The Plan Keeperoliver Chapter 11

The plans had been made for the transportation of the Mirror of Erised by Dobby. Dobby was excited at the fact that Harry trusted him for such an important venture. The mirror was the key item for the return of Sirius, and Dobby would take the best care of the magical device. Dobby had stopped transforming, and he had filled out quite a bit. He no longer had pencil thin legs, long pointy ears. Long sharp nose, and big bulgy eyes. He no looked like a proper elf, with more human like features. He was also brilliant, He read all the the time he was not working. He was removed from the kitchen, and assisted the Professors, in grading tests, home work, quizzes, and classwork. He also corrected the books that the students were using, as many were outdated. He had also created new spells, and charms.

Harry and Remus, along with Tonks were excited at the prospect of getting Sirius back. They talked about the time he was with them after his escape from Azkaban, and his time being locked up at #12 Grimmauld Place. They also talked to Kingsley about getting him freed, following the information Harry provided about Wormtail. It didn't take much to convince Kingsley, as he already knew of the traitor. It took an hour of his time to get Sirius cleared of all charges. Every thing was all set for the event that was to take place tomorrow.

The people to be in attendance would be Harry, Remus, Tonks, Minerva, Kingsley Ginny, Hermione, and Andromeda. Narcissa was asked to attend, but she declined, fearing Sirius' wrath. Dobby would also be there, to return the Mirror once the Task was completed. The dept of Mysteries had asked for the use of the mirror in the future, and the Head Mistress had agreed when it was explained what it was to be used for.

It seems that the Veil was used to spare peoples lives if they were dying of a untreatable malady, that would now be cured. There were a total of twelve people that were on the list, that family members knew how to contact them. It had to be a family member to contact them. In Harry's case, being his godson, Sirius did a blood sharing with Harry when he was a baby, ensuring Harry would get everything in Sirius' will with no argument form the Black Family Members.

After they finished with the plans, Harry bid every body a good night, With Harry giving Tonks a kiss and a pat on her belly. She slapped her his hand away, and laughed when he pouted. "You did make me his Godfather didn't you? I deserve the right to rub your belly, to say hello to little Teddy."

"Ya you do Harrry, but not while Remus is around, he gets jealous."

"Well, maybe I do, but in Harry's case, I can overlook it. I mean he is the one who told us about it."

TP-}

Harry approached the Portrait of the Fat Lady, and said, "Hello Matilda, you are looking fine this evening. Are going out to a party Later, looking for your male friend?"

Matilda Blushed brightly, "Harry, you don't have to announce to the whole school, now get in here, so I can finish getting ready."

Harry chuckled at the portrait. He entered the Common Room,and was treated to the funniest sight he could remember ever seeing. Hermione and Ginny were sitting there, staring at each other, with Hedwig sitting on her perch, staring down at them.

Harry stood there watching them for 15 minutes, when Hedwig flew down and landed on Ginny's leg.

"Why did Ginny win, I didn't blink me eyes?" Hermione questioned Hedwig's judgment

Hedwig looked at Hermione and barely fluttered her eyelids.

"You mean to tell me that, that constitutes as blinking? My eyelids never made contact with each other. OK, but, with that being a questionable decision, let's make it two out of three."

Ginny laughed at her friend. They became bored while waiting for Harry to end his meeting, and Ginny went to get Hedwig to referee a staring contest for them. The winner got maid service for a week, from the loser. School work was not included in that service. Ginny had won two straight games. "Come on Hermione, don't be a sore loser. Alright, but this is it, as Harry should be back soon. She had her back to Harry, and didn't see him. When Hermione was going to comment, Harry put his finger to his lips to quiet her.

The game started , and Harry went right to Ginny, leaned in and Kissed her, causing her to close her eyes, which caused Hedwig to fly to Hermione's lap, declaring her the winner. Hermione did her victory dance singing, "Oh yeah, I did it, I beat you, I'm gonna win. You don't stand a chance now. I'm on a roll. You're going down girl. Get ready, I have a list already for you. Let's finish this."

Harry and Ginny were laughing at her antics, never seeing Hermione act like this before. They liked it. Ginny told Harry to go sit in the corner, and don't try to break her concentration.

They started their contest, as Hedwig took her position. The rules were simple. They could not do anything but stare at their opponent. They could do nothing to break their concentration. This lasted for about 20 minutes, when all of a sudden Hermione sneezed. Hedwig flew down onto Ginny's lap, and Hermione fell back into the couch. "Damn allergies. Shite. Alright Mistress of Magic, what do you want from me this evening, you humble servant is here to please?"

Ginny brought a finger up to her chin and thought. "Well, let me think on it for a minute, I'm sure I'll think of something. Oh, one thing you could do, is bring Hedwig's perch back upstairs, as I think she deserves some attention. What do you say girl? Do you want some lovin?" and Hedwig flew over to Ginny, and settled on her leg. Ginny started to scratch behind her neck, where she couldn't reach, and Hedwig was asleep in seconds. Ginny kept up her scratching, as it was comforting for her as well. Hermione grabbed the perch and headed for the Dorm,when Ginny asked if she would draw her a bath as well. Hermione nodded, and took the perch upstairs. About 10 minutes later, she came back down, and told Ginny her bath was ready. Ginny sat up, which disturbed Hedwig. "Sorry girl, but my bath is ready." She went to put Hedwig down, but she refused to be put down. Ginny was getting a little upset. "Come on Hedwig, I want to go take a bath." Hedwig looked at her with her big brown eyes. "Let me guess, you want to take a bath as well?" Hedwig nodded her head. Ginny took her with her, and they took their bath together.

When they came back down a half hour later, Harry joined them on the couch. He could smell the fragrance of strawberries coming both from Ginny and Hedwig. Hedwig was rubbing her head against Ginny hand, as if saying thank you. "You're welcome pretty lady. We'll have to do this again next week." And Hedwig just nodded her head again, liking the idea.

Harry started to rub Hedwig's head, and comment, "Hedwig, I think you need to stay in the Dorm tonight, as you will be getting a lot of unwanted attention if you go back to the roost, smelling like this. Why do you think I hang around Ginny so much. Being beautiful, and sharing the aroma of fresh strawberries with me, is beyond my self control."

Ginny looked at Harry at this admission. "You really think I'm beautiful? You, who could have any girl on the planet, think I'm beautiful?"

"I'm sorry Ginny, I don't think your Beautiful." Ginny's head dropped, thinking Harry just admitted to her he didn't think she was beautiful. "No Ginny, I don't think you're beautiful, because to think that, that would mean there is a doubt. I know you are beautiful, leaving no doubt."

Hermione just heard the sweetest thing coming from Harry. Why the hell can't I get a guy like Harry. He is kind, considerate, loving, caring, dependable, and a major hunk, glasses and all. No, I have to fall for Ron, who can't chew and think at the same time. I'm going to have to ask Harry to give Ron lessons in being a perfect boyfriend.

They broke up their little gathering, and headed to bed, looking forward to a big day tomorrow.

TP-}

Harry, Ginny, Hermione, and Dobby were eating breakfast early, in order to make it to the Ministry. Dobby had moved the Mirror the prior evening, to avoid the day workers in the Dept. He had set it up the way Harry had asked, and left it there for the following day's activities. About seven AM, Sirius took up his position in the Mirror of Erised. Of course no one could see him, but he wanted to make sure he did not miss this most important meeting. He had been having his doubts about the whole thing, then he thought back on what Harry had accomplished just for Sirius. If it had not been for Harry, he would not have escaped Azkaban. He had thought about this hard. If truth be told, he could have escaped any time he wanted. But when he realised that Harry was going to school with a death eater sleeping in the same room as him, it was too much for Sirius to take. He had to escape and protect Harry. Then, if it wasn't for Harry, he would have been put to the kiss of a Dementor. True, a lot of it had to do with Hermione, and her time turner, but Harry was still involved. If it hadn't been for Harry's letters while Sirius was stuck at #12, he would have gone crazy. Harry even got Hermione and Ginny to write. Forget Ron, he couldn't even take time to write his Mom.

Sirius wished he could have contacted James and Lily to let them know what was going on. Even though time had no meaning in the veil, being the only person made this a very miserable stay. Why wasn't he allowed to see his brother in mischief, and his beautiful Wife. As he was thinking all this, he could feel someone try to talk to him in his mind. Why now, of all times to go crazy, why just before I leave. The sound became louder and louder. Calling his name, as if from a far off place, but coming closer. 'Sirius. Sirius. Can you hear me Sirius. Sirius Black.'

Sirius couldn't take it any more. "What do want from me. I finally get a chance to get out of this God forsaken place, and now you show up? Where were you when I had no hope?"

"Sirius, this is Albus Dumbledore. I have a message for you to take back with you, for young Harry. Tell him I am very proud of him, as is his mother and father. Tell him they love him and miss him, and wish they could have been there for him. You are getting the third chance to be with him, and very few get a second chance. Since you came through the veil alive, and Harry figured out how to retrieve you from you second prison sentence, I have been given the opportunity to talk with you about Lily and James. Tell him that there is a painting of them in the Potter family vault, that will activate when he talks to them for the first time. Their will has been waiting to be read since his seventeenth birthday. At the reading, there are two letters to him that will explain this. It will also explain other things, but right now he needs to find these paintings and activate them. It has been arranged that the portraits will be current in their memories, so he will not have to replay all his bad memories. Once again, Sirius, tell him that we, Lily, James, and I all love him. Also tell him to visit me in the Head Master's office, so that we may talk. Good bye Sirius, and enjoy your third chance to be with Harry." And the voice was gone. It was not long after this, that the members of the little party started to show up. Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Remus, and Tonks walked over to find Sirius sitting in a Lotus position, waiting for them. He looked out at them, and broke into a huge grin.

"Hi every one. Did you all get enough sleep? Hermione, did you bring the Book with the spell?"

"OH no! I forgot the Book. How stupid of me." Hermione shouted.

Sirius had the look on his face like 'WTF'.

Hermione then broke out laughing, pulling the book out, and showing it to Sirius. Sirius just stuck his tongue out at Hermione.

After every one was settled, Harry took the book from Hermione to say the spell that would hopefully bring back Sirius.

Harry took his position between the two portals. He read the spell several, before he put the book down. He took one last look at Sirius, nodded, which Sirius returned. He then looked at the rest, and nodded once again, which was returned. Harry then started, "RETRIVISEUM OCCULARUM ET VISAGE UN ERISED!"

Sirius's image in the mirror, disappeared. Harry's mouth dropped. He ran to the grabbing the sides, yelling his name.'Sirius, come back, please come back. I don't want to lose you again." Harry had tears streaming down his face, as he tried to climb into the mirror to get Sirius. He fell to his knees, not caring what any one thought of his crying. He sat there until he heard:

"Harry, I'm over here." and Harry whipped around to look upon Sirius in the flesh. He was ready to run and jump on him when Sirius stopped him. "Let me get out from in front of this infernal veil, before you attack me, OK."

Harry stopped with a grin on his face, and tears running down his cheeks.

Sirius stepped away from the mirror, and was attacked by the entire assembly of friends. He picked Hermione up and kissed her full, causing Hermione to blush a deep scarlet. He then did the same with Andromeda, Minerva, Tonks, and lastly, Ginny. He then hugged Kingsley, Dobby, where he stopped and asked, "Thank you for your help, but, who are you?"

"I'm Dobby, Sirius, friend of Kreacher the Brave."

"Kreacher the Brave? boy you leave for a couple of years, and every thing changes."

Sirius the went to Remus and pulled him into a hug that lasted a few minutes. Then he went to Harry. With more tears, he picked him up and held him close, like he didn't want to lose him again. "harry, remind me later, to pass on a message from some one, to you."

"I will Sirius, but right now, let's go find us something to drink, I'm parched."

Kingsley led them to the restaurant in the Ministry, and treated them all to a fabulous lunch. They sat and talked about all kinds of things. He finally got to Dobby. "Now what's this about Kreacher the Brave?"

Dobby told Sirius the entire the story Of Harry, Kreacher and his adventures. Sirius was shocked at what was told him, and found a new respect for his family elf. He would remember to visit his and Regulas' grave one day soon. Sirius was thrilled of the engagement and the news of Tonks pregnancy. He was going to have a baby cousin from his best friend and his cousin.

After they ate, They all returned to Hogswarts, where Sirius met Severus, and for the first time, they shook hands as friends. Sirius was going to start this third chance at life, with a clean slate. No enemies. All friends, until they proved otherwise.

Once settled into a room, Sirius went to the Gryffindor Common Room, and found the Fat Lady sneering at him. "Did you bring another knife with you, Mr. Black?"

"No dear lady, I brought you this instead." and Sirius produced a beautiful pink rose, which he magically sent into the pictur to the Lady. she took it, and smelled it, relishing th fragrant odor.

"Thank you Sirius, it has been a long time since I was given a rose."

"you deserve dear lady, after putting up with my behavior four years ago."

Dean Thomas walked out, as he was getting ready to ask for permission to enter, so he just grabbed the frame, and entered. She threw out to him, "Next time ask to enter Sirius."

"Yes love, I will." He snickered.

Harry was sitting on the couch, with Ginny cuddled on his lap. Hermione was sitting next to them just staring at nothing. Ron and Seamus were Playing chess. Sirius looked at Ron, then at Hermione, and put two and two together. He sat down next to Hermione, and whispered in her ear. She looked up at him shocked and bewildered. Was it that obvious.

Sirius got up and walked to Ron. Ron looked up, and stood up to shake his hand. "Sirius, how are you, mate. Sirius Black, this is Seamus Finnegan. Seamus, Sirius. I didn't see you come in, how long have you been here."

"Long enough to know that if you don't go over and pay some attention to Hermione, I will? I can't believe you would let a beautiful girl sit by herself while you play a silly game. I thought you liked Hermione?"

"I do like Hermione, but it's not like she's my girlfriend or anything."

"So then, you wouldn't mind if I asked her out, then would you?"

"Aren't you kind of old for her?"

"Look at Remus and Tonks. They're happy, aren't they? Perhaps Hermione could be happy with me?"

"What? You think Hermione would agree to go out with you?"

"Only one way to find out, I'll ask?"

"No, don't, please. I think I know what you are getting at. If you don't mind, I'll go over and ask her to go out with me. If she says no, then you can ask? Is that alright?"

"If you ask her nice, Ron, she won't say no. But treat her like a lady Ron, not like a girl. She is a lady, and a right beautiful one, if I might add."

Ron went over to Hermione, and sat down next to her. "Hermione, can I ask you a question?"

Hermione looked at Ron questioningly, "Sure Ron, what is it."

"Would you go with me on the next Hogsmeade visit, and if you would, could it be as my girlfriend?" Ron asked quietly.

Hermione drew a huge grin on her face, "Yes Ron, I will go on the next Hogsmeade visit, as your girlfriend." Ron looked into Hermione's eyes, and melted. He never noticed how beautiful she really was. He leaned in to Hermione for a kiss. Hermione leaned in also, and their lips met, and all Ron could see were WWW fireworks exploding in his head. He had kissed Lavender at the start of last year, quite a bit, and he thought that they were awesome, but they were nothing compared to this. Ron could not believe that he had let this feeeling slip by him for such a long time. He finally realised he was running out of breath, and broke off the kiss, and took a deep breath. At that point in time, Ron felt he had just met his life's mate.