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Bottles were strewn across the room. The smell of whiskey clung to the air and ventured out into the hallway.
Harry looked at the room in disappointment, and carefully maneuvered his way over to the bed, laying one dishevelled Sirius Black.
“Come on old dog…” Harry muttered, shaking Sirius’ sleeping body.
Harry gave another push and he refused to wake. With a sigh Harry looked around the room, before glancing down to Sirius.
“Pathetic,” Harry started, “Just look at you, drunk before noon.”
Harry didn’t mean it, not really. He had been in this situation before, for as long as he could remember. He loved Sirius, he really did, but sometimes letting out his emotions just helped.
With one last unsuccessful push Harry ripped open the blinds above the bed, letting sunlight in. It illuminated the room, and allowed Harry to truly see the mess surrounding him.
Leaning over he looked out the window. Streets and buildings stretched for miles. Grimmauld sat in the middle of London, a once luxurious street now housed beggars, and criminals. Harry remembered when he was a boy, playing out on the streets, venturing the pitch so Sirius could teach him soccer, ding dong ditching his neighbours at the latest of hours.
Oh how it has changed.
He cracked the window. Straightening himself, he looked back down to Sirius.
“You asked for it,” Harry said, a small smile making its way to his lips.
With a flick of his wrist his wand dropped from his holster to his hand.
He took a deep breath and raised his wand. He paused as he caught it in his vision. Even after all these years its beauty still ensnared him.
Ebony, phoenix feather, 12 inches. It gleamed in the sunlight, its natural edges and grooves on display.
Harry brought his wand to his chest, his thumb traced the familiar groove in the ebony.
I think I’ll need to polish you sometime.
Harry paused, as his thoughts wandered.
What’s wrong with me?
Shaking loose, Harry let out a soft laugh.
He looked back to his original target, grinning as he watched drool pool onto his pillow.
“Very well,” said Harry, he pointed his wand at his target, and yelled, “Aguamenti!”
Water exploded from his wand, completely soaking the man before him.
Harry watched as Sirius jumped awake, attempting to stop the water with his hands.
“Stop! Stop! Harry stop!” he cried.
Harry stopped his spell, and pocketed his wand.
He walked over to the other side of the bed where Sirius lay, his laugh echoing through the room.
“I would help you, but I don’t want to smell like a wet dog,” Harry grinned.
“Har-har, real funny,” Sirius grunted, he held out his hand, “Now give me my wand so I can clean this mess up.”
Harry’s smile grew.
“I haven’t a clue where it is,” he started, still struggling to breathe, he threw Sirius a grin, “Maybe Kreacher took it.”
Sirius grumbled at the name, and tried to raise himself from the floor, only to tumble back down.
He looked up to Harry with pleading eyes.
“Please?”
“Nope.”
“Very well,” Sirius said, a wild gleam appearing in his grey eyes, “You’ve asked for this.”
Harry tilted his head.
“What are you talking ab-“
Harry jumped just as Sirius transformed into Padfoot. Sirius shook himself, water showered the room. Without a second thought Harry ran from the room, cleaning charms following in his stead.
Harry made his way downstairs to the kitchen. Kreacher had already made breakfast, and had left it on the island for Harry and Sirius to fill their own plates. Harry had already eaten, but he had filled a plate of Sirius’ favourites before packing the rest as leftovers.
Stopping the plate he prepared Harry expanded his senses. He let his magic flow from his body and calmed himself, trying to detect the presence of the stasis charm he used.
Harry frowned. His exploits into sensory magic had been difficult as of late - much more difficult than anything he had previously done. He had discovered the topic near the end of the school year, in one of his last night trips to the restricted section, before Madam Pince started counting books.
Harry’s progress had been going fairly well. He was now able to actually sense specific types of magic at will, instead of the thousands of spells that attacked him all at once when he first started.
But it’s not enough. I have to be better.
Footsteps broke his thoughts, and he turned to watch Sirius enter the room, dry and dressed.
“Found your wand?” Harry asked.
“Yes it was under my bed,” said Sirius, after a moment he looked past Harry towards the table, “Oh you saved me some breakfast! Good lad.”
Sirius clapped Harry on the back, and sat down.
“You already ate?” asked Sirius.
“Yes” replied Harry, “And I’d appreciate it if you chewed with your mouth closed.”
Sirius laughed, crumbs of toast fell to his plate.
“You and your manners, just like Lily!” he exclaimed, his eyes dimmed, and energy seemed to vanish.
Harry grimaced at the sight, and chose to ignore it.
“Yes well, you told me we’d be going to Diagon Alley today, so pick up the pace,” he said, making his way to the door.
Avoiding Walburga’s painting with practiced ease he sat at the bench, and slid his shoes over from the ground. Tying them up he rose, and put on the leather jacket Sirius had got him for an end of year gift.
Harry stared into the mirror across him. He looked older wearing it, maybe not mature wise, but more of a man.
A couple minutes passed before Sirius made his way over.
“You ready?” he asked, slipping on his identical jacket.
Harry nodded.
“Perfect! Well we’re off,” Sirius said.
Harry and Sirius made their way outside just past the ward line.
Sirius stuck out his arm.
Harry frowned.
“I thought you said you’d teach me?”
“That was before you woke me up with waterworks.”
Sirius grinned.
“Besides you’re enough trouble as it is, without the ability to teleport everywhere.”
With a huff Harry leaned over and gripped Sirius’ arm.
The air contorted and the duo vanished with a pop.
————
Harry wheezed as they appeared on the apparition point.
“There has to be a better way to do that,” he groaned, straightening up.
Sirius laughed.
“You let me know if you ever find out how,” he said.
Harry paused.
Maybe I could.
Shaking his head Harry moved to catch Sirius, who had already closed the distance to the alley entrance.
“Hey wait up,” he said, jogging over.
“Oh sorry,” said Sirius, turning his head.
“It’s fine,” replied Harry, he paused, “So you haven’t told me why we’re here today. I mean, my birthday's past.”
“Don’t remind,” said Sirius, wiping a fake tear under his eye, "Thirteen already. How time flies.”
Harry punched his arm.
“I’m being serious.”
Sirius raised his brow, his smile somehow larger than it already was.
Harry groaned.
“Don’t you dare make that stupid joke again.”
Sirius gasped in mock offence.
“I’ll have you know it’s -“ he started.
“I don’t care,” interrupted Harry, his emerald eyes bore into Sirius’ own.
Sirius deflated.
“Fine,” he started, “Follow me I’ll explain on the way.”
“What do you mean? We’re here-“
“Shush.”
Harry glared, but followed Sirius nonetheless.
“Today,” Sirius paused, “We are going to Knockturn Alley.”
Harry stopped dead.
“…What?”
Sirius gripped his arm and kept them walking, maneuvering them through the crowds of witches and wizards. It looked like back to school shopping was starting early this year.
“Woah, woah, woah,” Harry said quickly, “What? Why?”
Sirius gave him a look that reminded Harry that Sirius really could be serious.
“I’m getting to that,” he said.
“We’re going to Knockturn Alley for two reasons,” Sirius said, holding up two fingers. “First, I’ve got some business to take care of. Second…” He glanced sideways at Harry. “It’s time you saw the real world. The one most people like to pretend doesn’t exist.”
Harry’s head snapped sideways.
“What kind of business?” asked Harry.
“Not your business.” shot Sirius.
Harry deflated.
Him and Sirius were very open with each other. In fact secrets rarely existed. Though secrets did exist, and this was a reminder that Sirius had secrets of his own.
“Ok, ok, I won’t pry,” said Harry.
Sirius gave him a small smile of gratitude. Suddenly he stopped.
Following Sirius’ gaze, Harry read the street sign above him, his eyes following the arrow pointing to his right.
Knockturn Alley.
The alley seemed darker than the streets behind them. Windows were barred. Hooded figures drifted from shops whose names had long since faded from the wood.
His hands shook, adrenaline coursed through his body.
A pair of hands shook him from his thoughts, and he found himself eye level with his godfather, still grey pierced into bright emerald.
“Alright, now I know your excited,” said Sirius
How-
“It's written all over your face Harry,” smirked Sirius, “Anyways, as I was saying, I know you’re excited, maybe even a bit nervous, you’ve got your fathers rebellious streak - mine too.”
He took a breath.
“But a place like this is not a game. There are real consequences in places like this, while it’s normally safe, you can never know what’s truly going on in someone’s head so make sure to keep your eye out.”
Harry’s eyes widened in realization.
“Wait - I’m not coming with you?” he asked.
Sirius stared at him in thought, his face lacking all emotions.
Occlumency…
“I’m on personal business remember?” said Sirius, “Besides, this is probably the best way to learn anyway.”
He rubbed Harry’s shoulder, the hardness leaving his expression.
Straightening up he spoke.
“I’ll be at Potions for All Afflictions,” he said, “It’s close to Horizont Alley, so if you need me you know where to find me.”
Harry swallowed. Gears worked in his head, he straightened himself out, and held his head high.
“Alright then…I’ll see you in an hour?” asked Harry.
Sirius smiled.
“Sure. Give or take.”
Harry nodded. He made a turn but Sirius’ hand stopped him again.
“One last thing,” he pulled his wand, pointing it at Harry, “You’ll want to blend in.”
With a swish Harry watched as his jacket transformed into a long black robe.
Harry ran his hands over the unfamiliar robes.
Without another word Sirius turned, and with one final wave was off.
Harry watched as Sirius disappeared down the alley before stepping forward himself.
His stomach clenched and he paused.
Come on, Potter. It's just an alley, you’ve walked into worse.
Memories of a certain off limits forest, and dingy haunted dungeons flashed through his mind.
He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
You know more spells than any kid in the grade.
You know it.
They know it.
The professors know it.
Squaring his shoulders, Harry thanked his Gryffindor courage as he made his way down the alley.