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Harry\'s Shadow	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Sirius Views: 41818 -:- Recommendations : 5 -:- Currently Reading : 16
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make not a knut off this strange work of fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
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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, laying out this complicated mess to make it work and other issues.

Also, to Tash who spent several long hours working with me to make sure this would come across right.

Chapter 8

It was official; Harry was at his wits end with his aunt and really couldn't take anymore. It was the day before he left for Hogwarts and her clinging had become worse than ever. Since the trip to Diagon Alley, it had stepped up, but the closer it was to him leaving, the worse it became. In fact, the day before she had another of her crying jags and tried to actually talk him out of going.
First, she tried bribing him with everything she could think of, including letting him choose what school he wanted to go to. When it didn't work and he made it clear he wanted to go to Hogwarts, she tried talking him into one of the expensive private schools, showing him the pamphlet for it. She swore she would pay for it. He shut her down fast, of course, but he was done. All he wanted was away from the woman. While she did get a clue, finally, he realized this was just going to end up worse and couldn't wait to go to Hogwarts for no other reason than to get away from her.
The day before she finally let off, stiffening her upper lip and preparing, making sure to tell him to ensure he had everything together so they didn't have to rush around at the last minute. She had even produced a list of what he needed so he could check it off. While he did like the list, just to make sure he had the necessities, between him and Sirius, he had almost everything packed. All he needed to do was add the last minute bits, like whatever was in the laundry and stuff he used every day, such as his toiletries. His aunt had even made sure he had his own towels and such. Though Sirius said the school provided those, he didn't mind having his own for whatever.
As he was seated on the floor of his room with Sirius making sure everything he could get ready was done, he listened for his aunt leaving. She had to tend to several bits before the following day. From what she said, she would be gone until tea. Not only was it a relief that she would be out of the house so he didn't have to deal with her, but he and Sirius had something to take care of. From what Sirius said, it wouldn't take but an hour, however they were down to the last minute with it.
While he had received the papers and such from Sirius' estate on his birthday, his aunt had been bad enough with the clinging that they hadn't had a chance to get over to the house yet. Today was really the only chance they had so far, so they were going to tend to the task. From what Sirius said, it wouldn't be for long and was just a short walk away. His aunt would be far off, so they had no fear of being caught.
When he heard Aunt Petunia call to him, telling him she was leaving and yelling back, saying he was going to the shoppette to pick up some Mars Bars to take with him, then hearing her say it was fine before the door shut, Harry slumped in relief. While he knew she would be gone for hours because of all she had to tend to, this was still something he didn't do, go beyond where he promised.
After sliding behind Harry after Petunia left, Sirius wrapped his arms around him and kissed him on the shoulder. “It'll be fine,” he soothed. “Where we're going is just two blocks away from the shopette. You can grab what you want on the way back without a problem and it won't look off.” When Harry nodded, he asked, “Do you still have the key in your pocket? And the small bag of clothes I told you to grab?”
Harry checked his pocket for the key then nodded, “I have it. The bag of clothes is under the bed where Aunt Petunia couldn't see them. When we get back, I'll put them up again so she doesn't suspect anything off or wonder.”
“Good,” Sirius nodded, pleased. “It's all we need. Just grab the list you hid in your desk before we go. I'm sure I'll remember all we have to say to the elf, but I want to make sure it's all covered. This time around we just want him to start cleaning and get rid of anything not repairable. Over winter break, we'll check in and go from there. It's going to take plenty of time to get the place in shape. And you're going to probably have to tend to all kinds of issues with the damned elf as he's just—bad.” After giving Harry another reassuring squeeze, he said, “It'll be fine, don't worry. We'll give it a half an hour then leave. We know she'll be on the bus by then and won't be coming back if she forgot anything.”
“Good plan,” Harry told him with a smile, though he was still nervous about the whole venture. Not only did he have to deal with the house elf, a creature he hadn't seen yet, but one that was completely mental from what Sirius said. He knew what Sirius wanted him to do and how to go about it, plus the why behind the reason he had to do it this way, but it was still strange. In the end, he would manage. After all, Sirius was with him and would help all he could.

After getting through the wards, something odd as Harry hadn't dealt with them before, they stepped into the front entry hall of Grimmauld Place. It had Harry wrinkling his nose and a tad horrified by what he was seeing. Not only was it completely filthy, but disgusting as well. Looking at the umbrella stand, something Sirius said was a troll's leg, he just shook his head. Oh, that nasty thing was going, that's for sure.
Though he let Sirius lead the way, Harry followed closely as they stepped out of the entryway, hand on his wand as he did. He might not know too many spells yet, just a couple he practiced with Sirius since getting his wand, but he felt better holding it. As he looked around, his nose scrunched up more. The whole place was just nasty, all there was to it.
When they reached the door to the kitchen, Sirius motioned for Harry to go in. Though it was probably disgusting, it was better to tend to matters in here as there was the door to shut so they weren't apt to set his mother's painting off. The time was coming for Harry to deal with the painting, but it was best not to do so on the first visit so he could give his godson a foundation for how to go about it and what it was like. As it was, poor Harry was already looking horrified. He didn't want to make this worse than he had to.
Once the door was shut, Sirius put his hand on the disgusted looking Harry's shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. With a chuckle, he said, “I doubt this has been cleaned since I went to Azkaban. Now you know why Kreacher needs to get started.”
“Oh yes,” Harry told him, understanding. As he looked around, head shaking as he did, nose wrinkling, he asked, “Now what?”
“Call for Kreacher. He'll have to come as you're his master now. Once he pops in, just say what I told you to then we'll go from there.” He didn't think it would be that easy, what with how the elf was, but he was sure between the two of them they could get the disgusting elf to do what they wanted.
With a nod, Harry then said the elf's name, demanding he come. Then he waited. In under a minute, a weird looking creature with a dirty towel slung around his waist, droopy ears and big tennis ball eyes popped in. Clearing his throat as the elf muttered, he said, keeping a firm tone, “I'm Harry Potter, your new master.”
Though the elf's eyes widened as he looked at the scar and he began to mutter about wondering if he was the Boy Who Lived, Harry pressed on, “I was left the house by Sirius, so I'm your master now and you'll obey me.”
“No,” Kreacher finally said, shaking his head vigorously. “Kreacher wants to go to Miss Cissy and Mr. Lucius! The House of Black should go to them.”
“Shut up,” Harry told him at Sirius' prompting to cut off a fit Sirius said was coming if he didn't.
Kreacher's mouth snapped shut then he pulled at his ears, tears in his eyes, as he couldn't utter a sound. Indeed, the brat standing there was his master and he would have to obey. He didn't like it, but he had no choice.
At Sirius' prompting, Harry pulled out the clothes he had brought along then held them out for the elf to see. “If you don't want to obey me, I'll give you clothes. I mean it! You're either going to listen and obey, or I'll get a new elf to tend to the house. Understand, Kreacher?” Though he understood the basics of why he was doing this, he didn't completely get it. He assumed he would in time.
Eyes widening at the clothes the brat was holding out, Kreacher tugged at his droopy ears harder and nodded vigorously. Though the brat was just a child, he seemed to know how to go about matters, which told him he needed to stay on his toes and do as he was told. He didn't like it, but would obey. No one would take him in, even Miss Cissy and Mr. Lucius, if he had been given clothes.
“Right,” Harry said, pulling out his list. “I won't be around all the time, but will visit on my breaks during school. In the meantime, I want you to start cleaning the house. And I mean really clean it. I want it so clean it looks new. Then I want you to get rid of anything you can't fix. And that stupid troll leg. I'll be back over break to check on your progress and give you new orders. If you don't do as I say, I'm giving you clothes. Understood?”
“Kreacher understands and will obey Master Harry,” the elf said as he was allowed to speak again since he was asked a direct question. Tears in his eyes, he would do as he was told, but he didn't like it. No, not at all.
Then Harry began going over the rest on the list they made up with prompting from Sirius how to word what he said so there wasn't a fight with the elf. It wasn't much, but they wanted it done before he came back over the break. It was best to start out on the right foot after all.

Late that night, Harry was still awake, too excited to sleep. It had taken only a half an hour to tend to Grimmauld Place, then he went to the shopette, just like he told his aunt he would. Because he didn't spend much of the huge allowance he received, he stocked up on all his favorite snacks to take with him. While he was sure that he would adore what he could get on the train and from Hogsmeade, he wanted the Muggle version.
As he was seated on the floor long after he normally went to bed, he made sure he was all packed and the whole lot was just so. Everything was in the trunk that he could tell. The only thing he was leaving was the pajamas he was wearing. Those could stay since he had plenty of pairs packed. From what Sirius explained, the elves at the castle took care of their dirty clothes and anything else they needed done, so he wouldn't have to worry about it. That was good as Harry was at a loss about how you did clothes the magical way. Sirius has chuckled at that part and said not to worry.
While he made sure everything was just so, he double checked that his robes and hat were on top so he could change into them before they arrived, another suggestion from Sirius so he didn't have to dig through his trunk to find them. He was certain he had everything packed by now, of course, but he couldn't help making sure. Besides, keeping busy helped calm the case of nerves he had. After all, this was a huge step, one that had him excited for plenty of reasons.

As he held Harry while his godson made sure he had everything packed, his clothes laid out, Hedwig's cage ready, all the standard bits, Sirius couldn't help but grin. It was rather like he had been all those years ago on the eve of leaving for school for the first time. Harry was excited for the same reasons he had been as well, so he understood it. He was just going for keeping him as calm as he could get him so he might get a few hours sleep anyway.
“Make sure you leave a book out in case you want to read for the train ride,” Sirius suggested. “Just in case you don't feel like talking to anyone. It's a long ride, so you'll get bored if you don't have something to do.” While he hoped that Harry would make friends with a couple people, like most did on the ride the first time, he wasn't going to count on it either. Harry was odd in that area and he wasn't sure if he would allow others close. Oh, he was positive Harry would end up with some friends, like everyone did, but he wasn't all that certain he would allow them too close. Either way was fine with him. After all, he would always be with Harry, so he would have someone. That’s all that mattered.
Brow furrowed, Harry opened the compartment that held all his books not designated for school work and rummaged around for the one on Wizarding history he had been reading. He was glad Sirius said something or he wouldn't have thought to have one out. “We're going all the way to Scotland then? Yeah, that's a long ride isn't it?”
“Hogwarts is up in Scotland, yes,” Sirius confirmed with a nod. “You'll have the snack cart come through, so you won't get hungry, but if you don't feel like talking to anyone, you'll get bored.”
After putting the book on top with his robes, Harry nodded, “True. Especially since they don't have the telly and I can't use my computer. Glad you thought of it, Sirius.”
“Just being prepared,” Sirius smiled, giving him another squeeze. “Now, double check your list and make sure you have the clothes out you want, but I think you're ready. Once you check it all over once more and look in your drawers for anything you might have forgotten, we'll lay down. You might not sleep because of the excitement, but it's best you try to rest.”
Oh, sleep wasn't coming, that was for sure, Harry thought with a grin, but he did as Sirius said. Once more that night he checked the list then double checked his desk, dresser and bedside drawers for anything he might have forgotten. Of course, he hadn't, but it was always for the best. Then he made sure it was all the way he wanted.
Once he finished, he went to use the loo then to lie down. While he was certain he would just toss and turn all night, he needed to at least lie down.

Eyes darting this way and that as they made their way through the bustling station at Kings Cross toward the platform they needed, Harry made sure to stick close to his aunt. Well, it wasn't like he had a choice there as she was keeping a hand on him at all times, or so it seemed. It was finally time! He was going to Hogwarts! While he was excited, Aunt Petunia had a good bout of tears before they left and was still a bit teary eyed as they made their way along. He could put up with it because it wouldn't be for long and then he would be away from her until winter break. That fact alone was more than worth it to him.
As they were close to where she knew the platform they need was, Petunia kept looking around, hoping to spot someone else that would be going through the wall so she could watch. She thought she remembered how to get on the platform with Harry, but wanted to be sure before she tried. After all, she didn't fancy meeting the wall at a run if she could at all help it. “We're almost there, Harry,” she told him, guiding him along the way they needed to go. “Just—let's see if someone else that's going comes along so I'm sure how to go about getting through the wall.”
Harry could easily understand what she meant, so he nodded. While Sirius explained how to get onto the platform, he wasn't sure about his aunt so it might be best to ask someone.
Stopping short of the wall she was certain they had to go through, Petunia's brow furrowed as she looked around. Then she was relieved to see a woman with red hair and several children in tow approaching, talking about Muggles. Good! Someone that could help.
When the woman stopped talking to her children, Petunia stepped up to her, making sure to hang on to Harry, then asked, quietly, eyes darting all over as she did, “Hogwarts?”
“Oh, yes,” Molly Weasley said with a nod and smile. She'd encountered a few Muggle-borns who needed help over her many years of sending her kids off, so she was more than willing to give a hand. “Need some help getting onto the platform?”
“Well, yes,” Petunia admitted with a nervous smile, taking in the brood that was with the woman. “I know how my nephew gets on, of course, from my sister, but I can't remember just how I will manage with him. If you could, a bit of a refresher?”
“Of course,” Molly nodded, more than willing to help. “Normally, you would just hang onto the cart and go through with him. It's best they do it at a run, of course, to make sure. This time, send your nephew on through and you can hold onto my arm and walk through with me. It's a tad easier on you.”
“Very much appreciated,” Petunia told her honestly. “Petunia Dursley,” she then said, introducing herself to the pleasant woman. “And this is my nephew, Harry.” She then gestured to Harry, pleased he still had his cap on. She didn't want anyone gawking at him over his scar and who he was.
“Molly Weasley,” Molly told her with a smile then introduced all her kids. “It's Ron's first year as well, so they'll both be nervous,” she added, gesturing to her youngest son who gave a wave to Harry.
“Right, Harry, why don't you and Ron go through together, then I'll meet you there,” Petunia told him, though she was uptight about letting him out of her sight for even a minute. This was for the best, though.
With a nod, Harry clutched onto the handle of the cart then asked, looking at the redheaded boy by him, “Ready, Ron?”
“Ready, mate,” Ron said, clutching his own.
With a nod, Harry then ran towards the wall, grinning as he and Sirius passed right through. Perfect! It worked!

While Harry made sure to stand right next to his aunt like he promised, his eyes were all over, taking in everything he could about the platform and train. He was going, finally! And it was almost time. He couldn't wait. As he looked around, Sirius pointed out not only bits he missed, but people he knew as well. Most of all, his godfather was telling him who some were and who he should watch out for. He made a mental note of some of them, like the boy that had been in the shop when he was fitted for his robes. As Sirius suspected then, it was Draco Malfoy. While Sirius wasn't filling him in on everything yet, he explained enough that Harry wanted nothing to do with the boy.
At the moment, he and his aunt were by the Weasley brood with Aunt Petunia talking to Molly. It was almost time to board, something he couldn't wait for, but Aunt Petunia was clinging to him still, not wanting to let go. His thought was he could get on already and find a compartment alone so he could relax, but she wasn't letting go.
Harry was paying attention to what was said, of course, but more so to what was going on, itching to get on the train that would take him away from his aunt. Like with Hagrid, she was putting on a good show for Mrs. Weasley and her kids, pretending to be the greatest guardian in the world and acting all sweet. It was making him mildly ill, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he was talking to Sirius, ignoring the little girl that kept peeking around her mother to look at him.
Just as his fidgeting was getting worse, the signal came for them to board. It made him grin hugely. It was time and he couldn't wait.
Now teary eyed and sniffling, Petunia hugged Harry close. “I'll miss you, Harry. And make sure you behave. Owl me tonight when you finish with everything and tell me what house you get sorted into.” Oh, this was so hard and she was mildly panicked over the thought of being alone for so long, but saw no way around letting him go.
“I will,” Harry told her, giving her the briefest hug he could, making sure he didn't pull a face as he did. When he broke it off, he began moving to the train, planning to find a compartment in the back by himself.
After getting on the train, dragging his trunk and Hedwig, he moved to the very back where he found an empty compartment. There were plenty around, talking and laughing as they slid into compartments, but he wanted left alone.
Once inside, he stowed his trunk up on the rack, after getting his book out, then flopped on the seat with a heavy sigh. Looking out the window, he could still see his aunt next to Mrs. Weasley. She seemed like she was scanning the windows for one last glimpse of him. While he wanted to ignore it, he didn't. Lowering the window, making sure his hat stayed on, he waved to his aunt, who seemed relieved to see him, waving back. Yes, it was time.
He kept his head out the window, listening to her last minute instructions and such until the train began to pull out. Then, with one last wave, he shut the window and flopped on the bench. And they were going! Not only was he going to learn to do magic, but he was away from his aunt. Absolutely perfect.
As he settled in, propping his feet up as he was alone, he talked to Sirius, who was explaining all kinds of bits to him. While it was a long ride, he was relieved to be going. And he was sure this would change his life forever.

Sirius was seated on the bench next to Harry, relaxing. While Harry was alone now, he was sure it wouldn't last. The train was too full and there were still some young witches and wizards scrambling to find compartments as the train eased out of the station.
Of course, he was relieved like Harry was to be away from the woman, however he was more uptight about what was coming. While he was hiding what he was the best he could, being in the castle was going to end up tricky with some of who were there. He was up to it, though, and would manage. One of the other things he realized was that he now had to keep a closer eye on his godson. It was almost a sure-fire bet that all hell was going to start breaking loose in some way because of Harry. Which meant he had to stay on his toes. He would, no doubt there, but it would take work.
As the train left the station behind and began to pick up speed, he focused on the excited Harry and couldn't help but grin. Yeah, it might end up more complicated, but this was better, that's for damned sure.
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Harry\'s Shadow