Apparently Harry's shyness over hugging Amelia Bones only gave him the strength to sprint down one corridor. Sirius and Draco easily caught up to the kid who gratefully leaned against Draco's shoulder his face pale and sweaty.
"I guess I should have listened to Hava warning me about using my magic."
Draco ruffled his brother's hair playfully. "Even so that was some kickass magic. You've gotta teach me to do that."
Sirius barked in agreement before nudging the boys in the direction of the Gryffindor Common room. He was starving and Madam Bones had promised there would be food brought up.
Harry seemed relaxed which Sirius was grateful for. He wasn't sure if it was the fact that Harry realized he had a potential ally in Madam Bones or if it was because the pup had shown to others that he was not to be messed with but the change was noticeable if you knew Harry well.
Harry still stuck close to him and Draco with his fingers tangled in Sirius's thick fur but he wasn't trying to hide behind them as he usually did which Sirius saw as a major improvement. Of course the instant he noticed it they had to pass a portrait which occupants started whispering and pointing. Harry ducked behind Draco who was just tall enough to hide him mostly from view.
Sirius snarled at them getting between his pup and the portraits and urging the boys to walk faster. Harry recovered as soon as they were out of sight of the portraits.
Sirius grumbled under his breath about the nosy ass portraits in the Headmaster's office knowing they had to be the reason behind the looks Harry was getting. They were nearly at the Gryffindor Common room when Sirius noticed something.
Prongsie? You still there in all you awesome ghostieness? He thought sending his thoughts in the direction of where James's mind had been.
James thoughts joined with his though they were slow and dull. I here Pads. I did something stupid when I was talking to Remus. Tired. Gonna sleep.
With the helpful bit of info James pulled back slightly and a moment later Sirius felt his mind dull. He rolled his eyes. He had to be the only person on the planet with an a ghost that took naps.
The Fat Lady was waiting for them at the entrance.
"You poor things." The Fat Lady cooed making Harry hide behind Draco. "I always said that Snape was a horrible Professor. You won't believe how many students have come back crying from his class."
Draco snorted. "Amazing how I grew up hearing how wonderful he was. But the instant it's proven he's a bad guy everyone says they always knew. Now let us in. I'm starving."
The Fat Lady huffed but swung open. Draco clambered inside helping his much shorter adoptive brother through while Sirius leapt through easily.
No one spoke until they were safe in their dorm room and Sirius had shifted and put wards up over the door to alert him if anything was coming up the stairs. He turned around and opened his arms in a silent gesture. Harry flung himself in his godfather's arms snuggling close. Sirius kissed the unruly black hair smiling. He pushed Harry away slightly and knelt down placing his hands on the boy's shoulder and looking him in the eye.
"I'm proud of you pup. I know how much guts it took for you to stand up to Dumbledore. I know your dad would be proud of you."
Harry beamed at the praise and Sirius grinned stood scooping his godson up easily and ruffling his hair. Draco watched the family bonding moment from his perch on the bed his face slightly sad.
Sirius shifted Harry's weight to one arm and stole another glance at Draco. He wasn't quite sure but he thought he saw a touch of jealousy and longing in the gray depths. He held out his free arm .
"You gonna sit there all day pouting or are you gonna get your ass over here and get cooed over?" Sirius asked.
"I am not pouting." Draco mumbled sounding like a whiny five year old. He crossed his arms over his chest and his bottom lip stuck out slightly glowering at the older male.
Harry giggled and hid his face against Sirius's shoulder. The Animagus grinned looking at his godson his tone playful. "What do you think Prongslet is Glaciereyes pouting?"
The pup nodded lifting his to smirk at his brother. Draco threw him a betrayed look which only served to make Harry laugh more.
"Honestly Drake I thought the cooing was the part you were going to object too not pouting."
The blond only huffed and Sirius decided if the kid was going to be stubborn he'd just take matters into his own hands. Tightening his hold on Harry who seemed to sense what his godfather was up to and snickered. Draco was glaring at the floor and didn't see Sirius reach out with his free arm until it was too late. Sirius snatched him up easily and pulled the pup against his chest ignoring Draco's protest and attempts to hit him. After a few moments Draco stopped with his squirming and decided just glaring at his cousin was his best bet.
Sirius kissed the blonde hair lightly before he looked into the gray eyes so similar to his own his voice becoming serious. "Draco I'm proud of you. You refused to leave Harry's side and showed how loyal you were. You acted like a great brother back there and proved that you are worthy of being a Marauder."
Draco studied his face for a moment clearly searching for some sign that Sirius was lying. Finding none he smiled slightly.
"Well duh. I'm the world's best big brother. Right Hare?"
Harry nodded his black hair falling into the emerald green eyes. "Yeps just like Paddy is the best godfather ever you're the best brother ever."
I think I'm going to vomit. James grumbled. Of all the people for my kid to love he chooses the mutt and the Death Eater spawn.
Sirius jumped nearly dropping the boys.
If you drop my son I'm coming back from the dead to hex you into pieces.
I thought you were taking a little Bambi nap?
I can't believe Lily let you watch that movie. I way more kickass than that stupid little fawn.
Keep telling yourself that Prongs. But what happened to your nap?
You want to sleep with your blubbering? All I can hear is you telling that little Death Eater how sweet he is. I nearly puked on Lily.
I thought you liked Draco?
I do. But its sickening to listen too.
Sirius rolled his eyes earning strange looks from the pups.
"Siri are you okay? You kinda spaced out." Harry asked studied his godfather's face worriedly.
Hate to break this to you my little fawn but I may have made a crazy person your godfather. Sorry 'bout that.
I forgot how much of an ass you are when someone wakes you up. Sirius thought before turning his attention to the boys. "Nothing is wrong pup. The annoying little voice in the back of my head won't shut up."
Draco and Harry exchanged glances and Draco squirmed slightly.
Oooh I'm good at this game. Drake is saying "Did you know you're godfather is crazy?" Harry is saying...
Padfoot is saying the pain in the arse ghost should go back to his nap.
James huffed but withdrew with a grumble allowing Sirius to focus on the boys. Draco squirmed more and Sirius got the message that he wanted down.
"I'm starving where is the food?" Draco asked looking around.
Sirius shrugged still cradling his godson against his chest. His own stomach growled and he knew Harry was hungry to.
"I'll take Harry to the kitchens and grab some food. Why don't you grab a shower Drake. You're covered in your own blood."
Draco looked down at his robes which was crusty with dried blood. He wrinkled his nose. "That sounds good. Try not to lose my baby bro."
Sirius stuck his tongue out childishly. He set Harry down on the bed. The pup whined. "I'm tired Siri."
"I know you are pup. But we need to get some food in you and apparently the House Elves here are horrible at delivery. They'd probably try to feed me dog food."
Draco stuck his head out of the bathroom. "That wouldn't be because you
are an overgrown mutt now would it?"
Sirius grabbed a pillow off the bed and launch it at Draco who shut the door just in time to avoid being hit.
"You know I bet I could trade Draco on the black market for something useful and cute. Maybe a hamster. I think we'd be getting the better end of the bargain. That's if we could even find someone who wanted the slimy little git. " Sirius yelled.
"I can hear you!" Draco shouted his voice muffled by the door.
"That was kinda the point of yelling it Glaciereyes." Sirius screamed back grinning as he heard Harry's laughter followed by a thump. He wheeled around only to see Harry sitting in the middle of the floor rubbing his arm. He rushed forward and picked Harry up checking him over carefully. "What happened pup? Are you okay?"
Harry rolled his eyes smiling slightly. "I'm okay Siri. I just fell off the bed."
Sirius kissed his forehead. "You almost gave me a heartattack."
"Sorry." Harry hugged his neck and Sirius planted another kiss right over the lightning bolt scar.
"I love you pup."
"Love you too Sirius."
The Animagus grinned deciding to not mention that it was the first time Harry had come out and said he loved him. "Since you're tired and probably sore from that fall want a doggy back ride?"
Harry cocked his head to the side clearly confused.
"When you were little your dad use to put a sticking charm on me when I was Padfoot and put you on my back and I'd run around the house with you on my back. James said it was much easier to let me carry you around then to buy a pony."
"I'm a little bigger now than I was at one." Harry pointed out but Sirius could see the eagerness in his eyes.
"I'm stronger than a normal dog. I could carry you and Draco easily. Plus you're both munchkins. Come on you'll love it.
Without waiting for an answer Sirius shifted and allowed Harry to clip his collar on so Harry would have something to hold onto. As the pup came closer Sirius noticed that he still had Dumbledore's wand peeking out of his pocket. He nosed it and Harry pulled the wand out of his pocket looking surprised.
"I forgot I had it. Should I stash it here?"
Sirius nodded and watched at the wand went in his backpack alongside Snape's. With Harry on his back the backpack would be left in the dorm.
You know we are making a habit of stealing wands. Sirius mused walking over to the bed and standing patiently beside it so Harry could climb onto the bed and from there onto his back. Harry did a little jump and swung his leg over much like you would do if you were mounting a horse bareback. Sirius winced as Harry's weight came crashing down on his shoulder blades. It took a moment of squirming before Harry was comfortable.
"Giddy up Paddy!" Harry called his hands clutching the thick collar for support.
I am not a horse Harry James. Sirius grumbled reminded of all the times James had said the same thing. Though what did he expect. Harry was a Daddy's boy and even as a baby had tried to copy James.
But he obeyed moving slowly and trying to keep his gait smooth so as to not jostle Harry too much. Harry seemed to remember instinctively how to ride his overgrown dog and he gripped lightly with his knees and sat up straight his heels down and just brushing Sirius's side.
After carefully opening the door with his paw he plodded down the stairs still going easy so Harry wouldn't fall. That's all he needed to drop his godson down the stairs. James wouldn't have to Avada him he'd do it himself.
But his godson had other ideas. He nudged Sirius with his heels. "I think a snail could pass us right now."
Sirius huffed but obeyed picking up the pace as they went through the portrait hole to a quick jog. He could tell without looking that Harry was laughing. Sirius grinned happy that his godson was acting normal for once and he quickened his pace again leaping down a staircase. He loped along easily Harry's weight barely slowing him down. With every level they descended Sirius moved faster until by the second floor he was running as fast as he could his breath coming in steady gulps and his legs thundering beneath him. Harry's laughter mixed with the wind his speed created and Sirius pushed himself to go faster. He went to round a corner when he felt a sharp pain run through his left paw. His weak one. The paw he'd injured in the swim from Azkaban. He didn't have time to do anything as the leg was suddenly unable to bear his weight and Harry's and gave out beneath him. He yipped in pain as he went down slamming his shoulder hard into the stone floor of the castle and Harry went flying over his head only to impact the hard floor. Sirius lost sight of him as he tumbled sideways only stopped when he hit the wall on his back. A whine escaped his muzzle as jagged waves of pain shot from his paw where his wrist would be if he was human and up his legs while a dozen other scrapes and bruises stung. He gritted his teeth as another wave of pain wracked his body but he pushed it aside his only thought Harry.
Struggling to breath through the pain of his leg which he was sure was broken he managed to flip himself over and open his eyes to see Harry staggering upright seeming unhurt but Sirius could smell his blood though it didn't seem like a lot it still enraged him.
Groaning he tried to push himself upright but his legs gave out and he slid down whimpering. Harry hurried to his side his hands bloody from scrapes but other than that he seemed fine which relieved Sirius.
Sirius whined but managed to lick Harry's hand as he heard footstep coming around the corner. Harry tightened his grip on his collar while Sirius staged upright his broken paw held high off the ground. The edges of his vision darkened but he managed to keep standing and he hoped he looked at least semi-scary. Harry offered his shoulder to lean on which Sirius accepted gratefully. He hoped the multiple footsteps he heard were a group of fellow Gryffindors but Sirius's luck wasn't about to start then since the feet making the noise belonged to a group of first years dressed in green and silver. They froze as they took in the sight of the large black dog who was bleeding from several scrapes and holding a clearly injured leg high off the ground with a pale battered Harry at his side.
The red head with the rat stepped forward looking back a few times as he did and Sirius got a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"What's the matter Potter trying to get another teacher in trouble? The Headmaster didn't buy that Professor Snape hurt you so you're gonna make sure you take out the dog and yourself better this time."
Harry glared but Sirius could smell the fear scent rolling off of him and he growled at the Weasley. He considered hobbling forward and trying to attack but figured that would only get Harry laughed at when he passed out so he settled for letting a steady snarl rumble from his chest.
The red head smirked looking back at his housemates who were shifting uncomfortably eyeing the dog they seen tear a fully trained wizard apart warily.
"So Potter what teacher you aiming to get fired this time? Flitwick? McGongall? Sprout?"
Harry didn't say anything but Sirius knew that if this brat didn't shut up all the progress they'd made today would be gone and Harry would become even more distrusting.
More footsteps sounded from around the corner and the Slytherins turned as a group as a tall brown haired gray eyed Hufflepuff came around the corner. He did a double take as he saw the lone Gryffindor that was clearly scared and the group of at least ten Slytherins that had back him and his tore up dog into a corner.
"What the bloody hell is going on here?" The Puff asked sounding slightly angry causing Harry to flinch back but the Hufflepuff didn't even see as he stepped between Harry and the Slytherins.
Weasley mumbled looking at his feet while his fellow snakes looked around. "Just having a chat with Potter."
The boy rolled his eyes snorting. "Yeah sure looks like it. Ten Slytherins just happen to be in a deserted hallway with an injured Gryffindor. Now if you know what's good for you I suggest you scatter before I go find a Professor."
The redhead blushed but looked like he was going to argue when one of his fellow Slytherins grabbed his arm and yanked him away. "Come on Weasley before you get the whole House in trouble."
The Hufflepuff kept himself between Harry and the Slytherins until the snakes had sulked off. He turned around and flashed a smile at Harry. "You okay kiddo?"
Harry nodded wrapping his arms around Sirius's neck who licked his face panting from pain. "I am but Padfoot is hurt. He fell when we were running and then those Slytherins showed up."
The brown haired boy knelt in front of Sirius and stroked his head for a moment. "Let's see old boy. Can I have your paw?"
Sirius gave him the doggy equivalent of a "how stupid are you look? Can't you see its broken?"
The Puff was oblivious to the look as he scratched the fluffy black ears before gently sliding his hand down Sirius's chest to his rapidly swelling leg. Sirius whined trying to pull away but the Hufflepuff kept a gentle yet firm grip on his leg. He examined the leg carefully before releasing his hold.
"Its either a bad sprain or its fractured. I'm a horrible healer or I'd fix it myself." He told Harry who was watching worriedly. "I'm Cedric by the way. Cedric Diggory." He held out his hand which Harry took shly.
"Harry Potter."
Cedric smiled at Harry before turning his attention back to Padfoot. "I wish Tonks was still here. She was a great healer. Had to be with all the fights she got into. But she graduated last year."
"Wait Tonks? Is she an auror trainee?" Harry asked and Cedric glanced up in surprise.
"Yes. Do you know her?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah. She was in the castle a little while ago. She might still be here."
Cedric stood. "I'll see if I can find her. You stay with him."
Harry shook his head smiling slightly. "Don't have to. My snitch can find her way faster."
Cedric looked like he was going to question Harry's sanity when he pulled his father's golden snitch out from under his shirt. "Find..." What's Tonks's real name?"
"Nymphadora Tonks."
Harry lifted the snitch to his lips and whispered the name. The golden wings fluttered and pulled out of Harry's fingers zooming down the hall. Cedric blinked before kneeling back beside Sirius and returning to scratch his ears. Sirius whined softly seeing the worry in Harry's eyes he licked his pup's hand.
The three waited together silently and within five minutes Harry's snitch came zooming back with Tonks running behind it.
She skidded to a stop panting "Does someone want to explain why this snitch kept hitting me in the head until I followed it?"
Harry pointed at Padfoot while Cedric hurriedly explained the situation. Sirius helped the explanation by whimpering and whining every two seconds. Tonks just stared at them for a moment and Sirius was about ready to start thrashing around on the ground like he was dying. He was having a horrible day and the last thing he wanted to do was sit here in pain. His godson had been attacked, he'd been forced to bite Snape and Merlin knows what horrible diseases were growing in his mouth as a result, he'd been hit by the slashy curse, then had to chase down his godson, only to be stuck with Dumbles. His pup had been cursed and then he had to deal with people he didn't care for. Trying to please his godson he'd broken his leg and he didn't even have James to comfort him because the asshole was sleeping. And possibly worse of all he was hungry.
Tonks though seemed to get why she'd been chased down by the snitch and lightly tapped his leg with her wand murmuring softly under her breath. His leg grew red hot for a moment and he winced as bone realigned itself before the head faded taking the pain and swelling with it. Gingerly he set it down and put a little weight on it. It stung a touch but he knew he would be able to at least walk on it. He licked Tonks hand thankfully.
"Make sure he takes it easy on it for a few days. He tore it up pretty bad." Tonks stood. "I have to go. Mad-Eye had a lead on Sirius Black and we're going to go check it out. Bye guys." She kissed Harry and Cedric's cheeks before winking at a snickering Padfoot who nodded at her and taking off.
Harry was bright red as he slipped his golden snitch necklace over his head and Sirius laughed.
Aww did the pretty girl give Harry a kissey? Sirius teased lightly.
Cedric smiled at Harry. "What happened? Did those Slytherins attack you and Padfoot? Because if they did let me know and I'll have them dealt with."
Harry shrugged looking at his feet. "I was being stupid and got Padfoot hurt."
Sirius leaned against his godson's leg. Harry, I'm not mad at you promise. I blame James's DNA for anything stupid you do.
Cedric was quite tall and next to the short little Gryffindor there looked to be at least a five or six year age difference. Cedric knelt in front of Harry smiling kindly. "If you want to tell me I'm here to listen." He reached out and squeezed Harry's shoulder lightly. Harry flinched slightly but he seemed to recognize the gentleness in Cedric's eyes since he didn't try to hide behind Sirius.
Sirius studied Cedric for a moment before rising to his feet growling softly. Cedric glanced at him rising to his feet. "What's the matter handsome boy?"
The dog didn't answer and Sirius saw a flicker of fear in his eyes and he took a step back. Then without warning he leapt forward his paws colliding with Cedric's chest and knocking him onto his back. Cedric yelped but his breath was cut off as Sirius placed a massive paw on his chest holding him down.
"Padfoot down!" Harry called but Sirius ignored him. He stared at Cedric seeing fear but also calm stubbornness in the gray eyes. Cedric met his gaze and Sirius sniffed him carefully memorizing his scent. Then he dipped his head and gave licked Cedric's face a few times before raising his head and continuing his starring.
"Is he tasting me? My goal in life was not to become dog chow." Cedric asked.
Sirius wagged his tail and licked Cedric's face a few more times before stepping off of him and allowing Cedric to scramble to his feet. He's decent. I approve of him.
Both boys stared at the dog as Sirius sat down and scratched his ear. What? He could have been a Death Eater's kid. After finding out who Drakie actually is I thought I should be sure his family isn't kissing Voldy's arse.
Harry grinned at the dog while Cedric shook his head. "Do I want to know what that was about?" The Hufflepuff asked.
"I don't even know." Harry hugged his godfather's looked up at Cedric. "Thanks."
Cedric grinned ruffling Harry's hair lightly. "No problem kiddo. I don't have class for the rest of the day. McGonagall canceled Snape and her's classes. I'll walk you back to your dorm. We don't need Padfoot mauling some poor helpless Slytherin for going near you."
Sirius barked in agreement as Cedric fell into step beside them. Glad that Harry seemed to have found a new friend.