The week for Harry flashed by as if it hadn't been: correspondence with Dudley, "detentions" preparing "bulldog" Polyjuice, moreover in last two days Hermione managed to worm into potions laboratory, deliberately ruining potion in class and causing cognitive dissonance in all present.
To Snape's displeasure, had to harness Granger to main process and spend time on explanations. However professor's anger quickly evaporated thanks to either pleading looks from Potter with friend, or Granger's unprecedented silence and knowledge, or that great diligence with which both teenagers prepared ingredient after ingredient.
Of course, this wasn't ordinary practical work but pledge of living person's safety! Didn't need anything else to motivate their diligence, Snape understood this perfectly. He quickly realized observing these two's efforts gave him real pleasure, and with difficulty restrained from applying this method already in school classes. Indeed, if only could simply pour into some negligent students at end of each practical work results of their own "labors"! Of course he won't do so, but at least can dream?
Amazingly, voiced this idea... Potter. He as if read professor's thoughts from his face, and lately this happened suspiciously often. Snape even checked his Occlumency shields, only pointlessly: everything was fine with them.
Flitwick calmed him, as more experienced. Told that such side effects of "teacher-student" connection are quite common and nothing exceptional, especially when student is so young. And he doesn't at all read his Teacher like open book, simply understands him very well, and this concerns as rule only joint work.
Snape exhaled with relief learning about last and correlating something. But still asked why with him and Flitwick in time such didn't happen. And got caustic answer:
"You, my friend, at that time were too occupied with yourself and your experiences. Isn't that so?"
Nothing to cover with...
***
On Tuesday after double Runes class Ron surprised: wrote Harry note in which asked them with Hermione to stay a bit, and when only they and Professor Babbling busy with her affairs remained in classroom, approached and... apologized! Hesitated true quite long but no one hurried anywhere—last lesson. And Madam Babbling calmly sorted works at her desk and wasn't going to kick them from class.
Harry was so surprised his jaw almost dropped, but clever Hermione remembered friend told her how he made Weasley redraw embroideries from clothes.
"Do you have drawings from clothes with you?" she puzzled Ron.
Of course he didn't have them. Completely accidentally "got lost somewhere." But seems guy himself was surprised by his forgetfulness.
Still lucky this class for professor was also last! Hermione simply took both boys by hands and dragged to consultation. And they learned that—yes of course, passage to office, door, arch—all this is carefully treated with runes completely blocking action of all other runes, runic arrays and charms, whether on amulets or students' clothes.
"Why?" guys were surprised almost in one voice.
"With potions for example everything's more or less simple and main thing obvious: either explodes or melts or color or consistency turn out not what usually immediately visible. Only real experts can imperceptibly spoil potion or make it dangerous," Madam Babbling enlightened them.
"So it turns out Runes are worse than potions?"
"Ron, don't interrupt."
"But if runes conflict with other runes or charms, everything happens quickly and impact itself is very difficult to determine. Hidden is actually much more dangerous. And everyone has own traditions, each family, each clothing master, each artifact maker, you understand? True, this is material for next semester when you start activating your works, well alright, will tell."
Guys listened spellbound. Just think, before they sincerely considered potions most dangerous subject! Hermione with difficulty fought desire to immediately grab notebook and start taking notes, and professor continued.
"You have absolutely nothing yet: no instinct, no experience. So if Mr. Weasley or Mr. Potter make in practical work some rune's tail longer by millimeter or slightly more sloping... that's it, game over. From office they'll most likely be carried out."
All three's faces involuntarily lengthened.
"No, this actually usually isn't deadly... for person. For his body. Though serious illness is also quite possible. But this can happen to wizard or Muggle. For wizards danger is that uncoordinated runes block magical channels quickly and imperceptibly. And cancel this most often not within power even for Rune Masters."
"Wow..."
"What horror..."
"So squibs are made?" Harry asked.
"One of possible variants," Madam Babbling nodded. "Therefore for example pregnant witches watch clothes and home most carefully and while child isn't year old try not to contact anyone except closest and verified people. Even relatives invite to home far from all."
"But this can be dangerous... here in school! For us! After all if someone applies such runes somewhere in passage for example to dining hall then can easily harm—after all all protections also cancel, right?" Hermione became clearly uneasy.
Professor quickly calmed her explaining that for activating such array made in classroom necessary first to be at minimum Rune Master, second bind them with own magic and Hogwarts magic.
"Without correct activation as you know runes don't work. And more complex chain or array, more nuances in activation. Classroom is protected like no other room in Hogwarts. By the way when taking position all professors sign special contract and on it are three runic chains. As result none of professors can harm students: consequence of such attempts will be loss of magic or even death. So pledge of your wellbeing in my classroom is my own magic and life."
Here Harry objected and almost blurted about Quirrell, with difficulty managing to switch to story about how Ron Weasley constantly forgot about intention to figure out runes on his clothes, how had to almost force him to make drawing, and now he left it unclear where or even lost!
Madam Babbling frowned.
"Embroideries I suppose your mother made, Mr. Weasley?"
"Don't know, I never saw her embroidering," Ron spread hands.
"Molly Prewett... Remember, remember," professor sighed. "Can't say anything good, she never shined with me. She didn't attend my main course and mandatory introductory at that time finished with quite mediocre results. Unfortunately your mother in youth had completely different interests and teach against will... Tell me, in my classroom do you have any sensations unusual for you?"
"Uh... don't know, seems nothing unusual. Here I feel as if sat to play chess!" Ron admitted. "I here... like it. Good, calm. And everything so clear. You simply explain great!" he blushed.
"Are you good at this game?" professor as if didn't pay attention to his awkward compliment.
"And how!" Harry answered for friend.
"Yes, this looks like blocking some your abilities or maybe directed impact. Maybe you'll still show what you have there?"
"But... I can't here... undress," from Weasley's face could probably light candle.
"Don't understand," professor frowned. "You absolutely don't need to undress in front of everyone. I of course not too strong in Transfiguration but make couple solid screens I suppose can manage. Ten minutes I suppose enough for you?"
"He copied in five then," Harry gave away friend.
When Ron Weasley passed drawing to professor, she looked at sheet very attentively but only shook head.
"I can't tell you anything yet, Mr. Weasley. Would be good to have original sample, you have only copy but even this won't help quickly solve your problem. However try for now to carry in pockets one of your chess pieces. They're antique right?"
"Well... yes, they're very old, professor."
"Excellent."
"Why?" Ron often was embarrassed his things were quite secondhand. True he thought didn't show it but Harry who became attentive understood this in first week of studies.
"In old times chess games often served not for entertainment but for... other tasks."
"So who won is right?"
"Something like that. Loser often had to give something or fulfill oath as dispute solution. And so chess couldn't be enchanted, one of Rune Masters created completely special array canceling any sorcery. And exactly it is used here," professor gestured around room. "So if my assumptions correct your chess Mr. Weasley will help you perfectly. Besides piece can always be put out. After all if your mysterious ill-wisher is in school though I doubt it he undoubtedly will notice changes happening with you."
"At entrance same runes?" Hermione inquired.
"No at entrance simple blocker. Well, simple... In year if your studies go same well try yourselves."
Having thanked professor children left and Madam Babbling pensively propped cheek with hand attentively examining slightly careless sketch of her student. Seems nothing special, ordinary protective chain... but still something definitely wrong with boy.
However she had enough other orders for now and do charity... Though something this boy hooked her so as soon as she finishes her current works will probably figure out this question. And to test Weasley will give him one interesting but difficult for beginner book. If manages—means she finally found real student.
"Weasley... Sixth son in blood traitor family... If he were seventh this would explain much but sixth! Wait, how didn't I realize at once: Molly could have had miscarriage. And talking about this isn't accepted."
That Ron Weasley everywhere began dragging thick tome "Quidditch Through Ages, Second Edition, Supplemented" caused almost no one surprise. Especially since he was known game fan. But that he became much quieter and more thoughtful... Harry even figured whether he'd have to for maintaining image egg friend at least on micro-scandal with Malfoy.
"But Malfoy won't understand," he realized fortunately in time.
Since Harry entered conspiracy with Draco regarding his uncle and own godfather relations between them changed even stronger. No, call Malfoy friend he couldn't but enemies they definitely no longer were. Wonder if anyone noticed?
***
Of course Harry couldn't resist and asked this question to Snape during next detention. And got in response shouldn't consider himself navel of Earth and center of Universe even if you're "That-very-boy-who-lived."
Then came conversation about Weasley, runes and all connected. Snape confirmed Professor Babbling's words about contract. Harry only managed to draw breath to say everything...
"Does headmaster also sign such contract?" Hermione inquired. "With whom?"
"Headmaster as far as I've heard brings special oath..."
"So he also can't harm students? Interesting... Turns out he has nothing to do with it? Then who?!"
"Well first oath concerns only students, only territory of castle itself and surroundings but about latter by the way I'm not sure."
"So leave infant on porch at relatives in late October..."
"Wait-wait!" Harry interrupted them already regretting he initiated friend into too much. "Turns out my mama's blood protection has nothing to do with it?"
"What are you talking about Harry?"
Had to pour out memories about headmaster's visit to Hospital Wing at end of first year. Surfacing from Pensieve Snape discontentedly hissed under nose something suspiciously similar to expressions that escaped him at first joint visit to St. Mungo's, Hermione deeply pondered.
"What the hell... Harry, blood magic is Dark section. Should I remind you how your mother felt about Dark magic?"
"So Quirrell was burned by his own oath and Hogwarts magic?"
"I'm sure of it."
"But why did headmaster tell me these fairy tales?!"
"What happens in head of our Supreme Mugwump," Snape grimaced as if bit lemon, "inaccessible to ordinary mind. And my work experience suggests building guesses completely unpromising."
"Want to swear. Terribly," Hermione whispered angrily and seriously, which made Harry smile and even Snape relax a bit.
"Maybe don't need to Miss Granger? What if you say something our ears won't endure?"
Guys laughed.
"Thank you for compliment but unlikely my modest knowledge in obscene lexicon can spoil you sir..."
"Oh," Snape finally laughed. "Miss Granger, you shouldn't copy me. Though turned out quite successfully still sarcasm doesn't suit such young and pretty witch."
"How do you do it? I almost curtsied!" Hermione objected blushing from embarrassment.
She terribly wanted to ask exactly what made her so pretty...
How to more plausibly ruin some potion to get detention again?
And Harry simply melted. Finally his friend and beloved mentor definitely found common language!
***
Early Saturday morning on Hogsmeade streets there was no one except quite strange company: dense large mannish woman with large dog carrier, slender girl in clothing strange even for wizards and man in tightly buttoned black either coat or cloak.
Man in black dictated something quickly and seems slightly angrily to large lady and after she finished writing passed her small bag. Girl handed lady leash on which sat young and skinny English bulldog warily squinting at carrier cage.
Climb in there dog clearly didn't want: he turned to girl with man and almost humanly sighed then wagged tail and licked... air which passed over his back slightly smoothing fur.
Man bent and said something to dog after which dog sighing once more entered cage and began settling in it. Having trampled and circled several times on bedding he lay with such philosophical face that women smiled. Then whole company together turned corner of house and... disappeared. However if anyone watched would find nothing special: Apparition in wizard village was normal.
* * *
Marjorie Dursley learning her brother finally lost that very young bulldog they acquired last summer didn't hesitate a second.
"Should have dealt with doggy seriously or given this matter to professionals! At least could consult with me!" Marge snorted to herself gathering carrier, water, bedding, napkins and dog treats. On excellent purebred male dog she from first sight had quite definite hopes so didn't scold brother and sister-in-law for oversight. Plays into her hands.
To get this dog in her hands Madam Dursley was ready not only to get up at half past five morning, drink some nasty mixture her nephew's teacher brought suggesting she go with him to magical village. Even to hell's horns! Marge was ready even to fly on broomstick, she said so! And why did they look at her so strangely and Mr. Snape even coughed?
Didn't even upset her she got carsick in damned taxi. Though it was strange: rode and rode and got sick when they got out unclear why on some wasteland. Really couldn't drive closer? True couldn't tell this to Snape immediately: feared instead of comment from her mouth would come breakfast. Pale-greenish driver also was silent apparently he also got sick. How will they get back?
Though thanks still to this Snape, gave hand like gentleman, helped carry carrier. She'd manage herself if didn't feel really strange: thoughts tangled, felt nauseous and head buzzed as if after... buzzed in general.
"Some medieval village. Probably filming movie," Marge glanced at surroundings but didn't look out details and get interested in particulars. Didn't care about movie and magic, need urgently to bring doggy to order, he's so thin!
Well done Snape, prepared some special medicine, oh yes she'll definitely give it—after all last summer she managed to try his fertility potion on one of her bitches after injury considered hopelessly barren. This professor has what to respect for. Yes-yes she'll act exactly as he says.
Removing from short strong neck choke collar Marjorie frowned and wanted to explain to nearsighted lady how to properly handle such dogs but she first mumbled something incomprehensible but pleasant: about glory and medals. Well... this is correct.
Madam Dursley patronizingly patted skinny shoulder and sighed: what to take from non-professionals? In medals she was confident. At minimum three: by age they managed both juniors and open class. And further will be seen but spoil doggy she'll let no one now!
Smart nephews she has. Pity both study, but nothing, when come for holidays she'll arrange them all meeting with new breed champion! And to summer shows can go together.
Documents she already got wonderful doggy... Now his full name—Charles Alfred Bester White Pearl—by name of her own kennel, naturally! And he represented supposedly unique result of inbreeding of her best producers. Remains to make him winner so everything's proper. And why not, with such data of male dog and with her Marge's personal experienced handler?
Marge already imagined queue for puppies from declared parents of Charlie's pair. And conformation really corresponded—by skeleton exactly spitting image of Ripper. By the way should accustom him to new name? Seems Dursleys called him Black: amazing nickname for white bulldog, excellent fantasy say what you will...
To shows she of course already registered him. And even paid deposit for first. By summer they'll gather minimum three certificates though will have to travel a bit, to continent for sure. Main thing—leave early, doggy will need to get used, calm down... They must make all shows, she'll make International champion of him!
All this Marjorie Dursley had pleasure to convey to dog on way home. He listened most attentively which completely touched her.
"My clever one," strong hand so similar to man's affectionately ruffled bulldog's scruff. "You'll be smarter than many people."
Dog sighed heartrendingly and looked sadly in her eyes...
***
Sirius Black managed hundred times to bless Madam Dursley's manner of talking to dogs—thanks to this he could consider he has full understanding of what awaits him in nearest and not only future.
"Well," he thought to himself, "show off at dog show of course not limit of my dreams but nothing terrible. Will become champions! Wonder if Harry will be glad?"
He was surprised only by one thing: he was dog, perfectly felt and behaved like dog but thoughts remained completely human. And main of them were his oath to Sybill and promise given before parting to godson.
"Change, hide in safe place, pass examination in good clinic... Perhaps trip to continent planned by madam dog breeder will be very handy," he decided and went to examine his new residence.
***
Scheme with relieving Miss Trelawney of her godfather Harry with cousin and other interested persons pulled off in just week. Malfoy even barely managed to contact mother getting protean notebooks when learned his help already not needed.
He tried to be offended but cunning Potter still loaded him with new question namely search for good clinic or at least reliable specialist: godfather needs treatment and with getting there and paying he'll somehow manage. Main thing—recommend him to right healers.
Malfoy seniors sighed with relief: hide state criminal thoroughly sought by Aurors in manor or hunting lodge they still were ready—family after all, but take him from England through all cordons Lucius was completely not comfortable with.
So Harry using invisibility cloak and strange as he naively thought indulgence of Snape saw off godfather and at same time was going finally to see Hogsmeade. He didn't even think behind professor's connivance actually hid elementary calculation that godson's instructions will help Black hold in frames somewhat longer.
But besides everything Harry had business. Just before weekend Weasley brothers showed him on Marauder's Map secret underground passage from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade. Naturally it was absolutely necessary to explore—otherwise what will he tell them when returns?
True these attempts Snape liquidated at root: too early, too dangerous—on streets no one and dementors watch round clock, these creatures turns out don't need sleep. And what if someone coming out to walk notices appearing on fresh snow footprints? Harry had nothing left except look at clouds gathering in sky and circling snowflakes as enemies and agree.
So when they saw off Sirius and Snape Apparated "lady with dog" (simultaneously casting Confundus on both) to neighboring Muggle village where they left car, Professor Trelawney Apparated together with Harry straight to Shrieking Shack. From there they went by underground passage back to Hogwarts. Despite Harry acquired some confidence he's capable to compete with dementors, meeting them he completely didn't want. And how Miss Trelawney rejoiced at underground!
And Snape hinted to his student would be good to look after Seer. True by Miss Trelawney's behavior Harry guessed she was asked exactly to watch him. This was funny but didn't interfere. And report all weekend plans Harry didn't intend.
He managed to return to his bedroom looking in shower first where wet and tousled hair. Then carefully folded cloak in bosom and in company with Weasley, Finnigan and incredibly clingy Creevey brothers went to breakfast. Hermione was already at table so they only exchanged glances and Harry nodded. Granger's appetite immediately improved.
***
To new underground passage Harry went together with twins already after almost all students who were allowed left to Hogsmeade. Walked fast, passage clearly used often and was even and clean. When they got out through narrow heavy door to "Honeydukes" warehouse Weasleys warned him taking nothing here not worth—everything enchanted so better just walk and they'll buy what he orders.
To not break character Harry handed them ten Sickles, ordered Chocolate Frogs and honey cakes, wrapped cloak tighter and went to street where as agreed Ron with Hermione waited.
All three went around almost whole Hogsmeade—here of course was more room than in castle but especially walk around was practically nowhere. Harry quickly learned what where located then Weasley wanted to eat. And Harry leading quite saturated life from early morning already forgot what ate at breakfast.
"You had breakfast two hours ago," Hermione was surprised.
"Maybe still go to 'Three Broomsticks'? And Harry will hide behind our backs, no one will notice you'll see! People still not so many. Huh?"
"Don't whine," Hermione asked. "What if someone touches Harry or stumbles over him?"
"Will say it's me, just that," Ron spread arms and legs.
"Ah... Well alright. Only no fights!"
"Won't, won't, let's go already!"
"Let me crawl under table right away?" Harry suggested.
"What, with do... dogs overcommunicated, got envious?" Hermione was surprised but couldn't resist jab.
"Where did he communicate with dogs?"
"Dursleys got bulldog puppy in summer," Harry found answer understanding making big eyes at friend while under invisibility cloak completely useless business. Well what do you want, not used to it yet, not used! And Hermione could be more careful, almost said about godfather!
"What crowd," Hermione whispered when they entered pub. "That's minister himself!"
"How do you know?" Ron settled at table so near wall remained free space.
"Don't you read newspapers? Don't even watch wizard photos seriously?"
Harry angrily hissed from under table for friends to speak quieter. He simply had to learn what such strange company could talk about. Alright Professors Flitwick and McGonagall visited Hogsmeade, one of them should accompany students today maybe both. Hagrid also local but what wind brought Fudge here? And what's he whispering so confidentially with innkeeper? Minister... and now with gamekeeper! Norma-al... Harry slowly began making way under tables closer to them.
And finally he heard... as if specially for him prepared radio broadcast. True realization of this came far from immediately—first Harry simply quietly went nuts.
"Ah Sirius Black was James Potter's best friend and best man at their wedding with Evans... How could he!" Madam Rosmerta lamented remembering how James courted future wife. "...Right on this spot presented her such luxurious bouquet!"
"And who's she telling this? Who of them doesn't know?" Harry marveled.
None of present pulled for age of those who couldn't read thirteen years ago. And newspapers rehashed exactly this all. What's happening?
"He seems is Harry's godfather," Hagrid mumbled.
"How could he betray his best friend and his family?!" echoed him... McGonagall!
Here Harry almost crawled from under table with yell: "Didn't you try thinking with heads?!"
"After all Black," Fudge summed up, "gave Lily and James to Dark Lord then killed another Potters' friend Peter Pettigrew."
"What you're saying..." Harry almost threw up. Wanted to crawl out and... knock Fudge on noggin and let them do whatever with him after.
"Perhaps gentlemen we'll finish going over old sins and others' at that?" Flitwick saved situation for which Harry was quite grateful.
"This is some theatrical performance," he whispered crawling out and sitting next to friends. Didn't want to eat or drink at all anymore. Was disgusting. He quickly whispered told what heard.
"What nonsense... Merlin what nonsense! Let's get out," Hermione took his invisible hand with other grabbed Ron and in minute they already stood on street.
Harry wanted to breathe as if lacked air in room they got out from.
"What was that?" Ron stopped. "Don't understand anything!"
"Try to think yourself," Hermione advised.
Ron funnily wrinkled nose and touched in pocket horse figure.
"But this doesn't happen! If Black was Harry's godfather he couldn't break oath and betray Fidelius! He'd... he'd... it would hit him so hard wouldn't need dementors!"
"Exactly. I'm glad you also came to such conclusion."
"Main thing where do they all know this from? I don't count Madam Rosmerta she's known gossip but others? And what about Flitwick and McGonagall?"
"Well Flitwick seems just sat and was silent."
"No he asked questions you didn't hear he spoke quite quietly. Very interesting questions. Such impression they waited for me there."
"Uh... Harry you sure?"
"Tell me why do people who know everything anyway and also know each of them knows go over all this again and again? For whom and what?"
"..."
***
Mood was lousy and not just Harry's. Hermione also sat as if stunned only pretending to read. Harry with Ron listlessly moved chess pieces periodically indignant where they're placed. Didn't want to talk about anything. Think—also.
Really Weasley twins and Hagrid and McGonagall participate in incomprehensible conspiracy? Harry wasn't so hurt to think about minister and madam innkeeper—he wasn't particularly acquainted with them but Hagrid! But Head! In eyes periodically became hot... And he saw Ron exactly same worried about brothers. And what would he wonder say about himself? After all idea to go eat belonged to him. Though to be honest Harry himself would go. Because—where else? Not to Madam Puddifoot's!
And to Snape can't go: Slytherins probably now wander through their dungeons, still needed to bump into someone. When will this damned day end?.. He'll get to professor tomorrow early-early morning so as not to disturb anyone. He definitely needs to talk with him!
"Maybe go to Flitwick?" Harry thought. "Still this is my second mentor. Especially he himself was there and heard everything. And probably knows how such meeting happened."
Harry nodded to friends and left to bedroom. There could draw curtains tighter, cast unopen spell and write to both professors. And whoever responds first. Otherwise Harry simply won't be able to sleep.
Notebook warmed barely he took it in hands.
"Called aunt. Doggy settled excellently. Behaves exemplarily. D."
Harry sighed. No still today wasn't such bad day. Sirius is safe. And this probably main thing. And with rest they'll gradually figure out. After all he's not alone. What, doesn't trust his teachers? Look, both Dursleys for him and Aunt Marge...
He wrote Dudley "thanks" then asked for meeting with both professors. Next day he hoped promised to be interesting. Though Sunday. Professors didn't answer, Harry's eyes began closing and he gradually floated into his troubled dreams.