Year Three

Disclaimer: All of this is based upon the lovely J.K. Rowling's work. I own nothing except for a few non-canon characters to be introduced along the way. All of the paraphrased or direct quotes are from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, text copyright 1999 by J.K. Rowling. This story also borrows and incorporates several ideas from They Shook Hands by Dethryl, which is posted on Schnoogle, and I highly recommend as it is a great fic.

Everything is in the British-English spellings and feel free to Brit-pick.

"blah": dialogue

'blah': thoughts

"blah": Parseltongue

"blah": Legilimency/Telepathy

Chapter Thirty-Six: Past Imperfect

Holly groaned and opened her eyes. Her mind was dull, shields at the max, Blaise a very distant and muted presence. The girl fumbled for her glasses on the bedside table and blearily peered around, but it took her a moment to realise that she was in the Hospital Wing. Draco and Blaise were on beds on either side of her, clearly unconscious. Ron was in the same state directly across, a bandage wrapped around both his leg and head. In the bed to his left, Hermione laid on her side, making it difficult to tell if the girl was awake. However, Holly had the distinct impression that she was not. Neville was likewise still knocked out just to her left. Luna completed their little group, but unlike the others, her eyes were wide open, staring straight back at Holly.

The older girl started and briefly wondered what by Salazar was going on. But then, she remembered.

Wormtail. Hagrid's hut. The Gryffindors. The Shrieking Shack. Professor Snape. Remus. Werewolf. Dementors.

All of this passed through her mind in an instant, leaving a sinking realisation. Peter Pettigrew was gone. And with him, their only chance to set Sirius free.

Holly squeezed her eyes shut painfully, but they flung open seconds later. Her head turned to Luna, and she opened her mouth to speak. The blonde, however, pressed a finger to her lips and gestured with her other hand to the door.

The Slytherin blinked at her and very slowly gave her a mental prod. "Luna? What's going on?"

"We've got to stay quiet. Fudge is just on the other side of the door with Dumbledore and Snape." She suddenly trembled. "He's going to take Sirius. Probably to give him the Kiss somewhere other than school grounds. No trial. No nothing."

The older girl goggled at her. "What! But Dumbledore-"

"-Is doing his best to stop it," Luna interrupted. "But there's a whole squad of Aurors here. And Fudge won't see reason." She exhaled and rubbed a hand over her face. "Even Professor Snape is against it. Sickened by how adamant Fudge is about the whole thing."

Holly shook her head in disbelief. "Dumbledore's in charge of the Wizengamot. Can't he order them to stop? Or even have them give Sirius Veritaserum?"

"The Aurors are either loyal to Fudge or think that Sirius is too dangerous to believe," Luna cut in tiredly. "They want him subdued as quickly as possible. And the headmaster hardly wants a battle to break out between them and the professors."

"Maker, there has to be something we can do?" Holly sent back with growing dread. "What about everyone here, in the hospital wing? We all saw Pettigrew."

Luna shrugged rather helplessly. "Draco is knocked out for the long haul. He doesn't have shielding like us. He got the full force of the Dementors. Madam Pomfrey had to sedate him. Ron has a concussion, and Hermione was hysterical when she woke up. They potioned her back to sleep."

"And the others? Blaise... and Neville?" the Slytherin prompted. She felt a distinct tingle at the edge of her mind, her bond with Blaise awakening.

The blonde inclined her head. "They should wake up pretty soon. Pomfrey didn't do anything to them."

Holly's gaze flickered to them then. Sure enough, the both were beginning to stir. Neville moaned and rolled over onto his side. His eyes opened with excruciating slowness, and he sat up to blink at them.

Blaise, on the other hand, woke screaming. He rocketed upwards, fingers curling into his bed sheets.

There was a crash in Pomfrey's office before she came dashing into the ward proper. The nurse nearly ran down Holly as they both rushed over to the still shrieking boy. But he quieted the instant Holly's hand found his. Blaise's attention flicked to her as he struggled to draw in air, the nurse casting spells in the background. He shook though, practically quaking on the bed, and his eyes were glassy and suspiciously moist. His mind was chaotic, disjointed, fear coming off of him in waves. The girl staggered from the force of it, finding the edge of his bed in the nick of time as her knees weakened entirely.

And of course, the door to the infirmary chose that second to fling open, nearly smacking the wall. Dumbledore entered with Snape hot on his heels; Fudge followed at a more sedate pace. Pomfrey waved them all off, still in the process of casting. The headmaster ignored her and strode up behind Holly, setting his hands on her shoulders. The other two men stilled, Snape's dark eyes fixed on his student. He started a second later as Dumbledore turned to glance at them, something passing between them. The Potions master gave a very discrete nod and not-so-subtly ushered the Minister back into the corridor. The door closed behind them, the old man locking it with a wave of his hand.

There was a tense silence as Blaise calmed completely. He still trembled underneath Holly's fingertips but not as badly as before. His eyes found hers, and she attempted to smile. Yet, it fell horribly flat. Holly swallowed and felt inexplicably exhausted, Dumbledore's grip on her shoulders the only thing keeping her firmly upright.

Pomfrey pursed her lips and surveyed her patients. "Are you calm now, Mr. Zabini?" Her tone was firm, but there was a quiver to her voice.

Blaise nodded but kept quiet.

"The spells should hold for some time, but let me know the instant you feel anxious again," she ordered before looking at the rest of them. The nurse stiffened at realising that Holly and Neville were also now awake. And she opened her mouth to speak, but the old man cut her off.

"Forgive me for my intrusion," Dumbledore said, "but it is vitally important that I speak with them."

Pomfrey glared at him. "I haven't even treated them yet. They've only just woken up, Headmaster. Surely, it can wait." She dug one hand into the pocket of her robes, producing several chocolate bars. The woman promptly handed one to each of the children.

But the headmaster couldn't be swayed. "It can't. A man's life... his very soul is at stake. I will only require a few minutes. They should be fine until then."

Pomfrey paused in taking Luna's pulse and looked at him. Several emotions flittered across her face. She nibbled her lip in indecision, gaze travelling to each of the students in turn.

Holly hastily took a bit of chocolate, trying her best to appear healthy. Neville followed suit, actually managing a grin as the nurse's eyes landed on him.

The woman sniffed. "Fine." Yet, she made no moves to leave.

"Poppy, in private. If you please?" Dumbledore asked quietly.

Pomfrey made a face. Her gaze went from the still quivering Blaise to Holly then Luna and finally Neville. She signed, loud and heavy.

The nurse took a step back. "I... I'll just be in my office." Pomfrey turned on her heel and strode off.

Dumbledore magiced her office door shut behind her and cast a few additional spells around the ward. Once he was done, he turned back to his students, waving Luna and Neville over.

"Sirius is innocent, Headmaster," Holly said without prompting. "Whatever he's told you is true. We saw Pettigrew. All of us did. The Gryffindors, too."

Neville nodded fiercely. "I swear it, Professor. As weird as it sounds, Peter Pettigrew is alive."

Luna added, "He can turn into a rat, but he escaped when Remus turned into a werewolf." She twisted an anxious finger through her hair.

Blaise shuddered at the word. Holly squeezed his hand again, but the old man's attention flicked to them then.

"It's true," the boy murmured. "All of it."

Holly pleaded, "Please believe us."

Dumbledore just looked at them for a moment before letting out a sigh. "I do, my girl." The headmaster's hand went back to her shoulder. "I do believe you, but the Minister does not. He is too eager to put this whole mess behind him. He wants the matter dealt with immediately. Not tomorrow. Or a week from now. But tonight. He plans to give Sirius Black the Kiss this very night." He breathed out very slowly. "They plan to remove him from the castle within the hour, where he will be given straight to the Dementors."

"No," Holly breathed. "No, it can't be."

Luna's hand went to her mouth, worst fears confirmed. Neville weakly shook his head. Blaise bit his lip as hard as he could, actually drawing blood.

Holly stated urgently, "There must be something we can do."

"I have sent Fawkes to summon the other Wizengamot members, but I fear that we will not have the majority we need to stop the Minister in time... or even at all," Dumbledore replied wearily. "And you four can hardly testify in the state you are in. We must first confirm that you are not under any outside influence, but by the time that is done-"

"-The Minister will kill Sirius or disappear him or about a thousand other things before we can tell anyone," Holly replied, voice desperate and heartbroken.

Dumbledore peered at her sadly. "I'm afraid that he will, my dear." He looked older in that moment than they had ever seen him.

The back of Holly's eyes prickled then, throat very tight. She made a sound, pained and lost, and her breath refused to leave her lungs. Her hand went to her chest, fingers gripping and twisting. But they encountered a strange resistance, an object hanging around her neck.

Her head snapped up.

"What if we had Pettigrew?" the girl questioned. "What if we showed him to other people, including the Minister himself?"

"But Pettigrew is long gone," Neville cut in. "We'll never be able to find him."

Holly shook her head. "Not now. But we know where he was a few hours ago. Exactly where he was." She shivered with excitement.

Neville was clearly stumped. "I don't understand how that helps."

However, Dumbledore's lips curved into a firm smile. Luna and Blaise, too, seemed to comprehend. They exchanged a glance, the blonde's entire face lifting. The old man studied them but didn't comment.

"It does indeed help," Dumbledore responded cheerfully, entire demeanour now changed. "Just trust me, my boy."

Neville made a strange face but shrugged. "All right. So what exactly are we going to do?"

Holly pulled out her Time Turner. "We are going to use this to go back in time and catch a rat." She smirked at the Gryffindor's befuddled expression. "Don't worry. It'll work. This is how I've been getting to all my lessons this year, even the ones scheduled at the same time."

And it was like a light suddenly went on in Neville's brain. His mouth dropped open.

"Hermione has one, too, doesn't she? It all makes sense now. How she kept disappearing and all." He rubbed a hand over his chin. "Ron and I've been wondering about that."

Holly gave a curt nod. "Yes, and we'll use it to snatch Pettigrew. And then, bring him to you, Professor," she addressed Dumbledore. "Bring him here. To this very room."

There was a very distinct sparkle in the old man's eyes. "That sounds like a marvellous plan. In the meantime, I do believe that I will distract the Minister. Just as dear Severus is doing at this very minute." His gaze went to Blaise then, and his expression gained a sad cast. "My boy," the old man said, gently lowering Blaise back in his bed, "I think it best if you remain here." Dumbledore made a gesture, cutting off the brunet's retort. "There is still a werewolf loose on the grounds, dear child."

Blaise stiffened. "I..."

Holly brushed his free hand over his arm. "Just stay here. We'll be fine. Besides, only three of us can fit beneath the cloak."

The boy sighed. "I'm sorry, Holly," Blaise whispered, not able to meet her eyes.

She squeezed his hand once more. "It's all right. For just this once, let me be strong enough for both of us," she murmured too faintly for the others to hear.

Blaise looked at her. And finally, he squeezed her hand in return. The boy very softly freed himself from her grasp.

Dumbledore moved to the exit then, but fingers on the handle, he halted. "Now, just in case. Sirius is locked in Professor Flitwick's office. I believe that you know the one, Holly." He inclined his head to her. "If all goes well, you will be able to save more than one innocent life tonight. But remember this, all three of you: you must not be seen. I'm going to lock you in. It is five minutes to midnight. Three turns should do it. Good luck to you."

The door closed behind him with a quiet snap.

Holly stared after the headmaster for several heartbeats before squaring her shoulders. Her eyes went to Blaise, and he nodded. She glanced at Luna and Neville in turn. They both looked back at her, resolve obvious. Holly fingered her Time Turner, motioning for them to come closer. She slipped the chain around both of their necks, just thankful that it was long enough. The girl took a very deep breath and twisted three times.

And the world dissolved into a swirl of colour.

It was frightfully easy to get out of the castle and to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Holly, Luna, and Neville huddled under the Invisibility Cloak near Hagrid's hut, watching in a bizarre sort of fascination as everything happened again. Exactly as it had before.

Draco went to loosen Buckbeak's tether, while his friends entered the cabin. Hagrid shoved them out the back shortly thereafter. Once again, Ron stumbled, Pettigrew using the opportunity to break free. The Gryffindors chased after both of them and out of sight, while the two Slytherins headed for Draco. They were soon gone as well, and it didn't take long for Fudge and his posse to arrive, Dumbledore in tow. They also entered Hagrid's home in short order.

When she was certain that the Minister and his cronies were thoroughly distracted, Holly manoeuvred them closer to Buckbeak. She bent down and eased up the edge of the cloak, using the other side to conceal them from any watchers. Neville quickly mimicked her actions, freeing his own wand. He severed Buckbeak's rope with a single spell, while the girl let out a few Stinging hexes. Her efforts gained an angered squawk from the hippogriff before he tromped to the woods and the protection the trees offered.

Grinning with triumph, they let the cloak fall back into place and retreated from the hut. The trio headed for the Whomping Willow, hunkering down a safe distance away. Holly fetched the Marauder's Map, which was still thankfully in her pocket from earlier. Poor Neville gaped as the parchment came alive. He'd never seen anything quite like this before.

They watched as a dot marked Severus Snape exited the Entrance Hall and raced for the Willow. His real life counterpart soon appeared in their field of vision, only to disappear down the tunnel. Not even ten minutes later, Remus repeated the other man's actions. And less than five minutes after that, so did the earlier version of Luna.

Holly blew out a huff of air then and sat down. "Now," she said as the others joined her, "we wait."

Neville sniffed and scrunched his nose. "I guess, but there's one thing I don't understand." When the two girls glanced at him, he continued, "The Dementors. Why didn't they get us? I mean, Snape wasn't able to run them off with that mist-thing he made. His wasn't strong enough. But someone obviously did."

"Patronus," Holly replied, rubbing her hands together. "It's called a Patronus. And no, he couldn't. He told me that it was not him, but I don't know who it was."

"One of the staff perhaps," Luna said, tilting her head to glimpse the stars. "And whoever it was has to be really powerful. It was a corporeal Patronus. I saw it just before I passed out."

Neville tapped his fingers on his leg. "I did, too. It looked like some sort of animal. Like a dog or a big cat."

"McGonagall maybe?" Holly asked, eyes studying the map for a moment. "I didn't see anyone on the other side of the lake, so it could have been her."

The younger girl hummed a few notes to herself. "Or Flitwick. I bet that he could do it."

"So could Sprout," Neville inserted readily. "And a few of the others."

Holly rolled her shoulder, trying to loosen it a bit. "I'm not sure about that."

The blonde added in agreement, "They would have to be really, really powerful. Not even Professor Snape could chase them all off, and he's very strong."

"Well," the sole boy replied, "he was knocked out not five minutes before that. I think he has a valid excuse for not being at the top of his tower." His eyes traced over the nearby tree line.

The Slytherin couldn't help but snort. "Dumbledore, you think then?" she suggested. "Though I can't imagine what sort of Patronus he'd have. I always figured Fawkes or something along those lines."

Luna fiddled with her bottle-cap necklace. "Who knows what it was?"

"Maybe he has more than one form. I mean," Neville went on, still looking at the forest, "he's Albus Dumbledore. The impossible is fair game for him." He paused for a second before sitting up. "Hey! Look! It's Buckbeak." The Gryffindor pointed to a spot not that far away.

"Then, it must be soon," Luna cut in, glancing to Holly and receiving an acknowledging nod.

The Slytherin studied the map, seeing several people in the Whomping Willow tunnel. She gestured for the others to stand, also climbing to her feet. They secured the cloak around them and not a moment too soon as the tree froze that very instant. Remus and Ron appeared followed by Neville, along with Pettigrew and the rest of the gang. And as if by magic, the full moon appeared, triggering Remus' transformation.

It was sheer pandemonium. Even worse watching than experiencing. But they weren't there to just watch.

Holly stuck both of her hands outside of the cloak, wand in one. "Accio Peter Pettigrew," she called out loud, not that anyone heard her over the panic.

Instantly, a disgusting rat smacked into her palm. But faster than he could blink, Luna stunned him and Neville magiced on ropes. Holly transfigured a cage from a nearby rock, charming it to be unbreakable and dumping the traitor inside. She slipped back under the cloak, no one the wiser.

"Very nicely done," the Gryffindor put in with a grin. One finger tapped the glass of Pettigrew's cage.

"Don't I know it," Holly replied, but her eyes widened in that moment as something occurred to her. "Dammit. We have to move." She shoved Luna and Neville forward. "Remus is going to run this way."

The Ravenclaw stumbled, but she kept her feet thanks to Neville. Holly shepherded them away from the woods. However, that would either put them going across the grounds or back towards Hagrid's cabin. Both were bad options.

"Where can we go?" Luna questioned, face full of worry.

The older girl thought hard. "The other side of the lake." She directed them towards the water. "The Dementors never went that way."

'Besides,' she silently added to herself, 'we'll be able to see who cast the Patronus.'

They dashed towards the lake, managing to elude any and all Dementors along the way. Neville and Luna both dropped to their knees once they got there, not really used to physical exertion and panting heavily. Holly kept her feet, but she was still a bit winded. Nevertheless, she craned her head around, hoping to catch sight of their mysterious saviour.

But Holly didn't see anybody. No one at all. Not even when she heard the sounds of their past selves on the other side of the lake, the water allowing their shouts to carry. Not even when she felt the soul-numbing cold of the Dementors or saw the water begin to freeze over. Not even when she witnessed Professor Snape's Patronus fly out, only to be overwhelmed.

The Slytherin looked around frantically. From their side to the other and back. No one. No one at all. No one but them...

Holly could have slapped herself for her stupidity.

She lifted her wand to the sky. "EXPECTO PATRONUM!"

An animal burst forth, brighter than every star combined. Only, it wasn't a dog or any kind of big cat. Not a lion or tiger. It glowed like a small, whitish sun and glided over the lake, four paws skimming the water playfully. It reached the far shore, charging at the Dementors, snapping at their heels as they fled in panic.

Soon, they were all gone. And the animal trotted back over to where Holly numbly stood. She gaped at her Patronus.

A wolf. A white wolf.

Its... his reddish gold eyes stared straight back at her. He inclined his furry snout in a distinct bow, lupine mouth curving upwards. He let out a short bark before throwing his back his head and howling. The wolf faded into mist then, but the sound lingered for a moment.

"Holly," Luna called breathlessly. "That's amazing. Absolutely amazing." She struggled to her feet, Neville right beside her.

The older girl blinked as though coming out of a daze. "It's Blaise."

"What?" the other two asked together.

"Blaise... my Patronus. It's him." Holly put her hand over her mouth. "It's always him."

Luna smiled. "He's your protector, so I suppose that it makes sense."

Neville just shook his head, watching as the mist faded away completely. "But talk about ironic."

The Slytherin blinked and sighed very softly. Luna, meanwhile, made a noncommittal sound in the back of her throat. Silence descended among them as they watched Snape across the lake levitating their past selves back to the castle. The three lingered for a while, trying their best to time everything out right.

Finally, Holly spoke again.

"Let's go. Sirius still needs us." She threw the cloak back around them, eyes lingering for a second on the spot she had last seen the wolf.

The journey across the grounds was easy enough. They didn't see a single soul as they traversed the Entrance Hall and up the stairs to the Hospital Wing. Still under the cloak, they were surprised to find the headmaster standing just outside the door. He was apparently alone.

"You are a little late," Dumbledore put in with a grin as they revealed themselves, eyes landing on Pettigrew in his cage. "But not to worry. We will be there for the finale." He motioned them forward. "Now, let us hurry to the Great Hall. I dare say that we will find the Minister and his guests there."

Sure enough, the old man was right. Fudge was just inside the doors to the Great Hall, tapping his foot and shifting from side to side nervously. There were several Aurors nearby, including Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Holly could only assume that the rest were fetching Sirius from elsewhere in the castle. Nearly the entire faculty was with them, running interference and altogether annoying the Minister.

Dumbledore and three students were just coming out of a shortcut to the Entrance Hall, when another group of people descended the stairs. Six Aurors, four with their wands out and ready arranged in a circle. The other two were in the middle, on either side of Sirius, all but dragging him by the arms. The Animagus himself was trussed up like a Christmas goose. He had shackles around both his ankles and wrists, along with magically binding ropes around his midsection. The only thing missing was the gag.

Professors McGonagall and Flitwick flitted about the edge of the circle. Even from the distance, Holly could tell that they were very angry.

"Excellent," Fudge stated pompously as they dragged Sirius over to the door of the Great Hall. "Excellent indeed. We'll just wait for our escort then."

McGonagall's eyes narrowed into slits. "You most certainly will not. I won't have you running more rampant in this castle than you already have." Her mouth was a line, becoming thinner by the second.

"The Dementors will be meeting us right here, madam. There is no cause for concern," the Minister replied, turning away from her to speak with an Auror. "Go and fetch them, Dawlish."

For once, Flitwick was not smiling at all. "There is every cause for concern. We won't allow such... monsters inside the school. Not with children present! The headmaster forbid it, and so do we." The little teacher trembled with suppressed fury.

"Pish." Fudge gave a dismissive albeit vaguely nervous wave. "The students are all under lockdown in their Common Rooms. It's not like the Dementors'll be wandering the halls."

Sprout stepped in then, coming out of the gathered faculty. "They will not enter this castle. Not now. And certain not ever. Not while we are here." She fingered her wand. "We will drive them off if we have to."

Fudge looked absolutely appalled as the other staff members also produced their wands. "No, you won't. Aurors-"

He was about to say something undoubtedly foolish when Kingsley Shacklebolt stepped in.

"Minister, I don't recommend such an action at this time." The dark-skinned man then faced the faculty. "Everyone, please remain calm. We'll sort this all out."

"It doesn't need to be sorted out," Snape responded with a deadly smooth voice. "Dementors are not welcome at Hogwarts. If they are even able pass the wards to get inside."

Fudge whirled around. "I think that is enough from you." He huffed and pulled his chest up like a peacock. "You're on the edge as it is, Mister Snape."

Around him, the Aurors shifted their stances ever-so-subtly. Clearly ready for a fight. The teachers didn't back down either, most producing their wands.

In the meantime, Dumbledore extracted Pettigrew from his cage. And with a wave of his wand, the rat was once more a pitiful, little man. He allowed the students to take hold of him with their own wands but motioned for them to remain where they were as he walked over to the Minister. Not that the other man noticed.

"What exactly were you doing out on the grounds tonight?" Fudge said with a superior look. "Perhaps helping Black. With your background, anything is possible."

The Potions master stiffened, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him before he could retort.

"I would be careful, if I were you, Cornelius," Dumbledore commented in a light tone. "This is private property. You are here only at our bequest." He gazed at the Minister with bright eyes, a subtle taste of power on the air. "Now, as to the matter of Peter Petti-"

"Peter Pettigrew is dead," Fudge cut in sharply. "Deceased! I won't hear more of this matter. He is dead. Black killed the man." He was practically shouting, voice rather shrill.

Holly took her cue. "Then, how do you explain him, Minister?"

She levitated Pettigrew to the doors of the Great Hall, but she cut out the spell then. He dropped like a stone to the floor but didn't even stir. There was a universal gasp. Followed by a wave of murmurings. In the background, Sirius made a noise that might have been a snicker.

"Pettigrew."

"It is him!"

"Maker... it's unbelievable."

"All this time, he was really alive."

"But that means that Black is inno-"

Fudge broke in, "Im-impossible." He threw his arms in the air. "Clearly an imposter."

"I don't know, Minister," Kingsley inserted as he knelt and ran his wand over the traitor. "All the spells are coming back clean. It could very well be him."

"I... I..." Fudge struggled to collect himself, eyes flickering from Holly to Pettigrew to Sirius and then all around. "It... It doesn't matter. Take both of them." He gesture for the Aurors. "We'll question them at the Ministry."

But Dumbledore stepped forward then, expression defiant. "You will not take Sirius Black from this castle, Minister Fudge. He will remain here, at Hogwarts, until this entire mess is sorted out." The old man let loose a burst of power, magic swirling around him.

The Minister inched backwards. And Holly could visibly see him fighting to draw in air. He swallowed hard, face white as the moon.

"I... But no..." Fudge seemed to recover. "He must come with us. He's an escaped criminal!"

Holly spoke up. "One who was never convicted. Or even given a trial, Minister. I wonder just how and why that was."

Several people goggled at her. Even as Fudge whirled to face her.

He declared, wringing his hands, "That's completely untrue."

"Is it?" Holly scoffed faintly. "I looked through copies of the records myself. But they had no mention of a trial, only that he had been caught and sent to Azkaban." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I bet that he was never even questioned in the first place.

"I don't see why we can't question him right now. Hogwarts is as good a place as any," Flitwick cut in wickedly, and he took a giant step forward. "Severus, you do have Veritaserum, don't you?"

There was an evil smirk in the younger teacher's voice. "But of course. And it just so happens that I have a vial with me." He pulled out a small potion's bottle that was filled with a clear liquid.

"But... But..." the Minister tried to interrupt, but it was rather clear that he had long ago lost control of the situation.

"Splendid," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Let us take this to the Great Hall proper. Might as well be comfortable." The headmaster ushered them forward.

He handily ignored Fudge's protests and motioned that they should take Sirius, even as Flitwick levitated Pettigrew. The Aurors all exchanged a look but complied as they once more caught sight of the faculty. Dumbledore conjured two chairs inside the hall, one a squashy and purple armchair, the other something that wouldn't look out of place in a dungeon. The Aurors wisely chose to set Sirius in the first as Flitwick none-too-gently dropped Pettigrew in the second. McGonagall was even kind enough to conjure more ropes around him along with a spell to keep him from transforming.

Everyone quickly gathered around, though only the three students sat at a house table. Sirius took the Veritaserum willingly, his face going slack as it took effect, and the questioning went much as Holly expected. Sirius affirmed that he hadn't been the Secret Keeper and that he had never betrayed her parents. His audience even gasped and whispered in all the right places.

Almost unanimously, they turned to Pettigrew afterwards. Professor Snape dripped the potion down the traitor's unconscious throat before McGonagall awakened him with her wand.

Holly just closed her eyes and did her utmost not to listen. She didn't need to hear him confess a second time. Didn't need to hear her parents' friend retell his betrayal. The Slytherin simply leaned into Luna's warm weight beside her, wishing with all of herself that Blaise was there. But he was only a vague presence in the back of her mind, once more unconscious.

The girl, on the other hand, was a torrent of emotions inside. Hope. Despair. Anxiety. Hate. Perhaps even love. Holly just wanted this to be over. For Sirius to be cleared. For Pettigrew to get what was coming to him. For it to all work out. For it to all be over.

Her belly churned. Throat dry as the Sahara. One hand reflexively clenched and unclenched. Tired in a way that should be impossible, as though she hadn't slept in years. Mind pulled in tightly, shields at the max.

She just wanted it to all be over. To finally be able to breathe.

The Slytherin didn't even know how much time had passed when she felt Dumbledore knell down in front of her. He reached for her, and Holly's eyes snapped open.

"My dear, it is over now." His voice was soft. "The Minister and Aurors are gone." He placed a hand under her chin and lifted her head when she wouldn't look at him. "Mr. Pettigrew is with them."

"But not Sirius?" she asked very quietly.

"No, Holly," he replied with twinkling eyes. "Sirius is right here and will remain here until his name is completely cleared." The old man grinned, hand smoothing her hair back. He rose and moved to the side then, revealing the scene behind him.

Vector and Rosetta spoke in low tones. Snape hovered nearby, part of the conversation but not making any addition to it, gaze fixed on his students. McGonagall and Sprout were both teary-eyed, the former's hand over her mouth. And Professor Flitwick... He was freeing Sirius from his shackles.

Holly just stared before hopping to her feet. She easily slid between Dumbledore and Neville, darting over to her godfather. He grabbed her in a big hug as the last of his bindings disappeared, not even caring about their audience. Sirius squeezed her tightly, chin resting on her forehead.

"Thank you," he murmured in her ear. "Thank you so much. You saved me." The man sounded as exhausted as she felt.

However, Holly simply smiled. And kept smiling. Face nearly splitting with her happiness. Heart beating wildly in her chest. She felt that she could produce the world's best Patronus. The strongest ever.

Everything was going to be all right now. It would all be fine. It was all over.

And Holly let out the breath she hadn't even been aware she was holding.

To everyone who reviewed: Thanks.

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Black Dawn

Ever Hopeful,

Azar

Updated and Edited:

08/08/10