Changes of Heart
Three figures stepped out of the fire at the Leaky Cauldron: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
Half an hour ago, Harry had received a mysterious note informing him that an old friend wished to meet him. Normally, he would dismiss the note as nothing more than a very clever autograph hunter. But this note had an all-too-familiar paw print on it.
Even more unnerving, perhaps, were his friends' reactions. Ron had put on the most serious expression ever etched on his face, and started going on about how Sirius was dead, but they must be brave and not give into sorrow – whilst using words Hermione might have trouble understanding.
She reacted with an almighty "O – O – O!" and promptly fainted. All of this made Harry believe he was dreaming. But then, he told himself, it wasn't the first time his dreams had come true.
As they approached the secluded spot where they were to meet the 'old friend', a hooded figure could be seen rushing to the same spot.
" 'Tis a trap! A trap I tell you! O, save us!" cried Hermione. Harry gave her an exasperated look; Ron appeared not to notice, a grim look once again on his face.
Reader, as the hood slipped down and the figure revealed his identity, the melodramatic spell worked some more magic. Two more fates were to be altered.
Harry, however, failed to notice this sensational moment. "Sirius!" he shouted out. "You're alive! I knew it!"
Sirius, however, failed to notice Harry. Instead he observed the curious bit of magic that had taken place
"Fair lady," he said, greatly confusing Harry. "It is a great pleasure to see you once more." Sirius bowed to Hermione and kissed her hand. At this gesture, Hermione curtseyed gracefully and gazed at his handsome face.
Ten minutes of idle talk followed, which – greatly annoying Harry – was mostly between Sirius and Hermione. So he started shooting dirty looks at the two of them, hoping they would take the hint, but they only had eyes for each other. Ron once again appeared not to notice, and only spoke when he was spoken to. The rest of the time he was looking very interested in something across the street.
The time came for goodbyes. After politely shaking the hands of Ron and Harry, Sirius turned and bowed even lower than last time to his fair lady.
"Well, Miss Granger," were his words. "The time has come for us to part. But feel no sorrow, I am sure we shall meet again soon." And with a dramatic swoop of the cloak, he was gone.
Harry was gobsmacked. Surely this was grossly inappropriate discourse between two who were more than twenty years apart in age?
"What the hell was that all about?" he questioned Hermione. What he wasn't prepared for was the answer.
"O Harry, I'm in love with charming Mr Black!" Harry almost fell over. And since when was he charming Mr Black? A number of emotions rose up inside him. Shock, at the strangeness of it all. Solicitude, for Hermione's safety – and mental health. Rage, at the fact his so-called friend had stolen the closest thing to a father he had from him. As all this was going through his mind, another bizarre incident occurred.
"My friend, who is that specimen of beauty over there?" asked Ron. Looking in the direction he had pointed in, Harry spluttered. Surely not…
"You mean Malfoy's mother?"
"Alas! She is already taken! I must compete with the affections of Lucius Malfoy! Narcissa, her name is? Narcissa…Narcissa…Cissy…" Harry was overcome with shock and disgust. What had gotten in to them?
His suffering was not over yet, though. A woman he knew, despised, and actually thought to be dead, was running over to the object of Ron's desire. Momentarily, he forgot all his annoyance at his friends and concentrated all his anger on her.
The two sisters soon noticed the glances of Harry and Ron. Narcissa Malfoy looked disgusted at the mere presence of the two. Bellatrix Lestrange, however, had a bizarre look on her face. Almost…Thoughtful.
To the entire street's surprise, she hurried over towards he who had been gazing evilly at her. Oh no, thought Harry. Please don't tell me she has a new passion for me…
It seems our scornful friend was being a bit vain. The revelation that Bellatrix had for him was the worst yet…