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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
- 27
- 28
- 29
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 27

While Sarah was wary when it came to what Hermione Granger wanted to talk to her alone about, she went with her to a small room away from everyone. She really didn't know Hermione well, just some bits, like everyone swearing she would be Head Girl the next year and she was a Prefect, but that was about all. With Hermione being a couple years older, they didn't interact much. Jamie didn't like her, but that didn't mean much as her brother had alienated almost everyone in their dorm so far, therefore she tended to ignore his assessment of people.
As she clutched her books to her chest, a nervous habit of hers, while she waited for Hermione to put a ward up, her mind was all over the place when it came to the topic still. She assumed Jamie was involved in some way. Well—Jamie—that was probably a given, honestly. It was still plenty bad with him not taking any kind of a hint from anyone on anything. She didn't know what else to do, either. Nothing she had done so far worked and she didn't know what else to try. So, she was going to wait and see what was said then decide from there.
Once Hermione had everything up, though she wasn't really worried about anyone overhearing, she gestured for the younger girl to take a seat. Her thought was if it was kept private to where no one could overhear, Sarah might relax more.
Though there were some wary looks from Sarah, she did sit down, still clutching her books to her chest, though. Hermione took a seat across from her and settled in. As Sarah didn't look like she was relaxing, she decided to jump right in. “I need to talk to you about your brother,” she said, getting straight to the point.
Oh yes, the topic she expected. Shoulders slumping, Sarah looked at the floor then told the older girl, “I'm trying. I really am. Jamie just won't listen to me, about anything! He just—well, you've seen what happens.”
“Someone needs to make him understand, Sarah,” Hermione told her bluntly. Before Sarah could say anything, she pressed on, “It's not about some of what he does, it's the help he'll give the other side of this mess that we're worried about.”
“What do you mean?” Sarah asked, confused, not sure what she was going for. She knew what she thought when it was said and her mind was circling it already. Even without Hermione saying anything, she could understand how some of what Jamie said could affect plenty. Which meant she needed to figure out a way to get that across to her brother, fast!
“While most don't believe a great deal of what Jamie says, that doesn't mean some of us don't understand what was in the paper since the escape means. We know. We also know plenty of other bits because of families and what they say. Some work in the Ministry. Others are friends with various people that know plenty. Several of us heard some of what Jamie spouted about before all of you came back. We know what's real and what isn't. We also know what some of the signs mean. And those that know aren't all on the 'right' side either. Some are on the side that followed You-Know-Who last time. If he is back and gaining power, they will follow him again. And pass information to him.” Hermione pointed out.
“What Jamie runs his mouth about is heard by a lot of people, including the ones that would think nothing of giving over the information to the other side. And as much as he talks, plenty is coming out. Which means you might not only want to talk to him, but say something to your parents if you can't shut his mouth, Sarah. If this is real and really what it means, something I believe you know a good deal about, what Jamie's already said has made it into the wrong ears.” Hermione told her, lifting her chin and looking the girl in the eyes. It was easy to see how pale Sarah had gone at the mention of some of it and was sure it was sinking in.
“Jamie is dealing with the situation he's in the only way he knows how. I do understand this. So do others. It doesn't make it easier to take, but we understand it. However, the time has come that he needs to stop, now. Draco isn't Jamie's problem, Sarah.” Hermione sighed, hoping she was making herself clear.
“I get the two mix as well as oil and water, but he's not the real problem. His father is on the right side. Jamie is never going to impress Draco or make him see what happened the way he wants. Harry is Draco's friend. They aren't close, but they are friends. That has to do with Mr. Malfoy being the one who rescued him. Which also means Draco knows plenty, more than you and Jamie ever will, or even your parents, about what went on. The more Jamie goes on and tries to persuade Draco to see the world his way, the more Draco can pull out to throw it right back in his face. We get that part of what Jamie is trying to do is defend your parents. It won't work. That's plain and to the point. Too many know what happened for Jamie to manage. He doesn't see this.”
“I know,” Sarah almost moaned, clutching her books to her chest tighter. “I'm trying, I really am! He just—it's bad. You don't understand.”
“No, I don't and there is nothing you can do to explain it to all of us,” Hermione told her as gently as she could. “Jamie is trying to defend your parents. We understand that. He needs to stop. Your parents are grown adults and can defend themselves. Jamie needs to stop going it about it that way and just make his own path now. Let it rest. Something will always be said to him about your parents, just like people find something about all of us, but if he doesn't react, they'll move on. They are getting the reaction they want, Sarah. If this means what we think, they will go out of their way to push his buttons and get information they can use. No one needs anyone helping the other side.”
“No, they don't,” Sarah sighed, clutching her books so tightly her arms ached now. Oh Merlin, Jamie needed to shut up. With a shake of her head, she told Hermione, “I'm trying, I really am! He just won't listen to me. Well, he tries, but then it starts all over again. I don't know what to do.”
“I think you need to write a letter to your parents and lay it out for them when it comes to what he says then ask for help. Maybe they know something you don't when it comes to what you can try,” Hermione suggested. Honestly? There was nothing she could think of, short of Silencio'ing him when he started, that would shut his mouth. If his parents stepped in, they might know what worked or could give hints.
“I will,” Sarah told her with a vigorous nod. “Let me see what they say. I'll try talking to him again as well. Let me see.”
“You need to,” Hermione told her plainly. “We—nothing is working, Sarah. Neville is going to try to talk to him as he has a gentler touch, but we don't hold out hope it'll work. If this means what so many of us think, that side does not need any more information than they already have.”
“I'll—yes, I'll go write mum and dad a letter then find the fastest owl I can get my hands on,” Sarah assured her standing, mind already racing on how to get the problem across.
Hermione also stood and smoothed down her robes. “Ron's owl, Pig, is very fast. If you can finish up, I'll have him send it for you. It should get to them tonight.”
“Oh, please do,” Sarah told her with a shaky smile. “I'll finish fast then talk to Jamie again. Let me see what I can do.”
“I'll help all I can,” Hermione told her honestly, guiding her out. Though she didn’t think this was going to end up a huge help, she hoped their parents knew something that could stop his mouth. In the end, that might help all of them.

After putting the plate of mixed greens in front of Bugs, who immediately went to town on them, something that made Harry grin, he asked, “So, who did Remus go to get? This Alastor person?”
“Yes,” Severus said, taking a seat after handing Black some tea and Harry a Butterbeer. “He wants to talk with us about an idea he cooked up to get some information from Albus. Well, and we want you to get to know him.”
“He's good. Strange, but good,” Sirius assured him with a nod, taking a sip of his tea. “We're going to use him to help keep us all safe, so it's best you get to know him.” They had discussed this the night before when Remus came back, of course, but it was best to keep reassuring Harry on the topic as he was so wary. With the shape he was in now, that was more pronounced and he needed more incentive than usual.
Though Harry nodded, he didn't say anything. At this time, he wasn't really up to dealing with anyone new. There was too much shit going on for him to want to do that. The flip side, though, was he realized his dads and Sirius wouldn't push for this if it wasn't important. They very rarely pushed him too much on anything, honestly. So, he figured it was necessary and he should probably go with it. Well, he would at least give it a try. He wasn't promising more than that.
Severus was pleased Harry didn't argue at least. The silence they expected by now, so he wouldn't comment more. Rather than stay on that topic, he switched to another one. “Remus and I thought we should all go out to dinner tonight.” Seeing Harry's head come up, brow furrowed, he shook his head then reassured him, “Nowhere busy or overly popular, my word. Something like that small pub we like in Leeds. You know the one I'm talking about. While it's one of ours, it's the homey kind. You enjoy it there and we can have some of their wonderful food.”
“I think that's a good idea,” Sirius nodded before Harry could say anything. It was a place Harry was very comfortable in as they were left alone and it wasn't busy. If he started going out sooner, he might fully come out of what he was dealing with faster. “We can order a tonne and just sit and have fun for a few hours.” After giving Harry a nudge, he asked, “What do you think? Snape can go set up a reservation for us so we can get our normal place in the back where we won’t be bugged.”
Harry looked between the two and thought it over. Even though he really wasn't up to facing most people right now, he loved the food at the Pointed Hat. It was great. Well, he also liked that they had fun every time they went there. Rather than over think it, he gave a nod then said, “As long as I can get my normal to go when we leave.” He adored their burgers and always brought a spare and fries home.
“We wouldn't dream of not allowing you to, Harry,” Severus told him with a smirk, pleased. This was very good and a major step forward. “We can do the normal of appetizers and a huge pizza, sharing a pitcher of beer. I'll go make a reservation after Alastor leaves. Though it's the middle of the week, so I doubt they'll be busy.”
“Okay,” Harry agreed with a nod, smiling a little. It was something to look forward to.
Just as Sirius was launching in to talk about what kind of pizza they would get, the normal since it sometimes took them time to hash out what they wanted as there were so many kinds they liked, he heard the front door open then a familiar thunking on the floor. Hand on Harry's shoulder, he gave it a squeeze then said, “Nothing to worry about. We're right here.”
Though Harry nodded, his eyes were locked on the door. Sirius and Severus had described Moody to him, but it was hard to visualize what they meant until he came in with Remus. Then it clicked. Oh yes, he was one you could easily tell had been in several battles over the years.
As he held Bugs close, he watched as the man greeted Severus and Sirius with a firm handshake then sat down by Severus with Remus on the other side of him. However, despite trying not to, his eyes kept drifting back to the fake eye the man had. He hadn't seen anything like it before and was fascinated.
Before coming over, Remus had filled him in on what Harry was like, mentioning that he was having problems right now, so Alastor could deal accordingly. Over his time as an Auror, he had to deal with plenty of younger ones that had ended up severely traumatized from many bits and knew, even if they were older teens, you had to deal with them differently. When it came to Harry, he had at least a feeling how to delve in to break the ice. With a snort then a sip from his flask, before pocketing it, he said, “I can take the eye out so you can see it if you like. Quite fascinating.”
“You can?” Harry asked with a bit of a grin before thinking. Since coming to 'their world' he hadn't seen anything like it before and was curious.
“Sure, lad, here,” Alastor said, popping the eye out with a squishing sound and handing it over. “Just don't drop it.”
“That is brilliant,” Harry chuckled, looking it over as it seemed to stare at him and spin around.
“That is so gross,” Sirius muttered, looking down, unable to watch. However, he was grinning as he did. Alastor sure knew how to break the ice with Harry, that was for damned sure! Nothing like going for something off the wall no one would think of.
After taking the eye back from the lad and cleaning it up then popping it in, Alastor settled in with a grunt and looked at the rabbit steadfastly plowing its way through a large plate of greens. With another snort, he said, “Everyone told me the rabbit was big, but I never expected gigantic in size. The creature has to about eat you out of house and home.” Looking back at the teenager, he stuck his hand out and said, “I'm Alastor.”
“Harry,” Harry told him, taking his hand, fascinated by how the man looked. With the scars, missing part of his nose, all that was odd.
“Good to meet you,” he nodded. “As your dads want me to help protect you if this gets worse, it's best we get to know each other. That's part of why I wanted to come over. Best to start out on the right foot, after all.”
“True,” Harry said with a small smile.
Alastor wasn't one of Severus' favorite people in the world, what with the past, and he was sure there was some suspicion there, but he was pleased. Remus had told him the initial meeting went well and this proved it. Alastor's help was something they needed, badly. “And we will appreciate all the help you can give us, Alastor,” he told the man honestly, clasping his hands on the table.
“My pleasure,” Alastor grunted, looking around. “Nice to feel useful again. In the next few weeks we'll get together and work out how to start handling what you want. I think we need something in place now to get in the habit. I'll try to make sure not to go over the top, but we want it known you lot are protected.”
After some nods, he pressed on to the next issue. “I came up with something that can give all of us a bigger help. After running it by Rufus, who thought it was a good idea as well, I'll bring it up to you.” Then he explained the plan to spy on Albus.
As he listened in, Severus gave a slow nod. Oh, yes, this could be a huge help, to all of them. And Alastor was the best one for the job. He liked this, a lot!

Just as he lit his second fag while watching Bugs hop around, Harry heard the backdoor open. He had come out to let Bugs do his bit and have a smoke while the other four talked over plans. From what he knew, they were just about done, so he didn't expect a problem. A glance over his shoulder told him it was Alastor coming out. Though it was odd, he didn't expect trouble since his dads and Sirius were around. So, he waited to see what was going on.
As always, Alastor scanned around for danger, though he didn't expect any, then watched the rabbit hopping around before coming over to sit down on the edge of the patio with Harry, groaning as he did. Once seated and comfortable, he took out his flask and took another sip. “Nothing to worry about, just mainly coming out to say goodbye. I'll be around a few times this week and was hoping you would agree to let me work with you a bit on some defensive spells. I know a few more than the others in the house.” Before Harry could say anything, he added, “Your dads and Sirius will be around while I do. They tell me they've been working with you a tad on it, though you don't have the theory down for much of it yet. I think I know a way we can get around that problem. If you're willing, that is.”
“I can do that,” Harry nodded. As long as his dads or Sirius was there, he would be fine.
“We'll work something out,” Alastor told the young man. He knew what all Harry was dealing with, from not only what he had heard, but what he knew about such matters from so many years in the DMLE. From what he was told, the lad was going through a rough time after something triggered memories. He didn't ask more than that, but he figured he was having problems.
As he watched the rabbit hop around, he said, softly, though he was sure the ones in the house were listening. “You having problems over all you dealt with is a good thing, lad.”
Unsure where that was coming from, Harry looked at the man, brow furrowed, not sure he understood. So, he waited to see.
“After all you went through all those years, if you didn't have difficulties and suffer from it, we all should worry about you. Hurting and suffering over it tells all of us that you aren't so cold you can just press on. Those that are cold and can shove it aside without having issues are dangerous. You might have problems, lad, but you still have feelings. Too many turn those off.” Alastor told him softly. “Too many easily lose what makes them human.”
Now understanding, Harry nodded and looked at him, but said nothing, curious where this was going.
“Lad, I know what this is like,” Alastor told him. When he saw Harry looking at him, he shook his head and pressed on, “I may not have it as bad as you or went through the horrors you did all those years, but I get flashbacks as well. You can't do what I did for all those years without encountering the worst there is out there.” One finger touched his nose where the piece was gone then he told him, “I can tell you just what happened and who gave me the injuries I have. Sometimes, at night, I get to relive all of it. Though I always pressed on and continued, it wasn't easy at times. Still isn't even though some of them happened long before you were born and those in this house were. It's not easy, even now. So, I do understand.”
Harry's eyes slid to the nose then to the other injuries, brow furrowing. With a sigh, he then turned his eyes to where Bugs was, watching the rabbit who was now coming his way. As he picked up Bugs, he nodded to let him know he heard.
“You're doing damned good,” Alastor told him, keeping his voice low. “You can function and do fine. Though you have problems, you are doing quite well. Keep going. The one thing that's always helped me when I had times where it was hard to go on was remembering that if I went on, the bastards didn't win. They aren't going to win with you either, Harry. You are. You are going on and are happy. Best revenge in the damned world.”
Once more looking at the man, Harry smiled a little and nodded.
“If you ever need to talk, find me. I know you have your dads, Sirius, friends and probably a Mind Healer to help you deal with everything, but it sometimes helps to talk to someone that understands the flashbacks and memories. What you say stays between us, you have my word.” Alastor told him. “I don't mean the gory details, but generally. It's not easy when your worst enemy at times is your own mind and what it puts you through. Takes a special brand of tough to cope with what it does to you. And you're a tough one, lad. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise.”
“Thanks,” Harry said softly with a nod, smiling just a little. While he wasn't sure he would ever talk to the man, it was nice to know that someone might understand how hard it was a little more than the others.
With another groan, Alastor stood. After giving Harry a clap on the shoulder, he said, “You're a good one, Harry. You just have problems. Nothing more than that. In the end, you'll win.” Then, with a grunt goodbye, he turned to walk into the house.
While he watched the retired Auror go, Harry smiled a little and nodded.

Sirius stood at the backdoor and watched Harry while Snape and Remus showed Alastor out. As would be expected from any of them, when Alastor was outside talking to Harry they listened in. With Alastor, you never knew what he might say. However, they were all pleased with it. Harry might not respond or want to talk, but the seed was planted. With all that was going on, those kinds of seeds were what they needed and could only help. Even better was the fact that Harry didn't seem upset. That was a plus they sure as hell needed.
After watching Harry for another couple of minutes, he stepped outside. It was time for them to get ready to go. As Harry seemed fairly relaxed, he was sure the meal would go fine. Another step in the right direction. Great!
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Lucky Strike