Sirius came out of the shower clean as a whistle. Feeling better than he had in ages. Sure, he had been made healthy by powers unknown, but now he was clean. There was nothing like a magical shower to make one feel refreshed. It exfoliated your skin and got to places that a normal shower never touched. It was like a thousand tiny bubbles scrubbing you clean. You felt like you were clean everywhere, and it was exhilarating.
Magic, a wonderful thing. He missed it sorely. The prison only threw water at them once a month in an effort to clean the stench off them. They had a magic bucket as a toilet and no water in the cells. It was a nightmare for hygiene. Not to mention there was nothing to quench your thirst when you were dying from the lack of water. You only got a ration of a glass a day, which was enough to survive on, but not enough to satisfy the body's needs.
His teeth were next to be cleaned, and that was done with a magic toothbrush that scrubbed five years of grunge off his teeth. The plaque and buildup were horrendous. There were no toothbrushes in prison, and they could care less if your teeth fell out. You weren't meant to survive the experience anyway. The whitening paste brightened his smile with just a simple brushing.
He would need a wand to straighten and fix his teeth, but at least he wouldn't scare people with his yellow smile anymore. He would look to see if his grandfather had a spare wand around the house. Not just for his teeth, but it was just common sense. He would need one, for everyday things. And to defend himself and Harry.
His hair was next. He used a comb to straighten it for a good detangling, and then cut it with some magical scissors, which only cut in straight lines. Then he used an elixir to put his natural wave back into it. Soon enough, he was back to his handsome self. His facial hair was easy to do with a straight blade razor. One swipe and magic gave him his goatee.
"Damn, but I am good looking," he said to the mirror, looking at himself from all different angles. He always thought of himself as a handsome bloke. The ladies seemed to think so too. Well, he was too skinny now, but he'd bulk up again in good time.
"You sure are," the mirror agreed, then added, "You could use newer clothes though."
"Oh, who asked you?" Sirius mumbled as he exited the bathroom. He made his way to the study where his grandfather had some supper ready for him. "So, what's the plan?" he asked without preamble as he started eating the pheasant dressed with stuffing that was on the tray waiting near a vacant chair. There was a glass of butterbeer accompanying it. "No wine?" he asked a bit disappointed.
"No, no alcohol for you until you're healthier," his grandfather chastised. "Besides, you need a clear head for tonight. Here's the plan. We're going to take one of the vehicles that I have and pretend that it has broken down in front of the house. We'll ask to use the telephone and gain entrance inside," Arcturus said, going over what he had thought of so far. "You will be my dog and will 'find' young Harry. We will rescue him. At the same time, we will evaluate the wards around the house," he said, laying out the simple plan.
"Why do you have a car?" Sirius wanted to know. "I thought you hated muggles." As far as he knew his grandfather didn't even know what a telephone was. He was having to suspend all his beliefs about the old man. "You know what a telephone is?" he asked, his tone one of wonder and disbelief.
"I need to get around the muggle world now and then. There is money to be made there. It is an older version of these vehicles, but it gets me to where I need to go," the old man said, waving it away. "Never you mind all that. Kreacher will be our driver. He is a madman on the road, but the magic on the car will see us safe," he explained, not worried one bit. The elf would be glamored to appear like a human. "Of course, I know what a telephone is. I'm not daft. I would be a fool not to keep up on what the muggles are doing. How would I navigate that world if I didn't know what was in it?" he answered that question.
"Kreacher? Don't you have any other house elves? I don't trust that one," Sirius asked, finishing off his meal with some gusto. He had been eating out of bins for a week now. He let the subject of his grandfather navigating the muggle world go for now. It would be something that might come up later. It would prove useful, hopefully. At least he wouldn't have to hold the old man's hand to steer him around. The only reason Sirius knew about the muggles was Lily. That and his many forays to picking up the ladies. The muggles had great pubs and night clubs. That and their alcohol was great too.
"I suppose we could use Tilly, but she's worse on the road than Kreacher," Arcturus said, waving it away. One house elf was the same as another to him, it didn't matter either way. Though, like he said, Tilly was a horrible driver.
"Why do we need to use a house elf?"
"I am a rich man, I never would drive, even if I knew how," the old man stated, like it was a given.
"Oh," Sirius said, then he thought of something. "There's one little thing I need you to do for me," he said, before he forgot.
"What's that?" his grandfather asked, warily.
"A couple took care of me when I washed up on the shore, after I escaped that awful prison. I'd like to do something for them. Could you pay off their mortgage or something?" he asked, giving his grandfather the address of the nice people. "They deserve something nice for tending to a dog they didn't need to. I was a mess, and I would not have survived if they hadn't taken care of me."
"I'll see what I can do," the old man said, jotting it down and making a note. He would put money in their account anonymously, with a note that it was for tending the dog. They would never know who it was from, just why it was there. Blacks always paid their debts. It was a life debt after all, and magic would know it.
"Well, let's get this show on the road," Sirius said, throwing his napkin on his plate and watching both disappear. House elves were very attentive in this house. He didn't know how many his grandfather had, but there were enough that Harry would want for nothing. That's if they didn't scare the poor kid.
"No time like the present," Arcturus agreed, standing as fast as his old bones would let him. He was pretty spry for an old man, but he still creaked and popped when standing.
They moved to the garage that was set off the house a good ten feet. In the garage was a 1950 Bentley, along with a few other classic cars. The one they were using was a classic four door sedan with midnight blue paint. It shone with little use and looked like it had just stepped off the assembly line.
"Nice," Sirius said with a whistle. He could appreciate a good car, though he preferred a good motorbike. He did wonder what happened to his Triumph. Last he saw it Hagrid had it. He'd have to get it back. It might be needed. He wasn't sure what for, but… yeah.
"Only the best for the Blacks," Arcturus said, going to the back of the car and getting in. "Tilly," he called as he settled on the luxurious seat.
"Master is calling Tilly?" the elf said as she popped in. "Oh, I is being driving?" she asked, excitedly. She did love to drive. She was getting better at it. In her opinion.
"Yes," the old man said, handing her the map. "We're going here." He pointed to the glowing dot where Harry was.
"Yes, Master," the elf said, changing into her glamored female human form. She shot up to around five and a half feet tall with brown hair and eyes. Her hair was pulled back in a bun, and she had sunglasses on. She looked like a professional driver, complete with a driver's cap and old-fashioned uniform. She looked at the map with deep concentration and noted where they were going. She used magic inherent to house elves to get her bearings and got into the driver's seat.
"I hope this works," Sirius said, changing into Padfoot and hopping into the car. He curled up on the floorboard and waited. He didn't want to see what passed as house elf driving. He was going to stay safe here on the floor.
Tilly was an awful driver, and the magic of the car saved them from many near collisions. They hopped curves and jumped sidewalks. The car would shrink or elongate as it was needed. They narrowly missed pedestrians and sideswiped trashcans. It was a harrowing experience for Sirius, who kept his paws over his eyes the whole time but felt the whole thing as he was thrown around the floorboard, but Arcturus took it in stride, sitting ramrod straight and swaying back and forth with the turns and swerves.
Soon enough, they were pulling in front of 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey. It was a two-story house that was nestled in a community that had houses on either side that looked exactly like it. It was darkish out, being it was just after suppertime. The streetlights were just coming on, and twilight was fading into darkness.
"How droll," Arcturus said, getting out of the car, a shaky Padfoot at his side. They walked up the pathway and knocked on the door. Tilly waited by the car, looking professional.
Petunia answered the door, wiping her hands on her apron. "Yes?" she asked, unsure as to why this distinguished gentleman would be knocking on her door. She looked at the dog with a wrinkle of her nose. She disliked dogs. Not even Marge's dogs were okay in her books.
"My vehicle has broken down; might I use your telephone?" Arcturus asked, using his best upper crust tone. He had his gloved hands on his cane that was tilted just so.
"Yes, of course," she said, moving aside to let him in. "Vernon, we have guests," she said, raising her voice into the house.
"What?" came the answering reply, as a grunt was heard. A lumbering man came from the kitchen in a hurried waddle. Vernon Dursley came up to Arcturus with his meaty hand extended. "Vernon Dursley, be welcome in my home," he said in his best salesman voice. He was always looking for the next business opportunity. This man looked to be of money.
"Pleasure," the old man said, making a shooing motion to Padfoot, who started sniffing around. "Don't mind Snuffles. He likes to explore new territory," he explained. "He's very protective of me," he said, smiling his best smile, which was conspiratorial, like there was always someone out to get him.
"Of course, a gentleman like yourself can't be too careful," Vernon said, laughing uproariously at the non-joke.
"Vernon," Petunia said, nudging him in the ribs. It wasn't that funny, besides the dog was getting hair all over her carpet.
Padfoot stopped at the cupboard under the stairs and started barking loudly. He started scratching at the door as if to open it with his paws. He continued barking and scratching until Arcturus came and put a hand on his neck.
"What is it, boy?" Arcturus asked, coming to his 'dog'. "Is there something there?" he asked innocently. He placed his hand on the door latch and stopped when the Dursleys shouted.
"NO!" they both said, holding out their hands to stop him.
"Are you afraid of what I will find?" he asked, thumbing the latch. He pulled the door open and peered inside. There in the light of a single dim lightbulb was a small child. Harry Potter. "Come out, child," the old man said, holding onto Padfoot's scruff to keep him from jumping and licking the boy.
"Will he bite me?" Harry asked, fearfully looking at the giant dog. It looked like it could swallow him whole.
"No, he loves children," Arcturus said, patting the rump with his free hand. "Come out," he ordered again.
"Okay, mister," Harry said, crawling out of the cupboard. He could have walked out, he was small enough, but he was scared of the dog. He scurried around the dog, stood and went to stand away from everyone. He kept his back to the wall and moved to the very end of the hallway. He had no idea what was going on.
He looked like a lost waif with his too big t-shirt and his scruffy hair. He was scratched and bruised from the scuffle he had gotten into with Dudley that evening. He had once again shown the boy up at school. Dudley had taken it badly.
"Why do you have a child in the boot-cupboard?" Arcturus asked the adults, looking at them with disdain.
"He's our nephew," Petunia said, looking at Harry with the same look. "He's evil," she said, like that explained everything.
"An evil child? Well, that explains it all. I'll tell you what, I'll take this evil child off your hands," the old man said, jovially as if that were the most normal thing in the world. "I love evil children. They make life interesting," he said, releasing Padfoot, who went to guard Harry.
Harry flattened himself against the wall, not sure what to make of what was happening.
Padfoot sat in front of him, not moving to scare him in any way. He was facing the Dursleys.
"How much will you pay for him?" the greedy Vernon asked, a glint in his eyes. If he could get rid of the brat and make money off him at the same time, well… they could move. That would show those freaks.
"Nothing. I will be doing you a favor. Taking an evil person from your home. Besides, the authorities would love to hear about the child's living arrangements, I'm sure," Arcturus stated, bending over, and peering into the cupboard once more and noting the cot and clothing littered in there. "Yes, I am sure they would very much like to hear about that," he stated, once again.
Padfoot growled when Vernon went to grab Harry away from him. He showed his rows of very sharp teeth and very large jawline. His eyes even glowed a bit. He took a step forward and made to snap at the man.
"Now see here," the fat man said, moving his hand back from the vicious dog. "You can't just come into our home and take our nephew." He wasn't going to take his chances with the dog though.
"Yes, I can," Arcturus said, taking out his wand and said, "Confundo."
The two adults' faces went blank. They just stood there and did nothing. Their minds were blank.
"You will let us leave without incident. You will forget us and the fact that we were here. And if anyone asks, Harry simply disappeared to who knows where," he said, moving towards the door. Padfoot hustled Harry along behind the old man by grabbing his sleeve with his mouth. "Come, child. We will not hurt you," Arcturus said, keeping his wand on the Dursleys. They wouldn't break the Confundus Charm, but he didn't want to take the chance.
"Mummy, I want more cake," came the voice of a child from the kitchen.
"Come on," Arcturus said, picking up Harry and leaving the house. Padfoot ran to the car and jumped in. The old man followed as fast as he could while carrying Harry. Tilly jumped in the driver's seat and started the car.
"Did you just kidnap me?" Harry asked, not sure if this was a good thing or not. On one hand, no Dursleys. On the other hand, he had no clue who this person was.
"No, I just rescued you," was the rebuttal from the old man.
Did that dog just nod in agreement?
"Oh, I thank you, I guess," the little boy said, looking at the old man from under his bangs.
"You will thank me later," Arcturus said, putting his wand away. "Take us home, Tilly." He rapped his cane on the back of the driver's seat.
"Yes, Master," the elf said, putting the car into drive and gunning the gas.
"Shite," came the swearword from Harry's mouth as the car took off. He feared for his very life. He closed his eyes, so he didn't have to see the carnage he was sure was going to happen, only to open them when he didn't hear any crashes. "How?" he asked astonished as he watched the car miss a trash can and elongate into a narrow alley.
"Magic," was the answer.
"There's no such thing as magic," Harry said, looking on in wide-eyed wonder. Things just jumped out of the way and the car got really small or long as it needed to. It had to be a trick of the lights, right?
"I'll explain more when we get home," the old man said, patting the dog on the head. "Until then, just enjoy the ride," he added with a chuckle.
"Right, enjoy," Harry said with a great deal of doubt.
If that weren't bad enough, suddenly the dog turned into a man.
"Harry, I know you're scared, but did you make a wish a week ago?" the dogman asked as gently as he could. He stayed on the floorboard, away from the boy so as not to scare him. Arcturus was by one door, while Harry was by the other. There was quite a gap between them.
"Yes," the timid boy said, remembering that night he cried himself to sleep. He thought his prayer had gone unanswered.
"I heard your wish and came for you. I am your godfather," Sirius said, putting his hand out to be taken. "My name is Sirius Black."
"The escaped convict?" Harry asked, more scared than before. That was more real to him than magic. He had heard the words from the telly and knew what they meant because of Aunt Petunia. She threatened to give him to the man if he was bad. He pressed closer to the door, wondering if it would hurt if he opened it while the car was moving.
"I am innocent," the man said with a sigh. "I promise on the graves of your parents, I never did anything they accused me of," he added, putting up his hands in a swearing motion. "I loved your dad like he was my brother," he said, tears running down his face.
"You knew my parents?" the innocent child asked, forgetting the man was supposed to be dangerous.
"I am your godfather," the dogman reminded him.
"Oh, right," Harry said, blushing a bit at forgetting that part.
"We'll explain more when we get to the house," Arcturus said, seeing they were almost there. "We need to get Harry settled in and then we can make some plans. Harry, are you hungry?" he asked, thinking the boy was too small for his age. He looked to be four and not six.
Just then the boy's tummy grumbled, answering that question. Harry blushed again.
"We'll get you fed and then to bed. Everything else can wait until morning," Sirius said, once more holding out his hand to be shaken. "I am very pleased to see you again," he said, wanting to reconnect with the boy.
"Thank you for coming for me," Harry said, taking the hand and tentatively shaking it. Then he turned and held out his hand to Arcturus and shook his too. "You were brilliant," he told the old man. "The Dursleys are mean people," he stated.
"They will never bother you again," the old man said, giving the boy a grin. "I examined the wards while we were there. They are blood wards, and they can be transferred to you with the correct ritual. All we have to do is blood adopt Harry into the family," he said to Sirius, thinking on how to do that. They were based on the mother's sacrifice, but the proper procedure would switch them over to Sirius. Magic would hear the call and see the need. At least he hoped so, it was a fickle bitch at times, but she did love children.
"When did you find time to do that?" Sirius asked, going over all the time they spent at that house. He couldn't think of any free moments.
"When you were kicking up a fuss at the cupboard," the grandfather said with a smirk. "It is a simple spell, if you know what to do," he added, waving it away. "Dumbledore is monitoring them, so we must be quick on transferring them," he stated, going over what they would need. His well-stocked ritual room would have most of the components, and Knockturn Alley would have the rest.
"You want to adopt me?" the small boy asked, awe in his tone. Nobody ever wanted him. Not that he remembered anyway. He was sure his parents did when they were alive, but he didn't remember them.
"With all my heart," Sirius said, sincerely. "You are my world," he added, looking the boy in the eyes to show that he was being truthful.
"Thank you," Harry said, tears in his eyes. It was as if his prayers were answered. He felt free for the first time ever.
"Don't worry, Harry, you're safe now," Arcturus said, leaning forward and placing his hand on the boy's knee.
With that gesture the dam broke, and Harry started crying. Sirius moved and gathered him in his arms. The three of them stayed silent the rest of the ride home. Only the sound of Harry's tears could be heard. He tried to keep them in, but it was hard after years of repression. The two adults just let him cry.
Sirius knew better than Arcturus that Harry needed to let it out. His childhood was very similar to Harry's, hence his need to rescue his godson. He would do anything for Harry to not go through what he did and grow up the bitter man hiding behind the fool.