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Well, Ain't That Strange?	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 56074 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 12
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money off this story

Chapter List
- 18
- 19
- 20
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.

Beta'd by the most amazing Tenchi, who I can't thank enough for all the hard work she does for me!

And thanks to Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.

Chapter 18

Standing in the doorway to one of the smaller rooms not far from the kitchen, Remus leaned against the jamb, smiling at what he saw. Harry was seated on the floor with Hobbes and Padfoot, brushing both of them. While that would be normal, what was going on with that had him smiling as it was funny. Both 'animals' were fighting for the attention and being brushed. When Harry would start on one, the other would shove them out of the way for him to do it to them instead. Though Padfoot was the bigger of the two, he was letting the cat bat him out of the way, only huffing in a disgruntled way when it happened. Harry seemed to like it as well as he was actually laughing at the antics of the two.

Looking over his shoulder when he heard a noise behind him, he put his fingers to his lips when he saw Tonks coming towards him. Seeing her nod as she slid up next to him, putting her hand on his forearm, he leaned over and whispered, “Just stay quiet. They don't know I'm here. It's something fun to watch.”

Lifting her wand, Tonks put up a muffling charm so they didn't disturb the three and smiled as Hobbes walked up Padfoot's back as the dog lay on the floor being brushed, then perched on his head, meowing loudly. Chuckling over that as Padfoot gave a huffy snort, though his tail was wagging madly, as Harry, who was laughing, began to brush the cat. When Padfoot made to get up, something that would probably knock the cat off him, Hobbes gave him a bop on the nose with his paw, meowing loudly once more, making the bear-like dog huff again. “This is cute.”

“It is,” Remus agreed with a chuckle. Quietly, he added, “I think this is the first time I've heard Harry really laugh in a long time. We've all heard him chuckle or snicker, but not laugh.” Looking up as he heard another noise, he nodded to Bill and Fleur when they approached. The two were just dropping off some bits for them, paperwork probably, so they weren't going to stay. Grinning bigger as Harry finally negotiated with the two, saying he would brush one until the brush was full then would do the same to the other, thus giving both of them attention. Shaking his head, grin growing, he said, “This is funny, but probably something he needs too. A good laugh makes you feel better.”

Chuckling himself as Padfoot slobbered on Harry's ear, making the teen go 'ick' though grinning as he did, brushing out the purring and loudly meowing cat, Bill then said, “At least he found something fun.” This though—this was the Harry he remembered, the one that laughed and wanted to have a good time. That hadn't shown for a while, especially in the last couple of years.

Watching Harry finish this round with the cat, pulling the fur out of the brush and dropping it on the floor before going to work on Padfoot, Tonks snickered, “He has his work cut out for him when it comes to the fur on both those animals.”

“He does,” Bill agreed with a laugh, pulling the smiling Fleur close.

Just watching the three, chuckling here and there at what Harry was saying, like how when he was done he would have removed enough fur to make another dog and cat, both, Remus said, “The two make him happy.” He didn't expect a response to that, of course, as it was an observation. Besides, he was the only one standing there that knew who Hobbes really was, but it held true.

Sirius always made Harry happy and treated him like no one else in the world ever had. Lucius was odd because of his nature. As Hobbes, though, he gave something to Harry as well, something he seemed to love. The cat was an 'animal' Harry adored holding and cuddling on, something that made him feel better. Lucius, despite what he was like normally, seemed content to let it go on in that form. He was sure that part of it was to look good, but with how he let both him and Arthur pet him, it had to be more than that. Lucius probably did get something out of it as well if he let it continue, but the effect on Harry was more pronounced. That was good, though. Probably something that was needed, for all of them.

“Harry loves that cat,” Tonks observed, smiling, leaning against Remus. “I've never seen him act that affectionately with anything, let alone like what he does to spoil the creature.”

Putting his hand over Tonks', Remus said, “I agree.” Grinning again as Harry commented about needing a better grooming tool to get all the fur out of the two, he shook his head. “I don't think he'll ever manage that bit with those two.”

“Nope,” Bill laughed. “Between the two of them, this house is going to end up coated if Harry doesn't give them both a good brushing here and there.”

Watching as Sirius shifted back, sitting behind Harry and pulling him between his spread legs, holding him close, resting his chin on Harry's shoulder, Remus smiled. He had seen this countless times since the bond started to manifest, but it was still something that pleased him. Sirius—of all the bits anyone could see to drive the point home that Sirius loved Harry and wouldn't do anything to harm him, this was it. Smile growing as Sirius just held Harry close as the teen continued to brush the cat, talking about giving Padfoot a bath, he didn't say anything.

Though it was slightly uncomfortable for Bill to watch the more overt display of affection than he had seen from the two before, he couldn't help but feel this was something plenty who were just outraged over the bond should witness. In a moment the two didn't know was being observed, it was obvious that Sirius adored Harry and Harry didn't have a problem with what was going on. In fact, Harry was leaning back against the older man and smiling, seeming to like what was happening. When Sirius kissed Harry on the side of the head, he slipped an arm around Fleur's waist and held her close.

Not one to keep her observations to herself or tone it down, Fleur said, “I sink your mum needs to see dis, Bill.”

“I think plenty do,” Bill told her, giving her a squeeze. Quietly, as the two just sat there while Harry brushed the cat, he said, “I think we need to leave them alone.”

“We do,” Tonks said with a smile, leaning against Remus. “I also think we should do a whip-round so we can get Harry a better brush for those two and some shampoo for Padfoot.”

“Very good idea,” Remus chuckled. “Because I'm sure poor Harry's arm is going to fall off from the amount of brushing it's going to take to keep those two groomed.” Nudging Tonks so she moved toward the kitchen, he motioned for Bill and Fleur to follow, saying, “I'm sure even a Muggle pet store will have something he can use. I don't know. Not sure where to get a good enough brush for the long hair on those two animals.”

“We'll head to the alley and find something,” Bill told him. “We can give it to him tonight.”

“I got with Alastor this morning about the DADA teaching bit. He said he thinks he knows where to look for what we need for that,” Remus said as Sirius looked through the papers that Bill and Fleur had dropped off. Lucius was gone for a couple hours to tend to something on his end, so he imagined Sirius would wait to let the man check out the forms before sending them off.

Looking over what was there, Sirius sighed as he gave a distracted nod to what Remus said. It wasn't much, but a couple of the forms were complicated. He would let Lucius take this on. Distractedly, he asked, “Did they say if the Trace was gone or not? I'm not sure on that. This one form is to formally remove that.” Picking up the note from Albus that was there, he shook his head then added, “He doesn't say here, just that I need to fill it out and get it off, that it won't register anything off or show publicly.”

“Albus isn't sure either, actually, from what Bill said. He seems like he's leaning towards it being gone,” Remus sighed.

“We need it gone fast, for plenty of bits,” Sirius said. “Alright, I'll work on this mass of crap and send it off.”

“The faster the better,” Remus told him pointedly, though he was certain Sirius would as it was pressing to tend to it with all that was coming. Quietly, he added, “There's something of a mini-Order meeting tonight. Severus is supposed to fill us in on what he knows about the mess. Albus wants Harry to sit in on it.”

Looking up from the paperwork, Sirius just grinned evilly. Though he wouldn't say anything that would give away what was truly going on, despite no one else being in the house, he did ask, “Did my message get to him?”

“Alastor assured me that he passed it along that morning,” Remus told him softly, smiling just a little as he sipped his tea. “This should end up most interesting before the night is over, don't you think?”

“Oh, yes,” Sirius chuckled, nudging the grinning Harry. “We're making damned sure Hobbes is with us for it, too.”

“A very wise choice,” Remus replied, smile growing. Sobering up, he sighed then added, “Molly and the brood won't be coming over. She wants to, of course, but Arthur doesn't think it's wise yet. He said to give him time to make sure she stays calm then she'll make an appearance. Bill told me he reminded her that Harry's birthday is coming up and if she wants to take on the normal celebration for that, she needs to make sure she keeps herself under control. The same with the younger set. Bill told us that Arthur is working with the situation and seems to have it under some form of control, but wants to make sure before bringing them over.”

“That's greatly appreciated, too,” Sirius told him honestly.

Changing topics, Remus asked, knowing the owl that came earlier was from Sirius’ solicitor, “What are you going to do about the Ministry and getting cleared?”

“The deal that I was sent today is something I can live with. Not only am I getting a massive lump sum of money for wrongful imprisonment without a trial, but there is a public apology. I'm sure I could press for more, as my solicitor said he can get plenty, but I'll take this one. It's enough for me and will end that mess. So, I'm signing the papers for it today,” Sirius told him, tossing the forms on the table.

“Good,” Remus said with a pleased nod. “Any idea when you'll get the official notice you're cleared?”

“If I get these things off today, probably tomorrow. He is pushing for this to come as fast as he can get it. It won't go into the paper until the following day, but I'll get the official paperwork for it, something I need,” Sirius told him with a grin. “That will be all I need to worry about. The threat that's been hanging over my head for so long will finally be gone. That I can't wait for.”

“We need to celebrate in some way when you get it,” Remus said, smiling. “I know going out is usually out of the question, but we'll come up with something good for you.”

“A very expensive bottle of champagne is in order,” Sirius grinned. He planned to get with Lucius on that as the man had nobby enough tastes that he was sure he could produce something worthy of such a celebration.

“I think it is,” Remus agreed. Pressing on, he began to discuss what Sirius wanted for a celebratory meal. He was going to ensure that his friend got a good one, including a big cake, but wanted an idea of what he would like. The following day, he planned to grab Tonks and a couple others to head out to find something first class for him.

Grinning, shoulders shaking as he looked at the gift from Bill, Fleur, Remus and Tonks, Harry then held the package with the brush and comb out for 'Hobbes', who was perched on his lap, to see. “I think this will work better, don't you?” Hearing a loud meow from the cat, he looked at the four and said, “Thanks! The one I have—well, I need something better.”

“We thought so, too,” Tonks told him with a laugh. “As Remus said; if you kept it up with the one you had, your arm was going to fall off between Hobbes and Padfoot.”

“True,” Sirius grinned, looking at the shampoo. “We'll take this on tonight. You can give Padfoot a good bath then brush me out. It's been forever since I've had that done. The bath should loosen the hair up nicely so you can get it out easily.”

“This should be interesting,” Harry snickered, shaking his head.

“I promise; no shaking when I'm done,” Sirius told him with a nudge. Eying the cat, who was looking over the new brush, he added, grinning bigger, “We can do the same for Hobbes, too.” Seeing the evil look shot in his direction then a loud hiss from the cat, he laughed. “I'll take that as a no thanks there.”

Chortling, Albus shook his head. “Harry is in for a most interesting night, I think.” Looking around, seeing all but one that he wanted in attendance, he then told everyone, “As soon as Severus arrives, we'll begin. This shouldn't take long, I don't think.” Looking at Sirius, he asked, “Did you get the forms off and what is going on with the negotiations to clear you?” He figured he would get the bits and bobs out of the way before Severus arrived, that way they could press on and finish quickly.

“Forms are off,” Sirius confirmed with a nod. Then he quickly walked him through what was going on with the other bit. “I signed it earlier and sent it off. It's now just a matter of waiting for me to get the papers saying it's a done deal.”

“Very good,” Albus told him with a pleased nod and smile. “I'm glad you decided not to drag this out. Though I do understand the impulse, it's better this way.”

“I got what I wanted, so I saw no point in making a bigger production out of it,” Sirius shrugged.

“That was the best choice,” Albus agreed with a firm nod as he looked up at hearing the door open. Seeing Severus come in, he was pleased. “Good. We can get started.” Looking around, he said, “I think Severus has some information for us. It's not a lot, mind you, but some.” Looking at the dour man who was already sneering as he glared at Sirius, Albus asked, “What do you have for us, Severus?” With that, he hoped that Severus wouldn't poke. If he did, this wasn't a fight he wanted to mediate as he was sure Sirius fully planned to do just what he said.

“It's not much, but the leanings I keep getting are that something big of some kind is coming. Though Potter is here, several Deatheaters are still showing up at both Privet Drive and the Burrow. All I'm getting are hints as to what might come of this.” Severus said, tone level, though he glared at the cat on Potter's lap. The animal seemed to actually be staring daggers at him, hissing softly as it did. Albus had imparted Black's warning, but he wasn't bothered by it. If the cat thought he could take him on, the animal would be on the losing end. All there was to it. Then he pressed on with the small tidbits he had managed to garner, hoping that between all of them there they could put the clues together and prepare for whatever was coming.

Concerned as he listened to what Severus had to say, Albus sighed when the man was done, shaking his head, “This doesn't sound good at all. Arabella has reported that Bella and her husband have shown up over there, looking like they are scoping out the Dursleys' residence. I don't know. We have it warded the best we can, but we think getting them to move is out of the question. They are resistant to the idea, thinking that Harry not being there will keep them safe. Nothing we've said can change their mind.”

“Have they been filled in on just how bad it is and who these people are?” Kingsley asked. “This sounds like a ploy to draw Harry out as that side has to know he wants his family protected. That and the relationship with the Weasleys.”

“I made sure they knew,” Sirius told him, sipping his beer while trying not to grin at what Lucius was doing. Already, 'Hobbes' had progressed from hissing to a low snarl, glaring at Severus. It was only a matter of time and he knew it. Shaking his head, he pressed on, “I explained, in detail, what danger they were in and why I was there. They are just the sort that don't want to listen. Petunia knows how bad that side is, as she lost her sister to it. All they want to do is pretend it won't happen.”

“We need to do something to get it across, Albus,” Tonks told him with a shake of her head. “We were there when part of it was explained after Lucius showed up. It was made as clear as anyone could get it.”

“How to make them listen is beyond me,” Albus admitted with a sad shake of his head. “I've tried, as did everyone else that night. They seem to think that with Harry gone, the problems end. Nothing we're doing is getting it across.”

“Let them stay in denial then,” Severus snorted, folding his arms over his chest. “Petunia knows just how bad it was when it came to the last war. If they don't want to see sense or listen to reason, that's not our issue. All we can do is keep up with what we are undertaking. That's all.” Eyes flitting to Black and Potter, he sneered, “As Mr. Potter is now here with his molester, it's only going to end up a matter of time before the Dark Lord does something to draw him out since he can't get in here.” It was then his eyes widened and he let out what could only be termed a pained screech.

Sitting there, Lucius was paying attention to what was said, of course, but also keeping an eye on Severus. The attitude from the man alone was enough to anger him. He knew Severus was bad with Sirius and Harry, but not this horrible. However, he waited, knowing it would come. The moment the word molester exited his mouth, he was out of Harry's lap and under the table, headed straight towards Severus. In one quick jump, he landed on the man's back, claws digging in. Snarling loudly, he then went straight for Severus' face, batting at it with claws extended, raking down it. Before anyone could do anything, he dropped to the floor then slipped up the man's robes, claws out, raking up and down the sensitive inner thighs. Oh yes, Severus would remember this for some time to come!
Seeing several stand to help Snape, including Albus, Sirius snarled, leveling his wand at them, as he snapped, “Don't you dare! I warned all of you what would come if you started!”

“Sirius, this needs to stop,” Albus said, trying to figure out how to remove the cat from under the now shrieking Severus' robes. As he knew Severus always had spells on his clothing to negate summoning and other charms, he wasn't sure how to stop it.

“No, it doesn't,” Sirius told him, voice a low growl. “Maybe this will get it across to everyone as others saying something seems to have failed.” Watching Snape stand, blood running down his face as he tried to extract the howling and snarling Hobbes from under his robes, Sirius called for one of the elves. When the elf popped up, he nudged Harry and said, “Call Hobbes.”

Eyes wide at what he was seeing, though grinning internally as Snape couldn't seem to manage to do anything, Harry said, softly, “Come here, Hobbes.” Almost immediately, the still snarling and hissing cat appeared in his lap, glaring at Snape. Petting Lucius, Harry waited to see what was coming next.

Seeing a flat out murderous looking Snape level his wand at the cat, hand trembling slightly, Sirius told the elf, “Chuck his arse out. Each time he comes in, you chuck him out again.”

“Sirius, really,” Albus said, hoping to hold this off while trying to tend to a furious Severus' wounds.

Watching Snape vanish as the elf took him, Sirius shook his head, “Did you think I was playing, Albus? I'm not. I will not be called a molester.”

“We need Severus, Sirius,” Albus sighed, shaking his head.

“And Severus had every bit of warning anyone could give him as to what would happen,” Kingsley chimed in softly. “You were told what Sirius said. If Severus can't control himself, he doesn't need to be here.”

“I tend to agree, Albus,” Moody said, snorting as he heard the front door open and Severus start to snarl only to be cut off as he was tossed out again. “He was warned. Sirius is well within his rights. And I can't blame him a bit. That was uncalled for.” Looking at the cat, that still looked furious as it cleaned its claws, he snorted again then said, the corner of his mouth on one side turning up, “And that cat is good. I didn’t even see him leave Harry's lap.”

Hearing the door open yet again and Snape saying something only to be tossed out once more, Sirius said, “I'm done, Albus. All there is to it. What more do you want me to do? Sit here and take being called vile names?”

“Let me see what I can do to work with Severus,” Albus sighed, not sure how to handle this.

“Work with him all you want, he's gone,” Sirius snorted. He was amused, though, as Snape kept trying and the elf kept tossing him over into the park. Later on, he would have to get with the elf to see how many times it took before the man got the hint and just left.

Looking at the smug Lucius after the meeting ended, Sirius grinned, “You're good. I didn't even see you hop off Harry's lap! Though up the robes had to be bad business and contained things I never want to see.”

“I do admit that was slightly traumatizing, but I made certain to go for the fleshy part of the inner thighs. He'll be in pain for quite some time,” Lucius snorted, still looking smug.

“Twenty five times—he kept trying twenty five times to get back in before he got a clue,” Sirius grinned, shoulders starting to shake. “I guess he thought I was playing. That or that I wouldn't do it. And he learned not to piss with the cat!”

“I doubt he did, which means I'll have to be stealthier next time. Never fear, he'll get it again,” Lucius told him, smirking hugely.

Shoulders shaking harder, Sirius shook his head, “That was hilarious. All there is to it. He seems to think no one can get the drop on him. I don't think he realized that cats hold the award for being sneaky and quiet.”

“Even if they aren't a real cat,” Lucius told him, smug look firmly in place. “I have to admit that applying that lesson was most fun.”

“It was a riot,” Harry snickered, shoulders shaking.

“He won't stop and we all know it,” Lucius told them, setting his wine glass down. “And that's what we need. Albus will try, then talk you into it. He'll come back, irate, and do it again. We'll just keep repeating until the house is ready. Because I don't see Severus stopping. He's just going to end up more irate and try to slip it in. That won't work as we'll all know just what he's doing.”

“And while we wait, we'll end up entertained by him landing arse first in the park multiple times,” Sirius grinned.

“I'll also get the enjoyment of imparting several lessons. Then watching his reaction when he finally finds out who 'Hobbes' really is,” Lucius told them, looking entirely amused.

“Harry and I get to be there when that happens,” Sirius laughed. “The look on his face will be a riot!”

“I'll ensure it,” Lucius nodded.

Shaking his head, still grinning, Sirius then nudged the chuckling Harry, “Come on. Let's give Padfoot that bath we talked about. The tub is big enough for all three of us and it should be some fun.”

“And most interesting,” Lucius snorted. He was pleased with this, though. It was the first time they would partake in such an activity. He thought it might help what was there and for all of them to get more comfortable together. Besides, other than the one romp, they hadn't been naked together. That he liked.

“Oh, this will be fun,” Harry said, standing, a grin on his face. “Remember, you said no shaking.”

“No shaking, I promise!” Sirius told him with a clap on the back. Keeping his hand there, he guided Harry towards the loo, “I'll even hold still. Just make sure to use lots of shampoo. There is tons of fur to work with.”

“Oh yes,” Harry snorted. “You're going to clog the drain with it.”

“That's what the elves are for! They'll handle it,” Sirius laughed, though happy with this. Not only did they get an entertaining night, he would now get a bath that was much needed. Good.

“I'm using a drying spell on you when we get out,” Lucius chimed in, following them. “The smell of wet dog isn't something I can stand.”

“Yeah, I get that. Drying spells for the fur are fine. It'll poof out, but the brushing will take care of that. Definitely better than trying with a towel,” Sirius told him.

Letting himself be guided, Harry thought he would like this. It was odd, of course, as Lucius would be with them, but he could deal. Besides, with Sirius there, it would be fun. Yeah, he thought it was something they might end up wanting to do again. He'd see on that, though.
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Well, Ain't That Strange?