A Life More Ordinary

Hogwarts' Express, December 19, 1991

"Oy, I can't see anything out there; there's so much snow!" Ron said excitedly; he had his nose pressed against the fogged window.

"I hope it keeps up," Hermione said with a huge smile. "My dad and I always make an army of snowmen every Christmas."

"Charlie's gonna try to make a dragon this year," Ron boasted, but Hermione didn't even bother to frown at him; she was too busy looking out the opposite window.

"Thank Merlin we're leaving England for the holidays," Draco said with a shiver. He turned away from the snowflakes and burrowed himself deeper into his fur-lined coat.

"How can you hate snow?" Ron demanded, for perhaps the fifth time.

"Because it's cold."

"Harry, you're going to miss all the snow as well," Hermione said as she twisted round.

"We'll be back before Christmas," Harry said as he tried to get a look over Hermione's shoulder. "I can't see the station yet..."

Hermione pressed back against the seat so that Harry could see the thick snowflakes. "It's so exciting," she said, her eyes gleaming when Harry pulled back. "Imagine tracking a herd of unicorns through the mountains."

"When are you leaving, Harry?"

Everyone turned their attention from the snowflakes at Neville's question.

"We're Apparating home from the station and then taking a Portkey from there," Harry said, smiling as excitement burbled in his stomach.

"Remus must be so disappointed to miss it," Hermione said, sighing a little and Harry grinned, knowing it was really Hermione herself who was disappointed not to be coming along.

"The unicorns are in charge of the schedule," Harry said, repeating what Ollivander had written in his letter. "So we have to go now. The young ones will be moving away from their herd tomorrow, so Ollivander says. He's been tracking their movements."

Hermione sighed, her eyes wistful.

"The train's slowing down," Ron said, peeking out the window again. "I can barely see the platform there's so much snow..."

They began gathering their belongings and a few minutes later, the scarlet train whistled to a stop. Harry was jostled along with the rest of the students, down the long train and out onto the platform, where a grinning Sirius and more solemn Remus were waiting for him.

"Harry!" Sirius' arms gathered him up in a tight hug and Harry grinned into his godfather's shoulder as he was lifted off solid ground. "Oy, you're getting too big for this," he said into Harry's ear as he squeezed and Harry laughed.

"Think you're just getting old," he said. Sirius set Harry back on his feet.

"One more crack like that," he said, his features scowling while his voice held only amusement, "and it's going to be a very lonely expedition for Ollivander."

"Ease up on your godfather, Harry," Remus said with a smile. "It's the weather, you know. Wreaks havoc on the old bones."

"Oi!"

Harry smirked as he leaned against Remus' side and Remus slipped an arm round his shoulders. "Shouldn't argue with Remus, you know," Harry said. Sirius harrumphed and Remus shared a smile with Harry as he patted Harry's shoulder.

"We'd best find your trunk so that you and Sirius will be able to leave before nightfall." Keeping his arm securely round Harry's shoulder, they turned toward the queue of students and parents waiting for luggage.

"Harry!" a familiar voice called and the trio turned to find Mrs. Weasley, with Ginny in tow; they were both waving. Mr. Weasleys was walking behind with his four boys; all of them talking excitedly to their father. "It's been too long," Mrs. Weasley cried and though Remus seemed reluctant to let him go, Harry soon found himself enfolded in Mrs. Weasley's arms. "You're so thin!" she exclaimed as she smothered him. "Nothing but skin and bones!"

Harry nodded obediently and she released him. He accepted a half-embrace from Mr. Weasley and then a quick squeeze from Ginny.

"Hi Gin," Harry said with a grin.

"Mum's been saying for weeks that she needs to fatten all of you up," Ginny explained. "Don't know why she thinks the elves at Hogwarts don't feed you."

"Hush Ginny," Fred said with a frown and a nudge. "We've sent her dozens of artfully-crafted letters, telling her how much we were missing her mince-meat pies and lemon tarts."

"Because the elves couldn't keep up with the likes of us," George chimed in.

"Makes her feel appreciated, you know," Fred explained to Harry.

George grinned. "Can't help it if we benefit from it as well," he said as he patted his stomach.

"You two are dolts," Ginny said as she rolled her eyes, which of course, made the twins, and eventually Ron, pounce on her with fingers that tickled her breathless and when that descended into a four-way Weasley sibling spectacle--with Harry being dragged in by Ginny for support--Mrs. Weasley finally intervened with threats to withhold pudding.

"Oi!" Sirius protested as he attempted to extract Harry from the twins' headlock. "At least let him live until after the holidays!" Fred and George, reluctant to release their quarry, held fast until Sirius suggested an Aquamenti Charm. "Freeze your clothes right to your skin," he said solemnly and the twins looked alarmed, but only for a second before a gleam of interest lit their eyes.

"You're dad's a right clever one," George said to Harry as he and Fred backed away and let Harry straighten his cloak.

"Mrs. Norris would hate that little charm," Fred said, nudging his brother.

"Really, Sirius," Molly clucked. "Don't give them any ideas! Now, all of you come along this instant or I'll feed my chocolate cake to the garden gnomes!"

And it was with a great deal of protests and promises to be good, that the Weasleys finally cleared the platform, all of them waving to Harry and his parents even as they continued to talk at the top of their lungs.

"One would think Molly and Arthur might have learned to control their offspring by now--having so many to practice upon."

Harry turned with his parents at the smooth voice. Mr. Malfoy smiled down his nose. Mrs. Malfoy' features were considerably more reserved. She nodded though and beside her, Draco's lips were pinched together, his grey eyes wary.

"Good afternoon," Mr. Malfoy said, nodding to Sirius and Remus in turn.

"Good afternoon," they murmured. Sirius' arm draped over Harry's shoulder and Harry had to take two steps backward until he butted against his godfather's chest.

"Draco tells us that your first term was a success," Mr. Malfoy said. "And of course we saw your fine match against Slytherin last month. You have considerable skill on a broom, Harry."

"Er... Thank you," Harry said, after glancing up at his godfather and receiving a small smile.

"Quite like your father in that regard," Lucius added. "Though I do not believe I've ever seen a Seeker catch a Snitch with his mouth..."

Harry flushed. "Er... yeah," he said. "I didn't really mean to catch it that way..."

"He did catch it though," Sirius said and Harry could tell he was speaking through a tightened jaw. "And that's what matters."

"Yes," Mr. Malfoy agreed. "Quite right, since the points you earned allowed Gryffindor to best Slytherin in the match--for the first time in some years, I might add. Sinistra was most disappointed with the result."

"There's always Hufflepuff to win against," Sirius said, his voice falsely pleasant.

Mr. Malfoy smiled slightly. "Excellent notion."

"If you'll pardon us," Remus interjected, "we are in a bit of a rush and we still need to collect Harry's trunk."

Mr. Malfoy inclined his head. "Of course. It was pleasant to see you again. Come along, Draco."

Draco gave Harry a small smile and after the adults exchanged farewells, the Malfoys--with Dobby directing Draco's luggage--Disapparated. Sirius and Remus shook their heads; their gazes locked for a few seconds before all three went toward the wizard in the furry orange cap in search of Harry's trunk.

"I think that one is my daughter's," a man's voice said hesitantly as Remus reached for one that looked like Harry's.

"Dad, that's Remus."

Harry peered around Remus' back, recognizing Hermione's voice immediately; he grinned. "Hi!"

"Hi Harry," she said brightly as soon as she saw him. "Hi Remus," she added.

"Hello, Hermione. And you must be Hermione's father," Remus said; Mr. Granger nodded and they shook hands.

"Elliot," he said with a warm smile. He put an arm around the tall woman standing next to him and added, "My wife, Jean." Remus exchanged pleasantries with Hermione's parents and then Mr. and Mrs. Granger greeted Sirius with more smiles; he'd visited with them three times with his mirror in the last few months so that Hermione could talk to them.

"And it's lovely to finally meet you, Harry," Mrs. Granger said. "We've heard so much about you, we feel as though we know you."

Harry smiled, not knowing what to say to that, but the four parents began talking a second later so it didn't matter.

"You're going to have so much fun, Harry," Hermione said as she pulled her gloves on. "We went to Majorca last Christmas but that's the most exciting holiday I've ever had."

"Maybe someday you'll be able to come with us."

Hermione grinned at him and then began telling him all about the usual migratory patterns of young unicorns. Harry knew all about it, but he let Hermione talk anyway. Her mother finally ran a gentle hand over Hermione's bushy hair and as if Mrs. Granger had used a Silencing Spell, Hermione stopped talking. She looked up at her mother and the two of them shared a smile.

"Sirius and Remus have invited us for Christmas dinner," Mrs. Granger said. "Doesn't that sound lovely?"

"Yes," Hermione said, all of her teeth showing as she smiled. "Then Harry can tell us all about his trip. And you'll take pictures, won't you, Harry?"

"Several rolls," Sirius promised, his eyes shining with amusement. "Maybe you and Harry might even like to write an essay about it ... for extra credit perhaps. Surely the Care of Magical Creatures professor would like to see it."

Harry goggled at his godfather, but Sirius' solemn expression didn't change.

"Do you think we could?" Hermione demanded excitedly.

"He was joking, Hermione," Harry said quickly, squinting at his godfather to make sure and found Sirius' eyes twinkling. "And anyway, we don't take Care of Magical Creatures yet-"

"Well, maybe Professor Grubbly-Plank would accept credit before we even take the class. We'll start out with full marks, Harry!"

"Hermione," Mrs. Granger said with a smile, "I think we'd best let Harry and his parents be on their way. They don't want to be late."

Hermione relented but after they'd said their farewells and were walking toward the divider, Harry could hear her explaining to her parent the advantages of presenting a new teacher with a full essay on the first day of class.

"Oy Sirius," Harry said as he and his parents walked a bit away from the crowded train. "You nearly assigned me homework over the holidays!"

Sirius chuckled. "Hermione seemed excited about it."

"She's Hermione," Harry said, smiling in spite of himself. "Of course she did."

Sirius and Remus shared a smile and then Remus beckoned Harry close and once Harry was secure in his arms, he turned on the spot and Disapparated.

Though he was well accustomed to the sensation, it took him a moment to regain his equilibrium. "All right now?" Remus asked. Harry nodded and stepped back. He smiled at the familiar surroundings.

"Good to be home?" Sirius asked, even though Harry had spent at least a third of his weekends at Grimmauld Place.

"Yeah."

"We could always skip the trip and just stay here."

Harry smiled at his godfather's teasing.

"Home will still be here in three days," Remus said. He was hanging his cloak on its peg but Harry could see his small frown.

When he turned around again he was smiling though. "Your tent and supplies are already in Sirius' pockets; I'll unpack your trunk after you leave, Harry."

"Thanks."

Remus smiled and without waiting for him to hold out his arms, Harry went to him and hugged him tightly. "Maybe you can still reschedule your meetings," he said. Remus sighed as Harry stepped back.

"I wish I could," he said, his voice wistful. He put a hand on Harry's shoulder and said seriously, "Mind your godfather. And remember what Ollivander said about safety."

"I will," Harry promised. Remus smiled and squeezed his shoulder. Then he turned to Sirius but before he could speak, Sirius was hugging him. He said something into Remus' ear; something Harry couldn't hear and then after Remus nodded shakily, Sirius kissed him.

"Take care of yourself," Sirius said softly as he stepped back.

"I always do," Remus murmured. Sirius' smile looked much too sad for a three day trip, but Remus simply smiled. "Go on," he said, giving Sirius' shoulder a nudge.

Sirius nodded. "Ready kiddo?" He took a chipped teacup out of his pocket and at Sirius' second nod, Harry put a finger on the edge.

"Have fun," Remus said before they were whisked away.

The Portkey deposited them in a small clearing, with towering trees forming a circle around a single tent. Ollivander's head came through the tent's flap.

"I haven't managed to spot the herd yet," he said without greeting. "It's nearly dark but you should have enough time to put your tent to rights before you turn in. We'll leave at daybreak to scout the herd." With that, Ollivander disappeared back into his tent.

"Well," Sirius said with bemusement as he stared at the spot where Ollivander's head had just been, "I suppose we'd better do as he says. We don't want him to leave without us in the morning."

"You don't think he will?" Harry asked worriedly as Sirius pulled a small olive cube from his pocket.

"No," Sirius said with a smile. Reassured, Harry helped his godfather turn the tiny cube into a spacious tent.

--

But as it turned out, the herd had other ideas and according to Ollivander, had yet to make it as far as he'd hoped. "Tomorrow, perhaps," he'd said that morning and unflappable as ever, he'd suggested they visit an old friend of his. The old friend, it turned out, was a Bowtruckle. And both Sirius and Harry were excited for the chance to climb a tree. Ollivander seemed pretty excited himself.

He went first, Sirius bringing up the rear so that Harry was safely between them.

"It isn't poisonous," Ollivander said sometime later, barely glancing at the snake that blocked Harry's trek upward. "Move it along the branch and out of your way."

Sirius nodded when Harry glanced at him for confirmation. "We'll just move you a bit, little snake," Harry said quietly as he closed his fingers gently around the cold coil. "Hope you don't mind."

"Ssssertainly not," a lazy voice answered him. "Find a sssspot in the sssssun, if you would."

Harry looked up at Sirius in surprise. "I didn't know there were any snakes that could talk... What?"

Sirius and Ollivander were staring at him, their mouths hanging open.

"You..." Sirius opened and closed his mouth twice before he continued. "It spoke to you?"

"Erm, yeah," Harry said, switching his gaze between the two men. "Didn't you hear it?"

Sirius shook his head mutely. "What did it ... say?"

Harry glanced at the snake; it was watching Harry. Harry looked slowly back to Sirius. "He wanted to sit in the sun. Didn't you hear?"

"He wanted to..." Sirius cleared his throat. "Harry-"

"Parseltongue," Ollivander whispered. "He's a Parselmouth..." He shook his head. "Do you have any idea how dark-"

"Ollivander," Sirius interrupted sharply and the older wizard seemed to remember Sirius was there. He stopped staring at Harry to turn urgently to Sirius.

"It's rumored that You Know Who had the same power. As the heir of Slytherin-"

"Ollivander!"

"Sirius, you must have heard the-"

"I have," Sirius answered brusquely. "But this isn't the time to discuss it."

Harry's gut tingled at the anger in his godfather's voice. Sirius' jaw was clenched as he glared at the wand maker.

"Sirius," Harry said quietly, but Ollivander was staring at him again and Harry couldn't help but inch back at the scrutiny--at the questions burning in the wand maker's eyes.

"It is a very rare talent," he whispered reverently. "I've never heard anyone speak in Parseltongue, of course. Will you do it again?"

Harry had no idea what he meant. "I don't-"

"To speak with a snake, Harry. It is not something an ordinary wizard can do."

Harry looked to Sirius. "It's not?"

Sirius sighed. "No. The ability to speak with snakes is very rare. I've never met anyone who can."

"But you heard him, yeah? He said he wanted to sit in the sun..."

"All we heard was hissing. You were hissing as well; when you touched him."

"I was hissing? I wasn't," Harry said as he shook his head. "I just said I was going to move him."

"You weren't speaking English." Sirius massaged his temples for a moment while Harry stared at the snake in confusion. "I think we ought to go back to the tent for a bit."

Harry's head jerked up. "But why? Ollivander was going to show us how he collects the wood!"

"Harry-"

"Please Sirius?" Harry interrupted swiftly. "Just until he shows us how to collect the samples? I promise I won't speak to anymore snakes."

Sirius' eyebrows furrowed and he frowned. "Harry, that isn't-" He shook his head. "You haven't- " Sirius stopped speaking and glanced over at the now-silent snake. "Yes. All right," he agreed with a quick nod. "We'd best keep climbing then."

Feeling nervous, Harry glanced back at the snake. It raised its head. "The ssssun, if you please." Harry moved the snake as quickly as he could and didn't answer when it thanked him.

They finished the climb without discovering that Harry had any other strange talents.

"There he is," Ollivander said after a few more branches had been scaled. He bowed his head respectfully and greeted a small being made entirely of sticks, as far as Harry could tell. "As you know, most Bowtruckles will not allow anyone to take wood or leaves from a tree. This fellow though has known me for years and I always bring him a present in exchange for samples." He reached into the small pocket in the front of his cloak.

"Fairy eggs?" Harry said as he watched Ollivander unwrap a tiny parcel; the old man nodded. He extended his hand slowly for the Bowtruckle's inspection. Very slowly, Harry noticed and the Bowtruckle gazed at the moving hand with wary concentration. When it was only a centimeter from its face, the Bowtruckle leapt back, its sharp fingers gripping a narrow branch so that it didn't fall.

"Thank you," Ollivander whispered. He settled the tiny parcel near the Bowtruckles clawed feet and slipped his wand from his sleeve. "Watch carefully, Harry."

Harry nodded and he felt Sirius' hand against his back as he leaned forward, steadying him. They watched together as Ollivander uttered a Cutting Spell and the branch that the Bowtruckle had been standing on fell neatly into Ollivander's hand.

The ritual went on three more times, with the Bowtruckle leading Ollivander toward the specimens he was willing to part with, after each gift of Fairy eggs; it was a very slow process. The Bowtruckle disappeared with the eggs as soon as the fourth branch landed in Ollivander's hand and Ollivander sighed.

"He allowed me six during my last visit," he said, shaking his head. "Finicky little twig."

"May I watch you carve them?" Harry asked eagerly.

"If your dad doesn't mind," Ollivander murmured absently; he was already beginning his backward climb down the tree. Harry looked down at Sirius and Sirius patted his hip.

"Sounds fun," he agreed and Harry was glad his godfather didn't seem angry about the snake any longer. He still didn't understand how he'd been the only one to hear the snake but he'd make certain he didn't do it again.

--

Since it needed to be done as soon as the wood was taken from the tree, the wands were carved immediately, though the entire process took several hours and Ollivander hadn't stopped for lunch, though Sirius had insisted that Harry had to eat. He scarfed his sandwich in record time and with his eyes crinkling in amusement, he and Sirius went back outside.

Harry sat close to Ollivander as he worked and nodded eagerly when the wand maker allowed him to take a turn near the end.

"You did very well," Ollivander told him; his fingers were caressing the wood gently, learning the feel of the woods' magic, deciphering, as he explained, what sorts of cores would be suitable for each. He declined Sirius' offer of dinner after the wood was put carefully away.

"I may have better luck with those unicorns in the dark," he explained; they hadn't managed to spot the herd yet. "Best go on my own though. Too dangerous without the light..." His mind already with the unicorns, Ollivander patted Harry's shoulder vaguely and left Harry and Sirius to their dinner.

Sirius paid little mind to warming the soup they'd brought, instead watching Harry as he set the table. He'd been unusually quiet since they'd returned from collecting the wood, even when he'd been carving with Ollivander. Harry had enjoyed the activity, Sirius was certain of that but without his usual animation--or his endless stream of questions.

"You did quite well with Ollivander's carving knife," Sirius said as he set the tureen of soup and a loaf of crusty bread on the prepared table. Harry smiled.

"Ollivander said I could help him put one of the cores in place when we go back to his shop."

"Yes, I heard."

Harry nodded; he ducked his head and concentrated on his soup. Sirius swallowed a few spoonfuls before setting the spoon down and leaning forward. "Harry," he said and his godson looked up. "The ability to speak with snakes isn't a bad thing."

Harry stared down at the hunk of bread beside his soup bowl. "But Ollivander said it wasn't normal-"

"He said it was rare," Sirius corrected gently. "And it is, but that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you."

Harry looked up again and Sirius knew he'd read his godson correctly; he smiled.

"You are perfectly normal, Harry. You simply have a talent that most wizards don't." He went on when Harry's green gaze remained uncertain, "I was surprised when I heard you do that; I didn't mean to make you think you'd done anything wrong. You haven't."

"But Ollivander said that Voldemort was the only other wizard who could do that," Harry said, his uncertainty shifting to a worry that Sirius wasn't certain how to contend with.

"I very much doubt that Voldemort is the only other Parseltongue. But because he was," he added when Harry shook his head in confusion, "people associate the ability with dark magic. It is assumed that Salazar Slytherin could speak to snakes as well."

Harry's spoon stirred lazy figure eights in his soup.

Even though he was feeling out of his depth, Sirius still wanted to explain what this might mean. "Some people might be uncomfortable if they know you can speak to snakes; frightened even."

The figure eights came to a clattering halt. "Why? Because Voldemort could do it," Harry answered his own question, his entire posture becoming gloomy. "But it isn't my fault I'm a..." His face scrunched up as he struggled for the word.

"Parselmouth," Sirius murmured. "And no, it isn't. But you shouldn't think of it as a fault, Harry. Even if Voldemort was a Parselmouth, that doesn't mean it's bad. Voldemort was a Slytherin but that doesn't mean every Slytherin is evil."

Sirius didn't particularly like Harry's obvious surprise. He sighed. "Neither my parents nor my brother were particularly nice people. And many Slytherins fought alongside Voldemort, but to be Slytherin isn't to be evil. In the same way that not all Gryffindors are good." He was thinking of Peter with that addition, though Harry wasn't privy to those details.

He shook his head at Harry's questioning look. "Never mind that. I just want you to be aware that your friends may not react well if you tell them."

"Do you think I shouldn't tell them?" Harry asked, the line of worry between his brows deepening.

Sirius didn't answer for a moment, wishing that Remus was here and that this trip hadn't coincided with a full moon. Not that Remus would have any better answers, but it was always easier together. "I don't want you to feel ashamed of who you are," he finally said; he reached across the table and curled his fingers over Harry's. "And I certainly don't want you to lie ... Oy," he said on a sigh as he rubbed his fingers over his forehead. "I'm not making much sense, am I?"

"Not really," Harry said quietly.

Sirius gave him a small smile and tried to figure out what he was trying to say; how much he wanted Harry to understand. "Ollivander mentioned that it's been rumored that only the descendents of Salazar Slytherin can speak Parseltongue--an Heir of Slytherin." Harry nodded and Sirius continued, "Voldemort is thought to be Salazar's descendent. His great, great--many times--grandson. Wizarding family trees are complicated, as you know. My own line intersects several times with the Potters and with the Malfoys--and the Longbottoms and Weasleys. Most wizards with pureblood ancestors are related in some distant way. People will suspect that you too are descended from the Slytherin founder."

"What if I am?"

"You are not related to Voldemort," Sirius said firmly, knowing that's what was contributing to Harry's look of horror. "At least not recently enough to matter. You've got Black genes in you somewhere, though. And the Blacks are probably more closely related to Slytherin than the average wizard. The Malfoys as well--and Mrs. Weasley's family, but don't bring that up to Mrs. Weasley."

Harry smiled and Sirius relaxed a bit. "Have I muddled you even more?" he asked and Harry shrugged, still smiling. "The ability to speak to snakes is nothing to be ashamed of; many wizards have unique talents."

"Like an Animagus?" Harry asked and Sirius kept his face carefully straight as he nodded. "Have you seen McGonagall in her cat form?" Harry asked eagerly.

"Yes. Animagi aren't quite the same as being a Parseltongue, however. Wizards train themselves to change form, though I suppose a wizard might have a natural talent in that area," Sirius said thoughtfully; something to think about further. "A Metamorphmagus, on the other hand is born with the ability to change their physical characteristics. And some wizards are more talented than others. We're all different."

"But even though it's all right that I'm a Pars-parselmouth, others might be worried that it's because I'm like Voldemort? Frightened, like the Dursleys were of me and my magic?"

"Yes, exactly so," Sirius said, feeling pride for Harry's easy understanding; his logic and simple acceptance. "You don't have to pretend you can't speak Parseltongue; not that anyone would probably think to ask..."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Aren't you supposed to be less confused than me?"

Sirius grinned. "That's what adults like to claim, but it isn't true. Most times, kiddo," he said with a wink, "I have no idea what I'm talking about."

Harry snorted.

"Drink your soup," Sirius said, gesturing with his chin. "And tell me what it was like to carve a wand. I might like to try it."

Harry obliged and in between slurps of tomato soup, he shared his excitement with Sirius.

--

The following morning, Sirius sat up, his mind groggy from sleep.

"Harry?" he called when he found his godson's bed empty, the covers rumpled. He put his legs over the edge of the mattress when there was no answer and pushed the blanket away. He padded over to the kitchen, found that empty as well and went to the partitioned sectioned that served as a loo.

"Harry?" he called again, but the tent was uncomfortably silent. Pushing aside his exasperation--Harry must have gone outside already--Sirius slipped his feet into his trainers and went into the clearing.

It was empty as well.

Ollivander's olive tent sat sedately across from theirs. Wondering what had possessed his godson to leave without telling him, Sirius traversed the short stretch of grass and knocked on the fabric door. "Ollivander?" Feeling irritated with both of them now, Sirius pushed open the tent flap.

Empty.

Mote, Ollivander's house-elf appeared from around a corner. "Master Ollivander isn't here, Master Sirius," he said.

"Where is he?"

"Master Ollivander thought he spotted a dragon near the mountain-"

"Harry!" Sirius called loudly as he pivoted. His panic soared as an unmistakable roar pierced the air. "Harry!" Sirius began running toward the trees ringing their tents, his wand already gripped in his hand and extended in front of him. The second roar made the ground tremble.

Sirius skidded to a halt as he broke through the trees. Ollivander was climbing the towering mountain; Harry was several meters behind him on solid ground, close to where Sirius now stood. And a dragon--a Hungarian Horntail from the looks of it--was perched on an outcropping of rock near the top of the mountain, beating the air with its massive wings.

His heart pounding wildly in his chest, Sirius crept silently forward, whispering his godson's name when he was close enough. Harry started, jerking his head toward Sirius. The dragon roared again. But this time, as Sirius watched in horror, it pawed the ground as he glared down at Ollivander and a shower of huge rocks began to rain down.

"Ollivander!" Harry shouted as the wand maker tried to scramble off his precipice and stumbled. Harry wrenched himself out of Sirius' sudden grasp and began sprinting toward the old man now sprawled at the bottom of the mountain.

"Harry! No!" Sirius' voice was lost in the rocks' rumbling as they cascaded down the mountainside and Sirius was certain he'd never run so fast in all his life, but Harry didn't slow down. He was tugging at Ollivander's limp hand when Sirius reached him. "Get down!" Sirius shouted and when Harry didn't obey, he pushed Harry down to the ground with one hand and flung his body over the smaller one as he pointed his wand skyward and screamed, "Protego!"

He felt the magic surging through his fingers and into his wand and then the shield erupted above them. The rocks--some of them big enough to be called boulders--bounced off the protective magic and rolled harmlessly into the grass beyond. The dragon screeched once more and took flight, its powerful wings taking him quickly away.

Leaving the shield in place, Sirius pulled himself away from Harry's back. He turned Harry quickly to face him and with his worry making his voice hoarse, demanded, "Are you hurt? Anywhere?"

Harry shook his head; there was dirt smeared over his forehead and nose ... but he was whole. Trembling all over, but alive. And trying to sit up. Sirius helped him, his own hands shaking.

"Sirius..." Harry whispered and for some reason, the plaintive word made the worry spike into anger.

Sirius gripped his godson's arms as soon as he was upright. "What were you thinking? You could have been crushed by those rocks!"

Harry's lower lip trembled but Sirius' emotions were well out of control and he went on furiously, "I told you to stop! Do you have any idea what might have happened to you?!"

"I ... was trying to help Ollivander," Harry whispered. "When he fell..."

Harry's words stilled Sirius' anger. Drawing in a slow breath through his nostrils, he released Harry's arms and walked on his knees toward the wand maker. He could feel Harry close by his side, accompanying him. Ollivander was groaning softly, but at least he was awake. And alive.

"It wasn't a very long fall," Sirius said to no one in particular. He knew only basic diagnostic spells, but it didn't seem that anything was broken. He was probably concussed... "Damn it," he muttered to himself.

Harry shifted beside him and Sirius sighed. He squeezed Harry's shoulder, as much to remind himself that Harry was whole as to reassure his nervous child. He summoned the medical kit all the way from their tent and once it flew into his hand, he gave a Pain Relieving Draught to Ollivander, sighing in relief when the other wizard stopped moaning.

Though he wanted to demand several explanations, Sirius simply helped Ollivander sit. "How do you feel?"

Ollivander winced. "Head..."

"You fell from the precipice." And my kid was nearly killed by a rock avalanche, Sirius didn't add.

"Yes," Ollivander said quietly. He looked with confusion between Harry and Sirius. "What are you doing here?"

Sirius glanced sharply back at Harry; Harry's lower lip was wedged between his teeth. "Did you come out here on your own?"

"You thought I brought Harry out here to see a dragon?" Ollivander asked, incredulous even with his voice as faint as it was and Sirius' narrowed-eyed gaze switched to the wand maker. "I may be a bit old, but I've not lost my mind."

The anger stoking swiftly, Sirius clamped down on his urge to begin scolding his godson in earnest. What the hell had Harry been thinking?

"We need to take you back to your tent," Sirius said, focusing on that for the moment. "Do you think you can walk?"

"I should think so," Ollivander said, shifting gingerly. "I've had worse."

Bloody brilliant.

"Harry, help me, please." Sirius was aware of the curtness in his tone but found it hard to soften the edge. Harry did as he was asked without a word, though Ollivander scoffed at their assistance, so Sirius cancelled his spell and the three walked very slowly back to the clearing.

"I don't think you should sleep," Sirius began but Ollivander waved him off.

"I appreciate the concern, Sirius but I've been taking care of myself for years. And Mote will attend to me." Mote was one was one of a rare collection of house-elves who had as much training as a healer. Ollivander eyed Harry. "I expect you need a bit of time alone with Harry in any case."

Harry flushed and ducked his head from Ollivander's gaze. Ollivander pursed his lips, looking nearly as upset as Sirius felt but he said nothing further before he went with stiff movements into his tent.

Somehow, Ollivander's own anger deflated most of Sirius' own, or perhaps it was simply the affirmation of how much danger Harry had really been in that drained it. He pulled a confused Harry to his chest, his fingers tangling in his godson's mud-flecked hair.

"Have you any idea how much I love you?" he demanded quietly. Harry didn't answer him though his breath hitched a little. "As soon as you saw that dragon, you should have turned back," Sirius went on, his voice surprisingly stern to his own ears. "You shouldn't have followed Ollivander in the first place."

"I heard him moving outside and I wanted to see where-"

Sirius put his hands on Harry's shoulders and pulled him away. "That was a Hungarian Horntail, Harry! Which you know perfectly well is an extremely dangerous creature."

"I know," Harry said, his tone giving no indication that he was sorry for what he'd done. Sirius raised incredulous eyebrows and Harry scuffed a toe along the dry ground. "Why did you have to shout at me in front of Ollivander?" he mumbled. "I just wanted to watch him."

Ignoring Harry's embarrassment from being scolded in front of his mentor, Sirius demanded, "And you didn't think he would have asked you to come along if he'd wanted you to?"

"I was only watching," Harry said again; stubbornly. "And you knew we might see a dragon."

Sirius narrowed his eyes. "Yes. And we discussed the possibility and what you were to do if we did see one. Do you remember?"

Harry glanced away at the rhetorical question.

"Do you?"

"Yes," Harry mumbled, still looking at trees instead of Sirius.

"What did Ollivander and I say you were to do in case of any danger?"

Harry's gaze came back. "You already know what you said, Sirius."

Sirius folded his arms across his chest as he met the unexpected challenge in Harry's face. "I don't care for your attitude."

Sirius' sternest voice had absolutely no effect. Harry frowned right back at him. "I just wanted to watch. I wasn't even close to Ollivander!"

"Ollivander himself explained that there might be things that were too dangerous for you to be part of," Sirius said, not bothering to filter his exasperation. "An enraged dragon is certainly one of those things. And I don't care that you only meant to watch," he added as Harry began to protest again. "It was foolish, Harry. You could have been hurt!"

"But I wasn't-"

"Why are you arguing with me?" Sirius suddenly exploded and Harry's mouth shut abruptly. Sirius forced himself to take a deep breath and said much more quietly, "You were nearly crushed by an avalanche of rocks, Harry. And if I hadn't reached you when I did and erected that Shield Charm, you would have been."

Harry's defiant glare faltered. But his frown was back just as swiftly. "Well, you still didn't have to yell at me in front of Ollivander-"

Sirius gripped Harry's shoulders. "Are you even listening to me?" he demanded. "This isn't about my scolding you-"

"It is," Harry insisted as he twisted away. "Ollivander will think I'm a big baby now," he said angrily. And then without waiting for Sirius to respond, he turned and stomped off toward their tent. It took Sirius a moment to realize that he'd completely lost control of the situation somehow. Harry flung the tent flap aside and ducked inside. Scowling and not having any idea how to fix this, Sirius followed.

"Harry James," he warned in a low voice as soon as he was inside the tent and Harry turned around, his glare still firmly in place, "do not walk away from me when I'm speaking to you."

"I'm eleven," was Harry's mysterious response.

"And I'm thirty-one," Sirius retorted. "What has that to do with anything?"

Harry made a vague gesture, full of frustration, but it seemed he could come up with no explanation. "I just wanted to see what Ollivander was doing!"

Sirius had no idea what possessed him, but it seemed Harry's defiant shout had summoned James' father. He folded his arms across his chest. "Do you remember what I said would happen if you did something as foolish as flying Mr. Weasley's car?" he asked quietly. He had no intention of following through, hoping that the reminder would be enough to rein in this new attitude his godson had taken. But it seemed it was a foolish wish; Harry clenched his jaw, and if anything, his glare intensified.

Sirius didn't allow himself to think it through any longer; Harry had pushed far enough. Taking Harry's arm, Sirius turned him to the side and over Harry's sputtered protests, Sirius landed a smack to his godson's backside. Harry yelped in surprise and then stiffened as Sirius followed up with another sharp swat. Trying to ignore the guilt exploding in his gut, Sirius turned Harry back to face him. All the defiance had left Harry's face and there were tears welling in his eyes. Sirius, his own throat suddenly aching, reached out to hug him, but Harry jerked away.

"Leave me alone," he said hoarsely, turning away and flinging himself on the opposite bed before he'd even finished speaking. Sirius stared at him; a heavy weight settling in his chest. Harry's face was pressed into the pillow and his fists were squashing harsh dents into Sirius' rumpled blanket. He gulped a few times and then was still.

"Harry," Sirius said quietly; his voice was nearly as hoarse as Harry's had been. Harry didn't answer him; he turned his face toward the fabric wall. Hating himself, Sirius swallowed through the burning lump in his throat. He sat on Harry's bed for long minutes and after awhile, Harry's shallow, agitated breaths slowed and calmed. But his back was still rigid and Sirius was fairly certain Harry would ignore him if he tried speaking again.

Giving him a few more minutes seemed the best course, so Sirius finally stood. Harry didn't move at all and with a sigh, Sirius gathered fresh clothes and went into the toilet to change.

When he came out, Harry hadn't moved.

"I'd like to check on Ollivander before we have breakfast," Sirius said quietly. "Would you like to come?" He thought Harry would refuse but after what looked like an internal struggle, Harry turned over. He didn't look at Sirius though and after his own struggle with what to do about that, Sirius gave up and led the short trip across the clearing. He knocked on the tent flap.

The flap was pulled aside by Mote and Sirius and Harry ducked inside.

Ollivander looked up when they came in. Mote went back to the bed where his master was lying and began fluffing the pillows behind Ollivander's head.

"How are you feeling?" Sirius asked. Ollivander grunted.

"I told you I've had worse," he said dismissively. "No concussion. Not even a broken bone."

Mote nodded in agreement and Sirius breathed a bit easier.

"You weren't hurt, were you?" Ollivander asked with narrowed eyes. "Either of you?"

"No," Sirius answered and the wand maker's face relaxed. But Ollivander wasn't finished. His sharp eyes zeroed in on Harry.

"I asked Sirius if you were mature enough to come on this trip," he said. "Did you know that?"

Harry's look of surprise in Sirius' direction was answer enough. But still Harry said quietly, "No sir."

Ollivander shook his head. "Sirius said you were mature enough. And I believed you were. You've never given me any indication that you would do something as foolish as you did today." Harry's neck and ears began to glow and he ducked his head, staring at his shoes now and Sirius ached for him, unable to intervene as Harry was scolded by his mentor.

"This isn't a game, Harry," Ollivander went on, his voice heavy with his disappointment. "And you not only put yourself in danger, but that dragon as well. This sort of work is not meant for wizards who want a thrill. Or some sort of entertainment. The magical creature comes first, Harry, and you forgot that this morning when you chose to disobey the rules. Your actions were selfish, Harry and I'm disappointed in you. I imagine your godfather is as well."

Harry's shoulders hunched further with those words and Sirius could see Harry's lips quivering.

"If there's one thing you should learn, Harry, it's that you must think before act," Ollivander said as he shook his head. "There was nothing you could have done when I fell. If Sirius hadn't been there and acted as swiftly as he did, you would have been crushed. It's an admirable quality to want to help me, but it's foolish to attempt a rescue when you aren't capable. Rushing blindly into a situation as you did today only made things worse; Sirius could have stopped the rocks much more swiftly if you hadn't come after me. You'd best be very grateful to your godfather today, Harry. I am."

Harry swallowed, and Ollivander shook his head again.

"I think Sirius had best take you home," he finished quietly; Harry's head came up quickly but Ollivander went on as if the words hadn't been a surprise at all. "Sirius was wrong when he told me you were ready for this."

Harry seemed to shrink at the words. But he didn't argue; his flushed face clearly showed how mortified he was; how distressed he felt to have been dismissed by the wand maker.

Ollivander closed his eyes and dropped his head back on his pillows.

"Mote will take good care of Master Ollivander," the elf said positively when Sirius hesitated. He shooed them toward the door with his hands.

"Come on," Sirius said quietly, resting a hand briefly on Harry's shoulder to move his attention from the wand maker. They crossed to their tent silently and once they were inside, Sirius raked his fingers through his hair and gazed at his dejected godson. Feeling unsure and idiotic because of it, Sirius did as instinct dictated and put an arm around Harry's hunched shoulders.

--

Harry knew he was a giant, blubbering baby but he couldn't help it. Harry pressed his face into his godfather's chest before Sirius had even pulled him close. And what was worse was that he couldn't seem to stop the hot tears pooling in his eyes. Sirius didn't hesitate as wrapped his arms securely around him and then he bent his head and kissed the top of Harry's head.

Even though Harry had been a complete prat.

The tears spilled over and he hugged his godfather tightly, partly to keep Sirius from seeing and partly because he felt safer that way. Shame burned through his belly. Sirius had trusted him to be grown up enough to come with Ollivander. And he'd disappointed not only the wand maker but his godfather.

And he'd pushed Sirius far enough that his godfather had smacked him. Sirius had promised he would when Harry had been stupid enough to get in Mr. Weasley's car, and Harry had avoided many of the twins'--and Ron's--equally daft ideas just to avoid it.

And now he was being sent home in disgrace. Knowing he'd deserved it made it worse. Harry wasn't certain why, but it did. Sirius was disappointed in him and he knew Remus would be as well. Wanting the awful feeling to go away, Harry didn't even try to stop crying.

"It's all right," Sirius eventually said quietly. "Shh... Ollivander won't be angry forever."

Harry shook his head. "I'm sorry," he gulped through the tears and hoped Sirius would understand what he was apologizing for. The words were muffled in Sirius' jumper, but his godfather heard him anyway. His fingers were soothing circles in Harry's hair.

"I know," Sirius assured him softly and Harry felt the knot in his stomach loosening just a little. He was sorry and as he stood there, still wrapped in his godfather's strong arms, Harry vowed that he would never do anything to disappoint Sirius again.

--

Sirius leaned against Harry's doorframe, watching his godson sleep. He massaged his forehead slowly, trying to stem a burgeoning headache before it required a potion. This day had been one of the worst in quite a long while and the fact that he could see the full moon through Harry's window wasn't helping. He was half-tempted to Floo Molly and ask her to sit with Harry while he Apparated to Remus' cottage-prison as Padfoot.

He hated full moons; hated them with a passion he reserved for little else, except perhaps Peter Pettigrew. And Voldemort...

Sirius sighed and turned away toward his own bedroom. Silly to be so anxious over the day's events but there you are; he was. He had berated himself all day for smacking Harry; what did it matter that it had probably been deserved? Sirius snorted as he pulled off a shoe and tossed it somewhere in the vicinity of the bureau. Probably? Hell, Harry had practically asked for that.

Didn't change the fact though, that eleven was too old to be punished that way. Or that Sirius didn't particular believe in its usefulness, even if he had followed through on a promise. But it was no wonder Harry had been angry about it. Some of Harry's reaction had been guilt, of course. All of it guilt after Ollivander had scolded him.

Silly to be annoyed with the wand maker for the reprimand as well. Harry had needed to hear that, no matter that no one should be allowed to scold his kid. Being a parent was much too confusing, Sirius decided as he lay down atop the quilt, still fully clothed. Who could sleep with so many thoughts tumbling about anyway?

But he finally did sleep. He woke hours later to a loud pop, followed by an echoing crash. Bolting upright, Sirius had his wand in hand as he scrambled off the bed. The light of dawn was creeping through Harry's curtains and Harry was sitting up, looking around in groggy confusion.

"Whatszat?" he mumbled as Sirius crossed into his room.

"Nothing," Sirius murmured quietly; he pushed Harry back down to the mattress with a gentle hand. "Go back to sleep..."

Harry mumbled incoherently and rolled over, pulling the edge of the blanket with him to create his familiar cocoon. Sirius paused only long enough to pat his shoulder and then went quietly down the stairs. His initial panic having faded into concern as he'd realized that it could only be one of a very small circle of people who could have Apparated in, Sirius peered into the kitchen and when he found it empty, he went to the library.

"Remus?" he whispered as he pushed the door open. Remus, clothed only in a cloak that wasn't even fastened, turned sharply from where he was leaning on the desk. His red-rimmed eyes widened; he took a step forward and stumbled. Sirius caught his elbows before he could fall.

"What are you doing here?" And then in a hoarse panic, "Harry?"

"Shh," Sirius soothed softly as he folded his husband in his embrace and rearranged his cloak. "Harry's fine; we just came home early." He could see the questions burning across Remus' face like Fiendfyre, but Sirius shook his head. "I'll tell you all about it later... Come lie down."

Remus leaned against him and moving slowly for exhausted muscles, Sirius helped him to the sofa. He pulled the afghan off the back and covered Remus, who was already shivering; he added a Warming Charm. "Why did you come back so soon? It's barely dawn."

Remus shook his head; Sirius stroked his cheek. "You shouldn't have Apparated so soon after you transformed back," he chided. "You might have been hurt."

"Hate that place," Remus whispered as he closed his eyes.

"I know..."

"...worse now," Remus struggled to explain.

"I know," Sirius said again. "Shh," he murmured, running his fingers slowly through Remus' shaggy hair and Remus stopped trying to speak.

Remus had stayed by himself at the cottage given to him by Dumbledore every full moon for the last six years. Sirius had gone with him since Harry had been at Hogwarts, of course, and it seemed being alone again had taken its toll.

"Go to sleep, Moony," Sirius said quietly. "I'll bring you some soup in a few hours..." But Remus was already asleep, his chest rising and falling evenly. Sirius leaned down and kissed his forehead. Feeling altogether more cheerful, he put a Locking Charm on the door so that Harry wouldn't accidentally stumble in, and went into the kitchen to make coffee.

--

He went back into the library two hours later with mushroom soup--Remus' favorite--and various potions. Remus was half-awake already; Sirius perched on the sofa near his waist.

"How do you feel?"

"Like I've been hit by the Knight Bus," Remus muttered.

"Hmm. Better than a herd of Hippogriffs, then."

Remus smiled. "Oh, infinitely."

Sirius kissed him, lingering for a moment when Remus seemed reluctant to let him go. "Feel like a nosh?" he asked when he pulled back. "Mushroom soup."

"For starters."

"Ready for a steak, already?" Sirius said with a chuckle, quite happy that Remus was feeling that well.

"Mmm."

"Here," Sirius said; he slipped an arm under his husband's back and helped him sit up; the hastily-arranged cloak slipped from his shoulders. "You're starkers, you realize."

"Am I?"

Sirius had only been teasing; his brow furrowed. "Didn't you realize you hadn't dressed?"

Remus shook his head. "I wasn't thinking straight. I just wanted to get out of there. I had no idea I despised that cottage so much."

Forcing an easy tone, Sirius said, "Perhaps you simply missed Padfoot."

"Padfoot would have been most welcome," Remus murmured; he ran a thumb lightly down Sirius' face. Sirius leaned forward and kissed him again, briefly this time and then he handed over the potions.

"Are you planning to explain why you're so morose?" Remus asked when his color had returned to a semblance of normal and three spoonfuls of soup had disappeared.

Sirius gazed at him, surprise lifting his eyebrows. "How do you mean?"

"You and Harry came home early," Remus reminded him. "And you look as though you've lost your best friend. Oh," he said as understanding dawned. "You and Harry quarreled."

Sirius sighed.

"What happened?" Remus pressed, his exhaustion shifting aside easily. "Why did you come home?"

So Sirius explained that Harry had followed Ollivander, unauthorized, yesterday morning, stopping at length to assure Remus that Harry had emerged from the rockslide unscathed.

"Thank God you found them when you did! Why are on earth did Harry follow after him?"

"I think he was entertaining the notion that he's eleven now, off to Hogwarts and therefore parental authority is obsolete," Sirius explained. "He was quite insistent that he hadn't done anything wrong."

Remus frowned. "So you brought him home."

"Not exactly."

Remus' eyebrows rose.

"There was a fair bit of shouting... And then, well ... I guess I spanked him."

"Oh."

Sirius' lips quirked. "Oh? What did you think I was going to say?"

"I've no idea. Sent him off to live with Ollivander permanently, perhaps?"

Sirius snorted. "He was rather displeased with Harry; it was Ollivander who ended the trip." That took a fair bit of explanation, though Remus was far less indignant on Harry's behalf.

"I have a feeling Harry won't easily forget Ollivander's words, or how he felt when he realized how disappointed you both were," he said. "It was fair, besides. Harry was reckless and," he added with a scowl, "if you hadn't spanked him, I would have."

"You wouldn't either," Sirius scoffed. "And anyway, eleven's too old for that sort of punishment."

Remus shrugged. "Probably, but you did warn him. And he didn't forget." He smiled slightly. "Don't you remember last summer, when the twins lit fireworks and singed off their eyebrows?"

Sirius nodded; how could he forget? Molly had nearly knocked him over in her haste to apply her favorite wooden spatula to the unfortunate twins' backsides. Not to mention Sirius had nearly had a heart attack when he'd heard the explosion; until Harry and Ron had emerged from upstairs, just as worried as the adults.

"And yes," Sirius said at Remus' knowing look, "I remember what Harry said to Ron on their way back upstairs."

It had been in whispers but loud enough all the same. "See, Ron? Aren't you glad now that we didn't help them? I told you they'd blow something up."

"Yeah," Ron had whispered back. "Mum's gonna toast them. At least Sirius wouldn't use a spatula. It still would've hurt plenty though," he said with a nod full of experience. Harry had made a face before the two of them retreated back to safety.

"Half of his belligerence was probably just anticipation," Remus said.

Sirius sighed again. "I still hated it."

"And so did Harry. Which is rather the point, wouldn't you say?"

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Why are you so rational?"

Remus smiled. "One of us has to be."

Sirius chuckled. "Your soup is getting cold."

"Have you forgotten you're a wizard?"

Sirius kissed the teasing smirk off Remus' lips and dutifully warmed the soup.

--

Remus was asleep again when Sirius went upstairs hours later to rouse their son. He stopped in his room first and with a reverse Summoning Charm, sent a set of clothes to the library. Glancing at the clock and wanting to give Harry a few more minutes, he straightened the bed's quilt. When he looked up again, Harry was standing in the doorway, one of his hands holding the opposite elbow loosely as his big toe made an aimless pattern on the wooden floor.

Sirius smiled. "Morning."

"Morning," Harry echoed but he continued to hold up the frame with his shoulder. Sirius sat on the just-made bed and patted the empty space beside him. Harry dropped his hand and came in. Sirius put an arm across Harry's shoulders and Harry leaned against him.

"Sleep alright?"

Harry nodded.

"I should hope so," Sirius said with a smirk. "It's nearly ten."

"Is it really?" Harry twisted round to eye Remus' antique clock and then shrugged sheepishly. "I was tired, I guess."

Sirius poked his godson's ribs. "Hogwarts has made you lazy, kid."

Harry nudged him with an elbow. "I have an eight o'clock class every day," he said indignantly.

"I see." Sirius he pretended to ponder that. "Then I suppose a lie-in or two won't hurt." Harry smiled. Silence reigned for another few minutes as they listened to the tick-tock of the clock behind them. "Are you hungry? I could probably manage to make a few crumpets without Remus' help."

Harry snorted and they went downstairs together. The library door was still closed, which Sirius hoped meant that Remus was still sleeping.

Harry collected the ingredients for crumpets. He stirred the batter while Sirius lit the stove with a spell.

"I think it's hot enough," Sirius said after a moment and looked up when Harry didn't answer; he was frowning down at the batter. "Harry?"

Harry looked up, his fingers still around the spoon's handle. "Do you think Ollivander will ever let me go with him again?"

"Yes; I do."

Harry looked down and tapped the spoon against the bottom of the bowl a few times. Very quietly, he asked, "Will you?"

"Do you think I should?"

Harry's eyes darted up. He flushed but he nodded. "I won't go off on my own again."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Harry was quiet for a moment before he slid the batter toward Sirius. "I really like learning things from Ollivander."

Sirius gave his sad godson an encouraging smile. "I know you do."

"It would be awful if he didn't let me any longer, Sirius," Harry said with a slight quaver.

Sirius rested his hip against the counter and gave Harry his full attention. "Ollivander only said those things because he was worried about you. He doesn't want you to get hurt. And I know it wasn't much fun to be sent home, but Ollivander and I were very clear that the most important aspect of this trip was your safety."

"I know," Harry said in a small voice.

"I am positive Ollivander didn't intend that you should never be allowed to visit with him again," Sirius said gently, "and I do believe that once you've proven that you will be more responsible, he'll allow you to come on another of his trips. Remus and I will as well."

Harry swallowed as he nodded jerkily. Sirius brushed the floppy hair off Harry's forehead and smiled gently. "Why don't you pour the batter?" he said. "It looks perfect."

With more patience than Sirius had, Harry filled each crumpet mold and then watched with extra concentration as the little rounds cooked.

"Something else on your mind?"

A small smile brightened the morose features and Harry nodded.

"Well?" Sirius prodded, trying not to sound too amused. Harry's eyes flicked up.

"Will you teach me how to do that spell?" he asked slowly. "The one you used yesterday morning to stop the rocks?"

"Protego?"

His lip captured between his teeth, Harry nodded.

Surprised, it took Sirius a moment to process that. "You want me to teach you a Shield Charm? Whatever for?" He nudged Harry aside as the crumpets browned about the edges and flipped them while Harry struggled with his answer.

"Ollivander said I made it worse ... because I tried to help when I couldn't." He twisted the hem of his shirt in his fingers. "I didn't mean to."

"No," Sirius agreed. "I think he simply meant that I could have used the charm to stop the rocks sooner. It was a bit close."

"You saved Ollivander," Harry said after a moment. "And me too."

Feeling oddly self-conscious, Sirius nodded. He cupped Harry's chin and tried for a light tone, "I wasn't about to let anything happen to you."

Harry didn't respond; his eyebrows were making a pensive line above his eyes. Deciding the crumpets were done, Sirius released Harry and slid them out of the pan and set the steaming plate in the middle of the table.

"Fetch the butter?" Sirius said, breaking Harry from his reverie. Harry nodded absently and went to the cold cupboard. "Pumpkin juice as well," Sirius said as he grabbed plates and glasses.

Harry set the butter and juice down and slid into his chair. Sirius watched him fiddling idly with his crumpet and wondered if his wish to learn the charm was some sort of penance. "I'll show you how to cast a Protego after breakfast."

Harry looked up quickly. "Yeah?"

Sirius smiled. "It's a bit advanced but I don't think you'll have any trouble with it. I'll show you a few other useful spells if you'd like. Now, eat before the crumpets are cold."

Harry nodded and quickly began spreading butter atop his crumpet. "Remus would like these," he said through a large mouthful. The happy moment turned sour quickly and Harry pushed his plate away. "Are you going to tell Remus what happened?" he asked quietly.

Sirius swallowed his mouthful of pumpkin juice and set his glass back down. "I spoke with him this morning."

"Oh."

Embarrassment and distress sat heavily on Harry's face, but he didn't express either and Sirius wasn't certain what to say.

With his eyes glued to his plate, Harry finally said, "Did you tell him ... everything?"

"Yes, I did."

Harry drew in a quivering breath. "Is he angry too?"

"No, he isn't-" Sirius frowned as he understood the obvious. "And neither am I."

Harry's head came up. "You're not?"

Sirius shook his head, smiling gently. "Come here," he said; he pushed his chair away from the table and Harry came to stand in front of him. Sirius took his wrists in a loose hold. "You made a mistake, you were punished and now it's over, just like any other time. Why should this be any different?"

Sirius waited rather anxiously for Harry to say how betrayed he felt--that Sirius shouldn't have spanked him; that he was too old and that Sirius had been too harsh.

"You told Ollivander that I was mature enough to go," Harry said instead; there were tears glistening in his eyes but he blinked them back. "And I wasn't."

Ah. Sirius had never worried much about disappointing his own parents, but could clearly remember what it felt like to disappoint James' parents ... and even a professor or two. Nasty business.

"I was disappointed in your behavior, Harry and yes, I was a little angry-" He smiled at the look of frank disbelief. "More than a little," he amended. "But the point of a consequence is that you learn from your mistakes. Have you?"

Harry nodded solemnly.

"Then you're forgiven, and I have no reason to be angry." Sirius hesitated; even though Remus had said he shouldn't feel guilty for punishing Harry, it still weighed heavily. But before he could say anything, Harry put his arms around Sirius' neck and hugged him fiercely. Unexpected relief morphed into a chuckle as Sirius squeezed his godson. Harry was an amazing kid; there was absolutely no doubt about that.

--

Sirius left Harry at the kitchen table after the dinner dishes had been cleared that evening and went into the library. Remus was slumped in one of the chairs. He looked up when Sirius closed the door and smiled.

"How are you feeling?"

"Well enough to say goodnight to Harry," Remus said as he straightened. It sounded like a question however, as if he was afraid Sirius might argue.

"And then straight to bed?" Sirius suggested with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

"Absolutely," Remus promised, his brown eyes dancing in amusement.

"In that case," Sirius said as he offered his husband a hand, "come on out now. Harry is writing a letter to Ollivander; his idea."

"An apology?"

"He's hoping Ollivander's found the unicorns and he'll be in a better mood," Sirius explained with a chuckle.

"Clever," Remus said dryly. Sirius helped him put his cloak back on, keeping up the fiction and carefully didn't mention that this could be the perfect opportunity to explain certain things to Harry. He kept his thoughts to himself as he kissed Remus' cheek and slipped out of the library.

"You don't think Ollivander will be annoyed by a letter, do you?" Harry asked as soon as he came back into the kitchen. "He's probably busy."

"Then Hedwig can give the letter to Mote."

"Yeah," Harry said with a nod. "Good idea."

Remus opened the library door a few minutes later; he came into the kitchen slowly, looked extremely tired. Harry didn't notice his presence until a hand settled on top of his head. Surprised, Harry twisted.

"Hi there," Remus said with a quiet smile; Harry grinned.

"Hi Remus!" His smile faltered though and his features stilled, probably because he was expecting Remus to scold him, but Remus only rumpled his hair and sat beside him. Harry's features changed again; he cocked his head as he studied Remus' haggard face.

"You look tired," he said with a small frown. "Were you ill on your trip?"

Remus smiled slightly. "A bit, I suppose."

"Oh. Are you better now?"

"I am," Remus said. "Sirius tells me you talked to a snake," he added and Harry nodded solemnly. "And you met a Bowtruckle? That must have been quite exciting."

Without further prompting, Harry told Remus all about collecting the wand wood. Remus listened attentively, giving no sign of how exhausted he was.