HARRY POTTER AND THE MONSTERS BENEATH THE SKIN

Revised: September 3rd, 2013

Sequel to Harry Potter, Sirius Black's Godchild

Full summary: Harry has had one eventful fifth year and all he wants to do now is take it easy. Unfortunately this cannot be. Thoughts of his seriously messed up godfather, new sibling, new godmother, ever-growing relationship with his girlfriend, new friends, secrets of Voldemort's childhood, a suspicious Malfoy, and an old Potions text are just a few things that are constantly on his mind. How will Harry cope with these changes? Who is this mysterious Half Blood Prince? Sixth year is just about to become as complicated as ever before.

DIFFICULT HEALINGS

It was 5:10 AM, June 20th, 1996 and a man with graying golden brown hair was currently sleeping upright in a chair beside a bed in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry's hospital wing. The person who was in the bed that the man was sitting at was sleeping peacefully which anyone would agree was a miracle. The teenage boy was small and thin and haggard, with medium-length black hair draped over his eyes. He was in a deep slumber, his blanket-covered chest rising and falling in an even pattern. Two beds down a young woman with brown hair was fidgeting in her sleep, her very pregnant belly rising as well, but she did not wake. Next to her was a teenage girl with wavy brown hair whose breathing was finally back to normal after not being so hours before.

However, three beds over, blue curtains were draped around the last bed at the end of the left side of the infirmary. Behind these curtains a man was barely breathing and barely living, with numerous amounts of Muggle and magical medicines and machines trying to support the life that was trapped inside. The man's arms and face contracted as if he was fighting something deep inside his body that he just couldn't get rid of.

And across the floor a very tired and worn-out nurse had fallen asleep at her desk inside her office. The whole night had taken a toll on each and every person in the wing and it was grateful that all occupants were asleep, however uncomfortable they appeared to be. Suddenly a loud beeping began to ring out from the wing. The nurse sat upright as if she had been electrocuted and sweeping her curly graying red hair from her face she opened the door to her office and hurried over to the bed at the end of the wing.

She was not the only one awake. The man sleeping by the boy had woken too and he was currently running over as well.

"Is he-?" the man breathed.

"Let me check him first Remus," the woman said and waved her wand over the dying man. The man standing, Remus, watched her tentatively. She turned back to him five minutes later. "Fetch Severus now Remus."

Remus nodded and left the room. He came back a few minutes later with a silky black-haired man at his heels.

"Yes Poppy?" the man asked.

"He's slipping Severus. I need your help trying to stabilize him again," the matron, Poppy Pomfrey, said hurriedly.

Severus Snape nodded and walked over to the man on the bed. Remus was biting his lip the whole time.

"I will inform you on Sirius' prognosis soon Remus. Go back to sleep," Poppy insisted, trying to shoo him out.

Remus was dead tired but couldn't sleep again. "Please Poppy, if Harry asks"-

"The boy is asleep right now Remus, don't worry about it."

Remus glanced at the boy who was still sleeping in bed. Remus noted defeat and nodded. "Right, I'll talk to you soon then." With that he walked over to the boy's bed and took his seat again. Remus took a hold of the boy's smooth, skinny hand and rubbed the back of it with his thumb. He just needed some sort of comfort and right now he could get it from his unconscious nephew. Remus Lupin fell victim to sleep not long after and was not woken up for another couple hours. He felt someone shake his shoulder after what felt like only five minutes of rest. "Huh? What?"

Poppy was peering down at him. "It's breakfast time Remus. I figured you should eat now and I'll talk to you about Sirius before we wake Harry. We know how cranky he can get when he awakens…"

"Yeah, uh, yeah, I'll do that," he nodded and Poppy placed a tray of bacon and eggs in front of him as well as juice. Remus ate quickly, eager to have everyone awaken as well. When he was finished Poppy came by again.

"How is he?" Remus immediately asked.

Poppy sighed. "Still no signs of improvement Remus, I'm sorry."

Remus was expecting this so he just nodded.

"Severus is still working hard to figure out what he was hit with. Once he finds out then we can start treating Sirius properly. He has a two in ten chance of making it."

Remus swallowed painfully.

"I'm sorry."

"No- don't be."

"Do you plan to tell Helena everything or do you want me to?" the matron asked.

Remus sighed. "I don't know. Harry still needs to be updated too. Maybe I should tell them together, get it over with."

"If you feel it's best then go right ahead. I have to talk to the headmaster now, he's waiting outside but first I think we need to wake Harry."

Remus nodded. "Does he need to take anything or what? Because if you need to talk to Dumbledore then go right ahead. I'll make sure Harry gets whatever medication he needs. And I'll wake Helena up too."

Poppy huffed. "Well, if you insist…" she placed five vials of potion on the table Remus ate at. "Make sure Harry swallows every single drop. That leg of his is in for a long recovery. And make sure Helena receives these…" she gave him three more potions. "Tell them both I will be examining them after breakfast."

Remus nodded again and watched her leave the hospital wing. He decided to wake Helena first for he knew she would be easier to do so. Thirty -year-old Helena Delmhar was a Healer at St. Mungo's and was Sirius Black's girlfriend, and pregnant girlfriend at that. She was currently in her final few weeks before birth and it was showing. Despite being locked away in a cold tower for weeks she and her baby were doing pretty good. Other than extra nourishment she would be sent home soon.

"Psst, Helena, wake up," Remus said, shaking her shoulder.

Helena's eyes flew open. "Remus! I- what?"

"It's breakfast time 'Lena. Madam Pomfrey brought you some food," Remus said, setting it down at her bedside table.

"I- oh, oh, right…" she shook her head and sat up.

"She also wants you to take these," he said, passing her the required potions.

Helena stuck up her nose at it. "Nutrient Supplement #11B? I don't need this at all, I'm perfectly fine without it," she said sniffing the contents of a blue potion.

Remus smirked. "That's what the nurse said you have to take, sorry. Just because you're a Healer yourself doesn't mean you don't need to listen to other Healers."

"Because I'm a Healer myself I don't need to others. I know what's wrong with me and what's not. And I know my baby is safe due to my protective magic around him so I don't need this one either," she said, pushing back a violet color potion.

"Please Helena, I still have to wake Harry up and he has to take five potions plus his daily medication and everyone in the world knows he's even more stubborn than you," Remus said wearily.

Helena looked at him. "Fine, I'll take it- for you."

Remus nodded. The woman across from him gave him a look. "Remus? When will I finally find out about everyone? Did Harry break his leg? Is anyone else awake?"

"I'll talk to you about Harry and Hermione but I'll wait about Sirius."

She glared at him.

"I have to tell Harry about him too. I know the first words out of his mouth will be 'what's wrong with Sirius?'"

Helena sighed and nodded. "Then what's wrong with the two kids?"

"Hermione is unconscious but she'll be okay. We still don't know what hit her but we know she's showing signs of improvement. She managed to wake earlier this morning. She'll make a full recovery according to Madam Pomfrey."

"And Harry?"

Remus rubbed the back of his neck. "He severely broke his leg. A spell hit it and it broke in many different places. He has multiple fractures throughout his leg and his ankle is completely mangled."

Helena grimaced.

"It's going to take weeks to heal if, and because this is Harry we're talking about so it's a very big if, he does not move around and listens to what Poppy says and takes all the medication needed to heal it," Remus finished.

"The poor dear…" Helena said worriedly.

"I know, he was moaning about it all night."

Helena ate a few bites of her food then turned back to him. "Remus, what exactly happened to everyone in the first place? One moment I'm locked away somewhere and you rescue me, the next I arrive in a room full of injured people! What happened?"

"I"- but at that moment he heard a rustle of blankets. He saw that the boy he was sitting by earlier was waking up. "I'll tell you later. There is a lot I have to go over with you. I need to aid Harry now."

She allowed him to leave his post at her bedside and switch over to her boyfriend's godson. The boy's eyes contracted as he felt someone shake his shoulder and call his name. Suddenly the big bright green eyes of Harry James Potter Lupin Black opened and squinted around the room.

"Hey Harry, good morning," Remus said with a slight smile.

Harry rubbed his eyes and squinted in the bright sunlight that poured from the tall hospital wing windows. "Glasses," Harry mumbled sleepily, rubbing his eyeballs.

"Oh right!"

The next thing Harry felt were wire and plastic frames being pushed into his left hand. The room became much clearer to see at that moment.

"Hey there cub, how are you?" Remus asked.

Harry frowned. "Hurt…"

"Aw, okay, Madam Pomfrey will see you soon cub. Are you hungry?"

"Why are you talking to me as if I'm a five-years-old?" Harry demanded.

"Sorry, I didn't realize. I'm just hoping you're feeling okay."

"Well I'm not."

Remus could tell Harry's temper was already boiling up. "Do you want breakfast? I have it here," he said, pushing a bowl of porridge to the teenager.

Harry frowned at the goop as he slowly sat up. "How's Sirius?" he asked.

"I'll tell both you and Helena about him after breakfast," Remus said clearly.

"I want to know now," Harry said just as strong.

"You have to eat and take your medication first Harry then I'll tell you everything you need to know. Deal?"

"No- why aren't you telling me?"

"Harry, you just woke up, I don't want to deal with your stubbornness right now. Eat- now," Remus said sternly, pointing to the porridge.

Harry grumbled but took the spoon by the bowl and dipped it in and took a bite. He swallowed it with an almost painful expression.

"What? Too hot?" Remus asked.

"No, it has no sugar on it Remus; you know I can't eat porridge without something on top."

"You don't need sugar Harry. Eat-then take these," he instructed and passed along the five potions Poppy gave him.

"What? Why do I have to take all this?" Harry cried.

"Harry please, stop right now. I know you aren't up to par per se but I don't want to hear you snapping at me after everything I say." With that he got up and went to talk with Helena.

Harry really wasn't feeling hungry right now; he had a sick bubbling feeling inside him because he wanted nothing more than to see his godfather Sirius and his girlfriend Hermione Granger awake. He ate as much as he could though and his daily nutrient potion and calcium supplement before he swallowed the five other potions and waited for Remus to return. When he did Helena was walking behind him.

"I could've come over to your bed instead Helena. You're pregnant," Harry pointed out to her.

Helena smiled. "You could if you really wanted to Harry but your leg is broken remember?"

"Oh, right."

Helena smiled and kissed his brow. "Good morning dear."

Harry's face flushed. If he was indeed going to live in the same house as her from now on he would have to get used to her motherly gestures. It was already in her nature since she was a Healer, and his own one with that. Helena noticed the pink grow in his cheeks.

"Oh, I'm sorry Harry, I won't kiss you if you don't want me to," she apologized.

"No, it's fine. I'm just not used to it is all. You know, the only person who ever kisses me is- is Hermione," Harry said, still a bit red.

Helena smiled sadly; thoughts of his poor childhood still made her heart ache.

"How's Sirius?" Harry asked Remus calmly but clearly.

"Wait, I don't even know what's wrong with him yet and I'm dating him. Remus, what were you going to tell me?" Helena asked, already looking very worried.

Remus rubbed his tired eyes. "Apparently Sirius was hit with an unknown curse Helena."

Helena gasped.

"No- nobody knows what it is. Everyone has been looking at him and- and trying to bring him back but they haven't been able to."

"Not even-?"

"Severus, no," Remus sighed.

Helena already had tears in her eyes. "Is he- will he-?"

"I don't know, no one does. He hasn't been responsive at all. His- his breathing and pulse is very low. He keeps having odd twitches and, well, hasn't shown any signs of waking," Remus said with difficulty.

Helena sniffed and nodded. "What's his chance of- of making it?"

Remus looked at Harry who was trying hard not to let his tears fall. "Two in ten," he said, getting it over with.

"No!" Helena cried. "No! No! No! Remus! How dare you? How dare you tell me my boyfriend has a two in ten chance of living!" she said hysterically.

"I'm sorry but that's what I was told," Remus said.

Helena was crying openly now. Remus took her in his arms. Harry meanwhile was trying hard not to break either. He felt Helena needed time to vent from this, not him; he already cried his heart out last night.

"Excuse me," Helena hiccupped and she ran off to the bathroom.

Remus turned to Harry. He wrapped his arms around him, catching him by surprise.

"I'm sorry cub," he said softly.

Harry sniffed. "It's not your fault."

"I know, you can't help but say sorry for things whether or not it's your fault can you?" Remus said with a slight smile.

Harry nodded into his shoulder. Remus rubbed his back for another minute before letting go. Harry was dabbing at his wet eyes. Remus handed him a handkerchief.

"Thanks," Harry mumbled and wiped his face with it. "Remus?"

"Yeah cub?"

"I'm really sorry about- about everything last night. For blaming you about Sirius and- and everything. For not listening to you or Madam Pomfrey and not calming down. And above all I'm sorry for not listening to you in the very beginning, when you told me to stay at Hogwarts when you went off with Dumbledore last night," Harry said quietly.

Remus smiled, eyes brimming with tears. "Thank-you cub, but I don't blame you for Sirius. I know you did everything you did out of love. You were just afraid of the vision you had. But maybe you should tell Madam Pomfrey you're sorry too, you were a bit harsh with her last night."

"I will," Harry nodded.

Poppy walked back inside a few minutes later. She was happy to see Harry awake and somewhat calm.

"Good morning Harry dear," she greeted.

"Morning."

Poppy frowned. "Where's Ms. Delmhar gone off to?"

"I told her about Sirius, she ran to the bathroom," Remus mumbled.

"Oh, oh dear…well, I'll give her time to come out when she wants. Let me check over you first then Harry. Did you eat breakfast?" Poppy asked, getting ready to examine Harry.

Harry nodded. "A bit but I wasn't really hungry."

"Understandable. Did you take all your medication including the ones I told your uncle to give you?"

Harry nodded. Poppy waved her wand over his body a few times. "How is your leg holding up?"

"It's hurting a bit," Harry said with a grimace.

"On a scale of one to ten?" the matron asked.

Harry let out a sharp breath. "An eight."

"Oh dear, well let me look at that," Poppy said frowning and she took the blanket off Harry's body and spelled away Harry's pajama bottoms.

Helena walked out of the bathroom across the wing at that moment hiccupping.

"Helena! Oh dear, how are you?" Poppy asked noticing her.

"Fine, thank-you," she said sadly.

"I'm checking our Harry over now; you sit tight and allow me to look you over as well, got that?"

Helena nodded and sat down on the bed next to Harry's. Harry felt a bit embarrassed having all three adults looking down at him. Poppy painfully removed all the bandaging at Harry's right leg, including the brace on his ankle. Helena grimaced when she saw the leg. It was just as swollen as ever and was still bent inward.

"Oh you poor thing," Helena gasped and took a hold of Harry's hand and rubbed it.

"It's not too bad, I've had worse," Harry said.

The adults grew quiet and looked at each other uncomfortably.

Oops, wrong thing to say, Harry said to himself.

Poppy waved her wand over his leg and frowned.

"Any improvement?" Remus asked.

"No, none. Like I said, it takes time to heal a leg this broken. I think I'm going to have to result in another method of healing."

"I don't like the sound of that 'another'," Harry couldn't help but utter.

"Oh, it's really not that horrible Harry. I was thinking that maybe I will attach a special leg brace to the whole leg immobilizing it. It will be fixed on your knee and bars will be attached to a fixture on your ankle making it unable to move and hopefully heal easier," Poppy explained.

Harry bit his lip. "That doesn't sound too pleasant."

"I know it doesn't but you know I wouldn't lie to you, it doesn't hurt. I'll give you pain reducing potion before I attach it so the movement of your leg won't bother you too much," Poppy said.

Harry looked at Remus. Remus shrugged. "I guess so," Harry said.

"Well let me get that ready and- oh! Miss Granger! You're awake!" Poppy suddenly said.

"Hermione!" Harry got so excited that he toppled out of bed and hit the stone floor painfully. "Oooohhhh," Harry moaned in agony.

"Mr. Potter I cannot believe you sometimes!" Poppy thrilled.

"We'll help him up," Remus said and Poppy went over to check on Hermione who was showing signs of consciousness.

"How are you feeling this morning?" Poppy asked Hermione.

Hermione rubbed her eyes. "I- okay I guess. My chest hurts a bit though."

Poppy nodded. "I would presume it does. Let me look you over…" ten minutes later Hermione was sitting up eating breakfast and Poppy turned her attention back to Harry who was trying desperately to hold in his pain.

Hermione turned her head over and gasped at her boyfriend. "HARRY!" she cried and leapt from her bed and ran over to Harry and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Hermione! Oh my goodness, Hermione!" Harry said and they embraced like never before.

"My goodness, I know you are worried sick about each other but this is utterly ridiculous! You both have healing to do and it will never be achieved if you cling onto each other like that," Poppy said hysterically.

"Sorry," Hermione gasped but she already had tears in her eyes.

"I'm so glad you're okay," Harry said in her bushy mane of hair.

Hermione smiled. "And what about you?"

"That is to be advised, move-now," Poppy snapped at the girl.

Hermione leapt back and only then did she notice Harry's right leg. "Harry! Your leg!"

"Yeah, it's a bit broken," Harry said hissing as it flared in pain.

"Bit? Don't you mean in four places not including a shattered ankle?" Poppy said raising an eyebrow.

"Four places? Harry!" Hermione gasped.

"It's not so bad," Harry tried to reason.

"Enough chatter, I need to fix you into this," Poppy said, holding up the brace.

Harry allowed her to strap it to his knee and fix a brace on his ankle joint that stopped the ankle from bending as well as the leg before checking to make sure the steel bars that attached to the contraption was secure. Harry was thankful he was given pain reliever potion for this; his leg had to be manhandled a few good times.

"Helena, how are you?" Hermione said after the nurse was finished.

"I'm doing- doing okay, thanks," Helena said still highly upset.

"Enough of this, all of you, back to your beds. It's not even nine in the morning yet. Move-now," the matron ordered.

Helena obeyed and after Harry and Hermione shared a passionate kiss Hermione retreated as well. The rest of the day was thankfully not as chaotic as the previous night had been. Poppy said it was too early for visitors just yet so the students' friends couldn't see them. Remus broke the news about Sirius' fate to Hermione around lunch-time where more tears were spilled.

However Harry's mood hadn't changed, if anything, he felt worse. He had been excited about seeing his girlfriend, Healer, and uncle up and about and well, but now that they were awake, his mind rested sorely on Sirius. His heart burned every time he thought of him and how close he was to Death's Door. He hated that he did not have a chance to tell Sirius how he was feeling. Harry had been very cold to Sirius the past six months and he didn't want him to die thinking that he was still angry with him. Harry brushed away the wetness in his eyes and tried to focus on nothing, for that's what Poppy Pomfrey wanted him to do.

The double doors to the hospital wing opened. Harry was the first bed to the left of it but didn't seem to notice someone had just walked in the dorm. He looked down at his hands. The person who entered looked at the boy briefly before walking over to the nurse. The man had a long silvery beard and was wearing a sparkling blue set of robes. He whispered something to the nurse who nodded, looking worried almost, and the man walked over to Harry. Harry heard the soft footsteps of the man's shoes on the floor.

"Is it all right if I sit with you Harry?" the man, Albus Dumbledore, asked the boy softly.

Harry shrugged but didn't answer. He heard the sound of a chair scraping against stone and the man sit in it. Harry still decided to avoid his gaze.

"Harry, you may look at me if you want," Dumbledore said.

"Oh really? Finally after a year I can look at you?" Harry bit back.

Dumbledore sighed. "How are you holding up Harry?"

"I'm sorry but my godfather is inches from death so excuse me for not wanting to speak to you right now," Harry said bitterly.

"I am truly sorry about Sirius, Harry."

"Look- will- will you just go please? I have a lot on my mind and you're the last person I want to talk anything about to."

Dumbledore nodded. "I understand Harry, I honestly do. However, before I go I just would like to say this, I am here to talk to you whenever you need. I know I have been avoiding you these past months but I was hoping you would like to know why."

A week ago Harry's ears would've been ringing with excitement but however, there was only a dull buzz around his head. "I don't care to tell you the truth."

"There is no one around who will overhear us Harry. Your uncle has gone off with a word to Professor Snape and your girlfriend and Healer are resting."

"I said no. Maybe- (sigh) maybe a week ago I would've loved to hear explanations for things that have been happening around me but now- now I can't. The only thing I want to hear about is my godfather's fate. I don't care much about anything else."

Dumbledore nodded and stood. "What I have to tell you is very important though Harry, remember that."

"If you really cared for me you'd leave me alone. Until I know my godfather will live or not I don't want to talk. Good day," Harry said stiffly and went under his covers and turned his back to the old man.

Dumbledore sighed but put the chair back and left. When he was certain he was gone Harry turned back over and on his back. He felt so lonely and lost right now. His uncle was gone, his girlfriend and Healer were resting, his friends couldn't visit him (not like he was up for visitors anyway) and his godfather, well, no one knew if he'd ever make it alive. Tears burned Harry's eyes. Sirius has done so much for me and Remus and Helena and after all that he's going to die. He only came last night to help me I bet. Maybe Hermione was right after all about it being a trick. Sirius is going to die before he sees his first born child. Helena will be giving birth in a month and Sirius won't be able to witness it. How depressing is that? Harry's brain said miserably. Harry turned over again and allowed his tears to silently fall into his pillow…

And it continued on for the next two days like that. Harry was so downcast about Sirius he didn't talk to anybody, not even his friends when they were allowed to visit. Thankfully everyone gave him time to himself and didn't pester him into conversation. Then again, everyone was worried about Sirius so nobody was really up for conversation. Harry was getting restless however in bed, not being able to do anything. He followed all of Madam Pomfrey's directions and took all her potions but to him he wasn't getting any better. Each day that past Harry took a look at his mangled leg and it still looked the same.

"Should a Healer from St. Mungo's look at it?" Hermione asked Poppy on June 24th after Harry had eaten lunch. (Hermione had the choice to leave for she was doing very well but since she still had to take three potions each morning and her boyfriend was still in the hospital wing she opted to stay right where she was).

Poppy raised a brow at the girl. "I think I am perfectly able to heal Mr. Potter's leg myself Miss Granger," she pointed out.

"Oh! Sorry! I didn't mean to offend you!" Hermione squeaked.

"Oh Madam Pomfrey knows you're kidding 'Mione," Harry said lightly.

"I don't Mr. Potter."

Harry didn't know what to say. It was always difficult to tell whether or not Madam Pomfrey was kidding, but then again, Madam Pomfrey never kidded.

"Well, I believe you're fit to go home actually Harry," Poppy concluded, straightening up.

"What? But my leg- it's still the same," Harry said in surprise.

"I know but the brace is preventing it from moving. I'll have to send you home with seven daily potions that you will have to take twice a day but I don't have a strong enough reason to keep you here."

"But- how will he walk?" Hermione asked.

"Well, this is going to be your decision now Harry, since you can't walk on both legs no matter how strong the brace is and crutches won't work because your broken leg won't be able to bend back, I'm giving you a last option for getting around," Poppy said cautiously.

"What? You think I should be carried around everywhere? I know I'm light but I'll break Remus' back soon enough," Harry said.

Poppy smirked slightly. "No I don't expect you to be carried around everywhere Harry."

"Then how will I get around?"

"Well, by a wheelchair."

Harry looked at Hermione, very surprised. "A- a wheelchair? But- I thought only Muggles get around in those."

"Well on the rare occasion in which a wizard cannot get around he will result in a wheelchair."

Harry didn't know what to say, he couldn't believe the only way he could get around was with that contraption. He knew there had to be another way but deep down inside him he knew this was the only way.

"If- if I decide to use the wheelchair, I could go home?" Harry asked.

Poppy nodded. "You've been on a good behavior since you got here Harry. You've been cooperative with me for once."

Harry's face burned. He wasn't that horrible whenever he had to be in the nurse's clutches. He then thought of Sirius and his eyes burned yet again. He looked down mournfully at his hands. "I- I can't go home just yet Madam Pomfrey. I promised to myself and to Sirius I wouldn't leave until- until he wakes."

Poppy sighed. "I had a feeling you were going to say that." She took a hold of his left hand and rubbed it with her thumb and spoke directly into his gaze. "You did hear me out when I told you it could be weeks before he wakes correct? If he wakes at all?"

"I know that but I still would feel guilty if I didn't keep my promise. He needs me."

"Ms. Delmhar is there for him too you know," Poppy said.

"Yeah but only once a day. She's at home with Remus, getting rest. He needs someone there 24/7 because there could be a change in his status," Harry tried to convince the nurse although trying to convince himself more than anything. The numbers that informed him how well he was on a scale of one to ten were still fluttering between the two and three.

"But I'm sure you miss your home," Poppy tried to reason.

"I do but it's not going to feel as welcoming if I'm there not knowing the outcome of- of Sirius," Harry said, throat tight. Hermione frowned and squeezed his shoulder.

"Well it's your choice then, and we all no it's a devil of a time to change how you think. If you want to stay put then be my guest."

"So, will you give me a wheelchair anyway? So I could at least get up from my bed?" Harry asked.

"I will but you have to sit still and heal for now. Is that understood?" Poppy asked firmly.

Harry sighed but nodded and she retreated. Harry looked at Hermione who was still standing by his bed. "You don't have to stay around for me Hermione, I told you before."

"And I told you before that I don't mind. It's easier for me anyway. I have to take all those potions each day anyway. Plus I don't know how I'm getting home really. As school ended days ago," Hermione said thoughtfully.

"I'm sure Remus will find a way," Harry said dully.

"Yeah, he will."

Hermione noticed the hurt in his voice. "I'll leave if you want me to."

Harry felt guilty for making his girlfriend feel unwanted. "You don't have to."

"You need time to think Harry and rest. I'm not going anywhere. I might talk with Helena later, she's coming soon remember?"

Harry nodded. "Sorry for making you feel this way."

"Hey, you don't need to be sorry for anything Harry. I know why you're upset and it would be really rude to rush you into anything," Hermione said sympathetically.

"Maybe that's why we click so easily," Harry said trying to smile.

Hermione kissed his lips. "That and so much more," she said in his ear, winked and walked away.

Tears sprung in Harry's eyes for the hundredth time. He was surprised they weren't permanently etched inside his eyeballs by now for all the crying he had done. He couldn't help it though; Sirius had done so much for him the past year. He rescued Harry from the terror that was of the Dursley residence, he helped heal him physically and mentally, he provided comfort and fun whenever Harry needed it most, he made him open up and for the better, he made him less timid and worrisome, he took in consideration anything and everything about him to make sure Harry would come out on top. He fought with Remus and Dumbledore about why he should gain custody of Harry so soon after he was deemed free.

And he tried his darn hardest to tell me he was sorry for the things he didn't do. He was so desperate to show me he was hurting after he got Helena pregnant and invited her to live with us. And I turned him away and he'll never know whether or not there was a chance for me to forgive him, Harry said to himself, his heart beating with pain. Like he had been doing every day and night, Harry cried himself to sleep…

I hope you are ready for the revision of this story as well. Review new and old readers, I still love to receive them, thanks!

Magical love: Rose