trickled blood. It was far too much damage in Sirius's eyed but he knew it could be so much worse. A sharp wave of pain from his side made him gasp and Harry's eyes flickered to his own.
"Paddy don't worry about healing me I'm fine. Heal yourself."
"Nice try pup but you come first."
Lily says not to heal your wounds or Harry's.
Does Lily want me to bleed out?
No. She says it will look suspicious if someone sees all the blood and no one hurt and if we have proof Snape hurt Prongslet it might help get him fired.
What if I bleed to death?
Trust me she doesn't want to be stuck with you in the afterlife anymore then you do.
Tell her that I know she misses my amazing ass.
I am not translating that.
Aww come on Prongs you know you love it.
Sirius felt annoyance and silence from James and he smiled slightly before turning to the Pup and explaining to him why he wasn't healing them. To his surprise Harry shook his head looking terrified.
"I don't want to go back Paddy. Snape is gonna kill me. He looked madder than my Uncle normally did."
Sirius growled at the mention of the Muggle as did James. "Harry I'll be right there with you." He struggled to ignore his light headness as more blood pumped from the wound.
No, offence Siri but you were right next to him and Snape grabbed him.
No, helping James.
But James did have a point and Sirius managed to reach out and leaned his forehead against Harry's. The contact with Harry calmed his dizziness.
"Pup, Snape didn't know that your dog was so protective. We gotta go back so Dumbles can see that his pet is violent and hurt you. Then he'll be thrown in Azkaban pup.
Harry nodded slightly still looking unconvinced and Sirius groaned as another wave of dizziness hit him. "Pup please. I need to get someone to check me out."
Instantly Harry's face transformed from scared stubbornness into one of concern. "You're really bleeding bad."
"I know." Sirius staggered as he tried to stand and ended up leaning heavily against Harry as he transformed. Harry offered him a shoulder to lean against and slowly they made their way through the tunnel. The walk was painful for the Animagus to say the least. He was sure he wouldn't have made it if nor for after a few steps he felt warmth on his other side and he was sure it was James helping him along since the presence in his mind was distant. Between Prongs and Prongs Jr he managed to limp his way back to the castle and Harry went to push open the castle doors when they were knocked open and Hagrid came out.
"Harry there you are. We've been looking everywhere for you. Why are you covered in blood? Did Snape hurt you that bad?"
"It's not mine its Padfoot's. Please help him." Harry begged and Sirius found his legs could no longer hold him up. With soft whine he collapsed and Harry called his name stroking his head.
"Watch up boy. I got him."
The ground vanished from beneath his stomach and Sirius vaguely realized that he was being carried by Hagrid at a dead run into the Great Hall. James sent waves of warmth and worry towards him.
"Poppy the dog is hurt bad." Hagrid called and Sirius knew from James's whispers that the hall had all the teachers and Draco in it and that he was being laid on the table.
"It's a dog Hagrid. I don't know how to heal a mutt." Madam Pomfrey's voice was distant.
"Please Madam. Padfoot isn't a normal dog. He's magic. I think the human medicine would work on him." Harry piped up tears running down his face.
"Hmph."
"Poppy come look at this dog NOW."
Minnie seems to care about you Pads.
Sirius groaned as someone poked at his wound. Pomfrey most likely he fuzzy brain told him. She heard her clucking in disapproval as she examined him. Then the pain lessened.
"He's lost a lot of blood. I've stopped the bleeding but I need to clean the wound and get some Blood-Replenishing Potion down his throat. Mr. Potter come here and talk to him. He's not going to take kindly to me cleaning the wound."
Harry little fingers stroked his head and Sirius licked his fingers as something was poured on his side. Yowling he shot up but strong hands joined Harry's fingers and Draco's now familiar scent washed over him. Between the two boys and Hagrid he was held down as the feeling of liquid fire erupted from the wound. Slowly it died out and Sirisu was left panting his eyes squeezed tightly shut.
Don't be a wuss. That's nothing compared to what Pomfrey did to me when I decided to pick a fight with that Bludger in 4th year.
Not helping James. Sirius managed to mentally gasp. An intense itching was now beginning over his side as his skin and muscle knitted itself back together. When that sensation stopped his mouth was pried open and a foul tasting liquid was forced down his gullet. He gagged but managed to keep it down and within a few moments his head cleared and he was no longer in pain. Pain potion must have been added to the blood replenisher.
Still slightly groggy Sirius sat up and opened his eyes surveying the room as Pomfrey wrapped clean white bandages around his side. He was quite pleased with the scene. Snape's arm was in a sling against his side but Flitwick and Madam Hooch had their wands trained on him. But where was Dumbledore?
Though at the sight of Snape is anger bubbled back to the surface and Sirius growled eyes fixing on the bat. Pomfrey yanked her hands away from him. McGongall looked up from where she was examining Harry's neck and followed his line of sights. "Will someone take Snape and get him out of here before Padfoot decides to attack him again." Flitwick and Quirell obeyed and led the potions master out of the hall and Sirius relaxed.
McGongall patted his head before smiling fondly at Harry. "Harry do you remember what I said about Padfoot having to go if he misbehaved.
Harry's fingers became like vises around Sirius's neck. "Please he was only defending me. You can't take him away. Please."
"Padfoot was provoked. He was trying to protect Harry. He didn't do anything until Snape made Harry cry out." Draco added adding his own arms around the big black dog.
I'll testify in court that you were just doing your job as godfather.
Oh yes I can see that. Excuse me Wizengamot I have a witness here to testify for me. Oh where is he? Why it's the ghost of James Potter. Only issue is I'm the only one who can hear him. Why no he assures me I'm not crazy. Just please ask your questions and I'll tell you what James says.
McGongall patted Harry's shoulder. "I know and I will tell the Headmaster that. But it is up to him on Padfoot's punishment."
Oh god my fate rest in Dumbledore's hands? I am screwed.
That's if there is any of you left. Look. James nudged his line of vision towards the door to the great hall as the doors burst open and two very short creatures came plowing in.
HARRY JAMES POTTER I TOLD YOU TO SEND THAT LETTER! Sirius wailed.