(no subject)
Title: Carried Away
Author: Phoenix Angel Suyari
Rating: PG
Pairing: Sirius/Remus
Summary: It’s never too late to belong.
Archive: Just ask.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter, and all other characters from the popular series are the sole ownership of J.K. Rowling and like all other authors, I'm merely borrowing them for my own satisfaction.
“BOY! Get the door!”
Harry scurried across Aunt Petunia’s very clean carpet and out into the hall. He was still not big enough to reach the locks, but Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon left them unlocked during the day, so all he had to do was turn the doorknob. That was hard to do too, but not impossible, like the locks, which he needed a chair for.
Standing on tippy toes, he reached high above his head and curved the ends of very small fingers around the silver knob. It took two tries - his fingers kept slipping and then he fell over - but he finally managed it, feeling a small surge of pride at getting it done. Rocking back, he pulled, and moved around the side, to push the heavy door from the front.
When the door was open enough, he looked up, and had to crane his neck back very far. On the doorstep stood three men. One was very old and smiled at him kindly. On his left was a tall man with dark hair, just like his. And next to him, a shorter man, who looked at Harry like it was perfectly all right if he wanted to just go over and hug him. Which, Harry thought would be nice maybe, but he was a stranger.
“Hello,” said the old man, and Harry looked back at him. “We’re looking for Vernon Dursley.”
Harry blinked, and then gave a watery cough, which made the man with the dark hair frown.
“Boy! Who is it?!”
Harry flinched and leaned into the door. “It’s for you, Uncle Vernon!”
As the rotund man came into the hall, Harry felt very much like going to hug the stranger. Instead, he made himself very small against the door, knowing that if he kept very quiet and didn’t move, Uncle Vernon would eventually forget he was there.
“Yes?” said Uncle Vernon. “What do you want?”
“Vernon Dursley, I presume?”
“Yes,” Uncle Vernon replied, nodding.
“I am Albus Dumbledore. We have never officially met.” Harry watched Uncle Vernon’s face scrunch up, purpling slightly. “And this is Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin.”
The first man, Sirius, glared down hard at Uncle Vernon. Uncle Vernon looked back at him, face slackening slightly. Harry’d never seen anyone able to make Uncle Vernon pale like that. Usually everyone just made him madder and madder. And then he’d take it out on Harry. The second man gave a smile as he was introduced, and then wrapped his arms about one of the darker man’s arms, saying something to him quietly. Harry thought he was going to move - he looked like he wanted to hit Uncle Vernon - but he didn’t.
“Well, shall we move this to the lounge?” said Dumbledore.
Harry watched him stride forward confidently, followed in by the other two men. Right past Uncle Vernon, who began to sputter angrily. And of course, when Uncle Vernon was feeling angry…
“Shut the damn door, boy!” he shouted, swiping and missing a ducking Harry. By the time Harry opened his eyes to see whether or not he’d be hit yet, he found Uncle Vernon staring in outrage at the dark-haired man, who had his wrist in a crushing grip.
“Give me a reason,” he growled into Uncle Vernon’s purple face.
“Sirius,” said the other man.
“Ah this must be your charming wife, Petunia,” Dumbledore said, moving to Aunt Petunia, who’d come in at the commotion. She stared at him, as he took her hand and gave it a good shake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Albus Dumbledore.” Aunt Petunia paled. “And these are my associates, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black.”
Sirius released Uncle Vernon with a small, none too gentle shove. Uncle Vernon stumbled and crashed into the door. Aunt Petunia gave a little shriek. Remus sighed.
“I would commend you for caring for Harry these past three years,” Dumbledore continued. “But we all know that will be unnecessary.”
Harry pressed himself flat against the wall. Whenever grown ups talked about him, he got into a lot of trouble. He edged his way carefully toward the stairs, hoping that with luck, he could dart up them and go hide in the upstairs closet until it all blew over. Sure, there was a chance he’d run into Dudley, but he was willing to take the chance at the moment.
“Why don’t we move into a more comfortable room to discuss this.”
Harry took a dive and landed on the bottom stairs, with a crash. He knew it’d get the attention it received, and so closed his eyes real tight and ran up the stairs as fast as he could, stumbling only once. Dudley had left his skates on the stairs.
“Who’s downstairs?!” demanded Dudley, the moment Harry had finished his scramble. Immediately, Harry clutched the banister. He’d been pushed down the stairs enough times to know it was impossible to tumble far when one had a good grip.
“I don’t know.”
“Really?” said Dudley. He grabbed Harry’s arm and tried to pry it free. Harry clutched harder, knowing if Dudley got a hold of it, he might break it again. Broken arms hurt, and Harry was already not feeling well. “I said tell me!” he shouted, tugging.
“I don’t know!” Harry shouted back, pressing one knee into the stair for leverage.
Dudley pulled with all his weight, and Harry closed his eyes, just as his cheek made contact with the banister. His eyes watered and his head gave a ring. “Next time you better tell me!” said Dudley, kicking him in the side before he stalked off.
Harry gave a sniff, not willing to let go until he heard the crash of the door of Dudley’s playroom. When he was sure he was all alone, he pulled himself up, and sat on the top step, rubbing his stinging cheek. Fingers curled around his chin, lifting his head. Harry jerked in surprise - having not heard anyone coming - and looked up with wide eyes.
Remus smiled at him kindly. He was crouching on the stairs, and looking up at Harry. “Are you all right?” he asked. Harry gave a heavy sniff, and rubbed at his cheek, hand coming away stained. “Here, let me,” said Remus, as Harry tugged the bottom of his too big shirt up to rub at it.
Harry blinked, watching as he pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed over Harry’s cheek gently. No one had ever cleaned up his cuts, and Harry didn’t know what you were supposed to do when someone did. So, he just watched. Remus murmured something quietly, and Harry felt a tingling his skin. He reached up to scratch it, and found his skin uncut. He bit his lip. Remus could make boo-boos go away. He must be a daddy then. Only mummies and daddies could do that.
“Thank you,” Harry said quietly, tucking his knees close.
“You’re welcome, Harry,” Remus replied, moving to sit beside him, copying his pose.
Harry peeked up at him, and received a smile. He looked down again quickly. “Why aren’t you downstairs?” he asked after a few moments. Remus didn’t seem the type of person who ever got mad. So, Harry felt a bit daring.
“Well, they really don’t need me,” he replied.
Harry looked up again. But he looked so important. Remus smiled.
“Where’d you get that?” he asked, pointing at Harry’s scabbed knee.
“I fell down.”
“I see.”
Harry hugged his knees.
“Remus,” called Dumbledore.
Remus stood and brushed at his jeans. Harry was taken aback when he held out a hand. “Would you like to come with me?” he asked. Harry looked back at the door to Dudley’s playroom. It’d only be a matter of time before Dudley got bored and came wandering out to ‘play’ with him. But then, Uncle Vernon was downstairs…
He hesitated, but in the moments it took to raise his hand, Remus had taken it, and helped him up. Harry felt like clinging to him, for no particular reason he could understand. He just felt drawn to. But, he didn’t want to do anything that would make Remus not like him. No grown up had ever been so nice to him before.
Remus took the stairs very slowly, helping Harry down, and smiling at him encouragingly the whole way. By the time they reached the bottom, Harry felt a lot better. The feeling didn’t last very long. As soon as they’d gotten to the lounge, Harry could feel Uncle Vernon’s eyes boring into him. He leaned into Remus, hiding slightly behind one of his legs. Remus gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and lay his other hand to Harry’s back, guiding him over to the loveseat, where Sirius was sitting.
He helped Harry sit, before sitting himself. Sirius stopped glaring at Uncle Vernon to look down at Harry. Harry’d been expecting a glare too, but was surprised to find none. Instead, Sirius gave him a fond smile and ruffled his hair. Harry was very confused.
“Hello, Harry,” greeted Dumbledore, from the armchair. Harry turned to look at him. The old man was smiling at him, and Harry felt his mouth twitch in a small responding one.
“Hi,” he replied softly.
“If you don’t mind, there’s something we’d like to discuss with you.”
“I didn’t mean to!” Harry begged automatically.
Beside him, Sirius stiffened. Remus rubbed his back supportively. Dumbledore gave a small laugh.
“Never fear, Harry. You’re not about to be punished.”
Harry was rather pointedly skeptical about that, but didn’t say anything. The warm, firm strokes to his spine were lulling him into a sort of calm he’d never experienced before.
“No, Harry. We’d like to discuss your living arrangements.”
Harry blinked.
“You are aware that you’re an orphan?”
He nodded slowly. “My parents died in a car crash.”
Over his head, the pair he was sitting between looked at one another. Dumbledore simply smiled. “That is not quite the truth. However, that is not what we’re here to discuss.” He folded his hands together. “Harry, your parents appointed a guardian for you at birth. Unfortunately, due to…complications, you were placed in the care of your only living blood relative.”
Harry nodded. Aunt Petunia was his mother’s sister. He knew that.
“Recently, those complications have been sorted out, and your guardian has been rewarded custody of you.”
Harry fidgeted. He wanted to curl up in a ball, but Aunt Petunia would yell at him for dirtying her cushions and lock him in the cupboard until breakfast tomorrow.
“We are here to retrieve you.”
“Huh?” he asked, looking around the group.
“We’re taking you home,” explained Remus gently.
Harry looked at him.
“Sirius is your Godfather,” he continued, gesturing at the man beside him. Harry looked, and Sirius gave him a welcome smile. “And he wants to take you home with him. Where you belong.”
Harry felt very, very confused, and curled up on the couch anyway. Aunt Petunia could get mad; he didn’t care if he got punished anymore. This was way more important, and scary.
Sirius and Remus both turned to him, and as scared as Harry was feeling at the moment, he’d also never felt so instantly protected before. It was as if nothing could get passed them now. Not Dudley, not Aunt Petunia, not even Uncle Vernon. Harry felt his stomach ease, and his heart unclench.
“You see, Harry,” said Sirius, speaking for the first time. Harry found he liked the sound of his voice very much. “Your Da was my best mate. And just before you were born, he asked me to take care of you, should anything happen to him.”
Harry rocked forward a bit.
“You look just like him, you know,” Sirius continued, and his voice sounded different. Not uncomfortable different. Almost like he was hurting and hiding it.
Harry looked to Remus for conformation. Remus brushed back some of his hair and tapped his nose. “Except, you have your mother’s eyes,” he added.
Harry looked between them both, having forgotten they weren’t alone in the room. “So…so I go with you?”
“Yes, you’re coming home with us.”
“For how long?”
“You’re coming to live with us,” explained Remus.
“For a little while?”
“No Harry,” corrected Sirius. “From now on and for always.”
“’Cause I belong to you?”
Sirius gave a soft smile, leaning forward a bit to level his gaze with Harry’s. “Because you belong with us,” he replied. “You’re part of our family.”
Harry thought about this. Turning to Remus, he asked, “And what are you?”
“Pardon?”
“He’s my Godfather,” Harry rationalized, pointing at Sirius. “But he said we’re family.” He pointed between them. “So, are you my Godfather too?”
Sirius laughed as Remus looked a bit flustered. He patted Harry’s shoulder and shook his head amusedly.
“Well…” said Remus, shifting a bit. “I’m…”
“Yea, he’s your unofficial Godfather,” replied Sirius.
“Okay,” Harry replied, glad that was settled.
Remus looked away for a moment, then back at Harry, for a brief smile. Sirius was still chuckling behind Harry. Remus sent a pleading look at Sirius, who with a few sniffs, collected himself.
Harry decided he liked them. “Okay,” he said again.
“What’s that, Harry?” asked Sirius, stroking back Harry’s hair. It shouldn’t have felt so nice, Harry reasoned. They may be family, but Harry still didn’t know anything about them. And yet…he felt he belonged more right here between these two strangers, than all the time he’d lived with the Dursleys.
“Okay,” he reiterated.
“Okay?” echoed Remus.
“Yea. I’ll go with you.”
The pair smiled. Harry hadn’t realized that they’d never asked him whether he’d like to go or not. But then they were hugging him, and Harry felt he may have finally found where he belonged. After feeling outcasted so long, he’d finally, finally found where he belonged.
Author: Phoenix Angel Suyari
Rating: PG
Pairing: Sirius/Remus
Summary: It’s never too late to belong.
Archive: Just ask.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter, and all other characters from the popular series are the sole ownership of J.K. Rowling and like all other authors, I'm merely borrowing them for my own satisfaction.
“BOY! Get the door!”
Harry scurried across Aunt Petunia’s very clean carpet and out into the hall. He was still not big enough to reach the locks, but Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon left them unlocked during the day, so all he had to do was turn the doorknob. That was hard to do too, but not impossible, like the locks, which he needed a chair for.
Standing on tippy toes, he reached high above his head and curved the ends of very small fingers around the silver knob. It took two tries - his fingers kept slipping and then he fell over - but he finally managed it, feeling a small surge of pride at getting it done. Rocking back, he pulled, and moved around the side, to push the heavy door from the front.
When the door was open enough, he looked up, and had to crane his neck back very far. On the doorstep stood three men. One was very old and smiled at him kindly. On his left was a tall man with dark hair, just like his. And next to him, a shorter man, who looked at Harry like it was perfectly all right if he wanted to just go over and hug him. Which, Harry thought would be nice maybe, but he was a stranger.
“Hello,” said the old man, and Harry looked back at him. “We’re looking for Vernon Dursley.”
Harry blinked, and then gave a watery cough, which made the man with the dark hair frown.
“Boy! Who is it?!”
Harry flinched and leaned into the door. “It’s for you, Uncle Vernon!”
As the rotund man came into the hall, Harry felt very much like going to hug the stranger. Instead, he made himself very small against the door, knowing that if he kept very quiet and didn’t move, Uncle Vernon would eventually forget he was there.
“Yes?” said Uncle Vernon. “What do you want?”
“Vernon Dursley, I presume?”
“Yes,” Uncle Vernon replied, nodding.
“I am Albus Dumbledore. We have never officially met.” Harry watched Uncle Vernon’s face scrunch up, purpling slightly. “And this is Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin.”
The first man, Sirius, glared down hard at Uncle Vernon. Uncle Vernon looked back at him, face slackening slightly. Harry’d never seen anyone able to make Uncle Vernon pale like that. Usually everyone just made him madder and madder. And then he’d take it out on Harry. The second man gave a smile as he was introduced, and then wrapped his arms about one of the darker man’s arms, saying something to him quietly. Harry thought he was going to move - he looked like he wanted to hit Uncle Vernon - but he didn’t.
“Well, shall we move this to the lounge?” said Dumbledore.
Harry watched him stride forward confidently, followed in by the other two men. Right past Uncle Vernon, who began to sputter angrily. And of course, when Uncle Vernon was feeling angry…
“Shut the damn door, boy!” he shouted, swiping and missing a ducking Harry. By the time Harry opened his eyes to see whether or not he’d be hit yet, he found Uncle Vernon staring in outrage at the dark-haired man, who had his wrist in a crushing grip.
“Give me a reason,” he growled into Uncle Vernon’s purple face.
“Sirius,” said the other man.
“Ah this must be your charming wife, Petunia,” Dumbledore said, moving to Aunt Petunia, who’d come in at the commotion. She stared at him, as he took her hand and gave it a good shake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Albus Dumbledore.” Aunt Petunia paled. “And these are my associates, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black.”
Sirius released Uncle Vernon with a small, none too gentle shove. Uncle Vernon stumbled and crashed into the door. Aunt Petunia gave a little shriek. Remus sighed.
“I would commend you for caring for Harry these past three years,” Dumbledore continued. “But we all know that will be unnecessary.”
Harry pressed himself flat against the wall. Whenever grown ups talked about him, he got into a lot of trouble. He edged his way carefully toward the stairs, hoping that with luck, he could dart up them and go hide in the upstairs closet until it all blew over. Sure, there was a chance he’d run into Dudley, but he was willing to take the chance at the moment.
“Why don’t we move into a more comfortable room to discuss this.”
Harry took a dive and landed on the bottom stairs, with a crash. He knew it’d get the attention it received, and so closed his eyes real tight and ran up the stairs as fast as he could, stumbling only once. Dudley had left his skates on the stairs.
“Who’s downstairs?!” demanded Dudley, the moment Harry had finished his scramble. Immediately, Harry clutched the banister. He’d been pushed down the stairs enough times to know it was impossible to tumble far when one had a good grip.
“I don’t know.”
“Really?” said Dudley. He grabbed Harry’s arm and tried to pry it free. Harry clutched harder, knowing if Dudley got a hold of it, he might break it again. Broken arms hurt, and Harry was already not feeling well. “I said tell me!” he shouted, tugging.
“I don’t know!” Harry shouted back, pressing one knee into the stair for leverage.
Dudley pulled with all his weight, and Harry closed his eyes, just as his cheek made contact with the banister. His eyes watered and his head gave a ring. “Next time you better tell me!” said Dudley, kicking him in the side before he stalked off.
Harry gave a sniff, not willing to let go until he heard the crash of the door of Dudley’s playroom. When he was sure he was all alone, he pulled himself up, and sat on the top step, rubbing his stinging cheek. Fingers curled around his chin, lifting his head. Harry jerked in surprise - having not heard anyone coming - and looked up with wide eyes.
Remus smiled at him kindly. He was crouching on the stairs, and looking up at Harry. “Are you all right?” he asked. Harry gave a heavy sniff, and rubbed at his cheek, hand coming away stained. “Here, let me,” said Remus, as Harry tugged the bottom of his too big shirt up to rub at it.
Harry blinked, watching as he pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed over Harry’s cheek gently. No one had ever cleaned up his cuts, and Harry didn’t know what you were supposed to do when someone did. So, he just watched. Remus murmured something quietly, and Harry felt a tingling his skin. He reached up to scratch it, and found his skin uncut. He bit his lip. Remus could make boo-boos go away. He must be a daddy then. Only mummies and daddies could do that.
“Thank you,” Harry said quietly, tucking his knees close.
“You’re welcome, Harry,” Remus replied, moving to sit beside him, copying his pose.
Harry peeked up at him, and received a smile. He looked down again quickly. “Why aren’t you downstairs?” he asked after a few moments. Remus didn’t seem the type of person who ever got mad. So, Harry felt a bit daring.
“Well, they really don’t need me,” he replied.
Harry looked up again. But he looked so important. Remus smiled.
“Where’d you get that?” he asked, pointing at Harry’s scabbed knee.
“I fell down.”
“I see.”
Harry hugged his knees.
“Remus,” called Dumbledore.
Remus stood and brushed at his jeans. Harry was taken aback when he held out a hand. “Would you like to come with me?” he asked. Harry looked back at the door to Dudley’s playroom. It’d only be a matter of time before Dudley got bored and came wandering out to ‘play’ with him. But then, Uncle Vernon was downstairs…
He hesitated, but in the moments it took to raise his hand, Remus had taken it, and helped him up. Harry felt like clinging to him, for no particular reason he could understand. He just felt drawn to. But, he didn’t want to do anything that would make Remus not like him. No grown up had ever been so nice to him before.
Remus took the stairs very slowly, helping Harry down, and smiling at him encouragingly the whole way. By the time they reached the bottom, Harry felt a lot better. The feeling didn’t last very long. As soon as they’d gotten to the lounge, Harry could feel Uncle Vernon’s eyes boring into him. He leaned into Remus, hiding slightly behind one of his legs. Remus gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and lay his other hand to Harry’s back, guiding him over to the loveseat, where Sirius was sitting.
He helped Harry sit, before sitting himself. Sirius stopped glaring at Uncle Vernon to look down at Harry. Harry’d been expecting a glare too, but was surprised to find none. Instead, Sirius gave him a fond smile and ruffled his hair. Harry was very confused.
“Hello, Harry,” greeted Dumbledore, from the armchair. Harry turned to look at him. The old man was smiling at him, and Harry felt his mouth twitch in a small responding one.
“Hi,” he replied softly.
“If you don’t mind, there’s something we’d like to discuss with you.”
“I didn’t mean to!” Harry begged automatically.
Beside him, Sirius stiffened. Remus rubbed his back supportively. Dumbledore gave a small laugh.
“Never fear, Harry. You’re not about to be punished.”
Harry was rather pointedly skeptical about that, but didn’t say anything. The warm, firm strokes to his spine were lulling him into a sort of calm he’d never experienced before.
“No, Harry. We’d like to discuss your living arrangements.”
Harry blinked.
“You are aware that you’re an orphan?”
He nodded slowly. “My parents died in a car crash.”
Over his head, the pair he was sitting between looked at one another. Dumbledore simply smiled. “That is not quite the truth. However, that is not what we’re here to discuss.” He folded his hands together. “Harry, your parents appointed a guardian for you at birth. Unfortunately, due to…complications, you were placed in the care of your only living blood relative.”
Harry nodded. Aunt Petunia was his mother’s sister. He knew that.
“Recently, those complications have been sorted out, and your guardian has been rewarded custody of you.”
Harry fidgeted. He wanted to curl up in a ball, but Aunt Petunia would yell at him for dirtying her cushions and lock him in the cupboard until breakfast tomorrow.
“We are here to retrieve you.”
“Huh?” he asked, looking around the group.
“We’re taking you home,” explained Remus gently.
Harry looked at him.
“Sirius is your Godfather,” he continued, gesturing at the man beside him. Harry looked, and Sirius gave him a welcome smile. “And he wants to take you home with him. Where you belong.”
Harry felt very, very confused, and curled up on the couch anyway. Aunt Petunia could get mad; he didn’t care if he got punished anymore. This was way more important, and scary.
Sirius and Remus both turned to him, and as scared as Harry was feeling at the moment, he’d also never felt so instantly protected before. It was as if nothing could get passed them now. Not Dudley, not Aunt Petunia, not even Uncle Vernon. Harry felt his stomach ease, and his heart unclench.
“You see, Harry,” said Sirius, speaking for the first time. Harry found he liked the sound of his voice very much. “Your Da was my best mate. And just before you were born, he asked me to take care of you, should anything happen to him.”
Harry rocked forward a bit.
“You look just like him, you know,” Sirius continued, and his voice sounded different. Not uncomfortable different. Almost like he was hurting and hiding it.
Harry looked to Remus for conformation. Remus brushed back some of his hair and tapped his nose. “Except, you have your mother’s eyes,” he added.
Harry looked between them both, having forgotten they weren’t alone in the room. “So…so I go with you?”
“Yes, you’re coming home with us.”
“For how long?”
“You’re coming to live with us,” explained Remus.
“For a little while?”
“No Harry,” corrected Sirius. “From now on and for always.”
“’Cause I belong to you?”
Sirius gave a soft smile, leaning forward a bit to level his gaze with Harry’s. “Because you belong with us,” he replied. “You’re part of our family.”
Harry thought about this. Turning to Remus, he asked, “And what are you?”
“Pardon?”
“He’s my Godfather,” Harry rationalized, pointing at Sirius. “But he said we’re family.” He pointed between them. “So, are you my Godfather too?”
Sirius laughed as Remus looked a bit flustered. He patted Harry’s shoulder and shook his head amusedly.
“Well…” said Remus, shifting a bit. “I’m…”
“Yea, he’s your unofficial Godfather,” replied Sirius.
“Okay,” Harry replied, glad that was settled.
Remus looked away for a moment, then back at Harry, for a brief smile. Sirius was still chuckling behind Harry. Remus sent a pleading look at Sirius, who with a few sniffs, collected himself.
Harry decided he liked them. “Okay,” he said again.
“What’s that, Harry?” asked Sirius, stroking back Harry’s hair. It shouldn’t have felt so nice, Harry reasoned. They may be family, but Harry still didn’t know anything about them. And yet…he felt he belonged more right here between these two strangers, than all the time he’d lived with the Dursleys.
“Okay,” he reiterated.
“Okay?” echoed Remus.
“Yea. I’ll go with you.”
The pair smiled. Harry hadn’t realized that they’d never asked him whether he’d like to go or not. But then they were hugging him, and Harry felt he may have finally found where he belonged. After feeling outcasted so long, he’d finally, finally found where he belonged.