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Leaving With the Devil	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Sirius Views: 38945 -:- Recommendations : 6 -:- Currently Reading : 14
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money off this work that throws most of canon out the window

Chapter List
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A reminder of what's on my profile; reviews whinging or complaining about the lack ‘o smut in stories get deleted. If you want something that is one long, smut-filled story, find something else to read as my work isn’t for you.

Beta'd by the most wonderful, amazing and stupendous Tenchi. Woman, you are the best and love you for all you do for me!

With help from Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.

Chapter 13

By the time Hermione came home for the night, she was in a bad mood. Work was fine, like usual. There wasn’t much she had to worry about there. Of course, like most everyone else in the Order, she was called in for questioning. In her case, it was more to look good than anything else since she had already talked to Rufus personally. There was the expected wariness when it came to others since almost everyone knew she was in the order, more she could handle. It was what came after that was annoying as all get out and was on her last nerve.
Ron was being a prat over his suspension. While, on one hand, she could understand why he was upset, she really could. On the other, though, like always, he was going overboard with it. They were all aware how being in the Order and some of what they did could end up affecting their jobs. That was made real clear to them when Albus ensured some of what they knew and did wasn’t making its way into the proper hands at the Ministry. Ron seemed to have forgotten that fact and being told. Like so many times, he was taking it personally and whinging over it. As such displays always did, it got on her last nerve very quickly.
If whinging about the suspension wasn’t bad enough, he was also carrying on about Harry. From what she understood, Harry had written but made it clear he wasn’t going to discuss some areas or be able to do what he used to. She understood this, as did most, but Ron didn’t, apparently. Even worse? Harry made it clear they meant just what they said in the Alley. All this managed to do was send him into a whinging fit that made her want to hex him. She didn’t, but the impulse was there.
Like usual, she had gone to the Burrow after work to have dinner with Ron and his family. It was then she learned how bad the day had gone for many. Ginny—she actually expected her to end up out of Auror training, so it didn’t come as a surprise. Arthur weathered the storm fine, though he was questioned. She assumed it had to do with his job and how it wasn’t the kind where he had access to anything sensitive. He might hear gossip or other such talk, but no confidential whatever. All he ended up with, from her understanding, was a stern talking to. Other Order members were called on the carpet and given a good bollocking. The rest of the Weasleys, though, came out fine.
Dinner had gone well, but Ron and Ginny had managed to get on her last nerve with the complaining. From what she understood, plenty were trying to help Ginny find another job, including Bill, so she wouldn’t end up without one, it was just the idea and how much she had to tolerate. By the time the meal was over, she had a massive headache then begged off spending time with Ron to come home.
The first thing she did when she arrived home was, indeed, take something for the headache that seemed to throb madly between her eyes. Once it took effect, she changed into her comfortable pajamas then settled down with a drink. After she was finally relaxed, she began to tackle the mail. Usually, this wasn’t overly stressful and it wasn’t tonight either. Most of what was there were letters from friends asking what she knew about several areas, including Harry. Those she would put aside to answer the following night as they weren’t important. Then there was one from Harry. She put that aside to read last and enjoy, sure she would like and be interested in what he said.
After tending to the mail she had to take care of, she moved into her comfortable living room and took a seat on the settee with a contented sigh. Refilling her glass of wine, she then opened Harry’s letter to read it.
As she sipped her wine, she read through the normal letter with a smile. From the sound of it, unlike Ron’s missive, he was talking to her about plenty. Oh, it wasn’t areas he didn’t want to go into, but stuff like him and Sirius then other neutral topics. She was actually quite pleased to read some of it as it showed he was plenty happy. Knowing she had helped give him something so wonderful, made her feel good.
When she finished the first letter, she put it aside to write back before she went to bed. Then she moved on to the second. As this one would contain more, she paid close attention to what was said. What it contained made her nod and smile. He wanted to meet. Good. And he wanted the information she could give. Even better. The best, though, was they had a way and she could manage. London was easy enough. After all, she lived here. Ron didn’t, choosing instead to stay in Leeds. She could easily manage this. Right after work would be perfect as she could profess she had to do something or other and just have dinner at home rather than meet up with Ron. With all that was going on, she did need at least one night away from him before she ended up hexing him!
After a second read through of the letter to make sure she knew what to say, Hermione summoned her lap desk, parchment and quill then went to work. Since she wanted to set up the meeting as soon as she could, she would send this off tonight and go from there. There was so much to fill them in on, she knew it would end up a long visit, something she planned to mention. Hopefully, they would receive this tonight and they could manage fast. After all, they desperately needed to protect themselves.

With a tired groan, Sirius flopped on the settee with Harry, leaning back and toeing off his shoes. With a grin, he nudged his husband and said, “We’re doing that again. Not only was it fun, we didn’t see the whole park today. We’ll do the other one as well.” They had just returned from their outing at the amusement park and it was a day which helped reset plenty as they were distracted, having a riot. Then he added with a snort, “And those were the sort of rides I can handle. Nothing to scare the shit out of me like others you’ve picked.”
“It was great,” Harry agreed, taking the beer an elf delivered and eying the mail the creature had set on the coffee table. They’d look at it, of course, but they were going to relax for the night, something they planned for. Any business could wait until the following day to tend to.
“I might even let you talk me into that wheel on the Thames,” Sirius chuckled, sipping his own beer. “Won’t be bad, I don’t think,” he admitted.
“It won’t,” Harry admitted. “Perfectly safe for Muggles and very tested,” he added with a grin. “Nothing to worry about.”
Sirius then eyed the mail waiting for them and sighed. “I say we eat and go through the mail. Anything we need to handle for the mess with the vaults and everything else we put aside until tomorrow. If it’s just junk again, we chuck it out. Personal—we’ll decide on a letter by letter basis. Once we finish, we’ll go for a walk in the forest then come home and relax. Maybe play some games or whatever. We’ll see. Since we have so much to do that’s stressful, we’ll start planning to do something each night to relieve the stress. There’s a town not far from here we can go into to eat or have a pint if we want. Either that or Apparate somewhere. Something. No chance we can keep going on like we are. If we do, we’ll end up snarling at each other.” This was something they knew from the past and having to confine themselves to wherever for various reasons. It was best to get out, even if it was in Muggle areas for a time.
“A good plan, which I like,” Harry agreed with a nod. “We always find something. If nothing else, London is somewhere we can go, the Muggle areas. It’s huge, so we’re not likely to end up noticed.”
“Let’s find something good to eat that’s not junk food then,” Sirius chuckled, ruffling Harry's hair. Might as well see to whatever so they could plan what they wanted to do for the night.

“How bad is this nightmare going to get?” Alastor asked, looking between Severus and Albus. They were at Albus’ small house in Godric’s Hollow having a private meeting. From what he understood, they’d have a full meeting in a couple days, but Albus wanted to talk to the two of them alone.
“Horrific,” Albus sighed, shaking his head. “Severus has some news none of us need, honestly. Then he motioned for the other man to tell Alastor.
“The Dark Lord isn’t happy with some of his followers landing themselves in Azkaban, of course,” Severus started, leaning back in his chair and crossing his legs. “What he is happy with is what Potter said. He’s taking it as what we feared; meaning there is nothing in his way to stop him. Because he sees it that way and has heard about what else was said, including the Horcruxes, he’s about to pull out all stops. My understanding is the Ministry is first then he plans to go after Hogwarts and anywhere else that’s a big target to take full control. He hasn’t said anything about the Horcruxes, and no one is fool enough to ask, but my guess is he’s going to retrieve what he can.”
“We don’t need this,” Alastor grunted, looking plenty sour.
“We’ll deal accordingly,” Albus groaned, looking old. “Let’s hope Rufus can do all in his power to stop him. I have a couple people who are going to put a bug in his ear about the threat to Hogwarts and the Ministry. They are also going to mention Imperioused people in the Ministry. My hope is Rufus will take it for the truth then do what he can to stop Tom.”
“Nothing is going to stop him now,” Severus snapped, looking thunderous. “He thinks this is a sign of some sort telling him what he wants is meant to come. And he’s going to seize it then run.”
“This might end up as horrific as it sounds,” Albus told him. “If Tom does cut fully loose while Harry and Sirius are still in the country, they will see how bad this is then might step in. I don’t know. We’ve not heard plans of theirs other than what’s been in the papers, so I’m unsure what they’re planning to do when they leave. If it grows bad enough before they go, they might help. Even if it’s not the Order, any way they can help is needed.”
“Doubtful there if the statement from them that ran in the paper today was correct,” Alastor groused, looking plenty sour. “They made it extremely clear they aren’t helping and want left alone until they leave again. I doubt anything is going to work, Albus.”
“Yes, your manipulations made it to where the help we desperately needed won’t come,” Severus sneered, glaring at the old man.
“I admit to my mistakes in this,” Albus conceded with a sigh and a nod. “Be that as it may, it doesn’t mean they can’t change their minds. If it grows worse, there are a couple people I can send to talk to them who might get through. Not sure. I’m going to talk to Minerva to see if she can put out the first feelers with them. We’ll see what they say then go from there.”
“Did they really have you served with a restraining order?” Alastor asked, curious. He had heard through the grapevine they had, but wanted to make sure it wasn’t just more from the rumor mill.
“They did,” Albus sighed, looking ancient. “It’s magically enforced as well. My fingerprints have to stay out of everything when it comes to what all of you do with them.”
“You should let me talk to them,” Severus sneered though he was amused the two had served the great Albus with such papers. He didn’t think anyone would have the gall.
“You talking to them would just make it worse,” Alastor snorted, shaking his head. “They know plenty, Severus, including that you’re spying. If they start talking about what they know and what Remus included in letters over the years, it will make a horrific situation all the worse.”
“Very true,” Albus nodded. “This is a dragon we don’t want to poke or rile any more than it already is. We leave it and go about matters another way, though it will take far longer.”
Then, straightening up, he said, clasping his hands, “We need to plan for plenty. And step up what we’re doing to find the Horcruxes. If Tom is taking this as the sign to fully take over, we need them so we can end this.”
“And we need more help than we have, Albus,” Severus grumbled. “We’ve not found them all and have no idea where else to look. This is one we might need help from the Ministry with. They can do plenty if we give them the information.”
“I’m not sure that’s wise if Tom plans to go after the Ministry, Severus,” Albus told him with a sad shake of his head. “Let me see what else I can uncover then we’ll do what we can to find the rest.”
“You might want to tip toe very lightly, Albus,” Alastor warned. “I mean it. A couple contacts I have in the Ministry say Rufus is planning to come for your head after all he heard. He knows you have plenty of information on many areas he doesn’t and wants it. From what I heard, he’ll get it one way or another. One of the tidbits being thrown about is he plans to toss you into Azkaban if you don’t talk. Be damned careful where you step and make sure the treading is very light. One hint you are planning to navigate around the Ministry to tend to this yourself and he’s going to land on you with both feet. We know he’s pulled in everyone he knows is part of the Order and associated with the Ministry when it comes to their jobs. I’m sure plenty did just what you said; gave him everything. If they did and he knows, you might land yourself in a cell right next to the Death Eaters he just tossed in there.”
Before Albus could give his normal assurances, Severus added, “We need you, Albus. Without you, and what you know, we’re flying blind. Which means you need to tread with the utmost caution. It also means you need to pick a few people and let them know just what you do so if something happens we can press on. If you’re out, we have no way of finding what we need.”
“Take my word for it, I will stay cautious,” Albus soothed, planning to do so. It would do none of them any good if he were taken out of the equation. “I have a few trying to recruit some who can help. Ron is one. Seamus and Dean are both Aurors as well. They haven’t been involved with the Order, but seem to believe in the cause. Let’s see what he can do. The same with others.”
“Now,” he said, switching to a topic he wanted information on, “have we heard if any of the ones caught in the Alley are going to talk or will they stay silent?” He was curious on this end because what they knew could help all of them.
“What I’ve heard is if they’re smart, their mouths will stay tightly sealed,” Severus grumbled. “The Dark Lord has made it clear that if they turn or give up information, they will end up found dead in their cells. With what he knows of Lucius and Draco, I’m damned sure it’s not an idle threat either.”
“What I feared,” Albus sighed, shaking his head sadly.
“The Ministry is trying, especially with Draco, from what sources have told me. Let’s see what they can manage.” Alastor told the two. “They might have a shot. Bella—they aren’t even going to try. She needs put down like the rabid animal she is. Same with some others. A few of them caught might be persuaded to talk. If anyone has leverage, the Ministry does.”
“Very true,” Albus admitted with a nod. Then he began to question the two about anything they had heard. Even tiny clues or veiled mutters might help with all they were dealing with. Considering the shape all of them were in, they needed every ounce of help they could manage.

With a tired sigh, Remus shook his head and looked at Tonks, waiting to see what she said. He had spent the day once more trying to prove Sirius’ accusations about Harry wrong, but confirmed everything said. Going in, he was sure Harry told the truth about plenty, but embellished whatever to sound better. However, he was being proven wrong at every turn. While he couldn’t check on several areas, ones like the Dursleys he could, to an extent anyway. And he hated everything he found so far.
Today he had gone back to Little Whinging and talked to Arabella. From what he knew, she was still a member of the Order, but just reporting if there was activity around that area. Being careful what he said, he managed to wiggle plenty of information out of her because she wanted to know if what was said in the papers was correct. Him giving up what he knew loosened her tongue. What she came across with he didn’t like in the least. Harry was right and truthful about all of it. He even heard plenty that wasn’t mentioned. And he was sick over it. Now not sure what to do, beyond checking into other areas, something he planned to do, he decided to talk it over with Tonks. What he said with her wouldn’t go anywhere, of course.
Tonks had listened closely and asked questions about all she was told. When he finished, she blew out a breath and muttered, “A right cock-up of the worst kind.”
“My thoughts as well,” Remus admitted. “Now I don’t know what to do. I’ll keep checking, but—Tonks, it’s as Sirius said. This—I don’t know what to feel about it or how I should react.”
“I’ll do what I can to help,” she assured her fiance. “Let’s go out tomorrow and check a few areas. With me being able to change my looks, we might get further. We’ll see what I can manage. Not sure where to start, though, as Little Whinging was the big area. We’ll see, though.”
“I just want to know so I can judge what to do next,” Remus told her honestly, gut curdling with a little guilt over how Harry had suffered.
“Any idea what you’re going to do?” Tonks asked, curious. “I mean, Albus admits he’s made mistakes. It’s obvious in this area as well. We can’t back off, though. The cause here is just and it needs plenty of help.”
“My thought was to gather all I can when it comes to information then do what I can to talk to Sirius. It won’t be a pleasant conversation, but I’ll do so. Then I’ll get a feel for both him and Harry. Once I do, I’ll judge from there. The Order—no, I’m sticking with it and Albus. He does know what he’s doing, more than the rest of us. To end this war, we need him. I just think—I don’t know, honestly. My thought is I made a mistake all those years ago. If I did, I want to set it to rights, as much as I can at this late date.”
“Let’s gather all we can and see where it leads us. If it looks like all he said is true, I’ll talk with Mum. She and Sirius always got along. Of all of us, she’s the one who might get him to listen. We’ll then go from there on this.” Tonks told him.
She then lowered her voice and added, “Honestly? I’m a tad unnerved Albus planned to set Harry up to die. Can’t blame them for being right irate over that bit. If they managed to get that nastiness out of his scar without harming him, it makes me wonder if there is more Albus is wrong about. The cause is good, I know this and plan to stick with it, but I think we should look into what else he might be wrong about, Remus.”
“A thought I had as well,” Remus agreed with a nod. “Had a couple come to me and say the same thing. I told them I would look into it and see what I could find on the matter. If we keep finding similar areas like I have, we need to talk to them as well. The secrecy Albus keeps up needs to stop. Quick smart. We all need told what he’s doing. Being blindsided once more will help nothing.”
“Either that or end up drawn into a bigger mess than we already have,” Tonks sighed, shaking her head sadly. “This is already plenty bad. We sure don’t need worse coming.”
“I say we give it a week. If we find out more that keeps leaning in the direction of what Sirius said, we then call a meeting of our own and see what we can suss out. Then we’ll go from there. I do agree we need Albus to stop dancing around so much and tell all of us outright what is really going on. The secrecy is not aiding matters,” Remus told her, reaching over to take her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“We’ll do that,” Tonks said with a firm nod, squeezing his hand back. “Do you have any idea where to look next? I don’t see where Little Whinging can give us more information.”
“Arabella dropped a couple hints. Those are what I plan to look into,” he told her with a smile. Yes, between the two of them, they could manage plenty. Once they had the information, he would go to Sirius to see what he could work there. Well, and ride out another fit of temper. That he could do as he had done it before. It would just take time and ignoring so much. Then he’d decide what they needed to do so he could set this to right.
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Leaving With the Devil