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In His Place	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Sirius Views: 72865 -:- Recommendations : 16 -:- Currently Reading : 16
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, so sad for me, and make no money off this story, even sadder for me.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. Love you, woman, you're the best!

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Chapter 10

Reading the letter from Snape, Sirius groaned, shaking his head. After finishing, he quickly read it again to make sure he didn't miss anything in it. When he was sure he hadn't, he set it down. Seeing anxious looks around the breakfast table, he took a bracing sip of his coffee then said, “Right—let's start with the easiest first; Harry.” Glancing at his godson, who was leaning heavily against him, sleeping, after making it through most of the meal without landing face first in his plate, he said, looking around, “Poppy won't change the potions, period. Snape says they aren't willing to risk the headaches growing worse or more frequent. It's just going to take time to adjust to them. However, they were able to find a stronger version of Pepper-up, though it's not called that, they can use. Snape said it's their hope that between that and the one we added back, it should help some. At the very least, make him more alert until he does adjust. He's going to bring that over tonight. We're supposed to give it to him four times a day. He'll go over the rest when he gets here.”
“Also, Poppy's coming over tomorrow to do another of the more intensive brain scans. They want to see what's going on there and how it might be affecting things. We need to prepare for that as we know it takes a couple of hours to do those. Before then, we need to run the scans for how his magic is doing, whether it's stabilized or not.” Glancing at Remus, he said, “You need to take that one as you were better at it than the rest of us. Snape is going to take the one that gives the reading of brain activity tonight. He said she's going to go from there as to what she'll do about some of it. If it shows nothing off, well, more than what we already know is, we're pressing on just how we are. He doesn't think much has changed and there isn't a lot they can do, honestly. They just want to make damned sure something isn't lurking in there they don't know about.”
Seeing nods, he then shoved the second sheet in the letter over to Lucius and Narcissa. Quietly, he said, “Harry's prediction was right; they found poison and letters supposedly from Hermione and the Weasleys.” Hearing groans and seeing pale faces from the Malfoys, he shook his head. “They caught it in time, that's the good part. Everyone on that end decided that all letters coming from the school to the house are to go through the proper head of house before they are sent out. They aren't going to read them, of course, just check them over to make sure nothing is off or attached to it. He said if we don't see a mark on the letter from the proper head of house verifying it was examined, to check it over then hold it back before contacting them. They'll take it from there.”
Shaking his head, looking down at the table, Remus asked, a sigh in his voice, “What's going to happen to the three, do you know?”
“No. Even Snape says he's not sure. From what he said, they went by the book and Aurors were brought in to handle it. The three were removed from the school last night and taken to the Ministry. The Board of Governors was also contacted. From what he understands, this is being taken very seriously because of what's happening in our world. He thinks that, at the least, the three will probably be suspended for the rest of the year. It's going to depend on what the Ministry does. If the Ministry charges them, chances are they’ll be expelled and their wands snapped,” Sirius explained. Shaking his head, he added, “From what he said, they can find nothing, anywhere, that says this was done under duress or on orders. They all seem to think that it's just a case of trying to do something to make it look like they are helping that end, at least from Parkinson. Crabbe and Goyle—he thinks it's for revenge as their fathers are in Ministry custody. Couple on the fact that if it's a case of they did it on their own, they knowingly went out and bought an illegal substance then planned to use it. That's very clear because there is no other use for that potion. It doesn't look good there. He said Albus is going to try for a slap on the wrist and hope they learned a lesson, but it may not work in this case because the three knew just what they were doing and what could come of it. If there were mitigating circumstances, he might manage. There aren't any that any of them can find.”
Putting the parchment down, Lucius gave his pale son's hand a pat, then rested his hand on his shaken wife's leg before saying, “Let's see what Moody has to say on the topic. He may know more by now from Rufus. We'll wait and see.” Looking around, he added, “We're just going to be more mindful of what comes in and who sends it. Let's get with Severus to see if we can't get him to hand deliver such items. That would stop part of it. He's over here enough that it shouldn't be an issue for him to do that.”
“Good idea,” Remus nodded. “We'll say something to him tonight and see what he says. That way we know anything coming via owl to watch out for.”
Nodding at that, Sirius pressed on. “There's an Order meeting tonight. Albus is going to cover this, so we might get more information than we now have. Snape also says I need to stay with Harry. He's worried what could happen if someone doesn't. Though Draco doesn't have to attend, he doesn't want him doing it because the problems are so complicated. He's going to make sure Albus knows ahead of time that I'm not going to be there. That should hold off on problems. It just means that you lot are going to have to fill me in on what goes on. That and deter people wanting to see Harry. We can't chance that as we have no idea what might come out of his mouth around that many.”
Shaking her head at that thought, Narcissa said, firmly, “We'll handle it, Sirius, never fear. Just hole up in your room and we'll deflect whatever comes.”
“Snape says he's going to make it damned clear to the old man that Harry has to have a grown adult with him at all times because of the complications from the potions. He's also going to tell him that they are wonking him out completely. So, even if we did bring him down, chances are he wouldn't even wake up. That should hold off the worst of it. And it's the damned truth. We just have to work with it from there.” Quietly, he added, looking around, “He also wants us to keep track of any kind of predictions he makes. If his accuracy rate stays what it is, he wants us to get with Rufus on it. At least so the man knows what's going on. He also thinks it might be a damned good idea to get Moody involved now so the man knows what's happening. I can see the point there, honestly. Though not sure, he thinks, maybe, Moody might know something that can help hone it. Or, at the very least, where to look for something like that. As we have nothing but guesses at this point, that might be something to consider.”
Thinking that over, Remus gave a slow nod. “We should. Alastor knows plenty. He might be able to help. I'll pull him aside tonight and let him know we need to talk to him when he gets time. We'll go from there when we fill him in. I say we let him decide what to do about Rufus. Harry—he's got a way better than average accuracy rate at the moment. In fact, it's perfect. It can only help Rufus if he comes across with some of this. Rufus will find a way to work with what he's given.”
“I think we need to do that,” Lucius said firmly, looking around. “This last one—it was big and could have ended up disastrous if Harry didn't predict it. If he does something similar with other areas, it can only help Rufus.”
“We'll see what Moody says then go from there. Plus, we need to find a way to deliver whatever he comes across with if Moody isn't around. So far, we've had plenty of time to get it across. That might not continue,” Sirius sighed. “I think that's it. We'll get with Snape tonight to have him fill us in on anything else he knows or has found out. The only thing I'm worried about is Poppy and what Harry might do there. He's just—if he even wakes slightly, who knows what he's going to say.”
“Poppy has been very good about keeping her mouth shut about so much,” Narcissa told him quietly. “Even in school, she's done that with students that have done things they shouldn't. I think we need to count on that with this situation. And if she knows what she's doing, she may need to hear this. If, as I've read, and there are documented cases of this after head injuries, it shouldn't blindside her too much. She might be able to help if he does.”
“I know. I'm just worried about her saying something to the wrong person is all. We do not want this out there to anyone. At least until he can get a handle on it,” Sirius sighed, stroking his goatee.
“She took the same oath as Healers do when it comes to not revealing some areas,” Lucius told him firmly. “She shouldn't, especially something as dangerous as this can become. One would think she would know what it could unleash if it got out.”
“Maybe just a simple statement that we don't want it out until we can completely verify it's real or how accurate is all that's needed,” Remus added, looking around. Shaking his head, he told them, “That or the suggestion that we aren't sure where it's coming from. It might be the potions. We all know that's probably not the case, but we can put it out there as it is an option, what with all he's taking.”
“I'll talk to her,” Sirius sighed with a nod. “Let's see what I can manage. I'll wait to say what happens with Harry and judge from there. Maybe we can get Snape over at the same time. He can confirm some of it if Harry comes across with something. I don't know.”
“That might be a good way to go,” Lucius told him. “Severus might be needed anyway for some of it if something odd crops up in that scan. We'll say something to him tonight or you can as I'm sure he's going to want to check Harry before he leaves.”
“I'll make sure I do,” Sirius said firmly. “Alright, about today,” he pressed on, changing topics, “I'm going to stay with Harry in case there's a problem. The elves are good, but I'd feel better if one of us was there. You lot press on with Draco. Harry's behind, we all know that, but we're not going to worry about it. I doubt this is the only complication we're going to have that sets him behind. Let's just try to keep Draco as caught up as we can. Harry—we'll worry about that as it comes. Everyone knows the situation on that end, so I'm not at all concerned about things like this.” Seeing nods, he was pleased. Though it was good to get Harry around everyone when they could manage, he thought his poor godson would probably be more comfortable lying in his bed than seated on the hard bench at the table while sleeping. That was the least Sirius could do for him.

After a perfunctory knock on Black's door, Snape let himself in. He knew there wasn't anything going on he would interrupt, so he wasn't worried about that. After shutting the door behind him, he looked at the beds. Black was seated on his own, back propped against the headboard, with Potter curled up beside him, head resting in his lap. Nodding to the man, he came over, conjured a chair and took a seat. Pulling some potions out of the bag he was carrying, he said, “Those are the ones I told you about. One dose four times a day should help. It's not going to fix this, but Mr. Potter should be able to get through things like meals without falling asleep. It's just going to take time to get him back to where he was.”
Picking up the vials, Sirius nodded. “Understood. I'll start him on them tomorrow and go from there.” Sighing, he shook his head, “Any more news on any of this mess?”
“Some,” Severus said with a shake of his head. “From what Albus learned from the Board, the Ministry is throwing the book at the three. They want to make an example out of them. I understand why, of course. They are also being charged as adults because of their age. Parkinson is the only one that might get off with a less harsh sentence as she started singing like the loudest bird out there. I'm sure that was at her mother's prompting. However, that's not going to help her when it comes to going back to school. The Board, from what Albus said, won't let any of them back. Crabbe and Goyle will probably have their wands snapped and be expelled. Parkinson won't be allowed back, but may not end up with her wand snapped. That just means that she will have to go elsewhere or end up homeschooled over it. However, on the upside, her and her mother may start talking about some needed areas. Albus heard hints that the two may give up her father in it. If that's the case, Rufus can use the information. We'll see. Moody is trying to get just what is going on to pass to the rest of us. Either way, they committed something that nothing is going to get them out of.” Seeing Black nod, he then said, “I got with Lucius and Lupin—I'm going to take over delivering the mail from school. Even Albus likes that idea. So, anything coming in via owl after I start, hold and get with us after you check it. We all think this is for the best. Of course, heads of house will check it before I do.”

“Yeah, that might be the way to go. If one gave this a shot and got in trouble, it might make it to where others may as well for revenge. That we don't need,” Sirius sighed.
“We're also going to sit those down that are in the school and are affected to explain what's going on then the why behind it. Albus is, rightfully so, worried about retaliation against them. Which means they need warned so they can protect themselves. He plans on doing that tomorrow sometime,” Severus explained. “When Mr. Potter is more with it, you need to explain it to him as well.”
“I will, don't worry,” Sirius told him firmly.
“I'm coming over with Poppy tomorrow. That's a good suggestion. She'll probably ask for that as well as I might be needed. We'll go from there with what's presented and work with what might come out,” Snape sighed, shaking his head. “We can easily impress upon her that it needs kept quiet. I'm sure, with what I know of her, we won't have to anyway. She's far too experienced to say anything. Let's see what comes and we'll judge from there.” Pressing on, he added, “Lupin is going to fill Moody in on what we've seen. We'll let him judge what he needs to do from there when it comes to passing it along. He'll know better than us what to do in such a situation.”
“Good idea,” Sirius nodded. Gesturing to the pile of parchments by the bed, he said, “Those are the scans you wanted.
Pleased with that, Severus picked them up, flipped through them then put them in his satchel. “I'll get them to her with the one I'll do before I go. That way she doesn't have to spend time doing those and can press on.” Quietly, he added, “I've already told Albus that you're not coming down and part of the situation. He's not questioning it as I showed him the names of the new potions. He knows just what they are and how they affect someone. So, we don't have to worry about that mess. He's going to pass that along to the rest so no one tries to press to see Mr. Potter.” Glancing at the sleeping Harry, he shook his head and imparted with a sigh, “As it's the truth, we don't have to worry about anything off.”
“That's fine,” Sirius told him. “I'm going to get into the tub with him because I don't want to chance him even attempting that on his own as he'll probably almost drown himself if he does. Cleaning charms only go so far with this. It's something that needs done, so, if anyone does knock, I probably won't hear it.”
“I'll pass that along as well,” Severus told him with a nod. “Let me get the scan and then I'll go down. That was my excuse to come up, along with delivering the potions. So, I'll get it done now.” See Black nod, he readied his wand and got to it so they could all get on with what they needed to do.

Holding Harry close as his godson was propped back against his chest in the sitting position, Sirius was gently washing him off. As he had plenty of experience at doing this from over the summer, it was something he could easily handle. It helped that Harry was at least slightly awake and could assist in him staying upright. As he washed him off, he talked to him softly about all kinds of things. Nothing stressful, of course, or things Harry should remember, just talking.
Sighing softly at the feeling of being washed, Harry leaned heavily against Sirius. Once more, he was in that strange place, though could feel 'reality' around him. Softly, he asked, voice uneven, “Can you make the water warmer? It feels better that way.”
“Easily,” Sirius assured him, picking up his wand. Casting the charm to heat up the water, he asked, “Better?”
“Yeah, feels great,” Harry sighed, eyes sliding shut again.
“Oh, I bet,” Sirius grinned, soaping his shoulders and down his chest. “If it gets too cool, let me know and I'll warm it up again.”
“I will,” Harry assured him, eyes opening slightly again. Feeling that nudge again, the one that had been there before, he imparted, “Dad said to tell you it wasn't a dream, none of it. It was all real and he gave you the ideas, all of them. He says to tell you that you're doing fine with it and it'll all work out in the end.” Sighing again, he shut his eyes, smiling a little as the warm water soothed him.
Hair standing on end, Sirius looked at Harry, eyes wide. Oh, his godson had come across with several things about him so far, but none were like this. Mind racing over that strange dream, he didn't know what to say. Quietly, he finally managed to get out without his voice shaking, “I'll keep going with it. Tell him I said that.”
“I will,” Harry breathed as sleep pulled him again. Shaking his head, he tried to focus on one more message he needed to impart. As it was really important, he needed to tell Sirius. Head coming up from where it was resting on Sirius' shoulder, he said, “And Dad says to get Snape now. He has to get back to the school. Zabini is in trouble. It's not a cold, like he thinks. He was poisoned by Parkinson because he was going to tell what he knew to Snape, all of it. He has to get there now before it's too late. Tell him it's a derivative of Morticaine. And the antidote will work. He has to hurry though, or it's going to be too late.”
Eyes widening more, Sirius felt his heart hammering in his chest. Oh, bloody fucking hell! Anything to do with Moritcaine was bad. Summoning an elf, he had the creature go fetch Snape, telling the man it was an emergency. Looking down at Harry, he wanted to ask more, but his godson was already back to sleeping. Fuck! Looking up as the door slammed open, Sirius told the pale Potions Master just what Harry said. When he finished, he said, “Go, now! We'll figure out something for the reason. Just—go! I'll get Lucius up here and we'll come up with a viable excuse.”
Trembling, Snape nodded then swept out, moving so quickly that his robes were whistling around him. Without even going back into the meeting, he took off out of the house and Apparated away as soon as he reached beyond the wards. If Potter was right, time was of the essence.

Sending an elf for Lucius, Sirius' heart was still hammering in his chest. Quickly, he got Harry washed then out of the tub, wrapping him in a robe after drying him off. Now they just had to come up with something viable for the reason Snape took off like the hounds of hell were nipping at his heels. That and he hoped, for once, Harry was wrong. He wasn't counting on that, though.
He got Harry laid back on the bed just as Lucius came in. Quickly, he filled the man in on what was going on. “We need an excuse, now, for why Snape just tore out of here,” he said, voice still slightly shaky.
Flopping in the chair, looking at the young man on the bed, Lucius shook his head. “Merlin,” was all he was able to mutter. After a couple of moments, he said, “Let's just say he was exhibiting something odd and you weren't sure what to do. We'll go from there, if anyone asks. If this is another real prediction, no one will question it as Albus is going to get called back, fast. Let's wait and go from there. And hope like hell he's wrong. If he isn't, Mr. Zabini is in trouble, even with the antidote.”
Seating himself on the edge of the bed, Sirius was still trembling. “Merlin,” was all he was able to mutter, shaking his head. Scrubbing a hand over his face, he sighed. Now they had to wait and see what was going on. And that was going to be torture.
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In His Place