Harry Potter Promise NR.2

It’s OK Not To Be OK (But I Promise, I’m Trying)
by rayrae118


Chapter 6
Disclaimer: not mine

When Minerva returned from seeing Poppy back to Hogwarts, she found a rather depressed Sirius waiting for her.

Not wanting to find another chair, she simply sat down on the edge of the bed, lightly resting her hand on top of Harry’s free one, mindful of the healing process taking place under the skin. She allowed her stern mask to fall, showing the very real worry she felt for the son of two of her best friends.

“Poppy said he’ll be all right,” Sirius spoke first, his voice sounding slightly raspy, and mostly like he was trying to convince himself. Minerva just nodded, and Sirius cleared his throat, before speaking again. “She seemed rather calm, considering she was in the same room as a mass murderer.”

Minerva shook her head. “She didn’t require any persuasion to believe that you were innocent. Poppy was much fonder of you, Remus, and James than you may believe.” Sirius snorted, and Minerva’s smile widened slightly. “Since we are about to embark on a rather rough journey together, I feel I should let you know that I was too.”

Now Sirius shook his head in disbelief. He was fairly certain that a majority of the gray hairs on the Transfiguration mistress’ head were his fault.

Minerva gave him a slightly severe look, as if she knew what he was thinking about. Deciding to get to the matter at hand, she squared her shoulders to prepare herself. “Mr. Black, we should discuss what we plan to do from here. As things stand, you are in no position to take care of your godson. I have begun the process of getting your name cleared, but I do not think it will be a fast process.” Sirius nodded. There was nothing surprising in that. “I would like to set up a meeting with Amelia Bones as quickly as possible, both to officially remove Harry from the care of his relatives, and to see about getting you a trial.”

Sirius contemplated his former professor. “What did you have in mind?” he asked curiously, wanting to hear what her plans were.

Minerva bit her lip, suddenly nervous. Here’s where her plan could fall apart. “I’ve already informed Amelia that I would like to become Harry’s guardian. I was thinking – hoping, he would be willing. McGonagall Castle is rather lonely, and I thought Harry might like all the space. Particularly, the Quidditch pitch, though it hasn’t been used in years. I would like to extend that invitation to you as well. I don’t believe the Ministry would look for you, there, and you would be able to spend some time getting to know your godson.”

Sirius was gob smacked. He had never imagined Minerva offering him such a great deal. He didn’t even have to think about it before agreeing.

Minerva nodded, smiling gently at her former student. “As soon as Harry is awake, we’ll talk with him, and hopefully see about moving him to his new home. Once we know if this plan is acceptable with him, I will contact Amelia again.”

Sirius agreed with her outline, and the two settled down to watch over their charge, just waiting to see those brilliant green eyes once more.

As they waited, they spent some time getting reacquainted. Minerva learned just where it was they were staying for the time being, and Sirius learned more about Harry’s first three years at Hogwarts. Minerva gave him her reasons for not doing more, and they both commiserated in their guilt over not being there for the young man who was so important to them.

XXX

Harry awoke slowly, hearing voices before he could think clearly enough to put faces to them. McGonagall’s Scottish brogue mixed in with the strict intonation he knew could only belong to Hogwarts’ own mediwitch. He panicked for a moment, wondering what had happened and where he was, before a deeper baritone entered the conversation, and Harry recognized his godfather’s voice. And then he panicked again, worrying that Poppy would tell the authorities about Sirius.

“Mr. Potter?” Harry groaned, so Poppy tried again. “Harry, I know you can hear me. Can you open your eyes?”

It took a few moments, but eventually he was able to raise his lids just a little. Poppy’s assuring smile swam into view, along with a good deal of light, causing Harry to groan and close his eyes again. A rustling sound followed by the blackness behind his lids getting darker informed him that someone had taken care of the light problem.

He made another attempt to open his eyes, and was pleased to discover that it was much easier this time. Poppy was at his side, checking his vitals and doing something to his chest. He felt the same prickly pins and needles sensation that he would forevermore associate with Skele-Gro. The feeling was all up his left arm, down his right leg, and throughout his chest and shoulders. It was uncomfortable, but he had a feeling it would have been worse had he woken up earlier.

“Ah, Mr. Potter, welcome back to the world of the living,” Poppy smiled, which surprised Harry a little. He couldn’t remember the matron of the Infirmary being anything other than stern and unyielding. Some of his confusion must have shown on his face, because Poppy began to explain the current situation, as she finished up with her assessment. “You’ve been unconscious for a little over a day. You suffered from a moderate concussion and several broken bones. In addition to healing those injuries, I have also begun the process of dealing with several older maladies that went untreated, which is why you are feeling the Skele-Gro in your leg as well as the arm and chest.” Her voice grew softer and more compassionate as she continued, “I can see what I can do about the scars, but we thought it would be best for the investigation if we got some photos of those first.”

Harry grimaced and looked down, ashamed. A pressure on his right hand had him looking over, into the understanding eyes of his godfather. Sirius gave him a comforting smile. “We’ve all been talking, Harry, and we’ve got what we think is a pretty good plan worked out, but we’d like to run it by you first, to see what you think. We’ll talk about that when you’re a little better, though, all right?” Harry nodded, his eyelids already drooping.

Poppy put her wand away and stood back, brushing herself off. “Why don’t you get some more rest, Mr. Potter, and we will talk when you wake up.”

Harry nodded, but stopped quickly when his head began aching.

The three adults watched as the teenager drifted off into a – hopefully – dreamless sleep.

XXX

The next time Harry woke, he felt much better. He watched with a bemused expression as Poppy checked him over, deeming him fit to get up, but warning him that he would tire out easily at first, before demanding that he eat something, and giving him a nutrient potion to take with the meal, all in the span of about one breath.

Sirius entered the room then, carrying with him a tray laden with toast, eggs, bacon, and potatoes, which he set down on Harry’s lap.

Minerva followed him carrying a teapot and several cups.

Sirius smiled. “I know it’s suppertime, but I figured, you haven’t eaten in a while, so you probably wouldn’t mind some breakfast foods.”

Minerva let out a chuckle. “What he means is, he doesn’t know how to do much more in the kitchen than make toast. When he tried to rationalize his breakfast decision, I took pity on him when he burned the water, and did the rest.”

The adults all laughed, and Harry let out a weak smile. He felt awkward with them all watching him eat, but he couldn’t deny that he was ravenous.

He polished off the entire tray in about five minutes, and looked up sheepishly as Minerva took it from him, setting it on the desk before returning to his bedside.

Without the distraction of food, Harry was becoming a little more nervous. Seeing both McGonagall and Sirius next to him, he didn’t hold out much hope for being able to keep what had happened a secret.

Poppy had departed while he was eating, apologizing and telling them that she had a few things to take care of at school, but she would be back in the morning to check on him. She had given Minerva a rather interesting look, which Harry had seen but not understood, before leaving the room.

Minerva sat down on the edge of the bed, and Sirius once more claimed the chair. Harry swallowed, preparing himself for the inquisition he knew was to come.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t that bad. They seemed to understand what had happened, and Sirius’ only question was to confirm whether or not it had been his uncle. Harry didn’t have to do anything other than nod, looking down at his hands in embarrassment.

Sirius set a hand on top of his, squeezing gently, before they moved on to this ‘plan’ they were so proud of.

It was Minerva who explained it, to the increasingly confused thirteen-year-old. “While Sirius is a wanted fugitive, he is not able to take care of you, in the public eye. I have spoken with Madam Bones, but such things take time. While you were unconscious, we both agreed that this setting is not ideal for anyone to inhabit.” Sirius snorted. No one in their right mind would actually willingly live in the Black Family Ancestral Home. Minerva shot him a look, but didn’t comment, simply turning back to Harry and continuing. “Therefore, I would like to invite the both of you to return with me to my home, McGonagall Castle. I think you’ll find that it is a very nice place to dwell, though a bit on the large side, particularly with just one person living there.” Here Minerva stopped, taking in the boy’s wide and disbelieving eyes. She saw some hope there, which made her so happy, and hoped that he would be somewhat amenable to what she suggested next. “I have already told Amelia that I would like to become your formal guardian.”

Harry stared. His professor looked so nervous, it wasn’t something he was used to seeing from his stern and serious head of house. She also seemed so sure of her idea. She really seemed to want him. That wasn’t something Harry was used to, so he looked over at his godfather. Sirius looked like he was on board with this plan, though he also seemed disappointed that he couldn’t publically take over the guardianship of his godson.

Looking back at the Transfiguration Professor, Harry swallowed again. His eyes lowered almost of their own accord, and he asked quietly, his voice hesitant, “Why?”

Even with no more elaboration, Minerva knew exactly what he was asking, and it broke her heart that he wouldn’t understand why someone wanted to take care of him. She shifted forward slightly and rested a hand on his shoulder. “Harry,” she started, and waited until he looked up. “I know you’ve always seen me as your professor, but I’ve never seen you as just another student, and it has nothing to do with that scar, Mr. Potter,” she clarified, and gave herself a mental pat on the back when she saw him relax slightly. “I will always regret not fighting harder when Albus made his decision to leave you with your relatives, and when I saw you again after ten years, I was struck by how much like your parents you were. Not only in looks,” she smiled in remembrance. “You do look so much like your father, it’s true, but you have all of Lily’s spirit, and James’ sense of honor and duty. You have the best of your parents in you, Harry, and beyond that, you truly are an amazing young man that I am delighted to have the honor of knowing.” Here, Harry looked down, very embarrassed. He wasn’t used to his stern professor showing so much emotion or pride, especially in him.

And apparently, she wasn’t done. “And even if your grades don’t currently reflect it, I’m certain that you have all of your parent’s talent.” Harry winced, but he had already figured the professor knew about that. After all, why would a slacker be willing to study an entire year’s worth of Arithmancy and Ancient Runes over the summer to try and get into the classes, dropping the ‘easy O’ in the process?

Minerva smiled. “I want to take care of you, Harry. It might be a little awkward at first, for the both of us, but I am confident that we can make it work. And as I already said, Sirius is welcome. I do not believe the Minsitry will think to look for him at my Ancestral Home, which incidentally has many layers of wards, added over the years. My family was no slouch,” Minerva smirked, an expression which looked quite odd on her, but Harry was oddly relieved. Minerva took a deep breath. “Does this sound like an acceptable plan to you?” she asked, bracing herself for his answer.

Harry thought about it for a minute. Truthfully, it did sound like the best deal he could get. He loved staying with the Weasleys over the summer, but honestly, he always felt sort of like a fifth wheel there – he was a guest, but he wasn’t family. He didn’t really belong. Not for more than a week or two at a time. Staying with McGonagall and Sirius might give him more of a sense of permanence. And he was grateful that she had extended the invitation to his godfather as well. He really wanted to get to know his parents’ best friend.

Finally, he looked back up and nodded. Minerva was struck by the quiet power he seemed to radiate as he watched her. It almost reminded her of Dumbledore. “I’d like that, professor,” he agreed quietly.

Minerva couldn’t stop the smile from spreading from one ear to the other. “I’m glad,” she replied, “Though I think, if we are to live together, you should drop the ‘professor’ in private. You can call me Minerva.” She saw Harry wince slightly, and knew that would be a challenge for him. Her smile softened in understanding. “Perhaps ‘Aunt Minerva’ would be easier,” she amended. “After all, as I told you earlier, that’s probably what you would have called me, had circumstances been different.”

Harry nodded his agreement, though he knew that it would take some getting used to.

With that decided, it was time to leave the depressing atmosphere of the Black home. Minerva made an effort to help Harry get out of bed, escorting him to the loo with a change of clothes, while Sirius made sure Harry’s trunk, and the few items he had in the house that he didn’t want to be parted from, were ready to go. He didn’t have a whole lot, especially in the necessities department, but Minerva had assured him that she had some things he could use. Her brother had been roughly his size, though he had had slightly more meat on his bones, and his wardrobe was still sitting in storage at the castle.

So much had happened over the last twelve years, Sirius was still getting used to it. Minerva had told him how her brother and his family had been killed by Death Eaters after the end of the war, while they were still trying to round the criminals up. Apollo and his wife Margaret, along with nine-year-old Maia, and little Diana. She had only been three when he had been locked up.

With Minerva’s own children and husband dead from the war as well, it looked like the McGonagall line might have ended. Though Sirius had wondered if Minerva might be considering making Harry her heir – it would be an acceptable thing to think about, considering she was planning on becoming his legal guardian. Inheritance laws were tricky, but there were enough loopholes to make Sirius very happy. It was one such loophole that had allowed him to name baby Harry as his own heir in his will when the child was six months old. Since his father and brother’s deaths, he had become the Lord of the Black family, and since there was no superseding will created after that first one, Harry was still his heir, though he would have to make it official with the Goblins at some point. He knew it would infuriate his cousin Narcissa, who had probably hoped to claim the Lord Black title for her son. He wondered if they had tried at all over the last dozen years, but he trusted the Goblins to see to his wishes. He knew they didn’t care about guilt or innocence. They would obey his commands because he was the rightful Lord Black. That, and he had a healthy respect for them.

Minerva and Harry entered the sitting room, Minerva looking slightly out of her depth, and Harry just looking embarrassed. Sirius figured he was a little uncomfortable with his professor taking care of him, though he hoped the young wizard would get used to it. They weren’t going anywhere, and eventually, Harry would see that.

Minerva went first, taking Harry’s trunk and grabbing a pinch of Floo powder, calling out “McGonagall Castle” clearly, before vanishing in a mass of green flames.

Sirius motioned for Harry to go next, and soon enough, he was grabbing his own small suitcase and leaving the Black Home as well. He would have to see about getting it cleaned up at some point, but for the moment, he was quite glad to not have to look at those gloomy walls for the foreseeable future.

XXX

McGonagall Castle was a large, airy place, with many rooms, hallways, and corridors. It wasn’t nearly as large as Hogwarts, but it was much grander than anything Harry was used to. Watching him look around in astonishment, Sirius made a mental note to take him to visit Potter Manor at some point.

Minerva called for a house elf to take their belongings to the rooms she had marked out, before giving the two a tour. She was amused to see the way both their eyes lit up at the sight of the Quidditch pitch. It was a little overrun by weeds, but the house elves should have no problem getting it ready for the two Quidditch fans.

Given that it was getting late, Minerva made sure Harry was settled in his new bedroom, telling him that they would redecorate it to his liking soon, before she surprised him by giving him a light hug, wishing him a good night. She left the room quickly after that, going to find Sirius in the family study, penning a letter.

Sirius looked up at her entrance, and answered the unspoken question. “I thought Remus should know what’s going on,” he informer her. “Don’t worry, I’m being vague enough that no one will know your involvement, should the letter be intercepted.”

Minerva nodded her approval, and walked over to a shelf, pulling out a few pieces of parchment for herself, and a quill, before heading to the other desk in the room. “Mr. Lupin is welcome in this house any time. I don’t doubt he would appreciate spending time with both Harry and yourself. I certainly have enough spare bedrooms.”

Sirius nodded his thanks, and turned back to his letter, adding that invitation, before focusing on Minerva again. “Whom are you writing to?” he asked, leaning back in his chair.

Minerva looked up briefly. “One letter is for Poppy, informing her of our change in location, so that she can come check on Harry tomorrow. The other notes are invitations for Amelia and Patricia Welding from the DCW, to come here and talk with Harry. We need to file a formal complaint so that it can officially be investigated and Harry removed from the Dursleys’ care. Once that is done, I can file the claim to take over his guardianship.”

“Are you expecting any difficulties?” Sirius asked, concerned.

Minerva furrowed her brow. “There shouldn’t be, from what Amelia’s said. There should be no problem getting him out of that house, the only issues may arise over the question of guardianship. If we do this quickly and quietly, by the time anyone tries to protest, it should be all taken care of.”

Sirius nodded, and waited for Minerva to finish her missives, before the two headed up to the owlry together. Minerva had told him that she had several owls, and one would certainly be able to deliver his letter. However, they both received a shock, in the form of a snowy white owl staring down at them from the rafters, looking rather pleased with herself.

“Hedwig!” The owl swooped down to land on Sirius’ shoulder, and he chuckled. “I don’t suppose you’d mind taking this letter to Remus Lupin for me?” he asked, still smiling. Hedwig just stuck out her leg expectantly. Sirius tied the letter, and watched as the smart bird flew off.

Once Minerva had sent her own letters on their way, the pair made their way back down to their respective bedrooms. It had been a long day, and tomorrow promised to be longer still.

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Chapter 7
This update comes in between my massive amounts of cooking for my mom’s birthday party tonight, so I’m glad I was actually able to get it out! I think we’re going majorly overboard, but then, it’s fifty people, and you don’t turn 60 every day. My counter is covered in cupcakes =]

Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns it all

Waking up the next morning, Harry once more experienced the unpleasant sensation of not remembering where he was.

It only took a moment before he recalled the events of the previous evening. He took a deep breath before sitting up, pleased to note the absence of pain. Madam Pomfrey really was a godsend.

Looking around the rather bare room, Harry bit his lip in thought. Living with a professor would be a bit of an adjustment, but he was happy to be able to see his godfather as well. He didn’t know what to expect for the rest of the summer, but it had to be better than the start. He looked over to where he saw his trunk sitting next to the dresser, waiting to be unpacked. He stood up and moved over to search for some clean clothes. Everything he had was at least four sizes too large, and most had holes in them as well. He grimaced, trying to find the least ratty t-shirt, slipping it over his head with a sigh.

Next, he decided to pull out his Ancient Runes textbook, thinking he’d be able to read a chapter or two before breakfast. His somewhat battered watch showed the time to be quite early.

It was nearly an hour later when a house elf popped into Harry’s room, startling him out of his Runes reading. “Hello,” he said, surprised, setting down the book and swinging his legs over the side of the bed.

The elf looked slightly startled, but bobbed up and down eagerly. “Mistress sent Tibby to tell Mister Harry that breakfast is ready,” it squeaked.

Harry nodded. “Thank you, Tibby,” he replied, smiling kindly. The elf reminded him a little of Dobby, though perhaps a more toned down version. “I’ll be down shortly.” The elf nodded, looking awed at his kindness, and disappeared, and Harry put on his shoes, running a hand through his hair as he left the room, trying to remember the route to the dining room.

He only got lost once, and was quite hungry by the time he found his way to the impressive room. The table could easily seat thirty people, with room to spare. There was gilding along the walls, and a remarkable chandelier was hanging from the ceiling.

Minerva and Sirius were seated at one end, with what looked like breakfast for ten surrounding them.

As soon as Harry sat down, he was accosted by his godfather, who wasted no time in piling his plate with a traditional English breakfast. Harry looked down at the fried eggs, bacon, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, sausages, and baked beans, and winced. He was hungry, but he wasn’t sure he was that hungry.

He turned pleading eyes on his godfather, who just smiled. “You need to eat more,” he told his godson. He held out a vial to the young wizard. “Madam Pomfrey is setting up a plan for you, but it involves taking these nutrient potions for the next month. It should help with your appetite, and it needs to be taken with a meal.”

Harry grimaced, but dutifully took the offered potion, downing it in one gulp, and turning to the loaded plate in front of him.

Surprisingly, the more he ate, the hungrier he became. He figured that was the potion at work, and had cleared his plate within five minutes.

Both adults watched him with varying degrees of relief, pleased to see him with a healthy appetite.

Sirius passed him some more toast and bacon, which he took with a rueful grin. Sirius returned the smile, before setting the plate of food down and turning to Minerva, indicating that she tell their young charge the plan for the day.

Minerva gave him a soft glare, knowing that he just didn’t want to have to be the one to break the news to Harry. She sighed at his nonchalant attitude, and turned back to the soon to be fourth year. “I’ve set up a meeting with Amelia Bones and the head of the Department of Child Welfare, Patricia Welding. They should both be here at eleven. Poppy will be present as well, and will give them evidence of your mistreatment.” Harry nodded, uncomfortable, staring at his plate. Minerva reached out with one hand, resting it on his shoulder reassuringly. “We’re all on your side here, Harry. I don’t foresee any complications, so don’t worry.”

Harry nodded again, before quietly asking to be excused. On Minerva’s approval, he disappeared back to his bedroom. He still had a couple of hours, with any luck, he might finish the third year Ancient Runes textbook before the meeting he was beginning to dread. Not that he didn’t believe McGonagall, but he didn’t relish the idea of having to tell someone else about his humiliation at the hands of his relatives.

XXX

Minerva was the one to tell Harry that their guests had arrived. Sirius, they had decided, would be best to stay out of the way for the time being. They would meet with Amelia later, but while Ms. Welding was here, it would be best to not inform her of the situation.

“Harry?” Minerva queried, knocking and opening the door hesitantly.

Harry looked up from his book, and Minerva smiled, seeing how studious he was being.