James was beside himself with happiness and Remus couldn’t find the heart to remind him that if Harry was indeed his son that meant he was dead. He softly asked, “Shall I continue reading?”

            “Yes,” the other three shouted.

Chapter 2

Midnight's Rescue

            “Midnight is not the one that needs to be rescued,” James said indignantly.

            “I think he’s the one that will be doing the rescuing,” Remus explained slowly.

            “Ah!”

"POTTER! GET UP NOW!"

            “Don’t shout to my son!”

Panic filled Harry as he jumped out of bed and ignored the screaming pain flooding his body and the dizziness filling his head. He had slept in! Looking around the room, Harry didn't see Midnight anywhere and let out a sigh of relief. At least the dog would be safe.

            “Don’t worry about me Harry, I am finding a way to get us out of there!” Sirius said and James hugged him.

            “Thank you! You’ll save my son!”

            “Of course I will. Maybe I went to get Moony’s help, you know. ‘Cause he’s the brains in our operation,” Sirius winked at Remus who blushed.

He changed as quickly as possible then rushed out of the room, down the stairs and into the kitchen to start breakfast. He mumbled an apology to his Aunt who only nodded in response. Harry was too frantic to notice the gesture. He knew he only had fifteen minutes before Vernon would come down and demand his meal.

            “Why don’t you cook your own meal!” Peter cried. The others looked at him weirdly, “What? Only you guys can be outraged?”

Moving around as he was, Harry had to bite back a cry out with the pain flaring from his leg and ribs. He couldn't take any punishments today. His stomach was queasy, his head was swimming and it hurt to think let alone move. If he looked half as bad as he felt Uncle Vernon was bound to notice.

            “I doubt that,” Remus muttered.

Luckily, Harry managed to finish just as Vernon and Dudley entered the kitchen. Both of them were too engrossed in eating to notice their cook was on the verge of passing out. Knowing better than to disturb their meal Harry left the kitchen and sat down on the bottom step of the staircase.

"What should we have the boy do today, Petunia?" Uncle Vernon asked bitterly. "We can't afford any of his freakiness now. Keeping him busy has kept him out of trouble."

            “Why don’t you try to let him rest and be in peace? Didn’t you know that abuse is a sure way to make a child do accidental magic,” Remus reasoned.

            “I don’t think he knows that Moony. Or cares,” Sirius pointed out.

Harry shook his head slowly. He should have known they would be talking about him the moment he left the room. It's not like he could do any magic and they knew that so what were they so worried about?

"Did you even look at him this morning?" asked Aunt Petunia. "He's ill, Vernon. I think we should give him a day's rest.

            “Finally, they show some humanity,” James sighed in relief.

I don't want those people here asking questions. It's bad enough we have to put up with him."

            “Spoke too soon James,” Remus shook his head in disgust.

Figuring he would be in trouble for listening, Harry slowly stood up and hobbled upstairs to his room. He needed to look like he was keeping busy. Slowly, Harry made his bed and started to clean up what little mess he had made. He was gasping for breath out of pain when he heard a knock on the door.

Turning around, Harry saw Aunt Petunia standing in the door way. "You have the day off," she said shortly. "Take advantage of it and don't make Vernon regret his generosity."

            “Oh, how mighty generous of him. I think he should get the Noble peace prize,” Peter said.

            “The what?” Sirius asked.

            “Muggle award, quite important.” He answered.

Harry couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh. "Yes Aunt Petunia," he said obediently. He stood there until she left then retreated to his bed without even bothering to change back into pajamas. He was just too tired.

Covering up, Harry wanted nothing more than to fall asleep but his mind quickly drifted to Midnight. He had no idea where the dog was and couldn't chance looking for him without arising suspicion. Harry had to admit that Midnight was certainly a smart dog but he doubted the dog would know to avoid Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia or Dudley.

            “Believe me, I do”

Slowly drifting off, Harry didn't even notice his left arm falling off the bed until something wet touched it. Groggy and confused, he reached under his bead and felt the furry face of Midnight. Harry let out a sigh of relief. Midnight hadn't left after all.

"Hey boy," Harry said in a soft and sleepy voice. "I'm sorry I didn't bring you up any food. Do you forgive me?"

            “Of course I forgive you Harry. I know they are awful, awful people that won’t even let you eat, never mind your dog. Don’t worry rest, while I figure out a way to get us out of there,” Sirius said patting the paper on Remus hand as if he was patting Harry.

            “It’s sure taking you a lot of time to figure that out,” James mumbled annoyed, Sirius glared at him.

A wet tongue licked his hand making Harry laugh. "Thanks Midnight. I'm really tired. Please stay out of sight, okay?"

Midnight licking his hand was the last thing Harry felt before falling asleep.

---

"BOY! GET UP NOW!"

A flash of pain across his face shocked Harry awake. His eyes opened quickly to see a blurry version of his uncle seething with anger. He was soaked with sweat and his entire body ached. It took Harry a moment to realize he was on the floor. His room was barely lit meaning darkness had fallen. He had slept through the entire day!

            “He’s striking my son! Stop that!”

            “James, you’re chocking me,” Sirius coughed and James released him.

            “Sorry.”

Midnight!

Harry couldn't believe he had slept so long. Slowly turning his head, Harry saw the large black dog still hiding under the bed and let out a sigh of relief. At least Midnight was still safe.

            “WHAT THE HELL YOU’RE HIDING FOR? DO SOMETHING!” Remus yelled and the others looked cautiously at him. Remus never yells.

            “Ok. Relax. I am sure I will do something,” Sirius patted Remus arm softly.

Returning his attention to his uncle, Harry tried to sit up but his screaming ribs wouldn't let him. He grabbed his chest in pain and looked up at his Uncle nervously. What could he have done to make Vernon so upset? Aunt Petunia said he had the day off, Midnight was still in hiding and he had been in his room all day.

"Wh—what did I do?" Harry asked in confusion.

Wrong thing to ask.

WHACK!

            “Stop that!” the boys cried.

Harry's face went numb with pain as his vision blurred more than usual. He tasted blood in his mouth and spit it out. It took Harry a moment to realize that was what was wrong. He hadn't done anything. Uncle Vernon was in one of his moods again and nothing he said or did would satisfy the whale of a man.

A large hand grabbed Harry by the neck and lifted him off the floor. "YOU PATHETIC LITTLE FREAK!" Vernon shouted as he shook the boy. "YOU SELFISH, UNGRATEFUL BRAT! I GAVE YOU THE DAY, THE DAY, OFF AND THIS IS HOW YOU THANK US! WHY YOU COULDN'T HAVE DIED WITH YOUR SAD EXCUSE OF PARENTS IS BEYOND ME!"

            “Hey, don’t insult my Lily and STOP HITTING MY SON!” James yelled.

            The sound of a deep growl from underneath the bed distracted Uncle Vernon. Harry's head was swimming in dizziness and confusion. He wanted nothing more than to pass out so he couldn't feel the unbearable pain he was in anymore.

            “He’s going to die!” James yelled.

 

The next thing Harry knew he was flying backwards into the wall. Looking up, Harry saw a black blur attack the large blur that was Uncle Vernon.

            “Finally!” the four boys sighed.

Harry wanted to shout at Midnight to stop but couldn't find the strength. His eyes closed as his head pounded. Thinking became too difficult and moving at all was certainly out of the question.

Had Harry been paying attention, he would have noticed the black blur of Midnight change shape into a man with long black hair. "Hello Dursley," the once dog said coldly. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a familiar looking wand. "From what I see this is well overdue."

Vernon stumbled backwards towards the door. "You—you're one of those freaks!" he stuttered fearfully. "How—how—"

            “Very perceptive of you Dursley,” Remus growled.

The man took a step forward and smiled evilly. "Petrificus Totalus," he said simply then watched as Vernon's arms snapped to his sides. His legs sprang together. His whole body rigid, he swayed where he stood and then fell flat on his face, stiff as a board. "I would kill you but I can't take the chance of Harry being blamed for it. Oh, one more thing, Obliviate! Stupefy!"

            “We knew you’d save him,” Peter said to Sirius. James was hugging Sirius and thanking him. Sirius was patting his back.

Pocketing the wand, the man hurried to Harry's side only to see the boy was knocked out. He counted his blessings then quickly packed up Harry's belongings into his trunk (making sure to gather everything under the loose floorboards Harry had showed him a few days ago). The only thing left out was Harry's invisibility cloak.

            “He has my cloak. How did he get it?” James asked.

Once he had shrunk the trunk and pocketed it, the man moved over to the bruised and battered child. He really didn't want to chance injuring the boy more but he didn't really have much of a choice. Harry needed medical attention.

            “Yes, he does. Take him to St. Mungo’s, hurry” Remus urged the book.

As carefully as possible, he picked Harry up then covered the both of them with the invisibility cloak. He couldn't risk anyone seeing either of them. Holding the boy tightly, the man spared one last hateful glance at Vernon Dursley then left.

---

Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk tackling the never ending paperwork as he did every summer. Much was demanded of the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and this summer wasn't any different. His 'advice' was constantly needed by Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic'; especially since news of the incident at Azkaban Prison.

A prisoner escaping was indeed nerve wracking since it was believed to be impossible but

            “Someone escaped Azkaban?” Peter asked fretfully.

what was more unsettling was who had escaped. Sirius Black,

           Remus stopped reading and looked unbelieving at the book while the others yelled:

           “What?”

           “That’s wrong! What would I be doing in Azkaban?”

           “Hum, I think we better stop reading,” Remus tried to solve the problem, “Who’s up for a game of Gobstones?”

           “I don’t want Gobstones! I wanna know what Padfoot was doing in Azkaban?” James said angrily.

           “It’s not pretty,” Remus winced.

           “Read on,” Sirius demanded.

a traitor and Death Eater,

            “No, I am not! That book is lying. I’d never join Voldemort! I ran away from all that!”

 had been locked up for twelve years in the dreaded prison and was believed to be insane.

            “Well, he was never sane to begin with,” Remus pointed out trying to lighten the mood with humor. By the look on Sirius face his attempt failed miserably.

Well, he was believed to be insane before entering the prison so Dumbledore could only imagine what he was like now.

The sound of a pop from his fireplace forced Dumbledore to quickly turn around and see the face of a worried Cornelius Fudge looking at him. Stealing a glance at the clock, Dumbledore couldn't help but be concerned. Four o'clock in the morning was certainly not a usual time for a chat.

            “I chat at any time,” James said.

            “We know that,” Remus rolled his eyes annoyed.

            “What’s that supposed to mean?” James asked.

            “That sometimes we like to sleep,” Sirius said slowly. He was rewarded with a pillow.

Positioning himself a little more comfortably in front of the fire, Dumbledore let out a sigh knowing he was about to receive some rather bad news. "Is there something on your mind, Cornelius?" he asked pleasantly.

"Sirius Black was sighted last night," Fudge said nervously. "I just received the notice from the Improper Use of Magic Office, Underage Section."

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. He really didn't like where this conversation was going. "Meaning an underage witch or wizard spotted him,"

            “No! Meaning I saved Harry’s life and therefore cannot be a Death Eater!” Sirius snapped at the book.

he concluded. "Where, may I ask, was he spotted?"

Fudge was clearly fidgeting now. His eyes refused to look into Dumbledore's. "He was spotted at Privet Drive, Surrey," he said at last. "At Number Four, to be more precise."

Dumbledore leaned forward, concern obviously present on his face. "Is Harry alright?" he asked quickly. He knew the wards around the Dursley household were strong but he couldn't help worrying.

            “No, he is not alright. And I saved him. If I was a big bad Death Eater I would have killed him not saved him!” Sirius shouted.

            “He does have a point,” James said and the others nodded in agreement.

The silence in the room was deafening. "Harry Potter's missing, Albus," Fudge said at last. "It appeared that Black attacked Vernon Dursley then took the boy. Potter's blood was found in his room. I have started to organize a search for both Potter and Black but I'm afraid I haven't a clue of where to look."

            “Oh, now you’re looking. Why didn’t you look when my son was being abused?”

"How long ago did this happen?" Dumbledore asked gravely.

"Between five and six hours ago," Fudge answered. "I already have Aurors looking in the usual places but Black could be anywhere by now. From the investigation it was determined that Potter's wand had been used but Dursley claimed that it had been Black using it, not Potter."

"I can't imagine Harry willingly giving his wand to a stranger," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "What else did Mr. Dursley say?"

Fudge appeared to be extremely nervous again. "Dursley wasn't very forthcoming, especially to the Aurors who were there," he admitted. "After some—er—persuasion, Dursley admitted that he had been punishing the boy when Black attacked him. He was abusing Potter, Albus."

            “Ha! Finally noticed did you. Too little too late now!” Remus mumbled.

Dumbledore closed his eyes as the realization of the Minister's words hit him. Harry was being abused and probably had been for some time. "Very well," he said at last as he opened his eyes and looked at Fudge's floating head in the fire. "I want Vernon Dursley arrested for child abuse. I also want to bring someone in to help us with this. He knows Sirius Black better than we do.

            “Who?” Peter asked Remus shrugged.

 I will also need a few Aurors at my disposal in the chance we uncover something and need to move quickly. I suggest Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks."

            “Nymphadora Tonks? Did he say Nymphadora Tonks” Sirius asked James who nodded. “That’s Andy’s baby. They want Andy’s baby to arrest me?”

            “Well, that certainly is a conflict of interest,” Remus said.

 Nymphadora Tonks hadn't finished her training yet but she was a relative of Black and right now Dumbledore needed every advantage he could get.

"Of course," Fudge said quickly. "Whatever you need. Harry Potter's safety is the utmost priority now. I trust you'll keep me informed on any developments?"

Dumbledore only nodded in response. He bid farewell to the Minister then immediately got to work, his paperwork forgotten. He contacted a few members of the 'old crowd' and filled them in on the dilemma, including his source to understand Sirius Black. Dumbledore could only pray that Harry wasn't hurt or worse.

            “I would never hurt James’ son. A puppy Marauder. Our Pronglet. You’re all insane,” Sirius said crossing his arms defensively.