Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Through the Veil and Back Again	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 77508 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 13
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter (though someone could gift me a few of the men in it and I wouldn't complain) and make no money off of this.

Chapter List
- 35
- 36
- 37
Chapter 36

Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi, who I couldn't work without anymore. Thanks, Tenchi!

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.

Petting Sir Hiss, who had joined him on the bed after he came out from getting his shower, Harry asked, “What is it we need to do?” The snake had mentioned a final task of some sort to fully seal the bond. He was just apprehensive, nothing more. The boa wasn't venomous, after all, so he didn't think it was anything that involved biting or whatever.
“It's quite simple, I assure you. I just need to wrap around your arms, while you're holding your hands in a prescribed manner, and recite a chant. Nothing more than that. That seals the bond,” the snake told him. Resting his head on Harry's shoulder, he added, “It'll make the bond mark vibrant and beautiful. While it'll be more aesthetically pleasing, what it does is allow Sirius and Lucius to know when you're making a prediction or are in danger.” Quietly, he added, “It will also remove the other bond mark on Lucius. He can't have two, Harry. Yours overrides the other.”
That didn't sound bad, of course, and was something Harry could handle. He was a bit confused by the mention of the other bond mark, though. “What other bond mark on Lucius? He doesn't have one as far as I know.” He inquired, wanting to understand.
“I believe it's the one that ties him to the person that will protect you. The one you have the connection with,” Sir Hiss explained. This was perfect, though. Harry wasn't apprehensive about the final step. As his young seer had been blindsided by so much this summer, the snake wasn't sure how he would react to more being tossed at him.
“Oh, the Dark Mark,” Harry said, now understanding. Brow furrowed, he added, “I'm not sure how he'll feel about that.”
“The Dark Mark, as you call it, doesn't function now. It's just ornamental, nothing more. The bond you consummated last night negated anything it could do. This will just remove the mark on his skin, something simple,” the snake imparted. “The bond you now share is more powerful than any other and will negate them.”
Comprehending, Harry nodded. Quietly, he asked, grinning slightly sheepishly, “Will it hurt?”
“Oh, no,” Sir Hiss told him. “No pain, I assure you. You'll feel a very pleasant tingling then something inside all of you clicks. That's completing what is there. It will activate the last of the powers.” Seeing Harry's eyes widen, he gave a hissy chuckle, “Those are already there, Harry. Like the telepathy. This will complete the connection between all of you, thus allowing Sirius and Lucius to communicate directly. Though you are the focal point for the bond, it will fully activate everything you've experienced, including giving them the same kind of shields you have. I do believe that is needed, isn't it?”
“Oh, yes,” Harry agreed with a happy nod. Those shields were probably something they needed.
“And they'll be able to understand me,” Sir Hiss told him. “No other snake, of course, only me. That will help immeasurably in passing messages.” Giving another hissy chuckle, he said, “This way you don't have to rely on yourself or Dudley to translate if it's something vital.” Lowering his voice, he added, “I think it's quite wise that's in place, Harry. If I'm with you and pick up on something the rest of you can't, I can pass it along. Like with Albus and what he's trying. I do understand that I unnerve your aunt, but its best I stay with you at all times anymore. That's part of my duty to the current seer. There is more, of course, that will come out as you fulfill your role, but it's something needed now.”
“Yeah, I'll say something. You're right, it's for the best,” Harry admitted, looking up as the door to the loo opened and he saw Sirius come out. Waiting until he came over to sit on the bed, grinning as he reached across and petted the snake on the head, Harry explained what Sir Hiss said.
Taking it all in, Sirius gave a nod. “We'll grab Lucius before heading down to breakfast and tend to it. And, yeah, he needs to start staying with us. Everyone is just going to have to get used to him is all. The more help we can get in some areas, the better we'll be.” Grinning, he petted the snake again, “And understanding him will be neat.”
Giving a hissy chuckle, Sir Hiss replied, “It'll be ever so amusing, that I do admit.”

Pushing up his sleeve to show Severus the bare inner arm that once had the Dark Mark on it, Lucius said, “It's gone and there is nothing I can do about it. If you would, pass that along.” He then explained what the snake said before pushing up the other sleeve, smirking, showing the same mark that graced Harry and Sirius' arm, though it was now bright and in beautiful colors. “It's sealed the best we can get it. Which will only help.”
Taking hold of the arm with the bond mark and examining it, Severus gave a slow nod. “I'll pass the information along. If it was rendered null when it comes to what it could do, I don't see where there'll be an issue on the Dark Lord's end. He's well aware what this bond means. And if it's as you said and the powers that come with this are there, it's something you need and would come to pass anyway.” Looking between Black and Potter, he asked, “Are yours the same?”
Pushing up the sleeve of his robe as Harry did the same, Sirius showed him his as well, nodding, “The same. And as Sir Hiss said, we can understand him now. Rather strange, but it works.” Looking at Petunia, who was eying the snake draped over Harry warily, he added, grinning, “He's just something everyone's going to have to get used to. We want him around because of what he can do.”
Shivering and shaking her head, Petunia sighed, “I'll deal accordingly. Just—please, keep him away from me. I do understand he's not venomous, but he's still a snake and they right unnerve me.”
“We'll keep him away, I promise,” Harry chuckled, petting the snake who was chuckling at her reaction. “He won't hurt you, I give you my word.”
“Be that as it may, I don't like snakes,” she told him, suppressing another shiver.
Snorting at that, Severus pressed on, “Everyone is coming over tonight about the matter of schooling. Do you have everything in place?” He asked, looking around.
“As much as we can,” a tired Remus chimed in with a nod. “We can at least put a halt to whatever he does and spin him around a few times. That's all we're going for. I doubt it'll be pleasant, but we'll manage.”
“Good. This is one area I can't help with,” Severus nodded. “Just go with what we present and you should manage, between all of you.”
“What we thought was this; Petunia has already discussed it with Harry because she refuses to force Dudley with the first years. As she got the Hogwarts letter, it's obvious where he'll be starting. They then went to Sirius and laid out what she wants and he agreed.” Narcissa explained. “We figure that's a good way to kick it off.”
“We're going to toss it out there that Harry offered to stay,” Sirius told him. “I will say I agreed with it because of the history between all of us. That makes sense. I'll put it out that I'm not comfortable with her and she's not with me because of what I said to her after school let out. We think that's the logical way to go about this.”
“It sounds like it to me,” Severus agreed with a nod. “Go with that then just play it by ear. It's the best any of us can do as none of us can anticipate what the old man will do.”
“We think, maybe, we can use the bond to put a halt to some of it without him knowing. If Sirius or I invoke part of it, like agreeing, that might stop it and he won't know why,” Lucius added. “We don't know yet as we're unsure just what it can do.”
“That's not something we're going to pull out unless we have to,” Sirius told him. “We're hoping Petunia putting her foot down and saying, as Harry's guardian, that this is what she wants will be enough to make him fumble.”
“A wise idea,” Severus agreed. “Let's see what we can manage. Even if it goes to a stalemate, we're good on that front. We just need time.” Looking at Petunia, he smirked then added, “Just do what I know you're capable of, putting your foot firmly down and not moving it, and you should be fine. We both know that you can be quite inflexible.”
“Oh, I plan to do just that,” Petunia told him, looking determined, crossing her arms over her chest. “He's getting nowhere with me! I know too much about him for that to happen.”
“Good,” Severus said, smirking bigger. From his perspective, this should end up being a most interesting night!

Pushing the paperwork he had to the Malfoys and Petunia, Albus then folded his hands on the table. With a sad shake of his head, he explained, “We think its best that both Draco and Dudley are homeschooled rather than attend Hogwarts this year. There have been threats made against Draco already, from what Severus has heard. When it comes to Dudley, we're worried about his safety as well as not forcing him to go to classes with the first years.”
Seeing people look like they were about to protest, especially Petunia, he held up a hand. “We have no way to take on tutoring him to get him caught up with those his age in the castle. Couple that with his relationship with Harry as well as his inability to defend himself yet and we then have problems. Even if he ends up sorted into Gryffindor, something we can't guarantee, Harry can't be around to watch over him like we would need. The same with others that would be capable of taking on that task. This is a far better solution.”
Signing the form with a flourish, as the old man would expect, Lucius said, “We expected issues, of course, and will take on what's needed with Draco. It may end up rough, but we'll manage.” With that, he passed it back to the old man. They did need this, of course, because Draco would be homeschooled because of them getting out of this nightmare. So, it wasn't a hardship.
Looking at the paper, brow furrowed and a frown on her face, Petunia glanced at her nephew, who was seated on one side of her, then to Sirius, who was on the other side of Harry, before looking at her son. Now was the time to put the plan they came up with in place. Sighing, heart hammering slightly at what she was about to do, she said, “I do understand your reasoning. And I accept that this is the way we do need to go about tending to the issue. My problem comes in that Dudders and I will be alone in a house full of people we really don't know. It's not bad now because Harry is here. He's helping more than I can tell you. I just don't know how comfortable I am doing this. No offense to anyone, but I would rather have at least one person around that I know to help.” Glancing down at Sirius again, who nodded at her, she laid the papers on the table then folded her hands on them before pressing on, “Harry and I discussed it, then I talked it over with Sirius. What we want is for Harry to stay as well. He and Draco are in the same year, so I don't see where it’s such a hardship to take on two instead of one.” That's where she stopped and waited.
Jumping in, Sirius said quietly, looking around, “She laid it all out for me and Harry agreed. This is fine. Let Harry stay here this year. It can only help all three of them. I don't see the harm. Her reasons are good and sound. It's not something I blame her for either. It's bad enough adjusting as it is, that forcing the two of them to stay here with people they don't know or trust is bad. This should help.”
Eyes widening, looking at Minerva, whose brow was furrowed then to Severus, someone that was glowering at Sirius, Albus cleared his throat then said, “I think it's best that Harry stay in school. There is so much going on that it's best he's there so we can keep watch over him.”
“You told us that we are safest here,” Petunia said, glaring at the old man. “In fact, everyone assured us that this is the safest place in the world. I don't see how we can't protect him here. If Lucius, Narcissa and Draco are staying as well because it's safest, how is Harry any different? I want an explanation for that. If it's not, I want to know so we can prepare for whatever might come!” Huffing, Petunia waited, tapping her foot, looking around.
“Well, yes, it's safe,” Albus conceded with a nod, hands starting to tap on the table as he tried to think of how to deal with this situation. “There are other matters that factor in as well. Such as the visions he gets, what the other side is trying to pull with him and such matters.”
“He's had none of these so-called visions since we've been around,” Petunia told him coldly, glaring harder.
“Harry is someone that the other side keeps trying to pull in. They'll stop at nothing to manipulate the situation to draw him in,” Minerva explained softly. “If they know he's here, it might draw attention to this place.”
“They showed up at our house so I'm well aware of what they can do,” Petunia snapped, glaring at the woman. “With all of us around, we can make sure he isn't! As you all told me, plenty are in and out of here and can help. I don't see how that castle is any safer than here.” Turning her gaze back to Albus, she added, tone deadly, “With all he's been drawn into at school, I would think it is safer here! From what I hear, he's been pulled into plenty there. No, this is what I want!”
“You don't understand,” Severus sneered, glaring at her. As this would be expected, he would start. “It's best to let us handle it. We know what's best, Petunia.”
“Don't you start, Severus!” Petunia snarled, eyes flashing. “And don't you dare take that tone with me! I know you too well for your normal tricks to work.” Eyes swiveling back to Albus, she told him, tone deadly, “As his guardian, I believe it's my call as to what Harry does. He's agreed, understanding why I asked him, so this is how we're doing it. That's all there is to it. I'll sign the papers for Dudders when I get the ones for Harry as well.”
Making a placating gesture, Albus said, “Just calm down, Petunia. I do understand why you want to go about it this way. I assure you we'll all make this as easy on you as we can. It won't be as tough as you think. No one will treat you badly, you have my word. The situation is one that will just take some adjustment, nothing more. You still have almost a full month before Harry leaves. I'm sure that in that time you'll get used to everything.”
“No!” Petunia huffed, face taking on a hard look. “This is how it will go. I don't care what you say or try to convince me of! I'm Harry's guardian. You left him on my doorstep without bothering to do so much as knock. I almost tripped over him when I went out to get the milk. Between that and everything else I've heard, pardon me if I don't take your word for anything Albus Dumbledore! I'm his aunt, so that makes me his guardian. You assured that when you put him on that doorstep. What I say goes. This is what will happen. I don't care what any of you say.”
Not sure what to say about that or how to deal with it without revealing what he knew, Albus sputtered then said, “Maybe you just need time to think the situation over. Calming down and seeing it rationally might help.”
“I think she is,” Sirius interjected softly, though he was giving an internal grin at what Petunia was doing. Oh, she was good! He imagined that all the stress that had come over the situation was driving the act, but it was only helping all of them. “She laid it all out for me in a way I could easily understand. That's why I agreed. Dudley said he would also feel better if Harry was around. It's something we can all understand. The relationships might not be the best in the world, but it's better than being in a house full of strangers and in the middle of dealing with plenty you don't understand. It's her choice, Albus, and she made it rationally. You need to abide by it.”
“While I understand why you want Harry in the castle, I also understand where Petunia is coming from,” a very tired looking Remus told Albus. “She's done very well handling the situation she's in. The same with Dudley. However, this is a request that she's making and it's not untoward. Harry is perfectly safe here, as we all know. He's also not apt to get drawn into the mess brewing. We can easily handle problems if he gets visions or whatever. I also think, on some level, it might be better for all of us. We can add in lessons that we couldn't if he was in school so he can better protect himself. Lucius, Sirius and I can take that on without a problem. Plus, Harry and Draco can easily help Dudley with so many areas. If you think about it, it can actually help all three of them. It would be far better to have them together as they are same age and will keep each other company.”
“That is something I understand, yes,” Albus agreed with a nod, not sure what else to pull out to get it moving his way. After a few moments, he pressed on, hoping it would help sway the situation, “You need to understand that if Harry doesn't go back to school, it's sure to set off a chain of events from the other side. We all know Tom is looking for him. That might get them to focus here. If that happens, though the house is safe, we have bigger problems.”
Glancing around, taking in what was said, Harry nudged Sirius and Lucius telepathically to see if this was where he should jump in. After both said yes, as it was obvious Dumbledore was going to keep arguing, he spoke up. “This is what Aunt Petunia wants, Professor. She's not asked anything of me in her life. We've been working on the relationship we have and I understand why she's asking me. This is what I want for that reason.”
“Harry, its best you're in school,” Albus told him gently. “We can help protect you in ways that we couldn't if you're here. All the professors know what's going on and will make sure to keep you safe.”
“I've not been safe, though, have I? I keep getting pulled in. Part of that is my fault, I admit it. Like last year,” Harry told him bluntly. “No, I want to stay with Dudley and Aunt Petunia. They need me as well.”
“I do understand,” Albus soothed, sighing internally. All along, he had tried to get Harry to get along with his family and it was now biting him. “Though I think we need to look at what's best for you. You can keep them safer if you aren't here. That way Tom doesn't focus in this direction. We all need that. You'll be helping all of us that way.”
Shaking his head, Harry said, “No. I'm staying. As I'm now sixteen, I can drop out. If that's what it takes, I will. I can study with everyone else to learn what I need, but I won't have to worry about the NEWTS and taking them.” Stopping, he looked around then focused on Dumbledore, saying, “I mean it. I will. They want me here and I’m staying.”
Eyes wide, glancing at the sputtering Minerva and the thunderous looking Severus, Albus cleared his throat nervously. That wasn't good, not at all. If Harry said he was dropping out and meant it, not during a pique of temper or such, it would trigger the proper paperwork and there was nothing anyone could do. “Harry, I think you need to reconsider that stance.”
“No, I don't,” Harry said softly, though his tone was firm as the hardest forged steel. Shaking his head, he added, “I mean it! She's my guardian and shouldn't have to fight over this. Sirius agreed to it as well. I was sitting right there when they discussed the whole mess. This is something everyone should honor. It's her right. You made sure I knew that as long as I call wherever it is she's at home, I'm safe because of the Blood Wards. If that's the case, staying with her protects me. It also protects her and Dudley. So, I'm staying put, one way or the other!”
Oh, that was good! Severus was smirking internally at Potter pulling that out. None of them had thought of it either and it was perfect, something Albus would fumble at dealing with because Potter tossed his own words back at him.
Lifting her chin, Petunia said, tone deadly, “He stays. Unless I'm not his real guardian, what I say goes. I expect the paperwork on him in a matter of days. Once I get that, I'll sign them both.” Stopping, she glared at the old man and waited.
This wasn't good, not at all. Stroking his beard, Albus looked between her and Harry, both of whom were staring daggers at him. Sighing, he nodded, “I'll get the paperwork for Harry. Give me a couple of days.” Oh, he didn't plan to let this happen, of course, he just had to come up with a better way to work with the situation. He fully and completely planned to have Harry in that castle for the term and would stop at nothing to get him there. It just came down to he had to figure out another way to go about it, nothing more.

Shoulders shaking, Sirius looked around and grinned. Everyone that wasn't staying in the house had just left. Shaking his head, still grinning, he said, “Oh, that was wonderful to watch! He didn't know what to do!” Reaching over and ruffling the also grinning Harry's hair, he added, “And you did great! You pulled out the one thing that he couldn't argue much with!”
“It just came to me,” Harry shrugged. “I don't think that's how it works, obviously, but it must factor in if he didn't argue the point.”
“I think it had more to do with the fact that he didn't want to reveal that Petunia isn't your real guardian,” Lucius said, looking pleased himself. “Whichever it is, it worked masterfully. He's not going to give up, this we know, but it gives us the base to keep running him in circles until the castle is done.”
“We can easily do that,” Remus said, smiling. “We just need the papers for Dudley. Harry's will be taken care of by Sirius. Albus can fight it all he wants, it won't work.”
Looking at Petunia, Narcissa said, “You did wonderful. Good job.”
“Thank you,” Petunia said with a tight smile. Though she felt better letting out some of the anger she had bottled up about so much when it came to the situation. Putting her hand on the paperwork Dumbledore had left, she said, “I'm not signing this until he produces Harry's or we're out, one of the two.”
“Don't,” Lucius told her. “That will make it clear you're serious about the situation. We'll handle it if you don't get Harry's, never fear. We can start it now, in fact, and just wait for the final to go through so you sign it. Either way, it'll work out.”
Clapping Harry on the back, he said, “I vote we all go sit outside and have something to eat. That way we can relax and let the emotions die down.” With that, Sirius planned to privately say something to Petunia about what she said to Snape. He was getting along with the man, but most wouldn't ever do what Petunia did and it was a riot to see. Oh yes, that was good!
- 35
- 36
- 37
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Through the Veil and Back Again