Okay, so I'm not going to do review reviews this week, because I'm
confused. I have like ten different reviews from the same author name that
say different things, I know that they are from different people though,
but I don't know who and I don't know how to go about answering them
correctly. So, I'd like to thank everyone who corrected me on Creevy,
though I've decided to leave it as is. For those who don't know Mr. Creevy
is a muggle milk man...just not in this story. I'm sorry to anyone annoyed
by that, I hate when writers do it, but I really want to keep it the way it
is....
Warning!!! This isn't the best chapter I've ever written. It took me a while to do it because it was just not a fun chapter. It's surprisingly long, however, I hope you do enjoy it. Hopefully the next chapter will come out soon!
Once they were well on their way to the train station. Sirius slammed on the breaks and pulled onto the shoulder of the road. "Shit! We forgot James!"
Harry didn't seem to care too much and said, "It doesn't matter. I think you need him more than I do. I'll have my friends at school, you'll only have Sorai at home...and she's barely ever there."
"But Remus wanted you to have him at school. He thought it would be good for you."
"Sirius, its okay, really. I don't need the dog...I'll be fine. Now lets go we're already late."
Sirius didn't want to, but he got back on the road and headed for the platform. Sirius quickly found a parking place and turned the car off but didn't get out. He turned and looked at Harry with tear filled eyes. Harry couldn't help but laugh at him. In response Sirius punched Harry playfully in the arm and then turned serious again.
"I'm really going to miss having you around Harry. Who's going to keep me busy?"
"James," Harry replied with a twinkle in his eye like Dumbledore's.
"Nah, won't be the same. I want you to be good Harry, don't go looking for trouble like you always do. But make sure you don't forget your marauder roots. Everyone's entitled to some fun once in a while."
"I'll have fun Sirius."
"And be careful. I know you don't always like it but you ARE Harry Potter. Trouble is going to come to you faster than to anyone else. Stay alert. And watch out for the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I don't know who it is, but from what I've seen you haven't had the best of luck with those. Remus being the exception."
"I'll be careful Sirius, don't worry so much."
"It's my job to worry."
"And its mine to wish you wouldn't."
"I'm going to hug you know so I don't have to embarrass you on the platform."
Harry laughed as he was forced into a bear hug from Sirius, who hugged him tight for at least a full minute. When he let go Harry took a deep breath like he couldn't breath for a long period of time before that. Sirius then gave him a noogie (SP??? You know the thing where someone rubs their fist on your head). Harry laughed and swatted his hands at Sirius.
"Hey, hey, hey what did I tell you about using your fists?"
Harry laughed and replied, "It was self defense." Harry then looked at the clock.
"Shit! I have one minute to get on the train!"
"Language!"
Harry rolled his eyes and quipped, "I got it from you."
Sirius was speechless, so he got out of the car and grabbed Harry's trunk the muggle way. Harry grabbed Hedwig and they set off at a jog towards Platform 9 ¾. They stopped dead when they got on the platform. Students were everywhere, no one was on the train.
"Technical difficulties I guess," Sirius said looking extremely happy about it. "I get to spend more time with my boy!" Harry grinned slightly at Sirius, but then looked at all the people on the platform. They were all gawking at Sirius.
"What's the matter Harry...oh," Sirius said noticing himself that everyone was looking at him. "I'm sorry Harry."
Harry shook his head. "I don't mind Sirius. It's you who should mind. You're innocent, but you still get looked at everywhere you go. Kind of like me, I guess."
Sirius nodded his head but looked slightly uncomfortable now that he saw everyone staring like that. Soon a distraction came, however, and he couldn't have been more grateful.
"Harry!" Ron yelled, running to his best friends side. He smacked Harry on the back and said cheerfully, "What's up?"
Harry was uncertain about how to react to Ron's attitude. He had expected him to still be upset about his mothers death, but he seemed completely normal again, so Harry responded, "Nothing much, you?"
"Same old, same old. You happy to be going back?"
"Yes, and for the first time no. I'm glad to be able to spend time with you and Hermione, and everyone else again, but I'm really going to miss Sirius, and my new home."
"'Course you will. But we're going to have a great time this year. We're over half way done you know. Only three more years left."
"Kind of scary eh Ron?"
Ron nodded and then turned sharply when someone pushed him in the back. He looked right into the face of Hermione and was momentarily speechless. He shook his head and said, "Don't ever do that again, Hermione. You nearly well gave me a bloody heart attack."
"Oh Ron, you're fine. How are you guys?"
"Fine," they both said in unison.
"And Sirius?"
"Fine thanks Hermione, its nice to see someone actually notices me," he said looking pointedly at Ron, who just shrugged.
Hermione gave him a look and then observed all the people on the platform who were still gawking at Sirius, she looked ready to contradict the last part of his sentence. "Shut up," he said as he noticed where she was going with that. She just rolled her eyes.
"Do you know what's going on with the train?" Hermione asked. Sirius and Harry shook their heads, but Ron nodded.
"Seamus told me that he heard that there was something on the tracks far ahead. Nobody knows what it is but it's going to block the train from getting to Hogwarts. I don't know how they're fixing it or when they're going to fix it, but I hope it happens soon. I'm hungry."
Everyone present rolled their eyes.
"I wonder what it is," Sirius said anxiously, craning his head to see down the front of the train.
Harry saw how nervous Sirius was about it and that made him nervous. "Do you think it's going to be alright Sirius?"
"I'm sure Harry," Sirius said, but not convincingly.
The foreboding mood was then lightened with the arrival of Fred and George. "Mr. Marauder, how nice to see you again," Fred said shaking Sirius's hand. Harry rolled his eyes, but Sirius looked very proud at being called that. George shook his hand again.
"What do you two have planned for this year?"
"Lots of things," Fred said.
"But first rule of pranking, as you should well know, is to never tell an adult the plans for the year."
Sirius nodded. "But without me you would have never become the pranksters you have become."
"He has a point Fred."
"Indeed George, but still he may have changed over the years. We should tell him nothing."
"Alright, alright, but just promise me that you'll leave my godson here alone."
"We never prank fellow Gryffindor's Mr. Marauder, except little Ronnikens of course. You're precious Harry will be free from pranks, for more reason's than one," Fred said, winking at Harry. Sirius looked at him suspiciously but asked no further questions. The conversation was then interrupted by the whistle of the train. The conductor came out at that point and stood in the center of the platform.
"Attention Hogwarts students," he said, his voice magically magnified so that everyone could hear. "We have had a technical difficulty with the tracks ahead. The problem has been fixed, but it is possible that it will reoccur. If parents feel that they do not wish for their children to ride the train they may, if they so choose, send them to Hogwarts another way. We assure the safety of all students, but the journey may take longer than expected. Thank you for your time and any inconvenience."
A murmur broke through the crowd, and Sirius was happy to see that for once it wasn't about him, but he was very worried about the situation.
"Harry, I don't want you getting on that train."
"What? Sirius, it's going to be fine that guy just said that we'll all be safe."
"I don't care Harry. Something is obviously wrong if he thinks it's going to happen again. I'm taking you to Hogwarts. And I'll take Hermione and Ron too. And Fred and George if they want. Ginny too, of course, wherever she is. I'm not taking that chance Harry."
Harry looked annoyed, but he knew arguing would be pointless.
"So who's coming?" Sirius asked excited.
Hermione said she would like to come, but Ron looked skeptical. "I'm really hungry, I need to get some food. I was planning on getting something on the train."
"Don't worry about it, I was going to have Harry eat on the train too. We'll stop and get something."
"Nah," said Fred. "We have plans for this train. And someone has to see what's going on."
"And where's Ginny?" Sirius asked.
"Over here," she said timidly from behind him. Sirius turned and looked at her kindly. She seemed rather frightened of him.
Ron walked over to her. "You want to ride with Sirius, Ginny?"
"Ummm...sure," she replied, although she looked scared senseless at the prospect.
"Great," Sirius said, excited. Probably only because it meant he got to spend more time with Harry. "Now lets get going. It's going to take a lot longer to get there by car. I'm going to have to try some of Remus's controls, but I don't know how well it will work so we want to give ourselves some time."
They all made there way to there car and saw several other witches and wizards doing the same. When they reached the Jeep, Harry again saw the last person he wanted to see, Colin Creevy, with his dad. Sirius turned around the moment he saw him, but it was too late.
"Sirius Black!!! Long time no see old friend! I was so sorry to hear about you. I knew all along it couldn't have been you. It was Pettigrew, huh? And it's really a shame to hear about Remus. He was always such a nice guy. So you're taking care of James's son now huh? That's really great of you. I'm sure he's a great kid, just like James..."
Harry started snickering beside Sirius, as he saw his fists clench up, just like Harry did around Colin.
"Yeah, Creevy," Sirius began tensely. "It's nice to see you again. Harry here's told me about you son. Sounds like he's just like you. You must be very happy."
"Oh yes, I am. Crazy about the train, huh? I really don't want Colin here riding it if anything is going to happen. Looks like you have a whole car load. Are you taking care of all these kids, Sirius. You must have some heart to do all that."
Sirius didn't answer, he just started getting in the Jeep. Harry, Hermione and the Weasley's soon followed suit. They all slammed the doors shut and took off while Mr. Creevy kept talking. Harry looked back and saw that he was still talking to the place where the car was when they were already heading down the road.
Harry couldn't help but laugh and Sirius glared at him. "God! That guy hasn't changed at all! I see why you hit that kid Harry, that family has no tact whatsoever. Bring up everything bad...that's a real conversation starter." Harry stopped laughing when he saw how all the things Colin's father had said had gotten under his skin. Sirius looked really disturbed by the things he had said, and Harry couldn't quite figure out why. There must have been a lot more tension between them at school for those things to get to him like that. The three in the back realized it too as they shut right up for the next ten minutes or so while Sirius relaxed.
"You guys ready to get some grub?" Sirius asked.
Ron's stomach answered with a loud grumble and everyone, including the uptight Ginny laughed. The heavy mood set by Colin's father was finally lifted. They went to McDonald's, Sirius's treat and then journeyed on until it started to get dark. The trip was spent with Harry and the crew telling Sirius about all they had been through together. Ginny even joined in and told him about her experience with Tom Riddle. Then Sirius started telling stories about his days at Hogwarts. It was a hysterical ride, and Harry was glad that Sirius made him stay off the train.
But it was getting late, very late and they still were no where near Hogwarts. Sirius decided it was time to try the magic controls Remus had installed. Everyone was a little scared of what the consequences of this may be, but they all were willing to let him try. Sirius flicked the switch he thought would transport him where he wanted to go and said, "Hogsmeade!" They flew into darkness and after a few seconds came to a halt.
They all looked around, and Sirius yelled, "Shit!" slamming his hand on the steering wheel. Harry again couldn't help but laugh.
"Where are we?" Ginny asked timidly.
"We're at home." Sirius growled. Ginny, Hermione and Ron couldn't help it either, they started roaring with laughter.
"Well," Sirius said, almost amused himself. "I'm glad to see that you don't mind another nine hours of driving."
They all immediately stopped laughing, and then Harry said, "Maybe you should try the controls again, Sirius."
Sirius nodded and then flicked the switch next to the one he had hit the first time. He again yelled, "Hogsmead." Again they flew into darkness and then halted. This time they were where they had planned to be.
"Yessah!" Sirius yelled and hit the steering wheel. "I have done it!"
They all laughed at him. Sirius drove along the streets of Hogsmead until they reached Hogsmead Station, where carriages were lined up and waiting for the train to arrive.
"We beat the train?!?!" Ron exclaimed.
Sirius looked worried, "That can't be good. Whatever they thought would happen must have happened. I think we should wait here until it arrives." Curiosity was getting the best of Sirius. They all got out of the car and sat down on the platform of the small train station.
"So Harry," Ron said, "How'd the rest of your summer go...I mean after...you know?"
Harry shot him a sad smile, remembering the week from Hell they had both experienced, with Ron's mother dying and Remus going to Azkaban. "Pretty good, considering those circumstances. Played a lot of quidditch with Sirius, normal stuff...for once in my life."
"Really, Harry Potter had a normal summer vacation?"
"Do you recall the rest of that summer? It was anything but normal," Harry said sadly. "And, I guess the end wasn't either..." Harry took a big breath and said, "Two days ago I went to Azkaban."
Hermione, Ron and Ginny all looked at him like he had three heads. They couldn't believe that what Harry was saying was true. You don't just go to Azkaban, especially not if your Harry Potter.
"Really?" Ginny asked timidly. It was the most she had said all day.
Harry nodded in her direction and then to everyone said, "I had to see Remus one more time before coming back here. I missed him so much...still do. It was awful there." Harry shivered at the memory and Sirius quickly rubbed his back. Everyone looked sad and depressed, so Sirius decided to try to get their minds on something else.
"So...what are your plans for the year?" Sirius asked.
"Make the Quidditch team," Ron said without a second thought.
"Get the top grades in the year, yet again," Hermione replied.
"Not be so shy," Ginny murmured. They all smiled kindly at her, even Ron, and she smiled back.
"Stay alive," Harry finally said dryly.
"So much for that," Sirius thought to himself. He had never seen Harry in such a depression as this, that had come so quickly and so strongly. The whole day he had seemed fine, a little sad before leaving but other than that he was normal Harry. Sirius didn't know what had come over him. Maybe once they had reached Hogsmead the reality hit him that he'd be back at school, fending for himself.
"Ron, Hermione, Ginny, here's some money, why don't you go get something from Honeydukes, bring something back for Harry and me," Sirius said to them sternly. They took the money from his hand and headed off in the direction of their favorite story.
Harry looked down at the ground and Sirius wrapped his arm over his shoulders. "What's wrong Harry?"
"Nothing's wrong...I don't know why you just sent my friends off...I'm fine," Harry was trying to sound angry, but there was too much sadness in his voice.
"Harry, don't lie to me, I know something's wrong, you never act like this, so bitter. What was that comment all about, I'm going to stay alive?"
"You asked what our plans were for the year...that's it."
Sirius sighed heavily and rested his forehead in the palm of his hand. He racked his mind to think of something to say but couldn't think of anything good, thus he started to argue. "Harry, you're goal can't be to stay alive...well it can, but that should go without saying. Why do you think that your only goal should be staying alive?"
Harry looked up at his godfather with angry eyes, "Because that's the hardest thing to do."
Sirius's face fell into shock as Harry glared angrily at the ground. "God...Harry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry all this shit happens to you and only you. It's not fair and that's all there is to it. Your goal shouldn't be to keep alive, it should be something like your friends."
"But its not...my friends don't have the same kind of life I do."
"I know, and it sucks. I'm so sorry I can't make this better. I should be able to, I'm your godfather but there's nothing I can do to help...I should be able to help."
"No one can help, Sirius, don't worry about it. Maybe when Voldemort decides he wants to be my best friend I'll be able to have hopes like Ron, Hermione, and Ginny...but until that happens I'm just going to focus on staying alive....and having as much fun as possible while I'm at it."
Sirius shook his head, speechless. They sat in silence for a few moments, each thinking fervently all the time, until they were interrupted by a booming voice.
"'Arry! Is that you?" (sorry his accent sucks!)
Harry looked up and a huge grin broke over his otherwise angry/sad face. He jumped to his feet and ran towards one of the first friends he ever had in his life, Hagrid. When he reached him Hagrid bent slightly and wrapped Harry in a bone-crushing hug, causing Harry to grimace through his smile. He was relieved when Hagrid released him from the hug, but he recovered quickly and grinned up at his old friend.
"'Arry, what are you doin' here now, 'fore the train even arrives?"
"There were problems earlier so the train was delayed. The conductor said there was something wrong and that it may happen again. Sirius didn't want me going on it, so he brought me."
"Sirius Black, eh?"
Harry nodded and looked back at Sirius who was watching the scene curiously, almost jealously.
"Hard fer me to believe that he's not what they said he was. But I trust Dumbledore, and you too 'Arry, I think you're right 'bout him. Looks tah me like he showed good judgment by bringin' you here t'day. I mustn't be rude," Hagrid than walked over to where Sirius was still sitting on the platform. Sirius stood up upon being approached and shook Hagrid's huge hand.
"Hi Hagrid...er...long time no see, how've you been?"
Hagrid looked dumbfounded to see Sirius Black behaving so normally. He had spent many years despising that name for what he had done, or supposedly done to the Potter's. Hagrid had once liked Sirius as much as he liked Harry. Back in the days of the marauders it was Sirius who led the pack down to his hut. Hagrid now couldn't believe all the bad things he had said about Sirius over the years, and in typical Hagrid fashion, huge tears began streaming down his face.
Sirius and Harry looked at each other shocked. Hagrid moaned, "I'm so sorry Sirius...I b'lieved what they said...an' I hated you for it. I should a knew! I should a knew you would never do a thing like that to the Potters...yer best friends! I'm so sorry!"
Sirius tried to pat his back but really got mostly his side, "It's okay Hagrid, really. No one believed that I was innocent. Remus didn't believe it, Harry didn't believe it. The proof was against me, I was framed. If I wasn't me I would have believed it."
Hagrid looked down at Sirius, "So...you don' hate me?"
"No, Hagrid, I could never hate you. Think nothing of it."
Hagrid nodded and dried his big eyes. "So how'd yer summer go Harry?"
Harry gave Hagrid a strange look. He figured everyone knew what had happened to him over the summer, but apparently he had been left out when it came to that news.
"It wasn't too good, Hagrid. Until the end that is," Harry said, smiling at Sirius, who punched him softly on the shoulder.
"Wha' happened?"
Harry began to tell Hagrid all about his summer at the Dursley's, and for the first time didn't shed a single tear when he told the story. His voice didn't even waver. He told all about the awful paralysis, his embarrassing fight with Remus, Ron's mother's funeral, and Remus's trial. Before he could get too much sympathy, which was the last thing he wanted, he moved on to the great things that had happened over the summer. Somehow, overall the positives outweighed the negatives in Harry's mind. He couldn't quite figure out how, but it seemed like everything negative led to something positive that summer. With the exception of Remus going to jail, there was nothing good about that at all.
They then moved on to what was going on with the train. Apparently Hagrid had not been informed of any mishaps with the train. He had been down by the lake getting the boats ready for the first years, but was surprised when after all the time that had passed, the train was nowhere in sight. Thus, he journeyed to the platform to see if he could solve the mystery, which he couldn't.
"Does Dumbledore know about this?" Sirius asked. Hagrid shrugged his shoulders.
"Someone should tell him," Sirius decided. "Maybe he does know and he'll have some explanations, and if he doesn't know...well, he should. Harry I want you to go..."
Sirius was interrupted by a shrill scream and he turned to see Hermione and Ron running towards them, like they were running for their lives. Hermione reached them first, it was clear she was the one who was the most scared, and that she was the one who screamed. She almost ran smack into Sirius, and he had to grab her shoulders to steady her. Ron was soon at her side, huffing and puffing with all his might.
"What happened?" Sirius asked sternly, his face intent on getting to the root of the problem.
Hermione looked like she was going to speak, but she was breathing too heavily to. Ron tried as well, and was at least able to give Sirius the gist of what happened.
"Hermione and I...were looking out the window of...Honeydukes...the one that looks out to the forest...and we-we saw...a deatheater- kill...someone."
Finally, Hermione recovered herself and said, "I screamed when I saw it and the deatheater...he...he turned and looked at us. I don't know if he actually saw us though, we ran away as fast as we could."
"Oh my God...did you see who it was?"
"Well the deatheater was covered head to toe in black, and I had never seen the guy who was killed before...he looked like he had done nothing wrong," Hermione said and then looked around and almost screamed again.
"What is it Hermione?"
"Where's Ginny?!?!" she shrieked. Ron stared at her for a second and then looked like he was about to faint.
Sirius straightened up and searched the street for her red hair, he saw no sign of her and said, "You three, get in a carriage and go straight to Hogwarts, find Dumbledore immediately, and send him down here. Hagrid, you stay here in case she comes back here. I'm going to go search for her."
"Sirius..." Harry began to protest.
"Harry, I'm going to look for her, I'll be fine I've had plenty of training for this kind of thing. You need to get to safety, go now."
Harry looked positively miserable and worried as he went towards a carriage. They got in and Sirius watched as the carriage slowly made its way up a windy road. He then set off at a jog, wand ready towards Honeydukes. He went inside and saw no signs of anyone in the store, not even the store owners. Sirius found this to be a very bad sign. The deatheater must have already gotten in here. He probably thought Ginny was the only one to see him and got her before he was further exposed.
Sirius hurriedly left the store and set off at a run towards the edge of the small town. He walked cautiously around the border of the town, with an attentive ear. After walking for a few minutes he heard a rustling in the grass and followed his ear to the spot. He hid behind a tree and found Ginny Weasley writhing in pain in the grass as a deatheater stood over her pointing his wand directly at her. He was giving her the Cruciatus. The deatheater must have put a silencing on her and himself, as it appeared she was screaming at the top of her lungs, while he was laughing hysterically.
Sirius wasn't exactly sure how to deal with the situation, but he knew if he didn't act quickly Ginny would die from the pain. He pointed his wand carefully at the deatheater and stunned him. Sirius was not about to kill him, after what he had already been through. Ginny stopped moving when the deatheater was stunned, but she made no effort to get up.
He was worried about this, but knew he couldn't help her until the deatheater had been dealt with. Sirius stepped up and pocketed the deatheater's wand and then sent his limp body flying at a tree. Quickly, Sirius bound the deatheater to the tree and then ran to Ginny's side. She was unconscious, but he could feel a pulse. He scooped her into his arms and carried her back towards the platform.
The same moment he arrived, Dumbledore did as well, though Harry, Ron and Hermione were nowhere in sight. Sirius was happy to see this.
"Dear God," Dumbledore said, "What has happened Sirius?"
"I trust Harry and the others already told you what they saw while they were at Honeydukes?"
Dumbledore nodded.
"Well, the deatheater got hold of Ginny here. He put her under the Cruciatus. I think I got there just in time. She'll be alright...I hope."
"And where's the deatheater now?"
"I took his wand and bound him to a tree. I cared more about Ginny's safety than making sure he didn't get away, but I think he'll still be there...I did stun him."
"Very good Sirius, will you take me to him?"
"What about Ginny?"
Dumbledore turned to Hagrid, "Will you please take Miss Weasley to the castle and immediately to the hospital wing please, Hagrid?"
"Yes, sir...but what about the firs' years?"
"I have been in contact with the conductor, he tells me they have indeed been greatly delayed. I trust you'll have plenty of time to get there and come back down."
Hagrid gently took Ginny from Sirius's protective hold and began his journey to the castle.
Sirius then led the way to where he had left the deatheater. Dumbledore stepped up to the stunned man and removed his mask, "Macnair...that's not good, the ministry trusts him. Give me his wand Sirius."
Sirius obeyed. Dumbledore carefully wiped the wand on his robes to remove Sirius's fingerprints. I do not want the ministry to know that you were in anyway involved with this, Sirius. Hurry and go to the castle and give Mr. Potter his last goodbye. Then get yourself home as soon as you can. I'll deal with this."
Sirius nodded and rushed back to his car. He drove it right up to the front staircase of the castle. He got up and rushed inside. He went straight into the great hall, hoping that that was where Harry and the others were. He was right.
Harry looked incredibly relieved when he saw Sirius. Ron, not so much.
"Where's Ginny?" he asked quickly before anything else could be said.
Sirius turned to him with a kind expression. "She's going to be okay, Ron. She's up in the hospital wing. The deatheater, as I feared got a hold of her. He tortured her a bit, but she'll be fine, I assure you."
Ron looked thoroughly worried so Sirius added, "Why don't you go up to the hospital wing and see for yourself?"
"I think I will," he said and made to leave the room. He then turned back to Sirius and said, "Thanks Sirius, for bringing us here...and saving my sister."
Sirius smiled at him and patted his shoulder, "Anytime Ron, anytime."
Ron then sped out of the room.
"I have to be going Harry," Sirius said gently. "I wanted to stick around and make sure that everything was okay here, but Dumbledore thinks that if I'm here when the ministry officials arrive, I'll be to blame."
Harry nodded quickly, "Then you better leave, Sirius nothing like that can happen! Don't let it happen!"
Sirius was surprised by that reaction. He himself wasn't all that worried about it, but Harry looked like he thought it was the end of the world that there was even a threat against Sirius's well-being.
"I'm going Harry, calm down...Promise me you're not going to get into trouble this year."
"I promise," Harry said quickly.
"I mean it...house points taken away by anyone but Snape will not be tolerated, got it. If you want to do a little prank, that's fine, just don't get caught."
Harry rolled his eyes but smiled anyway.
"I'm going to miss you Bud," Sirius said.
"I'm going to miss you too...but it won't be that long. And maybe you can come up to Hogsmead during one of our weekends and we'll have lunch or something."
Sirius's face darkened. "Harry, I don't want you anywhere near Hogsmead this year. I'm guessing that after today Dumbledore won't allow them anyway, but if he does I want you to promise me you won't go. I'm telling him about the secret passage too. I've always been pretty sure he doesn't know about it, but for your safety and for the safety of the rest of the school I want it sealed up."
Harry didn't look happy about it but he nodded anyway.
"Be careful Harry, I love you." Sirius said pulling his godson into a hug.
"Love you too, Sirius. Now hurry up and get out of here before the officials come."
Sirius nodded his head and squeezed Harry tight once more and kissed him gently on the top of his head before heading straight out the doors. Harry looked at Hermione slightly embarrassed, but she just grinned at him. He smiled back and they began talking about senseless matters. Slowly other kids whose parents brought them trickled in. Colin Creevy in particular.
"Hiya Harry," he said cheerfully, his eye covered in a livid bruise. Harry hadn't even noticed it when he saw it earlier that day.
"Hi Colin," he said annoyed.
"I heard something happened today in Hogsmead, Harry, did you hear? What happened? Do you know? And where's the train, huh? I thought it would be hear by now."
"I don't know Colin," Harry replied tensely, resisting the urge to sock him again. But he remembered Sirius's words and thought better of it, rather he apologized. "I'm sorry about punching you Colin, I was having a bad day."
"Are you kidding? Harry Potter gave me a shiner. I took a picture of it! I was actually wondering if you would sign it for me."
Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had proposed the exact situation to Sirius, only he had been joking. "I don't think so, Colin," he said sharply. Colin just shrugged and went off to sit with his brother who marveled at Harry from afar. Harry started to say something to Hermione when Dumbledore stood at the teachers table.
"Students! I'm sure you are all wondering where the rest of your classmates are, and perhaps have even heard of the incident today in Hogsmead. I'll tell you this, everyone is safe, and you have nothing to worry about. Shortly myself and a few other teachers will be apparating to the Hogwarts Express where we'll be taking the students here by Portkey. I want you to all be on your best behavior while I am gone. Now, I'd like to see Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Hermione Granger before I go."
Harry and Hermione made there way to the front of the dining hall under the watchful eyes of all the other students who had arrived. Harry shot a quick glance at the Slytherin table and saw Draco Malfoy, flanked on either side by Crabbe and Goyle, smiling smugly. It was clear that he knew exactly what had happened and that he had no intention of telling anyone.
Ignoring this, Harry and Hermione stepped in front of Dumbledore who said, "Follow me please." They walked up to the hospital wing where they saw Ginny, unconscious in a hospital bed. Ron looked very upset, he didn't even notice they entered.
"He's not dealing with this well at all. I want you both to take care of him and make sure he does nothing rash. Miss Weasley will be fine, she's on the road to recovery and will have no lasting physical injuries."
Hermione and Harry both nodded their heads seriously.
"Er, professor?" Hermione began. "Who was that man who was...er...killed?"
Dumbledore's face darkened. "I shall tell you that when I inform the rest of the school. I must be off now, remember what I've said. Miss Granger, you've witnessed a terrible tragedy, I'm sorry for that, but I shall do my best to see to it that no student ever again has to see what you've just seen."
Hermione nodded darkly and Dumbledore left the room. Harry and Hermione approached Ron who had tears in his eyes. "I just-just left her there. I didn't even notice that she wasn't behind us. This is all my fault."
"Ron, you know that's not true. What would have happened if we had seen her get taken? He probably would have gotten us too. Then you and I would be in here right now too. Professor Dumbledore told us she'd be fine."
Ron shook his head and rubbed his sisters hand. "If I was there he wouldn't have put her in so much pain, he would have spread it around a bit. Ginny's the last girl in my family, and I almost let them take her too."
Harry sat next to his friend. "Ron, there's nothing you could have done. Sirius and Remus have told me a lot about the past, when Voldemort was in power the first time. They told me that constantly their families and friends fell victims to Voldemort, and that everyone was always blaming themselves. But it wasn't there fault, it was his, Voldemort's. He's the reason Ginny was taken away today, but she's fine now. You can't blame yourself Ron, got it?"
Ron shook his head, "We just left her behind..." Ron, without caring that Hermione or Harry was there, started crying into his arms.
Harry took Hermione aside and whispered, "I don't think this is just about today, he's probably still not over his mum's murder. Why don't you go downstairs, I know he's going to regret that you've seen this." Hermione nodded and left the room, with one sad look at Ron.
Harry again sat by Ron and put his arm over his shoulder. "You okay mate?" Harry knew that that was a dumb question, but thought it would be a good starting point.
Ron shook his head fiercely. "My families fa-falling apart, and it's all my fault. Ginny almost died today Harry, she just barely held on. And it was all my fault...just like my mum. Why can't I do anything right."
"Listen to me Ron, it's not your fault. I just told you its Voldemort's fault. You guys were in the wrong place at the wrong time, that's all. And the deatheater probably tried to make sure you didn't realize Ginny was gone, you know? He did his job the best he could, for Voldemort, and you know what, he didn't win. Because YOU realized Ginny wasn't around when you got back to me and Sirius."
Ron shook his head, "No, I didn't notice...Hermione did..." Ron started crying harder. "I can't even protect my own family...what the bloody Hell am I good for?!" He shouted.
"Nice going, Harry," Harry thought to himself. Although, what he had said had helped slightly.
After Ron's very loud outburst, Ginny began to wake up. She looked lost and scared until she laid eyes on her sobbing brother.
"What's wrong Ron?"
"What's wrong? What's WRONG? I almost let you DIE! That's what's wrong."
The days events quickly flooded back into Ginny's mind. "Ron, none of what happened was your fault. When we were running...I-I tripped and fell and the deatheater put a silencing spell on me and then took me away. I know you didn't see it happen, it's okay. I'm fine now....but, what happened."
Ron couldn't stop crying, so Harry explained it to her, which alone made her blush furiously. "When Ron and Hermione reached Sirius and I they realized you weren't there. Sirius sent us up here to get Dumbledore and he went to find you. He found you...er...under the Cruciatus and stunned the deatheater and tied him to a tree. Dumbledore took care of the rest and Hagrid brought you here. That's all."
Ginny appeared to have tears in her eyes as well as she apparently relived the ordeal in her head. Ron had his head buried in his arms on the edge of the bed and Ginny put her hand on his shoulder. He looked up and she wrapped him in a hug and held him as he cried.
"I'm so sorry Ginny! It's all my fault!"
"It's not your fault Ron! You didn't expect that the deatheater would capture me...why would you? I'm fine now, stop dwelling on it please!"
Harry himself was in shock to hear Ginny talking so much, but Ron didn't seem phased by it. It must just be him that she's usually so quiet around. Ron cried his eyes out for a while longer until they just ran dry. He still looked greatly upset, but the tears stopped flying.
"Ron, why don't you go get cleaned up and then we'll let Ginny get some rest. I know your hungry."
He tried to deny it, but his stomach as always gave him away with its loud growling.
"Fine, Harry, I'll be back up Ginny," he said and then walked towards the bathroom.
Ron left leaving Ginny and Harry alone. Ginny didn't look happy about that at all. She looked down at her toes and didn't say a word.
"Er...so..." Harry started, but didn't know what else to say.
Ginny looked at him shyly and said, "So I bet you all wish I just took the train, huh?"
"Not at all," Harry said earnestly. "I don't know what's going on with the train, but I think Sirius was right, we were a lot safer with him. Otherwise I don't think all the teachers would be going who knows where to save all the rest of the students. I'm glad you decided to come with us."
Ginny blushed five shades of red, but Harry was oblivious to the reason why. Luckily, no more small talk was necessary as Ron came out of the bathroom, all signs of his tears gone. He hugged Ginny tightly and once more apologized, she just sighed in response to the apology.
Harry and Ron then left the hospital wing and headed back down to the great hall. On the way Harry turned to his friend and asked, "You okay?"
"I don't know Harry...a year ago what happened today wouldn't have bothered me...but now...with all this stuff that's been happening...I'm really scared you know?"
"Yeah, I know, but I think we'll be alright this year. Maybe it'll be the first normal year we've had."
Ron gave Harry a skeptical look and they walked on in silence. When they reached the entry way kids were streaming in, they all looked very scared and were barely talking. Harry and Ron followed them into the Great Hall and they resumed their seats next to Hermione, where they waited patiently for the rest of the students to take their own seats.
When everyone was finally seated, Dumbledore stood at the head of the room with a very grim expression upon his face, making him look years older. He tapped his fork on his glass as if to get the students attention, though he already had everyone's.
"Welcome back," he said in a booming voice. "As you've already seen, I'm sure, this is not going to be a normal school year. It is time for me to tell you all what has happened today. I believe that this information will scare many of you, but for your safety you must all know the truth. I will tell you all this once and only once, so please listen attentively and do not talk until I finish."
Harry, Hermione and Ron looked at each other and knew instantly that what Harry had hoped for earlier, about it being a normal school year, wasn't going to happen.
A/N: So how did you all like that? Personally I hated almost the entire chapter, but it was a transition chapter which is just not fun. I think part of the next chapter will suck as well, but I think I'll do a much better job with it than this one. I hope your opinions of this chapter are different than mine, but I will completely understand if they're not.
Warning!!! This isn't the best chapter I've ever written. It took me a while to do it because it was just not a fun chapter. It's surprisingly long, however, I hope you do enjoy it. Hopefully the next chapter will come out soon!
Once they were well on their way to the train station. Sirius slammed on the breaks and pulled onto the shoulder of the road. "Shit! We forgot James!"
Harry didn't seem to care too much and said, "It doesn't matter. I think you need him more than I do. I'll have my friends at school, you'll only have Sorai at home...and she's barely ever there."
"But Remus wanted you to have him at school. He thought it would be good for you."
"Sirius, its okay, really. I don't need the dog...I'll be fine. Now lets go we're already late."
Sirius didn't want to, but he got back on the road and headed for the platform. Sirius quickly found a parking place and turned the car off but didn't get out. He turned and looked at Harry with tear filled eyes. Harry couldn't help but laugh at him. In response Sirius punched Harry playfully in the arm and then turned serious again.
"I'm really going to miss having you around Harry. Who's going to keep me busy?"
"James," Harry replied with a twinkle in his eye like Dumbledore's.
"Nah, won't be the same. I want you to be good Harry, don't go looking for trouble like you always do. But make sure you don't forget your marauder roots. Everyone's entitled to some fun once in a while."
"I'll have fun Sirius."
"And be careful. I know you don't always like it but you ARE Harry Potter. Trouble is going to come to you faster than to anyone else. Stay alert. And watch out for the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I don't know who it is, but from what I've seen you haven't had the best of luck with those. Remus being the exception."
"I'll be careful Sirius, don't worry so much."
"It's my job to worry."
"And its mine to wish you wouldn't."
"I'm going to hug you know so I don't have to embarrass you on the platform."
Harry laughed as he was forced into a bear hug from Sirius, who hugged him tight for at least a full minute. When he let go Harry took a deep breath like he couldn't breath for a long period of time before that. Sirius then gave him a noogie (SP??? You know the thing where someone rubs their fist on your head). Harry laughed and swatted his hands at Sirius.
"Hey, hey, hey what did I tell you about using your fists?"
Harry laughed and replied, "It was self defense." Harry then looked at the clock.
"Shit! I have one minute to get on the train!"
"Language!"
Harry rolled his eyes and quipped, "I got it from you."
Sirius was speechless, so he got out of the car and grabbed Harry's trunk the muggle way. Harry grabbed Hedwig and they set off at a jog towards Platform 9 ¾. They stopped dead when they got on the platform. Students were everywhere, no one was on the train.
"Technical difficulties I guess," Sirius said looking extremely happy about it. "I get to spend more time with my boy!" Harry grinned slightly at Sirius, but then looked at all the people on the platform. They were all gawking at Sirius.
"What's the matter Harry...oh," Sirius said noticing himself that everyone was looking at him. "I'm sorry Harry."
Harry shook his head. "I don't mind Sirius. It's you who should mind. You're innocent, but you still get looked at everywhere you go. Kind of like me, I guess."
Sirius nodded his head but looked slightly uncomfortable now that he saw everyone staring like that. Soon a distraction came, however, and he couldn't have been more grateful.
"Harry!" Ron yelled, running to his best friends side. He smacked Harry on the back and said cheerfully, "What's up?"
Harry was uncertain about how to react to Ron's attitude. He had expected him to still be upset about his mothers death, but he seemed completely normal again, so Harry responded, "Nothing much, you?"
"Same old, same old. You happy to be going back?"
"Yes, and for the first time no. I'm glad to be able to spend time with you and Hermione, and everyone else again, but I'm really going to miss Sirius, and my new home."
"'Course you will. But we're going to have a great time this year. We're over half way done you know. Only three more years left."
"Kind of scary eh Ron?"
Ron nodded and then turned sharply when someone pushed him in the back. He looked right into the face of Hermione and was momentarily speechless. He shook his head and said, "Don't ever do that again, Hermione. You nearly well gave me a bloody heart attack."
"Oh Ron, you're fine. How are you guys?"
"Fine," they both said in unison.
"And Sirius?"
"Fine thanks Hermione, its nice to see someone actually notices me," he said looking pointedly at Ron, who just shrugged.
Hermione gave him a look and then observed all the people on the platform who were still gawking at Sirius, she looked ready to contradict the last part of his sentence. "Shut up," he said as he noticed where she was going with that. She just rolled her eyes.
"Do you know what's going on with the train?" Hermione asked. Sirius and Harry shook their heads, but Ron nodded.
"Seamus told me that he heard that there was something on the tracks far ahead. Nobody knows what it is but it's going to block the train from getting to Hogwarts. I don't know how they're fixing it or when they're going to fix it, but I hope it happens soon. I'm hungry."
Everyone present rolled their eyes.
"I wonder what it is," Sirius said anxiously, craning his head to see down the front of the train.
Harry saw how nervous Sirius was about it and that made him nervous. "Do you think it's going to be alright Sirius?"
"I'm sure Harry," Sirius said, but not convincingly.
The foreboding mood was then lightened with the arrival of Fred and George. "Mr. Marauder, how nice to see you again," Fred said shaking Sirius's hand. Harry rolled his eyes, but Sirius looked very proud at being called that. George shook his hand again.
"What do you two have planned for this year?"
"Lots of things," Fred said.
"But first rule of pranking, as you should well know, is to never tell an adult the plans for the year."
Sirius nodded. "But without me you would have never become the pranksters you have become."
"He has a point Fred."
"Indeed George, but still he may have changed over the years. We should tell him nothing."
"Alright, alright, but just promise me that you'll leave my godson here alone."
"We never prank fellow Gryffindor's Mr. Marauder, except little Ronnikens of course. You're precious Harry will be free from pranks, for more reason's than one," Fred said, winking at Harry. Sirius looked at him suspiciously but asked no further questions. The conversation was then interrupted by the whistle of the train. The conductor came out at that point and stood in the center of the platform.
"Attention Hogwarts students," he said, his voice magically magnified so that everyone could hear. "We have had a technical difficulty with the tracks ahead. The problem has been fixed, but it is possible that it will reoccur. If parents feel that they do not wish for their children to ride the train they may, if they so choose, send them to Hogwarts another way. We assure the safety of all students, but the journey may take longer than expected. Thank you for your time and any inconvenience."
A murmur broke through the crowd, and Sirius was happy to see that for once it wasn't about him, but he was very worried about the situation.
"Harry, I don't want you getting on that train."
"What? Sirius, it's going to be fine that guy just said that we'll all be safe."
"I don't care Harry. Something is obviously wrong if he thinks it's going to happen again. I'm taking you to Hogwarts. And I'll take Hermione and Ron too. And Fred and George if they want. Ginny too, of course, wherever she is. I'm not taking that chance Harry."
Harry looked annoyed, but he knew arguing would be pointless.
"So who's coming?" Sirius asked excited.
Hermione said she would like to come, but Ron looked skeptical. "I'm really hungry, I need to get some food. I was planning on getting something on the train."
"Don't worry about it, I was going to have Harry eat on the train too. We'll stop and get something."
"Nah," said Fred. "We have plans for this train. And someone has to see what's going on."
"And where's Ginny?" Sirius asked.
"Over here," she said timidly from behind him. Sirius turned and looked at her kindly. She seemed rather frightened of him.
Ron walked over to her. "You want to ride with Sirius, Ginny?"
"Ummm...sure," she replied, although she looked scared senseless at the prospect.
"Great," Sirius said, excited. Probably only because it meant he got to spend more time with Harry. "Now lets get going. It's going to take a lot longer to get there by car. I'm going to have to try some of Remus's controls, but I don't know how well it will work so we want to give ourselves some time."
They all made there way to there car and saw several other witches and wizards doing the same. When they reached the Jeep, Harry again saw the last person he wanted to see, Colin Creevy, with his dad. Sirius turned around the moment he saw him, but it was too late.
"Sirius Black!!! Long time no see old friend! I was so sorry to hear about you. I knew all along it couldn't have been you. It was Pettigrew, huh? And it's really a shame to hear about Remus. He was always such a nice guy. So you're taking care of James's son now huh? That's really great of you. I'm sure he's a great kid, just like James..."
Harry started snickering beside Sirius, as he saw his fists clench up, just like Harry did around Colin.
"Yeah, Creevy," Sirius began tensely. "It's nice to see you again. Harry here's told me about you son. Sounds like he's just like you. You must be very happy."
"Oh yes, I am. Crazy about the train, huh? I really don't want Colin here riding it if anything is going to happen. Looks like you have a whole car load. Are you taking care of all these kids, Sirius. You must have some heart to do all that."
Sirius didn't answer, he just started getting in the Jeep. Harry, Hermione and the Weasley's soon followed suit. They all slammed the doors shut and took off while Mr. Creevy kept talking. Harry looked back and saw that he was still talking to the place where the car was when they were already heading down the road.
Harry couldn't help but laugh and Sirius glared at him. "God! That guy hasn't changed at all! I see why you hit that kid Harry, that family has no tact whatsoever. Bring up everything bad...that's a real conversation starter." Harry stopped laughing when he saw how all the things Colin's father had said had gotten under his skin. Sirius looked really disturbed by the things he had said, and Harry couldn't quite figure out why. There must have been a lot more tension between them at school for those things to get to him like that. The three in the back realized it too as they shut right up for the next ten minutes or so while Sirius relaxed.
"You guys ready to get some grub?" Sirius asked.
Ron's stomach answered with a loud grumble and everyone, including the uptight Ginny laughed. The heavy mood set by Colin's father was finally lifted. They went to McDonald's, Sirius's treat and then journeyed on until it started to get dark. The trip was spent with Harry and the crew telling Sirius about all they had been through together. Ginny even joined in and told him about her experience with Tom Riddle. Then Sirius started telling stories about his days at Hogwarts. It was a hysterical ride, and Harry was glad that Sirius made him stay off the train.
But it was getting late, very late and they still were no where near Hogwarts. Sirius decided it was time to try the magic controls Remus had installed. Everyone was a little scared of what the consequences of this may be, but they all were willing to let him try. Sirius flicked the switch he thought would transport him where he wanted to go and said, "Hogsmeade!" They flew into darkness and after a few seconds came to a halt.
They all looked around, and Sirius yelled, "Shit!" slamming his hand on the steering wheel. Harry again couldn't help but laugh.
"Where are we?" Ginny asked timidly.
"We're at home." Sirius growled. Ginny, Hermione and Ron couldn't help it either, they started roaring with laughter.
"Well," Sirius said, almost amused himself. "I'm glad to see that you don't mind another nine hours of driving."
They all immediately stopped laughing, and then Harry said, "Maybe you should try the controls again, Sirius."
Sirius nodded and then flicked the switch next to the one he had hit the first time. He again yelled, "Hogsmead." Again they flew into darkness and then halted. This time they were where they had planned to be.
"Yessah!" Sirius yelled and hit the steering wheel. "I have done it!"
They all laughed at him. Sirius drove along the streets of Hogsmead until they reached Hogsmead Station, where carriages were lined up and waiting for the train to arrive.
"We beat the train?!?!" Ron exclaimed.
Sirius looked worried, "That can't be good. Whatever they thought would happen must have happened. I think we should wait here until it arrives." Curiosity was getting the best of Sirius. They all got out of the car and sat down on the platform of the small train station.
"So Harry," Ron said, "How'd the rest of your summer go...I mean after...you know?"
Harry shot him a sad smile, remembering the week from Hell they had both experienced, with Ron's mother dying and Remus going to Azkaban. "Pretty good, considering those circumstances. Played a lot of quidditch with Sirius, normal stuff...for once in my life."
"Really, Harry Potter had a normal summer vacation?"
"Do you recall the rest of that summer? It was anything but normal," Harry said sadly. "And, I guess the end wasn't either..." Harry took a big breath and said, "Two days ago I went to Azkaban."
Hermione, Ron and Ginny all looked at him like he had three heads. They couldn't believe that what Harry was saying was true. You don't just go to Azkaban, especially not if your Harry Potter.
"Really?" Ginny asked timidly. It was the most she had said all day.
Harry nodded in her direction and then to everyone said, "I had to see Remus one more time before coming back here. I missed him so much...still do. It was awful there." Harry shivered at the memory and Sirius quickly rubbed his back. Everyone looked sad and depressed, so Sirius decided to try to get their minds on something else.
"So...what are your plans for the year?" Sirius asked.
"Make the Quidditch team," Ron said without a second thought.
"Get the top grades in the year, yet again," Hermione replied.
"Not be so shy," Ginny murmured. They all smiled kindly at her, even Ron, and she smiled back.
"Stay alive," Harry finally said dryly.
"So much for that," Sirius thought to himself. He had never seen Harry in such a depression as this, that had come so quickly and so strongly. The whole day he had seemed fine, a little sad before leaving but other than that he was normal Harry. Sirius didn't know what had come over him. Maybe once they had reached Hogsmead the reality hit him that he'd be back at school, fending for himself.
"Ron, Hermione, Ginny, here's some money, why don't you go get something from Honeydukes, bring something back for Harry and me," Sirius said to them sternly. They took the money from his hand and headed off in the direction of their favorite story.
Harry looked down at the ground and Sirius wrapped his arm over his shoulders. "What's wrong Harry?"
"Nothing's wrong...I don't know why you just sent my friends off...I'm fine," Harry was trying to sound angry, but there was too much sadness in his voice.
"Harry, don't lie to me, I know something's wrong, you never act like this, so bitter. What was that comment all about, I'm going to stay alive?"
"You asked what our plans were for the year...that's it."
Sirius sighed heavily and rested his forehead in the palm of his hand. He racked his mind to think of something to say but couldn't think of anything good, thus he started to argue. "Harry, you're goal can't be to stay alive...well it can, but that should go without saying. Why do you think that your only goal should be staying alive?"
Harry looked up at his godfather with angry eyes, "Because that's the hardest thing to do."
Sirius's face fell into shock as Harry glared angrily at the ground. "God...Harry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry all this shit happens to you and only you. It's not fair and that's all there is to it. Your goal shouldn't be to keep alive, it should be something like your friends."
"But its not...my friends don't have the same kind of life I do."
"I know, and it sucks. I'm so sorry I can't make this better. I should be able to, I'm your godfather but there's nothing I can do to help...I should be able to help."
"No one can help, Sirius, don't worry about it. Maybe when Voldemort decides he wants to be my best friend I'll be able to have hopes like Ron, Hermione, and Ginny...but until that happens I'm just going to focus on staying alive....and having as much fun as possible while I'm at it."
Sirius shook his head, speechless. They sat in silence for a few moments, each thinking fervently all the time, until they were interrupted by a booming voice.
"'Arry! Is that you?" (sorry his accent sucks!)
Harry looked up and a huge grin broke over his otherwise angry/sad face. He jumped to his feet and ran towards one of the first friends he ever had in his life, Hagrid. When he reached him Hagrid bent slightly and wrapped Harry in a bone-crushing hug, causing Harry to grimace through his smile. He was relieved when Hagrid released him from the hug, but he recovered quickly and grinned up at his old friend.
"'Arry, what are you doin' here now, 'fore the train even arrives?"
"There were problems earlier so the train was delayed. The conductor said there was something wrong and that it may happen again. Sirius didn't want me going on it, so he brought me."
"Sirius Black, eh?"
Harry nodded and looked back at Sirius who was watching the scene curiously, almost jealously.
"Hard fer me to believe that he's not what they said he was. But I trust Dumbledore, and you too 'Arry, I think you're right 'bout him. Looks tah me like he showed good judgment by bringin' you here t'day. I mustn't be rude," Hagrid than walked over to where Sirius was still sitting on the platform. Sirius stood up upon being approached and shook Hagrid's huge hand.
"Hi Hagrid...er...long time no see, how've you been?"
Hagrid looked dumbfounded to see Sirius Black behaving so normally. He had spent many years despising that name for what he had done, or supposedly done to the Potter's. Hagrid had once liked Sirius as much as he liked Harry. Back in the days of the marauders it was Sirius who led the pack down to his hut. Hagrid now couldn't believe all the bad things he had said about Sirius over the years, and in typical Hagrid fashion, huge tears began streaming down his face.
Sirius and Harry looked at each other shocked. Hagrid moaned, "I'm so sorry Sirius...I b'lieved what they said...an' I hated you for it. I should a knew! I should a knew you would never do a thing like that to the Potters...yer best friends! I'm so sorry!"
Sirius tried to pat his back but really got mostly his side, "It's okay Hagrid, really. No one believed that I was innocent. Remus didn't believe it, Harry didn't believe it. The proof was against me, I was framed. If I wasn't me I would have believed it."
Hagrid looked down at Sirius, "So...you don' hate me?"
"No, Hagrid, I could never hate you. Think nothing of it."
Hagrid nodded and dried his big eyes. "So how'd yer summer go Harry?"
Harry gave Hagrid a strange look. He figured everyone knew what had happened to him over the summer, but apparently he had been left out when it came to that news.
"It wasn't too good, Hagrid. Until the end that is," Harry said, smiling at Sirius, who punched him softly on the shoulder.
"Wha' happened?"
Harry began to tell Hagrid all about his summer at the Dursley's, and for the first time didn't shed a single tear when he told the story. His voice didn't even waver. He told all about the awful paralysis, his embarrassing fight with Remus, Ron's mother's funeral, and Remus's trial. Before he could get too much sympathy, which was the last thing he wanted, he moved on to the great things that had happened over the summer. Somehow, overall the positives outweighed the negatives in Harry's mind. He couldn't quite figure out how, but it seemed like everything negative led to something positive that summer. With the exception of Remus going to jail, there was nothing good about that at all.
They then moved on to what was going on with the train. Apparently Hagrid had not been informed of any mishaps with the train. He had been down by the lake getting the boats ready for the first years, but was surprised when after all the time that had passed, the train was nowhere in sight. Thus, he journeyed to the platform to see if he could solve the mystery, which he couldn't.
"Does Dumbledore know about this?" Sirius asked. Hagrid shrugged his shoulders.
"Someone should tell him," Sirius decided. "Maybe he does know and he'll have some explanations, and if he doesn't know...well, he should. Harry I want you to go..."
Sirius was interrupted by a shrill scream and he turned to see Hermione and Ron running towards them, like they were running for their lives. Hermione reached them first, it was clear she was the one who was the most scared, and that she was the one who screamed. She almost ran smack into Sirius, and he had to grab her shoulders to steady her. Ron was soon at her side, huffing and puffing with all his might.
"What happened?" Sirius asked sternly, his face intent on getting to the root of the problem.
Hermione looked like she was going to speak, but she was breathing too heavily to. Ron tried as well, and was at least able to give Sirius the gist of what happened.
"Hermione and I...were looking out the window of...Honeydukes...the one that looks out to the forest...and we-we saw...a deatheater- kill...someone."
Finally, Hermione recovered herself and said, "I screamed when I saw it and the deatheater...he...he turned and looked at us. I don't know if he actually saw us though, we ran away as fast as we could."
"Oh my God...did you see who it was?"
"Well the deatheater was covered head to toe in black, and I had never seen the guy who was killed before...he looked like he had done nothing wrong," Hermione said and then looked around and almost screamed again.
"What is it Hermione?"
"Where's Ginny?!?!" she shrieked. Ron stared at her for a second and then looked like he was about to faint.
Sirius straightened up and searched the street for her red hair, he saw no sign of her and said, "You three, get in a carriage and go straight to Hogwarts, find Dumbledore immediately, and send him down here. Hagrid, you stay here in case she comes back here. I'm going to go search for her."
"Sirius..." Harry began to protest.
"Harry, I'm going to look for her, I'll be fine I've had plenty of training for this kind of thing. You need to get to safety, go now."
Harry looked positively miserable and worried as he went towards a carriage. They got in and Sirius watched as the carriage slowly made its way up a windy road. He then set off at a jog, wand ready towards Honeydukes. He went inside and saw no signs of anyone in the store, not even the store owners. Sirius found this to be a very bad sign. The deatheater must have already gotten in here. He probably thought Ginny was the only one to see him and got her before he was further exposed.
Sirius hurriedly left the store and set off at a run towards the edge of the small town. He walked cautiously around the border of the town, with an attentive ear. After walking for a few minutes he heard a rustling in the grass and followed his ear to the spot. He hid behind a tree and found Ginny Weasley writhing in pain in the grass as a deatheater stood over her pointing his wand directly at her. He was giving her the Cruciatus. The deatheater must have put a silencing on her and himself, as it appeared she was screaming at the top of her lungs, while he was laughing hysterically.
Sirius wasn't exactly sure how to deal with the situation, but he knew if he didn't act quickly Ginny would die from the pain. He pointed his wand carefully at the deatheater and stunned him. Sirius was not about to kill him, after what he had already been through. Ginny stopped moving when the deatheater was stunned, but she made no effort to get up.
He was worried about this, but knew he couldn't help her until the deatheater had been dealt with. Sirius stepped up and pocketed the deatheater's wand and then sent his limp body flying at a tree. Quickly, Sirius bound the deatheater to the tree and then ran to Ginny's side. She was unconscious, but he could feel a pulse. He scooped her into his arms and carried her back towards the platform.
The same moment he arrived, Dumbledore did as well, though Harry, Ron and Hermione were nowhere in sight. Sirius was happy to see this.
"Dear God," Dumbledore said, "What has happened Sirius?"
"I trust Harry and the others already told you what they saw while they were at Honeydukes?"
Dumbledore nodded.
"Well, the deatheater got hold of Ginny here. He put her under the Cruciatus. I think I got there just in time. She'll be alright...I hope."
"And where's the deatheater now?"
"I took his wand and bound him to a tree. I cared more about Ginny's safety than making sure he didn't get away, but I think he'll still be there...I did stun him."
"Very good Sirius, will you take me to him?"
"What about Ginny?"
Dumbledore turned to Hagrid, "Will you please take Miss Weasley to the castle and immediately to the hospital wing please, Hagrid?"
"Yes, sir...but what about the firs' years?"
"I have been in contact with the conductor, he tells me they have indeed been greatly delayed. I trust you'll have plenty of time to get there and come back down."
Hagrid gently took Ginny from Sirius's protective hold and began his journey to the castle.
Sirius then led the way to where he had left the deatheater. Dumbledore stepped up to the stunned man and removed his mask, "Macnair...that's not good, the ministry trusts him. Give me his wand Sirius."
Sirius obeyed. Dumbledore carefully wiped the wand on his robes to remove Sirius's fingerprints. I do not want the ministry to know that you were in anyway involved with this, Sirius. Hurry and go to the castle and give Mr. Potter his last goodbye. Then get yourself home as soon as you can. I'll deal with this."
Sirius nodded and rushed back to his car. He drove it right up to the front staircase of the castle. He got up and rushed inside. He went straight into the great hall, hoping that that was where Harry and the others were. He was right.
Harry looked incredibly relieved when he saw Sirius. Ron, not so much.
"Where's Ginny?" he asked quickly before anything else could be said.
Sirius turned to him with a kind expression. "She's going to be okay, Ron. She's up in the hospital wing. The deatheater, as I feared got a hold of her. He tortured her a bit, but she'll be fine, I assure you."
Ron looked thoroughly worried so Sirius added, "Why don't you go up to the hospital wing and see for yourself?"
"I think I will," he said and made to leave the room. He then turned back to Sirius and said, "Thanks Sirius, for bringing us here...and saving my sister."
Sirius smiled at him and patted his shoulder, "Anytime Ron, anytime."
Ron then sped out of the room.
"I have to be going Harry," Sirius said gently. "I wanted to stick around and make sure that everything was okay here, but Dumbledore thinks that if I'm here when the ministry officials arrive, I'll be to blame."
Harry nodded quickly, "Then you better leave, Sirius nothing like that can happen! Don't let it happen!"
Sirius was surprised by that reaction. He himself wasn't all that worried about it, but Harry looked like he thought it was the end of the world that there was even a threat against Sirius's well-being.
"I'm going Harry, calm down...Promise me you're not going to get into trouble this year."
"I promise," Harry said quickly.
"I mean it...house points taken away by anyone but Snape will not be tolerated, got it. If you want to do a little prank, that's fine, just don't get caught."
Harry rolled his eyes but smiled anyway.
"I'm going to miss you Bud," Sirius said.
"I'm going to miss you too...but it won't be that long. And maybe you can come up to Hogsmead during one of our weekends and we'll have lunch or something."
Sirius's face darkened. "Harry, I don't want you anywhere near Hogsmead this year. I'm guessing that after today Dumbledore won't allow them anyway, but if he does I want you to promise me you won't go. I'm telling him about the secret passage too. I've always been pretty sure he doesn't know about it, but for your safety and for the safety of the rest of the school I want it sealed up."
Harry didn't look happy about it but he nodded anyway.
"Be careful Harry, I love you." Sirius said pulling his godson into a hug.
"Love you too, Sirius. Now hurry up and get out of here before the officials come."
Sirius nodded his head and squeezed Harry tight once more and kissed him gently on the top of his head before heading straight out the doors. Harry looked at Hermione slightly embarrassed, but she just grinned at him. He smiled back and they began talking about senseless matters. Slowly other kids whose parents brought them trickled in. Colin Creevy in particular.
"Hiya Harry," he said cheerfully, his eye covered in a livid bruise. Harry hadn't even noticed it when he saw it earlier that day.
"Hi Colin," he said annoyed.
"I heard something happened today in Hogsmead, Harry, did you hear? What happened? Do you know? And where's the train, huh? I thought it would be hear by now."
"I don't know Colin," Harry replied tensely, resisting the urge to sock him again. But he remembered Sirius's words and thought better of it, rather he apologized. "I'm sorry about punching you Colin, I was having a bad day."
"Are you kidding? Harry Potter gave me a shiner. I took a picture of it! I was actually wondering if you would sign it for me."
Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had proposed the exact situation to Sirius, only he had been joking. "I don't think so, Colin," he said sharply. Colin just shrugged and went off to sit with his brother who marveled at Harry from afar. Harry started to say something to Hermione when Dumbledore stood at the teachers table.
"Students! I'm sure you are all wondering where the rest of your classmates are, and perhaps have even heard of the incident today in Hogsmead. I'll tell you this, everyone is safe, and you have nothing to worry about. Shortly myself and a few other teachers will be apparating to the Hogwarts Express where we'll be taking the students here by Portkey. I want you to all be on your best behavior while I am gone. Now, I'd like to see Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Hermione Granger before I go."
Harry and Hermione made there way to the front of the dining hall under the watchful eyes of all the other students who had arrived. Harry shot a quick glance at the Slytherin table and saw Draco Malfoy, flanked on either side by Crabbe and Goyle, smiling smugly. It was clear that he knew exactly what had happened and that he had no intention of telling anyone.
Ignoring this, Harry and Hermione stepped in front of Dumbledore who said, "Follow me please." They walked up to the hospital wing where they saw Ginny, unconscious in a hospital bed. Ron looked very upset, he didn't even notice they entered.
"He's not dealing with this well at all. I want you both to take care of him and make sure he does nothing rash. Miss Weasley will be fine, she's on the road to recovery and will have no lasting physical injuries."
Hermione and Harry both nodded their heads seriously.
"Er, professor?" Hermione began. "Who was that man who was...er...killed?"
Dumbledore's face darkened. "I shall tell you that when I inform the rest of the school. I must be off now, remember what I've said. Miss Granger, you've witnessed a terrible tragedy, I'm sorry for that, but I shall do my best to see to it that no student ever again has to see what you've just seen."
Hermione nodded darkly and Dumbledore left the room. Harry and Hermione approached Ron who had tears in his eyes. "I just-just left her there. I didn't even notice that she wasn't behind us. This is all my fault."
"Ron, you know that's not true. What would have happened if we had seen her get taken? He probably would have gotten us too. Then you and I would be in here right now too. Professor Dumbledore told us she'd be fine."
Ron shook his head and rubbed his sisters hand. "If I was there he wouldn't have put her in so much pain, he would have spread it around a bit. Ginny's the last girl in my family, and I almost let them take her too."
Harry sat next to his friend. "Ron, there's nothing you could have done. Sirius and Remus have told me a lot about the past, when Voldemort was in power the first time. They told me that constantly their families and friends fell victims to Voldemort, and that everyone was always blaming themselves. But it wasn't there fault, it was his, Voldemort's. He's the reason Ginny was taken away today, but she's fine now. You can't blame yourself Ron, got it?"
Ron shook his head, "We just left her behind..." Ron, without caring that Hermione or Harry was there, started crying into his arms.
Harry took Hermione aside and whispered, "I don't think this is just about today, he's probably still not over his mum's murder. Why don't you go downstairs, I know he's going to regret that you've seen this." Hermione nodded and left the room, with one sad look at Ron.
Harry again sat by Ron and put his arm over his shoulder. "You okay mate?" Harry knew that that was a dumb question, but thought it would be a good starting point.
Ron shook his head fiercely. "My families fa-falling apart, and it's all my fault. Ginny almost died today Harry, she just barely held on. And it was all my fault...just like my mum. Why can't I do anything right."
"Listen to me Ron, it's not your fault. I just told you its Voldemort's fault. You guys were in the wrong place at the wrong time, that's all. And the deatheater probably tried to make sure you didn't realize Ginny was gone, you know? He did his job the best he could, for Voldemort, and you know what, he didn't win. Because YOU realized Ginny wasn't around when you got back to me and Sirius."
Ron shook his head, "No, I didn't notice...Hermione did..." Ron started crying harder. "I can't even protect my own family...what the bloody Hell am I good for?!" He shouted.
"Nice going, Harry," Harry thought to himself. Although, what he had said had helped slightly.
After Ron's very loud outburst, Ginny began to wake up. She looked lost and scared until she laid eyes on her sobbing brother.
"What's wrong Ron?"
"What's wrong? What's WRONG? I almost let you DIE! That's what's wrong."
The days events quickly flooded back into Ginny's mind. "Ron, none of what happened was your fault. When we were running...I-I tripped and fell and the deatheater put a silencing spell on me and then took me away. I know you didn't see it happen, it's okay. I'm fine now....but, what happened."
Ron couldn't stop crying, so Harry explained it to her, which alone made her blush furiously. "When Ron and Hermione reached Sirius and I they realized you weren't there. Sirius sent us up here to get Dumbledore and he went to find you. He found you...er...under the Cruciatus and stunned the deatheater and tied him to a tree. Dumbledore took care of the rest and Hagrid brought you here. That's all."
Ginny appeared to have tears in her eyes as well as she apparently relived the ordeal in her head. Ron had his head buried in his arms on the edge of the bed and Ginny put her hand on his shoulder. He looked up and she wrapped him in a hug and held him as he cried.
"I'm so sorry Ginny! It's all my fault!"
"It's not your fault Ron! You didn't expect that the deatheater would capture me...why would you? I'm fine now, stop dwelling on it please!"
Harry himself was in shock to hear Ginny talking so much, but Ron didn't seem phased by it. It must just be him that she's usually so quiet around. Ron cried his eyes out for a while longer until they just ran dry. He still looked greatly upset, but the tears stopped flying.
"Ron, why don't you go get cleaned up and then we'll let Ginny get some rest. I know your hungry."
He tried to deny it, but his stomach as always gave him away with its loud growling.
"Fine, Harry, I'll be back up Ginny," he said and then walked towards the bathroom.
Ron left leaving Ginny and Harry alone. Ginny didn't look happy about that at all. She looked down at her toes and didn't say a word.
"Er...so..." Harry started, but didn't know what else to say.
Ginny looked at him shyly and said, "So I bet you all wish I just took the train, huh?"
"Not at all," Harry said earnestly. "I don't know what's going on with the train, but I think Sirius was right, we were a lot safer with him. Otherwise I don't think all the teachers would be going who knows where to save all the rest of the students. I'm glad you decided to come with us."
Ginny blushed five shades of red, but Harry was oblivious to the reason why. Luckily, no more small talk was necessary as Ron came out of the bathroom, all signs of his tears gone. He hugged Ginny tightly and once more apologized, she just sighed in response to the apology.
Harry and Ron then left the hospital wing and headed back down to the great hall. On the way Harry turned to his friend and asked, "You okay?"
"I don't know Harry...a year ago what happened today wouldn't have bothered me...but now...with all this stuff that's been happening...I'm really scared you know?"
"Yeah, I know, but I think we'll be alright this year. Maybe it'll be the first normal year we've had."
Ron gave Harry a skeptical look and they walked on in silence. When they reached the entry way kids were streaming in, they all looked very scared and were barely talking. Harry and Ron followed them into the Great Hall and they resumed their seats next to Hermione, where they waited patiently for the rest of the students to take their own seats.
When everyone was finally seated, Dumbledore stood at the head of the room with a very grim expression upon his face, making him look years older. He tapped his fork on his glass as if to get the students attention, though he already had everyone's.
"Welcome back," he said in a booming voice. "As you've already seen, I'm sure, this is not going to be a normal school year. It is time for me to tell you all what has happened today. I believe that this information will scare many of you, but for your safety you must all know the truth. I will tell you all this once and only once, so please listen attentively and do not talk until I finish."
Harry, Hermione and Ron looked at each other and knew instantly that what Harry had hoped for earlier, about it being a normal school year, wasn't going to happen.
A/N: So how did you all like that? Personally I hated almost the entire chapter, but it was a transition chapter which is just not fun. I think part of the next chapter will suck as well, but I think I'll do a much better job with it than this one. I hope your opinions of this chapter are different than mine, but I will completely understand if they're not.