A/N: This week (Thursday) will mark my ten year anniversary on this site. 10 years and over a million words. Wow. So I just wanted to thank all those who have read and supported my stories over the years b/c if it wasn't for you I wouldn't be here.

With everything going on right now please don't forget to: Be smart and stay safe. To those who are still having to go out there to work during all of this you have my utmost gratitude and admiration for what you're risking & sacrificing.

The Slytherin Reformation

By Spectre4hire

9: A Sirius Reprieve

Flash repellent charms.

Harry decided.

I'm going to create the spell myself if I have to.

Another surge of light assaulted him with the chorus of POPs as pictures were taken by the rows upon rows of cameras in front of him. It was a crowd of lenses and a ripple of flashes.

Harry smiled despite the white splotches creeping into his vision. He wondered if he could enchant his glasses to dim the effect. It was another thing he'd look into since he knew this would not be his last one. He wasn't sure who he was actually smiling at anymore, but he kept it on his face. He knew the better moving picture was him smiling and waving then him rubbing his eyes, blinking stupidly, or frowning.

Besides he had every reason to smile.

Sirius Black was free.

The trial had been conducted swiftly upon the interrogation of Peter Pettigrew by Amelia Bones. It had been only a few days since Neville caught the rat and now his godfather was proclaimed an innocent man.

The reminder injected his enthusiasm of his smile just in time for another round of flashes. He wasn't sure why they were determined to take him in the same pose for so many pictures, but he wasn't about to give them tips or instructions or ideas. If he did he'd be here forever.

Harry was standing in the Ministry of Magic's atrium upon a stage. All sides surrounded by a crowd of wizards and witches who had come to see any glimpse or catch any whisper they could of the historic trial that brought his godfather his freedom.

Sirius Black wasn't expected to make any appearance or speak to the crowd.

Lucky him, but Harry didn't begrudge his godfather's need for privacy. He was still recovering from the torments of Azkaban. It would've been cruel to send him out here against these throngs of reporters with their cameras. Minister Fudge had wanted him to, but Harry had argued against it. And then presented the idea of him speaking on behalf of his godfather. Fudge agreed without hesitation.

So here I am.

The speech had been given. He had been nervous, and hoped he hadn't stammered too much or that they couldn't see the slight twitch in his legs or fingers from behind the podium. Sirius had joked that he'd write a ballad that he'd like his godson to perform.

Or what about a haiku? Sirius had grinned.

They had all been gathered in a small office that led into the atrium. Sirius who despite his haggard appearance was in great spirits, Roxanne and Cyrus were there. As was Moony who looked as happy as Sirius. Dumbledore had been there briefly before excusing himself to speak to Lady Bones. Daphne, Tracey, and Neville were also there being given special permission from the headmaster to attend.

The permission had extended to Theodore and Hermione, but they needed their parents' permission. Theodore's father refused and Hermione never asked, electing to stay behind with him. She had asked Harry if he'd mind and he told her he didn't, saying someone should stay with Theo, so if it couldn't be his best mate might as well be his girlfriend. Hermione had blushed and looked flustered but recovered enough to roll her eyes at him before leaving.

What about instead of words, Harry. You do an interpretive dance for me? Sirius was laughing with every new suggestion he could think of.

In the end, Sirius had decided on it being mercifully short with just a few lines. They were hardly inspiring. It was almost boring. It was just a simple statement that Harry read. Fudge stood at his shoulder, smiling and waving throughout. He even put a paternal hand on Harry's shoulder here and there. That earned a great deal of buzz from the reporters which only encouraged Fudge.

Fudge then several times almost slapped Harry's shoulder like a drum while he had to stoically give his remarks to what sounded like a swarm of bees. Thankfully, Harry's glasses didn't fly off. When he finished the brief and stale remarks that Sirius had prepared, to Harry's disappointment he discovered he wasn't entirely finished.

The Minister of Magic moved to stand beside Harry. "Only a few more," Fudge was beaming brighter than the flashes. He was downright giddy.

"Of course, sir," Harry responded, still smiling despite every temptation urging him to jump off this stage and leave before permanent blindness set in.

"Wonderful remarks, Harry," Fudge wrapped his arm around Harry in an almost hug.

Harry fought against his instinct to flinch from it. Instead, he stood there with Fudge's arm around him even though it felt more like a wiggling snake. "Thank you, sir." Harry was certain if his speech was on paint drying Fudge would be no less thrilled then he was now.

"You have a knack for this," Fudge kept going, His eyes gleaming with all the positive press he was basking in. "With the right mentor, Harry, you could go places even the Minister of Magic if you wanted," He chuckled, "I'd be retired of course."

"Of course," Harry didn't find it funny, but did the polite and expected thing with so many watching and chuckled. That gave the reporters the illusion that he and Fudge had just shared some entertaining joke between them.

Another flash and another large white blotch seeping into his vision. He didn't rub his eyes or grimace. He waved again which he realized may have been a huge mistake since the press responded vigorously to that, oohing and awing. The flicker of flashes intensified.

Are they doing a photo album? Harry was sure the next round of papers would just be his picture from the front page all the way to the last page. He hadn't even been up here more then ten minutes even though it felt like an eternity. This is getting ridiculous.

He then held up his hand which brought the barrage of buzzing and flashing to a pause. "I want to thank you all for coming today," He told the assembled crowd. "Today, we saw justice bestowed upon a traitor," They murmured at the mention of Pettigrew, "And a man's innocence proved and his freedom restored."

The press threw out questions and comments to Harry while their photographers continued to flash. He wouldn't take any. Cyrus had advised it wasn't necessary. 'Never provide an opponent any opening to strike.'

'An opponent?'

He had brought Harry to the side before he had gone out to speak. 'Yes, Harry.' He had answered simply, 'Your influence is a weapon, Harry. There are some who will wish to dull its effect. Or disarm you altogether. Those who support the old ways. Any chance they'll get to try to trip you up they will not hesitate to take. You must give them nothing.'

Harry had nodded, and then he had been ushered away by the Minister's aids to the stage.

He looked out and wondered who among this chattering crowd was poised to try to discredit or embarrass him. The sea of faces blurred together.

"I wish to thank Madam Amelia Bones and her team for their thoroughness and their devotion," Harry had paused before settling on the last word. He hoped no one noticed while also hoping that he picked the right word, "At seeing justice enforced," Harry finished, the din from the gathered below made his voice a little difficult to hear. He hadn't thought to amplify it for this little and last speech he'd make before leaving.

"I also want to take this opportunity to thank Minister Fudge," Harry inwardly braced himself for the expected response while he smiled and gestured to said Minister of Magic.

The buzzing only grew louder at his words that some saw as his support being given to the Minister and his endorsement to the man standing next to him. That was for them to interpret not him.

Harry stretched out his hand and Minister Fudge enthusiastically grabbed it with both hands.

Who'd want a handshake on the front cover? He thought idly upon seeing how the crowd was reacting. He understood the importance of it, even if he found it a bit silly, but if they like it then he'd do it, but it was to fulfill his own means not theirs.

Harry thought their handshake had gone on long enough. He politely withdrew his hand while using his other to wave to the crowd before making his way off the stage as they planned. Minister Fudge didn't seem to mind, he amplified his voice to talk about Harry and his friendship and then the onslaught of questions came which Fudge happily answered vague enough for it not to be a lie, but just enough to let those think that it was true.

He had tuned it all out. Harry was just thankful that the passageway onto the stage was heavily guarded and monitored. There were a row of wizards and witches on duty who he passed. Most of them were stoic and unmoving, only their eyes flicking towards him when he walked by, but he was certain he saw one or two nods, and maybe even a smile.

"That was brilliant, Harry," Daphne was the first to greet him and then promptly hugged him.

"Thanks," Harry ignored the tumble that his stomach made, and hoped the dim lights of the room wouldn't betray his face. She smiled and backed away when it ended, looking a bit sheepish, but he thought he saw something else too. Or maybe the camera flashes have permanently damaged my eyesight.

"I still think we should've done that haiku," Sirius was there next. He hugged him fiercely and Harry returned it. Sadly, his godfather's frame was still too thin. "Thank you, Harry," His eyes were serious, though Harry decided not to observe that out loud. He nodded, understanding what his godfather meant.

"You're welcome," He was still smiling, but it wasn't for Fudge or the press or anyone else out there. It was for his godfather and knowing that he was finally a free man.

"Maybe he should've, your haiku would've cleared them out better and faster then any spell," Moony joked, who greeted Harry next. "You were great out there, Harry."

"Thanks," he had barely gotten out of his hug from Moony before Tracey was there to hug him.

"You had them eating out of the palm of your hand, Harry," She was grinning while her eyes sparkled.

"That's good to know," Harry chuckled, "I was afraid I couldn't carry the room since I don't have your charisma."

Tracey poked his side in retaliation.

"So," Harry waited until the room had settled before he looked at Cyrus and Roxanne, who had been the last to greet him. "Can we leave now?" He hoped he didn't sound too desperate or eager but judging by the laughter he had failed.

That evening Cyrus and Roxanne hosted an intimate dinner to celebrate Sirius' freedom after getting his permission. It was not a large gathering, but it was a fun one. The house elves had outdone themselves with the food; everything on the menu was hand picked by Sirius. There was no theme in the randomness of it. It just made for a revealing outlook of all the food that he missed from his years falsely imprisoned.

Harry, Daphne, Tracey, and Neville would be returning to Hogwarts after the dinner with Dumbledore. Some of the school professors had stopped by to offer their congratulations to Sirius for his trial including Professors McGonagall and Flitwick. Hagrid, who had been invited, had to move carefully around some of the rooms within the house.

The friends had gathered in the living room, sitting on the couches.

Tracey was reenacting Harry's speech to an enthralled and excited Astoria with Neville sitting and laughing along.

Harry and Daphne were on the other couch. They were close enough to add their own thoughts, but still far enough to hold their own conversation. He was acutely aware of how close he and Daphne were in their seats. Her shoulders were constantly nudging or bumping into him, not that he would complain.

She smelled nice, he thought, but he decided that might be too weird to suddenly say out loud. So he sat there quiet and awkward while his mind was sputtering with ideas on what to say, but his tongue felt like it was turned to toffee. It was thick and seemed stuck to the bottom of his mouth.

"You were great, Harry." It wasn't the first time she told him that, but he didn't mind. Each time it felt like a spark of warmth flickered in his chest.

"Thanks," he replied before letting them lapse back into silence. Say something!

"You looked great," He nearly blurted it out instantly regretting how it sounded to him. "At the Ministry," he added, "b-but I'm not saying you don't now." He amended quickly in a panic realizing how his words could've been taken.

At the Ministry she had worn this green dress that he had never seen her in before. It was sleeveless and wrapped around her bare shoulders was a black -ugh- he thought it was called a shawl. Harry didn't really know anything about clothes or style or dresses, but he thought she had picked the right one because she was beautiful in it.

She wasn't wearing the dress anymore. She had changed into blue jeans and a black jumper, but Harry couldn't help but notice that she still looked nice in it.

"Thank you, Harry," Her voice sounded different, and she wasn't quite looking at him.

Was she blushing? Did he dare hope or was he just kidding himself. "Were you able to finish the Potions homework?" He instantly cursed himself for asking that. Why did I bring up school? He wanted to groan.

"Ah, yes," she replied.

Did she sound Surprised? Disappointed? That annoying fluttering feeling was in his stomach again. Think!

That was when he heard it.

You can't fool her forever, Harry. It sounded like Uncle Vernon, Once you let her get close she'll see you as the worthless thing that you are.

It brought with it that painful anxiety that seemed to coil itself around his whole body with the strength of a basilisk.

Harry suddenly jumped to his feet. His stomach gave a painful lurch. "Ah," He realized he must've looked stupid.

"Harry?" Daphne asked with concern.

He noticed his other friends were looking at him too.

"Umm," He was struggling with a reply when he saw his godfather walk by the room. He was alone. "I'll be right back." He found himself saying while he was already leaving. He didn't look back at his friends even when they called after him.

"Sirius, you okay?" Harry caught up with him in the backyard of Greengrass manor. He was sitting on one of the tables that overlooked the sprawling gardens and lush greenery. The stars were glittering above them, powdered across the night sky.

"Hey, Harry," He looked over his shoulder. He didn't seem surprised that Harry would join him.

He didn't answer his question, but Harry didn't pry. "Can I join ya?"

"Of course," He patted the spot next to him.

Harry climbed onto the wooden bench of the table before sitting on the table surface itself. His feet resting on the bench. "Good view," Harry commented after a few beats of silence passed between them.

"Yeah," Sirius agreed, "Its such a simple thing to overlook," He said quietly. His arms were resting on his legs while his head was tilted upwards to gaze up at the evening sky. "I didn't get to see them when I was there." His body tensed and his tone shifted at the mention of what the there meant. "An easy thing to forget to do. To look up and see them all shining down on you."

Harry had to admit outside his astronomy classes with Professor Sinestra he really hadn't spent much time stargazing. "They're something," He agreed, thinking he should say something to let his godfather know he was listening.

"They are," Sirius' voice remained quiet, just a hair above a whisper. His shoulders had slumped. "I needed a break," He admitted, "I'm appreciative of it all," He waved his hand back to the Greengrass house where the party was going on to celebrate Sirius' freedom, "But it's a bit overwhelming," He let out a humorless laugh. "I-I'm still not used to so many people or them all crowded together." He looked down at his hands, "Or even happiness." His fingers clenching and unclenching, "The dementors did a good job of feeding off it, off of my feelings, off of me."

"But you escaped," Harry didn't like to see or hear his godfather so dejected. He knew Sirius was on the mend, but he also knew that his recovery wouldn't be quick or easy.

"I did," Sirius admitted, before he tapped his forefinger to his head, "But in a way I'm still there at times."

"I know what that feels like," Harry found himself saying.

There were times when he still dreamed of facing Quirrell or retracing his steps in the Chamber of Secrets. They were terrible reminders of how close he had been to losing it all. The trials he had brought his friends on, the risks he made them take. In one of his dreams after he defeated Quirrell, he'd wake up in the Hospital Bed, but none of his friends were there. They had all died for him.

Sometimes he'd be back under the cupboard with the Dursleys where Hogwarts, magic, his friends, all of them a dream he conjured to try to be happy and free from his relatives.

Sirius put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "It isn't fair. You shouldn't have to."

"Neither should you," Harry pointed out, "It wasn't fair what they did to you too."

"I guess we get all the luck," He said dryly.

"Feels like it," Harry's tone was more bitter than he would've liked.

"You asked me how I was doing, Harry."

"Yeah."

"I'm better," he shook his head, "but everyday I try to be better then the day before. Ya know?"

"I-I understand," Harry hoped it would be sooner rather than later. His godfather deserved to be happy again. "I'll be there for you." He told him, "Anytime."

"I was gonna say that to you," Sirius elbowed him and Harry chuckled. He then wrapped his arm around Harry before he could blink to pull him into a quick embrace. "You're a great kid, Harry," He murmured. "The best of your parents."

"Even with me being in Slytherin?" Harry found himself asking. "I know about Slytherin and you-"

"Stop," Sirius put up his hand. "You are not my parents. You are not my brother." His mouth twisted, "You're actually trying to make Slytherin better which means my family would've hated it." He chuckled, "And after hearing Dumbledore, Cyrus, and even Moony talk about what you and your friends have done. I admit I may not have minded being in that Slytherin. Your Slytherin."

"Thanks," Harry knew that was a poor response, but he was too distracted by what Sirius had said about how all of them were talking about his friends and Slytherin and what they accomplished. They saw the changes. It made him pleased and proud at what they were doing, especially that last endorsement from Sirius. He knew how much Sirius had hated that house because of what it meant and stood for to his family and countless others. So to hear him say he wouldn't have minded Harry's Slytherin that meant more to him than any simple thanks could convey.

"You can't tell anyone," Sirius told him with a grin.

Harry laughed. "I can't promise that."

Sirius shook his head, before he nudged Harry's shoulder while laughing.

"There is something you should know," He sobered quickly.

"What?"

His godfather didn't answer right away. He looked back up to the stars, but Harry could see the anger dancing across his face. "It's about Moony. The rat told about him being a werewolf in one of his preliminary interviews before the trial," he growled, reminding Harry more of his godfather's animagus form. "He was already condemned, but that damn traitor wasn't going to let it stop him from trying to ruin Moony's life." His fists were shaking. "He killed James and Lily, I got sent to Azkaban," He let out a harsh laugh. "I guess the rat wanted to make it three for three."

Harry understood his godfather's anger. He could feel his own beginning to churn in his chest. "What's going to happen?"

"Amelia's talked to Dumbledore," Sirius answered, "She's willing to listen and wait, but she can't suppress the information forever since there are already some in the Minister's staff that know it."

Harry couldn't believe it. "They can't fire Moony!" He was the best teacher they had. "I can do something," Harry wouldn't let them do it. "I could speak to Fudge or,"

Sirius gave him a sad smile. "You have a good heart, Harry," He sighed, "But some prejudices run too deep even for you to stop." He shook his head, "Parents will panic when its revealed as: 'werewolf teaches children.'" Sirius moved his hand as if he was reading it like an actual headline.

"That's not fair," Harry had to do something, "All of the students like him and his class." He had never heard a bad thing said about him from anyone.

"We'll have to trust Dumbledore and Cyrus can resolve it," Sirius looked over his shoulder, "But Moony doesn't know. You can't tell him." He saw Harry was about to protest but he continued, "He'll try to do the noble thing and just resign. But you said it yourself he's good for you guys."

Harry slowly nodded. He wasn't entirely comfortable with keeping it from Moony, but he also didn't want to lose him as their professor. He trusted his godfather on this since he knew Moony a lot longer then Harry did. "Okay."

Sirius chuckled, sensing his resignation, "I know, Harry. It's not ideal, let's just give it some time."

Harry nodded, feeling his stomach sink slightly when he thought about Moony being forced to leave. He knew Sirius said he couldn't do anything, but Harry wasn't sure he could accept that.

The silence lingered between them, but neither tried to break it. Harry was trying to gather his thoughts and cool what was left of that anger that had bubbled up with Pettigrew. He was certain Sirius was doing the same thing.

"I'll be staying here."

"Really?" Harry felt his lips twitch. The anger melting away to the happiness that he was feeling at the idea of having Sirius so close.

"Yeah," Sirius seemed to sense it too since he was smiling, "Cyrus said they have plenty of room and Roxy doesn't want me out of her sight. Not that I can blame her," Sirius winked. "Though I did notice Olivia is free," He observed with a sly look.

"Tracey's mum?" Harry gaped before a laugh burst out trying to imagine how that would go or better yet his friend's reaction to that.

"Yeah, I remember her from Hogwarts," Sirius' tone was wistful. His eyes looked lost in a memory, but he blinked out of it and Harry didn't like the look his godfather was now giving him, "Speaking of I saw you and Daphne earlier."

"So?" Harry didn't like how observant his godfather could be.

"She fancies you just like you fancy her," Sirius said bluntly, "Its easy to see," He shrugged like it should've been just as obvious to him as if Harry was simply handed a book that read-Daphne likes you, Harry Potter.

"There is a Hogsmeade weekend coming up," Harry wasn't sure why he decided to say that out loud.

"She'll say yes," Sirius sounded so confident, "and if she doesn't then I'll eat Fudge's hat."

Harry laughed at that. "That's not fair, I'd want to see that."

Sirius barked out his own laugh and put his arm around Harry in a way that made him want to think he used to do it with Harry's dad when they were kids.

"The sun will still come up tomorrow," Sirius reminded him. "If that's what you're afraid of." He was no longer teasing.

"It isn't," Harry was squirming in his seat. He didn't want to talk about it. He didn't want to think about it. Too late.

She won't want you, the voice was mocking. She'd learn that mistake as soon as you let her get closer.

Harry felt the heavy feeling settle in his gut like a large rock sinking to the bottom of a river.

"Thought I'd find you two here," Moony's sudden arrival was a blessing. He came out to join them. He was carrying a bottle of butterbeer which he handed to Harry, while a bottle of fire whiskey and two glasses were floating behind him which were for Sirius and himself.

"Thanks," Harry took the offered drink and was glad of the taste and the soothing feeling it had on his stomach.

Sirius didn't press any further. "Are you the search party, Moony?"

"Do you mean are they looking for you?"

"Yeah."

"No," Moony said casually, "Actually, the party's gotten a lot better." He poured them both a glass of firewhiskey while they chuckled, "I was told to find you to make sure you didn't come back inside." He handed the glass to Sirius who took it with a smile.

"I appreciate the honesty."

"Anytime," Their glasses clanged together and the friends drank.

Harry raised his butterbeer bottle and turned to his godfather, "Welcome home."

A/N: No trial scenes for Sirius, I skipped all that. Same thing with the friends finding out about Theo and Hermione being 'official.' I wrote way too many attempts and didn't like any of them, so as you can see I gave up. That's also why the trial/process is so vague.

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies, Harry's going through a little of that with his doubt and insecurity as he tries to make the next step in his life. That being said it won't be drawn out if that's what you're worried about.

Now, this is the part where I needlessly remind you that this story isn't as plot focused and more slice of life.

Until next time,

-Spectre4hire