A/N: Right, so…um…hi? Don't hate me? I was halfway through writing this chapter ages and ages ago…and then the devil known as writer's block hit me.

*smiles sheepishly*

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Obviously.

Chapter 8

Harry sat on Sirius' bed with his eyes closed. This was his third Occlumency session since Dumbledore decided Harry needed to master the difficult piece of magic, and he was still trying to desperately organize his mind and his memories into his memory palace.

Sirius had originally tried teaching Harry Occlumency the most common way — having him clear his mind of all thoughts and emotions. But they both soon discovered that he and Harry were similar in the sense that neither of them could really clear their minds. They were both too hotheaded, so instead, Sirius used the same method that he had learned from his father, albeit the more difficult method. It required the Occlumens to create a memory structure of his choice, after which he sorted all of his memories in certain parts of the structure and safe guarded them. It was long and tedious work (especially because after about an hour, Harry was too exhausted to continue — Sirius assured him that was normal), but Harry was determined to sort and safe guard his memories by the end of the following week.

Snape had not been pleased.

Harry watched Snape's face form into a look of disgust as Sirius explained to him (with much more patience than Harry had expected) which method Sirius would be using to teach Harry.

"You do realize, Black, that his method takes more time, do you not?" said Snape, sneering.

Sirius sighed, and Harry could tell that he was only keeping it together for Harry's benefit, which amused Harry to no end. He didn't need Sirius to act like an adult around Snape; Merlin knew Harry lost all sense of rational thought when he encountered the git.

"I am well aware of that, seeing as it is the method my father used to teach me," said Sirius shortly. "However, neither Harry nor I are able to completely block out our thoughts and emotions. This is the more productive method for us. I assume you know it?"

Snape nodded. "I suggest, however, that you get as far as possible in constructing your memory structure before school starts, Potter, and get the feel of what Legilimency feels like. I will not go easy on you once the school year starts."

Harry nodded. "I don't want him in my mind anymore than anyone else does."

Snape looked at him for a long time, but he nodded eventually.

Sirius sighed. "Look. Nobody here likes this situation, but it is what it is. There isn't a better solution. I know perfectly well that Dumbledore has his own reasons for backing off of these lessons, even if he chooses not to share them. I know perfectly well that sneaking in and out of Hogwarts once per week to come here will end badly; it's a disaster waiting to happen. And I cannot leave this damned place and meet with you, Harry" Sirius looked at him, smiling slightly, "no matter how much I may want to. I will not risk getting caught and leaving you alone again."

Sirius turned to Snape, looking at him fiercely.

"However, you will listen to Dumbledore this time, Snape. You will not intimidate him and treat him as I know you do in class. There will be no one around, so you have no reason to be a git. You will respect Harry. Harry will respect you. The faster all of us accept that, the faster Harry will learn, and these lessons can end quickly."

"I have already told you my thoughts on the matter, Black," snapped Snape.

"As have I," said Sirius, ignoring Snape's tone tiredly. "If it were reasonable, I would take Harry to the other side of the world and hide him until everyone else took care of Voldemort. But I know that is not reasonable, so instead I will do everything I can to protect him, even if it means doing something that I do not like."

Harry looked at him, eyes wide. He could hear the desperation in Sirius' voice, the need to protect Harry, and he couldn't help but be grateful. He never had someone care so much. Sirius felt he was making the wrong decision, and Harry hadn't made it any easier on him by complaining the day before. He felt slightly guilty. He wasn't a child; he could handle Snape for a few hours to learn to protect himself.

He looked back and forth between the two men staring each other down; though, Harry noted, they were not glaring at each other. Harry decided to intervene.

"Look, I've already said I would work hard. Apart from the obvious reason for not wanting Voldemort in my mind, there's also the fact that it hurts when he's there. It usually means I pass out, and it doesn't exactly happen at the best moments. I'll work hard, I swear," repeated Harry, looking at Sirius. Sirius nodded at him, smiling proudly.

"I suppose we'll see, won't we, Potter?" said Snape, but oddly, there was no malice in his tone. "We'll begin the second week of school when you have the rest of your schedule figured out."

And he stood up and swept from the room without another word.

And so they went to work. The afternoon after their meeting with Snape — a meeting Dumbledore had insisted on — Harry chose Hogwarts as his structure, and three days later, Harry was still sorting memories.

He heard someone enter the room and gently close the door behind him. There was a dip in the bed as the person sat down, and Harry figured it was Sirius; who else would enter the bedroom? They had specifically decided to work there because they were sure no one would interrupt them. After a few more minutes of silence, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and Harry knew it was time to come back to reality. He slowly disengaged himself from the memory of the glass at the zoo vanishing and the Brazilian snake escaping and opened his eyes.

He took a deep breath as the room spun a little and he swayed, and Harry smiled in thanks as Sirius steadied him.

"You would think I'd get used to that already," commented Harry, stretching.

"Be patient," said Sirius, squeezing his shoulder gently. "You're doing remarkably well for someone who just started sorting his memories."

"Yeah?" asked Harry, slightly disbelievingly.

Sirius chuckled. "Yeah, you are. It takes a lot out of anyone to delve deep enough into their minds to sort through all their memories, and I cannot imagine what it must be like for you, considering your past."

Harry shivered a bit, grimacing slightly. "I won't lie and say the first day was easy," he whispered, avoiding Sirius' gaze. Harry was forced to sort through his memories — or memory, as it were — of the night his parents were killed.

"I would be concerned if you did think it was easy," said Sirius, grimacing. "I can't believe you remember far enough to picture that night, even if it's only glimpses."

"I didn't for a while," admitted Harry, looking up at Sirius. He figured if anyone would understand, he would. "Sometimes I would just remember a flash of green light or Voldemort's laugh. But when the Dementors came to Hogwarts and Remus agreed to teach me the Patronus, eventually, I spent enough time around them, even if they were fake, that I was able to remember Mum and Dad's last words."

Sirius' eyes widened. "You remembered Lily and James?" he asked sadly.

Harry nodded, wincing. "Sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up."

"Don't apologize," replies Sirius immediately. "You have every right to talk about them, and I'm not upset that you do." Harry looked at him skeptically, and Sirius chuckled. "I mean it, Harry. I'll always miss them, but that doesn't mean I can't talk about them or hear about them."

"Yeah, well, that's not exactly the night I want to talk about, it's just…it's all I know," he said, looking down.

Sirius nodded. "I understand. And I'll make sure to fix that," he replied.

Harry smiled. Sirius had already told him plenty of stories about his parents, and while he had looked a little sad when he told them, he seemed cheerful through each retelling. Harry had probably never been so grateful in his life. It was a shock to learn that his dad was a bit of an arrogant git and a bully for a while, and it was just as shocking to learn that his mother hated James for a good while. But each story had made them more real; he was able to learn that his parents were more than just the brilliant and brave Head Boy and Girl Hagrid had told him about when they first met. They had flaws just like any other person, and for the first time in his life, Harry was able to see them that way.

"You know," said Harry after a while, "maybe I could have another hour or so with my memories…"

"Absolutely not," said Sirius sternly. "It's already tired you out; you're barely keeping your eyes open." He wasn't wrong, Harry admitted silently. "And besides, I may have you studying an obscure and difficult piece of magic, but it doesn't mean I'm going to have you spend your entire summer studying. That's hardly fair."

Harry smiled. "Yeah, all right. I just want to get done with everything and learn the protecting my mind part. I don't want to spend a ton of extra time with Snape."

"You've still got about 5 weeks," said Sirius encouragingly. "But you need to have patience. This is seriously complicated magic, and rushing into it won't end well."

Harry nodded, conceding the point. He didn't want Voldemort anywhere near his mind, but if he pushed himself too hard, he could end up making it easier on Voldemort.

"Why don't you take a quick nap," suggested Sirius. "I actually let you sort for an hour and a half today, and I can tell you're exhausted. You can join everyone else later."

Harry was going to protest, but he was suddenly hit by a wave of exhaustion and nodded. He made to get up, but Sirius kept his hand on his shoulder.

"Go ahead and stay here," offered Sirius. "Just about everyone is in the room you're sharing with Ron, so I doubt you'll get any rest there. I'll come wake you before dinner."

Harry nodded and moved toward the pillows as Sirius got up to leave. "Thanks for everything, Sirius," said Harry tiredly.

"Not a problem, Harry," said Sirius softly, and he drifted off as Sirius shut the door.

Harry felt someone shake his shoulder gently, and he blinked blearily as he regained consciousness. He groaned when he realized he couldn't see.

"Here," said Sirius chuckling, handing Harry his glasses as he sat up. "It's almost dinner, so I figured I should come wake you. Sleep well?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, thanks."

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and swayed a little; Sirius steadied him.

"Right," said Sirius, eyes twinkling with amusement. "No more sorting memories for more than an hour at a time. It puts quite the strain on you."

Harry huffed in annoyance.

"At that rate, it will take forever to get through everything," he said as they walked down to the kitchen.

"It may take a little longer, but I'd rather have you conscious," said Sirius earnestly. "You've been through a lot more than most adults have been through; your memories are a lot to take on."

Harry sighed and sat down next to Hermione at the table. Ron joined him on his left and Sirius sat across from him.

"Look, you can sort through some more before bed, but make sure you give yourself some time to relax before you go to sleep," said Sirius. "You don't want to bring all of that to the surface to have it get unorganized when you do sleep."

"Fine," Harry muttered. Sirius just shook his head in amusement and Hermione giggled.

He raised an eyebrow at her.

"You really are impatient, Harry," said Hermione, smiling.

Ron snorted. "Well, that's hardly new, is it?" he said, smirking.

"Oh, shut up," said Harry, rolling his eyes. "As if you lot are any better."

Ron was about to respond, but at that moment Mrs. Weasley walked in.

"Your Hogwarts letters are here!" she said cheerfully. "They're cutting it a bit close this year, but we'll manage it, I suppose."

Remus walked in behind her and smiled apologetically. "Sorry for the delay, Molly. I had to make sure I was choosing the right books for each class."

"Oh no matter, Remus," she said, beaming at him as she passed out everyone's letters. Harry knew she was absolutely thrilled that Remus was returning to Hogwarts. "Just as long as the Ministry isn't appointing someone else to teach."

"I think we're all grateful for that," said Sirius, grinning. She was about to respond, but at that moment, Hermione screamed. They all jumped and turned to look at her with concern, only to see her beaming.

"I made Prefect!" she squealed happily.

Harry laughed. "Congratulations, Hermione, but I think we all knew it would be you."

She rolled her eyes but grinned at him anyway. "Did you get it, Harry?"

Harry went to open his envelope, but before he could, Ron answered.

"No," he said, eyes wide. He was looking at a letter in one hand, and in the other —

"Oh, Ronald!" exclaimed Mrs. Weasley, rushing over.

"No way," said Fred, eye wide. "There's no way anyone in their right mind would make Ron Prefect."

"I don't suppose Dumbledore is in his right mind, though…" added George, smirking as Mrs. Weasley continued making a fuss about Ron.

"Don't be gits, you two," said Ginny, rolling her eyes. "This isn't a bad thing, whatever you believe."

The twins looked at her in horror.

"We've failed you," they said solemnly, shaking their heads.

Harry chuckled, and he cheerfully slapped Ron on the back. He tried to ignore the tightness in his stomach. "Congrats, mate. Looks like you have to follow the rules now."

Ron shook his head. "This can't be right! I thought you were for sure going to get it! Especially after everything you've done."

Harry shook his head, grinning slightly. "Well, that's just it, isn't it? I've caused too much trouble."

Fred and George nodded seriously. "A man who knows his priorities."

They all settled down after a while, and while Mrs. Weasley made plans for them to go to Diagon Alley, Harry picked at his food. Why not me? thought Harry. Harry did suppose he caused too much trouble, but then again, Ron was with him every step of the way. Not to mention his marks were better than Ron's. And yet, Dumbledore gave Ron the badge. Harry widened his eyes suddenly and shook himself. Who was Harry to begrudge Ron this accomplishment? He was no better than Ron, he believed, and he already got enough attention as it were. Ron should have something to be proud of. Wasn't it this kind of jealousy that caused their rift last year?

He felt someone nudge his foot, and he looked up to see Sirius smiling at him. He shook his head and gave him a wink. Sirius wasn't disappointed in him, at least. He smiled slightly and tuned into what Mrs. Weasley was saying.

"Well, what will it be, Ron?" asked Mrs. Weasley. "Percy got an owl, but you've already got Pig, so what would you like?"

Ron's jaw dropped. "You mean…I get a gift?" She smiled at him. "Mum, could I have a broom?"

Mrs. Weasley's faced dropped a little. "Not a really good one!" said Ron, immediately. "Just a new one for a change."

"Yes, of course, you can," she replied. "Right, so we'll all go to Diagon Alley tomorrow, so I want all of you up bright and early. So clean up and head straight to bed."

They all moved to put their plates away, but Sirius stopped Harry.

"Hang on, Harry, I'd like a word," he said. Mrs. Weasley was about to protest, but he held up his hand. "I won't keep him up late, and really, Molly, we've had this conversation already."

She pursed her lips and left the room after charming the dishes to clean themselves.

"Had what conversation already?" asked Harry, laughing lightly.

"Oh, Molly thinks I'm too open with you when it comes to the war," he said dismissively. "She thinks that I treat you as though I've got my best friend back."

"What?" exclaimed Harry. "What does that matter?"

"It doesn't," said Sirius. He paused. "Well, it does, because you're not James; you're your own person. But it doesn't because I don't see you as James, so it's a moot point."

"Okay," said Harry slowly. "So what did you want to talk to me about?"

"A few things," he said. "When you go to Flourish and Blotts tomorrow, ask for Mr. Padfoot's order; I got some Occlumency books for you. I figure they could help if you have any trouble with Snape, and they helped me when I was in school. The library doesn't have them outside of the Restricted Section, and it's best to avoid questions."

Harry grinned. "I'll take whatever that can help me get away from Snape faster."

Sirius chuckled. "I don't blame you. And while you're at it, charge all of your purchases tomorrow to my vault; it's number 913."

"What?" cried Harry. "No, Sirius, that's not necessary! Mum and Dad left me money."

Sirius shook his head, smiling. "Yes, I know, they left you a trust account so you had some money outside of the Potter vault, but that money was meant for emergencies or special occasions. I was meant to look after you from the beginning, and Merlin knows the Blacks have enough money to last ages without working. Since I can't go to Diagon Alley with you and buy you everything myself, tell the clerks to charge it to my vault. And don't even think about ignoring me, I've already told Remus to make sure you don't spend your own money on anything."

"Potter vault?" asked Harry. "And really, Sirius, this isn't necessary."

"Your grandfather amassed quite the fortune in his age," explained Sirius. "He created Sleekeazy's Hair Potion; the Potters were already well off, but he took the fortune and tripled or quadrupled it. But since you're the last Potter, it was all left to you. However, your parents didn't think it would be wise for you to have access to all that money at a young age, so they created the trust vault for you, just in case.

"And for your information, it is necessary. I've been deprived from doing my job for ages, Harry; don't stop me now."

Harry grinned. "Well, if you insist…"

"I do," he said, firmly.

"All right then, I won't argue," said Harry, backing off. "Sleekeazy's, really? I think Hermione used that for the Yule Ball last year."

"I'm sure she did; it's an incredibly successful potion," said Sirius, grinning. "And before that, your ancestors invented the Pepperup Potion, Skele-gro, and Merlin knows what else. They were quite gifted with Potions, actually."

"Well, apparently I didn't inherit that trait," said Harry. "Though if they were that good, then it wouldn't have killed them to make those potions taste better. They're no walk in the park, you know."

Sirius barked out a laugh. "James used to say the same thing. I believe he called his ancestors 'sadistic bastards' after the first time he had Skele-gro."

"I don't blame him," said Harry, grinning. Sirius laughed.

"But, speaking of Potions," said Sirius, sobering, "we should talk about the upcoming year."

"What about it?" asked Harry, curious.

"It's your OWL year," said Sirius, and he chuckled as Harry grimaced. "I need you to promise me that you'll put in all the effort in the world to do well."

Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise. He knew his marks weren't brilliant, but he also knew they weren't bad either.

"McGonagall mentioned that you could use some encouragement to do better," said Sirius carefully. "That's not to say you don't do well, but she feels that outside of DADA, you don't reach the potential that she thinks you have."

"Meaning?" asked Harry.

"Meaning I know that you're really smart, Harry, we all do," said Sirius, smiling. "Remus constantly goes on about your natural abilities in Defense. But the other subjects are important too, now more than ever. It's imperative that you learn as much as you can; the more you know, the better off you'll be in this war."

"So essentially, you want me to try harder," said Harry.

Sirius nodded, and he looked amused. "You looked surprised."

"I am," said Harry, trying to find a way to explain. "I mean, I know I've never really put that much effort in, but…well it never really mattered. I've never really been all that bothered."

"Why is that?" asked Sirius. "I know that I never seemed like the biggest advocate for school, considering I was a Marauder and all, but I actually did do well. I finished school in the top 10, along with your parents and Remus."

"I guess…no one ever really cared enough to mention it," admitted Harry. "I did all right in primary, but whenever I did better than Dudley, I was punished. Dudley was never the fastest broomstick in the shed, so I sort of…stopped trying. It became a habit, I suppose."

Sirius looked at him sadly. "Merlin, I hate them. Well, I expect you to do well, and your parents would expect it as well. I want you to do your best, Harry, and I'm not just saying this because I want you to do well in Occlumency."

Harry nodded, smiling. "I'll try harder, I swear. Can't make any promises about Potions, though."

Sirius laughed. "Pity your mum isn't here," commented Sirius. "She would have you understanding everything Potions-related within a week. She was absolutely brilliant at it."

"Really?" asked Harry, eagerly.

Sirius nodded. "She and Snape were always competing for the top spot in that class, but I suppose it helped they were friends and they studied together until fifth year."

Harry's jaw dropped. "They were what?"

Sirius nodded. "They had a falling out fifth year, but until then, they were close. They grew up close to each other; Lily later told us it was Snape who told her she was a witch."

"But…if Snape knew Mum," said Harry, and Sirius cut him off.

"Then why does he treat you so horribly?" finished Sirius, wincing slightly. Harry nodded.

"The falling out may have had something to do with me and James, but that's a story for a later time," said Sirius. Harry noted that Sirius looked incredibly uncomfortable, so he resolved to not press him for details. For now. "But it also doesn't help that you look almost exactly like James."

"That doesn't mean I am him," said Harry, frustrated. "I never did anything to Snape, and he still makes my life a living hell."

"I know, and I wish I could do something about it," said Sirius. "But I can't control the man."

Harry snorted. "No, I don't suppose so."

Sirius only chuckled in response. "If you want, I can get Tonks to help you in Potions. Believe it or not, she's actually quite good at them. She wouldn't have made it through the Auror Academy if she was rubbish, you know."

"So more studying over the summer?" teased Harry.

"Your choice," smiled Sirius. "But Tonks would never treat you like Snape would."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea."

Sirius, nodded. "I'll talk to her, then. But until then, off to bed with you, or Molly will have my head," he said.

Harry laughed. "Yes, and then where would we be?"

A/N: Not my best chapter, but it was good to get it done. I'll edit it later, maybe. Next stop, Diagon Alley.