Author's Notes:
Thank you Athena, Elendel, Xikum very much for reading. The chapters may come a bit slow until I get Microsoft word on my new computer, for now I have to post this from someone else's. Oh well(
Thanks a bunch for the reviews, yes you will get to find out what's up with darling Snape, but be warned, it might take a while. What would the fun of telling you right away be???? I look forward (in the mean time) for your guesses, I hope.
Athena- are you Greek, or is it just a SN??
************
There was a soft knock on Dumbledore's office door.
"Come in," he said, and was pleasantly surprised when Penelope entered.
"I'm sorry to bother you headmaster, but I had a few questions."
"You are no bother dear, please, come in and sit down. Would you like a cut of tea?"
Penelope accepted the tea graciously and sat down.
"It's about Harry," she started in at once. "I think he is a natural Telepensier."
When Dumbledore didn't speak immediately she launched into the story of what had taken place in her class that afternoon.
"And I thought, considering what had happened when you were attacked, that maybe Harry is the second natural one we've had."
Dumbledore considered this. "I think you may be right. However, I want you to proceed with caution when you work with him."
"Then you want me to work with him?"
"We have very little choice, it would be foolish to ignore it altogether."
Penelope nodded. "That's all I have headmaster, thank you."
Dumbledore was about to reply when his door banged open again. Sirius stood looking like the crazed mass murderer he was said to be. But as the hunted man came into the office his glossed over eyes came back into focus, and tears started to form. He didn't acknowledge Penelope's presence, tonight he had a mind only for Dumbledore.
"Is it true," Sirius croaked out. "That they let him go."
Dumbledore nodded slowly. "There was nothing I could do Sirius. I'm sorry."
Sirius stood looking at Dumbledore for a few seconds as if he hadn't understood a word that had been said to him. Then all of a sudden his hands covered his face and he collapsed into a chair wailing.
"They will never let me go will they, I will never be an innocent man. Harry," Sirius choked on Harry's name. "Harry will never have a real home."
Penelope knelt down on the floor next to Sirius and put a comforting hand on Sirius's leg. Dumbledore felt his heart break as he watched the man stop wailing and stare quietly into space. Dumbledore had gotten a stiff letter from Fudge that afternoon informing him that Peter had been let go, and that there was still a price on the head of Sirius Black, reminding him that consorting with escaped criminals was highly frowned upon by the ministry. It seems as if Fudge had finally lost his sort of hero worship of Dumbledore, and Dumbledore knew that this change in attitude would make all the difference this year.
***
At breakfast the next morning the mail arrived on time as it always does at Hogwarts. Although Harry wasn't expecting anything he could never fail to be impressed as hundreds of owls soared into the great hall, and swooped down to deliver letters. This morning Pig darted above Ron's head with a manic sort of energy, and Ron had to stand on the table to get him down, while a big screech owl dropped the latest copy of the daily profit next to Hermione. She picked up the parchment and started reading it. To Harry's surprise Hermione suddenly got very pale and started to shake.
Ron, who had Pig tightly in hand as well as a letter from Mrs. Weasley, looked concerned. "Oiy, what's up Hermione?," and because she didn't move, he let go of pig and pulled the paper out of Hermione's hands.
A quick glance and Ron too went very pale and then very red. He looked at Harry's now outstretched arm, and slowly set the paper in it. Harry couldn't believe what he saw.
Minister Free's Wizard Formerly Believed Dead
Yesterday afternoon, after severe questioning the formerly believed dead wizard Peter Pettigrew was released by Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. While it seemed suspicious that Peter had chosen to remain silent for many years while the wizarding community mourned his supposed murder by the mass murderer Sirius Black, top ministry officials decided that Pettigrew poses no threat to the security of our world. The minister commented against some of the harsh criticism for his action "Honestly, the man is about as intelligent as a hamster. If he is in league with you-know-who than I'm a fluberworm's uncle." Fudge also reminded people that Sirius Black is still at large and considered dangerous.
Harry set the paper down. The anger in his stomach began to rise quickly. He wanted to scream, or shout, or hit something, but he couldn't make a scene here. Ron and Hermione understood this, they quickly got up and, acting as one, propelled Harry up from his seat and out of the great hall. When out of ear shot Harry exploded. He tore up the copy of the paper still clutched tightly in his hand and said a few choice words that made even Ron blush. But Harry stopped when a cold voice rang out from behind him.
"What are you doing Potter?"
Snape approached with his usual look of extreme hatred, Professor McGonagall following right behind him. Harry wasn't in the mood to be bullied by Snape. He faced the Professor with a scowl.
"I'm not doing anything," snapped Harry, hardly bothering to keep the impatience out of his voice.
"Potter, what's wrong with you?" asked McGonagall in a concerned voice.
"Nothing Professor," Harry answered trying to hide his anger, he wasn't sure if McGonagall knew the truth about Sirius. And he didn't want to end up having to answer and hard questions.
Professor McGonagall gave him a very piercing stare as if she didn't really believe him, but sensing his turned to leave anyway. Snape however, did not seem ready to leave Harry alone. Snape considered Harry for a moment before bending down to pick up the town pieces of newspaper. With a quick muttered word Snape restored the paper to it's whole form.
"What is this now?" he hissed, skimming over the paper. As he read his face went blank.
"Well Severus," said McGonagall, who had stopped to wait for Snape. "What is it?"
Harry could tell Snape was doing some quick thinking. "I'm sure you heard about Peter Pettigrew turning up this summer after being thought dead for 15 years."
"Yes, I couldn't believe it. Have they figured out where he was for all that time?"
"No," said Snape simply. "The ministry let him go yesterday."
McGonagall waited for Snape to say more, but when it became obvious that he didn't intend to say anything else she stood up a bit straighter and adjusted her hat.
"A very foolish thing for them to do without getting the full story. Do you think there is a chance that Sirius Black could be innocent?"
Harry, Ron and Hermione, who had been watching the exchange between their two teachers quietly, now all opened their mouths. The smallest of a half glance from Snape stopped them.
"The ministry does not think so," Snape said neutrally.
McGonagall looked disappointed, for a quick second, but then resumed her strict, business-like manner. "I think it's time for you three to head to class. You don't want to be late."
Harry fled very quickly. After he was sure they were out of earshot Harry stopped and turned to face his friends.
"We can't let this happen. We've got to find a way to make Fudge listen."
"How are we going to do that?" asked Ron looking unsure.
"We've got to catch Pettigrew in the act of helping Voldemort."
Ron looked stupefied, but Hermione found her voice. "Harry, that's crazy. There's no way that we can-"
But Harry waved her silent, he didn't want to argue about it. He knew that Ron and Hermione wouldn't hesitate for a second to help a family member from being hurt. Sirius was Harry's family, his only family, and Harry didn't intend to stand around and watch as Ministry officials hunted Sirius down.
"What class do we have now?" asked Harry, breaking the silence.
"History of Magic," said Hermione.
"Good," said Ron enthusiastically, and when Harry gave him a questioning look he added. "I could use a nap right about now."
True to his word Ron slept through Professor Bin's lecture, but Harry for once, couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't stop thinking about how close his godfather had become to getting free, and twice now he had been foiled by wormtail. Deep down Harry knew that it was partially his fault that Sirius wasn't free yet. If he had allowed Sirius and Remus to kill Pettigrew when they had the chance he might never have escaped. If he had know then what would happen if he saved Peter's life he would have let the rat die.
***
The next few weeks Harry wasn't himself. Despite many efforts by both Ron and Hermione to cheer him up, he simply could not be cheery. Sirius had met him out on the grounds one night, and tried to tell Harry that he was okay, but even that didn't make Harry feel better. Finally, one afternoon after lunch Harry was stopped in the hallway by a familiar face.
"Hello Harry," said Mrs. Figg with a friendly smile.
"Hullo," said Harry, trying very hard to smile, but not quite managing.
"I hear you've been feeling a bit down Harry, I wonder if I could have a word with you." "Now? But I have potions now."
"It's okay Harry, I've gotten professor Snape's permission for you to be late."
Harry goggled at her. Impressed and thankful at the same time he let her push him gently towards an empty class room. Ron and Hermione gave him beaming smiles at him and Mrs. Figg.
"Don't worry Harry, we'll tell you what you missed," yelled Hermione as Harry entered the class room.
The last look he had of his friends was Ron rolling his eyes and probably saying something insulting about Snape, but Harry couldn't hear.
Harry had never been inside a classroom like this. In fact, he was pretty sure it wasn't a classroom at all. There were a handful of squishy arm chairs around a low coffee table. On the table were two cups of steaming tea and a few cookies. Mrs. Fig sat down and motioned for Harry to sit as well.
He sank a few inches when he sat down in one of the chairs. It felt so good he didn't know if he could ever get out, even if he had wanted to, which he didn't. He took one of the cups of tea and sipped it in comforting silence. Neither he nor Mrs. Figg felt it was important to speak right away. Questions started to form in Harry's mind, and after a few minutes Harry decided to ask one.
"Do you think Sirius will ever be cleared?"
Mrs. Figg set down her cup and smiled. "I'm certain of it Harry. It's only a matter of time. Sirius has a few very loyal friends, and none of them will rest until he is. Even my cats are out trying their hardest to catch Peter."
"Your cats," said Harry impressed. "Did you send them?"
"No, they were personally offended when Fudge let Peter go after how much pain they went through catching him the first time. They insisted on going, I couldn't stop them."
Harry stifled a laugh as he pictured a miniature Mrs. Figg trying to stop four gigantic cats from leaving her house.
Mrs. Figg smiled even bigger. "From what I've heard Harry that's one of the first times you've laughed in a long time."
Harry suddenly got very serious. In a second his worries about having saved Peter, about Sirius being hunted the rest of his life, about Voldemort, all came spilling out. Mrs. Figg came over and knelt by Harry's chair, putting two comforting hands on his shoulders.
"Harry, none of this is your fault. Do you honestly think after seeing the way Fudge acted now that he would have freed Sirius if you had brought Peter back dead three tears ago?"
Harry shook his head slowly. She was right, but that fact was little comfort to him.
"I've always wanted a family," he said glumly. "But when I finally find my godfather I can't live with him, or even be out with him in public."
"Harry, life had handed you a bad deal, that's for sure. But you have friends who support and love you, they are your family. Ron and Hermione would do anything for you, so would the entire Weasley family I'm betting, and Remus, and of course Arabella and I."
Harry looked into Mrs. Figg's eyes. She was right again, he had family. Even though it wasn't the traditional type that lived in the same house, with a mother, father and children, it was a family none-the-less. A small pang of guilt popped up when he thought about this, realizing how he must have made Ron and Hermione feel the last few weeks.
"You're right, Mrs. Figg. Thanks."
The tiniest smile flickered on Harry's face again. Mrs. Figg stood up then, and Harry did the same. As he shuffled towards the door Mrs. Figg stopped him.
"Stand up straight Harry, even when you think your back will break you must stand up straight. It distributes the weight you feel evenly on your body."
Harry wasn't quite sure he understood what Mrs. Figg meant by this, but he straightened out his back as he said goodbye, and then headed down to the dungeons.
Harry's steps where a little lighter than before, and he walked a little quicker. The dread he had felt pulling down his whole body was gone. With his back straight and chin held high he felt more confident than he had just 15 minutes ago. He stood outside the door to his potions class for a few seconds before going in, admittedly terrified about what Snape was going to do to him for coming in late. But Harry straightened himself up again, and braced himself for the worst. Let Snape do his worst, Harry was ready for it.
Harry opened the door to the classroom, and did a quick glance around the room. Snape was no where to be seen. Ron and Hermione had saved him an empty seat next to them, and he headed quickly to it. But Harry's luck didn't hold out. As Harry got to his seat an all to familiar voice rang out across the dungeon.
"Potter, you're late, hurry up and get started or you won't have time to finish."
"I'm sorry Professor," said Harry quickly before Snape could take and points. "Mrs. Figg."
"I'm aware of what you were doing Potter, but that does not make you any less behind." Harry sat down quickly and started getting his cauldron out.
"I can't believe he didn't take any points from me," whispered Harry to Ron.
"He's been acting strange today," Ron whispered back. "Neville spilt his worming solution before he had added the lily roots, and burnt a huge hole in the table, but Snape just fixed it up and told Neville to be more careful next time."
Snape continued his strange behavior throughout the lesson until it was time for him to assign homework, which he did, and not just a little either. Harry could hardly hold back a groan as he copied down their assignment. It was going to take a whole weekend to do.
"What do you think was up with Snape today?" asked Ron as soon as they were out of the classroom.
"I don't know," said Harry. "But he's never given us this much homework."
"Maybe it's a plan to make us think he's gone soft, so we don't do the homework and then when it's time to hand it in he'll be able to take off hundreds of points and give everyone's a weeks worth of detentions!" replied Ron enthusiastically.
Harry laughed, and Hermione rolled her eyes, but they Harry caught them exchanging a quick glance with one another, they were relieved that Harry was laughing again.
"I'm sorry for being so horrible the last few weeks guys."
Ron and Hermione both grinned at him.
"It's okay Harry," said Hermione.
"Yeah, I reckon we should have done more to help prove Sirius innocent," said Ron.
"It's okay Ron, Mrs. Figg told me that her cats are working on finding Peter again."
"Really? What else did Mrs. Figg tell you?" asked Hermione.
So as they headed up to the great hall for dinner Harry told them about everything Mrs. Figg had said. None of the three noticed the quiet steps of someone behind them. Ron was asking Harry a question when Harry stopped in his tracks and winced in pain as his hand flew to the scar on top of his head.
"What is it Harry?" asked Ron while glancing about nervously.
Hermione didn't say anything but got out her wand and pointed it as footsteps coming from behind them got closer. Harry scar stopped throbbing as Mundungus Fletcher came barreling around the corner. He beamed when he saw Harry.
"Harry! Hullo there, how are you. Are these your friends? Jolly good to meet you. Mundungus Fletchers the name. Are you both in Gryffindor too? My son Davey's just been sorted there. First year, perhaps you've met him."
Fletcher said this all very fast without giving anyone a chance to reply. Before anyone could muddle out which question to answer first another person flew around the opposite corner heading from the great hall. Snape, and he looked like he had just ran the entire way there, he was out of breath with a hand clasped to his side as inconspicuously as possible. At the look of horror on Snape's face when he saw Mundungus Harry would have thought it was the dark Lord himself rather than a dumpy man in violently yellow robes.
"Severus! I'm so glad you stumbled upon me, I was just looking for you. As we didn't get a chance to catch up before I thought a nice private lunch in your office would be just the ticket. I had the house elves send dome food down there. I know how much you like to eat-"
"You did WHAT?" asked Snape in a mixture of anger and disbelief.
Mundungus just laughed. He seemed to be used to Snape's sometimes less than friendly nature, and used to it.
"Don't worry my dear chap, I know you though I would forget your liking for spicy-"
"Thank you Mundungus," Snape cut him off in clear exasperation.
"Well then," Mundungus turned to wink at Harry. "I'll be seeing you Harry, Ron, Hermione." He nodded at each one of them and then with a tight grip pulled Snape off in the direction of the office.
The look of displeasure on Snape's face was priceless. Harry didn't know whether to feel sorry for the man or laugh at him.
Ron had opted for laughter, but Hermione looked puzzled.
"We never told him our names," she said suspiciously.
***
"Was it a success?" asked a cold voice to a hooded man.
"Well, it did not go exactly as we had liked." said the hooded man.
"And why not," replied the cold voice with a deathly calm. "I was interrupted."
"By whom?"
"By the traitor."
There was a very pregnant and very chilling pause before the cold voice spoke again.
"Wormtail, now that you are back make yourself useful. Bring the traitor to me, it's time that he pays for this- interruption."
***
Thank you Athena, Elendel, Xikum very much for reading. The chapters may come a bit slow until I get Microsoft word on my new computer, for now I have to post this from someone else's. Oh well(
Thanks a bunch for the reviews, yes you will get to find out what's up with darling Snape, but be warned, it might take a while. What would the fun of telling you right away be???? I look forward (in the mean time) for your guesses, I hope.
Athena- are you Greek, or is it just a SN??
************
There was a soft knock on Dumbledore's office door.
"Come in," he said, and was pleasantly surprised when Penelope entered.
"I'm sorry to bother you headmaster, but I had a few questions."
"You are no bother dear, please, come in and sit down. Would you like a cut of tea?"
Penelope accepted the tea graciously and sat down.
"It's about Harry," she started in at once. "I think he is a natural Telepensier."
When Dumbledore didn't speak immediately she launched into the story of what had taken place in her class that afternoon.
"And I thought, considering what had happened when you were attacked, that maybe Harry is the second natural one we've had."
Dumbledore considered this. "I think you may be right. However, I want you to proceed with caution when you work with him."
"Then you want me to work with him?"
"We have very little choice, it would be foolish to ignore it altogether."
Penelope nodded. "That's all I have headmaster, thank you."
Dumbledore was about to reply when his door banged open again. Sirius stood looking like the crazed mass murderer he was said to be. But as the hunted man came into the office his glossed over eyes came back into focus, and tears started to form. He didn't acknowledge Penelope's presence, tonight he had a mind only for Dumbledore.
"Is it true," Sirius croaked out. "That they let him go."
Dumbledore nodded slowly. "There was nothing I could do Sirius. I'm sorry."
Sirius stood looking at Dumbledore for a few seconds as if he hadn't understood a word that had been said to him. Then all of a sudden his hands covered his face and he collapsed into a chair wailing.
"They will never let me go will they, I will never be an innocent man. Harry," Sirius choked on Harry's name. "Harry will never have a real home."
Penelope knelt down on the floor next to Sirius and put a comforting hand on Sirius's leg. Dumbledore felt his heart break as he watched the man stop wailing and stare quietly into space. Dumbledore had gotten a stiff letter from Fudge that afternoon informing him that Peter had been let go, and that there was still a price on the head of Sirius Black, reminding him that consorting with escaped criminals was highly frowned upon by the ministry. It seems as if Fudge had finally lost his sort of hero worship of Dumbledore, and Dumbledore knew that this change in attitude would make all the difference this year.
***
At breakfast the next morning the mail arrived on time as it always does at Hogwarts. Although Harry wasn't expecting anything he could never fail to be impressed as hundreds of owls soared into the great hall, and swooped down to deliver letters. This morning Pig darted above Ron's head with a manic sort of energy, and Ron had to stand on the table to get him down, while a big screech owl dropped the latest copy of the daily profit next to Hermione. She picked up the parchment and started reading it. To Harry's surprise Hermione suddenly got very pale and started to shake.
Ron, who had Pig tightly in hand as well as a letter from Mrs. Weasley, looked concerned. "Oiy, what's up Hermione?," and because she didn't move, he let go of pig and pulled the paper out of Hermione's hands.
A quick glance and Ron too went very pale and then very red. He looked at Harry's now outstretched arm, and slowly set the paper in it. Harry couldn't believe what he saw.
Minister Free's Wizard Formerly Believed Dead
Yesterday afternoon, after severe questioning the formerly believed dead wizard Peter Pettigrew was released by Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. While it seemed suspicious that Peter had chosen to remain silent for many years while the wizarding community mourned his supposed murder by the mass murderer Sirius Black, top ministry officials decided that Pettigrew poses no threat to the security of our world. The minister commented against some of the harsh criticism for his action "Honestly, the man is about as intelligent as a hamster. If he is in league with you-know-who than I'm a fluberworm's uncle." Fudge also reminded people that Sirius Black is still at large and considered dangerous.
Harry set the paper down. The anger in his stomach began to rise quickly. He wanted to scream, or shout, or hit something, but he couldn't make a scene here. Ron and Hermione understood this, they quickly got up and, acting as one, propelled Harry up from his seat and out of the great hall. When out of ear shot Harry exploded. He tore up the copy of the paper still clutched tightly in his hand and said a few choice words that made even Ron blush. But Harry stopped when a cold voice rang out from behind him.
"What are you doing Potter?"
Snape approached with his usual look of extreme hatred, Professor McGonagall following right behind him. Harry wasn't in the mood to be bullied by Snape. He faced the Professor with a scowl.
"I'm not doing anything," snapped Harry, hardly bothering to keep the impatience out of his voice.
"Potter, what's wrong with you?" asked McGonagall in a concerned voice.
"Nothing Professor," Harry answered trying to hide his anger, he wasn't sure if McGonagall knew the truth about Sirius. And he didn't want to end up having to answer and hard questions.
Professor McGonagall gave him a very piercing stare as if she didn't really believe him, but sensing his turned to leave anyway. Snape however, did not seem ready to leave Harry alone. Snape considered Harry for a moment before bending down to pick up the town pieces of newspaper. With a quick muttered word Snape restored the paper to it's whole form.
"What is this now?" he hissed, skimming over the paper. As he read his face went blank.
"Well Severus," said McGonagall, who had stopped to wait for Snape. "What is it?"
Harry could tell Snape was doing some quick thinking. "I'm sure you heard about Peter Pettigrew turning up this summer after being thought dead for 15 years."
"Yes, I couldn't believe it. Have they figured out where he was for all that time?"
"No," said Snape simply. "The ministry let him go yesterday."
McGonagall waited for Snape to say more, but when it became obvious that he didn't intend to say anything else she stood up a bit straighter and adjusted her hat.
"A very foolish thing for them to do without getting the full story. Do you think there is a chance that Sirius Black could be innocent?"
Harry, Ron and Hermione, who had been watching the exchange between their two teachers quietly, now all opened their mouths. The smallest of a half glance from Snape stopped them.
"The ministry does not think so," Snape said neutrally.
McGonagall looked disappointed, for a quick second, but then resumed her strict, business-like manner. "I think it's time for you three to head to class. You don't want to be late."
Harry fled very quickly. After he was sure they were out of earshot Harry stopped and turned to face his friends.
"We can't let this happen. We've got to find a way to make Fudge listen."
"How are we going to do that?" asked Ron looking unsure.
"We've got to catch Pettigrew in the act of helping Voldemort."
Ron looked stupefied, but Hermione found her voice. "Harry, that's crazy. There's no way that we can-"
But Harry waved her silent, he didn't want to argue about it. He knew that Ron and Hermione wouldn't hesitate for a second to help a family member from being hurt. Sirius was Harry's family, his only family, and Harry didn't intend to stand around and watch as Ministry officials hunted Sirius down.
"What class do we have now?" asked Harry, breaking the silence.
"History of Magic," said Hermione.
"Good," said Ron enthusiastically, and when Harry gave him a questioning look he added. "I could use a nap right about now."
True to his word Ron slept through Professor Bin's lecture, but Harry for once, couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't stop thinking about how close his godfather had become to getting free, and twice now he had been foiled by wormtail. Deep down Harry knew that it was partially his fault that Sirius wasn't free yet. If he had allowed Sirius and Remus to kill Pettigrew when they had the chance he might never have escaped. If he had know then what would happen if he saved Peter's life he would have let the rat die.
***
The next few weeks Harry wasn't himself. Despite many efforts by both Ron and Hermione to cheer him up, he simply could not be cheery. Sirius had met him out on the grounds one night, and tried to tell Harry that he was okay, but even that didn't make Harry feel better. Finally, one afternoon after lunch Harry was stopped in the hallway by a familiar face.
"Hello Harry," said Mrs. Figg with a friendly smile.
"Hullo," said Harry, trying very hard to smile, but not quite managing.
"I hear you've been feeling a bit down Harry, I wonder if I could have a word with you." "Now? But I have potions now."
"It's okay Harry, I've gotten professor Snape's permission for you to be late."
Harry goggled at her. Impressed and thankful at the same time he let her push him gently towards an empty class room. Ron and Hermione gave him beaming smiles at him and Mrs. Figg.
"Don't worry Harry, we'll tell you what you missed," yelled Hermione as Harry entered the class room.
The last look he had of his friends was Ron rolling his eyes and probably saying something insulting about Snape, but Harry couldn't hear.
Harry had never been inside a classroom like this. In fact, he was pretty sure it wasn't a classroom at all. There were a handful of squishy arm chairs around a low coffee table. On the table were two cups of steaming tea and a few cookies. Mrs. Fig sat down and motioned for Harry to sit as well.
He sank a few inches when he sat down in one of the chairs. It felt so good he didn't know if he could ever get out, even if he had wanted to, which he didn't. He took one of the cups of tea and sipped it in comforting silence. Neither he nor Mrs. Figg felt it was important to speak right away. Questions started to form in Harry's mind, and after a few minutes Harry decided to ask one.
"Do you think Sirius will ever be cleared?"
Mrs. Figg set down her cup and smiled. "I'm certain of it Harry. It's only a matter of time. Sirius has a few very loyal friends, and none of them will rest until he is. Even my cats are out trying their hardest to catch Peter."
"Your cats," said Harry impressed. "Did you send them?"
"No, they were personally offended when Fudge let Peter go after how much pain they went through catching him the first time. They insisted on going, I couldn't stop them."
Harry stifled a laugh as he pictured a miniature Mrs. Figg trying to stop four gigantic cats from leaving her house.
Mrs. Figg smiled even bigger. "From what I've heard Harry that's one of the first times you've laughed in a long time."
Harry suddenly got very serious. In a second his worries about having saved Peter, about Sirius being hunted the rest of his life, about Voldemort, all came spilling out. Mrs. Figg came over and knelt by Harry's chair, putting two comforting hands on his shoulders.
"Harry, none of this is your fault. Do you honestly think after seeing the way Fudge acted now that he would have freed Sirius if you had brought Peter back dead three tears ago?"
Harry shook his head slowly. She was right, but that fact was little comfort to him.
"I've always wanted a family," he said glumly. "But when I finally find my godfather I can't live with him, or even be out with him in public."
"Harry, life had handed you a bad deal, that's for sure. But you have friends who support and love you, they are your family. Ron and Hermione would do anything for you, so would the entire Weasley family I'm betting, and Remus, and of course Arabella and I."
Harry looked into Mrs. Figg's eyes. She was right again, he had family. Even though it wasn't the traditional type that lived in the same house, with a mother, father and children, it was a family none-the-less. A small pang of guilt popped up when he thought about this, realizing how he must have made Ron and Hermione feel the last few weeks.
"You're right, Mrs. Figg. Thanks."
The tiniest smile flickered on Harry's face again. Mrs. Figg stood up then, and Harry did the same. As he shuffled towards the door Mrs. Figg stopped him.
"Stand up straight Harry, even when you think your back will break you must stand up straight. It distributes the weight you feel evenly on your body."
Harry wasn't quite sure he understood what Mrs. Figg meant by this, but he straightened out his back as he said goodbye, and then headed down to the dungeons.
Harry's steps where a little lighter than before, and he walked a little quicker. The dread he had felt pulling down his whole body was gone. With his back straight and chin held high he felt more confident than he had just 15 minutes ago. He stood outside the door to his potions class for a few seconds before going in, admittedly terrified about what Snape was going to do to him for coming in late. But Harry straightened himself up again, and braced himself for the worst. Let Snape do his worst, Harry was ready for it.
Harry opened the door to the classroom, and did a quick glance around the room. Snape was no where to be seen. Ron and Hermione had saved him an empty seat next to them, and he headed quickly to it. But Harry's luck didn't hold out. As Harry got to his seat an all to familiar voice rang out across the dungeon.
"Potter, you're late, hurry up and get started or you won't have time to finish."
"I'm sorry Professor," said Harry quickly before Snape could take and points. "Mrs. Figg."
"I'm aware of what you were doing Potter, but that does not make you any less behind." Harry sat down quickly and started getting his cauldron out.
"I can't believe he didn't take any points from me," whispered Harry to Ron.
"He's been acting strange today," Ron whispered back. "Neville spilt his worming solution before he had added the lily roots, and burnt a huge hole in the table, but Snape just fixed it up and told Neville to be more careful next time."
Snape continued his strange behavior throughout the lesson until it was time for him to assign homework, which he did, and not just a little either. Harry could hardly hold back a groan as he copied down their assignment. It was going to take a whole weekend to do.
"What do you think was up with Snape today?" asked Ron as soon as they were out of the classroom.
"I don't know," said Harry. "But he's never given us this much homework."
"Maybe it's a plan to make us think he's gone soft, so we don't do the homework and then when it's time to hand it in he'll be able to take off hundreds of points and give everyone's a weeks worth of detentions!" replied Ron enthusiastically.
Harry laughed, and Hermione rolled her eyes, but they Harry caught them exchanging a quick glance with one another, they were relieved that Harry was laughing again.
"I'm sorry for being so horrible the last few weeks guys."
Ron and Hermione both grinned at him.
"It's okay Harry," said Hermione.
"Yeah, I reckon we should have done more to help prove Sirius innocent," said Ron.
"It's okay Ron, Mrs. Figg told me that her cats are working on finding Peter again."
"Really? What else did Mrs. Figg tell you?" asked Hermione.
So as they headed up to the great hall for dinner Harry told them about everything Mrs. Figg had said. None of the three noticed the quiet steps of someone behind them. Ron was asking Harry a question when Harry stopped in his tracks and winced in pain as his hand flew to the scar on top of his head.
"What is it Harry?" asked Ron while glancing about nervously.
Hermione didn't say anything but got out her wand and pointed it as footsteps coming from behind them got closer. Harry scar stopped throbbing as Mundungus Fletcher came barreling around the corner. He beamed when he saw Harry.
"Harry! Hullo there, how are you. Are these your friends? Jolly good to meet you. Mundungus Fletchers the name. Are you both in Gryffindor too? My son Davey's just been sorted there. First year, perhaps you've met him."
Fletcher said this all very fast without giving anyone a chance to reply. Before anyone could muddle out which question to answer first another person flew around the opposite corner heading from the great hall. Snape, and he looked like he had just ran the entire way there, he was out of breath with a hand clasped to his side as inconspicuously as possible. At the look of horror on Snape's face when he saw Mundungus Harry would have thought it was the dark Lord himself rather than a dumpy man in violently yellow robes.
"Severus! I'm so glad you stumbled upon me, I was just looking for you. As we didn't get a chance to catch up before I thought a nice private lunch in your office would be just the ticket. I had the house elves send dome food down there. I know how much you like to eat-"
"You did WHAT?" asked Snape in a mixture of anger and disbelief.
Mundungus just laughed. He seemed to be used to Snape's sometimes less than friendly nature, and used to it.
"Don't worry my dear chap, I know you though I would forget your liking for spicy-"
"Thank you Mundungus," Snape cut him off in clear exasperation.
"Well then," Mundungus turned to wink at Harry. "I'll be seeing you Harry, Ron, Hermione." He nodded at each one of them and then with a tight grip pulled Snape off in the direction of the office.
The look of displeasure on Snape's face was priceless. Harry didn't know whether to feel sorry for the man or laugh at him.
Ron had opted for laughter, but Hermione looked puzzled.
"We never told him our names," she said suspiciously.
***
"Was it a success?" asked a cold voice to a hooded man.
"Well, it did not go exactly as we had liked." said the hooded man.
"And why not," replied the cold voice with a deathly calm. "I was interrupted."
"By whom?"
"By the traitor."
There was a very pregnant and very chilling pause before the cold voice spoke again.
"Wormtail, now that you are back make yourself useful. Bring the traitor to me, it's time that he pays for this- interruption."
***