When everyone was done, Hermione and Edmund guided the rest of the group in the subway's corridor, until they finally reached white chappel. From there, Hermione lead them in the sinister night to square Grimmaurd. There, under Edmund's unbelieving eyes, while there was nothing a minute before, a huge mansion appeared. Hermione, followed by the others, climbed the five steps of the front stairs, and then pushed the door handle. The door opened with ease, but with a loud creaking sound.
come in, she whispered. But don't make a sound.
And they all silently got inside the house. Edmund glanced at the Weasleys. Exhaustion could read on their faces, but it was now mixed with hope. The house was in an appalling state. It looked as though no one had cleaned it for monthes. When they reached the hallway, Edmund couldn't hold a sneeze.
OUT! A strong voice suddenly shouted behind him.
Oh no... Hermione moaned.
Edmund turned to discover the source of the voice, and had the surprise to discover the large portrait of a tough looking woman. The portrait was moving, and she was the one who shouted.
INTRUDERS! MUD BLOOD ! BLOOD TRAITORS AND MUGGLES! OH, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BLACK ?
We have to close the curtain over her! Hermione exclaimed.
And she tried her best to do it, unsuccesfully.
SHAME ON YOU, INTRUDERS ! CURSE YOU !
WILL YOU EVER SHUT UP YOU OLD WICKED HARPY?! A voice suddenly roared from the stairs.
Hermione's eyes opened wide, and she jumped into the new comer's arms:
SIRIUS! She shouted.
Hermione? He asked with a surpised voice, while he held her against him.
And Hermione started sobbing. Sirius kept her in his arms, and casted a silencio on the painting, allowing Fred, George and Edmund to close the curtain and shut it up for good. Sirius silently signed everyone to follow him, and lead them to the kitchen.
this should be more peacefull, he declared. You have a lot of things to tell me, Hermione. But where are my manners? Hello, Ronald. And you must be the Weasleys. But who are you, young man?
Edmund Pevensie, sir. From Finchley.
Sirius Black. Are you a muggle?
I beg your pardon?
You're not a wizzard.
No sir.
Something tells me that you're not like any muggle. You are used to magic. Married to a witch?
Certainly not, sir, I'm seventeen. But I do know magic. I was made king of another world by a talking lion, after I was manipulated by an evil witch. And I had the opportunity to witness Hermione's talents.
The most talented witch of her generation, Sirius said with a kind smile.
I don't doubt it.
But how can you be here, Sirius? Hermione interrupted.
There was a moment of silence.
Harry's death nearly killed me. And I learnt it was partly Peter's fault. Lily and James, I thought he betrayed them because he was scared, Peter's allways been a coward. But for Harry... I know he resurrected the Dark Lord. The only reason to do that was because he wanted to. So I guess that's also why James...
he stopped, and blinked several times.
oh, please, cut the lies! Molly exclaimed. You didn't love Harry! You're a murderer, and you're playing innocent and try to blame a dead man! You killed Harry, you resurected the dark lord, and you wanted to do that one year earlier, so you kidnapped my Ronnie to make him come to you.
He was my GODSON! I could never have hurt him. He was all I had left. As for your son... I needed Harry to know the truth, and then I saw Peter in his hands, and I thought Harry would follow him.
He's telling the truth, mom. Scabbers was guilty.
wh... your rat?
Scabbers! Wormtail! Peter! Three names for one man. No, not a man. A scumbag. A coward who sent me to Azkaban for nothing! Who murdered twelve innocent muggles, and then cut his own finger before changing into a rat. I spent twelve years in Azkaban, while I was innocent. I wouldn't wish that for my worst ennemy. The only thing that kept me holding on was that Harry was alive. The idea that one day I could see him again, so DON'T come an tell me I didn't love him!
Hermione placed her hand on the ex-convict arm, and he calmed down.
I'm sorry, he said.
Molly gravely nodded.
so when Albus came to tell me he was dead...!
Sirius slamed his hands on the table.
I had no reason to go home. I couldn't watch over him anymore, so I just had to join them all, and we would finally be happy together! Moony immediately understood what was going on in my head. He tried to talk me out of it, but I sent him to hell, and told him to leave me alone.
So what changed your mind? Edmund asked.
Sirius looked at the young king.
there must be something that changed your mind, the young king continued. I know it. I've been there.
Hermione's eyes widenned in shock, and Edmund gave her a quiet look.
I don't know what it's like to be the innocent in prison, but I know how it feels to be the guilty one that can walk free.
Hermione was about to say something, but couldn't find the words.
It's okay. Lucy was the reason I changed my mind. So what's yours?
I was ready to go to sleep, Sirius answered after a short silence. but when I was about to do it... a ghost appeared in front of me. It was a little boy, I think. He told me to come back here, and that I'd be needed, one day. He told me I simply needed to be patient, but I still had a purpose. So I did what I was told. And now, you, Hermione, you come at my door, and this place is needed. But what are you doing here?
Edmund and I have a mission. It's risky and complicated, and I couldn't let the Weasleys in their prison for all this time. You and them, you're the only family I have left. They have to stay hidden, here.
What mission? George asked.
We have to destroy He-who-must-not-be-named. Their is a way.
A way? Ron interfered. Hermione, what are you talking about? You-know-who is immortal.
Artificially. He made horcruxes. If we destroy the horcruxes, then we can destroy him.
We know they are seven of them, Edmund added. And Hermione knows what they are. The only question, now, is to know where they are.
Do you have any leads?
I have one for one of them. But for this... I need to speak to Kreatur, Sirius.
Kreatur? My house elf?
Yes. The Dark Lord needed your brother to hide it. And I know Kreatur was there too.
There was a moment of grave silence.
right! Sirius said, clapping his hands together. I'm sure you are all extremely tired. There are multiple bedroom upstairs. I'm not sure enough of them are safe to sleep in for you to have one room each, but if you can share a bedroom... we'll see about the rest tomorrow.
Hermione was about to oppose, but Edmund interfered.
he's right. Not everyone here has been sleeping for free days in a row.
I...
G... Lucy told me you spent these three days looking after me. Now, you're gonna rest. You won't be of any use if you can't stand on your feet. I'll stand guard.
No need to stand guard, Sirius said. This place is protected.
Fine.
But..., Hermione started.
Don't discuss, go to sleep, that's an order.
So she sighed, and then conceeded. With Sirius and Molly's help, she insisted on preparing the room. Despite what Sirius stated, there was enough rooms for everyone, but Fred, George, Charlie and Ron wanted to spend their first night of freedom together. Edmund took Ron aside.
Hermione missed you. A lot. I'm sure it would be good for her to spend the night with you.
The young wizzard looked up and down on the young king.
is there something between the two of you? He asked.
She saved my life multiple times. I have a debt to her. That's all. I think she needs your support.
Ron finally nodded, and then:
Hermione... How about you stay with us tonight?
The young woman's response was immediate. She jumped in the youngest Weasley's arms. Sirius invocked one more bed, and moved one close to another to create a double bed. He then turned to Edmund.
what about you? He asked.
I'm not really tired. It's better to leave them alone.
I'll take you to the lounge.
Edmund nodded, and followed the wizzard in an old ragged lounge.
there you go. Good night.
Mr Black! One moment!
Sirius was surprized to hear himself be called this way.
It's Sirius, he said. Not Mr Black. What can I do for you?
Tomorrow, we'll talk to the elf, if that's okay with you. Then... Hermione really needs some rest. She's not as strong as she thinks. She mustn't come and get this... thingy with me. Will you help make it happen?
I'll do my best. Good night.
Edmund mumbled a thank you, and then laid on the sofa. He didn't think he would sleep, anyway.