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Preventative Measures	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 151582 -:- Recommendations : 8 -:- Currently Reading : 30
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money off this work in perversion

Chapter List
- 40
- 41
- 42
Chapter 41

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.

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.

After taking a seat and summoning a cup of coffee, Severus looked at Lupin, who was reading that day's issue of the Prophet, and smirked. He figured everyone in the house would appreciate what Skeeter had to say about the old man. Though Lucius hadn't mentioned it, it appeared she was either in court or had managed to get her talons on a copy of the transcript.
Not only had she given her usual type of scathing rundown of the proceedings, but added enough of her own commentary to the piece that it made Albus look like he didn't care and made worthless excuses. From what Lucius said, for once she was probably right. Even better was someone on the panel must have said something to her about being cautious because she didn't even hint at who the student might be that caused the hearing. However, she did her normal simpering about the 'poor child' who suffered so much from Albus' 'willful negligence'. The old man couldn't like anything she had to say. Even worse was she made sure to include that the Hogwarts Board was asked to officially look into the matter. More the old man couldn't like. After she went through all of it, she did her normal speculation and fear mongering over it. The latter wouldn't help any of them, but it would drive Albus to distraction. Him being distracted could only assist all of them.
When Remus finished, Severus snorted then observed, sounding smug, “Someone won't like what she reported or had to say.”
“Oh, no,” Remus smiled, pushing the paper aside so Harry and Sirius could read it when they came down. “It's even better that there wasn't even a hint it was Harry she was talking about. That pleases me and probably will him and Sirius as well. While most might take what she says with a grain of salt because of what she's like, there is enough truth in the juicy bits that a lot of people will be discussing it. That should keep Albus plenty busy until the term starts.” Then, smiling bigger, he added, “Probably for a while after as well.”
“Him busy can only help us,” Severus agreed with a nod. After a glance around, his brow furrowed. While it was a tad later than he normally came over, Black and Harry were usually up and down here, even if it was just relaxing after they ate and deciding what they were doing that day. It didn't appear to him that they had come down yet. “Are the other two still sleeping?”
“Sirius sent a message down with one of the elves. It'll be a while before they join us. While he didn't say much about the why, he did mention Harry had a bad night. From what he said, Harry was still sleeping and he wasn't going to wake him. Then he was going to make sure he was as calm as he could get him before they ventured out of his room,” Remus explained with a sigh and shake of his head.
“Any hints what the issue is?” Severus asked, concerned. He assumed it was nightmares still, ones that were probably growing worse, but wanted confirmation.
“No, he didn't say. He'll probably explain when they come down,” Remus told him. Then, grabbing an envelope that came that morning and was addressed to him and Severus, he pushed it over so Severus could read through it. “Harry has one as well. It's not going to help matters if he's already having issues.”
After pulling out the expensive parchment, Severus read through it quickly then groaned. Not only did they now have an official date, but time as well, for the trial for the Dursleys. This wouldn't help matters, at all. “Did anything else come with it?”
“No, but Harry's might contain more information. We'll see when he opens it.” Remus told him with a shake of his head.
“True,” Severus agreed, putting it aside and sipping his coffee. They received the notice because it was a legal proceeding Harry had to attend, something their position warranted them being aware of. Whatever else might be involved they wouldn't be notified of because Harry was a legal adult. So, they would have to wait to see what Harry's contained.
“I think we need to work out how to get in contact with you if it's needed, Severus.” Remus told him, folding his hands on the table. “Even now. We know you're over here quite often, but if Harry starts having more issues and wants to talk to you, we need something fast that isn't the Patronus.”
“And Lucius helped me with such a project,” Severus told him with a nod. After setting his coffee cup down, he pulled out a smallish book that looked like one of his favorite novels. Opening it up, he explained what it did, the same sort of communication as Black and Harry had with the one Lucius owned. Then, flipping to the back, he showed where they had embedded the mirror into it, making sure that it was protected and wouldn't get broken. “I'll key all of you in this morning and Black can do the same with his and Harry's. This way you can get in touch. Just have Black send me a message if I'm needed. Not only will it work now, but once I'm in school as well. I might not be able to answer right off, but Black can give me the most basic rundown of what the problem is so I know what I'm dealing with when I can get in contact.”
“Very good,” Remus said with a pleased nod, looking over what Severus had. “This will work quite nicely.” Then he began asking questions about just how it functioned so he understood.

Sirius gave the waterlogged flannel he was holding a gentle squeeze, sending the excess water in it trickling down Harry's back. As they were taking a nice hot bath, he figured that would feel good for his godson. Unlike most, the two of them tended to take a bath at night because of the mucking around they did during the day. If there was something to tend to, they took a quick shower in the morning. Today was the exception.
When he sent the note to Remus about Harry having a bad night, he wasn't joking. Poor Harry had been woken five times by nightmares. Even getting up and sitting in the rocking chair with him hadn't helped. They just continued to play out until Harry woke up, bathed in sweat, eyes overly wide and clutching onto him and Elliot, both. Then it took time for him to calm down enough to go back to sleep. All this left Harry not only shaken, but with dark circles under his eyes from the lack of sleep. And he was still plenty tense. Though he had used charms to dry Harry off after each of the nightmares, he thought a bath was in order so his godson felt clean. Well, that and he thought the hot bubbling water would help soothe him a little.
“Feeling any better?” Sirius asked, drizzling more hot water over Harry's back. As it was, Harry wasn't interested in what he normally did when it came to the tub and was just sitting there holding onto Elliot. He also still looked exhausted.
“Some,” Harry mumbled, head hung forward, eyes shut. “I at least feel clean again. The charms work all right, but it's not the same as cleaning up.” All he said was mumbled as his head was down. While it was true being clean helped him feel a tad better, he was still worn out, not having had enough sleep like he was now accustomed to. Since coming to live here, he was able to sleep as much and long as he wanted. It didn't happen last night. Though he couldn't remember the nightmares he had, he could easily remember the terror that came along with them and it didn't seem like it was fading much, not something that helped.
“No, it's not. I'll give you that,” Sirius admitted, starting to soap up his little boy's back in small circles, hoping it felt good and would relax him more. “Nothing to worry about, though. We can spend as much time up here as you want. It isn't like we have anything pressing to attend to today. If we aren't down for brekky at our normal time, it doesn't mean anything.”
“I'd just like to stay in the tub for a while, if you don't mind,” Harry told him softly, relaxing more under Sirius’ touch. It not only felt good, but was soothing and reassuring, something that helped push the terror from the dreams aside enough that he could make it loosen its grip on him.
“As long as you like, Harry,” Sirius assured him with a smile. “Just let me know when you're ready to get out. We'll stay in until then.”
“Good,” Harry sighed, smiling a little and holding Elliot close. He hoped by the time they finished he would feel closer to normal, other than being tired. Tired he could handle as he took a nap most days anyway. Another thing he hoped was that today wasn't the day everyone started to bombard them because he didn't think he could handle a house full of people. Hell, he wasn't sure he could handle anyone around other than Remus and Severus.
As he tried to keep an eye on what he could see of Harry's face, Sirius gave an internal sigh. He doubted it was going to be a good day for Harry. He not only looked exhausted, but unhappy. It was his thought that it was probably one of those days they needed left alone so Harry could relax some. Once they went downstairs to get something to eat, he would have Remus take on getting rid of anyone that showed up. Yeah, it was best no one try to see what they could manage with Harry and to leave him alone until his little boy could get a handle on what he was dealing with. While he would see what Harry wanted to do, he was already planning for them to hide away for most of the day.
What he also wanted to do was see if he could get out of Harry what the nightmares were about, if he could remember them that was. It would give him hints as to what he was working with. Those he desperately needed, though he thought he might know. If it was confirmed, he might manage more. Or Snape could. One of the two. Either was good with him if it helped Harry.

After taking in Harry's tired and drawn face, Remus shot a look to Severus, who was glancing back at him, appearing concerned as well. Now he understood what Sirius meant with his message. Though he served up brekky and what Harry normally liked to drink, he noticed Harry only seemed to pick at it, being more interested in the tea that he poured. It was understandable if he hadn't slept well. Though he wanted to ask, he thought it better to let Severus tackle the issue because of the more long-standing relationship.
“Harry, are you feeling all right?” Severus asked after a few minutes of watching him pick at his food. He assumed, from the look, that he was just tired, but wanted to make sure.
“Just tired,” Harry mumbled, taking a few bites.
“He didn't sleep well last night,” Sirius explained to the two, figuring they would get it from there. Before either of them could question any further, figuring he would get with them alone to explain it after they ate, he said, “If you both could—anyone that comes over—get rid of them. Harry's just not up to dealing with anyone but us today. I don't want them taking offense or have Albus thinking anything is off, but he's just not. It's a day he's best left alone.”
“We'll do that without issue,” Remus assured him with a smile. “Not to worry, we'll make sure they don't get upset.” Though he needed to pass the letter along, he thought it best for Harry to eat first. Instead, he tossed out there, “Severus has something in place in case we need to get in touch with him either now or when he goes back to school. For it to work, we need those books Lucius charmed for you.” Then he motioned for Severus to explain what the two did.
After a quick explanation of what Lucius had come up with, then charming their books to make them compatible after an elf brought them, he said, “Anytime you need me, send a message, be it now or once I go back to school. It doesn't matter. As soon as I'm able, I'll either come over or message back. I mean it, Harry. Talking with you if you have problems is not something I take issue with. In fact, I'm more than happy to tend to such a matter. While I do understand you and Black are close, I know more of what happened in some areas than he does and it would be far easier to cover such matters with me.”
With a nod to let Severus knew he heard, Harry looked over the book then put it aside. Once he took a few more bites of his food, he then pushed his plate aside. He just wasn't hungry, all there was to it. All he wanted was the tea, honestly.
Yes, this was something Sirius needed to tend to Remus thought as he watched Harry. His old friend could probably deal with what was going on better than he or Severus. Though he knew the letter he had to give Harry would probably aggravate what was going on, if what Severus told him was correct, he wasn't going to hide it either. Besides, putting it off would just delay the reaction, not help it.
Once there was a lull after Severus showed the two the paper and it was discussed, Remus jumped in. Keeping his tone soft, he told Harry, “We have a letter for you. It's from your Solicitor.” Then he pushed it over to Harry and waited.
“Any idea what it is?” Sirius asked, watching as Harry opened the letter and began to read.
“One part we know,” Severus told him. He then held up the letter they received. “It's about the impending trial. We have a date and time. I'm sure Harry's contains information about the proceedings.”
“It does,” Harry sighed, shaking his head. “The trial is three days before the start of term.” Then he went back to reading what else was there as there was more.
Before Harry could stress more, Remus assured him, “Like we told you when you found out about the trial; Severus and I will go with you. We will not make you face this alone.”
“Absolutely,” Severus added firmly with a nod of his head. “We'll be at your side through the whole bit, you have my word.”
Sirius saw Harry nod then put a hand on his godson's back and rubbed it softly as he asked, looking at the letter, “Is there anything else in there we need to know? Or is it just explaining the hearing bit?”
“Mostly, it explains what I'll have to do,” Harry told him distractedly as he read. “It's—well, not hard. They just have to swear me in then ask the standard questions before I say the memories in the jars are mine and explain how they went to the DMLE. That's all. He said that the transcripts from the other hearing, when it comes to the other bits, is all they'll need as I wasn't considered a legal adult then. It doesn't matter that I am now, just that I wasn't then. I won't be allowed in the courtroom until I am sworn in and do that bit. After I'm done, I can sit and listen to what else goes on if I want.” Then, after flipping to the next page, he sighed and added, “He goes on to explain what he knows.”
“From what he says here, the Dursleys are fighting it every step of the way. It took the courts stepping in and assigning them a Wizarding Solicitor because they wanted to use a Muggle version. They also don't seem to understand, from what Madam Bones told him, that our system is different with evidence. Either way, it's not going to matter as they've had it explained by everyone, including their Solicitor, and if they're convicted it can't be used to appeal the verdict or sentence.” Harry groaned, shaking his head. “Bloody hell,” he breathed.
“Their issue, not yours, Harry,” Sirius assured him. “If they want to act like utter fools, it's their arses on the line. Let them fight it. There is little in the way of wiggle room for them. You're not involved and if their Solicitor can't get through to them what's in their best interests, it's not your problem. They brought it on themselves.” He doubted this was going to help what Harry was dealing with, but at least it was out there and he could take it on. It was better than having the whole matter dropped on him at the last minute. “Anything else?” He asked, hoping it wasn't more to add stress to something already plenty bad.
“Some, yeah,” Harry sighed, reaching up to rub his eyes as he continued to read. “He explains what happened with Dumbledore. It's nothing we don't know, so I won't go into it. He also said that he met with Lucius, though he doesn't use his name, and is working on what he brought to him. In this, he's being vague about what it is he's doing, but says he has lines on where to look and how to go about it. He's also saying that he's sent off the first papers to the Hogwarts Board about a lawsuit. From what he writes, he said he should know their leaning in a few days, but expects a settlement offer very quickly.”
“Oh, I bet they will, especially after Albus went to court,” Sirius snorted and grinned. “The money can't change what happened, but it's the idea they have to pay and admit that it was wrong.”
“I know,” Harry sighed, shaking his head. All in all, Harry felt like his gut was curdling over facing the court date and didn't want to have to attend. He honestly wasn't sure if he could if he had to look at his aunt and uncle. Then others knowing and all the bits with it made it worse. It was something he wasn't sure if he could handle.
After seeing the look on Harry's face, able to imagine what was bringing it on, Remus glanced between the other two at the table, not sure what to do. There had to be some way to help put him at ease, at least a little. Once more glancing between Sirius and Severus, both of whom looked concerned, he mouthed, making sure Harry couldn't see, 'what do we do'. He hoped one of them had an idea.
Severus tried to think over what he knew of such matters and areas that helped then asked Black, “Since you were an Auror, I'm sure that you at least had to learn what went on in cases like Harry's, do you know what to expect when it comes to the trial and punishment?” It was his hope if they made the process less mysterious and Harry knew what was coming, it might help, at least a little. Other than that, he was going to let Black work with all he could on it. The man had a better chance of managing than the rest of them.
“We didn't handle many, though there were a couple that came up when I was working,” Sirius told him honestly. “We did have to learn protocol, though. Generally, the victim is kept out of as much of it as they can. Harry will be in better shape because of the memories. All he has to do is authenticate them. Nothing more than that. He can't be questioned. After that, the system takes over. As the two are Muggles, they work it to where they serve time, if they get any, in the Muggle system.” Since he caught on to what he thought Snape was going for, he laid out what he knew happened, hoping it relaxed Harry even a little. Any tiny bit was going to help when it came to the mess.
Though Harry listened in, wanting to know what to expect, he still felt sick over what was coming, not sure if he could handle it. In fact, he was feeling panicked knowing the date for it was looming and what he had to face. Nothing he knew of could make this better, at least until it was over.
As he listened, he wondered if there was a way to get out of going and if they could work it to where he didn't have to show up. While he wasn’t one to back off much, this is one he wanted to, badly, and wished he could ignore.

After brekky, Sirius brought Harry back up to their room. He decided that it was best they stay alone unless his little boy made it clear he wanted to do something else, like go outside, play a game, whatever. All he hoped was to get him calmed down a little, nothing more. From what he knew, he didn't think he would manage to pull Harry fully out of what was going on, so he was going for distraction or doing what his godson wanted to do.
Hand on Harry's back after making sure the door was shut, Sirius asked, “Anything you'd like to do now? We can do whatever you like.” Then he waited, hoping to get some kind of idea of what Harry might want even if he didn't say anything.
Harry thought it over and honestly didn't want to do anything. He was tired, of course, but just wasn't interested. As he stood there, he looked at the rocking chair. It's there he focused. The thought of just sitting with Sirius, having his 'Daddy' hold him and rock was what he wanted. The problem was he wasn't sure if he could say it was what he wanted because such matters were still hard as they were a form of asking for something. Though it was Sirius and he was far easier to deal with than others, it was still so hard.
Eyes drifting where it seemed like Harry was looking, Sirius thought he may possibly have caught on to what Harry might want. Rather than ask and put more stress on him, he snagged Harry's blanket off the bed. “Come on, let's sit in the chair for a bit. It should help,” he coaxed, guiding Harry in that direction. “We'll just rock and talk for a while, if you feel like it. Then we'll decide.”
With a relieved nod, though not saying anything, Harry allowed his godfather to guide him in that direction. Good. He thought this might help, at least some. Sitting with Sirius and being held helped in plenty of ways.
After he settled in the chair and had Harry curl up to him, Sirius wrapped the blanket around them both then held Harry close, starting to rock slowly. One hand rubbing up and down Harry's back, he felt his godson relax slightly, curling up to him. Perfect. It was what Harry seemed to need.
As he slowly rocked, he talked about other areas, staying away from the ones he knew were causing issues. Mostly he talked about bits that Harry didn't need to answer, just talking. As Harry calmed slightly, he would push for interaction. Right now all his little boy needed was comfort. That he could, and would, provide. Anything else would come later.
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Preventative Measures