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In His Place	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Sirius Views: 72865 -:- 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
- 33
- 34
- 35
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 34
Brow furrowed as he read through Harry’s letter, Dudley shook his head, not sure what to think of it. A pinched look on his face, he looked up then glanced between Mrs. Figg and Mr. Weasley. “This sounds—well, like he has real problems. Are you sure he’s fine or will be?”

“He is doing far better than what it sounds like there,” Arthur assured him with a smile. “He’s just laying out what is wrong.” Then he produced a few pictures from his pocket and handed them over. “Those are Harry, his friend Draco, and some of the people in the house. The blond boy with Harry is his friend Draco. As you can see in those, he’s fine, though there are issues. It’s nothing to worry about. While some of this will go away, some may not, but he’s quite functional and doing well.”

Dudley’s eyes widened at the moving pictures and seeing Harry wave at him, though Harry explained these in the letter, he looked relieved by them as well. Harry was thin still, like when he was home and his parents didn’t give him enough to eat, but he looked better than he imagined after what Harry explained. Of course, he could see the cane and Harry looked like he was leaning on it, but it didn’t seem that bad. The white streak in his hair was odd, though. With a relieved sigh, he made to pass the pictures back and remarked, “He doesn’t look bad in those. Wasn’t sure what to expect, but he doesn’t seem that different other than a few things.”

Arthur smiled and pushed the pictures back to Dudley,. “Those are yours to keep. He wanted you to have them. Just make sure your mom and dad don’t see them. From what he told me, he would love some of you as well.”

With a big grin, Dudley nodded, looking more at the pictures. “Let me see what I have at home and will send them in the next letter.” This he liked, a lot. “I think—well—honestly, I feel better knowing he’s doing better and can function. I know the handwriting isn’t his and you told me he shakes too much to write now, so I thought it was pretty bad.”

“The tremors in his hands are enough that it makes his handwriting hard to read is all, nothing more. He goes about it in a different way or has someone help. Draco helped write this letter. Sometimes others in the house do. It’s nothing more than that. His mental faculties are just fine, you have my word on that. The tremors are calming. We don’t know how much they will or if they will stop fully, but it’s not something to worry about. All it comes down to is some nerve damage.”

With an understanding nod, Dudley smiled, still looking at the pictures. “These are pretty neat.”

Arthur chuckled, smile growing. “Harry thought you would like them. When you come over, they’ll take some more with you in them so you can have those as well.”

“I can’t wait for that,” Dudley admitted, grinning and looking at Mr. Weasley.

“That is another thing everyone wished me to discuss with you,” Arthur told him, leaning back, smile still on his face. “Not sure if you know this, but Hogwarts always has a huge feast on Halloween. They are going to do the same thing for Harry and Draco. They thought you would like to visit that night and join in. You would not only get to see Harry, but have a great deal of fun.”

“I would,” Dudley told him, nodding vigorously, still grinning.

“Can you figure out a way to get out so your parents aren’t suspicious?” Arthur asked, figuring the young man could.

“Not a problem,” Dudley assured him. “I’ll just tell them the truth; that I’m going to a Halloween party. I just won’t tell them where.”

“Good,” Arthur nodded. “We’ll plan on it then. When the time comes, Harry will give you a time and how we’ll go about this. Nothing to worry about and I’ll have you back at a reasonable hour so your parents don’t grow suspicious.”

“Perfect,” Dudley nodded vigorously. Then he added, being honest, “I appreciate these updates and being able to write to Harry. Especially with all that went on over the years.”

“He enjoys it as well,” Arthur told him honestly, smile still firmly in place. “Plenty. From what I know, he looks forward to your letters a great deal. Since the injuries, he can’t be around his friends, other than Draco and is in a house full of nothing but adults. Your letters help him plenty and make him feel normal again. And I can add Draco can’t wait to meet you. Harry has told him plenty and he’s looking forward to it as well.”

“I am too,” Dudley admitted with an energetic nod. “And glad I can help a little, even if it’s not much.” He was too! With how he had treated Harry in the past, he felt horrible and liked the idea his writing to him helped some. It was all he could do to make it up to his cousin. At least for now.

After a sip of tea, Arthur settled back in his chair then began asking what Dudley might find confusing about the health issues. While the letter was worded in such a way for him to understand it, he thought there might end up some questions. He would answer them to the best of his ability to set Dudley’s mind at ease.

Once Harry slipped into his meditative state, he found the door waiting on him. While he consciously realized this was a great sign and a confirmation for him that he was doing this right, he ignored it. Without hesitation, he opened the door and stepped in. Looking around, he then grinned when he saw his dad there waiting for him. A huge grin on his face, he hugged his dad, feeling the other man wrap his arms around him tightly, patting him on the back. First was mum, now his dad; this was good and he loved it!

After the hugging finished, the two sat down and just talked. James prodded Harry to talk about all the areas bothering him then gave advice on some. Others he just listened because it was all Harry needed. Most wasn’t too much, just dealing with the frustration which was now a huge part of Harry’s life over so much. However, there were a couple of areas he could actually help with and he would.

When Harry made it to the part with the spell they were working on, he then sighed. “Even with Snape’s help, we’re coming up with nothing, Dad. Can you think of anything? I mean, everyone in the house has helped and nothing works. Though we’ve found tons of spells which can help us with plenty, this one has all of us stumped. Draco suggested I ask one of you to see what you have to say.” Then he leaned against his Dad and looked up at him, waiting.

James thought it over, rubbing his chin. “That’s a tough one,” he mused. Then he asked what they had tried. Once Harry ran through what they had tried, he nodded, thinking more. After a few moments he said, “I think I have something. You know the joke charm which you can direct to a particular person and tickle them, something which increases for an hour?” When Harry nodded, he told him, “Use the prefix on it for the Patronus, nomi. I would say put it after the spell to direct it to one person. It should lock it as well since the joke charm locks it to a specific person.”

Harry nodded vigorously and grinned, “Let’s see if it works. Sounds more promising than anything else we’ve tried, that’s for sure.”

“It should, though you might have to put it in front. Just try it both ways to see what works best. If it doesn’t lock it, use the charm girls do on notes they pass in class. The lock spell on that is the first part. Combine the two and you should have it. In fact, you might want to add that lock spell in front and the other behind. Between the two, you should have it and it’ll work as air tight. The girls use the same lock spell on what is called a whisper charm. Not sure if you’ve heard that one as guys tend not to use it, but you could add that as well, so your Patronus whispers what you want to say in someone’s ear. Ask Narcissa and she can easily show you the charm. You can even mix and mingle all of them to get the effect you want or make it two separate spells. And they shouldn’t conflict.”

With a grin, Harry said, excitement in his voice, “Those we can do! Between me and Draco, we can figure out which one works best. It shouldn’t take long either.”

“It shouldn’t,” James smiled, ruffling his son’s hair. “You two should have it down pat by tonight with how well you work together.” Then he added, “Draco—you two got off on the wrong foot and had a rough relationship, but this is right, Harry. Trust him. He’s already proven you can trust him and will continue to do so. Trust me, if someone messes with you, Draco will make Hermione look like a Puffskein. He won’t let anyone mess with you. And he needs you as well. You’re about the only friend he has left. He’s going to have plenty of problems with people as time goes on and needs you to do what you do best; stand up for him. Most will listen to you and your word will go a long way towards backing people off. Together you’ll make powerful friends. He’ll be as good of a friend as Ron and Hermione.”

“I like him,” Harry admitted with a small smile. “Trying to avoid whatever from the past and it’s making this easier.”

“He really likes you as well, for just who you are, being gay and all.” James assured him. “Ron and Hermione won’t have a problem with him either. Not to worry there. Besides, right now they’re focused on the relationship there.”

“And probably driving everyone mental in the process,” Harry added, snickering.

“They are, trust me!” James laughed, giving his son a nudge. “You and Draco just need to help and have Ginny step in. They’ll sort it from there.”

“Good,” Harry nodded, still grinning. He then sobered up and asked, “Will the bit with Ginny and Draco work? I don’t want to hurt her by saying I’m not interested.”

“It will and won’t come to you having to say anything,” James assured him, arm once more slipping around his son. “Hermione has already suggested she date others. She’ll see Draco as that, but fall for him as he will go about it the right way and respect what she is. Don’t worry and just let it take its course. She’s doing a bit of licking her wounds over Percy’s death, but she’ll come around quickly. Nothing to worry about. Draco just needs to keep going and follow her lead. He’ll manage.”

“Perfect,” Harry said with a relieved sigh.

James then lowered his voice and schooled it into something soothing and told his son, “Just work towards what you want with Sirius. Focus there. I know it’s hard to tell him, so leave that to me. It’s something I’ll work on for you to nudge him the right way. Just go with the flow and don’t end up frightened off when he makes a move. All you have to do.”

Though still uptight about the topic, Harry gave a nod. However, he was also relieved someone else would take on nudging Sirius the way he wanted. He wasn’t sure if he could manage to get across what he wanted with Sirius because of so much, especially the fear of rejection. Then he asked, curious, “How will you manage that?” He wasn’t sure on the topic, so wanted to know.

“Don’t worry, I have my ways,” James told his son with a cheeky grin. “I’ll handle it, all you need to worry about.”

With a chuckle, Harry nodded. “Will let you do it since I don’t think I can.”

“I will. After all, that’s what Dad’s are for,” James told him with a little nudge. “Let me take it on. You worry about your end. And let Remus in on your secret. I know it’s hard, but he can give you advice Sirius can’t. Being a werewolf is far more stigmatized than being gay. He knows plenty about prejudice and how to best handle it. Besides, it’ll give you some support and a place to go for advice when you can’t go to Sirius. Won’t matter to him, my word, Harry.”

“I will, it’s just hard,” Harry told him with a sigh, looking down.

“That it is, I know,” James assured him. “It’ll be fine, though. Not to worry. Remus is very accepting because he knows what it’s like to not be accepted for what you are.” Figuring that was enough of the tetchy topics, he began asking about other more minor areas, knowing the time for Harry to go back was close. It was best to have him calm and relaxed when he did.

Brow furrowed, Lucius looked at the catalog Sirius was perusing intently. Then he snorted and smirked when he realized it was for Quidditch supplies. “Do I want to know what you’re up to?” He asked, amused, assuming it was something for Harry and Draco to have fun. After all, the two were like most in their world and obsessed with it.

“Picking out some items for Harry,” Sirius told him with a distracted tone. He then marked something and lifted his head before explaining, “Harry’s expressed a desire to at least give the pros a try, so I want to pick him out a new broom to see how it reacts to his issues. Plus find a better helmet.”

“Good plan,” Lucius admitted with a slow nod. “There are plenty of problem areas, but we can work through them with time.”

“The reason I want to start now.” Sirius agreed. “Look, I know I’m obsessed and love the game, but Harry really wants this if I took his enthusiasm right. With what he’s going through the idea of a goal is good. It gives him something to shoot for. This will work for him. With the new stuff, it’ll give us an idea where some problem areas are and how to overcome them.”

“I do agree,” Lucius said. With a snort and smirk, he added, “We’ll get two brooms because as soon as Draco sees it, he’ll want one as well.”

“I figured,” Sirius laughed. “Harry said he wants to try for being a Beater, so we’ll go about this different because all he knows is being a Seeker. I think it’ll do him good as it’ll help some of the physical problems and give him a different kind of exercise.”

“Very true,” Lucius nodded, thinking it over. “We can set aside an hour a night for them to play. Will do them both good, honestly.”

“Looking for a better helmet for him as well,” Sirius added. “The one we made is good, but they have the professional sort. Those would do better.”

“They would,” Lucius agreed. “You can write them and see if they have something beyond the standard. Tell them the issue with Harry’s head and they might have something better.”

“That I’ll do,” Sirius assured him, planning to do so. He was about to press on when his brow furrowed, eyes drawn to the doorway.

Harry’s Patronus cantered in. Wondering what was up, though he didn’t think anything was wrong as the two were working on some charms. A glance at Lucius showed the man was looking beside himself with a similar look of bewilderment on his face. However, he was drawn back to Harry’s when it began talking to him.

“Trying the locking spell we came up with,” the stag whispered in his ear. “Let us know if it worked and if Lucius can see and hear it. The same with him.” Then it vanished.

Sirius grinned and nodded. Looking over at Lucius, who was focused on something he couldn’t see, he asked, “Did you see Harry’s Patronus?”

“No,” Lucius said with a shake of his head, looking smug. “Did you see Draco’s?”

“Nope,” Sirius grinned bigger. “They did it! Now we have to see what they did so we can recreate it. Leave it to those two! They are most assuredly good at working together.”

“Oh yes!” Lucius agreed, smug look still there. “I would say that’s perfect marks for Charms today and Severus will love what they did.”

“Yup!” Sirius said, looking up as the door opened. When Draco and Harry came in and took a seat, Sirius clapped his godson on his back and said, “It worked perfectly, you two. Damned good job there.”

“Good,” Harry nodded, looking pleased. “We did two different modifications on it. Draco used one and I did the other. Both worked. We were wondering.”

“It did,” Lucius agreed, sending for some chocolate for the two as a reward. “Now, walk us through what you did and show us how to do it ourselves. We’ll include it in the report to Severus so he can try.”

After a bite of the chocolate, Harry nodded, then began to tell them what they did, the spells used and how they put them together. This was well worth the frustration they had gone through trying to find a way to make this work.

As he slipped deeper into the pool of sleep, Sirius held Harry tighter, a small smile on his lips. When the dreams slipped into something steady and not just snippets of odd bits, he relaxed completely.

Flopping down on a chair in a place that looked like the Gryffindor common room, Sirius relaxed and grinned at James. He then chuckled and asked, “Is this another dream that isn’t a dream again?” While his tone was joking, he wanted to know.

“It is,” James confirmed with a nod. “We’ll have a good time, though. Just have to impart some things to you, nothing more.”

“About Harry?” Sirius inquired, though he assumed it was.

“Yup,” James told him. “Nothing as complicated as last time though,” he assured his old friend. “Just a couple of areas then we’ll muck about for a time.”

“All right,” Sirius said, settling back and waited, wondering what this was about.

“You’re doing perfect with him,” James started out. “Going about it just the right way. It’s pressed forward in just the right way. Keep going there. Since Harry outed himself to you, it’s time to press on there and tell him how you feel. I told him I would mention it to you to as he’s so scared of rejection.”

Though he thought it odd James mentioned talking to Harry, not sure how he had, he nodded, “Give me a couple of weeks to settle some stuff then I’ll make the first move. I assumed he wanted something as he’s not asked for his own room yet and likes me sleeping with him still.”

“He does and those are, unconsciously, his way of telling you what he wants. Keep going. Get as much off your plate as you can then go for it. Most of all, get Albus to change his mind about the Horcrux. Once that stress is out of the way, press on. The time will be perfect for you.”

“The how to steer Albus the right way is the issue, James,” Sirius groaned, head going back as he scrubbed both hands through his hair. “We’ve come up with nothing that won’t look contrived.”

“It’s a problem, I admit it,” James nodded. “Go for something simple. Like next time there is a meeting, have Harry and Draco working on dueling and have one of them conjure a snake like Draco did back in school when they dueled. Make sure Albus sees it then have Harry comment, trying to sound surprised, that he can’t understand it anymore. That should do it. At least it would start him down the road.”

“That we’ll do,” Sirius nodded vigorously. “It’s perfect. Might change up some bits, but we can manage. The two can make it look plenty good.”

“What you need. Then Albus will start down the right path and go to Rufus. He’ll be off-kilter for a while as he works through so much, but it’ll come. You lot will know when it happens, trust me. He just needs one big event to get him going. This should do it. If not, I’ll let you know.” James smiled.

“Good! We want this over as fast as we can manage. It’s dragged on long enough as is,” Sirius told him, though happy he might have a way to finally get Albus moving.

“It has and it’s time it stops,” James assured him. “We’ll manage.” Then he gave his standard cheeky grin, “Just might take some help from me and Lils, nothing more. We’ll get it there.”

“We need all the help we can get with this,” Sirius laughed. “Don’t care where it comes from. We’ll go with it and use it all we can.”

“And we’ll do all we can,” James said. “Harry will help plenty with what he can do. If we can’t figure it out, he can find people who can. What Narcissa is doing is working plenty and he can manage. No harm will come to him if he does either. One way or another, we’ll manage.”

“Good,” Sirius nodded, feeling relaxed and adoring this. Sitting here in a mockup of the common room, he felt plenty relaxed. It harkened back to school when he and James used to relax and talk out problems. It was plenty comforting with a world which had changed so much for him since his times at school. It also made him feel more confident in what he was doing, like he was receiving a cosmic confirmation what he was doing was right. That helped plenty.

“Enough of the deep stuff,” James then said, changing topics, grinning hugely. “Let’s discuss how all of you are going to make my son a world class Quidditch player! This is an important topic, Sirius! It needs to happen!”

Laughing, Sirius nodded then began to discuss plans they had, wanting some hints on how to go about so much.

With a smile on his face, still sleeping and talking to James, Sirius gave Harry an unconscious hug in his sleep, snuggling in closer, face buried in Harry’s hair. This felt so good and so right that he adored it. Yes, the relationship would happen and he would make the first move soon to press it forward. He’d manage somehow.
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In His Place