Harry woke almost immediately when Sirius shook him. He fumbled for his glasses for a second, blinking when the blur transformed into the smiling face of his godfather. "Come on pup, up you get. Wouldn't want to be late now would we?" The animagus said, grinning. Harry shot out of bed at those words, they were going to the Quiddich World Cup today and he had been looking forward to it ever since Sirius had let slip one evening that he had tickets to the top box. Unprepared for the sudden movement he stumbled and would have fallen if his godfather hadn't caught him in time. Sirius held him, making sure he was steady, "Slow down Harry!" he exclaimed, "I know you're excited but," his voice suddenly became grave, "I do not want you hurt and I'm perfectly willing to protect you from yourself if I have to." He shook him slightly before releasing him. "Go get ready, but try to stay under 100 miles an hour." Harry merely rolled his eyes in response and with a quick grin at Sirius, hurried to get ready.
About an hour later Harry waited impatiently in front of the fireplace. Everything he needed aside from his wand was shrunk and in Sirius's pockets, now they were only waiting from the message from Remus which indicated that they were free to floo to his home. Because of the numerous wards surrounding Black Island it had been decided that it would be safest if they flooed to Remus's house then apparated from there. Although apparitions couldn't be traced, due to the nature of the wards it was fairly difficult to apparate out and as they were going with Remus anyway, Sirius wanted as much protection for Harry as possible, it made sense for them to floo to his home and join him there.
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Discover moreWriting forum accessAuthor toolsBook recommendationsMobile user analyticsWriting workshopsRemus's face popped into the fireplace, it was the signal they had been waiting for and soon the three of them were outside the campsite where everyone was staying for the cup. The moment they arrived Sirius placed one arm across Harry's shoulder and drew his godson towards him, whilst the other hand kept a tight grip on his wand. There were a lot of people here and Sirius was not going to let Harry out of his sight, the scene they had created in Diagon Alley was proof enough that they would get a lot of attention and potential threats and he was not going to compromise his pup's safety in any way.
Harry leaned into his godfather's hold as they made their way towards their tent. He was a little annoyed at Sirius's over-protectiveness but at the same time he loved the fact that Sirius felt that way and was more than willing to look after him. Furthermore the memory of the incident in Diagon Alley was fresh in his mind and he was determined to prove to everyone that he was completely happy with his godfather.
Whispers started following them the moment people recognised who they were but thankfully nobody tried to intercept them or cause a scene. Sirius grimaced as he glanced at the milling wizards and witches, "Bloody vultures." He spat, tightening his hold on Harry automatically. Harry glanced up at him, a wry half smile appearing on his lips, "I think that's an insult to the vultures Sirius." Sirius couldn't help but chuckle at the response. As Harry's health had improved he had discovered that his godson had a very ironic and wry sense of humour and as he became more comfortable more and more of that side of him had come out, although that side still only came out after either he or Remus had said something. "I think you're right Harry," he replied lightly, although his eyes were still scanning the crowd for any hints of a threat, "Perhaps leeches are a better description."
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Discover moreBooksBooks & LiteratureScience Fiction & Fantasy FilmsScience Fiction & Fantasy BooksMobile app developmentIt was with more than a little relief that he caught sight of the familiar red hair of the Weasleys. He had wanted as many adult wizards around his godson as possible and Arthur and Molly had been completely happy to oblige, not to mention Harry would enjoy spending time with his friends. The two tents were set up next to each other, Sirius, Harry and Remus would share one whilst the Weasleys and Hermione would share the other.
The instant they reached them at the campsite Ron dragged Harry off to introduce his two elder brothers, Bill and Charlie. Harry had never met either brother properly before (midnight meetings on the astronomy tower with a smuggled dragon did NOT count) and he immediately got the impression that both were just as fun filled and friendly as their younger brothers (minus Percy of course). Once the introductions were over Ron and Hermione suggested that they should go and fetch some water to cook lunch with and meet some school friends, leaving the adults to talk.
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Harry glanced over at Sirius, seeking permission. His godfather had expressively told him that he was not to leave their area of the campsite for his own safety but he wanted to be able to spend time with his friends and he was used to dealing with the attention. However he didn't want to upset or disobey Sirius in anyway so he was determined to get permission before he did anything that breached those orders.
The animagus narrowed his eyes, considering the request, "Are you wearing your wand holster and has it got your wand in it?" Harry quickly nodded his affirmative and reluctantly Sirius gave his consent, "I suppose there isn't much that can go wrong, but I want you back in half an hour and if you have any trouble I want you to come straight back understood?" His grey eyes met Harry's green ones, emphasising the seriousness of his request. Seeing the obvious worry in his godfather's expression Harry leant forward and gave Sirius a quick hug, "I'll be fine Sirius. I promise I'll be careful and I'll come back the instant there's trouble." Sirius's eyes softened as he returned the hug briefly before releasing him.
"I'll hold you to that," He replied, no trace of teasing in his tone. Harry just smiled at him happily before the three of them wound their way between tents searching for the tap and their friends, eventually vanishing from sight. Sirius watched them go for a moment before sighing and turning to Remus towards help him put the tent up. "You're good for him Padfoot," his friend commented as they struggled with tent poles and guy ropes.
"What?" Sirius asked startled. Remus nodded his head in the direction Harry had gone in,
"Harry, you've made such a difference in him." Sirius shot a questioning glance in his direction, Remus sighed and elaborated, "I doubt you've seen it, you didn't have much contact with him before you took him in but he's so much more relaxed around you than he is and was for any other adult." The animagus raised his eyebrows at his friend in surprise,
"I haven't noticed that Moony." By now Arthur had started to take an interest in the conversation,
Discover moreFan fiction booksFictionPress integrationFan fiction communityCreative writing coursesApp download campaigns"No Remus is right," he interjected, "Harry is more comfortable around adults in general although he is still wary and I've noticed he is extremely comfortable around you. I remember the times I met him before, he was almost shut off and hidden. He certainly didn't trust us, even though he was definitely happy to be with us but it's obvious he trusts you." Sirius glanced at Remus for confirmation and the werewolf nodded,
"I've taught him for nearly a year now and I completely agree. Whilst he's become more open with me, you're the only adult he goes to and you're the only one who actually gets to see through his mask." Seeing Sirius's look of scepticism he continued, "Harry voluntarily hugs you and seeks comfort. Any other adult he'll jerk away from and would never hug them of his own violation, even if he knows them well." Sirius's eyes became pensive.
"He's still healing," he said quietly, "He may seem happy and well adjusted most of the time but then he cracks and you see he's still a frightened child inside. I'm so grateful he's let me in but at the same time I feel like I don't deserve it. He's forgiven me, he trusts me and I'm so happy to see him healing but he should never have to be healing in the first place and I can never forgive myself for the fact he does." He jumped as Remus laid a hand on his shoulder, his expression compassionate,
"Harry doesn't blame you Padfoot and you shouldn't either. You're here now and you are making it right again. He trusts and loves you and all you need to do is be there for him." Sirius smiled slightly, then Remus continued quietly, "You are a wonderful father to him Padfoot." Sirius jumped up as if he had been struck,
"I'm not his father Moony. His father is James and I could never, would never take that from either Prongs or Harry," he almost shouted. Remus raised his hands in a peacemaking gesture,
"I know that Padfoot. James will always be his father but you are now too." He glared at Sirius when he made to interrupt, "He can't remember James, and as much as I hate that, it's true, and as he never got any love at his relatives you are the only person he remembers or knows who has been a parent figure for him. I agree you are not his blood father but you are a father to him in every damn way that matters." Remus said fiercely, glaring at his friend, daring him to contradict him.
For his part Sirius was completely shocked. He had never thought that he was taking the role of a parent in Harry's life. He knew he loved his godson like his own child and he privately regarded him as such but he had never even considered that Harry would begin to view him as a father. He had never thought of anybody but James as Harry's father, it just wouldn't be right but Remus had a valid point, heck Moony was right. He was the only parental figure Harry had and in the moment he swore to himself that he would never betray Harry or James ever again so he would be the best parent he could possibly be to his godson. He was all Harry had left.
He nodded his agreement to Remus who pretended not to notice the mental struggle he had gone through as they quickly finished putting up the tent and settled down to wait for the kids to return.
The three made their way quickly through the tents, Hermione and Harry laughing at all the times wizards were trying and failing to pass as muggles. Ron laughed at some but more often than not the jokes had to be pointed out. "Honestly Ron," Hermione exclaimed at one point, "You should take muggle studies next year." Of course that comment had set off a whole bout of bickering but Harry was content just to listen and grin at suitable comments. Ron and Hermione's arguments had been a staple of the last three years at Hogwarts and they always reminded him of his first real home.
Soon they reached the water pump and joined the long queue of witches and wizards who were also waiting for water. "Good afternoon, Mr Potter," a voice spoke behind him and caught by surprise Harry whirled round, his wand appearing in his hand only to come face to face with Madam Bones. He felt his face heat up and he looked down to hide his embarrassment, speaking greetings in return. Meanwhile his mind raced through possibilities, why had she spoken to him? Was it anything to do with Sirius, did she intent to do anything, had something happened?
She must have seen something in his expression because she was quick to reassure him, "Nothing is wrong Mr Potter, I just hope you enjoy the Quiddich Match, both myself and Susan here have been greatly looking forward to it," She paused and scrutinised him for a few moments before adding, "I'm glad to see you recovering." She smiled at him and nodded at the other two, "Good afternoon Mr Weasley, and Miss?"
"Granger," Hermione supplied. The woman smiled at them then took her leave, whilst Susan stayed waiting in the queue. Harry hadn't had much contact with the strawberry blonde Hufflepuff but he knew that she was a hard worker and possessed her Aunt's sense of fairness. The decision he had made to try and make friends in other houses came into his mind and he could clearly see that Susan was alone so he grinned and started up a conversation about the school and Quiddich. After a few moments both Ron and Hermione joined in and the conversation flew back and forth as they waited patiently. By the time they had reached the pump they were well on the way to becoming friends and after promising to see her on the train they headed back to their campsite.
It was with relief that Sirius greeted them when they returned but soon lunch was ready and the group fell happily on the meal, particularly the Weasleys who had taken the early morning portkey and as such hadn't eaten for several hours. Just as he was finishing his pudding he noticed his godfather's expression becoming rather strained and he tuned back into the conversation he had been ignoring in favour of food. "Mr Crouch is a wonderful man," Percy was saying, "He speaks over two hundred languages and it's such a privilege to be working for him. You know the other day..."
Harry didn't need to hear anymore. He had heard the account of Sirius's incarceration and he was well aware of the person who had given the order to send him to Azkaban without a trial. He knew full well who was responsible for his godfather being unable to raise him and costing him his childhood. Like Sirius he held a lot of anger about the situation, however he didn't blame his godfather for what had happened, he blamed Bartemius Crouch and hearing Percy sing his praises was more than a little sickening and he knew it had to be worse for Sirius.
Leaning forward he placed his hand on the animagus's shoulder, trying to give him silent comfort. Sirius glanced up and shot a tight smile in his direction although the tense look never left his face. Remus had also noticed his friend's discomfort and skilfully steered the conversation towards safer topics, a task made easier by the distraction that arrived in the form of Ludo Bagman and the subsequent betting. However the respite was short lived.
With a crack of apparition Barty Crouch appeared at their campsite. Immediately Sirius's hand balled into fists and automatically Harry moved closer to him, presenting a united front and preventing either of them doing anything too stupid. "There you are Ludo," the man exclaimed in annoyance, "I've been looking for you everywhere, the Bulgarians want to add another twelve seats to the top box." As Bagman breezily waved him off Percy hurried forward,
"Would you like a cup of tea Sir? We were just finishing lunch and we would be happy if you joined us." He said eagerly, however before Crouch could say anything Sirius interrupted, "Actually you are not welcome here," he said sharply. Percy glared at him, his expression horror struck but Crouch's attention was firmly fixed on Sirius and his eyes narrowed and before anyone said anything further he caught Bagman's attention and disapparated.
The instant they had left Percy wheeled on Sirius his whole demeanour showing his fury, "How dare you," he cried, "Mr Crouch is an upstanding member of the ministry and you were extremely rude. He is a much better man than you are Black!" Sirius started to retort, rage clouding his features but Harry beat him to it.
"He's the bastard that sent my godfather to Azkaban without a trial!" He said, his voice so icy Percy took a step backwards, "He's the man who cost me twelve years with someone who actually loved me so never, ever say that he is a better man than Sirius in my hearing ever again." He was shouting by the end and his entire body was trembling with the strength of the emotion that had poured through him. Although Sirius still glared at Percy he could see that Harry needed him more and he reached forward, pulling his godson into a hug, trying to calm him before there was a burst of accidental magic.
He held Harry tightly, stroking his fingers through the boy's raven hair, something he knew would calm him. "It's alright pup, it doesn't really matter," he murmured as he felt Harry relax slowly. A few moments later Harry raised his head from its position against his godfather's chest to look him in the eye, "It does matter Sirius," he said fiercely, "He cost you twelve years and cost me the same. I won't stand by and let you be insulted on his behalf." Sirius smiled sadly,
"No Harry, it doesn't matter. I've got you now and that is what matters. Not what other people think, not what they say." Harry returned the embrace just as tightly.
"The words don't matter but it just makes me angry, especially when I think about what he's done."
"I'm the same pup, especially when I think of what it cost you but you're here now and getting angry won't change what happened." Harry sighed and leant deeper into the embrace, his anger finally gone. He couldn't stay angry when Sirius held him, he just felt so loved and safe he couldn't hold onto those feelings. "Better?" He nodded and Sirius released him.
"Just don't ask me to apologise." His godfather just chuckled and ruffled his hair.
A lingering air of tension stayed over the campsite however and Percy was uncharacteristically silent so Harry was quite relieved when it was finally time to head towards the top box. At least now they would have Quiddich to distract them and hopefully after the match it would have died down.
Harry was struggling to contain his mounting excitement as they waited for the teams to appear, it was likely to be a brilliant match and combined with the fact that it was the first Quiddich match professional or otherwise that he had actually seen had managed to leave him all but bouncing in his seat and not even the reaction of the Bulgarian Minister for Magic could dampen his mood.
Sirius sat beside him, failing to suppress a grin at the sight of his godson being so happy and carefree. He couldn't help but compare the lively, happy and healthy teen with the boy he had rescued from Privet Drive. He had worried that he would never see his pup actually be a child again, worried that the Dursleys had done something irredeemable but it was obvious that Harry was healing. He was well aware that they had only fought part of the battle and there was a lot that still had to be fixed and some things that he wasn't sure he would ever be able to heal fully, places where the damage ran too deep. But he would try with everything he had to help him. Looking at Harry now he knew that this was the first time he had ever let his guard down in public and he wasn't going to let it go to waste. He was the only adult Harry completely trusted and he wouldn't ever abuse that trust.
Suddenly he noticed the Bulgarian mascots were coming onto the field. "Close your eyes," He commanded quickly, "Just trust me on this pup," he added when Harry shot a confused glance at him. His godson regarded him strangely for a moment before doing as he asked. He kept an eye on the veela's from the corner of his eye and once they had finished their display he tapped his godson lightly on the shoulder. The teen couldn't help but snicker at his friend as he looked at his glazed eyes and vacant expression.
The game soon started and Sirius quickly found himself watching the game whilst keeping a tight grip on the back of Harry's robes as his godson leaned over the balcony, avidly watching the seeker plays. He gulped at several of the more dangerous moves and once or twice he pulled Harry round to face him, "If I ever see you trying that move Harry James, you will not have a broom to sit on, understood?" His pup had just rolled his eyes before swinging back to watch the game. Realistically he knew that his godson was a fantastic flier and wasn't likely to hurt himself but he had never really appreciated how rough Quiddich was, although he conceded silently, it wasn't nearly as bad as that blasted tournament and he knew which he would far rather his godson competed in. And he had seen the joy flying gave Harry and he would not take that away from him, particularly he had so few things that he could actually take pleasure in growing up.
The game ended in spectacular fashion and they quickly manoeuvred their way out of the top box before Harry could be pressed into a conversation with one of the various dignitaries by Fudge. Sirius was glad he hadn't stood in the way of the investigation but that gratitude didn't extend to letting him use his godson as a political prop.
It was already quite late so they quickly made their way over to the tents. Harry was still sleeping a lot and he knew that once the adrenaline and excitement had faded his pup would go to sleep almost immediately and whilst he would carry him if he fell asleep before they reached the tent he knew Harry would be extremely embarrassed if that happened, particularly as it was in front of his friends and in public.
Soon they were back at the tents and Harry fell into bed with no more than a token protest, the day's events finally catching up with him. Sirius ruffled his hair before proceeding to set up silencing charms around their room. He was sharing a room with Harry whilst Remus would sleep on the sofa bed in the main room. The charms would prevent sound from exiting the room whilst allowing sound in, a precaution against the nighmares. "G'night Sirius," came the murmur from the occupied bed, "Thanks for taking me to the match." Sirius smiled warmly at the lump that was his godson, "Night pup."