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Lucky Strike	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Sirius Views: 76061 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 17
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money off this strange dance in JK Rowling's world.

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
Beta'd by the most amazing Tenchi, who I can't thank enough for all the hard work she does for me!

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

Just a reminder of what's on my profile; reviews complaining or whinging about the lack 'o sex in stories will get deleted. If you want a smut-filled romp, you need to find another story to read.

Chapter 17

“This is taking way too long,” Sirius muttered as he paced the small waiting room they were in. Looking down at the floor, arms folded over his chest, he muttered, “It's been over two hours longer than they estimated.” They were waiting out the surgery on Harry. Going in, they were assured this wasn't a complicated one and there was nothing to worry about, but the fact it went so much longer than expected had him seriously concerned.

Sitting in a chair by Narcissa, who was holding Bugs, Remus sighed and cast another Tempus. Sirius was right. Shaking his head, he soothed, though more for himself than his old friend, “It's probably nothing to fret over. They always find something the scans can't pick up. That's probably all it is.”

“Considering the area they are working in, I'm certain they are being extra cautious,” Lucius said softly. “That you would expect. I'm also equally sure that they are encountering issues with the removal. That's happened before, as we all know. Scars—they can't be fully mapped out when it comes to how deep they are as we've been told, repeatedly.”

Rubbing a hand over his face, Severus groaned. This was nerve wracking. Black was right; this was taking far too long. There was always a delay, of course, but not two hours. That had him on edge. And told him they probably encountered something they didn't expect. When that happened, it was never good.

Flopping down in the chair by Narcissa, Sirius groaned then put his elbows on his knees, head hanging forward. This—he hated this waiting shite anyway, but for it to go longer than anticipated, much longer, made it all the worse. Looking up when Bugs made a noise then nuzzled him with his nose, he reached over and petted the rabbit. He supposed, with what they knew of Bugs by now, it was the rabbit's way of trying to soothe him. Smiling a little, he said, “You're a good boy, Bugs.”

“He is,” Narcissa smiled, petting the rabbit's back. She, too, was worried. Anything that took this much longer meant there were unexpected issues. However, she knew they just had to trust in Harry's Healer. After all, he had the best they could get. Whatever issues there were, the man would handle them.

Looking at his cousin, Sirius could see a slightly pinched look on her face that told him she was plenty stressed. Reaching over, he took her hand and gave it a squeeze, holding it. Feeling her squeeze back, he smiled a little. Cissy—though there were problems between the two of them in the past and even during the time they had been desperately looking for Harry, when her and Lucius tried helping, he hadn't trusted either of them. In fact, even Snape's assurances that Lucius was a spy hadn't helped. Because of Remus and Snape's marriage, he had a tense, but somewhat strained, truce with her and was dealing. It wasn't until the night Harry was found that it all changed.

Unable to help himself, Sirius smiled as he thought of that. Cissy—yeah, she had more than proven to him to be worthy of his trust that night. After the surgery, when Harry finally fell asleep, the Ministry and Mind Healers had eventually gotten involved. That's when the fight began. He and Remus were insistent that Harry not go to St. Mungos. Even Lucius and Snape backed them up there. Of course, as anyone would expect of Lucius, solicitors were then involved. However, with as bad as the situation with Harry was, it looked like a battle they may well lose. Until Cissy stepped in.

Looking back, he was sure that Cissy was upset, distressed, horrified and all manner of other things over what she heard a boy the same age as her son had been forced to do almost his whole life. Then she became out and out irate over people who were trying to dictate to someone who suffered so much what they felt was best. That hadn't set well with her. At the height of the argument over it, she had come unglued, blowing up all over everyone that wanted to lock Harry away.

Voice raised, tone deadly, she threatened to lock the wards on Malfoy Manor down to the point that no one but a select few could get in, throwing everyone else out. Making sure everyone in that room knew just how ancient and powerful those wards were, she then reminded them that no matter who they brought in when it came to Wardmasters, no one could take them apart. She vowed that she would stay in the Manor with Harry until people grew common sense, assuring them that no one in the Ministry could get to him, no matter what they did. It was also then that she swore she and Lucius would adopt Harry and Merlin help anyone that tried to fight them over it. Reminding all there how much power, money and clout the two had, she vowed that they would win, after everything that was said and what they wanted to do to a boy the same age as her son, that had suffered in ways that most couldn't fathom, was exposed in every paper out there. She also told them that it wouldn't make anyone look good to force someone who suffered so much into a forced confinement for an undetermined period of time. Rising to her full height, though she seemed plenty bigger in her irate state, she dared them all to fight her and Lucius. It was then and there, Cissy was in his good books forever. The same with Lucius, as the man, smirking hugely, had vowed to back what his wife wanted every step of the way. And it was a memory that he would never forget as long as he lived.

Harry—he didn't know what Cissy had done. All he was ever told was that she and Lucius wanted to take him in. Despite how it may have helped the relationship with Cissy and to build trust, she refused to let them tell Harry. She said it was to let the trust come naturally so she could prove to him that she was worthy of that and would never harm him. On one hand, Sirius understood that and it was the right way to go about it. On the other, though, it could have helped. Even to this day, Harry didn't know. Cissy assured him that she would tell Harry at some point, but it hadn't happened yet. The trust had grown on its own, though. To the point Harry was willing to let her touch him and allow them to stay alone together. That was good.

Still holding his cousin's hand, Sirius glanced at Lucius. Though the man tried to keep his normal neutral expression, you could see concern there. Lucius was another one that Sirius had changed his mind about. Oh, it had plenty to do with the bit Cissy pulled, that's for damned sure, not to mention him getting Harry the hell out of that nightmare, but it was more than that. Much more.

Lucius, even up to the night he had rescued Harry, was still an arrogant arse. He tempered it slightly around them, of course, but he was the Lucius all of them remembered from school and afterwards. Harry—well, the only way to say it was Harry changed him. Lucius, when he rescued Harry, seemed to take on responsibility for him in so many ways.

At first, it was because he was the only one Harry would deal with. Snape told him and Remus later on that he thought it was that Lucius loved that someone saw him as their hero. No one had ever viewed Lucius that way. Draco adored his dad and was proud of him, but didn't see him the way Harry did. It wasn't even close. Then there was the fact that he was the only person Harry trusted at first. In some ways, Harry clung to Lucius as a way to deal with the changes he had to adjust to. Snape was of the opinion that Lucius didn't want Harry to back away from him or have issues because of the attitude he had been known for all his life. So, Harry got to see a softer side of him, the part that Narcissa and Draco knew of him privately. The more he exposed that to Harry to help him adjust, the more it became ingrained. Then came the fact that, like with Draco, Lucius would do anything for Harry. In Draco's case, it was usually giving him something or getting him out of some mess. With Harry, that was different. What Harry wanted from Lucius was time and to go out or do something to have fun.

At first, you could easily tell that Lucius was uncomfortable with some of what Harry wanted to do. Even small things like going to a Muggle pub to watch the telly. However, the more he did such activities, the easier it became for him. And he began to enjoy it. The more Harry responded to Lucius, and the rest of them, the more outgoing he became, wanting to do all the things he missed in the world and had longed to try. And he wanted to share those with Lucius as the man hadn't ever done them either. That seemed to allow Lucius to do those odd bits that would seem so out of character for him. He got to spend time with Harry as he grew out of the role he had been forced into all his life, becoming more outgoing, and fulfilling the promise to protect Harry he had given him that first night. Oh, some of it took longer than others, like odd bits, but it came until it was easier for Lucius. Once it became easier for Lucius, it became easier for Harry as well. Then Lucius began to not only include Draco, but Cissy, growing a relationship with them he hadn't had either. As Cissy had told him quietly several times, she adored the way Lucius was now and assured him Draco did as well. And she thanked Harry for it. That was good.

He supposed, if he thought about it, Lucius and Cissy were another set of parents to Harry, in an odd way of course. They both adored him and would do anything for him just like they would for Draco. Though it wasn't the same kind of role, it was there. And one both took quite seriously. Though Snape and Remus were officially Harry's fathers now, Lucius and Cissy would always be there as well to help look out for him. And Harry was attached to them in his own way. That was good as well. It also helped with the myriad of problems that were there with not only all Harry dealt with because of what he suffered through, but messes like what was going on now. No one, anywhere, was apt to take Cissy and Lucius on over anything. The power and clout they both held was enough to back off all but the most foolish. There were times they desperately needed that. Lucius and Cissy didn't have a problem stepping in either. It also was an immeasurable assist for Harry to know that Lucius would be there to help him.

Draco had been the wild card in the deck. As all of them knew, Draco was spoiled. No one, including Cissy and Lucius, would deny that. So, none of them, including his parents, knew how he would react to Harry being around all the time. After all, with what came, Harry had become an unofficial member of the Malfoy family, taking up time and attention Draco was used to getting. Snape had told him, privately, at one point that he had been damned sure plenty of jealousy and fits of temper would come because of it. It didn't happen, though. Ever.

Sirius thought that, maybe, at first, Draco had just been stunned to learn what someone his age had gone through for so long. Later on it was because, frankly, Harry scared the ever loving shite out of him. Harry was tough, scary, intimidating and all manner of other things, something Draco just wasn't used to. It was also apparent that Harry wouldn't put up with stuff Draco got away with when it came to others because of Lucius' power. Instead, Harry would have retaliated. He was sure that was a large part of it. Later, as Draco got over that and Harry calmed, the friendship formed. Oh, it hadn't been close at first, but it had come because Lucius began including his son so much in what they did. It was then the two teens grew used to each other and began to get along. Harry liked to poke Draco, in a fun way, to get a laugh out of watching Draco get ruffled. Draco liked to show off that he knew Harry and what they did together so he could talk about it. They each got something out of the relationship they liked, so the friendship grew. That was fine with all of them. From what he could see, it helped both of them, so they didn't mind a bit.

Glancing around the room at those gathered there, Sirius realized, probably for the first time, that they were a family of sorts. It was a seriously strange one, but a family nonetheless. And that was good. Each of them brought to the table something a troubled young man desperately needed. They all had a different relationship with Harry, but they were there, something he had wondered if Harry was capable of forming at first. And he was glad he did. This he liked, more than anything.

Feeling Cissy give his hand a gentle squeeze, he looked up when the door started to open. Straightening up, tense, when the Healer finally came in, he waited, heart beating faster.

Coming in then conjuring a chair, Healer Smythee sat down and let out a tired sigh. Looking around at the obviously concerned faces, he said, keeping a soothing tone, “There's nothing to worry about, it all went fine. Though we had complications, something that was the reason for the extra time it took, it's nothing to worry about.”

“What happened?” Remus asked, concerned. If there were complications, though the Healer didn't appeared worried, it was something he needed to know about.

“It was the bullet scar over his heart,” Smythee told him honestly. Shaking his head, he told them, “How Harry survived that I'll never know. It was a direct hit that went straight through his heart. It should have killed him. The issue came in that the scar tissue you see externally was interwoven with the scarring on his heart. As you can guess, that was a delicate procedure to cut it away. I removed all of it I could so there are no issues down the line. While I worked on that, I brought in someone to do a complete scan of what we'll be dealing with when it comes to the next surgery. As that wouldn't interfere with what I was working on, I thought it best. This way Harry doesn't have to come in and have that done before we press on.” Seeing relieved looks as he glanced around, he said, “We had problems getting him under as well. So, we had to use a stronger spell. Then it took time for his body to relax so we could safely work. That was part of the delay. Nothing to worry about.”

Pressing on, he said, “Harry is fine. We got rid of all the external scarring. We have an ointment he has to apply for the next two weeks. Not only is it one to help with the healing, but it contains something to help numb the areas we worked on. He's going to need that and pain killing draughts. Where we were working is very delicate and he's going to have tremendous pain from what we did. Other than the bullet scar, it all went fine and nothing unexpected happened.” Stopping, he glanced around and said, “He's in his room, but we haven't brought him out of the spell yet. Because of the one we had to use, I want all of you there when we do to stave off possible reactions. He's more likely to come out of this with a violent reaction than he would have with the one I wanted to use. We're hoping you could hold that off.”

“We'll do what we can,” Severus told him firmly.

Relieved that his son was fine, Remus asked, “Will we be taking him home tonight or does he have to stay?” He hoped it was the former as he wasn't sure how Harry would react to an overnight stay.

“He can go home tonight,” Smythee assured him with a smile. “We need him to stay for a few hours to ensure everything is fine, that's all.”

“Good,” Sirius said with a sigh of relief.

Standing with a groan, Smythee said, “If you'll follow me, we'll get settled and bring him out of the spell.”

Taking Bugs from Cissy, Sirius put him in bed with the still under Harry. Immediately, the rabbit curled up to him and snuggled in. Good. Reaching out, he began to stroke Harry's head, muttering softly to him. Oh, Harry wouldn't hear him yet, but he wanted it there for when they removed the spell. Lucius was on the other side of him, with a hand on his arm rubbing it. Snape was on the other side of Lucius, though not touching Harry. Remus was beside him not touching Harry either. He and Lucius were the two that Harry would have the best reaction to, so they would handle it. Looking up as the Healer cleared his throat, Sirius waited as he leveled his wand at Harry then canceled the spell. Immediately, he stepped back, making sure that the rest of the hospital staff did the same.

Feeling Harry stir and hearing him moan, probably in pain, Sirius soothed, “I'm right here, Harry. So is Lucius. Bugs is in bed with you. Nothing to worry about.” Gently stroking Harry's head, he muttered more soothing words while staying alert for Harry taking a swing at them as he came fully out of the spell. Disorientation happened with the stronger spells, something they knew, so it might happen.

Moaning in agony, Harry was fuzzy as he came to. Stiffening up as he heard the voices and felt something curling up to him, he relaxed when he felt Bugs press closer to him. Even in this state, he knew who Bugs was and it felt good to have the rabbit there, Wrapping his arms around the rabbit, he shuddered, whimpering softly as some very tender areas of his body seemed to throb and burn. Licking his dry lips, he muttered, opening his eyes and trying to focus on Sirius, “Hurts.”

“I know,” Sirius soothed. “Let them test what they need then they'll give you something for it.” Running his fingers through Harry's hair, he said, “Snape is right by Lucius and Remus is next to me. Cissy is at the foot of the bed. So, you're perfectly safe. Nothing at all to worry about. I swear.”

Nodding, looking at Sirius then glancing around, shivering in pain, Harry tried to focus. He was still plenty fuzzy, but alert. He did see everyone just where Sirius said they were. Good. Shutting his eyes, he moaned. This hurt worse than the rest of the surgeries he had, that's for damned sure.

Looking at the Healer, who gave him the signal they worked out ahead of time, Sirius said, “Everyone is going to move back so they can check you over. Once they are finished, they'll give you something for the pain. We aren't going anywhere, I swear. Just hold onto Bugs while they run the tests.” Seeing Harry nod, though his eyes not opening, Sirius backed up to give the staff the room they needed to work. This was good, though. Harry came out of it without the violent reaction he'd had before. Which meant they may be able to get through this bit and get him home without a problem.

Looking up as the door to the kitchen opened, Narcissa waited until Remus came in then sat down at the table to ask, “Is everything fine?”

“We're good,” Remus assured her with a small smile. “Harry took the pain killing draught without a fight. Sirius is going to tend to putting on the ointment for him once he goes to sleep again. Severus is just staying up there to make sure that the draught takes as it should, nothing more.”

Relieved, Narcissa nodded, “Good. Everything other than that is alright then?”

“Just fine,” Remus soothed, taking a cup of tea from the elf. “Lucius should be down in a few minutes. He promised Harry that he would stay until he was asleep. Nothing more than that.”

“Perfect,” Narcissa told him, smiling a little. “He should get some good sleep out of this at least.”

“We hope,” Remus said. “It can only help, that's for sure. With as much pain as he's in, he'll probably be taking the draughts for a couple days. That should improve whatever is going on. I don't think he'll fight us over them either.” Lowering his voice, he added, “He told all of us this hurts worse than anything they've done before.”

“Oh, I can only imagine,” Narcissa breathed, shaking her head and giving a shudder at the thought of what they did. “Do you need Lucius to stay tonight?” As that happened after the first couple rounds of surgery, she would expect it and didn't mind.

“We'll be good,” Remus told her, looking up as Severus came in. “We already have a schedule set up to sit with him. It's nothing to worry about. It should be just for tonight, as that's the most pressing and when we have to worry about problems manifesting, so we won't have any trouble. It's very doubtful Sirius will actually do more than doze anyway.”

“We appreciate the offer, though,” Severus told her sincerely after taking a seat by his husband.

“Anything you need, you know that,” Narcissa told him firmly. “If there's a problem overnight, you Floo us so we can get here. I mean that,” she told them, looking between the two. She didn't expect one, of course, but one never knew.

“We will,” Remus told her with a smile. “I don't want to end up on the wrong end of your wand if we don't.”

Smiling just a little, Narcissa added, “Good. Then I know you'll Floo.”

Snorting at that, Severus smirked. As he knew she would do just that if they didn't, he wasn't about to cross her. “We should be fine with no complications,” he assured her. “He's already going back to sleep. With what they gave him, we won't have to worry about the dreams either. Some of the ingredients in pain draughts can cause nightmares, so the Healer picked the one that has the counter to those built in. Which means that Harry will probably get a couple nights of the best rest he's had in a while. That can only help him.”

“Perfect,” Narcissa said with a sigh of relief. Looking at the two, she said, “I have the elves at the Manor making dinner for us. This way you don't have to bother setting yours to the task or have to worry about what you want them to do. They'll bring it over when you're done. I also have them preparing something light for Harry along the lines of what the Healers suggested. Your elves can deliver it as needed. One less thing for all of you to fret over.”

“And we greatly appreciate it,” Remus told her honestly. The meal and that they hadn't thought about yet, so he was thankful she took it on. “Can you take on filling Draco in for us? Harry will probably go back to writing him in a couple days as he recovers, but we don't want him to worry needlessly until then.”

“I'll tend to that tonight,” she told him, adding that to the list of what she wanted to do. “Lucius and I also already set up a delivery from Honeydukes tomorrow for him. It's not much, but he should enjoy that more than the traditional flowers.”

“He will,” Severus snorted, smirking bigger. This was good, though. As they had been through this before, they knew what to prepare for. It didn't mean the buildup to the event wasn't stressful though, that and the waiting during the surgery. Narcissa taking on parts helped. He knew it was her way of helping all she could as Harry wasn't comfortable around her enough to have her there, especially with what the affected area was. They would make sure that their son knew what she had done. That and he would go out the following day to get him something from them as well. He wasn't sure what, but he'd find something.

“We'll stay until about bedtime to make sure,” Narcissa told him, relaxing. She already felt better, that's for sure. So, it was easier to think what needed done or tended to so she could take the stress off everyone. It was the best thing she could do to help and planned to. After all, they would have their hands full for the next couple days.
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Lucky Strike