Someone was shaking him. There was a cacophony of noise in the background, crackling, screams and panic. The noise of a battle. Blinking, disorientated he tried to force himself to wake up and still he continued to be shaken. A single sound separated from the melee of sounds surrounding him, "Harry, Harry, wake up pup." He could hear Sirius's voice clearly, layered with worry and tension. Grimacing he forced himself to wake up fully, half pushing himself into an upright position. Darkness surrounded him but he could clearly make out his godfather's face and the lines of worry in his face and the concern in his eyes were obvious. The animagus sighed slightly in relief when he saw Harry was alert but the tension was still evident in his entire posture.
"Get up Harry, quickly," His voice was tense and Harry complied as fast as possible. The screaming was getting closer and Sirius glanced towards the sound, his eyes silently urging him to hurry. That more than anything woke him. He had never seen his godfather display anything close to fear before; or at least fear that wasn't to do with his health or injuries and the sight of his godfather obvious deeply worried unnerved him more than anything else. Only a few more seconds passed before he was fully awake, his wand secured in his arm holster and on his feet beside Sirius.
The moment he was ready Sirius grasped his shoulders and was dragging him towards the entrance to the tent, and all the while the screaming was growing louder and louder. Whatever it was, it was getting closer. His godfather was holding his shoulder so tightly it hurt and he moved a little to try and get him to release his grip slightly, it was then he noticed that Sirius's wand was already out and pointed in the direction of the screams. "Outside the tent, run towards the forest, run and don't look back." The animagus commanded tersely, "I'll follow behind, and meet you there."
"What is it?" He asked, his voice higher than usual.
"Death Eaters," was the brief reply, then his godfather glanced out of the tent, checking the coast was clear before he shoved Harry out, "Now go!" He shot a look back over his shoulder, checking Sirius was definitely following him before he started sprinting towards the forest and safety. Behind him the distorted black shadows of robed figures stood out starkly against the flickering flames of burning tents and in between the twisted skeletons of burning wreckage he could see the figures themselves, clothed in black with gruesome skull masks hiding their faces. Death Eaters, follows of Voldemort, part of the reason he no longer had parents. The flashes of spell fire highlighted fleeing figures and occasionally a figure slumped to the ground, hit by one of the curses.
Hot fear flashed through him as he realised what Sirius was doing. He was being a human shield, covering his back and drawing any fire towards himself, giving Harry a clear run towards safety in the trees. He couldn't help but glance back at his godfather, to reassure himself that the man was still safe.
One of the masked wizards had peeled off from the group and as he watched he saw the figure raise his wand and point it in his godfather's direction. A beam of green light started to speed straight at Sirius. He didn't know the spell but he recognised the colour. It had haunted his earliest nightmares and it still haunted them to this day. It was the flash of green that had stolen his parents and he would not let it steal his godfather as well. Sirius half turned, straight into the path of the speeding curse, it was going to hit him and he couldn't stop it.
With a raw throated yell, Harry launched himself forward, colliding with the animagus, knocking both of them to the ground. The flash of green sailed over the spot Sirius had been standing a mere second earlier. Then Remus was there, a barrage of spells flying towards the Death Eaters, protecting the downed figures of his best friend and his cub. "Get Harry to safety Padfoot!" He yelled, "I'll cover your retreat, just get yourselves out of here!" Shouting his thanks over his shoulder, Sirius pulled Harry upright and staying slightly behind him ran with him towards the forest, occasionally shooting off a spell or throwing up a shield.
The forest was getting closer and closer and one last sprint thrust him into the comparative safety of the trees. Sirius squeezed his shoulder lightly in thanks but there wasn't time for anything else as he transformed and started to lead him deeper into the forest. As the campsite vanished from sight he looked backwards, hoping to catch a glimpse of Remus but all he could see was figures shooting spells at one another, there was no way he could tell whether Remus was there or not.
They continued to run when abruptly Sirius shifted, catching Harry as he stumbled forward, unprepared for the sudden stop. "We're outside the anti-apparition wards," he said in way of an explanation. He took Harry's arm and held it tightly, "Hold on," he warned as they apparated away from the stadium.
A few seconds later they appeared outside Remus's cottage and Sirius half pulled him inside and towards the floo. "What happened to the Weasleys, Hermione and Remus?" He gasped out as his godfather thrust floo powder into his hands. Sirius just shook his head and gestured towards the fireplace, there was no mistaking the urgency and fear that still marked his expression so Harry complied without complaint, he could get answers as soon as Sirius had decided they were safe, but he would get answers, he had to know that his friends were also alright. With a swirl of emerald flames he headed home, followed closely by Sirius.
Sirius exited the floo with his usual grace and his gaze fell immediately on his godson, relief welling up in him with the knowledge Harry was safe and seemed unharmed. With one swift step he was beside his godson and he pulled the boy up into his arms, crushing him to his chest. He thought his godson was alright but he had to be absolutely certain, he had to know it was real. He felt tears of relief drip down his face as Harry wrapped his own arms around him and hugged him fiercely. Harry was safe. He held him securely, before releasing him, "Come on pup, you need your rest."
"No." Sirius was startled, this was the first time Harry had ever disobeyed him and whilst he was glad Harry was becoming comfortable enough to make his own opinions known he wished it had come at a better time. He just raised his eyebrows and Harry's gaze dropped. "I have to know what happened," he sucked in a deep breath and raised his head to look his godfather in the eye, steeling himself for anger but only seeing patience and curiosity. Emboldened he continued, "I can't go to bed not knowing whether my friends, Remus and the rest of the Weasleys are alive." Understanding rushed through Sirius. He had been planning to stay up until he got a patronus from either Arthur or Remus giving him the news and he realised it was only natural Harry felt the same way.
He smiled warmly down at the teen, "That's fine Harry, I shouldn't have forgotten that you would be worried too." The relief was evident in his godson's posture and there was no protest as he led him towards the sofa, encouraging him to sit down before settling down himself. Harry smiled up at his godfather. He hadn't wanted to disobey him, he didn't want to do anything to make Sirius angry with him but he had to know what had happened to his friends. But even though he was determined to wait for news Sirius had been right when he had tried to send him to bed, he was struggling to stay awake. Yawning quietly he leant against his godfather's side, resting his head on the animagus's shoulder. Sirius smiled tenderly down at him then reached out and placed an arm over his shoulders, holding him close as they waited.
To try and stay awake Harry flicked through the events of the night in his mind, reviewing them. Suddenly he froze. He had seen the green light, pushed Sirius out of the way but he hadn't actually realised before now what it actually was. What it would actually do. The green light that had haunted his earliest dreams had taken his parents from him, had killed them. Fear rose up in him, suffocating as he realised that if he hadn't acted his godfather would be dead. He had nearly lost him, nearly lost the only parent he could remember, the only person who loved him and whom he loved in return, the only father he had ever known.
Tears began to prickle in the corner of his eyes and he began to shake with silent sobs, he couldn't lose Sirius, not now, not when he finally had a home and a family. He felt strong arms encircle him, holding him close. Tears streamed down his face and he clung to his godfather, burying his face in the animagus's chest, not caring that his tears were soaking through his godfather's robes. He felt Sirius's love and comfort surround him and he knew he was safe and so was Sirius but the very real possibility that he might not have been, that he might have lost him forever just fuelled his tears.
"It's alright Harry, you're safe now," Sirius murmured quietly, trying to soothe his distraught godson. He could feel Harry shaking with the force of his sobs and he held him tightly, trying to pour as much love and comfort into the embrace as he could. Why had Harry suddenly broken down? Scanning the night's events he searched desperately for the source Harry's distress. He could remember Harry pushing him out the way of a spell, a sixth sense had made him turn, a flash of green as it passed over them. A flash of green. His throat went dry as he realised he had only been seconds away from being hit by the Killing Curse. And Harry had seen, had saved him. He was aware Harry could remember that night, he must have recognised the curse.
Sirius held him tighter, he couldn't even begin to imagine what Harry must be going through. To remember his parent's murder and then seeing his godfather almost being killed by the exact same curse, and the knowledge he would be dead if he hadn't acted. And to top it all he knew that he was the only person who Harry could ever remember showing him any form of parental love. "I'm here pup, it's alright, I've got you and we're safe," he murmured over and over again, rubbing the boy's back with his free hand, comforting him.
Eventually the tears slowed, finally stopping and Harry's grip slackened slightly although Sirius noticed he never actually let go. "I nearly lost you." He whispered, his voice muffled by the fabric. Sirius just held him, "I'm alright pup, I'm here and I have no intention of dying anytime soon," his soft voice murmured. Harry pulled back and met his gaze, his eyes wide and fearful. His godson's barriers had come crashing down and Sirius could see the frightened child staring back at him, the one who had lost everything, the one only just beginning to understand love only for it to nearly be snatched away. He felt his heart break at the sight. Harry seemed to be recovering, healing, but inside, buried deeply where few could ever see he was still the vulnerable frightened child who longed for a parent.
"I can't lose you Sirius, not now. You are the only person that loves me, please, please don't leave me," Harry's voice broke and he could hear the pleading in his words. "Please don't put yourself in danger, even if it's to protect me. I couldn't stand it if I lost you." The emerald eyes shone, tear bright, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on his godfather's face. "Oh Harry," Sirius said, then he tightened his hold, pulling his godson closer.
Harry burrowed deeper into the embrace, closing his eyes and resting his head in the crook of his godfather's neck. Slowly he relaxed in the comforting warmth and security of his godfather's arms. But even that didn't stop the worry gnawing in his heart. Sirius had survived; he was here, safe, but what about next time or the time after that? One day he wouldn't come back and that would destroy him. He had to stop his godfather from putting himself in danger.
"You don't have to protect me, it could get you hurt or I could lose you." His voice trembled and he felt Sirius freeze, "Please, please don't put yourself in danger, not for me," he begged. He heard his godfather sigh and draw breath to speak, quickly he glanced up, fixing his eyes on Sirius's grey ones, letting his fear and pain show through. "Please Sirius, please. I can't see you hurt, I just can't..."
"Harry," his godfather said, his voice rough with emotion, cutting him off. "I don't want to be hurt but there is nothing that will stop me protecting you." He tightened his hold and shushed Harry when he made as if to speak. "I know it frightens you and I understand that, Merlin knows you have lost so much already but I will not leave you and I will always protect you." Harry started to protest but Sirius merely waited patiently for him to finish before speaking again. "No Harry, you are the most precious thing in my world and I will do whatever is necessary to protect you, even at the cost of my own life. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you." He said fiercely.
Harry lay still, feeling the protectiveness and security that surrounded him. It was something he had longed for throughout his childhood but he now understood that it was a double edged sword. The security came at a cost, and that cost was his godfather's safety, something he would never risk. He started to tell Sirius this but the animagus placed a hand over his mouth, stifling his protests. "That's not your decision Harry," his godfather said softly, "It's mine." He watched his godson's face carefully, ensuring that he was paying attention. "And I will always choose to protect you." Looking at Harry's wide eyes he could see the boy still didn't fully accept it.
Gently he pulled Harry back into the embrace. "Any parent would do it for their child. Your parents did it for you and I know that they would not regret their sacrifice because it meant that you survived. They wouldn't hesitate to do it for you a second time and neither would I. I couldn't live with myself if I could have done something to save you and didn't and I know both James and Lily would say the exact same thing." Softly he stroked his fingers through his pup's messy black mop, trying to convey his conviction and determination.
Seeing the unease his godson was still showing he changed tactics. "If Hermione or Ron was in danger would you protect them even if they asked you not to, regardless of your own safety?" He asked softly. At Harry's affirmative nod, he tightened his hold. "This is the exact same thing." His godson just burrowed deeper into the hug and refused to meet his gaze.
"Blast it Harry!" He exclaimed in frustration, "You are still a child, my godson, my child! You should have been protected growing up and it is my fault you weren't but I'm here now and I will protect you. You are the most important thing in my life and there is nothing that you can do that will change that or change my mind." His voice softened, "I promise I will be careful and I won't try to get hurt but I will keep you safe no matter what." His voice dropped to a whisper and he felt tears begin to prick in his eyes as he held his godson.
Finally Harry relaxed fully, accepting Sirius's words. He knew that he would do anything to protect his godfather and his friends, even if it endangered him and he could see that he couldn't stop Sirius from doing the same. He didn't like it and he knew he would worry for his godfather and he would try his hardest to avoid dangerous situations, so he could keep him safe.
The words his godfather had spoken and the fire with which he had spoke warmed his heart. Sirius had called him his child and he had clearly heard the sincerity and feeling behind the words. He had a family, he had a parent and that couldn't be taken from him. Joy bubbled up inside him as he lay in his godfather's arms, he was safe, loved and protected. He could finally be a child, finally have a parent he could remember. The only shadow on his happiness was the worry surrounding his friends back at the campsite. They still hadn't heard anything and time was slipping by and he knew that each moment that passed increased the chance that they were seriously hurt or dead.
"Do you think they're safe?" Sirius smiled down at him although he noticed that the smile didn't reach his eyes,
"I'm sure they're fine pup and we will hear from them soon." Harry didn't fully believe him but it was hard to focus on his worry. His head was pillowed against his godfather's chest and Sirius's arms held him securely, he felt completely safe and he could feel his godfather's love surround him. Combined with his weariness he was struggling to keep his eyes open despite the worry that plagued him. Giving in, he closed his eyes and safe in his godfather's hold he slipped into an uneasy half doze, his worries still plaguing him even in sleep as they waited for news.
A bright silver light intruded under his closed eyelids and blinking Harry forced the sleep away. Maybe this was the news he had been waiting for. He twisted slightly trying to see the source of the light more clearly and he felt Sirius loosen his grip, allowing him to move properly, although not actually releasing him. He rubbed his eyes, squinting against the bright light he could make out the form of a shinning bear patronus. "That's Remus's patronus," Sirius told him softly. Relief swept through him, if Remus had sent a patronus it meant he was alive.
Suddenly Remus's voice was heard in the room and Harry jumped, automatically searching for the source of the sound. Instantly Sirius murmured a reassurance, accepting it, he focussed his attention on the message. "Everybody is safe, nobody was harmed." The worry tightening his chest vanished and he slumped back against his godfather, finally giving in completely to the exhaustion that had settled in the very marrow of his bones. Everyone was safe, everyone had survived tonight and for now that was all that mattered. He heard Sirius's own sharp exhale of breath and knew that his godfather had been just as worried as him, if not more so.
Gently the animagus lifted him up and carried him towards his bedroom. Harry was too tired to fight and he didn't want to. Everyone he cared about was safe and he was protected, loved and safe, held securely by the man he looked at like a father. Before they reached the top of the stairs he was asleep. Carefully Sirius placed his godson in his own bed and tucked him in as if he was a little child. It was nearly morning but when the sun ray's finally made their way over the horizon both occupants of Black Island were asleep.
The warm light of the afternoon sunlight filtered through his windows, waking him. Groggily he pushed the sleep to one side curious as to why he had slept so late. For a moment he wondered why he was in his bedroom when he couldn't remember ever getting there, but as he thought back over the events of the previous night he realised Sirius must have brought him up after he fell asleep, and his godfather hadn't woken him up because he had gone to bed so late.
His stomach growled loudly, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since the previous evening. Groaning he pushed himself upright, one hand fumbling for his glasses, finally finding them and blinking as the world came into focus once more. As he looked around his room he suddenly realised how late it was, he had already missed both breakfast and lunch and the afternoon was flying by. Sighing quietly he rose and dressed hurriedly before padding downstairs in search of his godfather and food. As he approached the sitting room door he caught the sound of voices getting steadily louder and louder.
"Malfoy was the one that cast that curse Sirius," he heard Remus say, then,
"You're sure Moony?" His godfather's voice sounded rather strained. There was a beat of silence then, "Damn fucking bastard," Sirius shouted, "Does he know what that did to Harry? I'll kill him, I'll murder that bloody death eater scum."
Harry couldn't help but flinch and take an automatic step backwards at the anger in his godfather's voice, although he knew it wasn't directed at him the years of living with his uncle had taught him to avoid the anger of an adult, before it had always resulted in him getting hit or beaten. Unfortunately the movement caused the floorboards beneath his feet to creak loudly and instantly the noise from the room cut out and he heard his godfather call out for him.
Slightly worried at the still present anger in Sirius's voice he hesitantly opened the door and entered the room, tensing up. Although mentally he knew his godfather would never hurt him he couldn't overcome the years of instincts that rose up in him whenever he heard an adult's anger. However he saw immediately that he didn't have to worry, although tension was clear in his godfather's face the warm smile the animagus directed at him convinced him immediately that none of the anger was directed at him. "Hi pup, sleep well?" Sirius questioned softly, reaching out to ruffle his hair. Harry just smiled and nodded, for once he hadn't had a nightmare, something that was particularly surprising considering the night's events. Unfortunately he was still somewhat tense due to the earlier shouting and Sirius was quick to pick up on it,
"What's the matter Harry?" he asked quietly. Harry couldn't help but look away, embarrassed. Sirius had never done anything to make him think he should be afraid of him, and he wasn't, he trusted Sirius more than any other adult but he couldn't help his reaction. The only time he had ever properly seen Sirius angry was in Diagon Alley and that had been in clear defence of him, not to mention he had been comforting him at the time as well. Anger in adults had always been associated with pain and he couldn't help the reaction that he had learnt painfully throughout his childhood.
As the silence stretched Sirius felt his worry grow. Harry only started evading answers when the potential answer was bad. Throwing a quick glance at Remus, begging his old friend to be patient he turned his attention back to his godson, noting out of the corner of his eye that Moony had sat down on the sofa and occupied himself with the Daily Prophet. "Harry, what is it?" he asked once more, his eyes scanning the boy for any sign of something wrong.
Just as he was about to ask again his godson sighed, his body relaxing somewhat, "I couldn't help it Sirius, I'm sorry, it's just something that happens, I mean..." His voice trailed off. Alarmed now, Sirius knelt down so he was able to look Harry straight in the eye, placing his hands gently on the boy's shoulders, hoping to offer some reassurance through the gesture. His godson smiled faintly although it was obvious his mind was still far away, finally he answered the unspoken question.
"It just became an instinct, you know. At the Dursley's anger of an adult meant only one thing," He paused and Sirius could see the darkening of pain in his eyes as he remembered, his voice dropped to a whisper, "Pain. I would get hit or beaten." Sirius desperately wanted to pull his godson into his arms, hold him tight and comfort him, reassuring him that he would never be hurt again but he repressed the instinct, knowing that his godson needed to say this first, needed to explain. Harry continued, now with a note of apology in his voice, "I heard the shouting and the anger and couldn't stop myself I just reacted." He dropped his head, hiding his face completely.
This was the last straw for Sirius, he pulled his godson close, wrapping his arms around him and embracing him fiercely. He felt Harry pause for a moment before the teen hugged him back, burrowing into his hold. He couldn't go back and get rid of the demons in his pup's past but he would do everything he could to give him the loving home he needed. He tightened his grip, finally feeling Harry relax totally, letting go of his fear. Suddenly an awful thought struck him, surely Harry hadn't...he can't have done...surely he hadn't thought he would hit him. He had to know, he had to make sure his godson knew.
"I would never hurt you Harry," he said, unable to help the way his voice broke, "You do know that pup?"
Harry raised his head so he could look straight at his godfather, "I do know that Sirius," Sincerity was laced through every single word, "I trust you and I know you would never hit me."
Relief swept through him and he tightened his grip, Harry knew he couldn't, wouldn't hurt him and Harry trusted him. It was only an instinct, only a product of his upbringing at those miserable excuses for relatives. After a few moments he released him and smiled as he saw Harry was relaxed and happy once more.
Harry smiled to himself, Sirius had understood, he hadn't judged him because he was still jumpy from the Dursleys, still weak. Not for the first time he thought how lucky he was to have Sirius, somebody who could understand and still loved him unconditionally despite the fact he knew better than most quite how messed up his life was and the amount of trouble he had trusting or confiding in others. The smile however quickly faded as he realised who else was in the room with them.
He didn't mind Sirius knowing about his past, particularly in light of his godfather's revelations about his own childhood, his godfather had seen it, rescued him, understood and never judged him but with everyone else he didn't know he could trust. He wished he didn't have to hide but he couldn't help worrying that maybe they would judge him, see him as a freak. Sirius hadn't but he didn't know how anyone else would react. So he hid. They knew something was wrong, heck Ron and the twins had rescued him in second year but they still had very little idea of what really happened. If they knew the truth it might cause them to abandon him and he wouldn't lose his friends. He had no friends growing up and he couldn't lose the ones he had now. He had so few friends he couldn't bear it if he lost them. Without them at Hogwarts he had nothing.
He glanced towards Remus, hoping the werewolf hadn't noticed or heard the conversation. His spirits fell instantly as he saw the horrified look on his teacher's face. He had hidden for precisely this reason, people would change how they viewed him when they knew, even if they didn't think he was a freak they would still change how they viewed him. "Merlin," he heard the werewolf breathe and he bowed his head, studying the floor intently, waiting for Remus to decry him as a freak. As such he missed the glare Sirius Black was sending in his best friend's direction as he moved towards his pup, placing one hand on the boy's shoulder and stroking his godson's hair with the other.
Remus Lupin was beyond shocked. He was aware that Harry had been neglected by the Dursleys and verbally abused, he had seen how frail and weak the boy was when he first started teaching him that summer and he knew there were emotional scars that would probably never vanish despite the changes Sirius was making and the healing he was providing but he had never even considered Harry might have been physically abused.
He knew he hadn't been meant to hear what Harry had said but his keen werewolf hearing made that impossible. His mind kept flying through the information he had learnt. Harry had been hit, had been beaten just because he Uncle was angry, just because Harry was there and easy to take the frustration out on, just because he was different. The wolf inside him was growling, wanting to protect the cub and he knew his own rage was getting close to the surface.
Suddenly he became aware of the glare his friend was sending in his direction and he jerked backwards in shock, realisation crowding down on him. Looking at Harry standing in front of him his head bowed in what was obviously fear he was instantly reminded of a night in the Gryffindor dormitories when James had found out he was a werewolf. He had been so scared that they would reject him, treat him differently and he could recognise the selfsame fear in the boy. In an instant he knew what he had to say, "I know you didn't want me to find out Harry," he said quietly, "But I promise I won't tell anyone else and I will not change the way I treat you. You are still Harry and it doesn't matter what your relations did to you."
Cautiously Harry raised his head, leaning into Sirius just in case, looking at Remus, searching his eyes for what he really thought. He could see pity and rage in the amber gaze but he could also see an understanding and a strange sort of recognition. They didn't fully support his words but they didn't contradict them either. He considered it for a moment before he slowly nodded. Remus hadn't decried him as a freak and didn't seem likely to, there was definitely a chance he would act slightly differently but he wouldn't abandon him and that was the really important thing.
Sirius's voice brought him out of his musings, "Why don't you go by the kitchen and find some food pup?" he suggested quietly. As Harry hesitated he added, "I'm sure you're starving by now, not to mention that Andy will have my head if she thinks you've been skipping meals." Harry couldn't help but chuckle, he liked Andromeda Tonks but she was a Black by birth and he couldn't deny that she could become rather fierce, especially when it came to matters of his health. Realising he was actually fairly hungry, he grinned at his godfather and sent an uncertain smile in the direction of Moony before heading straight for the kitchen where he knew Nixie would have a veritable feast ready.
Sirius let out a sigh of relief as he watched his godson leave the room. Harry still seemed reasonably happy and despite the fact Remus had overheard it didn't appear to have caused any lasting damage to their relationship. He ran his hand through his hair in annoyance, he wouldn't have chosen for Moony to find out the way he had done, not to mention Harry wasn't in the most stable emotional state at the moment, the events of the previous night combined with the events of the last few hours hadn't combined to help Harry in any way, especially when it came to delicate situations.
"Do you think he won't be comfortable around me anymore?" The werewolf asked softly, his eyes following the door Harry had vanished through. Sirius sighed and answered his friend honestly,
"It will take a bit of time to get back to the way it was Moony," he said frankly, "Harry didn't want you to know and he will wait for you to prove that nothing has changed before he will be fairly comfortable around you again and that will take time. He doesn't trust easily and he has enough insecurities that it can easily be broken." He admitted. "I'm trying to help him as much as possible but I doubt there will ever be more than a few people he will ever open up to, the damage just runs too deep."
"Is there anything I can do that will make this better?" His friend questioned, "I can't believe they abused him physically but I don't want to drive him away."
"The best thing you can do is behave as you used to before you found out." Sirius said bluntly, "He's worried the knowledge will drive people away or make them think he is a freak. It's ridiculous but..." He left the sentence hanging. Unspoken was the knowledge that Harry was still suffering from the years of abuse, that his knowledge and understanding of love and friendship was still so small.
For a moment there was silence as both men contemplated the situation. Finally Remus spoke, "What are you intending to do about Malfoy Padfoot?" he asked, bringing the conversation back to the issue they had been speaking about before Harry had come downstairs. Sirius paused for a moment his mind considering the possibilities, "I'm sure he tried to kill me to remove my hold over him, after all if I'm dead he thinks the lordship will go to his son. What he doesn't know is that I've already named Harry as the heir to the Black family but that still doesn't change what he will try to do."
Remus frowned, thinking, "How about telling him that you've changed your will so the debt is automatically collected upon your death? He wouldn't want to take that risk and if you went to Gringotts and added a suggestion that Harry should call in the debt..."
Grinning evilly Sirius completed the thought, "He would think I have actually added the proviso into it because the goblins would never disclose the actual change. Very Slytherin of you Moony." His friend just grinned and Sirius rolled his eyes before sitting down to pen the necessary letters.