Chapter 3: Unveiled
The thrashing he was conditioned to expect did not happen.
Hesitantly, he cracked an eye open. He was conscious of the deadly grip Hermione had around his waist—she had wrapped her body around him like a shield, her head tucked into his crook of his neck. He felt her quiver against his frame, but saw her resolve to shield him. A surge of tenderness filled him. Hesitantly, he wrapped his arms around her back.
"Don't you dare lay a finger on Harry," warned Dan icily, staring down at him as if Vernon was a mere mischievous child.
Harry could barely see past Dan, who had stood brick-rigid in front of him. He had, by virtue of being protective of him, halted the unstoppable force in the form of a livid uncle.
Harry wasn't five anymore. Vernon no longer loomed over him like an inescapable, growing tidal wave. The figure of Dan reminded him that Vernon wasn't invincible. A gush of warmth overwhelmed him when he realised that Dan had protected him from harm.
Hermione peeled her head from his shoulder, watching her father with rapt interest. There was a smile on her face when she realised that her father had come to Harry's rescue.
"H-he—T-that's…"
Dan inched forward assertively until he was toe to toe with Vernon. Wordlessly, he glowered at Vernon. It silenced his stuttering uncle.
Hermione's grip around his waist relaxed. She shot his uncle a look of utter abhorrence. He knew she was frustrated that he had to meet his relatives again.
Dan turned to regard the teenagers. The absence of a smile on his face gave him an intimidating look. He barely rose a brow when he saw how intertwined both teenagers were. "Take Harry back to the car, princess." He passed the keys to his car to Harry since Hermione's arms were securely around him. "We need to talk to the Dursleys."
Vernon found a semblance of courage in that respite. "What are you trying to do ? T-that's my n-nep-phew," stammered Vernon.
Dan spun around, aiming a lethal glare at him.
Vernon hastily shut his mouth.
Dan returned his attention on Harry. He noticed that the young boy look bemused.
"Do you have anything here that you want to take it along with you?" asked Dan kindly, gesturing around the house.
Harry understood his intentions. This was it. He was waiting for this moment almost all his life. Harry glanced around the house. His gaze lingered for a moment on the cupboard beneath the stairs. Remembering that Dan was still waiting for his answer, Harry shook his head.
"Good, we'll see you in a bit."
Harry opened his mouth as if to protest.
Dan smiled warmly at him. "We'll be fine. You're ours to protect and care now. Just follow Hermione back to the car. We'll meet you soon."
A bemused looked appeared on Harry's face. "Dan…" He stopped when Hermione squeezed him. Uncertainly, he turned to look at her. With a look, Hermione communicated her request of him to leave this matter in the hands of her father. Resigned, he nodded. It elicited a small smile from Hermione. Tentatively, he returned the smile.
Hermione released him so that she could take his hand. Harry was more than willing to let her take the lead.
Dan noted Hermione's possessiveness of Harry, their wordless communication and Harry's complete trust in Hermione. He couldn't blame his daughter for being so physical with Harry since this was her way of expressing her concern for him and assuaging her fears.
Making sure that her father could see it, Hermione mouthed, "Keep it a secret." Dan nodded, trusting his daughter's judgement.
Wordlessly, she steered Harry out of the Privet Drive, Number 4 for the last time.
The front door shut with a resounding 'click'. The veneers of civility the Grangers had worn in front of their kids ripped.
A loud 'smack' echoed in the foyer. Dan whipped his head in time to see his wife glaring lethally at Petunia, with her hand positioned for another backhanded slap. Petunia was clutching to a side of her cheek as she gawped at her.
Did his mild-tempered wife just slap that woman?
When he saw Vernon lurching towards her with outstretched hands, he leapt into her defence.
Using his momentum, he decked Vernon on the jaw with a powerful right hook.
The impact knocked the obese man off his feet, sending him crashing on the hard floor. He bawled in pain, clutching his back.
"That's for Harry," answered Dan, standing protectively before his wife. He hated violence but he couldn't stomach the look of undulated fear in Harry's eyes: it wasn't the first time Vernon had hit him. Fury filled him—how could anyone hit a helpless child?
"Vernon! Are you okay? "Petunia hastily dived to help him, clutching her swollen cheek.
Quickly, he scanned his wife. He wrapped his arm protectively around Emma. A tiny smile graced her face before she stepped into the living room to make a call.
He turned to look at Vernon. The latter had gingerly sat up with the help of his wife. Dan had no doubt that he had injured his back when he had knocked him off his feet.
"Who placed Harry here?" demanded Dan, standing at shoulder's width, a stiff stance that communicated his aggression.
"Who are you to the-fre-Harry?" demanded Vernon, holding his swollen jaw. He waved off his wife's concerns. He corrected himself when he earned a scowl from Dan.
"Who placed Harry here?" repeated Dan menacingly. He stepped forward and grabbed him by the collar.
Vernon's eyes widened with fear. His face turned ashen-white. "T-Those freaks… "
"Who?" thundered Dan, tugging Vernon on his both of his feet.
He struggled fruitlessly out of his grip but it was impossible to break his grip.
"T-tell him his n-name! freak in purple. Y'know, the one with a long beard-d-"
"Al-albus D-dumbledore," shrilled Petunia in fear, falling on her knees. She looked around fearfully as if the use of his name would summon that wizard up. She looked relieved when it did not. "P-please, please let my husband go."
His grip on him loosened. Vernon, unable to stay on his feet, fell on the ground. Dan ignored him and glanced at her. From the corner of his eye, he spotted his wife ending the call. "Why?"
"T-they left him at our doorstep when he was a mere babe. Vernon would have thrown that ingrate into an orphanage if those freaks did not force us to accept him. They said he has to stay here because of m-my connection to his mother to be safe," spat Petunia, making a face at the mention of Lily. "S-some hocus pocus I don't remember."
His hands balled tightly in anger. How could she speak of Lily in such a dismissive tone? She was one of the sweetest lady he had the opportunity to meet. He was disgusted by their conduct. How they could treat Harry that way?
"They'll be here in five minutes," replied Emma. There was a sorrowful but determined look on her face. Dan took in a deep breath before expelling it. His stance relaxed as he dug his hand through his hair.
"You're a poor excuse for a human," spat Emma, slipping her hand into her husband's hand. Dan straightened his clothes, an impassive look on his face. He didn't celebrate violence. He hated the feeling of coercing others into submission. Emma squeezed his hand tenderly.
Dan and Emma shared a look with each other. Hermione was correct. They had to be careful, lest they alert the magical world. They needed to unravel the mysteries enshrouding Harry Potter slowly so that they knew how to care of him.
Harry and Hermione were sitting at the front of the car in silence. Neither teenager could comprehend what had happened. The noises from the house had ceased but they noticed that the neighbours were taking note of the house, as if worried that something had happened to the Durselys.
"I'd no idea that Dad and Mum knew them," began Hermione, keeping an eye on the house. "My parents will be fine," continued Hermione quietly. "Though Dad don't seem much, he can actually fight well." She squinted at the windows of the house. "Daddy's probably negotiating with them to keep their silence."
Harry lifted a brow.
"It's perplexing to have more questions than answers as we unravel your past. We know that you're the only person who survived the Killing curse, but it doesn't explain anything."
"Voldemort still exists as a spirit?" offered Harry helpfully. "Presence of Death eaters?"
Her brows narrowed. "Professor Dumbledore is the only one convinced that he is alive. Most people reckon he's dead," answered Hermione, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "I doubt that those who support Voldemort would dare to take any action after his downfall. If they had, these fanatics would have been in Azkaban, instead of waiting for an opportunity to harm you."
Harry nodded, seeing the logic of her argument.
"You know what does this means, Harry?" continued Hermione, a frown on her face. She was looking at him so solemnly that he couldn't help teasing her.
"I think I am, B2," teased Harry. His mischievous remark earned a resounding smack from his best friend.
"Quit fooling around, Harry," scolded Hermione. "It ought to be 'Are you thinking what I'm thinking?'" corrected Hermione under her breath. She remembered being fascinated with the series when she returned from her second year in Hogwarts.
Harry proceeded to make the 'bionk' sound while shaking himself. Seeing the look of chagrin on Hermione's face, he burst out in guffaws.
For a moment, Hermione was lost in the moment of watching him laugh so freely. Since the start of his fourth year, he never had the luxury to be a normal fourth-year student. He had faced dragons, dived into the Black Lake to save hostages, and face the uncertain threat that he was a target of something malicious.
"Hermione?" questioned Harry, concern lacing his tone.
She blinked owlishly. "Yes?"
"Is there something on my face?" questioned Harry, touching his face fretfully. He turned to the side mirror and tried to catch a glimpse of his face.
She shook her head, her cheeks reddening. She turned away from him, choosing to focus on Dursleys' house. "Oh! Mum and Dad are done." She stepped out of the car, anxious to know what had transpired in the house. The Grangers strode out of the house towards them, with hardened expression.
Her mother had checked her watch several times, as if she was waiting for someone.
Suddenly, the bright headlight of an incoming car caught her attention. Hermione spun around to face the street. A black car had halted near their car. She could barely see the occupants in the car since it was quite dark. The door opened and a large burly-looking man alighted from his vehicle. He peered around the neighbourhood, with his hands in his pocket, before focusing his glance on her. A smile crept on his face and he lifted a hand to wave.
Hermione was befuddled until she felt a hand on her shoulder. Her parents were standing next to her, waving back at him. Hermione's brows narrowed into a frown.
Casually, he walked up to her father. It was clear that her parents knew him.
"It's good to see you again but I wish for more pleasant circumstances," said the man. He smiled at Emma.
Dan's gaze darkened. "That's the family I mentioned to you. They held my ward illegally and abused him since young. They tried to hit him just now."
His gaze darkened. "So you're also eye-witnesses to the abuse? You know them?"
Dan nodded. "It was a spot of luck or bad luck, I can't really decide. We're here to discuss business." Dan made a face at the thought. "They might press charges though. I hit him." He shrugged.
Hermione gaped.
The other man ignored his admission. "What's this whole business about a ward?" asked the man gruffly. "When you contacted me last week, you mention a minor, a friend of your daughter."
"The minor turned out to be the child we were searching for," answered Emma, a small smile on her face. "He's actually in the car."
The man grew wide-eyed. He glanced at the car, then back at them. She knew that it was difficult to reunite a lost child to their legal guardians when the former was misplaced. It was a miracle for Harry to be reunited to the Grangers since there were no records.
"We'll be taking him to a doctor tomorrow," added Dan, his expression blank.
Hermione stared at Dan, astonished.
The man nodded as if he understood the significance of Harry's impending visit to the doctor. Another woman joined him, looking meaningfully at him. "It makes things easier then. Er-I've got things to do. I'll need that doctor's report soon. "
The Grangers nodded, knowing the protocol.
"You might consider checking the cupboard under the stairs," advised Dan, thinking about the solemn way Harry was staring at it.
"Uh. Thanks for the heads-up. Congratulations for finding him. I'll need to speak to all of you soon, including young Harry. Nice meeting you tonight." He bade the three Grangers farewell before the couple approached the house.
"Let's go, princess," announced Dan. Dan grasped the hand of Hermione and led her back to the car, as if he was anxious to get out of this place. With great haste, the Granger got on the car. Hermione did not understand their anxiety so she opted for observing that couple.
With great fascination, Hermione watched the couple greet the Dursleys as they drove away. When Number 4, Privet Drive finally disappeared from her view, Hermione decided to check on Harry. He was staring distantly out of the window, lost in his thoughts.
Her parents would honour their word: it was the final time Harry would enter the house of the Dursleys. How did he felt knowing that he was leaving for good? She scrutinised his expression and posture: a slight contraction between his brows, relaxed jaws, and unclenched hands. It did not seem as if Harry was upset.
She recalled the interrupted conversation between Harry and her before she spotted her parents. The evidence they had gathered so far seemed to insinuate that Professor Dumbledore was at the centre of this mystery. Briefly, she looked at her parents. They appeared to be consumed by their own thoughts.
She had to be patient. Her parents would eventually speak to them.
"Harry and Hermione, let's go to a nicer place for dinner tonight since we're already dressed for it," suggested Dan, briefly glancing at the rear mirror to gauge their reaction. "It's a good way to learn etiquette."
Hermione shrugged indifferently, before turning to look at Harry. He shared a surreptitious glance with her.
"I don't mind, Dan," answered Harry, breaking out of his brooding. There was a hint of uncertainty in his eyes when Harry looked at her again. It was clear that he had something to tell her.
Automatically, she held his hand.
He turned to face her, his brows puckered, uncertain of what he ought to say.
She squeezed his hand encouragingly.
"We need to tell them about everything," whispered Harry, locking gaze with her. "They deserved to know what they are getting into."
Hermione froze. Everything? Tell her parents everything about the magical world? Her mind sped through the unpleasant and dangerous experiences in her four years of Hogwarts. Would her parents understand?
Panic blossomed within her. She was clawing at the edges of logic, searching for a reason to protest against that decision. She felt Harry squeeze her hand.
Both teenagers locked gazes. Hermione found solace and strength in his determination and optimistic sense of hope. That overwhelming fear abated, allowing her to think clearly.
Her logic dictated that it was the right decision to inform her parents. It was the reason why she chose to tell her parents about Harry's plight at the Dursleys. Now that he was going to live with them, her parents deserved to know it.
They would get through this together.
She dipped her head in a nod. Harry smiled at her before returning his attention to the scenery. Hermione couldn't help questioning her decision.
Hermione was glad to find herself at a familiar restaurant. It was her parent's favourite—they would usually reserve a table there whenever they wanted to celebrate. The staff greeted them by their name. Despite a lack of reservation, one of the waiters led them into the restaurant. For a weekday, it was packed.
Dan had requested for a secluded area. It was a distance away from the band and the dancing floor. There were a few patrons around them, ensuring their privacy.
Dan, seeing that Harry was unused to such setting, used the occasion to guide Harry on the protocols of fine dining. He modelled for Harry to follow, teaching him how to seat his date and the proper way of sitting.
Harry was charmed by the depth of their affections Dan and Emma had for each other. It was in the way they interacted with each other: the way they looked at each other and smiled at each other. Emma sweetly pecked on Dan's cheek when he seated her.
Judging from Hermione's indifferent reaction, Harry was certain that such affections were common between them.
He had never seen Uncle Vernon being so sweet to his aunt. Was this what a loving family really like? He thought of the photographs of his parents—it was obvious that they were in love from the way they held each other.
His eyes widened in shock when he had an eyeful of the spread of cutleries on the table.
Hermione squeezed his arm comfortingly, remembering her first lesson on fine dining. Her parents took her to this restaurant just to impart those skills to her when she was twelve.
Dan smiled. "Just remember that the last course, the dessert, uses the smallest cutleries. Begin from the cutleries furthest from your plate." He gestured to the ones on the edge. The maître, dressed smartly in black tie, approached their table with a smile. "Good evening, Dan and Emma. It's my honour to serve you tonight. Would you introduce this fine young man to me?"
Dan chuckled. "Evening Jay. This is Harry. Do you remember the lad my wife and I have been searching? I think you might see him a lot more often with us."
Jay grinned wildly, winkles forming around his eyes. "Congratulations are in order then, Dan and Emma!" He took Harry's hand firmly into his and pumped it excitedly in a handshake.
Surprised, Harry greeted him in return.
Judging from the pleased look on Hermione's face, he knew that he did not make a faux pas.
Dan asked for his recommendations for the day. After perusing their menus, they had made their choice. The waiter left them alone after serving them with drinks.
"We patronise this restaurant frequently. We have a lot of fond memories of this place," said Emma, looking around the restaurant. "Otherwise, we'll need a reservation to have a table here." The place looked rather packed.
"What did you and the Dursleys talked about?" questioned Hermione, addressing the elephant in the room.
Dan and Emma glanced at each other, wondering if they should come clean with the teenagers. Knowing Hermione's temper, they knew that it was impossible to keep things from her. Together, they decided that they were old enough to know. "They told us that Harry was placed by your headmaster in their care to protect him. It's problematic. We know that Lily and Jamie were hiding from Lord Voldemort, but isn't he dead?"
Harry's eyes swiftly swooped to his clenched fists. Hermione had to inherit that trait of asking good questions. He inhaled deeply, calming himself down.
"I'm afraid not," said Harry, keeping his eyes on his balled fists. "He lives but as a spirit. I-I've met him twice at Hogwarts."
Emma nearly dropped her glass of water she was holding.
"Hermione, did you know of this?" demanded Dan, staring at his daughter.
Reticently, she nodded her head.
"Y-You were with him, weren't you?" questioned Dan, his eye wide. He calmed down when his wife grasped his hand.
"Dad, just hear us out," implored Hermione.
Dan nodded, signalling for her to continue.
She swallowed visibly. "I-I haven't being totally honest with you. I think you need to know so that you have an idea of what Harry usually faces at Hogwarts." She stared at her hands.
Emotionlessly, Hermione began spilling the secrets she kept from her parents. Harry occasionally elaborated when she was unable to explain some parts of their adventures well. Together, they told them about their experiences at Hogwarts as Jay served them with their food.
Dan and Emma paled visibly when the teenagers finished their recount. Neither Granger could comprehend how they could live in Hogwarts when there was danger at every turn. It did not help when Hermione assured them that it was uncommon—Harry attracted trouble like flies to honey.
Upset, Emma stood from her seat, went to the teenagers, and embraced them firmly. She was simply horrified. They were merely children!
Dan shared a look with his wife. They were upset that Hermione would choose to keep such secrets from them. It was a lot for them to swallow, considering the fact that the other authority figures in their lives had failed them. On the other hand, he was immensely proud of Harry: he had such a big heart despite his upbringing. He was proud of her daughter's loyalty to her friend.
Emma pressed a kiss on Hermione's brow.
Dan could only find solace that the teenagers did not see them in the same light. He knew that it took the teenagers a leap of faith to come clean. It was easy for them, motivated by the failures of the other authority figures in their lives, to stop trusting in adults.
The teenagers stared at him anxiously, waiting for them to speak. At that moment, Dan realised both Harry and Hermione were young, and his heart swelled with the yearning to protect them.
Dan clasped and unclasped his hands, searching for the right words to articulate. He finished the wine in a gulp before returning his attention to them. Emma released them, choosing to return to her seat so that she could be a support to her husband. "I-I'm pleased that you have decided to be honest with us. It petrifies us to know what both of you had gone through. To be honest, I would have withdrawn Hermione from school if she had told us this earlier." Harry and Hermione grew more anxious at that disclosure. "Yet, it meant that I wouldn't have met you, Harry. "There was a barest of smile on his face. "It doesn't inspire confidence in your school. It breaks my heart that you, Harry, live constantly under the threat of being killed. We'll have to do something about it soon. We can't allow you to participate in that tournament in full knowledge that something sinister might happen to you."
Hermione sniffed as a film of tears appeared in her eyes.
Harry panicked when he saw Hermione cry. Tenderly, he squeezed her hand. Quickly, she cleaned the tears off her face. She squeezed his hand in return, assuring him that she was fine. "Happy tears."
He relaxed considerably.
Emma smiled at the sight of Harry's protectiveness of Hermione. She was comforted by the fact that Hermione had finally found a good friend in Harry. The smile vanished from her face when she thought about the Triwizard tournament. "Do you think we have power as legal guardians to make a decision for him?" questioned Emma, with a faint frown. "You said that it was a tournament for legally-recognised adults. Since Harry is a minor, we should have a say if he could participate in such."
Hermione considered her mother's question. "If it's anyone besides Harry, you might have the ability to make such decisions." Her brows furrowed contemplatively as she stared at her glass of water. "Prof Dumbledore could get away with the crime of leaving Harry with the Dursleys, I can't see why he can't stop you. He is a very influential and powerful wizard in the magical world."
Dan frowned, clasping his hands together. "We need to see to the execution of the will soon." He withdrew his organiser and included it into his schedule for the next day.
"Then, we think of ways of protecting our interests," added Emma. "We'll not fail you," promised Emma lovingly, holding Harry's gaze. "We're a family now. We'll go through this together."
The Grangers were determined to leap into the depthless pit of politicking for him, despite the dangers they might face. Harry dipped his head in a nod, too emotional to speak. Unshed tears sparkled in his eyes as his Adam's apple bobbed visibly. They descended his cheeks like a new, cleansing stream when the three Grangers reached over to grasp his hand firmly.
Shyly, he mustered a small smile, earning wide smiles from the Grangers.
The journey back home was dominated with a heartfelt and honest conversation between the Grangers and the teenagers. Harry shared about the unjust incarceration of his godfather and his eventual escape from the Azkaban. Both Grangers recognised his name because they had seen the news reports on him.
"So Sirius can transform into a large black dog?" repeated Dan, turning into the street where their house was. Hermione and Harry were surprised that they were quite blasé about it.
"How big is he in this form?" questioned Emma curiously.
Hermione estimated the size of the dog.
They gasped.
Without a warning, Dan stopped the car.
"Wait! Is that your godfather? There's a huge dog standing in front of the gate. Isn't that Hedwig, Harry?"
Hastily, the teenagers threw the doors open and bolted out of the car.
Harry's eyes widened when he saw Padfoot stand before him in the headlights, his tail wagging wildly. It would have had been very difficult to spot the black shaggy dog at night since he blended well with the darkness.
When Hedwig had spotted Hermione, she spread her wings and flew. It distracted him from observing Padfoot.
Gracefully, Hedwig landed on her extended arm. To protect herself from Hedwig's sharp talons, Hermione had cleverly used her jacket to wrap around her forearm. The beautiful owl tenderly rubbed her head against her cheek when Hermione brought her close to whisper her gratitude.
He put one and one together.
"D-did you—?" He glanced at Hedwig then Hermione.
Hermione met his gaze. The coy smile on her face was a sufficient answer to his question. His heart fluttered. He broke their gaze when he felt Padfoot tug his trousers. He whined softly, nudging him towards the house. He understood that they should find a safe place to talk.
"Let's hea—"
"Harry, Hermione, is there something wrong?" questioned Emma, exiting from the car. Her eyes fell on the very large dog. It looked very familiar to her.
Hermione smiled. "Nothing is wrong, Mum. He is the person we were speaking about just now. Let's talk more in the living room." Hermione realised that they were just outside of their house. "We'll meet you in the living room."
"I'll tell your dad while we parked the car." Emma returned to the car to brief Dan about the dog, leaving the teenagers with Padfoot and Hedwig.
Hermione told Hedwig to return home first, knowing that she was very tired from her expedition. Gratefully, the beautiful white owl nipped her finger before taking off. "Let's go, Snuffles," said Hermione brightly, leading them to a side gate brilliantly hidden behind some plants. It was difficult to tell that it was the entrance unless they knew where to look.
Obediently, the large shaggy dog followed behind her cheerfully. He was no doubt happy to put his wandering days behind him.
"I should be jealous that she prefers your affection over mine," teased Harry, falling into step with her. The path led them towards the main door of the house.
Her tinkling laughter made him smile. "Don't be silly, Harry. She wanted to tell me that she had completed her task," replied Hermione breezily. "I didn't expect her to find him so quickly. She must have known how important this was to you. Hedwig's such a wonderful owl."
Padfoot barked and it sounded suspiciously as if he was laughing at him.
He lifted both of his hands in mock surrender, knowing that it was utterly useless to badmouth his wonderful pet when she had done the impossible.
"Hedwig is really brilliant," agreed Harry, "just like Crookshanks." He spotted the ginger-coloured half- kneazle trotting proudly towards them. It looked as if he had been waiting for them. Crookshanks had picked up the scent of Padfoot when he had arrived and decided to greet him. He mewed at him, rubbing his body affectionately along Padfoot's. If Padfoot wasn't a human, the sight of a cat and a dog being so affectionate with each other would have been amusing.
"Clever boy. Did you realise he was already here?" cooed Hermione, stopping to scratch his head. He purred appreciatively, enjoying the ministrations. Harry chuckled when he saw the look of sheer bliss on its face. Hermione had a bad habit of spoiling both Hedwig and Crookshanks.
Harry reached over and rubbed his head. To save Crookshanks the effort of walking back, Harry carried him into the living room. It earned him a warm look of appreciation from his best friend.
It was almost funny to see Padfoot rubbing his feet on the doormat before entering the house. The Grangers were already sitting on the couch, waiting for them. Dan's jacket was tossed carelessly on the side of the couch.
Dan had rolled up his sleeves to his elbows as he waited for them. Emma and he were conversing quietly when the teenagers entered the room.
Crookshanks leapt out of Harry's arms and made his way towards Dan. He easily picked him up and placed the half-kneazle next to him. Padfoot trotted into the room, observing the Grangers carefully.
"We're among friends, Mr Black," greeted Dan, smiling.
Wordlessly, Padfoot transformed back into Sirius. He looked slightly better than the last time they had met him. He was still dressed in the ragged grey robes he had been wearing since he left Azkaban. His black hair was slightly longer and it was untidy and matted. However, he had gained some weight since the last time they had seen him. Cheerfully, he embraced both of the teenagers before turning to greet the Grangers.
"Pardon my appearance, Mr and Mrs Granger. I'm grateful for your warm welcome into your lovely home," said Sirius, grinning. It was not difficult to see why he had a way with witches in the past.
"It's just Dan. This is my wife, Emma," said Dan, extending his hand towards Harry's godfather. "We weren't expecting guests." He shot a look at his daughter who looked quite sheepish. He guessed that she did not expect him to arrive so quickly.
Sirius shook his hand and pressed a chaste kiss on the knuckles of Emma. "It's not difficult to understand why Hermione has turned out to be such an amazing woman. I have no idea that the young little babe I used to play with was actually you, Hermione." He turned to Hermione. "You were such a sweet child."
"Hermione isn't a common name…"Hermione blushed.
"It's not difficult to find couples who love and read the Bard in his homeland, no?" replied Sirius cheekily. He stared meaningfully at the Shakespeare collection sitting on one of the shelves. "I must confess that I prefer Richard III. He was an interesting person."
Dan, Emma, and Hermione grinned.
Harry seemed confused. Hermione squeezed his hand, assuring him that she would explain who the Bard was later.
The adults settled into their seats. "Why did you not visit Jamie and Lily in your human form?"
Sirius shrugged nonchalantly. "For safety reasons. It's unlikely to find magicals in this area but we wanted to play safe. Hermione told me about the guardianship. Jamie and Lily once briefly mentioned about it too."
"Yes, I understand that you're his godfather?"
He nodded before scowling. "Hermione and Harry must have informed you about my plight. There is no way I have any legal authority over his well-being. In light of the fact that his relatives have no wish to busy themselves with the affairs of Harry, Harry's welfare, in the magical world, has fallen to the jurisdiction of the Headmaster." Sirius scratched his chin contemplatively.
"They'll no longer be an issue after Easter," replied Dan stiffly, his eyes gleamed with fierce protectiveness. "They were never his legal guardians. We're. We plan to see that rectified soon," continued Dan. "We don't wish to see Harry participating in such a dangerous competition."
Sirius grinned broadly, picking up the subtext of Dan's response. He was starting to see why Jamie and Lily would trust their only son to them.
"Jamie and Lily must have included that in their will but we have no idea why it wasn't enforced," began Emma, leaning into her seat.
Sirius looked thoughtful. "There are only a small handful of people who could prevent the reading of the Potter's will." He could only think of an individual powerful enough to circumvent the law.
"Prof Dumbledore is also fully aware of your innocence," added Harry quietly, looking at Sirius meaningfully. "We told him what happened at the shrieking shack."
Sirius's brows shot upwards.
"He was also the one who took the law into his hands and placed Harry with the Dursleys,"added Dan, leaning forward. "I've spoken to the Dursleys and they said that the Headmaster forced them to take Harry in for his safety. Do you know any reason why he ought to be place there?"
He shook his head. Sirius had been harbouring some doubts about the intentions of the headmaster pertaining to his godson. The headmaster was unusually entwined with the affairs of Harry. Moreover, it grew increasingly clear that they were using Harry as bait—there were little evidence to show that the Ministry and the school were interested in protecting him. It became vital to remove Harry from the influences of Dumbledore. Yet, neither of them had enough political power to ensure that Dumbledore will not nullify their efforts.
"We decided to head to Gringotts tomorrow to find out more," added Hermione. "It's the only way to help Harry gain some control over his life."
"It's not as simple as it seems," replied Sirius, frowning. "With the power the headmaster wields, he could undo our efforts. I'm not too sure if calling on the life debts some of the important members of the magical society owe the Potter family would be sufficient to ensure his freedom."
She raised a brow. "Life debts?"
"Oh. They are debts that ranked individuals have to repay another when someone saves them," answered Sirius. "They're magically obligated to pay. Should they be unable to repay that individual, they or their progenies can repay the latter's descendants."
"Does that only apply to Britain?"
Sirius wagged his brows at Harry. "You've been busy exemplifying the true spirit of the competition I see. Did you save a foreign witch?"
"Sirius!" protested Harry loudly, his cheeks reddening.
The Grangers chuckled, putting their arms around each other.
"Oh, be serious," hushed Hermione, a frown on her face.
Sirius's eyes glowed with amusement. "Oh, I'm Sirius." He bit back the retort when Hermione glared at him.
He lifted his hands in surrender, imitating his godson. "Yea, it's a common decorum practiced in the old worlds. As I've said, they need to be nobles. "
"Only heirs or those who possessed a title?" clarified Hermione, crossing her legs absently. She brushed her fringe off her forehead. Crookshanks bounded on her lap and began mewing for attention. Distractedly, she stroked his head. He purred soothingly, his bottle-brush tail swishing left and right.
The sight of her toned calves distracted Harry. Slowly, as if he was savouring the sight, he allowed his eyes to linger past her calves to her thighs. He never knew that she had such nice legs. Crookshanks's unnerving stare made him swallowed visibly. He shook his head when he realised that he was having inappropriate thoughts about his best friend. The half-Kneazle seemed nonchalant about catching him in the act.
Sirius shook his head. "As long as they are part of the nobility." He noticed Harry's wandering eye. He smirked inwardly. "I've a title." He made a face at the admission. "Harry is also the heir to an inconsequential ranked title."
"A Noble family?" quipped Harry smoothly, looking at his godfather. He barely betrayed the fact that he was distracted. Harry had never heard of such practices despite receiving a magical education for four years.
Sirius nodded, not shocked that Harry had no idea of such practices. He knew that it ought to be his responsibility to impart such knowledge before Harry began his education at Hogwarts. "All Purebloods come from a noble family. They are made an Ancient family if that family has contributed significantly to the society and they can trace their magical lineage up to the tenth generation. I heard that there were some petitions to make the Potters an Ancient family when you come of age—"
"When I come of age? Why? What does that mean for me?"
The Grangers looked fascinated at that revelation.
"You ought to know too, Dan and Emma, since Jamie probably made both of you his retainers." The Grangers shared a confused look—they had no idea what he was saying.
Sirius lifted his hand and began to tick off the benefits of being an heir or the Head of an Ancient and Noble Family. "An automatic seat in the Wizengamot, preference when it comes to application of jobs in Ministry, the title, the ceremonial use of a weapon, special privileges to protect their properties, request for retrial when they are convicted…"
"Retrial!" yelled Harry, shooting out of his seat. "You can request for a retrial!"
Sirius shook his head vigorously. "I've considered it when I was in the cave. I could put in that appeal for a trial. However, it's unlikely since Dementors are ordered to kiss me on the spot. I believe that Crouch might have circumvented that privilege too. There aren't many Ancient and Noble families who are precedents in such an aspect. We're digressing, by the way. Why did you ask if it applies consistently across the different magical countries?"
Hermione remained quiet.
Harry rubbed the back of his head. "You remembered the Second task, don't you?"
Hermione looked uncomfortable at the mention of that task—it reminded her of Viktor's more-than-platonic affections. The adults in the room nodded in understanding. Harry and Hermione had briefly spoken to them about the second task.
"Well, I've done a bit of research," began Hermione briskly. "The Delacours are a famous family in France. Their proper title of the head of their family is Duc d' Orleans. They are also the minor branch of the Crown."
"Good Merlin, they would risk the life of a member of the royal family in the competition?" demanded Sirius, letting out a whistle. He knew that the Headmaster was bold, but he did not realise that he was brazen enough to risk the international relations between Magical Britain and France.
"It's not a well-known fact beyond France since they are using an obsolete family name to hide their identity," continued Hermione factually, shrugging. "That's the whole point, isn't it?"
"I didn't know France had a crown," said Dan.
"They do. Although non-magical France had abolished the monarchy in 1871, the Capetian Dynasty was continued in magical France," continued Sirius, revealing his extensive knowledge of the magical world. "So you've saved the youngest daughter of the Orleans family?" clarified Sirius, looking at Harry curiously. "Who, if my memory serves me correctly, is probably heir apparent to the Delacours since the King has no heir?"
"They should teach such stuff in History," grumbled Harry, staring at the floor.
Sirius whistled, leaning into his seat. "I'm surprised that the Duke hasn't arranged a meeting with you. Since you're of a lower rank, he is expected to repay that debt by betrothing his daughter to you—"
Harry's eyes went wide. "B-b-betroth?"
Sirius continued as if he did not hear his protest. "You know, marry up? Well, that works too. If you're engaged to her, you'll be seen as an adult in the magical world then, which serves the purpose of removing you from the Headmaster's influences."
"She's only nine," protested Hermione loudly, standing up. Crookshanks let out a startled yowl when he landed on the floor on his fours. He hissed at Sirius for causing duress to his mistress. "I'm sorry, Crookshanks," gushed Hermione as she picked him up. It took Hermione a while to calm him down. She glanced at Sirius, waiting for his answer.
"She is old enough if she's from a noble family," countered Sirius matter-of-factly, shrugging.
Harry paled. Betrothal? He never envisioned to be tied down by a political marriage. He could see the clockwork of Hermione's mind working at a furious pace. She looked frustrated since it was out of her expertise. Suddenly, he had an idea.
"Am I considered a part of the peerage? "shot Harry.
Sirius nodded hesitantly, wondering the intention of that clarification. His godson looked quite serious.
"Well, I owe Hermione a life-debt for helping me through all the tight corners in my four years of being in Hogwarts. Since I owe her that debt, she can ask me to repay it by stopping the alliance," announced Harry triumphantly. "Otherwise, she could demand for the collection of life debt from you by preventing the alliance." He turned to Hermione. "You'll do that for me, won't you?"
Hermione stared at him, flabbergasted. Did Harry know what he was saying? The only way she could prevent the marriage alliance was by demanding Harry to marry her.
Her cheeks burnt red.
"Hermione? "enquired Harry worriedly. He grew disheartened at her reaction. "I reckon that it might be too insensitive of me to merely repay the life debt I owe you this way—"
"No!" interrupted Hermione vociferously.
The vehemence of her response startled everyone in the living room. There was a pregnant silence.
Crookshanks, noticing that his mistress was so agitated, leapt away from her lap to find a safer spot. The Grangers caught on the implications of Harry's request. Emma shook her head empathetically.
"U-uh…" Harry scratched his head, oblivious to the cause of her outburst. Was the request that bad? He wanted a fair chance to marry for love.
Hermione turned away, blushing furiously. "I will," she whispered quietly, tugging her dress nervously.
Sirius smiled inwardly. His innocent godson was so oblivious to her feelings. "Well, it is expected of him to betroth his daughter to you, but it's unlikely it will happen. Most of them will repay the debt through other means such as forming a political alliance with that family, especially if both families are of nobility," continued Sirius, barely keeping a straight face. Unable to resist, he cracked a small smile. "It's nice to know that he'll turn to you to prevent an alliance of families through marriage. I'm glad that you return the sentiment, Hermione." He winked at her mischievously.
Realisation dawned on her. She barely controlled the groan that escaped her mouth. Hermione arched a brow. "You're making fun of us, aren't you?" She inched dangerously closer to him, like a predator stalking its prey.
Once again, he lifted his hands in surrender. "I-It was a possibility. It is my responsibility to let him know." Slowly, he backed away, knowing that he was in serious trouble.
Harry glanced at them, bemused. He was uncertain why his best friend was so livid with his godfather. Did he miss something?
Knowing that this was the end of the discussion for the night, Dan gently turned to Harry. Gently, he patted his shoulder. "Sirius was having fun at your expense," summarised he, smiling indulgently. Dan knew it took a marriage to nullify a betrothal and he did not want to embarrass Harry.
Harry seemed to relax at that clarification. He knew Hermione well enough to understand that she was very protective of him.
"I'll prepare the attic for your godfather. Let him know that he is welcomed to stay with us for as long as he wants. He's also free to share my wardrobe. We're of the same size. Regarding the political alliance, I'm quite sure Sirius is more equipped you to help you with that. We have several things to do tomorrow, so don't stay up too late."
Harry grimaced at the thought of all the medical appointments they had made for him. He stared at the floor, wondering if he should prepare them. Nervously, he shifted his weight between his feet.
Dan and Emma seemed to understand his anxiety.
"You'll be fine," assured Dan. "We'll be there with you. Nothing is going to change our opinion of you."
He nodded. There was no point for him to worry about it since it would eventually come out to light.
Emma drew him into her embrace, kissing him on the cheek. "Rest well tonight, Harry."
He bade them goodnight, watching them head out of the living room with Crookshanks hot on their heels. Both Grangers were amused that their respectful daughter was scolding Sirius.
He settled on the couch, contemplating about the things he had learnt tonight. It was clear that they needed a political ally to legitimise his guardian's authority of him and his withdrawal from the competition. He needed to try to ally with the Delacours. They made good allies since they were beyond the influences of the Headmaster.
In a day, he was closer to realise his dream of attaining normalcy.
Harry smiled as he watched both Sirius and Hermione bickered good-naturedly, wondering how his fortunes changed so dramatically. It filled him with peace to witness such a domestic scene. It was barely the end of his first day at the Granger and he had experienced several major shifts in his life.
His smile widened when his eyes fell on the person solely responsible for it—his best friend. Her arms were in akimbo, her cheeks red with frustration. In spite of the display of anger, she was lovely. The position of her arms emphasised on her feminine curves. There was also definition to her fair arms, no doubt a consequence from heaving her heavy school bag around.
Harry was struck by the distance she would go for him. It left him simply flabbergasted. She even promised to get him out of a loveless marriage through collecting the life debt he owed her. He chuckled when Hermione cuffed his frightened godfather. It delighted his heart to see his best friend and his godfather get along well with each other. The fluttering of wings announced the arrival of Hedwig. He was astonished to see that Crookshanks, with a self-inking quill in his mouth, following her. Did they sense his need?
Carefully, Hedwig set some parchment on the table. Crookshanks, following her lead, dropped the quill next to the parchment.
"Did you sense my need?" asked Harry, reaching over to pet Hedwig. She barked affirmatively, staring meaningfully at Crookshanks. To his amusement, Crookshanks began to wash himself indifferently.
"What a clever little owl," praised Harry, ruffling her feathers. Crookshanks hissed warningly when he had missed him out. "You're very intelligent, Crookshanks," added Harry, shaking his head in amusement. Using the other hand, he scratched him behind his ears. "Why don't both of you go upstairs to rest? I know you had a long and tiring day."
"Did they bring you those?" asked Sirius, staring at the animals in wonderment. He approached the animals, scrutinising them.
"They're smart, aren't they?" repeated Harry proudly. Hedwig rubbed her head against his hand tenderly at his praise.
"Isn't Crookshanks your pet, Hermione?" queried Sirius.
Hermione nodded.
"That's strange," replied Sirius, staring at the two animals. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "They respond to your need because they're starting to bond with you, Harry. I assume you spend a lot of time with them?"
Hermione's eyes gleamed with interest. "Is that unusual? Hedwig responds to my needs too. She appeared at my desk when I wanted to write a letter to you this afternoon." She wondered why she had missed that out. The school owls did not respond to her in such a manner.
Sirius eyed Harry and Hermione musingly. "Both of you must be very close to each other. It is rare that pets bond with anyone besides their own owners. I can't exactly remember why." Hedwig hopped across the table to Hermione so that the witch could tickle her stomach.
It was clear from Hermione's expression that she had mentally filed that as a topic to pursue when she returned to Hogwarts.
"No matter, it's good that your pets like both of you. I know of a friend who once had an owl. The owl would poop into his girlfriend's plate whenever it brought a letter to him. I heard it bit her several times. Eventually, she broke up with him."
The teenagers blushed immediately, causing Sirius to chuckle. "Ah…it's good to be young." It earned a warning peck from Hedwig, who was glaring at him. Besides her, Crookshanks had stopped cleaning himself, choosing to examine his extended claws meaningfully. Knowing how ferocious pets could be, he stopped teasing Hermione and Harry. "Let's get to that letter now, shall we? "suggested Sirius brightly, rubbing his hands. "You could send the letter tomorrow, Hedwig."
Hedwig eyed Sirius doubtfully.
"That's a good suggestion. It's important that you rest well, Hedwig. This letter isn't that important. You could always send it after a good rest," affirmed Hermione, scratching her stomach.
She spun her head and glanced at Crookshanks meaningfully. He sat on his hind legs, fixing his gaze on Sirius as if he was going to keep an eye on him. She bobbed her head before returning her attention to Hermione.
Hedwig nipped her finger affectionately, hopped to rub her head against Harry's arm, and then flew back to her perch.
"What protective pets you have," commented Sirius, staring at Crookshanks. His comment earned a warning hiss from him. "Let's get cracking, "exclaimed Sirius with much enthusiasm, rubbing his hands. They settled around the table and began discussing how they should pen the letter. Between the three of them, they managed to complete the letter in good time, allowing them to head upstairs to rest.
Hermione earned an excited hug from Sirius when he found the new clothes she had bought on his bed in the attic.
It was the first time Harry had been to the attic of the Granger's house, it looked like a well-decorated recreation room with its own entertainment system, a bar, and a connecting toilet.
Sirius whistled appreciatively at the comfort of his new room.
"Dad's hideout. He converted the room when I grew older. There's a bed here because there are occasions when he has friends staying over," replied Hermione when Sirius released her. Cheerfully, he explored the room. With a large smile, he settled on the couch and turned on the television.
"Wow, I'm thankful for your hospitality. This is really too much," said Sirius, staring at her.
Harry was amazed to see that he was so comfortable being around non-magical appliances.
"Daddy has already prepared the toiletries you need in your toilet," said Hermione, gesturing to the connecting toilet. "It's fine. You're Harry's godfather and they really missed Harry's parents. We've a long day tomorrow. Will you accompany us to the doctor's and Gringotts?"
"Is someone ill?" asked Sirius curiously. He remembered that Lily told him that doctors were the non-magical equivalent of a healer.
Harry shook his head. "They're taking me for a routine check-up. Will they recognise you on the street? I don't want to get you in trouble."
"To be safe, I shall accompany you as Padfoot then," replied Sirius smoothly, patting his shoulder. "I can't use much magic here because it might be traced to you, Hermione."
"What about doing magic in the Potter's house?" suggested Hermione, pointing to the opposite house. "Do you think if it's possible?"
He smacked his head hard. "Why didn't I think of that? I apparated straight to that house just now when I received Hedwig's letter. I shall alter my appearances within the boundaries of that house. Prongs registered that house under another name I believed, so it should be safe. Well, that also means that both of you will be able to do magic within that territory. "
"What?" demanded the teenagers.
Sirius looked confused. "They can't trace magic to a certain individual, only the area. If there were a registered adult witch or wizard living there, they would not bother tracing the magic because they expect the adults to enforce the policy of underage magic. Of course, they tend to monitor the neighbourhoods of first generation wizards and witches because they'll be more prone of revealing the presence of magical world to the non-magicals."
"That's just not fair," complained Hermione loudly, folding her arms before her chest.
Sirius shrugged. "That is what happens when you have bigots in charge of administering laws. It used to drive Lily barmy too. I'm quite sure she would have told your parents about it."
Hermione shook her head. "Dad and mum never said anything."
He remembered that he was also a victim of those laws. "So we can practice our magic in the backyard then?" clarified Harry.
"If that's how you want to spend your break," responded Sirius, yawning. "It would have been nice if we had access to the house. I reckon that your parents didn't manage to clear the house out. They always wanted to raise you up there."
Hermione and Harry traded a look. "I do actually have the key to the house. My parents left me a small chest."
Sirius stood up, his fatigue disappearing at once. "I'm awake. Up for a guided tour?"
The gentle and tepid breeze of the night caressed his skin. His magic responded automatically to the territory when they crossed into the Evans'—he felt as if he belonged here—even though he had no memories of this house.
"Strong wards," responded Sirius. "Prongs's handiwork. It's probably Unplottable too." He showered and changed his clothes before they decided to explore the house the Potters had discreetly left for Harry. He pointed to the shrubs and plants in the garden. "They're growing very well due to the magic in this place. Didn't Professor McGonagall detect the magic when she visited your family to hand you your letter? "
Hermione shook her head. "We were at my grandmother's place when Professor McGonagall visited. That year, we decided to stay with her because she was growing weaker and needed more attention. I have never told Hogwarts about my address since post owls do not need one."
"Let's keep it that way," replied Sirius.
Soon, they were at the doorstep, staring at the dustless door hole. Sirius stiffened at the sight of the door. Harry withdrew the key from his pocket of his trousers carefully. He exhaled the breath he was holding unconsciously.
A faint vanilla scent wafted around him like a lover's embrace. Hermione's presence comforted him. He took a deep breath, inhaling that sweet scent. "This is it." He thought of his parents, smiling and waving at him in the magical photographs that Hagrid had given to him. The thirst to know him drove him to insert the key and turn.
A soft 'click' announced that they had entry into the house. For a moment, his courage faltered. Did he really want to uncover the past of his parents? Blindly, he searched for Hermione's hand. She slipped her hand into his, closing the short distance between them. It stilled his anxiety. With shaking hands, he turned the knob and pushed the door open.
The lights came on immediately, lighting the whole foyer up. Its design was similar to the Granger's. Like the Granger's place, unmoving photographs lined the walls that led upstairs. It looked lived-in, thick tomes filling every flat surface, toys and some homily clutter.
There were ghosts of his parents everywhere.
Carefully, Harry took every inch of the scene, knowing that the last person who had touched them were his parents. Tenderly, he ran a finger across the cover of a book near them. His mother's, he thought pensively. It was about magical parenting. A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Every bit a bookworm," whispered Harry quietly.
Sirius nodded emotionally, his Adam's apple bobbing. He glanced at Hermione. "Not unlike your best friend." He closed his eyes, centring himself before turning to face them again.
As promised, he took them on a silent tour of the rooms.
Despite the years, the house remained relatively untouched by time. The sight of the strange alchemy of non-magical and magical appliances amazed him. Harry simply did not understand how a television could exist in the house with a fully functional potions lab in the basement.
"Magical shielding," responded Sirius distantly, gently touching the dustless cauldrons. "Lily's expertise. She didn't believe that non-magical and magical objects could not co-exist in a single place."
A garage was next to the potion labs, hosting several modified vehicles. Sirius chuckled at the sight of the covered vehicles. "Your Dad's pet projects. Used to drive your mum barmy."
"They don't fly right?" asked Hermione worriedly.
He shook his head. "I don't think so. We can check out the blueprints later."
The rooms lost his farce of looking mundane as they explored the house even more. The rooms upstairs revealed more about the lives of his parents. Sirius and Harry grew increasing emotional with each step.
They had their own studies. These were furnished for pragmatic reasons rather than for fashion. His Dad's study was more spacious. He noticed a large work desk next to a study, no doubt a place for his father to experiment and invent. Open books and hastily clipped papers filled that ebony desk. There was an etched motif of a large dog, stag, a rat, and a wolf on the empty wall of the room.
Here, Sirius broke down. He sank down on his knees, weeping as he touched the stag gently. "I failed you, Jamie." There was a haunted look on his face as he wept openly for the man he regarded as his brother.
They had never seen Sirius grieve for his parents. Harry and Hermione decided to step outside of the study to give him some privacy. She squeezed Harry's hand gently when she noticed the film of tears in his eyes. The house reminded him of how much Voldemort had stolen from him.
Tenderly, she wrapped her arms around him.
Her embrace reminded him of how much more the Dark Lord could have robbed from him. The Quidditch Cup, his dreams and his involvement with the Triwizard Tournament pointed towards the rise of the Dark Lord. He had his godfather, the Grangers and Hermione to think of now.
There was a yell of triumph from the study. Hastily, the teenagers broke free and dashed into the study. Sirius was standing before the desk, holding a leather bounded book. "Thank you, Prongs!"
He spotted the teenagers almost immediately. There was a gleeful smile on his face. "I can request for a retrial with this!"
The teenagers exchanged a confused look.
"It's your dad's journal. His last entry explains about concretising the plan of secretly changing secret-keepers!"
Harry cheered up immediately. "That's fantastic! We can write a letter to the Head of DMLE…"
"No! We can't." He thought of his partner when he was still an Auror. She knew him well since they spent many hours covering each other's backs during missions. He had always thought that she had broken faith with him since she did not bother re-examining his case when he broke out of Azkaban. It was unlike her—he had always remembered her as a persistent and just woman. "Not yet. Prongs took up the suggestion of Dumbledore. Merlin, he is fully aware of my innocence from the start." His eyes burned with anger for a moment before he expelled his breath. He looked almost tired. "It's my fault."
The teenagers went to him.
"Oh Sirius, it wasn't your fault. I would have done the same if I knew that Harry was murdered by another close friend," offered Hermione.
"Yes, no one expected that Wormtail would double-cross my parents. It wasn't your fault."
Sirius shook his head. "You can't deny that I am partly responsible for the fact that you were illegally placed with the Dursleys. I should have been there for you, trying to protect you instead of seeking revenge for your parents. It wasn't right. I could see to the enforcement of your parent's will—"
Harry shook his head stubbornly. "We're not seers. It's in the past."
Hermione glanced at her best friend. "Harry's right. We can't envision the consequences of our decision. You were upset by the betrayal and you'd lost your best friend."
"But—" The haunted look of Sirius broke their hearts.
"Look, Sirius," began Harry firmly. "While I was standing outside of my Dad's study, I learnt something. Voldemort stole my parents from me. He stole the hopes of having a pleasant childhood. I would have loved to grow up with Hermione—"
Sirius looked more distraught.
"But, that's not the most important thing after all. It's no good living a life fixated with 'what-ifs'. What's more essential is the things that Voldemort could rob us of again. I have you, the Grangers and Hermione now. I-I…" Harry faltered.
"We need you," affirmed Hermione, knowing that that was what he wanted to say. "You can tell that we're very lacking in terms of navigating the politics of the magical world."
Sirius placed a hand on each of their shoulders, staring at the teenagers. "You're right, pup. You're right, Hermione. Your happiness is more important, pup." He took a deep breath before cleaning the tears from his eyes. "Let's start anew here. I won't let revenge control my life any longer. We'll make finding happiness our new priority. Your parents wouldn't want us to be upset. We'll get us our freedom."
Harry grinned broadly.
"Hermione, you'll be saddled with us for a while then," teased Sirius, smiling. Playfully, he ruffled Harry's hair.
"Oh, we could do a whole lot worse," returned Hermione, laughing. "Come, I want to see the rest of the house."
"Wait. Let me show you Prongs's lair," quipped Sirius brightly. There was a playful gleam in his eyes. "We used to spend hours in here." He placed his hand on the motif of the four animals. "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good."
A/N: Thank you for reading. If you're unfamiliar with H J Potter, Amelia will be unlike the canon, so no monocle or grey hair. She's the same age as Sirius and used to be his partner when he was still an Auror. If you've any queries, you can just add them to your reviews. Anyway, Mr Crouch punished him without a trial mainly due to the fact that he considered Sirius a turncoat to the DMLE.
Oh yea, a shout out to Alix33, hope you don't have many errors to highlight.
Have a blessed day!