Breakfast that morning was very quiet. Everyone was surprised to see the Weasley boys shooting odd glares at Harry, who was sitting between Lupin and Draco.

"What's the deal with them?" Draco asked Harry.

"They're not in the best of moods with me."

"I gathered that from the looks they've been giving you. Some of them could rival their ones for me," said Draco. "And that's saying a lot." He went back to his breakfast, shaking his head.

A few minutes later the post arrived and an owl dropped the Daily Prophet in front of Harry, who opened it. Dumbledore and McGonagall were looking at him, waiting to see his reaction.

Harry untied it and rolled it open, stopping dead as he read the front page headlines.

Sirius Black Innocent

Early this morning, Minister of Magic, Cornelius Oswald Fudge, called a press conference to confirm suspicions that Sirius Black (imprisoned for the murder of twelve muggles and Peter Pettigrew fifteen years ago) was indeed telling the truth that he did not kill the aforementioned victims.

When asked where the new information came from, the Minster replied, "We have Pettigrew in custody and he has confessed to everything under the influence of Veritaserum. The confession also included that he was indeed the Potter's secret keeper at the time of their murder, and that he gave their location to He-Who Must-Not-Be-Named."

Minster Fudge did not inform us where or when they had found Pettigrew, but did say that he would be sent to Azkaban. At eight o' clock last night Sirius Black's name was cleared - See more on page 12

Harry sat in shock. Lupin looked over at him. "Harry? What's the matter?" He laid his hand on Harry's shoulder but Harry didn't say anything. He handed the paper to Remus.

The table were now looking in their direction. After a moment Remus looked at Albus.

"Is this true?"

Albus smiled. "Yes, Remus."

Harry suddenly stood up. "Please excuse me," he said and walked over to the doors.

"Harry!" Remus called, but Harry just kept walking and said, "I need to think." Then he was gone.

Tonks looked at Remus and asked the question that nearly everyone was thinking.

"What's going on?"

Remus turned back to face the table. "What?" he asked.

"What is in the paper that has both of you so shocked?" Ro asked.

"Here," he threw the paper at her. "I…I'm going to get some air." Then he too stood and exited the Great Hall.

When he was gone Ro opened the paper and read the article aloud. When she was finished the whole table sat quietly.

"You'd think they'd be happy about this," said Bill.

"I believe that it has come as a bit of a shock to them, Mr Weasley," said Dumbledore.

"But they both knew Pettigrew was in custody," Charlie exclaimed.

"Yes, but a lot happened in a short time. They have not had time to digest it all."

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Remus stepped out into the morning sun and looked over the courtyard. He could see a lone figure sitting not too far away from the door and he slowly walked down to the figure, sitting next to him.

"It doesn't feel right," said Harry. "He should be here to celebrate, and he would be if it hasn't been for me."

"That's not true, Harry," said Lupin comfortingly.

"Yes, yes it is! If I hadn't rushed into it-"

"If you hadn't rushed into it and it was right he would be dead anyway, and then you would never have forgiven yourself," Remus cut him short.

"But it wasn't real!" Harry yelled, standing to face Remus. "I let Voldemort trick me! I should have known better!"

Remus rose too. "No you shouldn't, Harry," he said. "You're a kid, Harry! You shouldn't be made to do this, to have all of this sitting on your shoulders. Sirius knew the risks of going to the Ministry that night. Both Severus and I tried to stop him, but he wouldn't listen. It was his love for you, his need to protect you that killed him.

"He was my friend too, Harry, remember that." Remus blinked. "I know you are mourning at his loss but you're not alone. We're all here for you." They were both quiet for a while before Harry sat back down next to Remus.

"I'm sorry," said Harry. "You're right. I have been wrapped up in my own self-pity."

Remus looked at Harry. "I've known Sirius for many years, Harry, and he would have wanted us to be happy. He died doing what he believed in. We have grieved for over a month. He wouldn't want that, he would want us to live on and defeat Voldemort." They were both silent again, thinking and remembering Sirius.

They stayed like this till the castle doors opened and Tonks came out. "Hey, you two," she said. Harry saw Remus' eyes light up when he saw Tonks.

"Wotcher, Tonks," said Harry then stood up and looked at Remus. "Thank you."

"Anytime, Harry."

"Really?" asked Harry, unsure.

"Of course."

"Thanks. I'm going to go and see what everyone's up to," said Harry, running past Tonks and smiling.

When he'd gone Tonks sat down next to Remus. He pulled her onto his lap and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "You okay?" she asked.

He thought about it for a moment. "Yeah." He nodded. "And I think he will be too," he said, looking in the direction in which Harry had gone.

"Good," said Tonks, kissing him. It deepened and he wrapped his arms more tightly around her waist.

"Ha!" called someone and they broke apart to see the two eldest Weasley sons standing in the doorway. "You owe me 2 Sickle," said Charlie to his older brother. Bill mumbled something then pulled out his money pouch and handed the money over.

Mr Weasley frowned at his sons.

"You bet on us?" Tonks yelled at Charlie, who took one look at Tonks and ran back into the castle. She hopped off Remus' lap and ran after Charlie in a heartbeat.

Remus sighed then looked at Arthur. "Heading to the Ministry?"

"Yes. What will you do today?" he asked.

"Probably make sure Tonks doesn't kill your son," said Remus, standing.

"Dad, I better head off. I'm supposed to be at Gringotts in a few minutes," said Bill. Mr Weasley nodded and bid Remus goodbye.

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When Harry entered the castle he bumped into Mr and Mrs Weasley, their three eldest sons and Ginny.

"Hello, Harry dear," said Mrs Weasley.

Bill, Charlie and Percy glared at Harry.

He smiled at them. "Hello, Mrs Weasley, Mr Weasley, Ginny. I'm sorry for my behaviour earlier," said Harry, ignoring the boys.

"There is no need to apologise, Harry," said Mr Weasley. He looked at his watch. "Well, we must be off. Have a good day you three, boys." He left them in the Entrance Hall.

"What are you going to do today?" Molly asked Harry.

"Oh, I think I'll try and get some more of my homework done," said Harry, then looked at Ginny. "Want to come to the library?"

Ginny looked at her mother, who nodded. "Okay, I need to get my books though."

"S'okay, so do I."

"All right you two, I'll see you both later. I need to speak to Professor McGonagall. Oh and Harry, if any of the boys say anything to you just tell me." She smiled at the two of them.

"I will, thanks," said Harry and he headed up the staircase with Ginny. When they were halfway up the castle doors opened and Charlie came running through, up the stairs and right past them. Not a second later Tonks followed.

"I'm going to really hurt you this time, Weasley,"she shouted after him.

TBC…