WHAT DO YOU MEAN MY GODSON WAS CURSED?
Lily says it's a very old very dark curse. It makes a person relive all the pain they've ever experienced.James snarled.
DO SOMETHING THEN!
James was silent for a long moment though Sirius could feel the waves of anger and worry rolling off him. He licked Harry's face a few more times his feeling of uselessness growing. He couldn't change and use magic to help his pup since McGongall and Snape were still conscious along with the portraits. Now he knew his pup was in pain and his every instinct screamed at him to do something but he had no idea what.
The bird. Grab Fawkes and make him cry. Get the tear in Harry's mouth. James ordered his words short and clipped with barley restrained anguish.
Sirius's confusion was the least of his worries as he leapt over Harry's thrashing form barley held in check by Draco sliding to a stop right in front of the phoenix's perch. He took a breath struggling to keep his emotions in check. Emotions that wanted to grab the bird and shake it until it cried so his pup was safe. Phoenixes were pesky creatures with the ability to help but with rarely the interest to. They weren't cruel animals more indifferent. They saw people much the same way humans viewed bacteria as mildly interesting things but they felt little attachment too. People would die and stay dead while a phoenix would continue its cycle of death and rebirth. They would help if they were interested in saving a person but the trick was making them care for the reason they were helping. And Sirius had a hunch his usual attack first approach wouldn't work in this situation. So instead he drew on his pureblood upbringing and made his voice dead with no emotion. The gray eyes of the canine met the golden eyes of the bird.
Fawkes I know you can understand me. All magic creatures understand Animagus's. Blink if you are getting this.
The scaly eyelids closed slowly and then flickered back open to continue staring at Sirius.
That boy lying on the floor is my godson. Someone cursed him and phoenix tears will help him. Can you please cry and get him to ingest the tears?
Fawkes just shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
Desperation filled Sirius as Harry let out another scream followed an instant later by Draco's yip of pain. Please Fawkes. I know you probably don't like me very much since I just broke the ribs of your owner…
That man is not my owner. The bird snapped puffing up. Sirius's ears flattened against his skull. He never could explain properly how he understood other animals when changed. When human they sounded like ordinary sounds but when he was Padfoot he sensed what the animal meant. The body language and sounds clicked together in his head and made sense.
Good to know. We can chat about that later but can you go cry on my pup?
Fawkes ruffled his feather his dark eyes cool. My tears are only for those worthy of earning them Sirius Black. Yes, I know who you really are and I can see every person you have killed and those Muggles and Pettigrew are not among them. Just as I can see that James Potter is standing beside you and Lily Evans Potter is sitting beside her son trying to hold onto him. Phoenixes are closer to Death than any other. We are his familiars that experience the gift of life and the gift of death many times over in our service to him.
Like I said. Nice to know. Can you help Harry please?
Fawkes preened his chest feathers. I could.
Then what the fuck are you waiting for? Get over there and help him! James snapped.
Fawkes eyes narrowed and he lifted his head slowly. Leave it to James to piss the bird off when they needed him. Watch your tone with me James Potter. My master has allowed you to stay with your family but anger me and I will ensure he sends you and your mate into the afterlife.
I don't care! Just help my son please. I will do whatever you want. James begged.
Sirius nodded his head in agreement. As will I. Just help Harry please. I can't stand to see him in pain.
Fawkes was silent for a few seconds then slowly he nodded his head. I will help the boy. But you James Potter and you Sirius Black have to swear to me that when I come to you one day with a need you shall give it to me.
James didn't hesitate nor did Sirius. They didn't need the pack link to know that they both would do anything to protect Harry.
I James Charles Potter Lord of the House of Potter give my word binding both my honor, my magic, and my kickass ghostieness that I will repay my debt to you. In return you Fawkes familiar of the Angel of Death you shall aid my son Harry James Potter in any way you can.
Sirius rolled his eyes but did his own pledge. I Sirius Orion Black first born son of the House of Black give you my word binding both my magic and honor to repay my debt to you.
As he spoke the final word a golden mist rose around them outlining every hair on the shaggy black dog and beside him the mist took the shape of a short slim man James's outline before expanding outward to encompasses the phoenix. Fawkes spread his wings and shrieked once and Sirius felt an odd feeling settle in his gut but it vanished a moment later.
Did you just get the odd feeling that we just sold our souls to the Devil? James asked as they returned to Harry's side the gold mist vanishing as Fawkes landed lightly beside Harry's head.
Don't you ever listen Prongs? We didn't sell our soul to the Devil we sold it to Death. Sirius replied not even taking his eyes off of the pups. Draco was still struggling to hold him down though now he was sporting a bloody nose. Before Sirius could move to help restrain Harry Fawkes opened his mouth and song his song. Oddly it reminded Sirius of the pack song and James began to hum it in his mind. Harry calmed in Draco's arms as the melody played out. His lips parted in a sleepy sigh and Fawkes leaned his head over the pup letting one shining silver tear fall into the open mouth. Then with one flap of his powerful wings Fawkes was back on his perch.
Sirius held his breath as slowly the emerald green eyes opened. Harry blinked a few times looking around. "Dray you're bleeding." He mumbled his voice concerned.
James groaned. He's worried about the mini Death Eater?
Draco smiled shifting his grip on Harry so the younger smaller boy's head was against his chest. "It's nothing Hare. How you feeling?"
Harry frown slightly and snuggled into the embrace as Sirius watched just taking in the sight of his godson. Forcing himself to believe he was okay.
"Tired. I think I used too much magic and I fell asleep. Where's Paddy?"
Right here Pronglset. Sirius murmured padding over to him and licking his face gently. Harry hugged his neck burying his face into the thick fur.
Draco ran his hand through Harry's unruly hair soothingly but his eyes searched for Sirius's clearly asking 'what's going on?'
Your adopted brother is lying through his teeth that's what. James grumbled and Sirius got the feeling Harry was receiving the full force of James's glare. Sirius couldn't care less though. His baby was safe. His little Prongslet was conscious and not in pain. It was several minutes before he could bear to pull away from Harry and examined Draco's face. Harry's little fist had gotten him good and the blood flowed freely. Whining softly Sirius nudged Draco's chin so his head was back trying to stop the flow of blood. Satisfied that Draco was in no danger of dying Sirius's attention went back to his godson. His baby boy. He could tell Harry was trying to hide what he had gone through. The way he hung onto Draco like letting go of his best friend would plunge him back into the curses grips. He kept his eyes low refusing to meet Sirius's gaze knowing that the Animagus would read right threw the mask he was desperately throwing up and Sirius anger bubbling in his chest flared back to life.
Who cursed my pup? Sirius growled feeling his hackles raise and his lips pulled away revealing his barred teeth. Harry did his best to melt into Draco's side as Sirius prowled around the room searching for anyone who could have harmed Harry. Hava was still stunned which wasn't surprising her small size making her a lot more susceptible to the stunning then a human. Dumbles was lying on the floor blood trickling from a head wound unconscious. As for Snape he was out blood loss or pain from his speared crotch seeming to have gotten to him. McGongall was still tied up her eyes flickering over Harry and Draco with concern and Fawkes who was dozing on his perch as if nothing had happened. Sirius considered changing and knocking the Transfiguration professor out but a flicker of movement caught his eye. The portraits of past Headmaster and Headmistresses were huddled together murmuring and pointing to the scene. And for some reason Sirius doubted they would be on his side if he changed. But his sensitive nose picked up no sign of another person in the room. So who had cursed Harry? Who was going to experience the feeling of his teeth ripping their body to shreds inch by inch? He prowled the room several more times before he was forced to give up and he sent a flicker of questioning towards James.
Untie McGongall. James ordered.
Why?
Because Snivellus is unconscious and if we move this little meeting into Dumbles's private chambers you can change and show her who you are. There aren't any portraits in there.
WHAT? She'll run screaming for the Dementors.
James sighed. McGongall will listen I'm sure of it. All you have to ask her to do is to shift into her cat form and talk to Fawkes. He can tell her that me and Lil's are right here and that you were never our Secret Keeper.
No. I like not being in jail.
Harry is hurt. His neck is still bleeding from Snape. Hava is gonna need medical attention. Draco is gonna be covered in bruises from Harry throwing punches… James trailed off before groaning. Lily I don't give a damn if Snivellus is bleeding to death on the floor. No, I don't care if his penis rots off. Do you really want little baby Snivellus's running around? Yes, there is a difference between my spawn and Snape's.
Guys stop arguing. Do you really think we can get McGongall on our side? Sirius asked going back to the boy's and checking on Draco who's nose was rapidly swelling and still bleeding freely.
Yeah. She's loyal to Dumbles but not in the insane slightly creepy way Hagrid is. She already suspects something is off with Harry. All we need to do is get her to listen long enough for me to work my charm.
You're a ghost. And your charm didn't work on Minnie when you were alive.
James huffed as Sirius licked Draco's face to clean it of blood before moving back to comforting Harry.
McGongall watched the scene her eyes unreadable. Finally she spoke her voice soft. "Mr. Potter can you please untie me. You need medical attention. If that fit you just had is what I think it was... And Mr. Malfoy's nose appears to be broken.
Nnoww its knott. I fwine Warry." Draco mumbled spitting out some on the blood that was trickling into his mouth. McGongall raised her eyebrows as Harry turned his attention to Draco poking at his nose earning a hiss of pain from the blond.
Go untie her Pads. James urged and grumbling the whole way Sirius prowled over to McGongall noting that she flinched back when she saw the way his lips curled slightly in a soft snarl.
Oh don't worry you old bat. I'm not attacking you. My idiot pet ghost wants you free.
Stop complaining and listen. James scolded lightly as Sirius tugged on the ropes that bound McGongall's wrist.
I don't wanna listen. Sirius whined. I want to go get Harry medical attention, get Draco sorted out, grab something to eat, and take a nap. Then kill whoever cursed my pup
So do I mate. But for now we gotta focus. We need to patch Harry and Draco up and we need allies. I talked to Remus…
Does he believe I didn't betray you guys?
James shifted in his mind and pulled away so Sirius couldn't just read his emotions. We'll talk about that later Siri. Finish untying McGo…
Sirius thought he'd seen hell break loose before when Hava had come flying into the room but that was nothing to what happen now. Peeves came barging in his hat askew followed by Amelia Bones, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Alastor Moody, Cornelius Fudge, and Larc trailing behind. Instantly wands were out when they saw the blood covered office before Peeves spotted Harry huddled against Draco Sirius having instinctively moved to block the pups from sight.
"Look Fudgey. Jamsie's baby right there. Hurt. By the dudgeon Snape. Just like I told you when you arrived. Good thing you met me. Giant oaf trying to turn you away…" Peeves muttered for once without his usual smirk. He floated down so he was even with Padfoot. "Don't worry Pads. Peevsie's got your furry little back. No one hurts out Jamsiekin's son on my watch."
Harry if possible clung tighter to Draco as Amelia Bones's sharp eyes took in the sight. Of course the Death Eater with a spear in his junk caught her attention as did the knocked out Dumbles. "Kingsley get those two on stretchers and into the infirmary. Don't let Snape out of your sight. And get Madam Pomfrey down here at once. These boys haven't had proper medical attention.
Instantly the Auror obeyed levitating Dumbles and Snape out of the room while Sirius tried to not let himself be so damn noticeable. He knew Kingsley had seen him with James as a dog several times.
Madam Bones stepped over to McGongall who was still tied up. Dog teeth weren't really meant to undo knots and with a flick of her wand the old lady was rubbing her wrist.
Fudge stepped forward his face pale twisting a bowler hat in his hands. "What in the blazes is going on here? That goblin…" He jerked his chin in Larc's direction who was kneeling next to his stunned sister. "Showed up at the Ministry in the middle of a meeting deciding if Hogwarts should receive Dementors to guard against Sirius Black breaking into the school." He watched as Larc lifted his sister up and hurried after Kingsley.
James snorted loudly in Sirius's head but other than that Sirius got the impression he was listening intently and that he wasn't going to comment unless asked.
"He was screaming about The-Boy-Who-Lived being attacked by a Professor and that a team of Auror's needed to be gathered that his sister was trying to kill said Professor. I chose my two best Aurors only to be turned away at the door by the groundskeeper saying the Headmaster had sent him a Patronus saying that it was all a big understanding. We nearly left when Peeves here offered to escort us saying that he had witnessed the attack." Madam Bones explained.
I'm going to rip Hagrid's head off. Sirius growled
He's loyal to Dumbles and doesn't see his faults. Don't be mad at him be mad at Dumbles.
McGongall stood and found her wand looking with concern over at the apparent trio. Madam Bones unreadable eyes took in the sight and Sirius absently wondered what they must appear like from the outside. Harry the tiny mirror image of the bravest, big headed, Slytherin/Death Eater hating git to ever walk Hogwarts cowering into the side of the blood covered son of one of the most notorious Death Eaters. A son who was currently doing his best to aim his wand at everyone while trying to keep the blood out of his mouth by having his head back. Then Sirius a massive bear of a dog wearing a blue doggy backpack crouched in front white bandages wrapped around his side growling. Sirius was sure the world must be shaking in their robes at such as sight.
Yeah, from trying not to laugh. James added.
McGongall started explaining. "This morning at breakfast the boys…"
"Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy? What happen did they try to kill each other?" Fudge asked and Sirius wondered why he was here.
Harry lifted his head to glare at Fudge and Sirius tensed waiting for some burst of accidental magic but apparently Harry really was exhausted since he let his head fall back against Draco's shoulder.
"No. Those two are inseparable. They seemed to have put aside the issues their parents had with each other and have become best friends. The issue is that Harry has inherited his father's prankster personality. The boys played a prank of Professor Snape and he lost his temper with them and physically grabbed Harry."
Mad-Eye growled. "Told Dumbledore you could never trust a Death Eater. I warned him and warned him to not let Snape near Potter. I trained his father and I never saw quite a hatred between anyone as the one between Potter and Snape. Should have known Potter would be in danger especially with the boy looking so much like him."
Fudge paled and hurried to Harry who flinched into Draco's side while Sirius growled a warning causing him to freeze. Madam Bones also stepped forward her voice soft. "My name is Amelia Bones. I work for the Ministry of Magic. Harry, I know your scared but can I see where Professor Snape grabbed you? I promise I won't hurt you sweetheart."
Harry looked to his godfather who nodded reassuringly before lowering his head and brushing strand of black hair off his neck. Mad-eye and Fudge crowded closer and Sirius stood on tip toes to better see and he couldn't help the snarl that slipped past his neck. Harry's neck was rapidly bruising with blood still flowing from the deep trenches that Snape's nails had made in the delicate skin.
"I'm so sorry sweetheart. Don't worry we'll get that healed as soon as possible." Madam Bones murdered trying to reach out and touch Harry's face her eyes zeroing in on the way Harry shrunk closer to Draco.
"Don't touch him." Draco hissed tensing. "He doesn't like anyone he doesn't know touching him."
Madam Bones smiled reassuringly but her eyes were dark. "Why don't we take the boys to the Hospital Wing and get them healed up. Then we shall get the rest of the story."
Peeves swooped down and lifted Harry and Draco to their feet causing Harry to give a soft yelp. Sirius glared at the poltergeist who mouthed a sorry before returning to flying right over Harry's head alert for anything that could attack his friend's son. Madam Bones held her hand out to Harry who looking at Sirius for support cautiously took it while his other hand found Draco's and Sirius moved so he was brushing against Harry's side.
Madam Bones smiled again and started leading Harry down the stairs with McGongall at her side. As they passed Fudge his sensitive ears picked up her whispered order to Fudge. "Find who was Harry's primary caretakers before Hogwarts. I want to speak to them as soon as we are done here."
Harry still held Dumbles wand in his hand the one that was clinging to Draco and with a soft flutter of wings Fawkes left his perch and rested lightly on the boy's shoulder. Harry flinched before smiling at the beautiful bird as Fawkes resumed his singing softly.