"He provided me with education when no one else would have!"
"And we stayed by your side even after knowing what you were! James and I decided to learn how to become Animagi at the tender age of eleven so as to help you! We gave you companionship. What has Dumbledore done? He sent you on useless missions for the Order, trying to convert werewolves to his cause. Why would the werewolves want to join Dumbledore at all? I found the whole notion ridiculous back then and I still stand by it. He's using you, Remus, can't you see that? He never once helped you find a job, here or abroad, and he's the fucking Supreme Mugwump, for Merlin's sake! He never cared about you until now; until he needed you again. You're nothing more than a pawn to him!"
"You've changed, Sirius, you really have! Dumbledore was right. Your grudge and anger could be the death of us all, not to mention could put Harry in grave danger!"
"Stop right there," said Sirius coldly. "I know how to take care of Harry. I will do my job without Dumbledore's help."
"Like you did ten years ago?" snapped Remus. "Without Dumbledore, who knows what might have happened to him!"
Sirius' expression contorted, with his eyes blazing with fury. "Is that so?" he whispered dangerously. "Dumbledore's man through and through, aren't you, Remus?"
"Always," spat Remus angrily.
With that, he walked back to the Floo in the entrance hall. Sirius sank back into his armchair, absentmindedly summoning a bottle of Firewhisky and a glass. Pouring a generous amount, he emptied it in one gulp, relishing the burning sensation.
He had lost another friend tonight. A lone tear slid down his pale face, but his anger at the headmaster increased tenfold. Yet another friendship had been destroyed thanks to the old man. He would never forgive Dumbledore; ever.
.....
It was now the last week of the holidays. Harry had spent his time alternating between Black Manor, Greengrass Manor and Potter Castle. The two months had been used to learn as much as possible from Alfred Potter who was delighted to teach his descendant again. Harry spent more time learning Runes and Potions from Alfred along with several spells from the family grimoire. Sirius supplemented his education by bringing Harry's Defence and Transfiguration training up to speed. He also told Harry, much to the boy's immense joy, that he would start teaching him how to become an Animagus.
In the last week of August, the book lists finally arrived. Just as he was about to head over to Black Manor, three elves popped inside the dining room. It looked like they were fighting.
"Master, Dobby is trying to sneak into the castle," cried Tippy furiously. Harry didn't miss the stark contrast in their appearance. While Tippy and Sally were dressed in proper uniforms, the other elf, who seemed quite weak and unhealthy, was wearing a horrible looking tea towel.
"Who are you?" asked Harry, with narrowed eyes. "And why did you try to break into my home?"
"I am Dobby, sir," squeaked the elf. "Dobby is coming here to warn you, sir. Harry Potter must not return to Hogwarts School this year! Dark things are planned! Dobby has to protect Harry Potter!"
"Tippy, Sally, release him," ordered Harry. He kneeled down to match the elf's height and asked, "What are you talking about, Dobby? What terrible things?"
Dobby burst into furious tears at the gesture. "Harry Potter is greater than Dobby ever thought! He treats Dobby like an equal! But Harry Potter sir should not go back to school. There is a plot, a plot to make the most dangerous things happen!"
"What dangerous things? Who's plotting them?"
"Dobby cannot say, sir. Dobby's master doesn't even know he is here! Dobby would have to iron his hands for betraying his master. But Dobby doesn't care, for Harry Potter's safety is most important. Don't go to school, sir. Great danger is going to befall the castle this year. Harry Potter must protect himself and stay safe," said the elf, and snapped its fingers and disappeared.
Harry frowned. "Guys, who is Dobby's master?"
"Dobby is the Malfoy elf, Master Harry. He is treated very, very badly by his masters," answered Sally sadly.
Harry gritted his teeth. He had a soft spot for house-elves and he did not like people mistreating them. But what was Dobby talking about?
....
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