For the next few weeks it took an extreme amount of effort for Harry to convince everyone that he was fine. His training had resumed after a few days of ‘recovering’ but Sirius seemed to be extremely laid back with everything. He didn’t push Harry and always seemed to call and end to the training the moment he saw a drop of sweat appear on Harry’s forehead. This was aggravating for someone who wanted to progress but Harry kept his mouth shut for now. Sirius was worried. Harry accepted that. He would let it go for now but if it continued much longer Harry was prepared to do something about it.

“Such a worrywart,” James said fondly ruffling Sirius’ hair. He quickly scrambled off the bed and back to his spot at Sirius’ glare of doom. Not to be mistaken with the glare of death, this one promised pain.

“Do not touch the hair,” he hissed slowly.

Ron and Hermione had tried to act normal around Harry but anyone could see they were worried about their friend.

“I don’t like to say it but; told you!” Lily smirked.

“Lily! You love to say it,” Sirius chuckled.

Their interest in the Order had suddenly vanished, making Fred, George and Ginny slightly suspicious but Hermione usually had an excuse every time the three Weasley teenagers voiced their thoughts. To settle their curiosity, Mrs. Weasley had told her children (with Sirius and Remus’ approval of course) that Harry was prone to violent nightmares with everything that had happened. From what anyone could tell they accepted this explanation and stopped asking questions although if they actually believed their mother was no one really knew.

As the time to go back to Hogwarts drew near, all of the teenagers grew nervous (Hermione especially). No one had received their school letter yet. Sirius had been so annoyed with Hermione’s complaining about ‘the lack of time to prepare for classes’ that he had gotten the book list from Professor Dumbledore and picked up what the teenagers would need, much to the Weasley children’s annoyance. Ever since then Harry and Ron reluctantly spent their free time with Hermione in the Black family library.

Sirius had also picked up a few extra books about the study of magic for Harry which he read either late at night or early in the morning before Ron and Hermione were up.

Remus shook his head, “Tsk, tsk Sirius. How the mighty have fallen. Lily, James, Help!”

Lily and James hurried to pull Sirius who was tackling Remus with a pillow off of him.

The study in magic itself wasn’t a part of the Hogwarts curriculum so it was a possibility that Hermione hadn’t already read about the topic, a slight possibility but a possibility nonetheless.

It was the last day of the holidays when the letters finally arrived. Harry was preparing lunch with Remus and Mrs. Weasley when Ron and Hermione ran into the kitchen with envelopes in their hands. Ron quickly handed over Harry’s letter before tearing his own open. Hermione already had hers open and started screaming when something red and gold fell into her hand. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that Hermione had been made a Prefect.

“Of course. Prefect Hermione,” Sirius sighed, “That was a given.”

“Now she’s going to be all bossy and want them to follow the rules,” James groaned.

“There is nothing wrong with Hermione upholding her responsibilities as a Prefect,” Lily scolded.

“Yeah, you would think that,” James mumbled.

“What was that?” she asked narrowing her eyes.

“Nothing sweet Lily,” James said, “Nothing at all.”

Crack.

Fred and George Apparated into the kitchen with worried looks on their faces. “What’s all the commotion about?” asked George then saw Hermione holding her badge. “Oh, and here we thought something important happened.”

“George!” Mrs. Weasley scolded. “Becoming a Prefect is important.” She turned to Hermione. “Congratulations dear. You certainly have earned it with all of the hard work you’ve done over the years.”

Hermione smiled at Mrs. Weasley then looked at Harry with an eager look on her face. “Congratulations Hermione,” Harry echoed with a smile then glanced over at Ron who seemed to be staring at his Hogwarts letter in shock. “Er—Ron? Are you okay?”

Ron slowly looked up at Harry with wide eyes. “I’m a Prefect,” he said in almost a whisper. “How—how’s that possible?”

“WHAT?” the four yelled.

“But, but, but, Harry…Ron… Harry…” Sirius gasped lost.

“After all the hard work Harry’s done they go and make Ron a prefect. What’s that about?” James cried angry.

“I didn’t think you wanted Harry to be a Prefect James,” Lily said evenly.

“It’s not that!” James said annoyed, “It’s just that Harry worked hard and Ron, well Ron is kind of like Padfoot and me. You didn’t see us being made prefects did you? No, Moony was, ‘cause he’s the hard worker.”

It seemed that Ron wasn’t the only one who was surprised. Fred snatched the letter out of Ron’s hand and quickly read it over. “I don’t believe it,” he said as he looked at Harry. “We thought you were a guarantee, Harry, with you winning the Tournament and everything you’ve done.”

“You weren’t the only one,” Remus said.

Harry winced at the topic of the Tournament and felt Remus’ reassuring hand instantly on his shoulder. There were only two Prefects per House announced for fifth year students. To say Harry was surprised that Ron had been chosen was an understatement. Despite everything he had done, Harry had made the effort the past two years to work hard and had managed to improve on his grades while Ron barely managed to pass his classes.

“See, my point exactly!” James said pointing at the book.

Realizing that everyone was waiting for him to say something, Harry did some quick thinking. Saying the wrong thing would either make Ron angry or jealous. Harry wasn’t about to do that. “I really don’t think I’m prefect material,” he said nonchalantly as he set his unopened letter down and resumed to preparing lunch. “I can’t even take care of myself right now. I’m sure Dumbledore had that in mind when he made the assignments.” Looking directly at Ron, Harry flashed him a proud smile. “Congratulations Ron,” he said sincerely.

“Poor Harry. He isn’t even allowed to be disappointed in peace” Lily sighed.

Everyone instantly avoided looking at Harry. Fred was feeling horrible for bringing up the Tournament since it was still something Harry refused to talk about while everyone else was searching for something to say. These were two very touchy topics: The Tournament and Harry’s ailing heart. Remus, Mrs. Weasley, Ron and Hermione all knew how much Harry resented the fact that he wasn’t completely healthy yet. This just seemed to be another nail in the coffin, another reminder that everything wasn’t as ‘fine’ as Harry wanted everyone to believe.

“You think that’s why Dumbledore chose Ron?” Sirius asked.

“Makes sense,” Lily answered, “Maybe Harry will still need his rest and having Prefect duties on top of classes and Quidditch won’t help. But still. It sucks!”

Feeling the tension in the room, Harry turned to the four teenagers with a knife in his hand. “If you four want to help I’m sure we can find something for you to do,” he offered then watched as his friends quickly departed, Ron receiving a fierce hug from Mrs. Weasley before he was able to. They had all learned by now just to leave Harry, Remus and Mrs. Weasley to manage the meals since they nearly had it down to a science.

“I bet Moony has a chart put up with who does what and everything,” James sniggered.

“Hey! I am not that obsessive!” Remus cried.

“Of course not!” Sirius said patting Remus as Remus smirked at James. Then turning to the other two Sirius said in a staged whisper, “The Healer said not to disagree with him.”

Remus repeatedly hit Sirius with a pillow.

As soon as they left Harry turned his back to Remus and Mrs. Weasley and continued preparing lunch. He knew Sirius would be coming momentarily and the three adults would want to talk about this, something he really didn’t want to do at this point. Harry couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed that Professor Dumbledore didn’t believe he was capable for the responsibilities that came with being a Prefect. He thought he had made a lot of progress from the beginning of the holidays at least that was what everyone was telling him.

“Are you all right, dear?” Mrs. Weasley asked gently.

“I’m fine, Mrs. Weasley,” Harry said sincerely. He couldn’t help but feel guilty that Ron’s mother was worried about him rather than celebrating with her son. This was another reminder that people still thought he was made of glass. “We should probably do something special for dinner tonight,” Harry added after a moment’s silence. “Ron and Hermione definitely deserve it.”

“You’re right Harry,” Remus said carefully. “They deserve a special dinner.”

Remus received three glares and decided to build a little wall of pillows to protect himself.

The sound of the door opening quickly alerted Harry that Sirius had just entered the kitchen. “Would someone care to tell me why I was just cornered by Fred and George and told to come here as soon as possible?” Sirius asked curiously.

“The school letters just arrived,” Remus said softly. “We were just discussing what should be done for dinner tonight to celebrate Ron and Hermione being named Prefects.” Sirius looked at Remus and Mrs. Weasley with a raised eyebrow. “You heard me correctly, Sirius,” Remus added.

Sirius shook his head slowly before turning his gaze to Harry. “Pronglet, sit down,” he said as he pulled out a chair and sat down. Harry reluctantly complied. “Now, talk to us. I can tell that you’re disappointed.” Harry moved to object. “It’s okay to feel that way, kiddo, but we have to talk about this. You can’t afford to bury your emotions. Remember what happened last year.”

“At least someone is asking Harry how he feels,” James grunted.

“I was being diplomatic back there,” Remus said defensively. He stacked one more pillow to his little wall at the glare James gave him.

Mrs. Weasley looked at Sirius and Remus in confusion. She was the only one who didn’t know of Harry’s emotional outbursts. While there had only been two, the second one had certainly been more disastrous than the first. Unable to deal with his pent up emotions anymore, Harry had vented his feelings and caused every window in the hospital wing to shatter. That was one of the main reasons Sirius and Remus were so persistent in Harry working through his feelings after the Tournament and anything else that might be bothering him.

Harry let out a sigh as his gaze fell to the table. He didn’t want to admit that he was feeling anything but happiness for his friends but that just wasn’t the case. “I’m disappointed,” he admitted softly. “I worked so hard last year with everything going on I thought he would have seen that I could handle it.” Harry shook his head. He knew it was wrong to feel sorry for himself like this. “I should be happy for Ron,” he said more to himself than to anyone in the room. “He deserves some recognition. He’s wanted it for so long.”

“And so have you,” Remus said gently as he knelt down at Harry’s side.

“Finally!” James cried. With a little smile Remus began to confidently dismantle his wall.

“We know how hard you pushed yourself last year. I know how hard you pushed yourself the year before that. You have made progress in your recovery, cub; more progress than anyone could know. You’re not a bad person for feeling disappointed. You have every right to be. Acknowledge the feeling and move on. Don’t dwell on what could have been.”

“Yes Harry don’t do that,” Lily said wisely, “For instance I don’t dwell on how your father could have not set dungbombs on that potions class our first year. Or how he could have not set the suit of armors to say rude things as you passed on second year or how he could have not changed all the teachers hairs to purple our fourth year or-“

“You know Lily for someone that doesn’t dwell you have an awful good memory,” Sirius chuckled she glared at him.

“Moony’s right,” Sirius added. “You do have a lot on your plate now. Don’t worry about it. Your father wasn’t a Prefect either.

“And damn proud of it!” James said puffing his chest.

I’m sure Dumbledore thought you didn’t need the added stress at the moment. Remember, this is your OWL year. You wanted to do well in your studies and on the Quidditch field—if Poppy will allow it of course. Concentrate on what you have, Harry, not what you don’t.”

Harry looked at his guardians with a hopeful look on his face. They were right. Remus had told Harry how hard this year was going to be and with Quidditch he really couldn’t afford to be spread too thin. Madam Pomfrey certainly wouldn’t allow it. As much as he hated that he wasn’t healthy, Harry knew he needed to accept it.

“You’re not disappointed?” Harry asked softly.

Sirius and Remus both stared at Harry with confused looks on their faces. “Disappointed?” Sirius asked sounding horrified. “Harry, I was never in the running to be a Prefect. Good ol’ Moony had that honor.”

“It is an honor,” Lily hissed glaring at Sirius who was perfectly unfazed.

 Sirius moved to Harry’s side and pulled the teenager into a fierce embrace. “Don’t ever think we’re disappointed in you. We are so proud to be your guardians. You have accomplished more in the short time we’ve known you than we could ever hope for.”

Harry had to smile. Disappointing his guardians was something that always plagued his mind. They were the main reason he pushed himself so hard. Before Sirius and Remus were given guardianship of him, Harry really never had anyone who cared how he did in school. The Dursleys certainly didn’t care. Usually when Harry did better than Dudley in school he was beaten up by Dudley and his gang.

As Sirius let go Harry found himself pulled into another embrace by Remus. “Being a Prefect is an honor but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be,” Remus said bluntly. “You have to enforce rules onto others without appearing to be abusing your position, especially when you are disciplining students from other houses. It is certainly an added stress; at least it was for me.”

Sirius launched himself at Remus hugging him, “Moony, you never said you were stressed. Just relax, let the students be.” Remus rolled his eyes.

“Yes, live and let live,” James said grinning, “Stress is prejudicial to your health Moony. No wonder your hair is all grey in the book.”

“My hair is not all grey!” Remus cried indignantly, “It says that my hair is brown with grey streaks not all grey!”

“Same difference,” James said waving his hand.

Already convinced that the right decision concerning Prefects was made, Harry thanked his guardians before finishing the preparations for lunch while discussing what should be done for Ron and Hermione. Mrs. Weasley wanted to buy something special for Ron like she had for Percy when he had become a Prefect and went off to ask Ron what he wanted while Harry, Remus and Sirius put everything on the table.

Glancing at his guardians, Harry had to admit that there were more important things than a badge and added responsibilities. He already knew it was going to be difficult with Voldemort coming back and the Ministry not believing it. He meant what he said. It was about time Ron was received something that Harry didn’t have.

Ron did have some problems with jealousy in the past and although Ron claimed to have moved past them, Harry could tell that it was more of the case that he didn’t voice them anymore. Ever since the third task, Ron had been extremely careful with what he said to Harry. It was almost like Ron was afraid to say or do anything that could possibly cause a rift in their friendship. Perhaps seeing me in the hospital wing for nearly a week had a bigger affect on him than I thought. Harry knew he would have to have a talk with Ron sooner or later.

---

As it turned out Ron asked Mrs. Weasley for a new broom, the new Cleansweep to be more precise. Sirius had offered to help Mrs. Weasley with the cost but she refused, claiming that Sirius had already paid for their school books and had saved the Weasleys plenty of money as it was. Harry knew it was more of the fact that Mrs. Wealsey was too proud to accept any more charity than what Sirius had already provided.

It was late afternoon before Mrs. Weasley left for Diagon Alley while Harry, Remus and Sirius prepared for dinner. Fred, George and Ginny were told to keep Ron and Hermione busy until dinner. Harry was doing everything in his power to make this special for them and didn’t want the surprise ruined. Once in a while Ginny would enter the kitchen and give Harry an update which was mostly of how Fred and George were teasing Ron about having to abide by the rules now. Harry had to smile at the thought of Ron following the rules. That was certainly going to be a challenge.

Remus huffed.

“Remus?” Lily asked worried.

“I don’t see why Fred and George have to tease poor Ron,” he said to her.

Lily looked at the sniggering black haired Marauders and turned to Remus, “I am sorry your friends are idiots and teased you Moony.”

“Hey! We’re not idiots!” James cried.

“Yeah! It’s not our fault Moony provides us such good entertainment material!” Sirius said defensively.

By the time Mrs. Weasley returned Harry, Remus and Sirius had everything ready, including a banner with ‘CONGRATUALTIONS RON AND HERMIONE’ written on it. Mrs. Wealsey congratulated the three wizards on a job well done before leaving the room to find her children and Hermione. She returned a few minutes later with everyone except Ron who was currently putting his new broom in his room.

As soon as Ron arrived, everyone started eating while talking excitedly about the start of the school term tomorrow. Ron and Hermione quickly found Harry and thanked him repeatedly for going through so much trouble. Harry just pushed it off as no big deal before congratulating Ron and Hermione again. He had to admit that he hadn’t seen either of them this happy in a long time.

Mr. Weasley and Bill arrived shortly after everyone started eating followed by Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mad-Eye Moody. Every single one of the congratulated Ron and Hermione as Sirius sat down to Harry’s right while Remus sat down to Harry’s left. Harry didn’t even notice them since his attention was on Ron and Hermione. It wasn’t until a hand touched his right shoulder that Harry realized someone was sitting next to him.

“Are you all right, Pronglet?” Sirius asked quietly.

Harry looked at his godfather with a soft smile on his face and nodded before returning his gaze to Ron and Hermione. “Look at them,” he said just as quietly. “They’re so happy. They deserve to be happy especially after everything that’s happened.”

Sirius wrapped an arm around Harry’s shoulders and gave the teen a one-armed embrace. “They aren’t the only ones,” he said softly. “This was a really great idea you had, Harry. You never cease to amaze me.”

“No you don’t Pronglet. It’s such a wonder. With that git as a father how can you be such a great kid? You obviously take after your Godfather,” Sirius said pointing at James with his thumb. James glared at him and Remus just pointed out.

“That’s a genetic impossibility Padfoot.”

“HA!” James cried.

“You never know James. You never know,” Sirius teased.

“Excuse me,” Lily said narrowing her eyes, “Are you insinuating I would have an affair with you, of all people.”

“What can I say,” Sirius sighed, “I am irresistible.”

Remus did not move to help as Sirius was pelted by two pillows.

Harry shrugged off the comment. He really didn’t understand why Sirius was making such a big deal out of this. “They would do the same for me,” he said truthfully. “They were there to support me last year.” Well, once Ron dealt with his jealousy but there was no point in bringing that up again. Ron had apologized and even taught Harry how to swim. “Why shouldn’t I support them?”

“Right you are Harry,” James said proudly.

Mad-Eye Moody’s voice broke into their conversation. “Dumbledore must have a lot of faith in the two of you,” he growled at Ron and Hermione. “Those in positions of authority are always attacked first. I trust the two of you know how to defend yourselves properly and know proper wand care. Can’t have you blasting off your buttocks now can we?”

“Uhm, that’s encouraging,” Lily said sarcastically.

“Yes, we better start watching our backs on rounds Lily,” Remus chuckled.

“Want a watch dog?” Sirius asked grinning.

“NO!” they both cried.

Harry had to bite back a laugh at the nervous looks on Ron and Hermione’s faces. Mad-Eye had given him a similar speech before he found out Harry had a wand holster for his right wrist. It was usual for teenagers to place their wands in their back pants pocket since they had no better place to put them. Mad-Eye had gone over the ignored guidelines of wand care in detail that day.

Mundungus Fletcher arrived a short time later and instantly sat down by Fred and George. The three of them talking quietly was certainly not a good sign. Harry had a feeling that Fred and George were using Mundungus for his shady connections for materials to help their joke shop, something he knew Mrs. Weasley wouldn’t be pleased to find out about.

Mr. Weasley stood up with a goblet in his hand. “A toast!” he declared as he raised his goblet. “To Ron and Hermione, the new Gryffindor Prefects!”

Everyone echoed Mr. Weasley as they raised their goblets then took a drink. Both Ron and Hermione blushed as they smiled brightly and took a sip out of their goblets as well. As everyone set their goblets down, applause broke out only making Ron and Hermione’s blushes increase. Harry clapped with everyone else; glad that for one everyone’s attention wasn’t on him since it had been for the majority of the summer. It was certainly a welcomed change.

An arm loosely wrapped around his neck and gently pulled him backwards. Looking up, Harry saw the smiling face of Tonks with long red hair looking down at him. They shared a smile before Harry relaxed against her. He had to admit that he liked the way things were. He had a family regardless of how untraditional it was. Sirius, Remus and Tonks were the closest he had to relatives now and it was certainly better than anything he could have hoped for.

“Aw,” Sirius cooed. “I think so too Pronglet. Way better than what I’m used to.”

Several conversations broke out among the table. Ron and Ginny were talking about his new broom, Hermione and Remus were talking about the treatment of house elves (Hermione was more curious than anything), Mrs. Weasley was talking to Bill about his long hair, Mr. Weasley, Tonks and Sirius were discussing the journey to Platform 9 ¾ tomorrow, while Mad-Eye and Kingsley seemed to be in deep discussion about something. Harry knew better than to even try to find out what it was about.

All of a sudden Harry felt like he was being watched. Looking over his shoulder, Harry noticed Kreacher hiding in the shadows.

“What does he want?” Sirius hissed narrowing his eyes.

“I am sure that nothing bad,” Remus said calmly, “He likes Harry.”

Sirius crossed his arms and kept glaring at the book.

As discretely as possible, Harry left the table and approached the house elf. Kneeling down in front of the creature, Harry could see a nervous look on his face. He couldn’t remember ever seeing such a look on the elf’s face before. “Kreacher, what’s wrong?” he asked.

“Kreacher has found something wrong in empty bedroom,” Kreacher said softly. “Kreacher didn’t want to bother Young Master but Young Master wouldn’t send Kreacher away like Blood Trai—Master Sirius.”

“Better a Blood Traitor than a Pureblood psycho,” Sirius growled.

“He didn’t mean it,” Lily tried to calm Sirius who just snorted.

 Kreacher had made a point to try to refrain from badmouthing Sirius in Harry’s presence. It was still a work in progress though.

“It shows,” James snorted.

“Kreacher needs to keep the house like Kreacher’s mistress would have wanted it.”

Harry placed a hand on Kreacher’s shoulder and smiled warmly. “Okay, Kreacher, I understand,” he said. “Why don’t you show me where it is? If I can’t take care of it we’ll come back down and get Sirius.”

Kreacher nodded then led the way out of the kitchen. As he followed Kreacher up the stairs, Harry had to wonder what could possibly make the house elf so nervous. As far as he knew Sirius and Remus had already taken care of anything that could cause anyone any harm. They walked down the hallway in silence until they reached the final bedroom on the left, one of the unused bedrooms just like Kreacher had said.

After stealing a glance at Kreacher, Harry slowly opened the door and turned on the lights. The room was decorated with dark green tones, giving off a Slytherin feel to the room.

“Of course,” Sirius snorted, “My parents wanted us drilled on the Slytherin doctrine from a very young age. Everything had to be green and silver.”

 Harry made a mental note to offer this room to Professor Snape if he ever wanted to stay the night…not like that would ever happen in this lifetime. It just didn’t hurt to be prepared.

“ARGH!” James cried at the thought.

“Harry!” Sirius cried with a hand on his chest, “Don’t say things like that!”

Entering the room, Harry glanced around for any sign of danger but found nothing. He was about to turn around to ask what was he supposed to be looking for when the wardrobe shook. Memories of classes with Remus suddenly filled Harry’s head. Remus had been the one to teach Harry about creatures that liked dark, enclosed spaces such as wardrobes; a shape shifter that would take the form of whatever will frighten the person it’s facing the most. Considering history, Harry knew it would come out as a Dementor or possibly Voldemort.

“Then go get Remus!” Lily cried.

Sirius looked at her with his hand on his hips. “Remus?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

Lily smiled sheepishly, “I mean you and Remus. Yes, you and Remus.”

Remus and James were trying hard to disguise their laughter.

Harry instantly flicked his right wrist only to have nothing happen. Panicking, Harry pulled up his sleeve to see that he had forgotten to put his wand holster on today. His eyes widened in alarm as the wardrobe wobbled fiercely causing it to burst open. All of the warmth of the late summer night suddenly vanished and was replaced by cold. Harry moved for the door but staggered before falling to his knees. Ignoring the cold as much as possible, Harry forced himself to stand. His vision started to darken as it became difficult to breathe.

A familiar high-pitched voice filled his ears. “You will die just like your parents…just like your friend that Barty had to kill…because of you.” Harry tried to shout for help…to do something but his body wouldn’t listen. He was trapped listening to his worst nightmares, his worst memories. His mother’s screams filled his ears as Harry collapsed to the floor.

“HELP!” the four cried.

A loud thud could be heard by everyone downstairs. Conversations instantly ceased as everyone looked in question at Sirius and Remus. The two Marauders glanced at each other and suddenly noticed that the teenager who had been sitting between them was nowhere in sight. Without a word they took off, running as fast as they could out of the kitchen and to the staircase not caring that Mr. Weasley, Bill, Tonks, Kingsley and Mad-Eye were following them while Mrs. Weasley kept the teenagers in the kitchen. As they reached the top of the stairs, Sirius saw Kreacher running at him.

“Young Master is in trouble!” Kreacher yelled.

“Yeah. ‘Cause you got him in trouble!” Sirius growled.

“Sirius! It wasn’t his fault!” Lily scolded. “Now stop dawdling and help Harry!”

Within two steps Sirius grabbed Kreacher by the arm and lifted him in the air. “Where is he?” Sirius asked through his teeth. “If you have done something to him I swear I will rip you apart.”

Kreacher nodded fearfully before Sirius released him. The seven adults followed Kreacher to the last bedroom on the left, aware of the drastic drop in temperature as they drew near. Everyone pulled out their wand as Sirius and Remus reached the doorway to the last room on the left. The sight before their eyes was something neither of them was ready for.

Harry was on the floor curled into a ball and shaking uncontrollably as a Dementor hovered over him. He was muttered something so softly that no one could make out what it was. Sirius and Remus moved to Harry’s side while the remaining adults entered the room and sent the Boggart-turned-Dementor away with a few ‘Riddikulus’ spells. The room instantly heated up again as Remus summoned some chocolate from his room. A collective sigh was released as Sirius propped a still shaking Harry up.

The four sighed relieved. As James was about to continue he stopped and looked at Remus. Then looked at the book. He whispered something to Lily pointing at a passage and she giggled. Remus narrowed his eyes.

“What?” he said.

“Yes, what? I wanna laugh to,” Sirius begged.

“Remus summoned the chocolate from his room,” Lily said.

“So?” Sirius asked.

“Where would you go for chocolate Padfoot?” James asked.

“The kitchen,” then as he understood Sirius burst in laughter.

Remus huffed, “Nothing wrong with keeping chocolate in my room.”

Tonks was the first to notice Harry’s bare right wrist. “The poor kid didn’t have his wand,” she said as she knelt down next to Sirius and took hold of Harry’s hand. “He had no way to protect himself.”

Sirius pried open Harry’s mouth so Remus could force a piece of chocolate in. “Just let it melt, Harry,” Remus said to the still shaking teen. “Don’t worry. It’s gone now.” He then looked at Sirius, the worry shining through his eyes. “I thought we checked every room for Boggarts.”

“We did,” Sirius muttered as he pulled Harry to his chest and held him tightly. Slowly Sirius looked at the doorway where Kreacher was still standing. His eyes narrowed as he glared at the house elf. He was certainly not happy. “What happened?” Sirius demanded. “Harry has been nothing but nice to you. How could you do this to him?”

“Yes. How?” Sirius growled.

“Sirius-“ Remus started.

“That elf is mean I tell you. Mean!” Sirius cried. Remus just let him. Kreacher had always spouted Sirius’ parents beliefs and therefore been mean to Sirius. There was no changing what Sirius thought.

Kreacher looked horrified at the accusation. “Kreacher would never hurt Young Master,” he said frantically. “Young Master wanted to help Kreacher. Young Master and Kreacher were surprised by evil creature. When Young Master fell Kreacher went for help—”

“Sirius didn’t mean anything by it, Kreacher,” Kingsley Shacklebolt interrupted,

“Yes, I did.”

Lily just shook her head.

his voice calm and diplomatic. “He’s just worried about Harry. We can take care of everything from here if you have something else to do.”

After another glare from Sirius, Kreacher left. Mr. Weasley hurried down to the kitchen to let his wife know what happened, Kingsley, Bill and Mad-Eye following him a few moments later. Harry had finally stopped shaking but was still unresponsive. Sirius repositioned the teen in his arms and with one fluid motion, stood up then walked out of the room with Harry still safely in his arms. Remus followed him to Harry’s room after quietly telling Tonks to call for Madam Pomfrey.

Entering Harry’s room, Remus noticed that Sirius was carefully removing Harry’s shoes as he still held on to the teen. Harry’s head was resting against Sirius’ chest, appearing to be in a deep sleep. Remus just stood in the doorway taking it all in. There had been too many close calls lately. Sirius was close to losing control tonight just like he had been at Hogwarts only two months ago. Watching his friend tend to the teenager he considered a son, Remus could only let them be. Sirius wouldn’t listen to reason now. He needed time to cool off.

“Yes, that’s the Padfoot we all know and love,” James said. “Completely irrational being.”

Sirius just shrugged but didn’t deny anything.

Sometimes Remus hated being the rational one in the group.

“Never truer words,” Remus sighed.

“Moony! What’s this about?” James asked.

“Well, just for a change you two could realize by yourselves that charming all of Professor McGonagall’s robes neon pink is not a good idea!”

“Of course it is!” Sirius said bewildered.

Remus smacked his forehead and looked pleadingly at the ceiling.