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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
- 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 35
Face in her hand, Narcissa let out a long-suffering sigh as Lucius and Sirius tore through the packages which arrived. “Quidditch,” she just mumbled, shaking her head, not taking her face out of her hand. “Am I the only one in this house not obsessed with this game?”

“Yes,” Sirius snickered, looking at what the owl just delivered. “We have a good reason for it, other than its fun and will give everyone something to do.”

“Oh, I’m sure you do,” Narcissa said, lowering her hand, fighting the urge to roll her eyes.

“He does,” Lucius told his wife, amused, as he looked over Draco’s new broom and some of the other equipment that came with it. Then he explained the reason behind it. When he finished, seeing her nod, he said. “We aren’t thinking anything this year when it comes to the house teams, but we figured to give him a head start since he has to adjust to plenty. This will give him time to figure out where his weakness is.” Then he snorted, adding, looking smug, “And if Harry receives a new broom, we both know what Draco will do if he doesn’t.”

“Oh yes,” Narcissa admitted, smiling. “Much whining and begging.” She then sobered up and thought over what her husband said. Finally she nodded, “A goal for him is good. He’s plenty frustrated with all he’s dealing with that having something to shoot for he likes will help him. While he’s catching up and should be up to where Draco is by winter break, this may help him.”

“I thought so as well,” Sirius told her as he looked over the new helmet, the one that he ordered because it was reinforced far more than the standard you could buy and the helmet they made. This—it was perfect for what they needed! As he read through the paper which came with the helmet, he nodded then added, “Besides, it’s something both of them enjoy and gives them plenty to do. We thought, when we were discussing the order, we could grab some Order members here and there and have a full game. They’ll have fun with it.”

“So will everyone else,” Lucius added with a barely perceptible chuckle.

“I do suppose this is good for them,” Narcissa nodded slowly. Then she smiled just a little and added, “Though we need to encourage them to keep creating. It does plenty for them and, from what we’ve all noticed, it’s helping their schoolwork.”

“They are still going to,” Sirius told her, grinning from ear to ear. “They’re taking your suggestion and trying to make the candies invisible. They’re also up to a couple more projects, though I don’t know what. Whatever it is they’re plotting, it’s doing them both good, in plenty of ways.”

“As long as they keep going,” Narcissa smiled, leaning over to look at the broom Lucius held. “It helps them in so many ways.”

“And us,” Lucius added. “Their joke with the Patronus gave everyone an aid which can help immeasurably. The same with some other items they’ve done. It works both ways, thankfully.” Eyes flitting to Sirius, he added, with a snort, “Look how much the pranks and such the Marauders came up with have helped with so much.”

“True,” Sirius grinned a tad sheepishly. “You never know what you come up with for something might help plenty else. Fred and George’s shop is testament to that.”

“Indeed,” Narcissa said, smile growing a little. Then she shifted tracks. “Do we have anything to prepare for today? I know schooling has gone on as normal, but want to make sure.”

“Snape and Minerva are coming over today to drop off some items we need for the Order,” Sirius told her, setting the helmet aside then taking a sip of his tea. “Since the castle is on lockdown, it’s not as easy for everyone to slip out as it had been. Snape is also going to do the standard check on Harry for Poppy.” Then he grinned a tad, adding, “They also want us to show them the Patronus modification so they can pass it along to everyone, both versions. Snape wants the two to walk him through what they did so he might recreate it with other spells.”

“I assumed that was coming in,” Lucius snorted, shaking his head, an amused look on his face. However, he sobered up then added, “I don’t think those two realize how much help they’ve given not only the Order, but others, with what they mucked around with to have a laugh.”

“I very much doubt it as they haven’t seen what all we use the Patronus for, only what they’ve seen,” Sirius admitted. “Well, and their own amusement.”

“I’ll say something to Severus about passing along what their joke has managed,” Narcissa told them, looking serious. “We don’t want them moving from their jokes, as it’s helped plenty else, but for them to realize those jokes help, some of them anyway. And to keep going.”

“I’m sure he can get it across very well and keep encouraging them,” Lucius assured her, thinking it was a good idea. Then he began to ask what else they were planning for the day so they knew what they were doing. He also wanted to check on the time they still needed for the week when it came to schooling. While he thought they were caught up, if not a bit ahead, he wanted to make sure.

After he and Minerva finished perfecting the spells for the Patronus and having the two walk them through how they had come up with the modification, Severus put a hand on each of the teen’s shoulders and told them, “The only word I can come up with to describe what you’ve done is magnificent. Not only are both spells perfect and working well, they are very useful, in many ways. You both did a wonderful job.” Looking at Harry, he added with a smirk, “And that is an O well earned.”

“Thanks,” Harry said, looking both smug and sheepish at the same time. One glance at Draco saw a smug look there as well.

“You have plenty to be proud of,” Snape said, looking between them. Then he took two packages from the slightly smiling Minerva before passing them to the two. “A gift for a job well done. We stopped at Honeydukes before we came here.”

“Brilliant,” Harry grinned, opening the box and taking out one of the chocolates. Popping it into his mouth, he gave a contented sigh. “Delicious,” he sighed, smiling still.

“You both did very well,” Minerva told them, looking between the two, hands clasped in front of her. “I don’t think either of you realize how much you’ve helped us.”

“Or just what you’ve done and how important it is,” Severus added. “We needed a modification like this. In my spare time, I tried to modify it as you were having trouble, and didn’t manage. So, you did more than I could. In doing this, you’re protecting plenty since we can now use it in situations we couldn’t before and we don’t have to worry about someone we don’t want overhearing what we have to say. This will end up a boon for so many.” What he didn’t add was Alastor was taking the modification to Rufus for the DMLE and Aurors to use if in a situation where they desperately needed help. It would help more than just the Order and probably save lives before the war was over.

“Glad we could help,” Draco told them then popped another chocolate in his mouth, relishing the taste. Oh, this was the good stuff and he loved it!

“Plenty more of what you’re doing is helping as well,” Severus told the two, looking back and forth between them. “It might seem like a joke or fun to you both, but it is giving us a hand.”

“Like what you did initially with the Patronus,” Minerva chimed in. “Even Albus didn’t think a modification like that was possible. You did it for fun, but it had a practical use all of us need. It helped. Plenty.”

“Other jokes you’re doing might not seem like much now or just for fun, their intent, but they can come in handy. Look at what Black and Lupin have passed along that they created in school for fun or mischief. Those are quite valuable.” Snape explained, smiling just a little. “And you’re both teaching yourselves plenty we can’t. While we’re giving you the basics, you’re going further and putting spells together in other ways which you’re using. That alone is helping you with other areas and will assist more in the future.”

Stepping behind the two, Minerva put a hand on each of their shoulders then gave them a squeeze. “You’re doing wonderfully, both of you. Keep it up. We know its fun for you and it should be, but you’re doing plenty.” Then she added, lowering her voice, “And we’re proud of what you’ve done.” Then she gave them another squeeze and stepped back.

Severus just nodded at the two, a small smile in place. Then he straightened up. “Now, run me thought the spells you used one more time. I want to see if they can be added to other items we use and can help.”

After swallowing the chocolate in his mouth, Harry nodded then began to explain what they came up with, Draco chiming in as well. What the two said felt good and he liked it. It also motivated him a little to see what else they could come up with to help. Might end up for naught, but it might help as well. They’d see what they could dream up.

After tea everyone was seated at the kitchen table tending to various projects. Sirius and Lucius were looking over some of what Albus sent. Narcissa had some catalogs, going through them for decorations she wanted for Halloween and ideas they could use to decorate. Remus had already left for work. Harry and Draco had their heads together going over a list of food for the Halloween meal so the elves could prepare what they wanted. While they were choosing their favorites, Harry was adding items he thought Dudley would like as well. Since Dudley liked most anything when it came to food, he doubted he would end up disappointed.

As Draco made a list of what they wanted, knowing this would end up huge anyway because of the celebration, he suggested, “Maybe you can take Dudley up on a broom while he’s here? If the weather cooperates, that is. Nothing big or a game, just to give him a flight.”

“I can,” Harry grinned, nodding, adoring the idea. “Won’t be for long as I don’t want to scare him, but I bet he’d like it. We can do some other fun stuff. Some won’t work with him because he isn’t Magical, but we can have plenty of fun and play some games.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” Narcissa interjected, smiling a tad. “We’ll come up with plenty to keep you busy. He’ll adore it, I bet. Between all of us, we can make sure he has a good time and will want to come back.”

“I’d like that,” Harry admitted, not having thought beyond this time, but thought the idea of Dudley coming around more was brilliant.

“We’ll manage,” Sirius assured him with a smile and pat on the back. “And he’ll want to come back when we’re done, no worries.”

“I hope so,” Harry nodded, putting the list down and taking a sip of his butterbeer. After snagging another cookie from the plate in the center of the table, he sighed happy and started eating it. When finished, he was about to suggest something when he was once more yanked forcefully into the in between place. Without even knowing who was trying to contact him, he knew this was big and urgent from the feeling he got.

As he panted heavily, holding off what he needed to, he managed to stammer out, “Sirius! Now!”

Head snapping up, he then swiveled to Harry, eyes wide. One look told him what was happening. Standing, he helped Harry to his feet, telling him, “Hang on until we get to the parlor.”

As he started helping Harry towards the parlor, he called out over his shoulder, “Lucius, come help me. Narcissa, you and Draco take on dealing with anyone coming in and get in touch with Alastor.” While he heard their confirmations, he focused more on leading Harry to somewhere safe before this hit.

Though he hurried along as fast as he could, it felt like it took forever. Panting heavily, Sirius kept glancing at Harry. There was a look of determination on his face which seemed to come from him trying to hold back what was coming. “Just a few more moments,” he encouraged as he guided them into the parlor. Quickly shutting the door and sound proofing it once a pale Lucius came in, he helped Harry take a seat on the settee and get comfortable.

Sirius then crouched down in front of him. After a glance at Lucius to ensure he had something to write on and the mirror, he said, “We’re safe. What do you have to tell us?” Then he braced himself for whatever might come. As the last few were huge, he was sure this one would be as well.

Harry listened to Percy as he talked then said, voice slightly garbled and monotone, like normal in this state, “Get in touch with Rufus. First, tell him to get out of the Ministry with all the heads of departments. Then he needs to regroup and go back in. Dempster Wiggleswade has been Imperioused and sent to kill Rufus. Others in odd departments most don’t bother with as they are so minor were as well. Once Rufus is gone, Voldemort plans to take over the Ministry silently, using the Imperious on several people to manage. If they get out now, there is a chance. Tell him to seal it as tight as he can after he leaves until he can get people back in there to check everyone for the Imperious. The DMLE, Aurors and Hitwizards are fine as Voldemort or those Imperioused won’t chance going after those. It’s workers, especially those good with dueling, he has to worry about. The same with those in the Ministry no one would suspect.”

Stopping to take a deep breath, he added, “Tell him to grab Mr. Weasley first. He’s one they plan to Imperious and needs protected.”

“Got it,” Sirius nodded, face a grave mask. A glance over his shoulder showed Lucius was not only taking notes, but had Rufus in the mirror and made sure the man was listening to what Harry said. He then focused back on Harry and asked, “Anything else?”

With a nod, Harry pressed on, still breathing heavily, “Tell him he has a half an hour, tops, before it happens. That’s all. You don’t have much time. Do not evacuate the Ministry until you are sure who I mentioned are all safe. If you don’t lock it down, the ones Imperioused will escape and manage later.”

Giving a vigorous nod, Sirius assured him, “He’ll take care of it, don’t worry. You’ve given him the warning he needs to handle the mess. Is there anything else?”

“That’s all,” Harry told him, relieved it was over. After thanking Percy, he then came fully back, slumping. Though tired, he didn’t feel nearly as exhausted as he did after the last few. Though this wasn’t as long as they had been, he didn’t think that was the reason. Either way, he was plenty grateful it wasn’t as bad.

As he usually did, Sirius slipped an arm around Harry, pulling him close, he then soothed, “That was plenty helpful. Rufus is on the case and sending Kingsley and Tonks to get Arthur. He’ll bring him here when they do so he’s safe then contact the rest of the Weasleys.”

“Good,” Harry sighed, rubbing his eyes with a trembling hand.

“Do you think you can manage to sit at the table or do you need a nap?” Sirius asked. He didn’t want Arthur or the others thinking anything was off, but wanted to know as he wouldn’t force Harry to do something if he couldn’t. So, he wanted to prepare for what they needed to do. After all, they could send Draco up with him and just say something about them being up to something.

“I’m good,” Harry nodded. “Just some tea or something to perk me up a bit. Will still be a bit droopy, but will manage.”

“We can do that,” Sirius told him, helping Harry to his feet. Lucius had quietly left to tend to the matters at hand and prepare everyone for what was coming. “We’ll get you a snack as well, something more than a couple of cookies. I think you need something a tad bigger.”

“Sounds good,” Harry said, making sure to hang onto Sirius and use his cane so he didn’t end up landing on his face since he felt a bit more wobbly than normal. That wouldn’t help anything, that’s for sure. Once in the kitchen, he would focus on staying awake. If not, he’d grab Draco and go upstairs to rest. He’d manage something, just wasn’t sure what yet. He’d have to wait and see.

“Everything is fine, isn’t it?” Harry asked as a very tired Sirius crawled in bed behind him and settled in, his strong arms wrapping around him like normal. By now it was well after midnight, creeping closer to one in the morning, long after they usually went to bed.

“So far, yeah,” Sirius told him, holding Harry close, head resting on his squishy pillow, feeling completely worn out. The stress from some of this was enough to get to anyone and wear them out. “Not sure what Rufus is doing with the Ministry as he’s there working on something, from what Moody said, but Arthur is safe. Since he was a named target, he’s off work until Rufus can come up with something to protect everyone better. It’s paid leave, so he won’t have a problem, thankfully.”

“You think he can come up with something?” Harry asked. He and Draco had grown bored with so much discussed, so they moved to the other room to work on some of their projects for a while and missed part of the conversation. Since he knew Sirius would fill him in, he wasn’t worried about missing anything.

“He will,” Sirius nodded. “It’ll just take time. At this point, he’s more concerned with finding the people who are Imperioused and helping them than what to do to help. He’ll manage in the end. Since the law enforcement wing wasn’t affected, they’ll assist.”

“Just so he can manage,” Harry told him, eyes sliding shut as he wiggled around to not only get comfortable, but snuggle up tighter to Sirius.

After tightening his hold on Harry, Sirius sighed, “It’s a big endeavor. Unlike a business, he can’t just close the Ministry for a day to sort it, he has to do it another way. Between him and Madam Bones, they’ll manage something. Kingsley sent word that they are cooking up something and plan on installing whatever it is over night tomorrow to give them a hand. Not sure what it is, but I’m certain it’ll help. Just give him time.”

Harry just nodded, not saying anything, letting out a soft tired sigh.

Actually cuddling on Harry, Sirius smiled as his eyes slid shut. This felt amazing and he loved it. It also seemed to relax him in a way nothing else did. Listening to Harry breathe, he asked softly, “Are the nightmares getting any better or tapering off? They were pretty bad for a bit there and causing you serious problems. They seem like they are from my point of view, but want to make sure.”

“They’re improving,” Harry nodded. “Not by tons and they’re still there, but not nearly as horrific as they were.”

“Just so they’re getting better. Give it time and I’m sure they’ll go away. Until then, we’ll deal as they come,” Sirius said softly, head resting against Harry’s. “With you meditating more, it might help as well. Not sure on that there, but it can’t hurt.”

“It’s rather relaxing,” Harry admitted. “I didn’t like it at first, but it does help some and allows me to focus a little and not concentrate on what’s bugging me.”

“Hey, as long as it helps and they don’t have to put you on more of that rancid shit you’re good.”

“I can do without more potions for the rest of my life,” Harry snickered, grinning. “I have enough that I need no more!”

“I agree there!” Sirius laughed. “Your regimen is so complex they’re worried about interactions. Since we seem to have found what we need, I don’t see you needing any more unless something else crops up.”

“I’m just focusing on getting rid of a few of them,” Harry said.

“In time you can drop a few, but most you’ll be on for the rest of your life and can never come off. Even if your brain heals the way it should, it’s too risky to take you off some,” Sirius explained with a sigh, knowing Harry didn’t like them. “The upside will end up with you being used to them enough that they won’t bother you like they do now. Between the potions and you still healing is pulling at you plenty of ways, making you tired.”

“Looking forward to that, honestly,” Harry sighed, pressing back against his godfather. “As long as they don’t bug me so much, I’m good. The other part—figured I wouldn’t ever be able to do away with some. I’m good, honestly, and not complaining. It could have ended up far worse than it is.”

“It could,” Sirius agreed, knowing how close to death Harry had come more than once. “You’ll be fine and get used to it.”

“I will,” Harry nodded then yawned hugely.

“Let’s get some rest,” Sirius suggested after yawning himself. Nuzzling Harry’s head, he had the urge to kiss him, but held off. He wanted Harry fully awake the first time he did so he could better judge the reaction and not blindside him too much. This was good enough for him. For now anyway.

With a smile, he held Harry close and listened to his godson’s breathing until it was apparent he was sound asleep. Then he let out a contented sigh and allowed himself to drift away. While there was still so much to do and work on, he wanted to just enjoy this time for a while, drifting off holding Harry this way. It felt perfect and he loved it.
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In His Place