Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters.

Original A/N: Thanks to MaeSilverpaws1, who is beta-ing this story.

Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Three

Hospital Visit

Harry had eventually fallen asleep as Remus told him about what has been happening in Grimmauld Place the last few weeks. When he woke up the next morning he felt like a child that had ran to his parents after a bad nightmare … but it hadn't been a nightmare it was all too real.

Harry got dress and was in the kitchen within a few minutes, but still everyone else had beaten him there. He sat next to Ron and ate his breakfast in the worried silence like everyone else seemed to be doing. It was very odd to be in the room with the Weasleys and not have some kind of noises with the meal, but he knew that they were feeling just as bad and worried as he was.

"We're going to be heading to St. Mango's after we're done eating," Tonks told them, "Sirius will be ready to come home soon and visiting hours for Arthur will start around the same time."

"Is Dad doing better?" Fred asked.

"Your mum showed up a few hours ago to tell us that he was out of danger completely now, and he was awake," Tonks said. "She's in the front room; I think she needed a little bit of sleep. Bill's with your dad now I think."

There wasn't much talking after that as everyone ate as fast as they could, so they could get ready to go to St Mungo's. When they actually left the house, they made their way to the hospital through Muggle London. Harry was impatient to get to Sirius's room and it was hard to stand in the line waiting to find out where they needed to go. He worried that they would have to go see Mr. Weasley first, as he was the one most critically hurt, and he really wanted to see Sirius to make sure he was okay. However, it turned out that they were in the same room.

As soon as they got in the room, Harry parted from his friends and walked to Sirius, who was dressed in his normal clothes but he was lying in a bed.

"Hey pup!" Sirius said smiling at Harry when he saw him.

"Sirius," Harry said, unable resist running to him and giving him a hug. "I'm sorry I got you hurt …"

"You didn't get me hurt," Sirius brushed him off, but he noticed that Harry wasn't cheered by that. "You can't take the whole world on your shoulders, pup. You can always come to me when you need to. Just because I got hurt doesn't mean you didn't do the right thing."

"I know," Harry sighed, he looked over at his friends, who were all gathered around their dad, and he did know it was right, but still he hated that Sirius was hurt.

"Besides Harry, I've been hurt worse than this in my work as an Auror," Sirius said.

"And that's supposed to make me feel better?" Harry questioned him.

"Maybe," Sirius shrugged.

"Why are you dressed?" Harry asked, changing the subject. "Were you discharged or are you going to have to stay longer."

"I'm clear to go, but someone from the Ministry is going to come and talk to me and Arthur soon, so I can't leave yet," Sirius sighed, and upon Harry raising his eyebrow in question he added, "They want to know what happened, and try to figure out how a giant snake had gotten into the Ministry. Not to mention what I was doing there … but don't worry, Em already talked to them so they know that part, they just want to hear it from me," he quickly added the last part when Harry started to make a face.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," someone on the other side of Sirius bed said, and Harry looked up to see a stern looking man that was scowling. "But if I may speak to Sirius, he will be able to leave quicker."

"Sir? What are you doing here?" Sirius asked in shock.

"You don't have to call me sir anymore, Sirius, you no longer work for me," the man said, and Harry realized that this must be Sirius's old boss, Scrimgeour. "And it has come down to my office to find out what happened last night, and I have decided to talk to you personally."

"Harry, why don't you go see how Arthur is doing," Sirius said and Harry nodded his head, going over to join his friends.

"So Rufus, can I call you Rufus," Sirius said in a jaunting voice and Scrimgeour rolled his eyes.

"I can tell you this, I have not missed dealing with your behavior, Black," Scrimgeour informed him and Sirius chuckled. "Why don't we go to a place we can talk a little more privately?"

"Okay, Scrimgeour," Sirius said. "Though I'm a little shocked that you came here yourself."

"Well, you're not a normal witness, you are trained to notice everything so I felt confident that I would benefit from talking to you myself," Scrimgeour said as they left the room and went into a private room, once he closed the door he secured it with several spells. "Besides, there are a few other things that I've wanted to tell you but have not had time to yet."

"So do you want the debriefing first or do you want to tell me about these other things?" Sirius asked.

"Debriefing," he answered and Sirius smiled, he knew that Scrimgeour was going to say that.

Sirius didn't mention getting the warning from Harry, as that wasn't something he wanted anyone to know about, but other than that he told his old boss everything that happened. "… and once it bit me, I was able to aim for the gash I created in its neck and the blasting curse was able to work properly this time. I'm not sure what kinds of spells were placed on the snake, but it had to be powerful to make it resisted to curses like it was."

"And let me guess, you believe it was You-Know-Who that placed that protection on the snake," Scrimgeour said drily.

"That would be my best guess," Sirius said. "Have you gained the proof you need to realize he's back yet."

Scrimgeour sighed. "I have not heard a whisper, outside Dumbledore's screaming that is, of You-Know-Who's return. And yet, there have been a number of instances that have happened near or in the Department of Mysteries this year. What happened to Bode earlier this year … it's very peculiar. And now an attack just outside the front doors, though of course Arthur has told me that he was heading to the courtroom to prepare the case he was handling the next day. What is in that Department that is so important to you?"

"Me, nothing," Sirius said.

"So you're not the one trying to get in," Scrimgeour nodded his head.

"You seem like you believe he has come back," Sirius noted.

"I feel something big is coming, there has been a distinct silence in crime lately that makes me uneasy," Scrimgeour said. "It feels like the calm before the storm … much like it had before You-Know-Who roes in power the last time. Except the last time I was just an Auror and I didn't have to figure out what is being plotted or be responsible for stopping it … or if I fail at that, to prevent things from spreading like wild fire."

Sirius put his hand on Scrimgeour's shoulder, showing the old Auror more sympathy than he normal would. "You're not alone."

"Hmph!" Scrimgeour huff before he said. "Do you have any theories about how the snake got in the Ministry?"

"Not sure, but it was heading for the Atrium on its way out," Sirius answered, "obviously it couldn't have used the floos or the guest entrance, but it could easily have slithered pasts the guards and security systems if it knew where they were placed …"

"And you think it knew that?" Scrimgeour raised an eyebrow.

"Voldemort's snake or not, this was obviously not a random attack, so it stands to reason someone cased the place before using the snake," Sirius said.

"And then what, trained it to move as they wanted it to," Scrimgeour said with a disbelieving snort.

"Or possessed it," Sirius suggested.

"Hm," Scrimgeour said thoughtfully, possessing animals wasn't a very common skill, and it was made difficult as the animal has a will of its own, but this was clearly no every day snake. It had powerful protection spells on it, so it was likely that someone would also be able to possess it when need be.

After giving Scrimgeour some time to think over things Sirius said, "so, you wanted to talk to me about other matters?"

"Hm … yes, I did," Scrimgeour sighed. "Did you know Umbridge was hoping to have you sacked today?"

"Really?" Sirius said. "Then maybe I should count myself lucky I was attacked by a snake."

"Hm," Scrimgeour replied, looking at Sirius like he was trying not to smile at that, "well, she won't be able to do so until the start of next term now."

"Why not?" Sirius asked.

"It's in the terms of High Inquisitor and how they are to conduct themselves while investigating the professors," Scrimgeour said, "I've actually brought a copy of that with me for you."

"You did, did you?" Sirius said raising an eyebrow at him.

"I know you have a meeting with the Hogwarts Governors in a week's time," Scrimgeour informed Sirius, "I thought that if you had the detail guidelines of that post, it would help with whatever you're planning."

"Me, planning something, sir?" Sirius said all innocence.

Scrimgeour glared at Sirius.

"Thank you, I appreciate you giving me the guidelines," Sirius said. "Any other news?"

"Only that the more I look into what is going on in the Ministry, the more I'm convince that you're right about everything," Scrimgeour admitted. "I just don't have the proof I need."

Sirius looked at Scrimgeour and felt a little sorry for his old boss. As an Auror, Sirius relied on his instinct … that was the most important tool he had. Scrimgeour must have felt the same when he was a Field Auror, but now he had to deal with politics and proof more than what he instinctively knew to be true.

"Well, if you want some proof, I can always get you in touch with Dumbledore," Sirius said.

"That's not exactly the proof I need," Scrimgeour said. "And I think it's best that I don't get involved with Dumbledore and his organization. We shouldn't put all of our defenses in the same place."

Sirius shrugged, he didn't really expect Scrimgeour to want to join the Order; it wasn't really something that he would want to be involved in.

"You should probably get back to your friends," Scrimgeour said and Sirius knew that was his cue to go.

As Sirius left the room after his meeting he noticed that Harry and the younger Weasleys were in the hall, and Fred had an ear in his hand.

"Hm …?" Sirius said raising an amused eyebrow at them. "And just what are you lot up to?"

"We were kicked out of the room and we wanted to see what they were saying," Fred answered, not seeming to care that he was caught.

"It's usually not good to eavesdrop, you tend to hear things you don't want to," Sirius informed them.

"Says the man that put down a galleon for the first pair of extendable ears we put on the market," George said and Sirius grinned at them.

"Argh they're coming this way," Fred groaned as he put the ear in his pocket. "You made us miss everything. You're such a Professor!"

Sirius gave his bark laugh at that.

O

Getting through her classes the days after Ron, his siblings and Harry had left was one of the most difficult thing Hermione had to do. She woke up that morning and waited for the boys to come downstairs only to find out from Dean that Harry had had a bad dream, one where he felt he had to go to Dumbledore's office … and that Harry and Ron hadn't returned from that meeting.

"What happened?" she had asked Dean.

"Harry mentioned Ron's dad," Dean said warily. "Do you think you can check to see if Ginny is in her room?"

"Of course," Hermione said, she hadn't even thought of the fact that Dean was Ginny's boyfriend and he was probably worried about what happened. She rushed up the stairs to the fourth year girls' dorm and knocked on the door. One of Ginny's roommates answered the door. "Is Ginny here?"

"Huh?" the girl said, looking rather sleepy before shaking her head, "no, she left last night … McGonagall came to get her."

"Oh … um thanks," Hermione said, panicking and knowing something really bad must have happened. She ran down the stairs, told Dean that Ginny wasn't there and Lee Jordan told them that Fred and George were gone too, as he walked past them hearing what they were saying. Hermione said goodbye to the other two as Dean explained to Lee what had happened the night before.

She knew that she wasn't going to learn anything just talking to the other two, she had to get to Dumbledore's office … she paused, realizing she could go to McGonagall too, as that girl said she was the one that got Ginny. Since McGonagall was closer to where she was now, Hermione turned and started to head to that office.

"Miss Granger," McGonagall said as Hermione made her way into the office. "I thought I would see you today, please take a seat."

"Are they okay?" Hermione asked, not really sure who she was asking about, as there were a lot of people she had to be worried for.

"I'm not sure what you know as of yet about what happened so I will start from the beginning," McGonagall said and then she explain how Harry had a dream/vision of Mr. Weasley being attacked, and then Harry contact Sirius, who had been attacked too, though he had killed the snake that had been the attacker. Hermione didn't know what to think and she really wish that she could be there for Ron and the others; she knew that this must be a difficult time for them. However, McGonagall told her that she wouldn't be allowed to leave Hogwarts early as the others had done but reiterated that both Mr. Weasley and Sirius were okay.

So now Hermione was sitting in her class with two empty seats next to her, where Ron and Harry normally sat, and tried to force herself to listen to what her professor was saying. She didn't really do a good job of that and was grateful that she didn't have any test. She did pay attention as she walked into her Defense class, wondering who would be teaching the class, and it turned out to be Snape. The class wasn't very enjoyable as Snape informed them of how behind they were and how ridiculous he found Sirius's lessons, but at least Umbridge wasn't in the classroom.

"You … girl," Hermione heard the girly voice of Umbridge call her after the lesson let out, as if the stupid toad had heard her thoughts and wanted to ruin her day. Hermione tried to walk faster to get away, but Umbridge was clearly trying to talk to her and she wasn't about to let her get away.

"Yes," Hermione said turning to face the toad.

"Forgive me," Umbridge said and then giggled, "But I believe you often sit next to Mr. Potter."

Hermione didn't answer, but just stared at the toad.

"Do you know where he disappeared to?" Umbridge asked straight out.

"No," Hermione answered simply. "Now if you excuse me, I need to get to my next lesson."

"Actua …" Umbridge started to say.

"Miss Granger, I believe you are supposed to be in my class now," McGonagall said, and Hermione was grateful that she had made it so close to her classroom that she could be bailed out like this. Hermione could tell Umbridge muttered something about McGonagall but she couldn't make out the words as she made her way into the lesson.

The rest of the day Hermione was restless, but that was nothing compared to how she felt when she was trying to sleep. She had nothing to distract her from her worried thoughts and it wasn't until late into the night that she finally got some rest. Luckily the next day was the first day of the holiday and she knew she would be able to see her friends later, after she took the Hogwarts expression to London … and probably after the drive home with her parents.

She was indeed greeted by her mum and dad at the train station and they hugged her and were very grateful to see her. She missed her parents very much, having not seen them much the last summer. Still, she was grateful that once they were in the car her parents told her what was going on with Sirius and Mr. Weasley, as Tonks had visited them the day before to explain everything. They also informed her that they had changed their plans, and were no longer going skiing but were now planning on going to Grimmauld Place with her.

"I think it's about time that we learn more about what's going on in the war," her dad said. "Besides, I know you'll want to see your friends and we would really like to spend some time with you too."

"I'd like that," Hermione said sadly, thinking about how her parents must not have liked it much that they hadn't seen each other for so long. They were probably looking forward to spending time with her alone, and now they were going to be in a house full of people. She vowed to make sure she spent a lot of time with her parents while they were there. She also took this time that they were really alone to talk to her parents, putting the others out of her mind as she did so.

Hours later Hermione and her parents were walking through the cabinets that lead to Grimmauld Place, her parents reading a letter that Dumbledore had left with Remus; who had remained at home to greet the Grangers. Once Hermione was on the other side, she was met by the person she had been longing to see and she went to hug Ron, who wrapped his arms around her tightly.

Finally Hermione let go of Ron and hugged the others. When she got to Harry he told her that he was glad she was here because Ron has been moping around the place and he was sure his friend would be better now. This caused the others to laugh and Ron to glare at Harry, but otherwise let it go.

"Well, I am glad you're here," Ron said when she went back to standing next to him, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she leaned into him.

That's when her parents come through the cabinet and she was very aware of the fact that she hadn't been around them with Ron when he was her boyfriend, something that Ron seemed to notice too as he stiffened slightly and he didn't seem very relaxed at all when she introduced him to her parents. Ron's ears started to turn bright red as the twins sniggered and she glared at them to stop … it didn't work.