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À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 74217 -:- Recommendations : 5 -:- Currently Reading : 10
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money off this work of fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 32
- 33
Beta'd by the most wonderful, amazing and stupendous Tenchi. Woman, you are the best and love you for all you do for me!
With help from Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.

Chapter 33

“Oh, this place is magnificent!” Arthur gushed as Remus led him though the front entryway. Though the home fit the typical style for such places, they had decorated it in such a way that it felt warm and welcoming. “Far better than Grimmauld Place, even though you redecorated it.”

“We thought it would do better as it doesn’t have the memories for Sirius the other home does,” Remus told him, giving him a mini tour of the downstairs before starting to lead him toward the kitchen. “And we ensured the goblins made it as safe as we can manage.”

“Good,” Arthur nodded. The thought of why that statement was so important sobered Arthur up. “As long as you can stay protected,” he added. “This is in a rather busy place where plenty could hide.”

“This we know,” Remus nodded. “We’ve set up everything we can think of and paid the goblins for plenty more. We should have it covered.” He assured the man.

As he looked around, Arthur asked the question all of them were curious about, “Is Harry doing better? The last time we saw him—well, you know.”

“Much improved,” Remus smiled, giving a nod. “While not completely back to where he was before, he’s very close. And he’s improving every day.” Remus stopped and looked at Arthur then added, “If he gets uncomfortable, he’s going to shift to Little Paws. We’re hoping he won’t, but since you’re the only one who’s been around, he might. We’ll see.”

“That’s fine,” Arthur nodded, pleased to even hear about Harry doing better. “Whatever it takes. I know it took a lot to allow me to come over. I won’t end up upset if he does.”

“He’s not doing it to shun or not talk to you,” Remus reassured him once more, though he assumed Arthur knew. “It’s what the bond is doing to him. And if it affects him, it does Sirius as well. We don’t need a setback with either of them.”

“No, we don’t,” Arthur agreed. He then asked, softening his tone, “How are you doing with this? I know you seem like you’re doing better than they are, but I assume there are issues as well, though maybe not as many.”

“Thanks for the concern,” Remus told him honestly, smiling slightly. Then he assured him, “I admit to having problems, but mine aren’t nearly as bad as Sirius or Harry’s. They are ones I can handle on my own.”

“Good,” Arthur said with a smile. “Everyone is worried about all three of you, for obvious reasons. We know you did your best with the situation presented to you, but it’s still cause for concern.”

“We’ll manage,” Remus said, smile growing. “Might take time, but we’ll manage to have a normal life despite the bond.”

“What we all want for you,” Arthur nodded, giving Remus a clap on the back. Looking around, he changed topics and said, “I think Albus’ plans for Grimmauld Place have changed slightly.”

“How so?” Remus asked, intrigued as he nudged Arthur along to show him the rest of the downstairs. It would give Sirius extra time with Harry if he dragged this out slightly and could only help.

“It looks like we’re going to move in there for the duration of the war with Hermione,” Arthur sighed, shaking his head. Before Remus asked, he explained, “We’ve done all we can with the wards on the Burrow, but they won’t hold up for long. While the Fidelius is on, too many know where it is. We all thought that it might be best to strip down the wards completely and start over, doing what we could to weave spells in to make them stronger. However, it would take too much time. Rather than chance it, it looks like we’ll be staying for the duration. Hermione—it’s obvious there. The Ministry is involved in protecting her parents, having moved them to a safehouse, but she’s in so much danger we don’t think it’s wise to stay with them.”

“While it’s sad you all have to uproot yourselves because of this, it’s probably for the best.” Remus sighed, shaking his head sadly. “However, the place isn’t nearly as bad as it was. I made sure of it.”

“It’s actually quite comfortable now,” Arthur smiled. “We all like it rather well. You did a wonderful job. The fact it came fully furnished is even better. If this does come, and we’re sure it will, all we’ll have to do is move over personal belongings and items we want to ensure stay safe. That won’t take much.”

After a nod to let the man know he heard, Remus then asked as he started leading him towards the kitchen were Harry and Sirius were, “How is Kreacher doing? Giving you problems?”

“Nothing we can’t handle,” Arthur chuckled. “We still get some mutterings from him here and there. There is also some going slow with his duties and he’s still the mess, appearance wise, he was before, but one mention of Sirius’ name has him straightening up quick smart. It seems even the elf knows Sirius isn’t the same as before the trip through the Veil. Since coming to us, the amount of time we’ve had to say something is dwindling.”

“Which is good,” Remus agreed. By then he reached the kitchen door. He hoped Harry was as calm as Sirius could manage with him so they could jump right in. Once they started, he was certain Harry would settle down and manage, it was just the build-up to it which had him concerned. After a deep breath, he motioned Arthur to follow then opened the door.

Sirius held Harry close and talked calmly to him to try to alleviate the anxiety ahead of Arthur coming in. They were seated at the table with Harry between his legs, leaning back against him. They were both on edge, though Harry more so. After giving Harry a kiss on his shoulder, Sirius soothed, “Nothing to worry about. It’ll be fine. Arthur is good and won’t cause you problems. Hell, he’s something like a father-figure to you. No chance he would do anything to upset you if he can at all help it.”

“I know,” Harry nodded, voice shaky. “It’s just—everything, if you understand.”

“I do,” Sirius agreed. “It’s the same on my end. You’re just feeling it worse is all. We’ll get through it. This will end up the worst of it. Everything after this will be slightly easier until you can handle things like you used to.”

“While I know, it doesn’t make it any easier,” Harry replied with a heavy sigh in his voice. “I’ll try, but this is so hard.”

“It is,” Sirius said, giving him a squeeze. “We’ll be here with you through it all. Remember; you can shift to Little Paws if you need to. Try to hold out as long as you can, though. The more you do, the faster you’re going to manage to get a handle on what you need to. If it gets too much, try nudging me and we’ll leave for a couple minutes to let you calm down then come back. No shame is saying it’s becoming too much for you.”

Harry liked that idea plenty. It could give him a much needed break if necessary without having to shift. “I’ll remember that,” he told Sirius, leaning more heavily back against him. Eyes going shut as he tried to breathe deeply and relax, his hands found Sirius’ then held onto them tightly. He could hear Remus and Mr. Weasley’s voices coming closer, so he knew they would come in soon. It was about time and he wanted to start out as calm as he could manage. If he went in stressed to the max it would just grow worse as he wouldn’t be able to get a handle on it.

“Deep breaths,” Sirius encouraged, taking Harry’s hands and holding them tightly. Kissing him on the temple, he just held his hands until the door started to open. Now was the time. He just hoped like hell Harry didn’t revert back.

After coming in, Arthur smiled and nodded to the two across the table. Once he took a seat then some tea from an elf, he leaned back and said, “You all look quite good! More relaxed I think.”

“We are,” Sirius told him with a small smile. “The change of homes has helped plenty. Not to mention we feel like we’re safer here than at Grimmauld Place.”

“Completely understandable,” Arthur agreed. Smiling at Harry, who looked a tad stressed, he said, “You look better as well, Harry. I’m glad to see you instead of Little Paws. It reassures me you’re really fine.”

“Thanks,” Harry said softly, voice quivering slightly. He also fought the urge to lower his eyes. Instead, he grabbed hold of Sirius’ hands again and squeezed them tightly. While he shook, it wasn’t extreme. He then started taking deep breaths again, hoping to calm himself.

Sliding closer to Harry, Remus put a hand on his knee, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “What do you have for us, Arthur?” He hoped by pressing on it would slip into something normal and Harry would calm down. If Harry didn’t, he wasn’t all that sure Sirius wouldn’t start having problems as well.

With a nod, Arthur launched in. First, he filled the three in on what they knew so far, measures put in place, and other such things. When he finished, he said, looking between them, “Lucius gave up everything and most of it are things we desperately need. What he said is helping us plenty with shoring up areas and keeping watch on others.”

“Are they sure he gave up everything? We all know how slippery Lucius is,” Sirius said softly, his hands still holding Harry’s. Though Harry’s grip seemed like it was loosening, he didn’t let go. If Harry felt comfortable enough, he would let go.

“We are,” Arthur told him with a small smile. “He knows if he doesn’t, Draco goes back to Azkaban. I very much doubt he would risk that happening. Another thing he knows is he has a huge mark on his head now. He won’t risk coming out from protection.”

“Very true,” Remus nodded. “Lucius is always about self preservation. He wouldn’t risk his own neck for anything. If Narcissa and Draco are involved as well, he’s bound to give up everything that doesn’t expose him to prosecution.”

“Agreed.” Arthur told him. Then he sobered up and shifted topics. “It wasn’t in the papers today, but will hit tomorrow. Gringotts was broken into last night. It was Bella. The goblins around who survived all identified her.” Lowering his voice, he added, “She was looking for that cup from what they said.”

“Let her look,” Sirius said with a feral grin. “She won’t ever get it with Rufus having the accursed thing.”

“True,” Arthur nodded. “However, it means You-Know-Who knows it’s gone as she was certain to tell him. Once he knows...” he trailed off from there.

“It won’t end up pretty,” Remus finished for him, shaking his head sadly. “Add on everything else that’s happened and I’m sure he’s going to blow soon.”

“And worse than anything we’ve ever seen,” Sirius added, a dour look on his handsome face. “He’s going to go completely mental.”

“Oh yes,” Arthur sighed, shoulders slumping. “Severus hasn’t been summoned yet, so we don’t know any more yet. I’m sure, with all that’s transpired, he will end up being summoned soon. We’ll know more then. However, what it’s done is given us time. The more we have of that, the more we can do to prepare.”

“That is true,” Remus agreed. “The more time we have...”

“The better off we’ll be,” Sirius finished. “We can’t prepare for everything, but we can for plenty.”

“What we’re all keeping in mind,” Arthur assured them. Then he smiled and added, “And we’re getting a new daily. Rufus isn’t leaking out how or who is doing it, but it’s coming. Within the next week, from what we’ve heard.”

“Something that can actually help a great deal!” Remus said, pleased with that tidbit.

“It can,” Sirius chimed in, giving Harry’s hands a squeeze. While Harry was staying quiet, he wasn’t looking down or acting overly anxious. He was quite sure Harry was still plenty stressed, but seemed like he was handling it. Good. The more he could now showed a progress they needed.

“We hope so,” Arthur said, smiling bigger.

“Is there anything else?” Sirius asked, wondering. The information he gave them didn’t seem like enough, but it gave them fair warning on plenty, something they needed since they weren’t in the thick of it. It also ensured they knew what to keep an eye out for. With what was sure to come, they needed all the information they could get.

“Just some small bits and bobs,” Arthur replied. “Nothing earth shattering, but we want you to know.” He then imparted them.

When he finished and fielded the questions on the topics, he said, tone deadly serious, “Albus wants me to impart to make sure you’re protected here.” Hearing them start to assure him they were, he held up his hand then said, “We know you’re doing your best, but you need to keep an eye out. Some of this—you’ve painted the biggest target you can on yourselves. Harry alone already had one on him, despite what happened. This? It’s soon going to come out just what Sirius has done beyond what everyone already knows. When it does, you’ll draw the ire of plenty on that side. And I’m not sure if You-Know-Who is the one you need to worry most about. Bella is irate, from all reports, and she will want revenge. We all know how dangerous she is. It’s her I would worry about more.”

“She is,” Sirius said, a heavy sigh in his voice. “Trust me, I know what she’s like and her need for revenge. Dealt with her all my life. We’ll keep watch. Don’t worry about us. As long as we can be kept up to date on what’s going on, we’ll be fine.”

“And we’ll keep you up to date,” Arthur reassured him with a determined look on his face. “Everything we can, even if it isn’t important.”

“Then we’ll be fine,” Remus smiled and nodded. “We can keep ourselves safe with everything we have in place. Don’t worry about us. All of you worry about yourselves first. You’re more in the open that we are. If it comes down to it, we’ll stay here and not leave until it’s over.”

“We will and if you have issues, you contact us and we’ll be here for you,” Arthur told them, sounding determined. Then he walked them through how they could do so and get them there without giving away their location so no one could get it out of them.

“How are you feeling?” Sirius asked Harry as they lounged in the tub. It was an hour or so after Arthur left and they were alone as Remus tended to a few items that came in the mail. He would be up shortly. As far as he could tell, it was the perfect time to talk it over with Harry since they were alone and relaxing.

“Good,” Harry smiled slightly. “The stress is mostly gone, other than the normal.” Leaning against Sirius and feeling the older man slip his arm around him, he added, head dropping onto Sirius’ shoulder, “It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Yeah, there was some, but not the over the top stuff I’ve dealt with.”

“Which is great,” Sirius grinned, looking down at him. “Do you know why or what helped? I’m sure there was something besides it just happened.”

Brow furrowed, Harry thought it over. After several moments of silence, he said, “I think it was holding your hands. I could squeeze pretty hard and it seemed to dissipate some of it. The rest was you holding them back. Between the two, I think it did the trick enough that I didn’t panic too much.”

“Something I’ll remember,” Sirius told him, planning to do just that. Shifting around, he took Harry’s hand and pulled him over until he was seated between his spread legs. Wrapping both arms around him, he held him close then said, “It’s progress we need, Harry. You didn’t even seem to struggle like you have before. I know it wasn’t easy, but you did it.”

“I kept wanting to lower my eyes, but managed to fight it off,” Harry admitted, leaning back against Sirius with a contented sigh.

“A huge step,” Sirius nodded, grinning. “We needed that. Next time we’ll work on you interacting and talking more. The faster we press this on, the better all of us will feel.”

“I hate all this and how bad it is,” Harry said softly, stiffening up just a little since it was expressing something ‘negative’.

“We all do,” Sirius assured him, giving him a squeeze. “It’ll be far better for all of us when it gets there. Not that we don’t know you’re working at it, because you are, it just takes time. We understand that.”

“Doing the best I can,” Harry sighed, eyes sliding shut. With a small smile, he relished the feeling of being held by Sirius. While the whole thing was hard to deal with, parts like this were things that helped make up for it. After all, there was nothing in the world that felt as good as being held by someone you loved and who loved you back. It was comforting and felt good in a way that nothing else in the world could match.

Stumbling into Albus’ office, Severus flopped in the nearest chair, trembling violently. Seeing Albus stand and look at him, obviously concerned, he rasped out, “Crucio.” He knew the old man would understand from there.

With a knowing nod, Albus summoned a couple potions that would help alleviate the worst of the symptoms and some tea. Once he had both, he came over and handed the potions to poor Severus. After the man took them, he then handed over tea to wash down the vile taste they left. Summoning one of his usual squishy chairs, he seated himself with a soft groan then asked gently, “Are you able to tell me what’s going on or do you need time?”

“I can talk,” Severus said with a groan after downing all of the tea then pouring himself another cup. When Albus motioned him to go on, Severus explained, “Plenty went on from learning Lucius has scarpered and is probably telling all he knows to the cup not being found. While a Horcrux wasn’t mentioned, I’m certain that’s behind the ire. And the Dark Lord is absolutely furious. Beyond what I’ve ever seen from him. All of us ended up Crucio’d for something or another, he was that irate. Then he ended up talking plans and missions for the next couple of weeks.”

“Did he say what they were?” Albus asked, worried.

“No,” Severus told him looking plenty sour. “However, I was able to guess some. One has to do with the Ministry as he asked for some very detailed reports from those either in the Ministry or with connections to it. The other had to do with questions about Hogwarts. While I don’t know what he means to do, we need to protect both as I’m sure whatever he’s planning will happen fast. I know all of you have done the best you can, but it’s time to keep watch.”

“I will pass it along to Rufus,” Albus said, summoning some biscuits as Severus would need something in his stomach besides tea. “Anything else?”

“Yes,” Severus nodded after nibbling on one of the proffered biscuits. “We all better hope like hell Black and Lupin have them all hidden the best they can manage because he wants Potter, now. As in as fast as we can find him. He’s going to stop at nothing to get him from how it sounds. Not sure the impetus behind it, but I’m certain he has one and it won’t bode well for us.”

“Probably having to do with the Prophecy,” Albus told him. Then he looked plenty smug. “I don’t think Tom realizes it’s been fulfilled. Harry did his part. He doesn’t need to do anymore. Any of us can now kill him once we get rid of the rest of the Horcruxes.”

“Good,” Severus said with a grim sort of smile that almost looked like a grimace. Then he said, tone level, “We need to find the rest, now, Albus. I mean it. Whatever that maniac is planning, it’ll be big. I’m also sure that with the cup gone, he’ll go looking for the rest. It’s time to do all we can to get them off the pitch so we can finish this.”

“Easier said than done,” Albus admitted glumly, stroking his beard. “I’ll pass this along to Rufus to see what the two of us can manage. You’re right, though.”

“Hopefully, he’ll end up distracted enough that he’ll focus on raining hell down on us so we can find the damned things. Won’t be pretty, but its coming, and soon,” Severus sighed, feeling better, but exhausted. The torture always took plenty out of you and the potions made you tired.

Shutting his eyes and leaning his head back, Severus groaned then said, “I’m going to sleep in the castle tonight. I don’t think I can get home without splinching myself. It’s best this way.”

“I’ll have the elves prepare your room and make sure you have clean sheets. They’ll also leave more potions on your bedside table in case you need them.” Albus told him. Then he soothed, “You’re safe here, Severus, so no need to worry. I’m the only one beside the elves in the castle. No one will know you’re here so you can rest easy.”

“Easier than normal anyway,” Severus grunted without lifting his head or opening his eyes. However, he did like the idea. Unlike at home where he worried so much because so many Death Eaters knew where it was, he was plenty protected here without having to worry about visitors. That would allow him to rest more peacefully than normal.”

“Get some rest, Severus,” Albus told him softly then stood with groan. Walking over, he tapped his fireplace twice and made sure the flames would carry Severus straight to his suite of rooms. Once the man was settled, he would get to work on what he could tonight to set everything he was able to in motion and prepare everyone. Yes, hell was coming and they needed to be as ready as they could manage.
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À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)