-Four-
He Stood Tall.
Dumbledore's office seemed dark. It was darker, the flames of the candles were in mourning, and Fawks was about to fade into ashes once again. And Dumbledore's glow was gone, as he spoke to Remus quietly across his desk.
"You've agreed to help him make a Dagger of Shadows?"
Remus sighed. "Unfortunately, yes. There is a chance…"
"Mr. Lupin, you realize that Harry would literally have to touch a dementor? Touch? Not get near, he cannot run away, but touch?"
"I am aware. Harry is also aware."
"I know. I'm not sure when he researched it, but He is determined. If there is anyone who can save Sirius, it is him. Harry…is an extraordinary boy. And somehow I think this will show it. Though the dangers…"
"That's why I agreed to help him make the dagger… because we both have more experience in telling if a spell like this worked or not, before he goes out on this mission by himself, with a faulty dagger and no hope in the first place. And you and I both know, he would do it on his own if we told him no. He's like his father in that respect, determined, and has the intellect to get by anything we put in his way. No matter the dangers."
Dumbledore nodded. "Do you have a dagger suitable for the spell? The requirements are very particular…"
"No."
"Then I will retrieve one…but right now unfortunately, it is time for…
"I know. You have to be there." Remus' head fell slightly.
"It…is a horrible thing, yes. Fudge wanted me…and I did not refuse, even though I should have. I will see you, and Harry tonight around 6. "
***
Sirius looked around at the most barbaric thing that the Wizard Community partook in and he was the center of the show.
He was in the center of what could be considered a modern day arena. Aurors, his friends, stood heads faced forward emotionless, some of them biting their lips. They were soldiers. They knew his innocence, but they couldn't do a thing against the courts.
Dumbledore has made his presence known and disappeared. Sirius was glad- he didn't want him to see his last moments alive.
These were his last moments.
Cornelius Fudge sat high above the crowd as he did when he was the judge. Sirius thought bitterly how his last moments were completely guided by the word of this man.
Fudge had decided this would be a public showing of the Kiss. "To remind all, Death Eater and not that there is punishment for your crimes." So now Sirius stood, in a magically barriered arena waiting for a Dementor to come and steal his soul.
He waited in the center boxed in a around a clear barrier. Friends and foe around all sides but none to say a word for him. All silent. Eyes upon him.
He took deep breaths. And looked straight ahead at the door where the dementor would be released. Eyes focused on that spot, tall and proud. He wasn't afraid. He knew this could happen. He'd accepted it.
He stood tall.
"I, Cornelius Fudge, on behalf of the ministry of Magic, have sentenced this man's soul to parish by the way of 'The Kiss' for his crimes against the Wizard and Muggle world for many years. This man, Sirius Black is a symbol to all. A symbol to the Death Eaters that none will not escape without punishment. A Symbol to the innocent that our system works, and will protect you always. A symbol of life and hope of safety for one more of the criminals in this world has been captured and put to justice. Your children can sleep more peacefully tonight, and you do not have to worry anymore about this madman.
Give him the justice of this court."
Sirius' breath slowed. The door holding the dementor back slowly opened, and a wave of cold entered his heart. He took a deep breath, and screamed. "I am innocent." Then he was silent.
He looked at the dementor , eyes focused on the black apparition has it hovered closer to his being.
He wanted to run, the echoes of pain started to consume him, but he would not show his fear, he would stand tall.
Its black hands moved upwards as if to caress his face, and a single tear fell from his eyes.
But he did not flinch.
His eyes lost all color, and his knees buckled as he fell.
It was over.
**********
Evening came at Hogwarts, and the Headmaster sent for Harry and Lupin to meet him. Across the oak desk was a single dagger- 8 inches in length. It hilt was a silver, the blade a twisted silver and crystal that twirled into a beautiful point. Dumbledore looked at it, and picked it up, with a nod. This was certainly the dagger they needed.
Lupin entered first, though everything about him absorbed any cheerfulness that could radiate from Dumbledore. It seemed as if the light from Fawx and diminished and nothing could make it glow brighter again.
"Harry is coming." He said gruffly.
Dumbledore nodded everything about him was serious.
The door swung open and a panting Harry stood leaning against the door room in on hand.
"Why hello Harry, they're shouldn't be such a rush."
"Sorry Headmaster, I was coming from the pitch…"
Though that fact was quite obvious to the fact that he was dressed in a "I love Quidditch" t-shirt and practice pants set ( from Ron on his birthday) and his broom.
"Ahh very well. There is much to discuss so we'll begin."
Harry and Lupin nodded.
"This is the Dagger for the spell."
Harry reached across the desk and weld it in one of his hands. As he looked at it, he realized how close he would have to be to a dementor to hit it. The fact that it would be at arms length, and the frightening thought of hearing his parents' voices as they screamed came back to him suddenly. He paled, but he knew…Sirius. He had to save Sirius. He looked at how the crystal blade refracted the light into prismatic colors inside of it. It was quite beautiful actually, as if his eyes could get lost within the twisting colors.
"Harry."
He stopped staring looking up.
"Be careful, " Lupin reprimanded "The dagger does have magical powers now. That's what makes casting the spell more difficult. Harry… this spell requires will, the will of the bearer to be completely obligated to this task."
Dumbledore then spoke "I'm… with hesitance, letting you do this…though be warned, you may be spending some of your summer finishing up the school year with Professor Lupin." There was a twinkle in his eye "Though, I'm not sure how much you will disagree."
Harry's face lit up for the first time in days. He looked at Lupin for a reassurance on this prospect, and he gave a weak smile.
"That's fine. Can we get started? I want to save Sirius as soon as I can."
"Very well."
--End Of Four.—
Will Sirius come back?
*hmm I wonder*
Well, please review…this doesn't feel like a strong chapter.
