Thanks to all the wonderful reviews I received I decided to do at least one more chapter. Some have even said they would like more than one more chapter, so depending on how this chapter turns out and the reactions about it, I may make this a longer than a two-shot. If I decide to do that I will remove the One or two-shot remarks in the summary so people will know it is a longer story. I have been given so many ideas because of the questions it is possible that this may make a longer story, but for now I am only committing to this chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything to do with Harry Potter or his world. JK Rowlings is the author who created this wonderful world and its characters. I am just twisting things around a little.
What happened at the end of the last chapter:
"Sirius?" Remus Lupin said with a questioning voice.
"You can come with us if you want Remus," he told his best friend.
And the staff watched with amazement and wonderment as once again Black, Lupin and a Potter, even if it was a Potter-Black, left the Great Hall together. All the while wondering just how much more chaos those three were going to cause them and Hogwarts.
Ch.#2
Can Hogwarts Adapt?
Sirius put his arm around his son's shoulders as they walked out the doors, but he could feel how stiff the kid was holding himself. He knew perfectly well why. The kid was upset that he let Remus join them, but Sirius wasn't letting his thirteen year old son call the shots, no matter what his Pup thought.
Harry was furious, how could his Dad let Remus Lupin come with them like nothing had happened? Yes, he knew the man didn't remember his Dad and Da were married. So what if he didn't remember he was Harry's Godfather? The man still knew he had been Sirius's friend, he still knew Harry was the son of James Potter, another of his friends, but he still abandoned both of them like they were yesterday's garbage. How could his Dad forget that? How could he act like the man was still his friend? How could he give him another chance to hurt them both? He didn't think he would ever understand his Dad, the last three weeks hadn't given him any insights, that was for sure, but it had been the happiest time of his life. Just thinking of the time he spent with his Dad brought a smile to his face even through his anger.
Remus's mind was spinning with everything he heard today. Here he was walking beside one of his best friends and his cub, two people he never thought he would ever see again. A couple of hours ago he had never wanted to see Sirius Black again, the man he had thought that had caused the death of two of his friends and killed another one, but now he knew Sirius had been innocent all along. Sirius hadn't betrayed their friendship, but Peter had, the man he had thought died as a hero. Not only that, but his cub considered Remus, himself, to also be a betrayer to his friends, and looking at it from Harry's point of view, he had to agree. Why had he let Dumbledore convince him to stay away from his cub? Why didn't he insist that Dumbledore make sure Sirius got a trial? Maybe nobody in high positions would have heard him out, but he could have tried to get others like Augusta Longbottom and her late husband William to push for a trial, or possibly Moody as he knew the man was very committed to justice. Harry was right, evidently he didn't have any loyalty at all, he for sure didn't blame his cub for being angry at him.
The three of them had been climbing the stairs while lost in their own thoughts, but now Remus realized they were walking down a fourth floor corridor, and he had no idea where they were going. His office was on the third floor and the Gryffindor tower was on the seventh, so why were they on the fourth floor?
"Where are we actually going," he finally asked.
But even as the words were leaving his mouth Sirius stopped in front of a tapestry showing a pride of lions frolicking around in a jungle setting.
"Right here," he answered his oldest friend.
"Okay, Sirius why are we stopping in front of this tapestry? We know it doesn't go anywhere after all," Remus pointed out.
A smirking Sirius said, "that's what you think Moony. Just because we didn't find it when making the map doesn't mean it doesn't have a secret here."
"Really? When did you find it then," the surprise and curiosity evident in his voice.
Well truthfully this is the first time I have ever used it, but Godric told me it's here. Actually what he said is after I open this secret door that the whole castle will look different from the outside. I don't know what he means by that, but I can't wait until the morning to find out," Sirius told him excitedly.
"You don't know where it goes," Remus asked with one eyebrow raised.
'Well it leads to Godric and Helga's private chambers according to Godric's portrait, but he said it is even more than that. The portraits of the Founders that are inside will finish explaining what this place is. See the portrait at Godric's Retreat is only of Godric, but they all have portraits in here and as it is all of their secrets, he said they will explain more together."
Harry who had been quiet since they left the Great Hall said, "come on, Dad just open it already, please."
"Sure thing, Kiddo." Then looking at the tapestry, he gives a realistic roar and said, "the Heirs have come home."
At the sound of the last word the tapestry changed before their eyes, now instead of a tapestry they were standing in front of a huge red door with a beautiful golden lion carved into it, but even more amazing than that was the fact it felt like the whole castle was shifting at the same time. The magic in the air was almost palpable for a couple of minutes, as they stood there in shock.
Finally the lion opened its mouth and said, "password, please."
Sirius closed his gaping mouth with a snap, before saying, "Godric's domain."
The door swung open on its own and led into a huge sitting room. The walls were painted in gold, but they looked like they had just been painted hours before they were so fresh looking. The room looked like it had just been finished that very day, there were three large plush couches and eight chairs, all of which were a deep red, the floor was covered in red and gold rugs, but their eyes were drawn to the large portrait that was hanging above a huge fireplace, that had a blazing fire in it.
This portrait was amazing, it was at least five feet tall, but it had a three-D effect, in the background was a beautifully depicted replica of the Hogwarts Castle, except they noticed there was another tower coming out of the top of the castle in the picture that wasn't part of the Hogwarts they all knew. This confused them, but before they could comment on it one of the four people standing in the portrait in front of the castle drew their attention.
"Welcome home, Sirius and Harry! I know that I have been passing messages back and forth between you and the others, but let me introduce you to your other ancestors," said a man with shoulder length black hair that seemed to be going in every different direction. Remus noticed that he looked like an older version of his late friend, James, but with longer hair.
"This beautiful lady is my wife, Helga Hufflepuff-Gryffindor." The woman in question was beyond beautiful were the thoughts going through the minds of the two men and the one boy being introduced to her. She had waist length blond hair, the loveliest sky-blue eyes they had ever seen, she was about a foot shorter than her husband who probably topped out at six feet two inches. She was a beautifully proportioned pint-sized beauty except for her bust size which was over-endowed.
"Good evening, my Grandsons and their guest. Welcome to your home. I'm so glad to finally be able to talk to you without relaying messages through Godric. I insist that you call me Grandma," Helga told them.
"It would be an honor to call you, Grandma," Sirius told her with a smile. While Harry was nodding from beside him.
Godric then added, " and this lovely lady is Rowena Ravenclaw. This woman was just a beautiful as her friend but also the complete opposite in looks. She was at least five foot nine inches, black shoulder length wavy hair with coal black eyes, where Helga was a over-endowed busted woman Rowena was perfectly proportioned for her statuesque shaped body.
"Hello boys, you both are as handsome as I knew you would be," she said with a distinct tone of pride in her voice. "You may call me Grandmother. Please introduce your friend to us."
"I'm sorry Grandmother, this is Remus Lupin, an old friend who is at the moment the new Professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts," Sirius explained.
Remus gave a strange look towards Sirius, at the same time Rowena was speaking. "Hello Professor Lupin it is a pleasure to meet you for all of us, as we know Sirius thinks very highly of you."
"Thank you Ma'am it is an honor to meet all of you, too," he assured her.
"Okay, enough of that Godric introduce me to my new Heirs," the last occupant of the portrait said. He was about an inch shorter than his friend but tawny gold color hair that was tied back into a ponytail, it was a couples inches past his shoulders. His face had a full beard and mustache and his eyes were a chocolate brown. He was a very handsome man.
"Keep your knickers on Sal, I'm getting to you."
The two Marauders couldn't help laughing out loud at this, because they could definitely see where James had gotten his sense of humor from.
"And this gentleman is my best friend Salazar Slytherin. Sal this is Lord Sirius Black the man you agreed to let claim your Lordship until he feels Harry is ready to take up the mantle, and this handsome young man is the one that beat that monster that you had to claim as your Heir until Harry helped you out."
"Hello Sirius and Harry, you may call me Grandfather since you are now my Heirs. Harry I want to thank you personally for ridding the world of that scum. I do wish you could have done it without having to kill my familiar Sylver though."
"Your familiar?" asked Remus.
"Yes, he was a Basilisk that Helga and Godric gave me for my 35th birthday. It broke my heart to know because of Riddle he had to die," explained Sal.
"Well Granddad are you going to tell us about this place," Harry spoke up.
"This is the Founders' Tower," Godric answered his grandson.
"Tower? But aren't we on the fourth floor," questioned Remus.
"Yes, you are. but this tower runs from the dungeons to be the highest spot on the castle. In this tower we each had a floor for our own personal use, but when Helga and I married she moved in this one with me and changed her floor into giant Library with offices for each of us so we could all work on the same floor if we wanted. You can check the other floors out some other time. This floor has five bedrooms with private baths, besides this room there is a small kitchen, a dining room, a study that was mine and a small sitting room that was Helga's, both of the last two has our small personal libraries in them. Most of our books are in the library on the second floor that Helga made, but some books that we couldn't stand not being on hand at all times are in our own rooms.."
"You, Sirius will of course take the master bedroom, it is the first door down the hall on the right and I would suggest that Harry takes the room right next to it as it is decorated for a teenage boy. Our youngest child, Marcus had that room, and I think Harry will be quite comfortable there."
"Thanks Grandma," Harry said appreciatively.
"You're welcome sweetheart, I'm just glad there will be someone in that room again," she cooed at the young man she knew she would be fussing over a lot. She was so happy to finally have Heirs living in these chambers again.
Sirius checked his watch and realized that it was already after eleven, so turning to his son he said, "I think you should go check out your room and get ready for bed. I will be in there soon to wish you good night."
Harry wanted to complain, since he didn't want to leave his Dad alone with Lupin, after all he didn't trust the man, but he was tired and he knew his Dad wouldn't be happy if he argued about it. Especially since he had given him an eleven o'clock bedtime when they first got together, he was afraid that if he complained he might decide to make it earlier since the school year had started back up, and he wasn't going to take any chances on changing things until he had too.
"Okay Dad see you in a little bit. Good night everyone." He turned and walked off to find his room.
But Sirius called out as he was walking away, "make sure to call Dobby to bring your trunk from Gryffindor tower."
"Will do."
Okay Moony I know you have many questions for me, but first I need to write some letters and have Dobby deliver them tonight," so saying that he sat down and wrote out three letters. When he was done he called for Dobby and asked him to take them to Ted and Andromeda Tonks and Alastor Moody.
He then turned to his friend and said, " I'll be right back as soon as I make sure Harry's in bed and we can talk a little bit. I won't be able to answer all your questions tonight though because the letters I just sent out I asked the Tonks to meet me at half past seven and Moody at eight, so I will need to get to bed soon. You are more than welcome to stay here tonight in one of the extra bedrooms or can be back at half past seven, too."
He walked away before Remus could say anything though, at the second door on the right down the hall he saw a plaque that said Marcus's Room, he waved his wand at it and now it read Pup's Room. He knocked on the door and when he heard "enter" he went in.
Harry was sitting on the side of a giant four poster bed bigger than the ones in the Gryffindor dorms. The room was painted a light blue while the bedding and drapes were a midnight blue, the ceiling was exactly like the one in the Great Hall showing the night sky outside. There were rugs that were made up of a half a dozen different shades of blue. The furniture was a dark cherry wood, besides the bed the room had a desk and chair, a chest, two night tables and a wall of shelves. There was a huge fireplace with two plush dark blue chairs in front of it, a walk-in closet and another door leading into a huge bathroom, that followed the same color scheme as the bedroom. The room had no personal touches though, as it looked like it was waiting for Harry to make it his own.
"Hey Pup, how do you like the room?"
"It's great Dad. I can't wait to put up posters and get my books on the shelves," he answered.
"Well we will get you some as soon as we can, but for now you need to get between those sheets and get some sleep as we have a big day tomorrow."
He climbed in the bed as his Dad held the blankets back for him. Good night Dad, I think we made a difference tonight don't you?"
"We sure did, Pup, you did a great job tonight. Good night Kiddo, I love you and since it's already a half an hour past your bedtime no story tonight." He knew Harry was going to miss hearing a story about the Marauders tonight, which had become a nightly ritual for them, but he needed his rest. "Sweet dreams Pup," he said as he kissed the messy head.
"Love you, Dad, see you in the morning," Harry answered through a yawn.
As Sirius walked back to the other room he was thinking about how many questions Remus was bound to have for him. He felt bad because he knew he wouldn't have time to answer them all tonight. He had those early morning meetings plus he knew the man really needed to get his memories back with the help of the Goblins first. There was one thing he didn't want to have to be the one to tell him, but he knew his friend was going to be devastated when he learned it. He was also going to be a totally irate werewolf. Dumbledore had better be thankful that he was arrested before Remus remembered that, or the man would be wishing that Greyback had ahold of him instead of Moony, because he would be in less pain from Greyback.
"Well Remus ask your questions, but I won't answer everything, because I think you will need to get your memories back before I answer some as you will learn more that way, so I think that will help you have less questions tonight."
"How did you get with Harry? How did you learn all those things? How did you escape? How did you keep your mind? How did Harry beat Voldemort three times? How..."
"Okay, take a breath Moony," chuckled Sirius. "I can only answer one at a time."
"Fine just answer those first," huffed Remus.
"I'll start with how I escaped and how I kept my mind first. I kept my mind by remembering I was innocent, as that wasn't a happy memory the Dementors couldn't take it away from me, so I could keep my mind which made it easier to keep my powers so I could turn into Padfoot, and since the Dementors can't see they thought I was just losing my mind like the rest. When I saw that picture in the Daily Prophet showing Wormtail on the Weasley boy's shoulder I knew I had to get out. I escaped as Padfoot. I slipped past the guards and squeezed through the bars since I was so skinny and swam ashore."
"I then made my way to Andromeda's because that was where I thought Hagrid was taking Harry that night, since he said he was taking him to his Aunt's and she was the only person besides Lily he called Aunt. When I got there and watched and listened I realized that Harry wasn't there and had never been there. This totally pissed me off, because I was scared I wouldn't be able to find my son, then I heard Dora talking to her parents about the fact that Harry was with Lily's sister because Dumbledore said the blood wards would keep him safest there."
Now Sirius had a ferocious glare on his face as he continued, "You have no idea how angry I was to hear that and even more confused when I heard Andy said "that is good." I mean Andy knew Harry was mine and James's son so why would she think Lily's sister's blood would keep him safe? The Blacks know all about blood magic after all. That made me realize that something was wrong, badly wrong, so I headed to the only place I knew the Ministry couldn't interfere, and where I had friends, to get answers. I headed to the Goblins and they helped me, by giving me answers and letting me in my vaults to get money and my spare wand I kept there. I also went through the lists of properties James and I owned and finally settled on Godric's Retreat as a place to go when I got Harry, since I had been a part of the Potter family since I was twelve and had never heard of it before I figured Dumbledore wouldn't know about it either."
"But how did you get Harry?"
After making plans and going to check out the property to make sure it would be safe, I apparated to about two miles from the Dursleys and traveled as Padfoot. I planned on sneaking in during the night and just taking him away and explaining when I got him to safety, but while I was waiting in an alley until nightfall (I hadn't been there maybe fifteen minutes when I saw him), he was dragging his trunk down the sidewalk while continuously looking over his shoulder. He was running away from home Remus with no idea where he was going, how to get there or what to do. My kid was scared out of his mind," he growled.
Sirius was frowning in remembrance of the danger his son could have been in if he hadn't been there, the thought still gave him heart palpitations just thinking about what could have happened if he had ran into somebody like Malfoy that night.
"Anyway thankfully I had cleaned up while at Godric's Retreat and shaved while also cutting my hair. Harry didn't recognize me as the escaped convict he had seen on the Muggles' news. I thought he was going to hex me at first the way he was holding his wand, but I finally got him to calm down enough to at least hear me out. He finally agreed to come with me and spend the night and listen to my story, especially when I told him I had ways to prove what I would tell him. It helped that I had his Birth Certificate on me that I had taken out of my vault. But he made me promise that I would take him to Gringotts the next day to get money from his vault if he still wanted to leave."
"You have no idea how glad I was that he didn't ask me to do that the next day. I really didn't want to break my promise, but I wasn't losing my son again after just getting him back."
"I don't blame you there. What about beating Voldemort three times?"
"Well you know about when he was a baby and also seeing that memory in the Chamber. He also faced him in his first year, because the oh so wise Dumbass, err I mean Dumbledork, well you get the idea, Anyway he hired a teacher that was being possessed by Voldemort. Evidently he was actually sticking out of the back of his head, the man wore a turban that stunk to high heaven but evidently that wasn't suspicious enough to worry anybody enough to make him remove it. Can you imagine ten months of being taught by Voldemort? Do you see now why I have taken over the school with the Founders' blessings?"
"Sweet Merlin!" Remus gasped out. "But how did Harry beat him?"
"I don't really know since he hasn't told me the story yet, but trust me I will find out. I just haven't wanted to push him too much, he has been through so much in these last three weeks, finding out all these things, finding out his whole life has been a lie and he was just a pawn to an old man he had trusted. Then the pain he endured having those blocks taken off, having to learn to control his magic since he is so much more powerful now, all that while having to get use to having a father, an over-protective one at that, I have to admit after all the things I have learned so far."
"He seems like he really cares about you, from what I saw tonight."
"Oh, we have definitely bonded. I worry that I might be treating him younger than he is sometimes, but I lost so many years with him, plus he looks younger than he is, thanks to the abuse and neglect he suffered at the Dursleys, but I think he likes when I do that, because he never had anybody to do it before. He laps up any affection I show him like a dog dying of thirst when given water. Merlin, Moony when I think about my baby being mistreated like that I really want to kill anybody that had anything to do with it, but I know my son needs me, and I won't let anybody take him from me again."
"Padfoot, I'm so sorry for not giving you the benefit of the doubt, for not being there for Harry. I should've done something," apologized Remus.
"I'll tell you the truth Remus, at first I was upset with you, but when I realized Dumbledumb had obliviated everyone who knew anything I realized it wasn't your fault. I forgave you at that moment. I have to tell you though old friend, Harry hasn't forgiven you, yet, but I know he will when he gets to know you, but until then if he is rude in anyway to you because of this I want you to tell me about it."
"No Sirius, he has the right to be mad at me."
"Being mad, yes. Rude, no. He knows how I feel about this and I am serious about you telling me if he is.I have been honest with him from the start of what I expect from him, he has the same rules James was raised with and I was expected to follow from Christmas vacation second year from Dad Potter. He also has the same consequences, we talked about this the second day we were together. I love my son, but I want him raised the way he would have been raised if I had raised him from his birth. I intend to be a father like Charlus Potter was, the best I can possibly be."
"I guess I can understand that, I know how much you admired him after all." Remus agreed. "I have another question, I thought you said I was going to still teach here, but when you were talking to the Founders you introduced me as the DADA Professor for now. Why is that?"
"Ahh, about that... look I know you like DADA the best, but I am trying to fix things so that I have great teachers in every subject. First of all I'm dropping DADA as it is evidently jinxed with every teacher only lasting a year at the most, so it will no longer be a class here, but instead I am going to have a class called Spells in a Defensive Setting (SDS) in a whole new classroom. The thing is I know you could handle teaching this class, but you are so versatile I can have you teach a different class and hopefully get Moody to take over the new defense class, that way I will have two great teachers, but I doubt if Moody would take another class. I'm hoping he will take this one though," he explained apologetically.
"So what do you want me to teach?" he asked afraid he was going to say Potions, even though it was his worst class while he was a student.
"Well I was hoping you would agree to take over the History of Magic class, because Binns will no longer be a Professor here. He can stay as a ghost but not teaching, or should I say attempting to teach, the students here, because we both know only people who want to go that extra mile in their studying really learn anything from Binns. Now all of this depends on Moody of course as I may need you to take SDS until I can find somebody else for that or the History class if he doesn't agree."
"Hopefully he will agree, because he would be a great teacher, I still remember how much you and James sang his praises when he was you Auror trainer. And as for the History class I have no problem with taking over that class, as I really think History is an important subject, but not the way Binns teaches it."
"Thanks Remus, I appreciate it. I know you would be great in any class, well except Potions, and I just couldn't bring myself to do that to the students, if I did Hogwarts would probably curse me," he said laughing.
"Not funny, Padfoot," Remus said with a pout, even though secretly he agreed.
"I thought it was funny," he said sniggering. "Okay are you going to stay here tonight, we have three extra bedrooms?"
"No, I think I will use the quarters provided for the DADA Professor that way Harry won't think I'm pushing myself in too fast."
"I'm not letting you distance yourself from either one of us, but I will agree to this right now. We probably should let him get to know you a little first before we throw you at him first thing in the morning. He lets his defenses down then and knowing him he won't like that until he knows you better."
"Well then I will go for now as you only have seven hours until your meeting with the Tonks. Good night, Padfoot, its good to have you back."
"Thanks Moony, good night, I'll see you in the morning. Why don't you meet me here about a quarter after eight and I should know then which class you will be able to take?"
"I'll do that," he promised as he left.
Sirius headed off to his room, after calling for Dobby and requesting he have tea and scones ready in the lounge at half past seven in the morning. He couldn't believe the master suite when he entered it, he had expected Gryffindor colors, not a mixture of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff colors. It was beautifully decorated in black and red from the duvet to the walls, the floor to the curtains. The king-sized four poster was a beautiful black that matched the rest of the furniture, except for the four red over-stuffed chairs sitting in front of the massive fireplace, which were a beautiful red that was peppered with tiny black dots.
He went into the ensuite and took a quick shower before heading to bed. Tomorrow was going to be another long day, but he couldn't help smiling at how much they had accomplished today.
Sirius Black woke up at five after seven the next morning, so of course he was running late, which he wasn't happy about, by the time he shaved and got dressed in another formal robe with the same crests he wore the day before. He knew he needed to make sure everybody kept in mind that he was the one calling the shots. It would also help them to remember he was a free man.
Just as he stepped into the drawing room he heard a knock on the door, as he hurried to answer it, he was wondering if Harry was up yet, but he didn't have time to check as the Tonks were here for their meeting. Hopefully Harry would come out soon or he would have to make sure to make time to wake him before Moody arrived.
With a smile upon his face he greeted his favorite cousin and her husband, "Andi and Ted it is so good of you to come. I hope you slept well last night and are ready for the propositions I have for you both."
Andromeda wrapped her arms around him with a bone-crushing hug and said, "Sirius, thank Merlin you are out of that terrible place and free again. I'm so happy that you're as sane as ever."
"Well that's not saying much Andi, love, since he was never sane to begin with," Ted Tonks laughed.
"Thanks a lot Ted," Sirius said with a fake pout as he held out his hand in welcome.
"But seriously Sirius it is great to see you again."
"You too, I'm so glad that you could come this morning.. First of all I want to tell you that I have every intention to bringing you back into the Black family. I'm also kicking Bellatrix out but I will dissolve her marriage first. As for Narcissa, I will be dissolving her marriage as well but whether she stays in the family will depend on her and her attitude when I talk to her. Please tell me if you don't want back in the family or not, because I don't want to force you if you are against the idea."
"Oh Sirius, I would love to be re-instated into the Black family. Nymphadora deserves to be able to claim her heritage and I would love to have your son to claim me as family as well."
"That is wonderful, but I'm going to wait until you get your memories back, but hopefully you will make an appointment with the Goblins soon. Now as for what else I wanted to talk to you about, it's actually the reason I wanted to talk to you so early this morning, because I need..."
At that moment Harry walked into the drawing room dressed in his Gryffindor robes saying, "good morning, Dad. Oops, sorry I didn't realize you had company."
"That,s okay Pup, come here and meet your Aunt Andi and Uncle Ted. This is Andromeda and Ted Tonks," he told him while pulling him close with a hand across his shoulders.
"Andi, Ted this is my son, Harry James Sirius Potter-Black."
"Hello Harry," Ted said holding out his hand, which Harry seemed to shake reluctantly.
"Hi!"
When they were done shaking hands Andromeda engulfed him in a hug and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you Harry. I hope we can be very close."
"Yes, Ma'am. He then turned towards Sirius and said, "Dad is it okay if I go meet Hermione and Neville now?"
Sirius noticed the coldness his son was showing his family, but he didn't say anything to him at the moment. He knew Harry thought that Andi and Ted should have stood behind him when he was accused and thrown in prison, but at least he was being polite. Merlin, he hated to have to talk to Harry about forgiving the others again, he wasn't under any misunderstandings, he knew that it wasn't that the people forgot Harry, but that they had forgotten to be loyal to his dad that bothered Harry so much. Harry was too forgiving when it came to the injustices that were done to him, but Merlin forbid that somebody hurt someone he cared about.
The Tonks noticed that Sirius seemed to hesitate about letting him go, but then he said, "Okay Pup, but only to Gryffindor tower then straight to the Great Hall for breakfast, I don't want you missing any meals after all those nutrient potions you had to take this summer. I also want you to be careful as I'm sure the Death Eaters' kids that are here might have a grudge to pick with you, they won't be able to hex you, but they may try to beat you up, so stay with your friends, also if anybody tries anything call for Dobby and have him bring you straight to me. Got it?"
Harry rolled his eyes, but he did agree."Sure thing Dad, I'll be fine. You worry too much."
"I mean it, Harry James," he said sternly.
"I know, Dad, I'll remember. I'll be fine. See you at the meeting," he said in a different tone, because he knew if he wasn't careful his dad would change his mind. Lord the man was way too protective, but it was also, great to have somebody care about what he did and what happened to him.
"Okay go have fun."
"Bye everybody."
The Tonks jumped when they heard four voices behind them say good-bye to the boy. Turning around they saw a portrait that took their breath away. They noticed that the picture of Hogwarts looked just like how the castle looked when they saw it this morning.
When Sirius noticed them looking at the portrait he introduced them to the Founders, but after everybody said their hellos Ted was the one to ask, "why does that castle show the extra tower, plus how is there an extra tower on the castle this morning?"
It was Rowena Ravenclaw who answered him, "that is the Founders' Tower, which became visible again when our Heirs said the password to get in here last night. It's always been here but a Heir had to call it forth to be visible."
"Wow! That must have been what we felt last night when the tapestry turned into a door." Sirius told them in awe.
"Yes, we're so glad to finally having someone living in these quarters again," Helga added.
"Sirius you might want to finish your business with these two, since you only have fifteen minutes before your next appointment," Godric pointed out.
"Thanks Granddad, you're right." Then turning to the two people in the room with him, he said, "I want to offer you both jobs, I know you both are working right now, but I really need you to take a teaching job here. I need people I can trust as well as people who know their stuff."
"What?" they both asked at once.
"Andi, I want you to take the Potions class as well as being Head of Slytherin. You have a Potions Mastery, I know you've been working at St. Mungos, but I also know you wanted to actually be a Potions Professor here when you were at school. I even remembered that Dumbledore promised you that you could have the job if Slughorn ever retired."
"Really? I don't remember that," both of the Tonks exclaimed together.
"It's probably something else he made you forget. I sure you will remember after the Goblins give you back your memories. Anyway as for being Head of Slytherin, well you were a Slytherin who didn't end up following Voldemort, so that will help to keep some of them from believing the things he spouted off. Plus if Draco Malfoy does end up staying here maybe you can be a good influence on him. Think about it while I explain to Ted his job, if he wants it."
"Now Ted, I think you know as well as I do that wizards have a hard time fitting into the muggle world, even ones that take Muggle Studies, like Arthur Weasley. I mean the man's job has to do with muggles all of the time, but he can't even say words right or dress to blend very well. When Harry told me this I asked Godric about it, and he told me the problem is that the Professor is a pure-blood using books that have nothing newer than 1950 in it. Is it any wonder we can't blend in like we should? If this continues our world will be found out, plus it doesn't show just how intelligent that muggles are.'
I have decided that we need to make Muggle Studies mandatory for all pure-bloods and those half-bloods that are raised in the wizarding world. This will be mandatory from first through Owls and an elective after that. Ted, I want you to take this position and I'm hoping you will because we need you. You think about it while I get Andi's answer."
"Actually Sirius, we need a few minutes alone to talk about this," Andi informed him.
At that moment somebody knocked on the door, so Sirius said, "okay, you two go through that door over there and talk while I talk to Moody."
They went into a sitting room that was painted in a pale yellow with nice comfy furniture to talk, while Sirius went and let Alastor (Mad-Eye) Moody in. He just hoped Moody wouldn't have him at wand point the whole time, as he knew how paranoid the man was. He was sure to be even more so, after finding out last night that Dumbledweeb had messed with his mind, since Sirius knew that the old fool was one of a very few that Moody had trusted.
Opening the door he greeted the man with, "Hey Moody, how's the greatest and most paranoid Auror in the world doing this fine day?"
"I am only the greatest, because I am the most paranoid, Black," growled Moody with his wand pointing at Sirius. "Now tell me what was the first thing I said to you and Potter when you started at the academy?"
In a fair imitation of Moody's voice he responded with, "Now listen up you two, I've heard all about you always pulling pranks and joking around, now I'm warning you, I won't stand for any of that nonsense here, because it can get you or others killed. I don't care if your father or the man you, Black consider a father is my boss, you will be out the door faster than you can say,'but it was funny' do you hear me?"
Moody lowered his wand and said with approval, "word for word, I'm impressed Black."
"Well after hearing that I know I will lose the little bit of respect I just earned unless I ask you a question to prove your identity, so saying that, what was the first prank James and I played on you?"
With a scowl Moody answered, "you sent me roses with a card saying they were from Minerva McGonagall and asking to meet her that night at the Leaky Cauldron, but when I got there only you and Potter were there, which by the way wasn't funny."
'Yeah about that, we didn't know at the time that you had feelings for the woman, or we would never have done it," he admitted sheepishly.
"What are you talking about, Black," the man demanded.
"Please don't tell me that, that manipulative old goat made you forget you and Minnie were engaged to be married when I was arrested, too."
"WHAT!" shouted a flabbergasted Moody.
"You really need to see the goblins soon, there is no doubt about that, but until then I'm not going to say anymore about your personal life. I'm sorry for telling you that way though.," he admitted.
"Right, then what did you want me to meet you for?"
"I want to offer you a job teaching a brand new class here at Hogwarts."
"Now, you are still surprising me, I thought you were going to offer me the DADA job."
"I would if we were going to still have a DADA class, but since we're not, I..."
"You cannot be really planning to get rid of the most important class there is in this school," Moody demanded interrupting him while pacing around the room instead of sitting like Sirius offered as Sirius sat down.
"Whoa, hold up Moody, I know it's an important class, but hear my reasoning first, before you berate me. Evidently the job is cursed, nobody has held the job for more than a year for about twenty-five years now, some of the professors have even died, so I'm going to drop DADA and start a whole new class in a new classroom. It's called Spells in a Defensive Setting, SDS for short, not only will it be teaching how to fight the Dark Arts, but it will show how to use transfiguration and charms in a defensive way, something along what you taught us in Auror training actually," he explained.
This brought the man up short. "That sounds like a better class than what they have now, and it might actually work to break the curse."
"I hope so, because these kids need and deserve a real teacher."
"But what about your friend, Lupin? I thought you said he was still going to teach here."
"Oh he is, but if I can get you to take this job, he will become the new History of Magic Professor, so the kids can actually learn something there as well."
"Won't he be mad about you giving me this job and moving him to a different one?"
"No," he said shaking his head. "I have already talked to him about this last night, he agreed that it sounded like a way to get two better classes for the students."
"Well if that's the case then..."
But he was interrupted as somebody knocked on the door and a door opened on the other side of the room at the same time. Moody had his wand in his hand faster than you could blink, with his normal eye on the people who just entered the room, but his magical eye staring at the door from the hallway.
"Its okay, Moody that should be Remus at the door."
"It is," Moody growled. "Why are the Tonks here?"
'I've offered them jobs, too, now let me get the door, and I will find out everybody's answers about the jobs they have been offered."
"Good morning, Moony. I hope you slept well. Come in and say hello to everybody."
"Hey Padfoot, I slept fine if you can call being plagued with thoughts of how much of my life I've forgotten about, or what could be so bad that you won't talk about it until I get my memories back, is considered fine that is."
"I'm sorry Remus, but it's going to be hard enough for you to hear without being able to remember at the same time."
"I understand Sirius, but it is a lot to take in."
"I know and I wish that none of you had to go through this, but it can't be helped now, all we can do is get you guys back your memories and try to fix the mistakes Dumbleshite caused in all of our lives. But for now come in and say hello to my other guests."
Everybody came into the room and sat down, while Sirius offered them all tea and scones before broaching the subject on what they had decided about his job offers.
"Well Andi, what do you say? Will you take the Potions job and Head of Slytherin," he asked with a hopeful look on his face.
Andi looked at her husband and decided to answer for both of them at his nod. "I will Sirius, and Ted has also, decided to take the Muggles Studies job as well."
"Really?" he questioned while turning to Ted who just nodded and smiled. "That's great! Now we have two classes that are already going to be better for the students. So what have you decided Moody?"
"I'm probably going to regret this, but I will take the job for your new defense class," he grumbled.
"New defense class?" Ted and Andi asked as one.
"Yeah, I'm throwing out Defense Against the Dark Arts, because it is supposed to be cursed and starting a new class called Spells in a Defensive Setting, called SDS for short," he explained, before turning back to Moody and saying, "thanks, I think you will do a great job.
"But what about Remus," Andi asked Sirius with a frown.
But it was Remus who answered, "I'm going to take over History of Magic classes."
This is great that makes five classes for sure taken care of with new teachers, well that is if Minerva will become Headmistress, I guess."
"Then who will teach Transfiguration class," wondered Ted.
"That's simple, I'm going to, as well as take over duties as Deputy Headmaster. Remus will be Head of Gryffindor. But all of that is only if Minerva will take the top job, of course, because if she won't then I'm going to be stuck being Headmaster"
"Hopefully she will take the job Padfoot, just to keep the castle standing," Remus said with a smirk.
"Oh very funny, Moony! I'll have you know I could do the job better than Dumblebum, at least I wouldn't hire a teacher being possessed by Voldy to teach the kids," he told him with a pout.
"That's true," he agreed.
But at the same time the other three yelled, "WHAT?"
So once again he explained what he knew about Harry's first year, and while the others were trying to wrap their heads around the fact that Voldemort was in the school with the children for a whole year, he told them they should head down to breakfast before the meeting.
But as they were walking down to the Great Hall Ted asked, "what about the Muggles Studies professor, Sirius?"
"Well she will have one of two choices, she can either leave or take the new class I'm going to be starting," he explained.
"What class?" Remus and Andi asked together.
"It's a new class called Magical Studies. It will be the opposite of the Muggles Studies class, where things like magical, transportation, money, laws, customs, etc... will be taught. It will be mandatory for the first five years for all muggleborns and half-bloods raised in the muggle world, with an elective option for NEWT students."
"That is definitely a class I wish we had available when I started here," Ted assured him. "It would make it easier for people like me to have fit in."
"Yeah, when Harry was telling me the reason he never bought himself new muggle clothes was because he didn't know how to exchange his galleons into pounds, it made me realize that we were not helping those kids fit into our world anymore than we were learning to fit into the muggle world. I hope with this class maybe the muggleborns won't be treated so badly."
"Wow, Sirius, you've really been thinking about this, haven't you?" Remus smiled with pride at his friend.
"Of course I have, Remus. This is not only my birthright, but more importantly my son's. I want Hogwarts to be something he can be proud to pass on to his kids someday."
They all thought about that as they made their way to the Great Hall.
After Harry left his Dad and the Tonks he headed up to Gryffindor tower, because he wanted to see Hermione and Neville badly. Hermione because she was his best friend, at least he hoped she still was, after what he found out about Ron, he was kind of afraid to trust his own judgement on such things. And as for Neville, after what his Dad had told him about what had happened to Neville's parents he was hoping to be a better friend to him. He still couldn't believe he had never asked Neville about why he was living with his Gran, but maybe it wasn't so strange since he was taught to not ask questions from an early age.
While still lost in his own thoughts he heard a shout from the landing above him, looking up he saw Hermione and Neville beaming down on him.
The next thing he knew he was engulfed in a bone-crushing hug from Hermione, as she said, "oh Harry, why didn't you tell me all of that stuff when we were on the train? Why did you wait to tell me with everybody else? Don't you trust me Harry? You don't really believe that Ron, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley are that bad do you?"
"Hermione breathe already. Hey Neville. Did you have a good summer? I didn't get to talk to you before now."
"Harry James Potter don't you ignore my questions," fumed Hermione with her arms crossed.
"First of all Hermione, that isn't my name. I figured you at least would have remembered hearing that last night," he said with a disappointed look on his face.
"Oh Harry, I'm sorry, it's just that I'm so use to calling you that when you do something wrong, it is second nature by now. I know you name is Harry James Sirius Potter-Black, and I promise to start calling you that when you do something to tick me off."
"Or maybe you could just stop telling me off all the time. I have a Dad to do that now, and trust me he doesn't need your help in that department." he pointed out to her.
"He's not mean to you, is he?" demanded Hermione looking at him worriedly.
"Of course not Hermione, he's not the Dursleys. He just has rules he expects me to follow like any parent would, or are you telling me your parents let you do whatever you want?"
"Well no, but my parents haven't been in prison for 12 years either," she said defensively.
"What has that got to do with anything? It's not like he wanted to be locked away, or even did anything to be there in the first place," Harry grumbled angrily.
"Oh no, Harry I know that, I didn't mean anything by it honestly. Please don't be mad at me, she begged him.
"It's okay Hermione, that's just a touchy subject with me. Come on guys lets get some breakfast before the meeting starts," he said leading the way back down the stairs.
What's going to happen in the meeting Harry," Hermione asked curiously.
"You'll have to wait and see, Hermione, this meeting is something Dad is going to do, not me. I'm just another student here when it comes to this," he explained.
But this left Hermione looking disappointed that she wasn't going to find out anything before everybody else, but her mind was taken off of that as they entered the Great Hall. The commotion inside was enough to raise the roof, and she saw why immediately, evidently the Daily prophet owls had already started delivering the paper. As they took their seats at the Gryffindor table Hedwig dropped one right in front of Harry, and reading the headlines was enough to tell them why the noise was so out of control.
"Here Hermione why don't you read out the title of the articles for us. I don't think we will have time to read the paper now, because we need to eat and the meeting will be starting soon," Harry said while glancing at his watch.
Hermione took the paper and stared at the picture of Harry and his Dad covering more than half of the front page, she wondered where the reporter got it as she hadn't seen any cameras last night, but it was definitely one of Sirius Black with his arm around her best friend's shoulders from last night. She couldn't help admiring how handsome they both looked before reading aloud, so Harry and Neville could hear, while also noticing that Collin Creevey and and a couple of his friends were also listening to her.
"I'll read all of the front page since there isn't a lot of words, because the picture takes up so much of it if that's alright," she told them.
Daily Prophet
Special Edition
By our own Rita Skeeter
Last night I was invited along with many other guests, among them the Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge, Head of the DMLE Amelia Bones, Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour, Lucius Malfoy, and Director of Gringotts Goblin Ragnok just to mention a few. We were the invited guests of the famous Boy-Who-Lived. He had invited us to Hogwarts welcoming feast so he could reveal some truths he told us that would set Magical Britain on it's ears. I can tell you after hearing these things I can promise you that the public will be reeling in shock just like all of us in the Great Hall of Hogwarts were last night.
I can also promise you that everything in these stories are real and accurate. Not only did I take a magical oath to tell the truth nothing more, nothing less, but Harry Potter, the Wizarding World's Saviour did also take a magical vow to tell the absolute truth, which he proved many times that he was doing by performing a Lumos charm throughout the the telling of the following stories.
Please read this paper thoroughly, as a lot of things in our world are going to be changing after last night. Many people left the Great Hall in the custody of Aurors to await trial for the crimes that were revealed. Don't say I didn't warn you that shock will be part of your morning. Those with weak constitutions may want to have calming draughts on hand before reading this paper.
"Well that was the front page," she informed them, just as she noticed Sirius Black, Professor Lupin and three of the guests from last night entered the Great Hall and headed up to the head table and sat down. "Your dad is here now, maybe we should wait to read the headlines later."
"No, we have time, see they are all going to eat breakfast first," Harry reassured her. He noticed his Dad accept the paper from Professor Flitwick and start looking through it quickly, before he started talking quietly to Professor McGonagall.
"Okay, if you're sure. Here are the titles of the articles."
Sirius Black, an Innocent Man Locked Up Without a Trial!
Peter Pettegrew Alive and Hiding as a Family Pet, Not a Hero, But a Traitor and Mass Murderer!
Death Eater Teaches at Hogwarts, Severus Snape Never Changed Sides!
Lucius Malfoy, Death Eater Responsible for Opening the Chamber of Secrets Last Year!
Albus Dumbledore Obliviated Those That trusted Him, So He Could Control Boy-Who-Lived!
Harry Potter Not Really His Name! Lily Potter Not His Mother!
Heirs to All Four Founders Found! Hogwarts has a New Lord Who Has taken Over The Sovereign Nation!
Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge and His Senior Under Secretary Arrested on Accepting Bribes Charges!
Death Eaters Who Claimed the Imperius to be Rounded Up, Arrested and Given Trials Under Veritaserum!
Boy-Who-Lived Placed in an Abusive Home By Albus Dumbledore!
Molly Weasley, Nee Prewitt Steals from Our Saviour and Plans with Albus Dumbledore to Trap Him in Loveless Marriage!
Sirius Black has Ten Lordships, More than Anyone in History!
Albus Dumbledore Puts Blocks on Harry Potter- Black's Magic!
Bartemius Crouch Arrested for Locking Up a Scion of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black Without a Chance to defend himself!
Albus Dumbledore had Our Saviour Kidnapped from His Father the Same Day He Saved Us All!
He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Really Named Tom Marvolo Riddle With a Muggle Father!
Goblins Help Lord Black Prove Crimes Against Him and His Son!
"Wow, I can't believe it, everyone of those stories take up at least a whole page. Those are the only stories in the paper, too." Hermione informed them. She looked like she was going to go back and start reading the articles when Sirius Black stood up and the food disappeared from the tables.
The whole Hall fell silent, not knowing what to expect from the man who they had spent so many years thinking was a mass murderer. Quite a few people looked at the man with fear in their eyes. Noticing this he tried to put them at ease.
"Okay everybody, I know that you still have misgivings about me and my innocence even though it was proved beyond a shadow of doubt last night, but we have to get past this if we are going to be sharing the same castle for the next ten months. I'm innocent and I mean nobody any harm unless they try to harm my son or myself, if you aren't planning on doing that than we will get along fine," he assured them.
"Now it is time to tell you about the changes I have in store for Hogwarts. We will have new Professors, new classes, even losing some classes, the points system will be fairer and detentions will not endanger any students. The wards on the school will be updated so no dangerous beasts will be able to get inside the building or even leave the Forbidden Forest. The students, their education and their safety are the first priority for Hogwarts and it's staff. Which is how it should have been all along."
"Well lets start with the jobs you know are now open, Professor McGonagall has just agreed to become our new Headmistress..."
"I thought you were in control of the school," sneered Draco Malfoy interrupting the man.
"You see Mr. Malfoy, even though I own the school and the Headmistress will not be allowed to make any new rules or go against what will be set down for her to follow without my consent, she will be in charge of running the school on a day to day basis, as she has more experience in this sort of thing. I on the other hand with become Deputy Headmaster, so I can learn from her experiences, and I will also be the new Transfiguration Professor. I would also appreciate it if you would not interrupt me again. Anyone with questions can ask after I get done with all of the announcements."
"Now for Potions and the Slytherin's Head of House, both of those positions will be filled by Andromeda Tonks." There was a commotion of snarling coming from the Slytherin table at this announcement, but one glare from Lord Black was enough to quiet them down.
"Professor Tonks is well qualified for both jobs as she has a Mastery in Potions and was a Slytherin herself," he told them with finality. "You will give her the respect she deserves or find yourselves in negative points as well as many detentions, or you can find yourselves a new school, this is non-negotiable."
"Now Defense Against the Dark Arts is to be stricken from the curriculum." At the dumbfounded looks staring back at him he decided to explain. "I know you are all thinking, but that is an important subject, and I do agree, but as the subject seems to be jinxed, I have decided to throw it out and introduce a new subject. We will now be having a class called Spells in a Defensive Setting, SDS for short, It will not only teach what was in DADA, but also how to use Transfiguration and Charms defensively, something on the lines of what Aurors learn in their training. The new Professor will be none other than the ex-Head Auror Alastor Moody, who actually trained me when I was a rookie Auror. I can promise you the man is a genius when it comes to defense."
Hermione turned to Harry and started whispering to him, "I thought Professor Lupin was going to be our teacher for Defense."
"I'm sure Dad will explain if you give him time," he told her, but at that time he noticed the glare his Dad was sending at the two of them. "Dang Hermione, you're getting us in trouble. Don't you know it's disrespectful to talk when someone is talking?" Trying to look apologetic he shut his mouth and turned away from Hermione.
Sirius was not happy to see his son and his friend talking while he was. How could he expect the others to show him respect if his own son wasn't. Harry knew that being respectful was one of his rules, it looked like they would be having a discussion on respect later, but for now he needed to get back to the announcements.
"Now I'm sure many of you are wondering why Professor Lupin won't be teaching the new Defense class, well that is because he will be teaching the History of Magic class instead. Binns will no longer be teaching at this school. he may stay on as a ghost if he wishes, but the education of our students have to come first before the feelings of a ghost who isn't actually teaching anything. I'm sorry if that seems harsh to Binns, but I need to worry more about the future of our world and if you don't learn about our history how can you avoid the same mistakes those in the past made?"
"Now the next is Muggles Studies which will be having a few changes. I haven't had the opportunity to talk to Professor Burbage about this, but she will no longer be teaching that class. I will give her a choice in what she does next but first I want to cover the new Muggles Studies. It will be taught by Ted Tonks who is a muggleborn. We will also be having new books that are actually newer editions and that I will personally provide for the students. Now you should know that Muggles Studies is a mandatory class for all pure-bloods and half-bloods raised in the magical world for first through fifth year and an elective for NEWT students."
At this announcement there was angry muttering coming from most of the pure-bloods and Hermione. Harry and Neville looked at her like she was crazy, but it was Neville who asked, "why are you mad?"
"I wanted to take Muggles Studies," she sulked.
"You don't need it though Hermione, plus Dad has something for the muggleborns and half-bloods raised in the muggle world as well if you will give him time to explain," he snapped tired of her complaining and interruptions. He could tell his Dad wasn't happy that he was talking again.
"Quiet!" Sirius roared "I told you last night things were changing at Hogwarts and you either accept it or you can leave. Our world is in danger of being found out because wizards don't know how to fit into the muggle world. It doesn't help that you are being taught things from the 1950's by a pure-blood. That is changing and you will take this class if you fit into that category. of course there will be some exceptions like my son who is a pure-blood, but since he was raised in the muggle world he won't need the class, and if others can prove they don't need it for the same reasons well then you will take the other new mandatory class."
"Because there will also, be a class called Magical Studies, that will be mandatory for all muggleborns and half-bloods raised in the muggle world for years one through five and an elective for NEWT students. It will teach things like magical transportation, money, laws and customs and so forth. It will help you fit into our world easier. I am hoping that Professor Burbage will take the teaching of this class, as I feel she will do a great job of it," he said as he looked toward the woman with his eyebrow raised in a questioning way.
She looked pensive for a moment then nodded her head in agreement. He smiled at her in gratitude before turning back to the students and adding, "I will also be furnishing the book for this class."
He then turned to Hagrid and said, "Hagrid I've been informed you were made the new Care of Magical Creatures Professor, and I want you to know I think you will do a great job at it, but we will need to discuss what you have planned and that the creatures you teach are age appropriate. I also want you to take some tutoring from your colleagues so you can study for your OWLs since you have now be proven innocent of what you were expelled for. I don't know if you will be allowed to carry a wand in the rest of the magical world, but you have my permission to carry one on my land, and I will do what I can to make sure you can in the rest of the world as well."
"Thank you, Sirius," Hagrid said smiling through his tears as he blew his nose.
"No problem Hagrid, I know what it's like to be punished for something you didn't do, and I want to give you back your rights, that should never have been taken from you on the word of one kid, without any investigation or trial."
"I am sorry to have to inform Professor Trelawney that Divination will no longer be taught at Hogwarts. It is not a subject that can be taught, either you are a seer or you're not. I see she didn't come to the meeting, but she will be given a pension and retired from here."
"The rest of the Professors will keep their current jobs if they are so inclined, as I have heard nothing but good about them. I do have two more people to talk to about their jobs and I'm sorry to say both will be on probation until they prove they are doing a better job, or they prove they don't deserve the chance."
He then turned to the Librarian and said, "Madam Pince, you have a problem with the way you treat the students who come into the Library. You act like you are doing them a favor to let them read the books and you scare them away if they are just looking around. The Library is a place they go to browse and find a book to read, if they are scared away from it they won't want to go there anymore and will eventually stop trying to read just to be reading. The Library does not belong to you, but to the students of this school, for their learning and their enjoyment. It is your job to take care of the books so they will be able to read them, if you can not do this then you will be retired and I will find somebody to handle the Library who realizes that. That is why I say you are on probation to see if you can treat the students of this school better."
"Now Mr. Filch, you are also on probation, your treatment of the students is atrocious and it will not be tolerated anymore. You will no longer be allowed to punish any student or supervise any detentions. If you are ever heard threatening to whip, hang students with chains, or kill a student again you will be out of this school so fast you will think you actually flew. Do I make myself clear?"
Before he could answer three voices said at once, "KILL?" McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout were outraged to think somebody threatened to kill a student.
"Yes, last year when his cat was petrified he threatened to kill my son just because he was one of the first ar the scene. I'm telling you now, that the only reason he isn't immediately fired is because I am going to give him a chance to become a better person, but he needs to know that he is only getting this one chance. Is that understood Mr. Filch?"
Filch looked like he wanted to complain, but he decided he better not because of the look on Black's face. He couldn't believe that brat was now in charge of the school and his job. He knew if he opened his mouth he would start a tirade so he just nodded to the man in agreement instead.
"Well that takes care of all the staffing, but now we need to talk about the points and detentions. Detentions first, no student will ever again be given a detention that puts them in danger. Is that clear?" he demanded in a harsh voice, as he looked at all the staff but settled his gaze on McGonagall.
While McGonagall looked at him like he was crazy, the others were giving each other confused looks, but it was Sprout who said, "of course, we wouldn't give such a detention."
"I have to disagree, when Professor McGonagall put four first years in so much danger she almost got my son killed by assigning a detention in the Forbidden Forest starting at 11:00 o'clock at night to find a unicorn that had been hurt by something or someone without knowing what caused the unicorn to be hurt in the first place. There will be no detentions in the Forbidden Forest for anyone under a six year and that is only if it is during the daytime and if Hagrid does not leave them alone for even a second, if there is something dangerous going on the staff will handle it or call in the Aurors. That is something else that is non-negotiable," he stated with fire in his eyes as he looked at the professor he had always looked up to the most. He was hoping he wasn't making a mistake naming her Headmistress, after the things his son had told him she did, especially in his first year.
The other Professors looked at McGonagall like she had grown a second head. They could not believe she would do such a thing, but the guilty look on her face told them she had indeed done such a thing.
"I'm sorry about that, truly I am, but Dumbledore told me to assign that detention, and I'm sorry to say I did against my better judgement," she stated guiltily.
"Well let this be a lesson to you all, even if your new Headmistress is the one giving the order if you think it is wrong bring it to my attention and I will handle it. Nobody should or will endanger the students in this school, no matter who they are," Sirius said with determination.
"Now for the point system, we all know Snape was a big problem when it came to the point system, but he wasn't the only one who was unfair doling out or taking points from students. I know it seems like I'm picking on you Minerva, but as you are the only one besides Snape to ever take points from my son and who he could tell me about points awarded or deducted the most I will be using you as an example for the most part, but rest assured you are not the only one."
"Prefects are not allowed to take points from their siblings just because they say something they don't like to hear. Is that clear Mr. Weasley?" he asked glaring at the oldest Weasley in the room.
"I don't know what you are talking about Sir," Percy Weasley said defiantly.
"Didn't you remove five points from your youngest brother, because he said you were more worried at your chances to be Head Boy instead of your sister?"
"No, it was because he was disrespectful," he denied.
"Maybe so, but what was said was a family matter not a school matter, so you had no right to use your authority that way. That will not be allowed again, and Hogwarts will not remove any points for such things in the future, and the castle will let the Founders know who will inform me of the incident of this is attempted by anyone again, and I promise that prefect will lose their badge for such things.."
Then turning to McGonagall he asked, "Minerva would you like to tell me about the night my son and three other first years were caught out after curfew, the night they earned the detention that led to them being in the Forbidden Forest and in danger?"
"What about it? I mean I caught Mr. Malfoy and took points and awarded him a detention, then Mr. Filch caught Miss Granger and your son and took them to my office to wait for me, while he came and informed me. While I was on the way there I found Mr. Longbottom as well, so I took points from all three of them and awarded them a detention each."
"Yes, but how many points did you take from the students?" he demanded.
"I believe it was fifty points each," she answered.
"That's not exactly true. Yes, you did take fifty points each from the Gryffindors, but you only took twenty points from Mr. Malfoy. Would you like to explain why you did such a thing? Would you like to tell me why you took fifty points from your Lions when twenty points is always the amount taken for being out like that? Why did you punish the Gryffindors so unfairly?"
Minerva McGonagall was looking very uncomfortable now. "I don't know, I just thought they should have known better than to act like that."
"What you don't understand is all three of those Gryffindors were trying to help friends, and for that you punished them unfairly, while Mr. Malfoy was trying to get others in trouble and you punished him normally. There is something wrong with that scenario. Did you know that three fourths of the school turned on Harry and his friends for that, the only ones who didn't were the Slytherins who just made it worse by thanking him all the time for putting them in the lead for the cup? For weeks they were shunned and treated horribly because you punished them unfairly."
McGonagall was definitely feeling hot under the collar now, but Sirius Black decided to go on to the next point.
"Now let's talk about Halloween that same year. There was a troll in the school and you, Snape and Quirrel found three first years in a girl's bathroom with a knocked out troll. I know for a fact that Miss Granger told you she went looking for the troll on her own, because she had read about them and thought she could take care of it on her own when the boys found her and saved her. Now would you like to tell me why when you are told a student went looking for danger on her own that you only took five points for that? That was a definite at least twenty point deduction there if not more, plus it should have included at least one detention? Do you see why I have problems with the way the point system is being used?"
McGonagall was actually red with embarrassment as everyone in the school was staring at her in astonishment.
But Sirius didn't wait for her to answer as he continued, "now please don't misunderstand by thinking I condone this next thing, but I still have to point out the ridiculousness of it. The other two first years in that room who ended up saving Miss Granger's life that night had taken out a twelve foot mountain troll on their own, and how did you reward them for saving a fellow student's life? You awarded them five points each. They had done something amazing and truly heroic and you only awarded them five points apiece for that. It was like you were saying Miss Granger's life had no meaning in my opinion."
"We will be going back to the original way the points were awarded or deducted, so all of the Professors need to read the copies of Hogwarts a History the original version while we are not having classes this week..Instead of classes the students will be expected to read the first chapter s of their books for each class and write an essay on each subject explaining what they learned in those chapters."
"This will give the Professors time to work out new lesson plans, especially the new Professors and with their new books. It will also give those that had their memories messed with by Dumbledore the chance to go to Gringotts and get their memories restored. The students will need to make their decisions about whether they are staying on here or not as well, but remember if you need to use the Floo or the school owls to talk to your parents you need to do that soon, because school will continue as normal starting next Monday."
"Oh on a more positive note a good piece of news for the students and Madam Hooch. I will be donating thirty new Cleansweep brooms to the school for the flying class. Students will be able to sign them out on the weekend for a two hour period once a weekend if they want, and as long as they take care of them. If you are not a very experienced flyer I expect you to make sure you have a student at least with you who is though, as we want no accidents."
Cheers were heard in the Great Hall at the latest announcement. Those who did not own their own brooms looked like Christmas had just came early to Hogwarts.
"Now another announcement is that evidently Hogwarts has changed her looks after last night, when you check out Hogwarts on the outside you will notice it now has an extra tower. That is the Founders' Tower and is only visible when the Heirs acknowledge their ancestors."
Sirius finally finished with his announcements by asking if anybody had any questions, so of course Hermione raised her hand. "Miss Granger you have a question to ask?"
"Yes Sir, I was wondering if it would be possible for me to take Muggle Studies as well as Magical Studies?"
"No Miss Granger it won't as that would be unfair to the others in your class as you know all about Muggles, plus I'm hoping we can fix the classes at the same time as the Magical Studies class," he informed her.
This caused Hermione to pout and Harry to roll his eyes at his friend. Yes he understood that she liked to study and be the best at everything, but his Dad was right that would give her an unfair advantage over the other students of that class.
As nobody else seemed inclined to ask questions Sirius called an end to the meeting and told the students to go have fun and enjoy their unexpected holiday. Which caused a commotion as the students started leaving the Great hall in droves.
Hermione and Neville also stood up to leave, but stopped when they noticed that Harry was still sitting looking at the Head table at his Dad. "Aren't you coming Harry," Hermione demanded bossily.
"No, I think Dad wants to talk to me, probably about us talking during his meeting," Harry explained.
"You don't think you will be in trouble do you, Harry," worried Neville.
"Probably just a lecture Neville, one of Dad's rules is about being respectful, and he wasn't happy I kept talking during his meeting.," he assured the timid boy.
"How do you know that Harry," questioned Hermione.
"I could just tell," he told her as he watched his dad approaching them.
"Hey Pup, we need to talk," Sirius said seriously, before turning to the other two and saying, "Hello Miss Granger and Mr. Longbottom."
Neville responded, "Hello Lord Black."
While at the same time Hermione said, "Hello Professor Black, we were just trying to get Harry to go outside with us for awhile."
"I'm sorry Miss Granger, but I need to speak to Harry for a little bit, maybe he can meet you later, but probably not until after lunch." Then turning to Harry he said, " come on Pup let's go to the tower and talk."
"Okay Dad," Harry said getting up and walking out of the Great Hall with his Dad. He knew he was in for a lecture, but he didn't care because it meant he had somebody who cared what he did. Plus it was for something he had actually done wrong, not like when he was at the Dursleys where he was always in trouble for things he didn't do. It was wonderful having a Dad who loved him and wanted the best for him and also expected the best of him. He had given up of ever having someone like his Dad in his life and he knew he would never take him for granted like most kids did with their parents.
Well that is the chapter. I don't know if people liked it or not. I know it didn't cover any trials or anything outside of Hogwarts, but this is what I felt was needed for this story to go on. It depends how this is received if I will continue to write on this story, but I have to say if I go on it will have Sirius/Harry, Father/Son relationship which will probably include punishments down the line, including spankings at some point in time, because we all know Harry tends to put his life in danger and Sirius would not be happy about that. But it will also have some surprises, just a thought.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it.
