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In His Place	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Sirius Views: 72876 -:- 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
- 17
- 18
- 19
Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. Love you, woman, you're the best!

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 18

Watching his Patronus walk around the room and actually converse with Harry's, Severus gave a slow nod. As he was told, this was easy to learn and do. Now, however, he wanted to know exactly how Potter had managed it. If he was given the step by step instructions, there were other ways it could end up modified, such as ensuring that it was seen only by the person it was sent to. That could be an immeasurable help.

This was after the first real Spellcrafting class, theory only of course, and the only chance he had to get with Potter on this, so he would take the opportunity. Draco had already gone about his business and the others were leaving them alone so he could figure this out. “What I need is for you to walk me through exactly what you did to produce this effect. Including anything that didn't work or caused an odd reaction, no matter how small it was.” Severus told him, still eying their Patroni as they interacted and actually seemed to have some kind of feel for what they were doing, thus could change course and things like that.

Understanding what the man was asking for, Harry quickly began to go over just what he had done, what he tried and how he came about the idea, answering any questions Snape had about it. When he finished, he shrugged, “I just thought it would be funny. It was. Draco and I got a good laugh out of it.”

Turning over just what Potter had done in his mind, Severus rubbed his chin. It was ingenious, he had to admit that, and not something anyone thought of, as the spell used was not in the same class and meant more for something to cause laughs. Nodding slowly at what he heard, he then began to walk him through a more detailed explanation of the spell, how he used it and what happened. When he got the answers he wanted, he admitted, “I think, going about it the way you did, we can add other spells to the Patronus. Some that would be most helpful as well. So, for your first real assignment, what I want you to see if you can manage is to add a charm to it that locks it so only the person you name can see it. It should be easy enough to find. I also don't care if you get help doing it.” This was his way of seeing if it could be done since he was too busy to work on it.

“I'll give it a shot,” Harry nodded with a grin.

“I don't expect it to be done by our next lesson, as it'll take time to come up with the right one. Let's shoot for two months on it,” Severus told him, leaning back and crossing his legs.

“I should be able to find something,” Harry said, thinking it over, pondering getting Sirius involved to see if he knew what he could use.

Nodding to that, Severus pressed on, “Unwittingly, you took the first basic steps of what is required for Spellcrafting, something good. I want you to remember what you did and how you went about it. It can only help as we get to theory on that part. Also, if you want to muck about with some other spells, simple ones that won't cause damage, I would strongly suggest you try. Don't go for complex ones, of course, but the small ones. It will help you down the line and give you a base for what we'll press on with. If you can manage that we may be able to skip some parts coming up. I would suggest that you start with something like tickling charms or the prank jinxes. Those are easy enough and can end up modified to plenty of harmless spells. If you can arrange it, get with Draco and have him help. That way he can get a practical lesson as well.”

Liking that idea as it would be fun working with Malfoy doing this, Harry nodded. “We can do that, I think.”

“It's a good way to start,” Severus admitted. “I'm not going to give you essays or such with this yet. You have a good enough grasp of the theory we are working with that I won't bother and will just press on with tests that I'll send to Lucius. Read the next couple chapters before next week, that is the only thing I'm going to have you do as an assignment due then.” Seeing Potter nod, he changed topics, “I want to ask about what you're doing with Narcissa when it comes to the predictions.”

Getting a slightly sour look on his face, Harry sighed then said, “Working on some meditation to see about getting into the place I get them. That and staying calm enough that when I do get them to impart what they are and answer questions.” Almost as an afterthought, he added, “That did help with the last one. I think, maybe, it will also help when it comes to signaling if I get another one.”

“That you need to work on,” Severus told him bluntly, tone level. “Keep in mind what might happen if you do it in front of those we don't need knowing. That should impress upon you the seriousness of the situation. It can help. I'll add here that meditation can probably assist and be used to help with all your physical issues as well. Many places, Muggle and Magical, use that for therapy. I'll see what I can find on that topic and pass it along. Or have Poppy do so. One of the two. Narcissa can probably work that into what she's going over with you. Any little bit will help you, Mr. Potter. If it calms what you're dealing with, you will be less frustrated.”

“I'll work with it,” Harry nodded, not having thought about it that way.

“For all we can do that Muggles can't, what you're dealing with is something there is no quick fix, or cure, for in some areas,” Severus told him as gently as he was able. “I'm not sure, nor is Poppy, that we can ever truly cure you. Some parts may be something you have to deal with for the rest of your life, so it behooves you to do what you can to minimize the worst. That may involve odd areas. If it works, that's all that matters, at least so it doesn't counteract other parts of your treatment. Meditation will work to minimize the frustration we all know is there. Use it, even if that's all it ever does. That will help you get through it until your body heals from so much.”

“I'll do what I can,” Harry told him honestly.

“All we can ask of you,” Severus nodded. Focusing back on what he asked about, he said, “I've passed along to Narcissa the books Sybil uses for the upper years. How much help those will be I don't know, but it can't hurt to look through them for information. They may also give hints on where else to look. That we need as Alastor can only look into this so far to find something before someone gets suspicious. We'll see what we can find to help. Keep up what you're doing and work with Narcissa the best you can. What you can do may well be uncomfortable for you, but keep in mind what has come from your predictions. If that continues, it's a huge help for so many of us. And will continue to be as well.”

Nodding, Harry said nothing, thinking that over, though.

Settling in at the kitchen table, sandwiched between Sirius and Remus, Harry was desperately trying not to glance at Malfoy. Oh, this was going to be good! All there was to it. They just had to wait and act normal, hoping no one suspected anything. Yes, this was a serious meeting, something they would have to pay attention to, but it was just too good of an opportunity for them to pass up to get a couple laughs. And there were more targets than normal, so the ones that had seen the first practical joke weren't likely to pay much attention. Perfect. Just perfect.

Keeping an eye on the people grabbing the plate of sweets Mrs. Weasley put on the table, the ones Draco switched out while she was paying attention to him, Harry waited, watching who grabbed what. Narcissa was one who didn't partake in those, normally. Good. As she was one they didn't want involved, they were safe there. Keeping a close eye on who grabbed what, knowing which ones were the ones Draco transfigured and replaced by a slight marking, he tried not to grin as Dumbledore himself grabbed one. Oh, this would be a riot.

Trying to keep a straight face, a glance at Malfoy told him his partner in crime was trying the same thing, Harry looked at Dumbledore as he started talking, only to start snickering after the man popped the chocolate in his mouth then his head turned into that of a flamingo. Shoulders starting to shake, he started grinning when he heard Remus starting to cluck, seeing feathers begin to drift everywhere. He was done, though, when Tonks began to quack like a duck. Holding his sides, he leaned against Sirius, snickering loudly. A brief glance at Draco showed him grinning from ear to ear, shoulders shaking as well.

Looking around at the various people who now had bird heads, Lucius shook his head, a completely amused look on his face. “It appears that the pranksters are at it again.” Looking at Sirius, who had his head on the table, body shaking, he then arched an eyebrow, looking between his grinning son and the obviously amused Harry. Snorting, he said, “I'll impart it as Sirius appears like he's incapacitated; I'm impressed.”

Looking at Fred and George, who were leaning against each other, howling, Molly put her hands on her hips, glaring at them. However, before she could say anything, Narcissa interjected, looking amused herself, “I somehow, from the reactions I see from two young men, don't think your sons are to blame, Molly. At least for putting out the pranked chocolate. However, I’m equally as certain that they are the ones that passed them along to the duo that are responsible.”

Eyes wide as it was usually Fred and George that pulled such stunts, Molly looked around, gaze drifting between Harry and Draco. “Did you two do this?”

“Yes,” Harry stammered out, trying not to burst out laughing.

“It was too good to resist,” Draco admitted, shoulders still shaking.

“You both—that was good,” Remus admitted, smiling after his head popped back to normal.

Growing a duck beak after hers changed back, Tonks clicked it at the two then her face went back to normal, hair going a brighter shade of pink than usual, “That was right hilarious!”

“Oh, indeed,” Albus chortled after his own head changed back. “Nothing like a good laugh to start out with. Especially with all we're dealing with.”

“Bloody brilliant, you two,” Sirius managed to stammer out, swiping at his streaming eyes. “Damned good job!”

“Thanks,” Draco said, looking entirely smug.

“Oh, that was hilarious,” Fred said, grinning from ear to ear.

“Great job!” George added, grinning himself.

“We have to ask, though,” Fred started.
“What did you two do to them?” George inquired.

“They were supposed to become canaries,” Fred pressed on.

“Not grow bird heads,” George finished, grinning again.

“Umm—just a spell we added,” Draco told them, looking smug.

“Took a bit of testing on the two of us, but we finally got it,” Harry grinned.

“We need to panic,” Sirius said, voice uneven as he tried to stop laughing. “They're experimenting!”

“Food testing is needed from this point forward,” Remus admitted, looking entirely amused, shaking his head.

“Get with us after the meeting,” Fred grinned.

“We have to talk,” George nodded, grinning himself.

“And they're being recruited,” Lucius snorted, shaking his head. “This doesn't bode well for anything.”

“A little good harmless fun never hurt anyone,” Albus chuckled, leaning back. “That's all it was and worked to relieve tension. Nothing nasty or malicious. And a good lesson in various areas. It was a good prank, my boys.” Changing topics, face taking on a more somber cast, he glanced around and said, “Now we have plenty more serious topics to delve into. Most, though, are more for our protection, something that can help. Sirius and Remus came up with several bits that we can use.” Then he launched in about the map and mirrors. When he finished, he said, “The mirrors—I think most have them by now. We're working on tweaking them slightly to make them do more. Just make sure to keep them on your person at all times. Transfigure them into something innocuous if you have to, but don't forget them. It may be all you have to get help if cornered.”

Pressing on, he said, “The maps—several of us are using them. Filius took the template we were given and worked with it to do a better job with the castle. He was also able to make it for Hogsmeade and the road to the castle as well. That is something all the teachers in the castle will take turns keeping an eye on. We've made one of the Burrow and surrounding areas for Molly. She'll keep it on her at all times. The same with other families that have issues or we think are in greater danger. Any of you that think you can use it or need it, let us know and we'll pass it along. It can only help and may be what keeps you alive. Don't hesitate to ask.”

Glancing between the Malfoys, Sirius and Remus, he said, “It's my understanding you've come up with something for the Burrow when it comes to the wards?”

“We did,” Remus told him with a nod. “We ran across something in a book called a Runic Totem. Lucius was then able to track it down. What it does is place a runic based ward up that works better than standard wards. It was initially developed for homes that have the same issues as the Burrow. You'll need someone with a good functional knowledge of runes to apply it, of course, but it's nothing most would notice as it's carved into trees with your wand.”

“I have the combinations all worked out with instructions on just what to do,” Lucius added, looking around. “When you find someone capable of taking it on, I'll pass it along to them and they can tackle applying it. It should be all the protection you need when it's coupled with everything else that's been done.”

“Between Alastor and I, we'll find someone to apply it in the next couple days,” Albus told him, pleased with this. “Very good on finding something. It can help.” Looking around, he said, “Now we delve into other areas. Severus has some information for us, though not much, and I've gleaned a tad from the Ministry. That we need to pass along. We're also going to narrow down some tasks to various people. Nothing hard, I assure you, but I want to change up some bits when it comes to who's doing what.” Seeing nods, he pressed on, talking about what they knew and other parts he wanted done.

“How are you doing anyway, Harry?” Albus asked, coming into the small parlor the two young men used to study in, somewhere Harry was holed up waiting on Draco. Taking a seat with a soft groan, he reached out and patted the young wizard's hand and smiled, “You seem like you're feeling and doing better.”

“I'm alright,” Harry told him, trying not to sound as wary as he felt. So far, Dumbledore hadn't been alone with him and he hadn't had to watch himself much. Now, though, he was slightly concerned as he remembered all the warnings he had gotten about the man and what he might pull. Shrugging, he added, “I'm getting better.”

“You seem like you are,” Albus smiled. “Certainly far better than after you first woke up. It's easy to see the improvement. That makes everyone happy, I can assure you. Your friends were quite concerned.” Lowering his voice, he added, smiling slightly, “I'm sure you'd like to get back to the castle so you can spend time with them.”

“I would,” Harry admitted truthfully. He did add, though, “I'm not ready for that. I'm having too many problems to even think about it. Even—well, just around here, I'm having them.” This had him seriously on edge. And he wasn't sure what to do. However, he was relieved to see Draco turn up in the doorway. After a moment, Malfoy dashed off. Harry assumed it was to grab someone to come to the rescue.

“Maybe we can work around that,” Albus told him, reaching out to pat his slightly trembling hand. “Just consider coming back and staying in the hospital wing for a time. It's not the same, of course, but they can visit you. And we'll set up tutoring.”

Now sure where this was coming from, Harry knew better than to agree, though he would like to spend time with his friends again. Sighing, he shook his head and told him, honestly, “I'm not ready for that. I'm just getting used to what I'm dealing with. There are still plenty more bits as well. With all that's going on, I don't think that's a good idea. I'm just not capable of defending myself like I should be able to. It's best I stay right here.”

“I think we can make sure you are watched over,” Albus said with a smile, figuring he just had to go about this the right way to work with it. “We'll come up with something Harry.”

Having heard what the old man was trying, Draco dashed off, trying to find someone that wasn't occupied. He didn't want to interrupt if he didn't have to, as some of those he should go to were talking to people that would spout it to the old man quickly. Finally, he ran across Remus as he was stepping out of the room, probably on the way to the loo. Grabbing him by the arm before he got very far, he told him, making sure to keep his voice down, “Dumbledore has Harry cornered in one of the parlors.” Quickly, he gave a rundown of what he heard. “Someone might want to rescue him before the old man spins him in enough circles that Harry doesn't realize he's agreed to something he didn't intend to.”

Face going grave, Remus told him, making damned sure his voice was kept down, “Go interrupt them somehow. Come up with something. I don't know what. Just keep him busy until I can grab Sirius or someone. We'll be there as soon as I can manage.” Seeing Draco nod then take off in that direction, Remus went to find someone to help. Sirius was out right now as he was talking to Molly and Arthur. Lucius and Narcissa were engaged with a couple others that were out of the question as well. However, he lucked out when he saw Severus leaving the room.

Grabbing Severus by the sleeve of his robe, he dragged him into a vacant room then explained the issue. Shaking his head, he said, “I sent Draco in as a diversion, but we need something better. Can you go divert him until I can get Sirius?”

“Consider it done,” Severus told him, a grim look on his face. “Just hurry.” Seeing Lupin nod then take off, the man in black stalked towards where the two were, planning to put a halt to whatever was going on quick smart. It was his hope that Potter was dancing the man in circles enough that he wasn't getting far. He would come up with something when he got there, just so it stopped.

Stepping into the parlor, pleased that Draco had planted himself by Harry, showing him something or other, Severus said, looking at Draco and Albus, “If you two don't mind, I have a couple scans I need to run.” This wasn't exactly true, but he would go with it. All he had to do was make sure to deliver the results to Poppy when he was done so nothing looked off.

Sighing and giving a nod, Albus stood with a groan, “I understand Severus.” Reaching out to give Harry's hand a pat, he said, “Think over what I said, Harry.” Looking at Draco, he motioned him to follow. Chortling, he said, “You'll have to fill me in as to what you two added to the creams to make bird heads. That was most ingenious!”

Waiting until they were out of earshot, Severus quickly started a couple standard scans then asked, “What was he trying to pull?”

“Getting me to agree to go back to the castle,” Harry told him honestly, relieved.

“You didn't agree, did you?” Severus asked, though was sure what the answer was.

“No chance,” Harry said with a quick shake of his head. “I kept saying I wasn't ready for that.”

“Good,” Severus said with a relieved sigh. “You did the right thing, Mr. Potter. Keep it up. Don't agree. We'll make sure we're more vigilant about sticking to you when he's around. That way you're not put in this position again.”

“Much appreciated,” Harry sighed, slumping slightly. No way did he want to deal with that again.

“From now on, one of us is staying glued to you when Albus is around,” Sirius told Harry after they retired to their room for the night. “I don't care what's going on. We aren't doing this again. That's all there is to it. You did good at holding him off this time, but he's going to press harder since he got nowhere. If we can't, Draco will stay with you. Anytime he's in the house, one of us will be there. I don't care. Lucius is going to talk to Draco so he knows to not leave you alone with Albus, no matter what the old man says.”

“Good,” Harry nodded, sighing in relief. “That's not a position I want to be in again.”

“Don't blame you a damned bit,” Sirius conceded. “We were expecting it to come. Now is the time to make sure he can't manage. Nothing more than that. We'll figure something out, don't worry.” Reaching out to ruffle Harry's hair, he said, “You did a good job, too. It worked perfectly and, from what Draco said, you held him off without him getting a clue that you were doing it with prior knowledge he might pull this. That's what we needed.”

“I'm not agreeing to anything when it comes to him at this point,” Harry said with a shake of his head. “I don't care what it is. Especially if it involves me going back to school.” Sighing, he admitted, “That's a recipe for disaster. Someone will get to me and I'm not up to defending myself. We all know everyone there can't stick to me at all times. That means someone will give it a shot. I don't want to risk that.”

“Don't blame you on that either and you're right,” Sirius agreed with a nod. “You're getting better, we all admit that, but as many problems as you're having it's going to paint a target on you in a way nothing else has. One glimpse of your problems and those that want to get stupid will have the opportunity to give it a shot. That's why we want you right here. Don't worry, we'll handle this.” He assured his godson. Groaning, he said, “Let's just relax.” Then, with a grin, he added, “And you can tell me how you and Draco managed to pull that trick off. Bloody brilliant that was!”

Laughing, glad to be on a better subject, Harry walked him through it, snickering as he did. After all, it was a good stunt and Sirius would appreciate what they did.
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In His Place