Chapter 22

"There, it's not too bad, is it?" I chuckled to Buckbeak as he slid the fish down his throat. He hadn't touched it at first, but now he was starting to get the idea. We were in the tropics! He better start liking the fish, I certainly was.

It had taken quite some time to get here, even with how strong Buckbeak was. A very good flyer, and honestly I hadn't tired of a moment of it. It was powerfully freeing, flying on the back of a Hippogriff.

Sitting down, I smiled as I took in my surroundings. I was so far from England, from Europe, no one even knew to look for me here. I was still careful, but I didn't need to live in a dirt patch or watch my back every waking moment. A strong plus was not having to be a dog at all times! I could think so clearly! I'd give it all away for the warmth here, the sunlight on my face each morning. I'd been cold long enough. Trapped in darkness long enough.

"Not bad for two dead men, huh Buckbeak?" I chuckled, the sound no longer raw on my throat. Buckbeak cawed something before turning around and lying down. Well, well it was rather fair wasn't it? He had done all the work on the way here. Something I was very appreciative of. It took me awhile to recover from the last few days.

After I finished my dinner, I sat down to write to Harry. I couldn't wait, I'd spent most of the trip here thinking of what I wanted to say to him. I knew too many letters would be dangerous, so I had to simply think of what I wanted to say most in one. Besides, this owl wasn't reliable enough for more than one journey. On short notice though, he'd have to do. Bit of a biter, though.

I smiled as my quill hung over the parchment. This felt better than all the sunshine. In some small way, I could be in Harry's life. It was more than I'd hoped for. We could find a way.

Dear Harry,

I started.

I hope this finds you before you reach your aunt and uncle. I don't know whether they're used to owl post. Buckbeak and I are in hiding. I won't tell you where, in case this owl falls into the wrong hands. I have some doubt about his reliability, but he is the best I could find, and he did seem eager for the job.

I believe the dementors are still searching for me, but they haven't a hope of finding me here. I am planning to allow some Muggles to glimpse me soon, a long way from Hogwarts, so that the security on the castle will be lifted.

There is something I never got around to telling you during our brief meeting. It was I who sent you the Firebolt. Crookshanks took the order to the Owl Office for me. I used your name but told them to take the gold from Gringotts vault number seven hundred and eleven - my own. Please consider it as thirteen birthdays' worth of presents from your godfather.

I paused, thinking on it. Hopefully that wasn't too bad. It had worked out quite well, and he was free to use it at his own wish. It felt suiting, after what happened to his broom. That and… I gave him his first broom when he was a baby… he'd never know. Still it felt good to do it again like I'd always intended to.

Hm… perhaps I should mention that first time I got to see him. I wish I had gotten more time with the boy.

I would also like to apologise for the fright I think I gave you that night last year when you left your uncle's house. I had only hoped to get a glimpse of you before starting my journey north, but I think the sight of me alarmed you.

I am enclosing something else for you, which I think will make your next year at Hogwarts more enjoyable.

If ever you need me, send word. Your owl will find me.

I'll write again soon. Sirius

P.S. I thought your friend Ron might like to keep this owl, as it's my fault he no longer has a rat.

Creepy son of a bitch. I wouldn't let my thoughts wander there, I wasn't going to spoil this time.

I read the letter through twice before letting the ink dry and penning up the permission slip to Hogsmead. I'm sure it will work given to Dumbledore. I beamed down at the letter. How… normal. Harry's guardian writing his school permission slip. Maybe his Uncle had done it, but Harry had been so keen to leave, it bugged me. In either case, it was a nice gesture. I might not be free, but I'd be there for him no matter what. I hope he knew that.

"Now, I'm trusting you with this one," I said as I tied the letter to the bird's leg gently. "It's for someone very important to me."

The crazy little bird puffed up and flew about in a circle before jetting out. I stepped out, looking up into the sun high over the sky and let out a content sigh. For now… it was more than I'd expected when I started that long swim out to sea.

My revenge hadn't gone perfectly, it hardly happened really… but I had saved Harry. I was here to watch over him in some way from here on in. He wouldn't be alone. I would have to hope that it was enough for James and Lily. Killing Peter wouldn't bring them back, anyways. But perhaps in not killing him… perhaps it brought me closer to Harry and brought Harry closer to his family.

Strangely, that was enough for me. Maybe it meant there was a future out there someday for me. If it didn't... I wasn't going to waste my present freedom... or the precious time I would find with my Godson. Even Remus. What little was left of my family knew the truth... and I found that was all that really mattered to me.