Chapter Text
Sirius Black woke up to see blue eyes, filled with love and care, of Mama. Mama, or Mrs Potter, smiled brightly as Sirius gave her a small smile. His body was aching like hell but he has never felt better or terrified of his future. But he was safe and away from all the crazy MFs of his family. Sirius closed his eyes in peace. He was out. OUT. Oh he could dance if his body didn't ache so much. Being under crucio for so long would do that. Sirius sighed as he felt Mama gentle pat on his hair. He opened his eyes and Papa, Mr Potter, had a potion ready for him. He sat up and drank the potion. He felt better straightaway. There were three beds in his room, with Peter Peter sleeping soundly in one. Remus was reading a book beside the window.
"Moony, how have you not finished every book in the world by now?", Sirius asked him teasingly.
Remus looked up and smiled brightly. He jumped up from his bed and hugged the lights off Sirius.
"Merlin! Prat! You scared us!", Remus said with a smile as he ruffled his hair.
James came into the room, looking troubled. He hasn't slept properly if his hair condition was anything to go by. James yelled in happiness before Sirius could reply and hugged him hard. Sirius fell back on the bed as he hugged James. He was pretty sure he heard James sniff and his neck was a bit wet. It made his heart warmer and love for this idiot grow exponentially. James means more to him than his entire life. He would do anything, anything, for this prat. Sirius patted James, who recovered and gave him a bright smile. Sirius smiled back. He was back with his family.
"Sorry for escaping the hell hole without any notice. Next time I would be sure to send you a memo days in advance.", Sirius joked to Remus as everyone chuckled.
"About that Sirius, Your parents have sent a letter saying that if you don't return to the family by tonight, you would be burned off from the family tree. If you decide to stay, then they would come after our family. I, of course, told them to sod off.", Papa said solemnly as his eyes twinkled.
Sirius snorted but got solemn. What was he going to do? He can't keep munching off James and he hated asking for money or favor from anyone. He had few galleons to survive next year but he would have to start looking at job prospects now that his inheritance went up the flame.
"Sirius?", Sirius looked up to see Mama look at him with excitement. James really got Mama's boundless energy.
"We were thinking...we were thinking, if you would be agreeable to it. Maybe, maybe...we could adopt you as second son. I know we can't change your name or anything but we can make you our blood son. With that you would be part of our household without having to go to legal trouble. But we understand if that makes you uncomfortable...uff", Rest of Mama's ramble stopped when Sirius hugged her strongly.
"You don't have to Mama. You, Papa and Prongs love for me is more than enough. I don't need anything else in life.", Sirius said seriously.
" Oh but we do need more kids.", Papa said with a bright smile as James was vibrating with excitement.
Remus smiled brightly. Peter snored loudly but then got up and yelled in happiness. Sirius snorted, hugged him. He looked at Mama and Papa, who looked at him with excitement. He nodded his consent. Papa and Mama went to prepare for the ceremony after hugging him.
"So brother, how bad was it?", James said with a bright smile, even if his eyes were troubled.
Sirius sighed, " Well it was bad. I refused to join the dark side. They were planning on making me meet him tomorrow, when I started packing my stuff. I kept it in the shrunken suitcase in my pocket. I was going call you to warn you that I am coming, when all hell broke loose. I stopped counting after 6th crucio. My bat shit crazy mother did fire some dark spells but somehow, they missed or hit other objects. One did hit me as I flooed away."
"Well the dark spell was nasty. Its lucky Harry knew about it. She just knew straight away and cured you in moments.", Peter said in awe.
Sirius looked at James in confusion. Who the hell was Harry? Remus slapped Peter's head as Peter clapped his hands on his mouth. James sat down in front of him with an expression he has only seen on him after the Snape incident. Sirius grew serious because whatever it was Sirius. Pun intended.
James sighed and rubbed his hands over his face as he started softly," You know story about Archie Potter."
Sirius nodded and replied," The black Potter of the family. He was vehemently against muggleborns and had his ideology aligning with my lovely family. My mother loves prating about him. Didn't he disappear during Grindelwald terror?"
"Yeah he did. Turns out he became his main supporter and took charge of attack in Ireland. My father disowned him for his actions. But as fate would have it, he fell in love with a muggleborn witch. He went into hiding from Grindelwald, who doesn't leave deserters alive. They had one son, who married a muggleborn witch too. They lived in Ireland for a while before shifting to London. They had a daughter at the same time, I was born. They rebelled against Voldemort when he demanded they join his cause. They refused and nothing happened for a while, so they went on to live their normal life. Voldemort doesn't take refusal kindly and sent his worst kind to kill them. The Potters were having party where their friends and family were all gathered. Deatheaters attacked them at night when most of the adults were drunk and....well no one survived. Both Potters fought but Dolohov and Mulciber are worst of the worst. They tortured them to the point that their death was a kindness.", James said gravely as tears filled his eyes.
Remus squeezed his shoulder and Peter looked horrified. Sirius looked on. It was horrible but that had nothing to do with Harry, whoever that was.
James got up and started to walk in agitation and anger. "They kidnapped their daughter, despite Voldemort's orders to kill them all. They tortured Harry for days and months. She doesn't remember anymore. Till she was rescued by Bones in a raid. They had to hospitalize her and through blood test found her history. They called Mama and Papa, who rushed to her side. She was so fragile, yet so strong. I have never seen anyone that brave. She was so polite with our parents. My parents decided there and then that she would stay with us. She was family and more than that they had always wanted a daughter. But they wanted to check with me first."
James laughed at absurdity, "I meet her and something in my heart shifted. She looks so much like me, Padfoot, you would think she is my twin separated at birth. Her eyes sometimes remind me of Lily but her mother had same eye color. We did a history search. Turns out Lily is related to them by some third cousin once removed way. She is so much like me but had has such a contrasting life. She still has such a zest for life. I am in awe of her. I don't know how or why but I know she is my sister. Just she is. In few days, she has become such an important part of my life. You would love her, Padfoot. She is incredible!", James said with a soft smile. Sirius looked in awe as he saw a softer side of James that he hasn't seen before. He started to smile.
"We adopted her officially yesterday her as my sister. Now, I get be your blood brother, which is bloody fantastic! I know it doesn't make us official family but that closest you can be as cousin.", James said in excitement.
"She must be buried in Potions. Merlin! Moony you need to stay away from her before you make her a bookworm! Wait I will get her. I am sure she will be thrilled to know you are awake." James said as he exited Sirius' s room in excitement as if he has got a new broom.
"She saw your injury and I don't how but she knew what it was and cured you. The Medi-witch, later, said that had Harry not removed the charm, you could have been seri..terribly injured. She is really something, you know. She is so sweet, kind and helpful. Plus she is an excellent cook!", Peter said happily as he went to dress up.
"She is really sweet but there is haunted look in her that shouldn't be present on someone so young. She has so many scars and marks on her body, that they rival mine. She lost everyone that night, including her best friends. She gets nightmares. The first night when I came, she had just a terrible nightmare. She was screaming and thrashing in her sleep. James, somehow managed to wake her. Merlin! I can never forget that look. James changed after that night. He keeps trying to distract her but I dont know, it like seeing her sad gives him some deep pain or something. He is so protective of her but he understands that she needs her personal space, especially after being captive for so long.", Remus said softly.
"How long was she captive?", Sirius asked softly.
"According to Auror report, at least 1 month. She went through some terrible ordeal, not just magic. They hurt her physically. There are dark magic scars all over her body and a burn mark, which could either be due to dragon or fiendfyre. It shook Mrs Potter to bones when they found out about the length of her injuries. When she went for a follow check, she asked Mr and Mrs Potter to get full body check up as well. Apparently her parents used to do that yearly. They agreed to appease her but to everyone's surprise, turns out they had early stage dragon pox. They would be fine with few doses of Mr Potter's dragon pox cure. James hugged her so tightly after that she had bruising all over her.", Remus said with a far away smile as he sniffed.
"Be yourself with her. She hates it if you pity her or try to handle her with care. If she wants space, she would let you know. Just respect that.", Remus said softly as he smiled brightly at a raven haired girl.
She looked like James twin but so much prettier. Her eyes were emerald green, almost like Lily's. She was shorter than James and thinner too (no doubt due to captivity). There was air of magic and power that radiated from her. She looked at him with soft smile. Sirius felt a smile coming on his face.
"Hi. I am Harry. I am not sure if you know about me. But I am James's long lost cousin.", Harry said from the door with a smile.
He noticed she was looking at him with intrigue. It almost felt as if she was cataloging his looks or looking for some difference. He was used to girls, women or even, men doing that. Except this had no sexual interest, it looked purely out of curiosity, which put Sirius at ease. Because he was sure James would murder him, if they ever thought down that road.
"Prongs mentioned that he had a sister that he kept hidden for years. I don't have a clue about a cousin.", Sirius said with a smile. Harry looked gobsmacked.
James grinned widely and putting a hand around her shoulder, said," Padfoot, Meet my sister, Harry Potter. Harry, my brother in everything but blood, Sirius Black."
Harry looked at James with a peculiar expression, a mixture of love, loss, guilt and happiness. She hugged James strongly and then smiled brightly at the rest of them. Sirius smiled back.
"I hope you are well?", Harry asked Sirius. Sirius nodded. Harry nodded and left saying she wanted to help Mama with making breakfast.
"She doesn't like to be ideal. Plus she is preparing for OWLs, which is this weekend. She would be joining our year, Dumbledore has agreed, as has the ministry, to let her give her exams and then, depending on grade, choose her subjects. Remus is helping her study, while I am helping her with more practical aspect of magic", James said excitedly.
"How much does she know about our secrets?", Sirius asked quietly.
"Nothing. ", James said as he laid on Sirius's lap. Sirius nodded. He went to change as his stomach growled.
"Happy independence day, Sirius", Papa said loudly as he hugged Sirius.
Sirius looked around and grinned. The whole room has been turned into a celebration hall. He has finally left the clutches of Black family. By Law now, his family could not force him to do anything. We was put under guardianship of Potters by Auror Longbottom, who heard their plea. As if it was not a huge news in the wizarding world, Potters also announced that they have adopted their long lost brother's granddaughter as their own. Harry, for some reason, looked more resigned and annoyed than shocked and angry at the intense media reaction to the announcement. Sirius found that odd. James had been pissed at the article written by Rita Skeeter about Harry and her scars. Harry had chuckled reading the wild conspiracy theory and went back to studying Transfiguration. Sirius was in awe of this person. She had no fucks to give.
They would teach her some subject or other, whoever was best in the subject. They were all good, except Peter. He has always been a bit slow but made it up with his on-spot lies and escape plans. Sirius was becoming good friends with Harry. She was a unique blend of maturity and shenanigans. There were so many scars on her but her smile could put sun to shame. He was most intrigued by the scar on her hand that said "I must not tell lies".
" My parents used to curse breakers but they used to go in turns, so that there was always someone with me.", Harry explained as she looked at the stars in the sky as she gently rubbed her scar. Sirius loved this about her. She won't clamp up about what has happened but she would only tell you if you asked. Harry continued," Once they both had to go for a while, almost a year. So they left me with my aunt, who was a sadistic bitch with a more violent and sadistic husband. They both would make me cook food for them and their dumbasrse son. I was made to do a lot of household work. I lied about something because i really didnt want to do anymore work. She made me do lines. At first, I didn't mind the punishment, it was better than been starved. But slowly I released that the writing, red ink, was actually my own blood and i was craving the writing on my hand. She loved that punishment. So for a long time I wrote in my own blood, craving on my own hand, this."
Sirius looked horrified and left such anger that it unsettled him a bit. But what the hell? Who does something like this?
"Where do they live? I am sure, I can visit these bastards!", Sirius growled angrily. Harry put a calming hand on his and smiled.
"My parents came and were horrified at what I had endured. I dont know what they did with them but I never heard of or from them again.", Harry said with a shrug. Sirius felt placated. Her parents would have revenged their child, which parent wouldn't. Well, expect his sorry arse sperm and egg donor.
"How are you doing?", Harry asked him softly as she pierced his eyes. Sirius also found that when Harry looked at you this way, you just couldn't lie. Okay, Sirius couldn't lie. He didn't know about rest.
"I am free, Harry. Free of their ideology, of their craziness, of their bloodlust and their insanity.", Sirius said happily. Harry looked at him and tilted her head.
"And your brother?", Harry asked softly. Sirius's smile faded as he looked away. Leaving Reg with those crazy people was a hard decision but he had to go. He couldn't stay there or they would have pulled him in their nastiness. Reg would survive. He believes in all this shit or he pretends too.
"I would regret that, Harry. But I couldn't stay. I just couldn't.", Sirius said brokenly.
"Maybe, you can stay in touch with and give him a choice, a chance, to run to safety if he requires.", Harry offered timidly.
Sirius laughed in bitterness. "He won't look at me, Harry. Let alone talk to me."
"Sirius, did James tell you about the attack?", Harry asked him. Sirius nodded.
"They didn't just take away my parents, but my best friends too. They were with me during that horrid time. I lost everyone that ever mattered to me due to the bloodlust of this man. You got your freedom and you are free. Trust me, I know the feeling but you also left something important behind. Not helping someone you love when they need you the most can leave a tear worse than any physical pain you can go through. So maybe he won't listen to you but give him a way to connect to you if he needs. At least, tell him that you care.", Harry said gravely as sorrow filled her eyes. Her eyes gained a haunted look that shook Sirius to the core.
"There you are!", James happy voice came towards them.
Harry's horror left her as she smiled brightly at James. Sirius smiled. He knew the effect James had on people, James decides to shower his love on. Harry mischievous side came out more often and she looked lighter than before. She has grown healthier and prettier as she healed with love, food and Papa's potions. She was wicked flier, better than Prongs. Prongs had gone off the broom when he discovered that. He had already started making quidditch game plan.
They got their results yesterday. James and Sirius passed all subjects, except History of Magic (E), with Outstanding. Remus scored Outstanding in all of them. (Surprise!). Harry had managed to get O in DADA, Transfiguration and Care of Magical creature, while getting E in rest. Peter managed to 4 OWLs. Sirius can't for life of him understand how. Anyways as celebration and to get their new stuff, the whole Potter family was out shopping.
Harry didn't like to dress up too much but she indulged Mama. Mama loved dolling Harry up in pretty dresses. They brought clothes after clothes. Papa joked that they might have to create a whole new home just for Harry's clothes. Mama shushed him as she bought another dress for Harry, not just wizarding robes but also muggle clothes. James rolled his eyes but could see that Harry was getting tired, even if she wont say anything.
"To think Prongs, I used to be the one Mama wanted to share shopping love with. Oh! How times have changed? Oh my heart!", Sirius said in sorrow as Mama twisted his ears. He whined.
"Oh Shush you! You are still the prettiest of them all.", Mama said indulgently.
"Na, Mama. I think Harry has taken the spot.", Sirius said as he whistled. Harry had come out wearing an extremely sexy, short dress.
"NO!", James and Papa said at same time. Harry looked at them confused as she twirled in the mirror to see what was wrong. Sirius chuckled
"You look amazing in the dress, Harry. That is the problem.", Sirius explained as Harry chuckled.
Papa refused to buy that dress. They left the store to eat ice cream. Sirius made an excuse and went back to the store to buy the dress for her as well as leather jacket that he saw her eyeing. He kept it in his wizarding pouch. They all then went to Diagonal alley, where Harry went to the new book store, stating she needed to alone for some time now. They all nodded and went to different places. Dad, James and Sirius ended up at the broom shop.
"Mr Potter, Master Potter and Master Black. Welcome back! We have started to take names for the new model of Nimbus. It would be out before next term begins!", Mr Blender pitched enthusiastically
"We will have 4!", Papa said without blinking his eyes.
Potters were filthy rich, not as rich as Blacks or Longbottoms, but they came close. Papa's Sleekeazy alone drew million of galleons and that was just one of the potion, he had invented. Mama came with her set of Black inheritance, which she was planning on transferring to Harry after her graduation. Harry had turned tomato and refused. Mama had then calmed her down and said as she was family, it was Mama's right to give her inheritance. After a bit of talk with James, Harry had begrudgingly agreed.
The children were walking away from the Ice cream parlor, when Harry, who was having 'argument' with James about best flavor, bumped into Lily, who looked furiously at James and Sirius. She opened her mouth, no wonder to berate them when Harry apologised.
"I am so sorry about bumping into you. I was so engrossed in arguing with my stupid brother that I didn't see you.", Harry apologised profusely. No one could stay mad at her when she looked like an adorable deer. James chest had puffed when Harry called him brother effortlessly.
Lily anger drained as she looked at Harry with curiosity. She looked at James, who grinned widely at her.
"Lily Evans, meet my amazing sister, Harry Potter. She would be joining our year. Harry, meet the Gryffindor Prefect and year topper, Lily Evans!", James made introductions.
Both girls greeted each other, when Papa called them to meet Mr Longbottom. Both James and Sirius groaned. He was one of the most boring human beings on Earth.
Harry looked at them in humor and said," Get me a sundae of the best flavour on earth and I will take care of that."
They both furiously nodded. Harry chuckled and left after saying bye to Lily. Lily was watching the interaction in surprise. James turned Serious as he looked at Harry politely conversing with the most boring man on planet. He looked at Lily.
"Lily, I know we have our differences and you probably hate me. I deserve most of it and I am not asking you to change that. But I would be very, very much in your debt if you could take care of Harry, when we reach Hogwarts. I would be there for her every step of the way but she could use some feminine company as well. We, four, can be quite rowdy, sometimes.", James pleaded with her.
Lily looked shocked. Sirius stifled a chuckle. Lily has never seen this side of James before, where he puts his friends and family before him.
Lily said with a small smile,"I will if you don't propose me at all this year."
James looked at her and then Harry, who after finishing talk with Mr Longbottom, was rubbing her head scar.
James looked deep in Lily's eyes and said,"Agreed." Lily looked gobsmacked as James bowed and left to get sundae for Harry without a second glance. Lily looked in question at Sirius.
"Harry has been through a lot and suffers from intense nightmares. Prongs is awfully worried about her. He won't be able to comfort her if she is in her dorm. But you can. Plus Harry would need friends who are not friends of James. She is his sister and I am not saying adopted sister. I mean, she is his sister. In his eyes, she is his little sister and he would protect and do anything for her. For people he loves, Prongs would do anything. Including not proposing the person he has been madly in love with since third year, if it meant that his sister would have a genuine female friend.", Sirius explained softly as he watched James reach Harry and give her, her sundae.
Harry smiled tiredly. She still was weak and needed rest after prolonged period. James stood behind her in a manner that she could lean on him without making it look like she was weak. They both ate sundae in silence as James signaled Papa to leave, who nodded and went to get Mama. Lily looked on with intrigue and a small smile. Sirius noted that her eyes stayed focused on James. Sirius smiled. Maybe this is what the prat needed. A sister to show his softer, loving side to the love of his life. This year should be interesting.