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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
- 25
- 26
- 27
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 26

With a groan, Harry flopped on his bed and propped himself up against the headboard. After rubbing his eyes, he asked, “So far, so good?”
“Poppy and Snape should be here shortly,” Sirius assured him, taking a seat on the edge of the bed and rubbing his head.
“Why the change of plans? Weren’t we supposed to do this bit tomorrow?” Harry asked. The funeral for Percy was going on, as far as he knew, so he was curious. No one had told him a reason for this bit, at least that he could remember.
“They thought this might be safer,” Sirius explained. “We think if the other side does decide to take advantage of the situation that they'll focus on the funeral. With it going on, Snape and Poppy should be able to make it in and out of here without a problem. At least we hope that's the case. Either way, we'll go with it. Doesn't mean anything other than that.”
“Understood,” Harry nodded, getting it finally.
“It's nothing to worry about,” Sirius told him, giving his knee a reassuring pat. “We've been through this before. She'll run a couple simple tests that won't bother you then give you something to take that will knock you out cold. By the time you wake up, it'll be all over.”
“How long does it take?” Harry asked, feeling a tad better about the situation. The more he knew of what was coming, even if he was out cold, the more relaxed he'd be.
“A couple of hours,” Sirius told him. “We're not expecting to find anything, so it's just to make sure and keep track. Since the headaches, nothing's presented itself and you're improving. While I'm no mediwitch or Healer, it tells me it's fine and you're progressing how they want.”
“Good,” Harry nodded, liking the reassurances. No one in the house was stressed over this, but he wanted to know ahead of time.
“I'll be with you the whole time,” Sirius soothed, figuring it was just a case of the nerves. “I'll sit right with you and keep your head in my lap through as much of it as I can.”
The thought of Sirius being there through all of it did help, plenty. “Good,” he said, softly. “I know I'll be out, but I'd rather have you around, if you know what I mean.”
“I do and will be right here, Harry. You have my word. I'll stay until you wake up.” Sirius assured him with a smile. As it wasn't a hardship and he wanted to stay, even though he knew it wasn't something he needed to worry about, so he would have insisted on it no matter what.
“Right—what tests are they running?” Harry asked, settling down slightly.
This was something they had done before, so Sirius knew just what was coming. He then began to walk Harry through what the tests were and the information they showed.

“Anything we need to worry about?” Sirius asked after taking a copy of the readings from Snape. They had just finished the tests and no one seemed overly concerned by anything they found, which was good. As he looked over the readings, he didn't either, but wanted to make damned sure as the other two were far more adept at understanding the results than he was.
“Concern? Not at all,” Poppy told him as she conjured a chair and took a seat by him. “In fact, he's improving quite nicely.” Then she pointed out the readings that showed a slow, but steady, progress. “It's not by leaps and bounds, of course, but it's there, something we wanted.”
“Improvement is good,” Sirius nodded and grinned. Oh, hell yes it was!
“There is one odd area; his eyesight,” Poppy told him, pointing to that reading. “His prescription has changed. Not something unanticipated. All it means is I'm going to send the reading off to his optometrist and you'll have to get him there to have his prescription adjusted. It's simple enough, but will take an hour or so. You do have to tend to it quickly as we don't want it aiding in the headaches he gets.”
“I'll see what we can do to get him there quickly,” Sirius told her, planning to send a message to Alastor to set it up.
“I'll make sure they get a copy today. It's the one area I can't adjust for him,” Poppy told him with a sigh, shaking her head. “I'm going to suggest, though it's more expensive, to get the automatically correcting prescription. With all that's going on, it might be for the best as we don't know just how much longer this mess is going to take to end when it comes to the war. Taking him out isn't a risk you want to incur if you can at all help it.”
“The cost doesn't matter,” Sirius told her with a shake of his head. “We'll go that route if it'll save having to brave the Alley too much.” After another glance at the readings, he asked, though he figured the answer, “Any idea how much more of an improvement he's going to have in some areas and if he can discontinue some of the potions he's on?” He hoped, for Harry's sake, that plenty was coming and he could get rid of some of the junk, though he wasn't going to count on it either.
With a sigh, Poppy looked at him then glanced at Severus while trying to decide how to word what she wanted to tell him. After a couple moments of silence, she told him, “Sirius, he's going to have to stay on most of these for the rest of his life. The potions for the seizures are something he can't ever come off of. There is scarring on the brain that tells me he's been permanently affected enough that no Healer out there would chance taking him off them and risk more seizures. It's the same with the potions for the headaches. They go hand in hand.”
“Some he may be able to do away with in a year or so,” Severus added in, looking down at his own copy of the readings. Though he wasn't as adept as Poppy when it came to the readings, he knew enough. “His brain activity is finally stabilizing into a pattern that tells us it's healing nicely. With his new wand, his magic is as well. Those were a great concern. The tremors have calmed with the potions. I'm sure they will continue to do so as he heals more. In fact, when it comes to the area of the tremors, it's been so dramatic it's noticeable by all. Giving it more time will probably get them down to where it only minimally affects anything he does. It just takes time to let his body do what it already is. Once it heals more, those are potions that can probably be discontinued.”
“The injury to his brain was so great it's not something he will just heal from,” Poppy explained. “It will affect him for the rest of his life. It's not to say it will be like it is now. He'll heal, I just don't see where you, or him, should expect it to be at the level he was before. I don't see where there is anything we can do which would get him back there again. Just keep in mind that because he has challenges now he didn't before doesn't mean he can't lead a full life like anyone else. He can. My understanding is he picked a career plan that he's excited about and nothing he deals with will affect it. All it will mean, once he heals as much as he can, is he'll just have to stay cautious of some areas so he doesn't cause a seizure or make his injuries worse. Nothing more than that.”
“Understood,” Sirius nodded, flipping through what was there. “It doesn't matter, it really doesn't. I was just curious. I'm also sure that he wants to get rid of some of the rancid junk as well. He doesn't like how tired some of it makes him, understandably.”
“Once he gets in a better place, we'll see about adjusting a few of the potions to ones that don't have the side effects. It's not something we'll consider now as we finally have a regime that's working,” Poppy told him, smiling slightly. She could understand why he asked and was pleased it wasn't Sirius viewing the situation as Harry would once more be back to what he was before the injuries. “I'm sure he'll have a few more challenges that will present themselves before this is over, but I have a feeling we're through the worst of it. Nothing more than that. The worst has probably presented itself by this juncture.”
“Good, because we do not need worse,” Sirius snorted, grinning just a little.
“Just keep going how you are and make sure that he presses on with all he's doing. More than anything, it will aid in him improving as much as we can get him,” Poppy told him. “He's doing fine when it comes to his magic, learning and such, isn't he? No problems or finding areas he's not able to take on?”
“So far, so good on that end,” Sirius nodded. “He just still deals with some frustration, nothing more. It's understandable in some areas as it's not as easy, mostly due to the trembling.”
“Good,” Poppy nodded. “If you come across an area he just can't do, let me know. I think we would have found one by now if it was coming, but we'll make sure. The brain can be quite odd in areas when it's damaged.”
“If we run across anything, we'll let you know,” Sirius told her honestly. “When it comes to the eye bit, make sure they know about the flashing. We don't want something triggered by accident.”
“I'll include it in the report I send,” Poppy assured him, making a note of it.
“And can you write up something for us that explains what's going on for someone that has no real medical knowledge?” Sirius asked, looking up at her. Before she could ask, he explained, “It's for his cousin. We're planning to have him visit around Halloween and don't want him blindsided or upset by what he sees.”
“Easily done,” Poppy nodded, smiling. “I'll quill something and have Severus send it along. They're the same age, aren't they? Or close to it?” After Sirius nodded, she added, “I'll make it age appropriate and worded like you would for a Muggle.”
“Most helpful, thanks,” Sirius told her. As he covered most of what he wanted to, Sirius pressed on to ask about after effects from the potions used to do the scans. They hadn't done this yet since Harry was awake, so he wasn't sure what might come of them and wanted to make damned sure there wasn't a problem or anything to keep watch for.

After reading through the bit from Poppy, Alastor nodded then passed it back to Sirius. “Let me get it set up for tomorrow, if I can manage. I'll get with Rufus and Albus, both, about it. Then we'll get volunteers as well. We want this done fast. That order to take the vaults was in the paper this morning, so we don't want to delay anything that takes Harry out of the house and give the other side a chance to come up with something as a means of revenge.”
The funeral was over, but most, like Remus, were still at the wake. Alastor had stayed for a time, but had numerous other areas to attend to, so he didn't stay for the whole wake. There were plenty watching over there, so he planned to tend to other matters they all needed.
“Set it up and we'll go with it,” Sirius told him honestly. “I just want us so covered we'll be tripping over people keeping watch.”
“I'll do what I can,” Alastor assured him. “Let me get with Albus first, just so he knows. I'll take a copy of the paper you received this morning so he can see it. From my understanding, several of those in the castle received one as well, so he'll know what it is. Then I'll set the rest up from there. Not to worry, we'll get it handled.”
“We'll be ready, just give us an approximate time,” Sirius told him. “Just so you're along as well. That would make me feel loads better.”
“Lad, you're not doing anything at all like this venture without me being glued to you,” Alastor snorted, one corner of his mouth turning up in a grin. “I'll come up with something and see how the Hitwizards want to go about the mess. Then I'll come back over and we'll go from there.”
“We'll prepare for whatever,” Sirius told him, happy Alastor was on the case. “Remus and I will be along as well, of course.”
“Of course and I wouldn't expect less,” Alastor told him. “No matter what, I want the two of you glued to him at all times. Let the rest of us take on whatever if the worst happens. You two concern yourselves with him.” Downing the last of his coffee, he stood with a groan and told them, “Let me go see what I can set up then I'll get back to you.” Seeing nods, he then made his way out.

With a sigh, Albus put the order Alastor handed over on his desk and shook his head. “Not unanticipated,” he admitted, though didn't like that Harry also had one of them. “The Weasleys still in the castle, Miss Granger, Mr. Longbottom and Miss Lovegood all received one today as well. I do understand why, of course, but don't like that the Ministry has put their hands in the mess.”
“It's probably best, Albus,” Alastor grunted, sipping from his flask. “Gives you plenty of help. The Order is good, but the danger now is beyond what we've faced and we have far too many to worry about anymore. Getting help will only make this easier. Hitwizards aren't likely to let foolishness happen, especially when it comes to Potter. The lad isn't defenseless, but he has too many issues for him to be the help he once was. More eyes and all that, as the saying goes. In a venture like tomorrow, we need every bit of help we can get.”
“True, very true,” Albus admitted, smoothing down his beard. “I can't be along, nor can others that are the biggest help. Yes, maybe this is for the best.”
“I'll go to the Ministry when we're done here and see what I can manage. This needs tended to as fast as we can get it done. Not only for the sake of Potter having complications, something he needs no more of, but to get it done before the other side of this nightmare is able to plan something. We both know that leaks happen, especially if there is plenty of warning coming about an event. Not something we need happening, as this is tricky enough as is.” Alastor told him.
“Yes, tend to it then let me know. I might not be able to be there, but I'm sure I can have plenty in the Alley at the time. It can only help if the worst happens,” Albus told him, making a note about it then planning who he could manage to get there that would be the biggest help.
“Let me go see what I can arrange. Once I get a plan in place, I'll let you know what it is so you can deal accordingly and give a hand,” Alastor told him. Standing with a groan after the aged Headmaster gave a distracted nod, he then headed out.

“I'll have it set up in an hour or so,” Rufus assured Alastor after listening to what the retired Auror had to say. “Expect it early tomorrow. I don't know beyond that, though. We'll manage, don't worry.”
“Just let us know how you want to tend to it and we'll adjust accordingly,” Alastor told him with a nod.
“Let me get with the head of the Hitwizards and see what he wants to do then we'll hammer it out from there,” Rufus told him with a groan, leaning back in his chair. Then he changed topics and asked, “Albus wasn't happy with the order, was he?”
“Not in the least,” Alastor snorted, one side of his mouth turning up in a grin. “He'll deal accordingly, just stay alert for whatever spin and wiggle room he can find with it. I'm not sure if he realizes that Harry's contains the clause about not going back to the castle, but he'll eventually find it. Then you need to worry.”
“I locked that order so tight there is none,” Rufus assured him with a snort of his own. “Legal came in and helped me draft it so he couldn't find a loophole. Until the Minister revokes the order by decree, something not happening anytime soon, he can't do anything. I made damned sure of it. Even Harry can't.”
“Good,” Alastor nodded. “He's going to try, but as long as he's focused on how to get around it, we don't have to worry about plenty of other areas. It only helps us.”
“My thoughts as well,” Rufus nodded. “Right,” he then stated, changing to another topic, “about Parkinson. What we've managed is to cut a deal with her. And it's not a good one. She gets life in Azkaban, but she'll have a shot at parole after 25 years. And any shot she has will be up to Mr. Zabini. That’s it. He has to agree. If he doesn't, she's stuck there. She also agreed to give up custody of the child to him and his mother. This takes the fight with her parents over it out of the mess. On top of everything else going on, it's not what we want to take on. It's something I told the prosecutors I could live with.”
“Sounds fair enough to me,” Alastor told him with a nod. “Let her sit and rot until that time. I don't see the other side of this mess needing her for anything and taking a shot at breaking her out.”
“I don't either,” Rufus told him honestly. Then with a grin himself, he added, “And we think we might be able to get her to give up plenty if we lock real Death Eaters up around her. They know what she's in there for, so they're likely to talk. The more information we get, the better we're going to end up. Let her sing. If she gives us anything we can use, we might knock some time off. Either way, she's going to spend a great many years in a cell for this stunt.”
“The more the better,” Alastor agreed. “Anything else we need to know about?”
“Just some minor areas, nothing to worry about,” Rufus told him then began to impart some small bits he'd managed to pick up.

“We'll be meeting Hitwizards at Fred and George's shop right at nine sharp,” Alastor told everyone late that night once he finished all he needed to tend to. “Sirius, Remus and I will escort him there. Fred, George and Bill will meet us at the shop and stick close. While we'll have Hitwizard protection, we all need to stay alert. They are already fortifying the Alley the best they can for what they know is coming, but the eye docs is too close to Gringotts for all our comfort. The whole DMLE is worried that the other side is going to focus on the bank to free up not only the funds, but take it over. We know if they take the bank, it's going to cripple parts of society.”
“We'll be as fast as we can manage,” Sirius assured him with a nod. “It's just going to depend on how fast the doc can do this, nothing more.”
“I stopped in and talked to him when I finished with all I had to do. From what he told me, he said an hour and a half, at the most. It's a little more complex as he can't use a couple spells like normal for fear of setting off a seizure. From what he told me, he'll have potions in case he does, but to make sure you bring along the ones you use, just to be on the safe side.”
“That's something I'll tend to,” Remus assured him with a determined nod.
“And we're going to have to do this as fast as we can,” Alastor told them all. “The DMLE is locking down this Floo from just before we leave until we come back through. No one, it doesn't matter who, can get through but those of us going. If something big happens it'll leave others having to come to the house another way, but we thought it for the best. No sense taking chances.”
“Nothing any of us will disagree with either,” Lucius assured him. “Just make sure to let the old man know so he can pass the word.”
“Already done,” Alastor assured him. “One of the first things I took care of.” Then he looked at Harry and told him, “Lad, you keep that cane on you at all times and don't let loose of it, not even to set it aside for the exam. I don't care. You'll have plenty around you, but I don't want your wand out of your grasp. If something does happen, you shield the best you can and let the rest of us worry about anything else coming from it.”
“No problem,” Harry assured him. This little 'adventure' already had him on edge and he didn't plan to let his guard down over it.
Taking copies of the plan the DMLE came up with, Alastor began passing them around to those going with. “Read it and memorize what's there. They don't want to deviate if they can at all help it. You lot worry about Harry and let them take on anyone that tries a foolish stunt. Nothing more than that. They're prepared for what's coming and know who they are guarding. It won't get out, of course, but they needed warned. So, they have this set up the best they can. Follow their lead and listen, even if the worst comes to pass.”
“Not a problem,” Sirius told him, holding his copy out so Harry could read it as well. “You stick with us and we'll follow your lead, Alastor.”
“I plan to do just that,” Alastor assured him then began walking them through who was going to end up stationed where and who would be along. It was the best they could arrange as they couldn't prepare for everything, so he wanted it to go on without a hitch if they could at all manage it.
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In His Place