Chapter Text
"Family".
Sirius hadn’t had such pleasant holidays since practically leaving Hogwarts. He had managed to go out for a walk with Remus, buy trinkets and clothes, and, most importantly, build a proper wardrobe for Harry. Thanks to Draco, he had learned that his godson wore clothes that were neither comfortable nor appropriate for him. And, of course, Draco never missed an opportunity to point out how horrifically worn-out and oversized they were, or how much he wanted to set them on fire every time he saw them.
The only downside Sirius could perceive was the lack of communication he had with his godson and nephew. Draco and Harry had disappeared since the beginning of the holidays.
With Draco, he had seen it coming. They had talked about Lucius and his hatred for traitors, as well as Narcissa and her intolerance toward Sirius and everything he represented. The blond had made it very clear that there was a high chance he would disappear for that short time, and although Sirius wanted nothing more than to storm into Malfoy Manor to see his nephew, he knew better.
However, Harry had vanished completely. During the last few weeks of school, Hedwig had started delivering Harry’s letters, but the moment he left with those Muggles, he seemed to evaporate. Dumbledore had sent a letter saying it was normal, that he had likely become immersed in the familiarity of non-magical people.
Sirius didn’t buy it, and though Remus had tried countless times to calm him down and prevent him from lashing out at Dumbledore for dismissing Lily’s sister’s hatred toward people like them, toward what Harry was, it only worked up to a point.
He didn’t say anything to the old man, but having all the necessary documents and the approval of the goblins and the Head Auror, he set off. It pained him to leave Remus alone after a full moon, but the man wouldn’t agree to this and would try to stop him with all those reasonable arguments he always insisted Sirius use.
He was tired of being understanding, of sitting and waiting. He was no longer rotting in a cell for something he didn’t do. He was here now, and he was going to see his godson, even if he had to step over the Minister of Magic himself.
He left the mansion, walking far enough to avoid disturbing the security barriers, and then Apparated straight to Number Four, Privet Drive. Voices could be heard from inside. Standing in front of the house, he found himself staring at the disturbing sight of a window with metal bars. His breath hitched, his heart pounded, and a sharp ringing filled his ears, leaving him buzzing for a few seconds.
He knocked on the wooden door harder than necessary, and moments later, a chubby blond boy with a sour expression opened it. Sirius gave a dark, menacing grin as he stepped inside.
—Mum, Dad! —The pig-like squeal echoed through the otherwise silent house. Petunia and Vernon Dursley appeared, both with worry painted across their features.
The woman went pale, stepping back, while the man turned red, walking toward Sirius with a pompous stride. The black-haired man chuckled when the man began mumbling about the police and criminals.
—Whatever you say, Dursley —Lord Black mocked, tilting his head, his eyes fixed on Petunia’s almost ghostly figure—. Where is Harry, Petunia?
Silence fell upon the house. The sudden hooting, muffled by the walls, only fueled the burning rage coursing through the wizard’s veins.
—I don’t like repeating myself, Petunia —he hissed, cracking his neck, the corner of his lip curving cruelly. The woman hurried to move. Dudley yelped, hiding behind the wall when Sirius moved to sit on one of the armchairs—. Take a seat, Dursley, we need to talk.
—W-what do we have to talk about, y-you monster?
—If I were you, I’d watch my tongue… unless you want to lose it —Sirius leaned back against the uncomfortable chair, gesturing with his hand for them to sit. After exchanging a quick glance, both Muggles obeyed—. Now, I’d like to know, what’s with those bars on the upstairs window, hmm? Think carefully about your answer, there won’t be second chances here.
The silence that followed was heavy, tense, and utterly suffocating.
Harry walked into the room, and Sirius didn’t have to do much to recognize him. At the same time, he couldn’t disagree with Draco’s complaints about his clothes. He took a deep breath, his expression softening into a warmer smile, his eyes shining with affection.
Harry lit up the moment he recognized him. He looked just like the pictures in his album, maybe with a bit more facial hair, but not much else.
—Sirius?
—The one and only, Harry.
They embraced tightly, the older man cradling the boy against his chest as if he were the most precious thing in his life. And he was. Harry was one of the most important people in his life, and from now on, he was sure he would be the light of his eyes.
—Well, Harry, we were just having a conversation with your relatives —he chuckled without humor. The dark, menacing tone didn’t go unnoticed by anyone. The black-haired boy glanced at the Dursleys, noticing their fear, and a pleasurable satisfaction filled his chest. Yes, he thought, this is what it feels like to be beneath others, this is what it feels like to be me in this house—. I’d like some information about these past years because, frankly, I’m not very happy with what I’ve seen so far.
And it had been a long talk, if Harry could even call it that. Sirius didn’t seem particularly upset; his face remained cold and calm throughout the entire diatribe about those horrible years. But Harry knew better. He lived daily with masks of indifference, and there was no power on earth that could hide negative emotions from those blue eyes. Despite the warmth of his emotions, they seemed like two frozen icebergs.
He and his belongings waited for Sirius outside. Hedwig had been released with instructions to go wait at Sirius’s house or, alternatively, at the Black mansion. Harry felt a bit nervous about what was about to happen, but more than anything, he was happy.
Sirius took a while to come out again, but when he did, he looked satisfied. Harry supposed this was only the beginning, he knew a fair number of purebloods, after all. And even though Sirius was a Gryffindor, he had been raised in a rather vengeful household. He was definitely not someone to underestimate.
—Well, everything’s set, Harry. Let’s go home.
The boy felt a surge of excitement, he would finally have a place to call home.
They spent the rest of the morning exploring the spacious house, bothering the portraits, and flying together in the large courtyard. Much closer to midday than anyone realized, Remus made his entrance. He looked sick and exhausted, but the scent of a happy pup made him move.
It was faint in the air, and he didn’t fully recognize it, but he had an idea of who it belonged to. And though he should have been angry at Sirius for breaking the rules and going against Dumbledore’s requests, he simply couldn’t be.
He was finally going to meet little Harry, and that was enough to make him forget everything else.
He arrived at the dining room, where Sirius and Harry were watching as the house-elves bustled around, cooking.
—Sirius, do you want to tell me what happened while I was asleep? —he murmured, his voice rough and hoarse from sleep. Both dark-haired figures turned toward him at the same time; one with a smug grin and the other with incredibly curious eyes—. Hello, Harry. It’s a pleasure to see you again.
That confused the boy even more. However, his doubts vanished when Sirius spoke.
—Nothing really happened, Rems. I spent some time wandering around the house. Then, since I couldn’t distract myself, I decided it was a good idea to go get Harry, see how he was doing, because I missed him. —He blinked innocently, sitting down next to his godson and pulling him into a one-armed hug. Harry widened his eyes like a puppy and snuggled into Sirius. Remus was weak against both of them. His shoulders sagged, and his expression softened immediately—. You wouldn’t believe the state I found Petunia and Vernon’s house in. Harry’s room had bars on the windows. He was locked up, with his belongings kept under lock and key.
Remus shuddered. His wolf instincts were far too dominant over his human side to fully rationalize the growl that escaped his lips. Harry’s eyes widened, blinking rapidly. However, he didn’t dwell on it and simply started nodding.
—They were upset because... oh! I almost forgot! —He jumped off the counter and ran toward the living room, where he had left a pile of letters inside a box. Sirius and Remus followed him, both concerned and curious—. An elf was stopping my letters from getting to me, —he explained as he began sorting through them one by one.
The adults exchanged confused looks.
He received letters from Pansy, Theodore, Blaise, Daphne, Millicent, Gregory, Vincent, Sally, Tracey, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Lily. There were several letters from Sirius as well, but none from Draco. He sat down with a huff, confused.
Sirius sat down beside him, scanning each envelope until he found the answer.
—Lucius must be upset with Draco, Harry —he explained, earning a hesitant look from the young wizard. Sirius smiled wearily. Remus crouched in front of them, his eyes somber—. Malfoy isn’t exactly fond of you… or us. Or anyone who goes against his beliefs. He’s probably forbidding Draco from contacting you.
Remus reached out, gently stroking Sirius’s knee. Of the three of them, he was the one who would understand Draco best, who would know what he was going through, having lived through something similar himself.
Harry frowned.
—I… Draco never talks to me about his family, —he murmured, thoughtful—. But I’ve heard plenty of things, from Ron, from other Slytherins… but mostly from students in other houses. Draco never tells me anything, not about his father, not about his mother… I didn’t know his father was capable of isolating him.
Sirius saw in his godson’s eyes the same protective fire he had once seen in Remus and James, when everything had been too much for his younger self, when he couldn’t bear to keep standing strong in the face of his family’s rejection and hatred. When he received a Howler from his mother. When he was met with the cold indifference of his younger brother.
He wrapped an arm around Harry’s shoulders, pulling him close.
—Malfoy is incapable of very few things when it comes to getting his way, Harry. —He placed a soft kiss on the boy’s head—. And you need to be ready and alert, because he will trample Draco if that’s what it takes... You must always expect the worst from that man.
Harry’s blood boiled at the thought. His best friend didn’t deserve to suffer at anyone’s hands. No one had the right to do that to him.
—I’ll be there, Sirius. I won’t leave him alone. —he declared, earning fond smiles in return.
—That’s what I wanted to hear. Now, let’s eat, and then we can take a look at the gift I have for you.
That cheered Harry up, effectively distracting him from the letters.
Throughout the day, he learned more about his parents, both men were always willing to answer all of his questions, no matter how silly or insignificant they seemed. They answered everything without hesitation.
For the first time, Harry felt like he had a family.
He learned, for instance, that his mother was allergic to nuts, and that James had nearly died of a heart attack when Lily ate one of his chocolates because it contained small pieces of hazelnut and walnut. That day in the hospital wing had been their first kiss, because his father had refused to leave her side and had been so worried that she couldn’t resist.
He also found out that his parents had been skilled at Potions, his father had been a very good student, even an outstanding one. He wasn’t someone who took studying for granted, but he also hadn’t been overly invested in it.
He learned that they had called themselves "The Marauders", that they had been worse than enemies with Snape, and that his father had a not-so-pleasant side. He learned that his mother had despised them at one point. He learned that Snape had been friends with his mother.
He learned so many things.
By the time night fell, he felt much closer to his family, even if it was only the first day. He went to bed in peace for the first time outside of Hogwarts, and just as he was drifting off to sleep, something scratched at his window and Hedwig hooted loudly.
He pulled back the curtain slightly, finding a jet-black owl with enormous, piercing blue eyes. It scratched at the window again, looking judgmental and irritated.
He opened it and immediately offered it some food.
There was a medium-sized package and a letter. Curiously, he reached for them.
Draco Malfoy, the envelope read.
His eyes brightened, running to open it. He settled on the bed.
Hello, Harry.
I’m really sorry I haven’t written to you at all, and especially for not doing it on your birthday, but I assure you that I’m not upset or that I’ve forgotten you. Things at home are very complicated. My father doesn’t like that I’m friends with you, Ron, or Hermione. He was fuming when he saw me at the station, and then he lectured me for hours.
It was worse than a Binns class. And Merlin knows that’s nearly impossible to achieve.
Harry grimaced, though Draco was trying to downplay it, he bet it had been a tough discussion. Knowing the blonde, he didn’t just nod to everything, or he wouldn’t still be grounded, as shown by the letters from Pansy and Theo, asking about the radio silence from the blonde.
I’m locked up in my room, I really look like a convict here. I have food and drink, but I can only walk around these four walls. You can imagine how that’s going for me.
I’m not even participating in the high-society parties. Daphne is going to kill me when she sees me again, if my father doesn’t do it first. He’s getting tired of me not giving in.
But let’s put that aside, what matters here is you.
Happy birthday! I wish I could be there, with you, and have a good time.
Along with this letter comes your gift. I hope you like it. I managed it with the help of one of my elves, and I can’t do much more.
I’m looking forward to the new year.
I miss you.
With love, Draco.
P.S. Check the diary Daphne gave you, scar face.
Harry let out a small laugh. He folded the letter, putting it back into its envelope.
He carefully opened the package, the brown paper wrinkling. Inside, there were two small boxes. One contained two pretty muffins with pink cream, presumably strawberry, and the other had a bunch of smaller boxes.
It took him a while to open everything, but by the time it was all in front of him, he was crying openly. So much that Sirius and Remus hurried to see what was going on, to check if he was okay.
A bunch of moving photos, of Harry and his friends, of his friends alone, of Sirius, of Harry by himself, training, arguing with Ron, or doing silly things. Of Draco with him. They all had captions to remind him of the moment.
It was a great gesture, but what had made him cry was what it said in the photo of him and Draco, which he didn’t remember when it was taken (even if he didn’t know where all the pictures came from, as he didn’t remember seeing a camera), 《So, just like your parents and uncles did, let’s start saving all our moments together, so we can remember them when we’re older. I love you, Harry》.
Draco’s perfect handwriting was unmistakable, even though his eyes were blurry and he couldn’t stop shaking.
He slept peacefully, curled up in his new bed, in his new room, with the pictures of his friends scattered across his desk, ready to be hung the next day. However, his wake-up wasn’t as pleasant.
He woke with a scream, falling out of bed. His hand burned, well, his wrist did. He looked at it, seeing the snake twisting and shaking. It was burning him, even though it didn’t seem that way. His skin was intact.
His magic burned, it hurt.
Sirius burst into the room, rushing to hold him, as Harry cried tears of pain. Remus felt his wolf twist at the sight of his cub like this. They tried to take the bracelet off him, but Harry pulled back.
The last time someone tried to approach it with the intention of removing it, or even harming him (read as: Uncle Vernon was that stupid), the bracelet stretched and bit the third person, injecting them with some sort of sleeping potion, taking them out of the fight.
He curled up in Sirius’s arms, breathing heavily, and when the burning stopped abruptly, he could move. He felt numb, as though a road had run him over. Looking at the bracelet, he remembered Draco’s letter when he gave it to him.
“…your bracelet has a little trick that’s more for me than for you, but it works both ways. Hopefully, I won’t have to explain it to you.”
—Draco... —Harry gasped, as Sirius slowly lifted him, settling him on the bed, sitting. Remus crouched in front of him. Both adults looked at him in confusion.
"…He’s going to kill me when he sees me again, if my father doesn’t do it first."
—What’s going on with Draco, pup? —Remus whispered.
—Something happened to Draco.