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Disclaimer: I do not nor will I ever own the Harry Potter story, characters, villains, heroes and creatures. I also sadly do not make any money off this story. Trust me; my bank account cannot lie about that.

Thanks to Nancy for her help as always!


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FLAMES OF BETRAYAL
By Marietsy

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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN


"We can begin tomorrow if you want," Severus replied. He looked over at Ron and said, "If you like, Mr. Black, you may also be there for the lessons. I don't think it would hurt for you to learn what I can teach you."

Ron nodded his thanks. "I'd like that."

"Good, then tomorrow we will begin your lessons. I assume you have a place where we can duel?" Severus asked, looking back over at Harry

Harry glanced at Ron then at Severus and shrugged. "I'm not sure. We've only explored a little bit of the castle. I guess we can ask Rose or maybe Sage; either would know."

"That's fine. We can meet after breakfast to find a place to duel."

Dobby popped back into the room and walked over to Harry. "Dobby has put Mutt into the Blue room. Dobby cleaned Mutt up and he is resting comfortably."

"Thanks, Dobby. Now that that's taken care of, will you tell us what happened?" Harry asked gently.

Dobby's eyes filled with tears, but he nodded. Harry and Ron sat on the couch while Severus took the armchair. Harry pulled out a footstool and Dobby sat down. He sniffled once and looked at Harry, his expression sad.

"Winky has been taking care of Mutt for years. Dobby knew of Mutt, but didn't know who Mutt was. Winky had grown to love Mutt and would have bonded with him if she could. Dobby heard Harry Potter and Wheezy talking about Harry's godfather and when Harry called him a mutt, Dobby began to wonder. Dobby went to Winky and asked Winky what Mutt looked like. Winky told Dobby once that Winky could only talk to Mutt while he was in doggy form, but Dobby never realized what that could mean. Dobby is so sorry, Harry Potter. If only Dobby knew, Dobby could have rescued Mutt sooner," the house-elf said tearfully.

Harry squatted before the house-elf, grabbed his hand, and patted it. "It's all right Dobby, you didn't know. I don't blame you. There's only one person to blame for all this and he will get his in the end," Harry promised with a growl.

Dobby's eyes hardened and filled with anger. "Yes, Dumbly will," he replied. His voice was vicious and his face feral. Dobby's eyes softened when they glanced at Harry. "When Dobby heard Harry Potter and Wheezy talk about Mutt, Dobby went to Winky and had Winky describe what Mutt looked like. Dobby knew then that Mutt was Harry Potter's godfather. Dobby made the hard decision not to tell Harry Potter about his godfather. Dobby knew that Harry Potter would try to confront Dumbly. Harry Potter is not ready for that, so Dobby decided to rescue Harry Potter's godfather himself."

Harry smiled at Dobby gently and asked, "What have I told you about calling me Harry?"

Dobby flushed, his expression embarrassed. "Dobby knows, but Dobby finds it hard to call Harry Potter, Harry. Dobby will try harder."

"That's fine, Dobby," Harry said.

Dobby nodded and resumed his tale. "Dobby couldn't find Mutt. Dumbly had him imprisoned somewhere and he was protected by spells. Dobby decided to ask Winky to help him. Dobby had Winky take some parchment and ink so that Mutt could write a letter. Winky was unable to talk to Mutt personally. Winky had been forbidden, but Dumbly didn't know that Winky talked to Mutt while in dog form. Dobby told Winky to talk to the table while telling Mutt what he needed to do. Mutt wrote a letter and infused it with his magical signature. Winky then gave Dobby the letter and Dobby began to look for Mutt," he explained.

"Dobby looked for a long time until Dobby finally found Mutt's magical signature. Once Mutt was found, Dobby popped to the manor where Mutt had been imprisoned. Dobby had to cancel some of the wards and that took longer that Dobby thought. Once Dobby could pass through the wards, Dobby popped into the room where Mutt was, just in time to see Winky throw herself in front of Mutt. Winky took the curse that was meant for Mutt and save Mutt's life. Dumbly growled and kicked Winky aside," he spat angrily, his eyes sparking furiously.

"Dumbly raised his stick to curse Mutt again, but Dobby was angry and scared for Winky and Mutt. Dobby yelled and threw Dumbly against the wall with his magic, knocking out Dumbly. Dobby then grabbed Mutt and Winky and popped out. Dobby wasn't thinking and popped to Hogwarts. Dobby thought about asking Madame Pomfrey to help, but decided it not safe. So Dobby came here where Dobby knew it was safe," he said quietly.

Dobby shook his head angrily and looked at Harry. "Dobby not understand why Dumbly would kill Mutt and Winky. Winky was a good elf, a good friend. Winky hated being bonded to Dumbly. Dumbly had tricked Winky, gave her Butterbeer, and got her drunk. Winky was still missing her former master and agreed to bond, not really understanding what was going on. When Winky found out she was bonded to Dumbly, Winky was very upset. Winky wanted to be free like Dobby. Winky wanted a mate and children, but Dumbly said no. Winky died a hero, died saving someone that Winky loved. Winky is free now even though Winky will be missed," Dobby said tearfully.

Harry leaned forward and hugged Dobby, murmuring softly, "I'm sorry about Winky. I know she was your friend. I'll be forever grateful to her for saving my godfather's life. I only wished she didn't have to lose hers to do it."

Dobby pulled back, looked at Harry, and said, "Dobby knows this. Dobby also knows that Harry feels guilty about Winky's death. Dobby wants Harry to know not to. Winky did what Winky felt she had to, even if it cost Winky her life."

Harry nodded in understanding and smiled at Dobby sadly. "I know, but I still feel guilty for being glad that it was Winky and not my godfather that died. Her life wasn't any less important than Sirius' life."

Dobby glared at Harry. "Winky was glad to give up her life so that Mutt could live. It was Winky's choice. There is no reason that Harry should feel guilty. Harry would do the same."

Harry stared at his friend, amazed at the tiny house-elf. He realized how far Dobby had come from being a meek, hyperactive house-elf to an aggressive, confident friend. He would always be glad that Dobby entered his life. "Yes, Dobby, I would've done the same. All right, I'll try to stop feeling guilty. I'll appreciate and honor Winky's sacrifice."

Dobby nodded, his expression satisfied. "Good, Dobby is happy."

Harry sat back on the couch and smiled at Ron. He turned back to Dobby and asked, "So, where's the note Sirius wrote me?"

Dobby stood up and reached into his pocket. He dug around and his eyes widened before glancing at Harry, his expression concerned. "It's gone. The note's gone. Dobby must have dropped it."

Harry frowned. "The question is, where did you drop it? At Dumbledore's manor or Hogwarts?" he pondered, concerned.

O-------o--------o-------O

Remus walked down a quiet hallway of Hogwarts. He wandered aimlessly, not really going any particular direction. He sighed mournfully and frowned, lost in thought. He missed James, Lily, and Sirius. He grimaced at the thought of Sirius; /if he knew how I turned my back on the cub, he would hate me. For once, I'm glad the man is dead/. He shook off his morbid thoughts and wondered how Harry was faring.

He'd hoped that he could've had a chance to find forgiveness from Harry and he'd been devastated to find out that Harry was catatonic. Of course, that didn't mean Harry would have forgiven him. He wished he hadn't turned his back on Harry like everyone else. There was nothing to excuse his behavior. He had watched as Harry was sentenced to Azkaban and he did nothing. /Maybe I was under a spell /he mused then scoffed at the idea. /No, I betrayed Harry all on my own/, he thought bitterly. He came to this bitter realization when he acknowledged that in some way he blamed Harry for Sirius' death. When Harry was accused of killing those students, Remus had felt a sense of justice that the boy who killed his best friend was now getting his just reward.

That realization hit him hard and he'd almost taken his own life. He betrayed his adopted godson over something that Harry had no control over. He'd broken down and wept bitterly, praying that he would die. Sadly, he was afraid of death, afraid of facing James, Lily, and Sirius. If they'd been alive, they would have surely killed him.

Now Harry was gone, along with Ron and Dobby, and he, like everyone else, had no clue to where they had gone. He noticed Dumbledore's angry behavior and wondered what was going on. Surely, the man couldn't be that upset at Ron for taking Harry. By law, it was Ron's right. He would've liked to know where they were, but Ron had the right idea. Get Harry away from everyone, keep him safe, and let him heal. Remus prayed that Harry would recover.

He was startled out of his thoughts by a popping noise and a thud. He ran towards the noise and saw Dobby standing in the middle of the hallway, looking around as if in a daze. There was a human and an elf body lying at his feet. Remus sniffed and took a step back, his face filled with shock and disbelief. SIRIUS! The human smelt like Sirius, but that couldn't be right. Padfoot was dead, he saw him go through the Veil.

He headed towards Dobby and heard the house-elf muttering, "It's not safe here. Dumbly is here. He mustn't find Mutt and Winky. Dobby must get Mutt and Winky to Harry Potter and Wheezy. They will help." Dobby leaned over and picked up the bodies, not seeing a piece of paper fall from his pocket and land on the ground. Remus howled with denial and anger as they all disappeared.

Dobby had left and taken Sirius with him. Remus wasn't even for sure if it'd been Sirius, but his nose had never proven him wrong before. Remus stalked over to the spot where Dobby had appeared and found a note lying on the floor. He bent down and picked up the note, gasping in shock. The note had Sirius's magical signature on it. With trembling hands, he opened the note and began to read.

Harry,

I don't know if you'll get this letter or not, but if you do I want you to know that I'm alive and I'm being held captive by Dumbledore.

I know it's been two years since my supposed death, but I hope things are well with you. I don't know if you can find me or not, but get Remus to help you. I know he believes in everything you do, so he'll believe this letter is legitimate.

Things are looking Grim here and I hope to see you soon. I hope you can get around the devil with the four Prong pitchfork. I hope that you're up to no good and you have managed some mischief.

Until then, Prongslet.

Love you lots,
Padfoot

"Oh, Merlin," Remus whispered. "This has got to be a joke. Why would Dumbledore imprison Sirius?" Suddenly the Headmaster's behavior since Harry's disappearance took an ominous turn. He chewed on his bottom lip, staring at the note absently. If there hadn't been so many clues that only Harry and Remus knew about, he would have thought the note was part of a cruel joke, but it wasn't. Just like the body that Dobby was carrying wasn't a joke.

"What the hell is going on?" he whispered. Frowning in thought, he wondered if maybe he should confront Dumbledore. Considering what he had learned, he decided not to. No, he would observe, he would see what was going on. He would keep a look out, and hopefully he would find his friend and adopted godson. He groaned heavily when he realized that Dobby was taking Padfoot to Ron. He knew that Padfoot would find out about Harry and the betrayal of Harry's friends. "Padfoot is going to kill me," he moaned quietly. With a shuddering sigh, he pocketed the note and walked down the hallway towards his room. He never saw the eyes that followed him or that the dark shadowy person stared at the spot where Dobby had stood.

"Sirius?" the shadow asked with shocked confusion.

O-------o--------o-------O

Harry groaned, yawned widely, rubbed his eyes wearily, and looked around. He remembered what had happened yesterday evening and sat up in the bed, stunned. He hastily threw back the blankets and got out of bed. He grabbed the first t-shirt he saw, put it on, walked out of his room, and then made his way to the room where Sirius slept.

He opened the door and entered the room, making sure to be quiet so he didn't disturb Sirius if he was still asleep. Dobby looked up when he heard Harry enter the room and smiled.

"Dobby is giving Mutt a pain relieving potion. The Professor knew that Mutt would not like waking up in pain. The Professor also gave Mutt a nutrient potion. Mutt had not been eating well. Dumbly decreased Mutt's food, giving him only gruel and water. Dumbly was slowly starving Mutt to death," Dobby growled.

Harry frowned at the information. Merlin, when he finally got a hold of Dumbledore, he was going to make him pay. Harry snorted, Maybe I should ask Voldemort to help. Harry paused at that thought and wondered idly if the idea had merit. Harry shook his head in amusement, not bloody likely, though it might be fun to watch Voldemort torture the man/. Harry sighed and dismissed the thought. /Ron would smack me if I even brought it up, he thought, amused.

Harry sat down on the bed and looked at his godfather. It had been over two years since Harry had last seen him. His hair was longer and he had a beard. He looked older and Harry could see some gray in his hair. Sirius hadn't even hit his prime as Wizard, but he looked so much older than his actual age. I guess betrayal and imprisonment would do that to a person/. Harry snorted /looks as if I have a lot in common with my godfather.

Harry reached up and stroked Sirius' hair. It hit him all of a sudden; this was his godfather, the person he had considered family, a man he had come to think of as a father. When Sirius had died in front of him, Harry had lost hope of ever having a family. Now, he had a brother and his godfather was here, lying on the bed, alive and breathing. Harry's eyes filled with tears and he tried to control the sob that wanted to escape. He took in a shuddering breath and caressed Sirius's face.

"I missed you so much, Padfoot. I'm so glad you're alive," Harry whispered.

"Dobby is too, Harry. Harry needs his family," Dobby said softly.

Harry looked at the house-elf and smiled. "Yes, he does. You know I consider you part of my family, don't you?" the raven-haired young man asked.

Dobby's eyes widened and then filled with joy. "Dobby is happy that Harry considers him family. Dobby considers Harry and Wheezy family as well. Now Dobby can include Mutt and the Professor," he said happily.

Harry looked at him, surprised, and asked, "Severus?"

Dobby nodded his head. "Yes. Dobby, Harry, and Wheezy will take care of the Professor. Professor has no one but us. Professor is family now."

Harry looked at him thoughtfully, chewing on his bottom lip. "Yes, I guess he is, isn't he? He could be my Uncle." He pondered that idea a moment then grinned. "Oh, I'll have to call him that and see what he does."

"Call who what?" a voice asked behind him.

Harry turned and saw a sleepy Ron coming into the bedroom. He grinned at Ron and said, "Dobby here was telling me that Severus is part of our family now. I've decided that Severus shall be an honorary uncle. Think I can get away with calling him that?"

Ron looked at Harry as if he had grown another head. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, can you imagine the look on his face if I did that?" Harry asked with a mischievous grin.

Ron paused a second then began to chuckle. "Oh yeah. That would be great. I dare you!" he exclaimed.

Harry snorted with amusement. "You didn't have to dare me. I was going to do it anyway," he told the redhead.

Ron laughed wickedly. "Make sure I'm there when you do," and Harry nodded in agreement.

Harry heard a groan coming from the bed and he whipped his head around. He looked at his godfather intently and saw Sirius move. He leaned over him and whispered, "Sirius? Padfoot, come on its time to wake up. You're safe now, come on...wake up."

Sirius' eyes fluttered opened and they looked around the room before settling on Harry. He stared a moment before his eyes widened. "Harry?" he croaked, his face filled with shock, wariness, and hope.

"Hey, Padfoot," Harry said then burst into tears.

O-------o--------o-------O

Sirius floated in the darkness, his body aching. He could hear voices in the distance and wondered who they could be. He concentrated on the voices and could hear them getting closer.

"...missed you so much, Padfoot," a voice said. It sounded familiar to him.

"...Harry needs his family," another voice said. It was higher and it squeaked. It sounded like someone he knew.

"Severus?" the first voice asked with surprise and Sirius frowned. Severus? Where have I heard that name before?

"...honorary uncle..."

...serious?" another voice asked and Sirius started. Was someone talking to him? Wasn't that his name?

''...dare you..."

The voices were getting closer and the blackness was getting lighter. His body was aching and he wanted to move, to open his eyes, and see what was going on. He tried to move, but his body refused to cooperate. After a few moments, he finally moved and his body exploded with sensation. He moaned at the pain and he heard a voice talking to him.

"Sirius? Padfoot, come on its time to wake up. You're safe now, come on...wake up," the familiar voice urged and Sirius was finally able to open his eyes. He blinked back the tears from the bright light and looked around. The room wasn't familiar. The walls were painted a light blue with oak trimming and he pretty sure he hadn't ever been here before. His eyes landed on a young man and he stared a moment.

The man had long dark hair with red highlights. His face was pale with a light dusting of freckles on his nose. His eyes were a brilliant green with speckles of brown that did not detract from the brilliance of the green. He stared at moment before he realized he knew that face, that voice. It was Harry, his beloved godson who he hadn't seen in three years.

"Harry?" he asked with disbelief.

"Hey, Padfoot," Harry greeted and Sirius watched as Harry's face crumpled and he burst into tears. He was crying hard and Sirius put his arms around his godson. He pulled him close and Harry lay on his chest as he sobbed.

"I missed you much, Padfoot," Harry choked out. "I thought you were dead. I thought I killed you. I'm so glad you're alive," he sobbed and gasped for breath.

Sirius caressed Harry's back and muttered nonsensical words, trying to comfort his godson. "It's all right, Harry. I'm here now. I'm alive and I don't plan to go away again. I love you, Prongslet," he murmured softly.

Harry's crying began to trail off and after a few minutes, he sniffled and raised his head. His eyes were red and there were tear tracks down his face, but Sirius thought it was the most wonderful thing he had seen in a long time.

"You ok?" Sirius asked.

Harry nodded, sniffled, and then smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just couldn't help myself. So many things have happened lately and finding out that you were alive was the last straw."

Sirius frowned, confused, and asked, "What things?"

"I'll tell you later when you're feeling better. We have a lot of things to talk about," Harry said, his expression dark and wary.

"Right you are, Harry. Now if you would move, I would like to examine Black, please," a silky voice requested.

Sirius glanced beyond Harry to see Ron, Snape and a house-elf staring at him. He looked at Snape and frowned a moment before asking, "Eh? What are you doing here?" He was very confused by what was going on.

Harry smiled and said, "That's one of the things we need to talk about."

Sirius' eyes widened and he stared at Harry, his expression horrified. "Oh Merlin, tell me you're not sleeping with him!" he blurted out.

Harry's eyes widened with shock, Ron choked, and Snape looked outraged. "Black, you stupid mutt, I would never sleep a student with let alone Harry," the Potions Master snarled.

"Padfoot, where in the hell did you get that idea?" Harry asked in bewilderment.

"Well, you said he was one of the things we need to talk about. It didn't sound good," Sirius said defensively.

Harry rolled his eyes, annoyed. He forgot about Sirius' ability to jump to conclusions. "So you assumed that we were sleeping together. Sirius, you need some mental help," he told him, sounding amused.

Sirius pouted and Harry laughed. Ron still looked a little green and Snape just sneered at him. "I wouldn't be worried about Mr. Potter's virtue if I were you. I like older men," he purred in a sultry voice. He looked at Sirius speculatively. "You're looking awfully tasty," he mused, his gaze trailing over the injured man.

Sirius' eyes widened with horror as he realized what Snape was implying. "Oh, hell no! Never, Snape, not even to save my life," he yelped.

Snape smirked at him as Harry and Ron began to laugh. Sirius looked at Snape and frowned with disgust. "That was just wrong," he pouted.

"Ah, yes, but it was so much fun. Well, for me," Snape smirked.

"Bastard," Sirius snarled mildly.

Snape just smirked at him then glanced at Harry. "If you would move Harry, I will scan him to see how he's doing."

Sirius was surprised that Snape called Harry by his first name, in fact Snape had used Harry's first name several times since he came into the room. Harry got up from the bed and took a step back. Snape leaned over him and took out his wand. He raised his wand and muttered, "/Penitus Aperio/" and a muted pink light enveloped his body. Snape frowned thoughtfully and after a few moments, he cancelled the spell.

"You seem to be fine. You need to continue the nutrient potions for a couple of days since you're malnourished. I've put some pain relief potions for you on the table. You may take them whenever you need them. I think you should be up and around tomorrow, barring any stupid incidents."

Sirius rolled his eyes and looked over at Harry. "See, I'm fine. Now maybe you can tell me what's going on?" he demanded.

"In a moment. Dobby, I know I don't normally ask, but could you get us some breakfast. I want you here when we explain," Harry said.

"Dobby will be glad to." The house-elf disappeared and Sirius saw Harry glance at Ron slyly before looking at Snape. He could see the grin on Ron's face and wondering what was going on.

"Thank you, Uncle Severus, for helping my godfather," Harry said solemnly.

Sirius gaped at his godson while Snape looked at Harry in shock. "What in the hell?" Snape stammered.

Harry shrugged casually and smiled at Severus. "Well, Dobby and I decided that you are now part of our family. So as such, I dub you my honorary Uncle. Well, Ron and mine, since he's my brother now."

Ron frowned thoughtfully and looked over at Severus. "You know, I didn't think of that." The redhead looked at Snape and grinned, "Yeah, thanks, Uncle Severus."

Sirius watched as Snape choked and gasp. He pulled himself up straight and glared at them. "Don't call me that. I am your teacher and that is all."

Ron and Harry nodded their heads dutifully. "Of course, Uncle Severus," they replied together and Sirius watched Snape turn red. He began to sputter in outrage and said, "I told you not to call me that."

Harry smiled at the man gently and replied, "We're no longer in school anymore, Severus. Dobby was right. We protect our own. You've become one of us. You'll just have to get use to it. We don't expect you to change from your snarky, mean, sadistic ways. Just know that you have family, no matter how much you don't want us."

Snape sputtering stopped and he stared at Harry with shock and ill hidden longing. Sirius watched as Harry stepped closer to Snape and placed a hand on the man's arm. "We're not the Headmaster or Voldemort. We don't expect anything from you. You can be whoever you want to be with us."

Snape looked at Harry a moment then looked away in embarrassment. "I...well..." he stuttered. He looked at Harry and Sirius could see the quickly hidden gratitude that Snape shot at Harry. The messy-haired young man must have seen it too as he smiled at Snape. The Potions Master cleared his throat gruffly and said, "Yes, well I need to do some research on the Dark Mark potion. Find me when it's time for your lessons." Snape gave Harry and Ron one last look and stalked out of the room.

Ron gazed at the retreating man and looked at Harry after Snape left. "You know, I think he likes to be called Uncle," he mused thoughtfully.

Harry nodded. "I think so too."

Sirius didn't understand what had just happened. He hated not knowing anything. "Could someone tell me what's going on?" Sirius whined. What in the hell happened over the last two years?

O-------o--------o-------O

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