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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
- 32
- 33
- 34
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 32

“Today we’re going to the Ministry,” Severus told his son after a bracing sip of coffee. It was breakfast and they were planning out their day. As there was a ton to tend to, on many fronts, he wanted the itinerary clear. “We not only plan to meet with Rufus on several matters, but want to set you up for your Apparation test. Of course, we all know you can Apparate, but we want it legitimate so there aren’t any problems in the future. This way, if there’s an issue, we can just tell you to go without having to worry about someone side-alonging you.”
“That’s fine,” Harry nodded as he nibbled at his bacon. Then his brow furrowed and he asked, “There isn’t like a written test, is there?”
“No, it’s all a practical,” Remus told him with a shake of his head. “Generally, it’s done in Hogsmeade and they have you Apparate from one end of the street to the other. Not sure how they’ll do this with you, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. I think, though I’m not sure, they’ve done all the testing for the year when it comes to Hogsmeade, which means we need to set something else up. We’ll see.”
“You won’t have a problem,” Sirius told him with a nudge. “You’re damned good at it and will pass with flying colors.”
“As long as there isn’t a written anything, I’m good,” Harry nodded, happy. He could do plenty, it just came down to him doing written tests for whatever. Those he just couldn’t tackle because of his lack of reading skills and the ability to do the theory with so much. All it left him was frustrated and in an angry mood, not to mention sullen over it.
“There won’t be, our word,” Severus assured him. “Now, we plan to go somewhere for lunch. Where would you like to go? Lucius and Narcissa will meet us at the Ministry, so it should be something we’ll all enjoy.”
“How about just go to the Palace? We’ve not gone in a while. They seem to like it as well,” Harry suggested. He liked it there for the music, of course, but the others seemed to really enjoy the food. Plus it was in a Muggle area without some of the problems among their own kind.
“The Palace seems like a very good option,” Remus nodded, smiling. “I’m sure we can all agree on it. Let’s see what they have to say.”
“Anything else we’re doing? The way everyone’s talked over the last couple of days, there’s a ton to take care of,” Harry then asked, glancing around.
“Actually, not much,” Severus told him with a small smile. “I have to tend to some potions this afternoon, but we have the day mostly free. Our thought was to find something entertaining then work a bit on defense tonight.”
“Anything you would like to do?” Remus asked his son.
“Can we go to the museum we saw in the one book which deals with dragons?” Harry asked. “It didn’t seem like it was far off.”
“Easily and it’s something we’ll all like as I don’t think any of us have seen it,” Sirius agreed with a little grin. “Should be fascinating.”
“It’s a good plan,” Severus agreed, pleased Harry didn’t pick something overly strange or too stressful. With all the issues going on and how they needed to stay wary, it was best to not go for some activities for now. Anything to get him out of the house and interacting would be good, though. It showed real progress.
“How long is this—whatever going to take? Does anyone know?” Harry asked, glancing around. He could usually handle the Ministry, especially if it was like dealing with Rufus or someone similar, but he hated other parts, not handling them well, so he wanted to know to prepare.
“We don’t know,” Remus told his son honestly with a shake of his head. “The Apparation part shouldn’t take long and we’re tending to it first. It’s the area dealing with Rufus we’re unsure about. However, it’ll be the easiest on you as we’ll be in the DMLE in his office for it. Not something which should bother you. It’s just going to depend on what all he has for us and questions which might arise from what we need to talk over. Either way, you can just sit and relax while we discuss matters.”
“As long as most of it’s with Rufus, I’m good,” Harry nodded, relaxing on the topic. While he didn’t always like what he heard, it didn’t stress him out like dealing with the main part of the Ministry.
“Just make sure you have Bugs’ harness on him and his badge prominently displayed. This way we don’t have issues with him in the businesses.” Severus told him polishing off his coffee. Because the rabbit helped so much, they didn’t want to leave him home. Harry was coming around so much faster than last time that they thought Bugs would help even more.
“No problem,” Harry agreed with a grin, looking down at his rabbit as Bugs munched on some kale. As long as Bugs was along, he thought he could deal with most everything.
“Right—let’s finish up so we can get this done. The faster we get there, the quicker we can get out,” Sirius said, giving Harry a nudge. They all knew the later in the day it was, the busier the Ministry grew, so it was best to tend to it fast. Then they could all just relax on plenty.
With a nod, Harry tucked into his food, asking a few questions about the usual as he ate. He just liked knowing what was going on to prepare, nothing more.

“We’ll go to the Ministry this morning and sign then file the papers. Once we get the stamp on them, we can start moving,” James said, looking over the mass of documents from Gringotts to make damned sure they had everything in place and signed. If they did, they had the house in their name, thus taking a ton of pressure off them, easing their minds.
“I’m going to go meet a few people while you tend to those matters,” Albus told him, sipping his tea. “You’ll have to take Maggie along, but I don’t think it’s a hardship.”
“It’s not,” Lily said with a smile at their youngest. “We’ll leave Bones home this time since he’s not needed. I don’t think this should take more than a couple of hours. When we finish, we’ll go out to eat then pick up some necessities.”
“We can probably go to one of the Muggle fast food places for lunch if you like,” James told her with a smile, putting a hand on the top of her head, giving it an affectionate rub.
“I’d like that, a lot,” Maggie told him with a huge smile. “Things are different here than home, so they have different places.”
“They do,” Lily agreed with a nod. “Even in the same ones the food tastes different. You’ll like trying it to see what you like best.” Since all this started, Maggie had been plenty stressed. While they tried to keep her out of the worst and from overhearing, sometimes she heard or picked up on their emotions. Maybe a day of just relaxing and having some fun would do her good. After all, it was so different here and she didn’t have items, like the television, to keep her occupied. It was the least they could do for her.
“We’ll do that,” James told his daughter, slipping an arm around her, pulling her close, then kissing her on top of the head. “We’ll have fun. It’ll be among Muggles, but we’ll like it.”
“Muggles have plenty of fun stuff,” Maggie told her dad, leaning against him while she nibbled on her toast. She was looking forward to this. This would really be the first time she could go alone with her parents and pick what she wanted to do. Usually, it was a compromise because of Sarah and Jamie. It was nice to have her parents to herself for a while.
“This shouldn’t take long,” James said again, holding Maggie close as he looked at the papers. From all he could see, they were signed and in order. Perfect. It meant something was going right for a change. “Then we’ll go double check the house to make sure what is where. Once we’re sure we have an idea of what we’re doing, the elves can start moving everything. Shouldn’t take long to get it all there. Then the hard part starts; making it a home. Either way, it’s a step in the right direction for once.”
“Just so we’re moving forward, it's all that matters,” Albus smiled, sipping his tea. Yes, this is what they needed. It meant one less worry to handle while they prepared for the coming explosion.

Maggie stayed next to her parents, like she was told, but was bored. This—whatever they were doing was boring. It was like signing papers, notarizing and whatever else, nothing at all interesting. Though bored, she stayed next to them, just looking around and watching the people.
Not facing the desk they were standing at, she leaned against her Dad’s leg and just watched all the people moving around, going places and tending to whatever. Like most children, she picked up on the uncomfortable atmosphere with plenty, seeing the harsh looks her parents were given and some of what was said. While she didn’t like it, she also didn’t say anything. These parts were for her parents to take care of, not her, though some of what she heard hurt as it was about them.
Eyes going shut, she let out a soft sigh and tried not to fidget. She hoped this wouldn’t go on much longer. When she opened them again, she smiled a bit then waved to Tonks and Donnahill when they were close, saying their names. At least the two were friendly and talked to her.
Though she tried not to glare at the adults, knowing, like most, what they had done, Tonks smiled at the child then motioned for Donnahill to come with her. Stepping up close, she grinned at the little girl then said, “Wotcher, Maggie.”
“Hi, Tonks and Donnahill,” Maggie told them with a grin.
“You behaving for your parents?” She asked, though assumed she was.
“I am,” Maggie assured her with a nod. “It’s just boring,” she then added with a sigh.
“Paperwork is always boring,” Donnahill chuckled, thinking of all they had to do every day.
“We’ll still be a while, sorry,” Lily told her daughter, smiling at the two Aurors there.
Since they didn’t have anything pressing to deal with, Tonks said, “If you like, we can go play a bit. Same room as last time.”
“I’d like that,” Maggie enthused grinning, though she looked up at her parents to make sure it was all right.
“That’s fine,” James said, happy his daughter would have something to keep herself occupied. “We probably have another hour or so before we’re done. Once we finish, we’ll pick you up, if that’s agreeable with Donnahill and Tonks.”
“It’s okay,” Tonks said, trying not to glare at the man. Then she held her hand out for the little girl. “Come on, Maggie, we’ll teach you some new games.”
“Behave for them, Maggie, and we’ll pick you up when we finish,” Lily told her daughter, giving her a pat on the back. It was a relief to not have to worry about her daughter while they tended to this.
“I will,” Maggie assured her mum then took Tonks’ hand. “I liked the games you taught me before,” she told to the two ladies as they guided her down to the playroom. “They were a lot of fun.”
“We can teach you some more, don’t worry,” Tonks assured her. “Between the two of us, we know quite a few.”
“I can’t wait to learn them,” Maggie said honestly with a big smile. This was far better than just standing around, that’s for sure!

As he looked at the picture of Voldemort Rufus handed him, Harry shook his head. “Ugly bastard, isn’t he?” He commented to no one in particular.
“That he is,” Rufus agreed with an amused snort. Then he added, sobering up, “It’s the only good one we have from the last war. Like your fathers said; he might have changed again. Not sure there. Whatever magic he’s used, it seems to have changed the way he looks. As he was supposedly dead, it might be more exaggerated this time. Not sure. Either way, he’ll look something like what’s in that picture. As it’s a face you can’t forget, I’m sure you’ll remember him, Harry.”
“No doubt there,” Harry agreed, handing the picture to Severus.
“Just keep in mind what everyone said; do not engage. Defend yourself, send off the signal then get out,” Rufus told Harry. “I mean it. He’s—well, the amount of magic he knows is immense and most spells he uses are plenty dark. Don’t try to take him on. Let us handle him.”
“My word,” Harry nodded.
“You’re getting his Apparation license?” Rufus asked, looking between the other three.
“Monday,” Remus told him. “They’re setting up for him to take it in the Alley then. Won’t take long. Then he has it.”
“We don’t expect problems. Harry’s quite good,” Sirius assured his old boss. “This way there isn’t an issue with whatever.”
“Good,” Rufus nodded. “It’ll help, for sure.”
“Anything else we need to cover?” Severus asked, though he didn’t think so. They had been over what they needed, like the summons and information picked up, but wanted to make sure.
“That’s all I think,” Rufus told them. “If I hear anything else, or you do, get in contact. We’ll take it from there. Alastor is in with Albus and starting to pick up on some areas. It’s information we can really use. Not sure all he can get for us, but any helps. If I need anything, I’ll give a yell.” Then, standing with a groan, he said, “I’ll walk all of you out. I need to go check on some areas anyway. Nothing to worry about yet.”
“Oh, I think there is plenty to worry about,” Lucius sighed, standing up and holding out his hand for his wife. “It’s just a matter of waiting for his first overt showing. Rather like a ticking time bomb. However, we go on.”
“All you can do until he gives us an idea what he’s doing,” Rufus admitted. Then he ushered the group out, planning to walk them to the entrance.

Maggie was talking animatedly to the two Aurors as they made their way to the playroom. While in the hallway they were last time, they stopped and she saw Harry and the others come out like before. Remembering what occurred, she felt her eyes burn over what happened. She hadn’t seen all of it, but knew she had really scared Harry.
As Tonks and Donnahill were about to pull her away, she tugged on Tonks’ hand and said, softly, making sure to keep her voice down, “I want to say sorry to Harry. I didn’t mean to scare him. That’s all, I promise.” Voice slightly watery, sniffling as she remembered what happened and how upset her parents were over the last time, “Nothing more, I promise. I didn’t mean to scare him, honest. I just feel bad about what happened.”
Tonks looked down at the little girl and was about to say no when she saw the look on her face and heard the sniffle. With a sigh, she didn’t know what to do, glancing in the other direction. They hadn’t seen them yet. Thinking quickly, she said, “Go with Donnahill and I’ll ask. If they say no, the answer is no, though. Right?”
“All right,” Maggie nodded, sniffling a bit more, remembering how bad it was and feeling plenty guilty.
“Let Tonks see what she can do,” Donnahill told the little girl, leading her away. “Just don’t be disappointed if he says no.”
“I won’t,” Maggie said, glancing over her shoulder at the boy her dad said was her brother. She hoped he would let her say she was sorry.

After stepping up to the group and giving a nod to her boss, Tonks explained what was going on. When she finished, seeing the wary looks and several shaking their head, she sighed then told them, “It’s not a trick. Her parents aren’t around, my word. They’ll be tied up for another hour or so with paperwork. All she wants is to apologize to Harry over what happened.”
Before anyone could say anything, she added, “This is an eleven year old girl. Nothing wonky, you have my word. Not sure what she knows when it comes to what happened, but she saw enough. There were tears in her eyes and it’s not a trick. Seen the manipulative ones over my time and this isn’t one of them. Just let her say she’s sorry. After all, it wasn’t her fault and she had no way of knowing. If we had known you lot were coming out, we would have waited.” Then she stopped to see what was said on the matter.
“No matter what we do, it’ll get back to her parents. We don’t want them involved,” Remus sighed, though feeling for the child. As James and Lily mentioned the apology in the last meeting, it wasn’t something he hadn’t heard.
“I can make it clear,” Tonks assured him. “She’s a sweet kid and very likable. If we make it clear, she won’t say a word.”
“We don’t want any of them involved,” Severus groaned, though understanding why the child asked.
“Look, this is up to Harry, no matter what,” Sirius said, putting a hand on Harry’s shoulder, looking down at him. Harry had an unreadable expression on his face and he had no clue how he was leaning.
“Harry, my word, nothing wonky,” Tonks assured him. “She’s just a little girl who was told you are scared of dogs. From what she said, she feels bad about what she caused, well, what little she saw. Nothing for you to be worried about. We’ll be right there, the same with everyone else. I mean, she doesn’t even have a wand yet. All she wants to do is tell you she’s sorry, nothing more. It’s something most parents teach their kids. And she feels plenty guilty. That’s easily readable on her face.”
“I don’t know,” Harry said, brow furrowed. “I don’t want to get involved in that side of this mess or to let them know I talked to her.”
“If they know, it’ll just make it all the worse, Tonks,” Lucius told her with a shake of his head.
“We can make it clear she can’t say anything to her parents,” Tonks told him again. “Look, she has two older siblings. I’m sure sneaky and keeping secrets comes with the territory. We can make sure. She’s the kind who listens, especially if told how important something is. And we’ll be there the whole time, all of us. It’s something we can make clear. The kid might end up uncomfortable, but wouldn’t do it any other way.”
She then focused back on Harry and told him, “Just a quick in and out thing. It won’t take but a couple minutes. Let her tell you she’s sorry. It’s all she wants. There was no mention of getting to know you or any questions, she just wants to apologize.”
Harry then looked at Sirius to see what he had to say, still not sure. While this was a child, she was still a girl. He knew what girls could be like when it came to manipulating you. The mere thought of being around one, even a child, still bothered him.
“It’s up to you, Harry,” Sirius told him softly, giving him a squeeze. “We’ll stay with you, all of us, through the whole thing.”
Though Harry nodded to Sirius, he then glanced at the others, especially his dads, to see what they had to say. If the lot of them would stay with him, he thought he could handle it, but didn’t know.
“Like Black said, it’s your choice. If we can get a guarantee she won’t say a word, it should be fine. In the end, it’s you who has to face her,” Severus told him gently.
“I don’t know,” Harry told them with a shake of his head.
“I can go along as well,” Rufus told him, having listened in. “All of us will stay with you if you decide to.”
With a sigh, Harry looked down, thinking it over, then asked, not looking up, “She doesn’t have a wand or anything else like it?”
“She doesn’t,” Tonks assured him. “Harry, she just turned eleven. It’s not time for her to have a wand yet. While I bet she knows some spells, she can’t perform them without a wand.”
After giving a sigh, Harry thought over what was said. He knew the child wasn’t at fault for what happened, it just came because of the dog. She didn’t cause it or plan to trigger the problem. And he could understand why she wanted to say she was sorry. It just was the idea of facing her. Not looking up, he asked, “You lot will stay with me through all of it?”
“We will,” Remus assured his son with a nod.
“Can you make it to where she doesn’t even mention the arses? I don’t want to hear about them,” Harry then inquired without looking up.
“Will make it as clear as I can,” Tonks told him with a vigorous nod. “She won’t, Harry. Just let her say she’s sorry.”
“As long as she doesn’t mention them I will,” Harry sighed. Though not sure about this, he would go through with it.
“Let me go talk to her then I’ll come back,” Tonks told him with a grin then hurried off.
While Harry agreed, the second it came out of his mouth he began second guessing. Yeah, he had walked himself into something.
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Lucky Strike