Sirius felt the whimper escape his muzzle as he took in the sight of the goblins. Hava was of course in the lead and looked like someone had set her puppy on fire and she was going to get payback.
Careful what you think Pads. She might just set Harry's puppy on fire. James murmured sounding highly amused.
"WHERE IS HE? WHERE IS MY PARVULAS?" Hava shrieked swinging her head around till her black eyes fell on Harry. She hurried forward as fast as her legs could carry her and flung her arms around the boy who was smiling slightly. Larc panted along behind his sister and arrived a few moments afterwards. During that time Sirius was doing his best to get a sudden burst of wandless magic that would turn him invisible. James was snickering in the back of his head and he growled at his best friend which only made James laugh harder.
"Harry what is all over you? Is this blood?" She demanded examining the front of Harry's robes.
Please say its ketchup. Please say its ketchup. James stop laughing.
Harry nodded. "It's not mine. It's Padfoot's."
Hava wheeled around and spotted Sirius trying to slink under the table. She stalked forward and seized his collar and with surprising strength for her size hauled him out. He cowered in front of her tail between his legs and defiantly not shaking despite what James said.
"What the hell did you do stupid this time?"
Sirius whimpered his Gryffindor bravery peeing itself when it came to facing Hava. The Animagus knew what she was capable of. He'd once seen her torture a Death Eater into spilling his guts using only a spoon. James's laughter stopped and concern filled the link. Is she really gonna kill you? I'll share my ghostie space with you if she does.
Before Hava could get any deadly silverware Harry showing more bravery or possibly stupidity than Sirius thought possible stepped between them shielding Sirius from sight.
"Don't hurt him." Harry seemed slightly surprised at his own bravery and Sirius feeling a little more confident with his shield knowing Hava wouldn't harm Harry stopped cowering though he stayed ready to run for his life if he had too. Draco jerked his arm out of Hagrid's grip as the half-giant watched slacked jaw the scene in front of him. Draco rushed to Harry's side and stood tensed his hand going to his pocket where his wand most likely resided. He watched the screaming goblin warily.
"Harry I gave him very strict orders to not let anything happen to you. If he was harmed and you were close enough to get covered in blood…."
McGongall's commanding tone interrupted Hava's rant as she fixed her steely gaze on the gobliness. "Excuse me. May I ask who you are and why you just came barging into my school and start yelling at the pet of one of my students?"
Awww Minnie is defending you. Such a cutey wittle couple. When's the wedding? James cooed in his skull.
After I annul the one I have to you.
James was silent for a second. Actually that would explain the time I woke up in a muggle tux. I need to stop drinking.
You're cuter drunk. I'll tell you all about our wedding night if Hava turns McGongall into a cat-kebob. I'd love to see Lily's face.
Hava though was drawing herself up to her full three feet of height and glaring at McGongall and James sent a mental picture of McGongall's hat being set on fire by the look alone. Not helping at all James.
I think I am.
"I am Hava of the Medalstar clan. This is my brother Larc. Larc oversees the Potter affairs at Gringrotts. We are allies of Sirius Black and James Potter and as their heir's Harry is under our protection."
McGongall snorted. "You're the ones petitioning all the time to free Sirius Black from Azkaban."
Don't you love how she says that like it's a bad thing? James commented Sirius ignored him watching as Larc stepped forward.
"We knew Sirius well and he was more loyal then most dogs." Larc gave a pointed look at Padfoot who blinked. James burst into a fit of giggles in the back of his mind. Sirius rolled his eyes. Only James could be this annoying as a ghost. "And very few people earned that loyalty and none more than James and Harry. He would have died before betraying James."
Sirius barked softly in agreement pleased that someone was standing up for him. James nuzzled his mind clearly agreeing about his loyalty.
Of course you would have. You're my best mate. I'd have died for you and you for me. We're brothers forever. Everyone who doesn't believe you're innocent deserves to be covered in blood and thrown to a pack of starving dragons. I'm a wonderful judge of character. Don't roll your eyes Lily. You're the only person I trust with Harry. I made you his godfather for a reason. You're brave, loyal, funny, and you love him as much as me and Lily. So don't listen to the idiots who say otherwise. Half of them think Snivellus is reformed and Fudge is a brilliant minister.
Sirius's lip quivered and he had to choke back the tears. He flung his mind around James snuggling as close to his friend's mind as possible. Love you Prongs.
Love you too Padfoot.
McGongall just gave the two goblins a sad look as if she pitied them for their beliefs. Sirius sighed slightly upset by the fact his old teacher clearly thought he was mass murder. "You will have to excuse my doubt. Though I do want to know why you are here."
Harry who was still standing in front of Sirius with Draco tensed at his side jumped into the conversation. "I've been living with Larc and Hava all summer."
Hagrid grumbled. "Explains why I couldn't find him for so long. Goblin magic. Tricky things."
Sirius whined. No one had told him the goblins had added protection to their room. He felt a wave of gratitude wash over him direct at the two small creatures. James was pleased but he got the distinct impression he'd already known.
Harry threw Hagrid an uncomfortable look but he continued. "I was supposed to send a letter to Hava yesterday and if she didn't get it today she was coming here to check on me. I might have forgotten to send it."
Hava opened her mouth to start off on another rant but once again McGongall stopped her. "Why were you yelling at the dog."
Hey, the dog has a name. Sirius snapped.
Shhh. I wanna see how the two idiots and Prongslet get out of that question. Oh and whatever the little Death Eater spawn is called. Donny or Derrick or something. Oww! Lily hit me! He whined managing to sound heartbroken while giggling.
I named him Glaciereyes. What did you do to piss Lily off?
She says we should know Harry's BFF's name.
I totally know it. Just testing you.
Asshole.
Larc looked at his sister for support but it was Harry who saved them. "He was my Dad's dog." Harry explained.
Draco nodded his head in agreement as usual following Harry's train of thought. "Yeah, he's been trained by magical means. Like how regular owls when trained by magic become the ones we use for our post. It reshapes their mind and bodies to make them better for the use we've given them."
My fawn is brilliant. He isn't even technically lying. I told people you were my pet all the time.
Yeah, Minnie can spot a lie in an instant. That might be just enough of the truth to save our asses.
McGongall made a noise very much like a hiss. "Oh course that's why I recognized that beast…"
I'm a beast now?
I always thought you looked like a squirrel totally not beastie.
You make no sense James.
I know. Prongs sounded far too proud of that to be normal. But hey he wasn't Alpha of the Marauder's without a reason.
Harry nodded and rummaged in Sirius's doggy backpack for a moment before pulling out a picture Larc had found. He showed it to McGongall and everyone craned their necks to see except Sirius who already knew what it was.
The picture was Harry's favorite of his godfather and father together and Sirius had a suspicion it was because the little boy was in the picture too. Sirius could picture it perfectly since he starred at the photograph until it was seared into his brain. James was sprawled out on the maroon couch he'd bought just to ruin any décor Lily had been trying to establish. His mouth was turned up at the edges into its usual smirk but with subtle differences only visible to those who knew Prongs. It was softer and more relaxed a truly happy smile. James's hazel eyes were hidden beneath his eyelids. Lying on his chest with his daddy's arm wrapped around him was Harry only a few months old and wearing a little red shirt that had a cartoon lion on the front and a diaper. He like his father was asleep his little mouth partially open and blue pacifier clutched in one chubby pink hand. His other hand was holding onto a large black ear that belonged to the large shaggy black dog that had somehow wiggled onto the couch beside James and was curled right into Prong's side so close a piece of paper couldn't have come between them. The dog's chin rested right beside the baby's head with James's free arm beneath his neck. As the photo replayed those few moments Harry would squirm in his sleep and tug on the dog's ear even as his father pulled the canine closer and Padfoot snuggled against his side and his pink tongue would snake out in sleep to lick the little hand.
Sadness washed over Sirius for those simpler times when falling off the couch during Harry's daily nap which always took place in that fashion had been his biggest problem.
You know everyone said you were the looks of the Marauder's but looking at that picture I have to disagree. I am one sexy ass Gryffindor.
The comment had the desired result and Sirius shook himself the throw of the sudden depression. Being a ghost has made you delusional.
No, that would be having to listen to your thoughts. Honestly the Black mentalness is apparently contagious.
McGongall's face softened slightly. "I remember seeing that dog with your mother whenever she was out alone. Hagrid is it possible to have a dog trained by magic?"
Hagrid nodded clearly thrilled that his expertise was needed. "Of course look at Fang. Now he may not be the greatest example of a magically trained canine but you have to put spells on them from the day they are born up until their a year old an I can't do those spells." Hagrid blushed and Sirius rolled his eyes. He was pretty sure everyone knew Hagrid used magic illegally though not very well.
McGongall gestured for him to continue. "But one with all the spells done right could easily understand what it has to do. If James told Padfoot to attack any threat to Harry he would attack anyone that he saw as a threat. He should also be able to get a good sense of what is dangerous and if James had commanded him to not allow certain people near Harry then Padfoot would of course not allow them near Harry unless commanded to even if that person posed no threat at the time." Hagrid cursed under his breath. "Now I get why he was so keen on attacking me in Diagon Alley. I spooked Harry and his training kicked in."
He just realized that now? Hagrid are you sure you're not half-troll instead of half-giant? James asked.
Sirius though was far too busy taking offence to the whole conversation. Only reason he defended Harry was because of some stupid magical dog training? That was the excuse the pups had come up with? That?
Thankfully Professor Flitwick hurried into the room keeping any more questions about the oddly intelligent dog from happening.
"Professor you asked me to inform you when the Headmaster returned. He's ready to see Mr. Potter about his dog."
That fucking bastard didn't even see his precious fucking Death Eater attack my son? James roared resorting to his favorite swear word in his anger. Sirius did his best to take in long calming breaths. If Dumbles hadn't even seen the attack Sirius could easily see Snape spinning it so that he was some innocent bystander when the big scary rabid dog went on a rampage. If he gave into his temper he knew he'd go on a rampage and that would only help Snape out.
Hava's temper and patience finally seemed to have snapped though. "Why does Harry need to see the Headmaster? What did Padfoot do? Someone better start explain or I swear to Ragnook that someone will know the rubbery taste of their own intestines."
She's not as violent as I remember. Sirius mused.
Yeah, before she would have ripped the intestines out through the nostrils then used them to strangle before finally slitting the person's throats with a rusty spoon.
"Easy sis. I'm sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for all this. Padfoot probably got covered in blood saving a child from a well or something."
McGongall sighed. "The Headmaster is waiting and I want to get this over with. Mr. Malfoy please head to class. Professor Flitwick can you please explain to them what happened?"
Flitwick nodded reluctantly while Draco gave a look that clearly dared anyone to even attempt to send him back to class.
McGongall shooed Harry and Sirius towards the door with Draco clinging stubbornly to his best friend's arm. The doors had just slammed shut when Hava and Larc's screaming began.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN A PROFFESOR ATTACKED HARRY!?"
McGongall threw a spell meant, presumably to keep Hava contained, at the door before stalking towards Dumbles office. Sirius fell in step beside Harry with Draco on Harry's other side one arm slung over Harry's shoulders. "You okay?" He whispered.
Harry nodded slightly his face pale and his fingers reaching out until they felt Sirius's fur and tangling themselves tightly in the thick black hair.
"Just tell Dumbledore the truth. You did nothing wrong. You were just eating breakfast when Snape freaked out and started trying to kill you. Padfoot being the kickass dog he is protected you."
McGongall quickened her step clearly doing her best to not hear what the two boys were discussing and Sirius felt a little of his anger at her dissipating. Though James's anger still bubbled like magma towards her.
"Dray what if he asks why I ran? I can't tell anyone about you know… I could barely tell you and Paddy and I trust you two more than anyone else."
"You might have to Harry." Draco gave him a reassuring smile while Sirius leaned against his leg wishing more than ever Harry could understand dog. James try talking to Harry. He's gonna need help with this and I can't talk as a dog.
Harry hey it's me your Daddy. Can you hear me fawn? I'm right here with you. Come on kiddo listen to my voice. Your mommy and me are right here. We've never left you. Harry please hear me… James begged but Harry didn't even flinch and Sirius felt his own sadness mixing with James. He'd never realized how hard it must be for James and Lily to be able to see their son and know what he was going through and be able to do nothing about it. He nuzzled James's mind not sure what else he could do but got little response.
As McGongall lead them to the Headmaster's office Sirius could feel a slight tremor take over Harry's body and he whined licking his pup's hand.
It's gonna be alright. If he doesn't do anything to Snape I bite his overly long nose off and shove it where the sun doesn't shine. Sirius promised.
Sirius I got to leave. Dumbles can do that whole mind reading thingy. I don't want him picking up on me. I'll still be here but not in your head.
Before Sirius could object Prongs threw up walls around his mind and pulled back so he was alone and Sirius stumbled from the sudden loneliness. He recovered though his head ached where James's mind should have been.
McGongall eyed Harry before she whispered the password to the door clearly remembering the time she had said the password to the Headmaster's office in front of James and Fawkes had been kidnapped, thoroughly annoyed, and set loose in the Slytherin Common Room resulting in a large amount of burnt Slytherins in the hospital wing. James had been forced to sit out a Quiditch match against Hufflepuff and all the Marauders had been given detention for a month along with Regulus who only a first year at the time had been coaxed by a certain older brother of his into telling the Marauders the password to get into the Slytherin common room.
The silence was heavy as the made their way up the stairs Harry clutching Sirius's fur so tightly that he knew he was going to have a bald patch.
McGongall gave them a grim smile as she pushed the door open. Harry gulped and looked to his two best friends on either side of him. Sirius nodded trying to look as reassuring as a dog could and Draco flash a small smile. "It's gonna be okay. No one is going to hurt you in front of the Headmaster." Though Sirius saw Draco slip Harry's wand from where it was kept in Harry's backpack and press it into Harry's hand . Harry looked up seeming surprised. "Just in case." Draco murmured and nudged Harry forward his own wand noticeable in his hand.
Dumbledore was siting behind his desk fingers folded together neatly on the desk smiling kindly and Sirius had to resist the urge to tear that content grandfatherly look off of his face. Everyone else might think Dumbles was a saint but Sirius knew that Dumbledore had done things that would impress old Voldymoldy for his so called 'Greater Good'. Sitting in a chair beside Dumbledore was Snape looking murderous and no longer like a very ugly doll. Sirius's jaw dropped when he saw that every scratch he'd managed to inflict had been perfectly healed not even a red mark remaining. Two guesses on what freakishly long nosed old man healed him. Anger that had never really cooled down now roared back to life. He choked back a growl as Dumbledore looked at Draco. "Ahh Mr. Malfoy may I ask what you are doing here? I thought Mr. Potter and his dog were the only ones involved in the little bit of ruckus we had today."
Sirius let a low snarl slip from between his teeth. Ruckus? That was what he was calling Harry being attacked?
The blond munchkin drew himself up to his full height and glared at the Headmaster clearly picking up on what Dumbledore had said. His arm tightened around Harry's shoulder as Harry cowered into Draco's side. Sirius stepped forward placing himself between Harry and Dumbledore. "I'm here because Harry is my friend and he needs me. Not to mention I was a witness to Snape." Draco threw a disgusted look at the Death Eater who glared back. "…attacking him and you will need my statement when you file the official repot with the Minister. I also spent time with Padfoot over the summer and I share a dorm with him and I can say that he is a perfectly good natured dog unless Harry is threatened."
If I didn't know he was a pureblood already that speech would have told me. No normal eleven year old talks like that. Sirius thought.
"Now let's not get ahead of ourselves Draco. May I call you Draco?"
Glaciereye's face was more than enough to say what he thought of that but Dumbledore continued on without waiting for an answer. " Now why don't you take a seat boys and see if we can figure out what happened. Minevra you are free to go attend to your students."
"Excuse me Headmaster but as and Mr. Malfoy's Head of House and the person who authorized….Peanut or whatever that dog is called to be on the grounds I think I have a right to stay. Especially since neither of the boys have a legal guardian present."
IT'S PADFOOT. WHAT THE HELL IS SO HARD ABOUT MY NAME? SAY IT TOGETHER NOW. PADFOOT. P.A.D.F.O.O.T. PADFOOT.
"As you wish."
McGongall flicked her wand and transfigured several pieces of paper on Dumble's desk into three hard backed wooden chairs. Draco nudged Harry forward and managed to sit him in the middle one while he tugged his own as close to Harry's as possible. Instantly Harry curled into Draco's side while Sirius leaned against his legs eyes flicking between Snape and Dumbledore trying to decide which was the bigger threat.
"Now what is this I hear about 's dog mauling Severus here?"
Before anyone could open their mouths to explain Dumbledore's office door burst open and Hava tore in a very long very sharp spear in hers hands and aimed right at Snape's heart.