Another one down...what's this number 30? Wow, it seems like I just
started writing it! Those of you who don't want it to end will be happy to
hear that I just extended it about two chapters. So keep an eye out. I
want this story to have full closure! I hope you enjoy this!
Special thanks to Scott for helping with the advice!
~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry recovered fully after a week in the hospital wing. He returned to classes, as did Sirius. Remus stayed at the school. Professor Dumbledore gave him his own set of rooms. He would often sit in and help with Sirius's classes during his stay there. The following year he would again fill the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts while Sirius was Headmaster.
No one could fathom the thought of Sirius in that position, but it was going to happen. The preparations were already in order, although no one really knew except Harry, Sirius, Remus and Dumbledore. Sirius was anxious to get it out in the open, but Dumbledore wanted people to still have more time to get used to him. There were some students who still greatly feared the name Sirius Black. It was decided that the day before they left for Christmas Break they would make an announcement to the whole school about Dumbledore's retirement. Sirius couldn't wait.
In no time it was that time of the year. For the first time ever Harry wasn't staying at Hogwarts for Christmas, he was going home. He had truly thought that he would never see home again, never see his own room again, but alas, he was returning. He packed his bag early that day and then spent the morning with Ron, Hermione, and Neville. Since the showdown with Voldemort Harry and Neville had become much better friends, and Neville had become a bit more self confident. Everyone was happy to see the personality change in him, and he ended up being an awesome friend.
"I can't believe we're not spending the holidays together this year...we always spend the holidays together!" Ron yelled angrily. He wasn't happy about going home to see Percy. Since his mother had died, Percy had tried to take over that role in his life. It really didn't work for Ron.
"Maybe you can come and visit to escape him," Harry suggested. "You all should. How's the day after Christmas sound?"
"Excellent," Ron said in relief.
"I'd love to," Hermione said.
"I'll have to ask Gran, but I want to...sounds fun," Neville added, sounding a bit nervous about asking her for anything, but he was going to do it. It was time for him to stand up for himself.
"We'll exchange presents then...I'm sure Sirius and Remus won't mind."
They all agreed and made plans for that day.
The rest of the afternoon passed quickly and it was finally time for the feast. Before the food appeared on the table, Dumbledore stood and tapped his fork on his glass. The student populace stared up at him, completely silent.
"I have an announcement to make to you all. As you know, the Dark Lord has been defeated. Myself, Professor Black, and Mr. Harry Potter assisted in his final downfall. With this final adventure, I have decided that it is time to end my career here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Everyone gasped and continued to stare enraptured.
Dumbledore continued, "I imagine you all assume Professor McGonagall will take my place. Well you're wrong. She has chosen to retain her position as Deputy Headmistress. Thus, I have chosen a different candidate I think you'll all enjoy. He's young, fun, and will bring a new wave of freshness to this old castle. I would like to introduce next years Headmaster, your Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Sirius Black!"
Sirius rose in his seat and beamed as kids catcalled happily at the announcement. Everyone was cheering, it all made Sirius want to cry. Even Snape was smiling and clapping. Over the couple of weeks after Voldemort's defeat they had started getting a long. Both were still a little suspicious of each other, but they no longer despised the other.
Sirius looked down at the students and focused on Harry who was standing and clapping with his friends. They locked eyes for a moment and smiled at each other through the raucous that was going on around them.
Dumbledore then, though it took a while, managed to silence the crowd and began speaking again. "So as you can see this leaves another vacancy. I have already made a decision as to whom the next professor of defense against the dark arts will be, and I know that your new headmaster is just as pleased with this decision as I am. Remus Lupin will once again hold the title of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I'm sure many of you remember the circumstances with which he left after his first year teaching, and I do hope that you will not hold it against him. He's a wonderful person and probably the best candidate out there for this position. Remus, will you please stand up?"
Remus did so nervously. He knew he wasn't going to get an applause like Sirius's. He was unsure of what to expect. No one clapped at first, until Harry started beating his hands together. His friends soon joined in, then the rest of Gryffindor, then the Hufflepuff's and Ravenclaw's and finally even some of the Slytherin's. His applause almost equaled Sirius, and Remus couldn't have asked for anymore.
"With all that being said, let the feast begin!"
The food magically covered the table and everyone dug in. Harry stuffed his face, talking animatedly to his friends the whole time. He was absolutely carefree. Sirius watched him from his seat next to Remus.
"Next year's going to be interesting, huh Sir?" Remus said. When he didn't get an answer he waved a hand in front of Sirius's face. "Earth to Sirius. Are you there?" Sirius snapped out of it and stared at Remus.
"What's that, Moony?" Sirius asked.
"Nothing. Harry's doing great, huh?"
Sirius nodded. "It's hard to believe isn't it? That the happy kid sitting down there is the same one we took from his aunt and uncles house last summer...he's so much happier now."
Remus looked down at Harry and nodded. "You've done a good job with him Sir."
"You helped Moony...don't try to deny it. I couldn't have done anything without you."
"I guess..." Remus said, losing track of what he was saying.
"You did."
Remus just smiled.
"So...you ready to finally go home...you haven't been there in a while."
"Yeah, I'm ready. I've missed my house, although I love it here. It'll be nice to be back for a couple of weeks."
"Yes it will. Time for just the three of us...and we'll see Sorai again. I've missed that girl."
"Me too," Remus said, looking slightly embarrassed.
Sirius noticed the red tinge in his cheeks and couldn't restrain a grin. "You like her don't you?"
Remus looked aghast. "Sirius! I do not!"
"Oh yes you do! Moony loves Sorai! Moony loves Sorai!"
"Sirius, would you shut up! I don't like Sorai!"
It went on like that for a while until the whole teachers table was watching them. Dumbledore was having trouble not laughing, but the rest of the table was a little worried. These two hadn't changed a bit since they were in school, and now together, they'd be running it. Despite this, they were all quite entertained by the mockery of it all.
"Okay, I'll admit, I used to have a little crush on her, but now I just see her as my friend."
"Oh right, Moony! That's why you just turned red when I mentioned seeing her again!"
"Sirius, I did not turn red!"
"You looked like a tomato!"
"Would you shut up?!"
"Nope! Moony loves Sorai!" Sirius said, laughing hysterically at the way Remus's face was turning redder every second.
"Aaah, you know I love ya, Moony...I'm just messing with you," Sirius said once Remus's look went from good natured to plain old pissed off.
"Right...new topic please!"
"Alright, lets see...who do you think Harry likes?"
Remus rolled his eyes and decided it would just be better to ignore Sirius, who was listing off the names of every girl he could think of. Once he realized he was being ignored, however, Sirius turned to Snape.
"So, Severus, how's it going?"
"Alright..." Snape said, looking curiously at Sirius.
"You know, I was wondering lately, because I forget...Do you remember why we hated each other at first?"
Snape looked at him cautiously, trying to figure out if this was going to lead to his own utter embarrassment. He decided though, that Sirius was being good natured and answered.
"We detested each other because of Lily Evans. I was friends with her in our first year until Potter brainwashed her."
"You know James didn't do that. SHE liked HIM."
"Yes, I know that now. But I wouldn't accept that then. So I decided that I hated him, all of his friends, and even Lily. But the rivalry didn't really start until that time you made me burp instead of speak when I went to talk to her in the Great Hall."
Sirius smiled slightly remembering it. "Yeah, that was a good prank...but I'm sorry about it. I shouldn't have embarrassed you like that."
"Apology accepted. And I as well am sorry for all the awful things I have done."
Sirius nodded and stuck out his hand. Snape grabbed it and they shook. "Merry Christmas Severus."
"Same to you Bla-Sirius."
Sirius grinned and then returned to his meal. He again got lost staring at his happy godson. He felt like such a success at that moment. It was like every year he had spent in Azkaban had simply disappeared. He knew he wasn't so lucky, however. The memories would still haunt him in his dreams.
Sirius again got lost in thought and didn't even realize when the students started filing out of the Great Hall. Remus was busy talking to Professor Sinistra, and other than that there was barely anyone left.
Harry was out the door already and waiting for Sirius, when he realized he wasn't coming. He peeked back inside the great hall and saw Sirius holding his fork in one hand and resting his head in the other. He was staring off into space. Harry walked back in and stood right in front of him. Sirius still didn't snap out of it.
"Sirius! Hey Sirius! Sirius?" Harry called and then finally tapped his shoulder. Slowly Sirius snapped out of it and raised his gaze to look into Harry's face. Harry couldn't help but laugh at the dazed look on his face.
"What's so funny?" Sirius asked confused.
"You were out there, Sirius, really out there."
"Really?"
Harry nodded.
"Oh well...are you all packed and ready to go?"
"Yeah, you?"
"Of course! I've been waiting to go home forever now! I miss my sis!"
Harry smiled. He hadn't seen Sirius so animated and fun for a long, long time. Occasionally throughout dinner he watched Sirius, just like Sirius had watched him. He was happy to see that Sirius was talking to everyone. He no longer was a social outcast, but everyone's friend. Harry was happy for him.
Sirius signaled to Remus that it was time to go and he ended his conversation with Professor Sinistra and bid her a Merry Christmas. Harry led them all out to where Ron, Hermione, and Neville were waiting.
"Sirius, Remus, I was wondering if I could have these guys over the day after Christmas...you know so we can hang out?"
Remus shrugged and Sirius said, "Absolutely! It'll be a party!"
Harry smiled and thanked him. "So owl me if you can come, alright?"
They all nodded at him. Hermione gave him a hug goodbye and he waved to Neville and Ron before grabbing his trunk and turning back to Remus and Sirius. They walked out the front doors of the castle and stopped at the top of the stairs.
"Wow," Harry said. Snow was piled high and there was no way to get through it. More was coming down, and fast. It was a real blizzard out there.
"Wow's right," Sirius said with a sigh. Remus just smiled at the sight of the beautiful white flakes settling over everything.
"How are we going to get home?" Harry asked.
"Well...we were going to go down to Hogsmead and then apparate there...but now I don't know how we're going to get there..." Sirius said, looking thoroughly pensive.
"Harry, do you have your broom?" Remus asked.
Sirius looked stunned. That was an obvious solution, and one that never crossed his mind.
"No, I was going to leave it here...but I can summon it."
"Accio Firebolt!" Harry yelled. His broomstick flew towards him from around the side of the building. Sirius and Remus then each summoned a school broom and they flew over the snow with all their luggage. Once they entered Hogsmead they hopped off the brooms and fell waist deep into the snow.
Remus looked weathered from the short trip. He was definitely not wearing the right clothes to be out there in that weather. In fact none of them were. They all had rattling teeth and goosebumps.
"Lets go," Remus said. Muttering a spell that would send all the brooms back.
Sirius nodded. "I'll go first with Harry. Make sure we both are gone before taking off yourself, okay?"
Remus nodded.
"Grab my hands tightly Harry. Both of them just to be sure."
"Okay." Harry said and gripped them. They were ice cold.
In seconds they appeared in a completely different place. Harry smiled to himself as he remembered where they were. They stood exactly where Harry had gone to before going to see Remus in prison. Harry looked into the woods and then jumped back when Remus appeared right in front of him. He then shortly laughed at himself.
"So...are we walking all the way back to the house?"
Sirius shook his head looking a little angry. "Sorai's supposed to meet us down here...the question is where is she?"
Harry and Remus both shrugged. Harry wrapped his arms tightly over his chest and started hopping up and down, trying to create some warmth. Sirius stepped up to him and started rubbing Harry's arms for warmth. It didn't help much but it was a nice thought.
Suddenly though, Sirius stopped and hit himself on the head. "We're wizards!"
"Wow, Sirius, took a genius to figure that one out," Remus said.
"Hello, Moony! There is such a thing as a warming spell!"
Remus also slapped his head. Sirius pulled out his wand and first put the spell on Harry. Instantly he stopped shivering and his cheeks went from bright red to a normal hue. He then put the spell on himself, while Moony put it on himself. Once they were all sufficiently warmed they decided it would be best to just walk to the house, despite the three feet of snow that was constantly getting higher and higher.
They slowly trudged through it, and were going no where fast.
"We should have kept the brooms," Sirius said.
"Sorry," Remus replied. Beginning to shiver. The warming spell was wearing off. He was about to reapply it when they heard a horn. They looked up to see the familiar jeep bounding down the road. Pushing the snow aside as it went.
The jeep pulled up right next to them and then the drivers door flew open. Sorai ran up to them insanely excited.
"Mr. Headmaster!" She screeched and hugged her older brother. "And the wizarding prodigy, and savior of the world!" She squeezed Harry tight.
Then she stood in front of Remus and beamed. "And Remus...how are you?" She asked pulling him into the longest hug. He hugged back and responded that he was just fine. The hug lasted longer than any of the others.
Sirius grinned at Harry when he saw this. Harry rolled his eyes at Sirius. Remus was all smiles when they broke apart and Sirius started laughing. "Lets go home."
They all agreed and piled into the car. Sirius made Remus sit up front with Sorai, his face beat red the whole time while Sirius laughed amusedly. Sorai just seemed confused but didn't ask any questions. Harry thought it was amusing as well, but was nice enough not to pick on Remus anymore than he was already being picked on.
"I've missed you three!" Sorai said. "We haven't had much time together. We have a lot of catching up to do! Oh and guess what!"
"What?" Remus asked, smiling curiously.
"I've met someone."
Remus's face fell slightly. He kept his smile, but it looked sad. Sirius noticed the face change and knew immediately it was time to stop picking on Remus's little crush. Though Remus had never admitted it, he had a lot of feelings for Sorai. The poor guy's heart was probably broken in two and nobody knew it.
"Congrats, Sor, who's the lucky man?"
"Oh you probably don't know him. His name is Jacob Whitman and he's an auror. I met him at work. We've been together for a few months now, and I think he's going to propose soon. I'm actually going to be spending Christmas with him, if you guys don't mind."
Neither Sirius, nor Remus looked happy about that, but said it was fine with them. Harry could really care less. He liked Sorai well enough, but her presence didn't mean much to him. From what he had seen she was actually quite selfish. When she got no positive feedback on her news, she stopped talking all together, and tension in the car became dense. They were all relieved when they got to the house.
"I'm going to go visit my man, I'll catch up with you all later," she said waving goodbye before walking into the fireplace.
Sirius shook his head in annoyance. His sister was so fake and she had just really hurt his best friend without even realizing it.
Remus stood in his kitchen looking around at the room he hadn't seen since mid-summer. Sirius put his arm over his shoulders and asked, "You okay Moony?"
"I'm fine Sirius, why wouldn't I be okay?"
"Because of what Sorai just told us."
Remus winced slightly. "It's fine Sirius, really."
"I saw the look on your face. I know it hurt. I just want to know if you're okay now."
"I'll be fine," he mumbled and then lifted Sirius's arm off of him. He picked up his bags and went to his room. Harry did the same and Sirius resigned to follow. Before Harry got to his room Sirius called out, "Put on some warm, dry clothes bud and meet me in the living room once you're done unpacking." Harry nodded and continued on to his room. He didn't put anything away at first. Rather he just set everything down and looked at the familiar space. He walked up to the window and looked into the backyard. He saw J and Fang running around in the yard, fighting over some toy. A little after the last meeting with Voldemort Sirius sent both dogs home, as he didn't have the time to take care of them. Fang seemed to really like it there and Harry liked having the constant reminder of his old friend Hagrid. He never wanted to forget him.
Harry pulled himself away from the window and sat on his bed. He ran his fingers over the soft material of his comforter. He breathed in the smells of the room and felt completely at peace. Harry was home, he was where he belonged.
Finally, Harry decided it was time to get everything unpacked. He messily hung things in his closet and shoved stuff in his drawers. There were a few items Harry didn't know what to do with so he threw them under the bed. He then changed into flannel pants, a t-shirt and a sweatshirt and headed down stairs. Sirius was sitting on the couch. On the coffee table in front of him sat three steaming mugs of cocoa. Harry sat next to Sirius and picked up a mug. He blew on it, though he knew it would make no difference, and then took a sip. It was the perfect temperature and warmed Harry in a way that the warming spell could not. It warmed him from the inside out.
The fire in front of them was dying down so Sirius pointed his wand at it and made it bigger once again. The two just sat watching the flames dance, their feet propped against the coffee table. When Remus came downstairs as well they shifted on the couch making room for him. Harry was then sandwiched between the two marauders. Remus grabbed his mug of cocoa and slid right into the same routine as Sirius and Harry.
They all finished their mugs off and continued watching the flames in silence. Harry nearly jumped out of his skin when something heavy landed on his shoulder. He looked to his left and saw Sirius's head on his shoulder. Harry smiled slightly and then jumped again when Sirius snored loudly. He started laughing softly. Sirius snored again, louder and longer and Harry laughed harder. This time Remus joined him. Every snore was louder than the first making Harry and Remus laugh hysterically. They were doubled over laughing when the snoring finally stopped. Sirius's head popped up and he looked around confused.
"What's so funny?" he mumbled wiping the sleep out of his eyes.
"Nothing," Harry said, still laughing.
"Tell me!" he whined.
Harry just shook his head.
"You wouldn't think it was funny, Padfoot," Remus said.
"Just tell me and I'll decide that."
Harry shrugged and said, "You sound like a cow when you sleep."
Remus laughed harder at this, as did Harry.
"I do not!" Sirius said indignantly.
Harry just continued to laugh so Sirius decided the best thing to do was tickle him. Harry fell backwards on to Remus as Sirius continued the tickling. Remus decided to help by holding Harry's arms together.
"Stop! Let go! Stop!" he yelled. It took a while, but eventually they did as he asked. They sat back on the couch the way they had earlier, only this time they weren't completely silent. They made plans for the rest of break and for the rest of the night. They decided to order two pizzas and watch some movies. Just like they would have done over the summer. They decided to make the Christmas break a continuation of where they had left off that summer.
By the time they had polished off both pizzas and were halfway through their third movie, ''Sorai popped out of the fireplace.
"Hey guys," she said. "Allow me to introduce..." she held her arms towards the fireplace and waited. Finally a man popped out, "Jacob Whitman!" She walked over to him and brushed the soot off his nose and then kissed it. Remus looked away.
Sirius didn't even bother to say hello, rather he asked, "How the hell did he get through without the bell?"
"I...umm...changed the wards a little," she mumbled.
"You what?! Sorai those were up for everyone's protection! Do you know how badly you could have screwed things up. You tampered with everyone here's safety! Especially Harry's!"
Harry looked down at the floor.
"Sirius! I did it after you guys got rid of Voldemort! Those wards don't need to be up anymore, anyways! They're just a hassle!"
"Sorai, is this your house?"
"No, it's Remus's..."
"So did you have the right to go changing things like that?"
"No, but Sir-"
"No but's Sorai! I can't believe you! I'm going to bed. Jack...whatever your name is...it was nice meeting you!" With that Sirius stormed out of the room.
Jacob looked very uncomfortable as Harry and Remus stared at him.
Sorai looked like she was going to go cry and ran into the nearby bathroom.
Remus, always a man of manners stood up and shook his hand. "Hello, I'm Remus Lupin. It's nice to meet you."
Jacob smiled warmly and shook back.
"Please excuse Sirius, he worries a little too much. He just wants everything perfect and gets like that when it's not."
"I understand. From what I've heard he's been through a lot."
"Yes, he has. Why don't you have a seat?" Remus asked motioning towards where Harry sat. Jacob took a seat on Harry's right and Remus resumed his seat on the left.
"So, Harry Potter, the savior of the wizarding world, nice to meet you."
Harry smiled formally. He, like Sirius wasn't very fond of Jacob the moment he laid eyes on him. "Nice to meet you to," he said stiffly. "And I'm not the savior. All I did was get tortured. Dumbledore did it all."
"Right," Jacob said uncomfortably. "Well..."
Nobody could think of anything to say. Harry faked a yawn and said, "Man I'm tired...it has been a long night. I'm going to go to bed. Nice meeting you Mr. Whitman."
"Call me Jacob!" he called as Harry trotted up the stairs.
"Sorry to leave you, but I think it's time for me too. I'm sure I'll see you again soon."
Jacob Whitman was left sitting on the couch alone. No one ever went back down to see if Sorai had ever returned to him. For all they knew he sat there alone all night.
After leaving the room Harry went to find Sirius. He hadn't seen Sirius that angry in a very long time and wanted to make sure he cooled off. Harry walked into his room and found that he definitely was still fired up.
Sirius was kicking everything in his room that he could get at. He was punching pillows and ripping the curtains. Harry didn't quite know exactly what to do.
"Sirius, Sirius! Stop!" he said. Sirius did stop kicking things, but his face was beat red and his fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles were as white as snow. Harry was truly frightened by him.
"I can't believe she did that!" he yelled and proceeded to kick his poor bed one more time. "Do you know who that guy is, Harry? Do you?"
Harry shook his head and looked up as Remus also entered the room.
"That," he hissed, "Is Jacob Whitman, former Slytherin and best friend to Lucius Malfoy!"
Remus breathed in sharply, "That's why he seemed so familiar...I couldn't place him. Do you think...do you think he's helping Lucius?"
"I don't know, but I can't believe she would give him free reign to this house. Is he still here?"
They both nodded. "Not for long!"
Sirius marched out of the room and ran down the steps. Remus and Harry silently crept down behind him and listened at the base of the stairs.
"What the fuck is this?!" they heard Sirius yell angrily.
"What does it look like?" A very familiar voice said. It wasn't the voice of Jacob Whitman either. It took a while for Harry to realize, but the voice he heard was that of none other than Lucius Malfoy. Harry's heart caught in his throat. He was supposed to be safe now, and right now he definitely was not safe.
He felt Remus's arm around him and was silently pulled up the stairs. Remus steered him to his room and sat him on his bed. "You have to be quiet, Harry. We can't let them now where you are. I think this will all work out. Sirius will protect you, but you need to be careful anyway, alright?"
Harry nodded in fear. Remus sat beside him and kept his arm over Harry's shoulder, trying to make him feel secure.
Yells were coming from below, but Harry couldn't decipher what they were saying, or who was saying what. He just sat in silence, praying that Sirius would be okay.
~~~~~~~~~
So what did you think? Good, bad, indifferent? Next chapter should be out in a little over a week. I say should cuz I really don't know. It'll either be earlier or later...I'm not really sure. Please review!
Special thanks to Scott for helping with the advice!
~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry recovered fully after a week in the hospital wing. He returned to classes, as did Sirius. Remus stayed at the school. Professor Dumbledore gave him his own set of rooms. He would often sit in and help with Sirius's classes during his stay there. The following year he would again fill the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts while Sirius was Headmaster.
No one could fathom the thought of Sirius in that position, but it was going to happen. The preparations were already in order, although no one really knew except Harry, Sirius, Remus and Dumbledore. Sirius was anxious to get it out in the open, but Dumbledore wanted people to still have more time to get used to him. There were some students who still greatly feared the name Sirius Black. It was decided that the day before they left for Christmas Break they would make an announcement to the whole school about Dumbledore's retirement. Sirius couldn't wait.
In no time it was that time of the year. For the first time ever Harry wasn't staying at Hogwarts for Christmas, he was going home. He had truly thought that he would never see home again, never see his own room again, but alas, he was returning. He packed his bag early that day and then spent the morning with Ron, Hermione, and Neville. Since the showdown with Voldemort Harry and Neville had become much better friends, and Neville had become a bit more self confident. Everyone was happy to see the personality change in him, and he ended up being an awesome friend.
"I can't believe we're not spending the holidays together this year...we always spend the holidays together!" Ron yelled angrily. He wasn't happy about going home to see Percy. Since his mother had died, Percy had tried to take over that role in his life. It really didn't work for Ron.
"Maybe you can come and visit to escape him," Harry suggested. "You all should. How's the day after Christmas sound?"
"Excellent," Ron said in relief.
"I'd love to," Hermione said.
"I'll have to ask Gran, but I want to...sounds fun," Neville added, sounding a bit nervous about asking her for anything, but he was going to do it. It was time for him to stand up for himself.
"We'll exchange presents then...I'm sure Sirius and Remus won't mind."
They all agreed and made plans for that day.
The rest of the afternoon passed quickly and it was finally time for the feast. Before the food appeared on the table, Dumbledore stood and tapped his fork on his glass. The student populace stared up at him, completely silent.
"I have an announcement to make to you all. As you know, the Dark Lord has been defeated. Myself, Professor Black, and Mr. Harry Potter assisted in his final downfall. With this final adventure, I have decided that it is time to end my career here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Everyone gasped and continued to stare enraptured.
Dumbledore continued, "I imagine you all assume Professor McGonagall will take my place. Well you're wrong. She has chosen to retain her position as Deputy Headmistress. Thus, I have chosen a different candidate I think you'll all enjoy. He's young, fun, and will bring a new wave of freshness to this old castle. I would like to introduce next years Headmaster, your Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Sirius Black!"
Sirius rose in his seat and beamed as kids catcalled happily at the announcement. Everyone was cheering, it all made Sirius want to cry. Even Snape was smiling and clapping. Over the couple of weeks after Voldemort's defeat they had started getting a long. Both were still a little suspicious of each other, but they no longer despised the other.
Sirius looked down at the students and focused on Harry who was standing and clapping with his friends. They locked eyes for a moment and smiled at each other through the raucous that was going on around them.
Dumbledore then, though it took a while, managed to silence the crowd and began speaking again. "So as you can see this leaves another vacancy. I have already made a decision as to whom the next professor of defense against the dark arts will be, and I know that your new headmaster is just as pleased with this decision as I am. Remus Lupin will once again hold the title of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I'm sure many of you remember the circumstances with which he left after his first year teaching, and I do hope that you will not hold it against him. He's a wonderful person and probably the best candidate out there for this position. Remus, will you please stand up?"
Remus did so nervously. He knew he wasn't going to get an applause like Sirius's. He was unsure of what to expect. No one clapped at first, until Harry started beating his hands together. His friends soon joined in, then the rest of Gryffindor, then the Hufflepuff's and Ravenclaw's and finally even some of the Slytherin's. His applause almost equaled Sirius, and Remus couldn't have asked for anymore.
"With all that being said, let the feast begin!"
The food magically covered the table and everyone dug in. Harry stuffed his face, talking animatedly to his friends the whole time. He was absolutely carefree. Sirius watched him from his seat next to Remus.
"Next year's going to be interesting, huh Sir?" Remus said. When he didn't get an answer he waved a hand in front of Sirius's face. "Earth to Sirius. Are you there?" Sirius snapped out of it and stared at Remus.
"What's that, Moony?" Sirius asked.
"Nothing. Harry's doing great, huh?"
Sirius nodded. "It's hard to believe isn't it? That the happy kid sitting down there is the same one we took from his aunt and uncles house last summer...he's so much happier now."
Remus looked down at Harry and nodded. "You've done a good job with him Sir."
"You helped Moony...don't try to deny it. I couldn't have done anything without you."
"I guess..." Remus said, losing track of what he was saying.
"You did."
Remus just smiled.
"So...you ready to finally go home...you haven't been there in a while."
"Yeah, I'm ready. I've missed my house, although I love it here. It'll be nice to be back for a couple of weeks."
"Yes it will. Time for just the three of us...and we'll see Sorai again. I've missed that girl."
"Me too," Remus said, looking slightly embarrassed.
Sirius noticed the red tinge in his cheeks and couldn't restrain a grin. "You like her don't you?"
Remus looked aghast. "Sirius! I do not!"
"Oh yes you do! Moony loves Sorai! Moony loves Sorai!"
"Sirius, would you shut up! I don't like Sorai!"
It went on like that for a while until the whole teachers table was watching them. Dumbledore was having trouble not laughing, but the rest of the table was a little worried. These two hadn't changed a bit since they were in school, and now together, they'd be running it. Despite this, they were all quite entertained by the mockery of it all.
"Okay, I'll admit, I used to have a little crush on her, but now I just see her as my friend."
"Oh right, Moony! That's why you just turned red when I mentioned seeing her again!"
"Sirius, I did not turn red!"
"You looked like a tomato!"
"Would you shut up?!"
"Nope! Moony loves Sorai!" Sirius said, laughing hysterically at the way Remus's face was turning redder every second.
"Aaah, you know I love ya, Moony...I'm just messing with you," Sirius said once Remus's look went from good natured to plain old pissed off.
"Right...new topic please!"
"Alright, lets see...who do you think Harry likes?"
Remus rolled his eyes and decided it would just be better to ignore Sirius, who was listing off the names of every girl he could think of. Once he realized he was being ignored, however, Sirius turned to Snape.
"So, Severus, how's it going?"
"Alright..." Snape said, looking curiously at Sirius.
"You know, I was wondering lately, because I forget...Do you remember why we hated each other at first?"
Snape looked at him cautiously, trying to figure out if this was going to lead to his own utter embarrassment. He decided though, that Sirius was being good natured and answered.
"We detested each other because of Lily Evans. I was friends with her in our first year until Potter brainwashed her."
"You know James didn't do that. SHE liked HIM."
"Yes, I know that now. But I wouldn't accept that then. So I decided that I hated him, all of his friends, and even Lily. But the rivalry didn't really start until that time you made me burp instead of speak when I went to talk to her in the Great Hall."
Sirius smiled slightly remembering it. "Yeah, that was a good prank...but I'm sorry about it. I shouldn't have embarrassed you like that."
"Apology accepted. And I as well am sorry for all the awful things I have done."
Sirius nodded and stuck out his hand. Snape grabbed it and they shook. "Merry Christmas Severus."
"Same to you Bla-Sirius."
Sirius grinned and then returned to his meal. He again got lost staring at his happy godson. He felt like such a success at that moment. It was like every year he had spent in Azkaban had simply disappeared. He knew he wasn't so lucky, however. The memories would still haunt him in his dreams.
Sirius again got lost in thought and didn't even realize when the students started filing out of the Great Hall. Remus was busy talking to Professor Sinistra, and other than that there was barely anyone left.
Harry was out the door already and waiting for Sirius, when he realized he wasn't coming. He peeked back inside the great hall and saw Sirius holding his fork in one hand and resting his head in the other. He was staring off into space. Harry walked back in and stood right in front of him. Sirius still didn't snap out of it.
"Sirius! Hey Sirius! Sirius?" Harry called and then finally tapped his shoulder. Slowly Sirius snapped out of it and raised his gaze to look into Harry's face. Harry couldn't help but laugh at the dazed look on his face.
"What's so funny?" Sirius asked confused.
"You were out there, Sirius, really out there."
"Really?"
Harry nodded.
"Oh well...are you all packed and ready to go?"
"Yeah, you?"
"Of course! I've been waiting to go home forever now! I miss my sis!"
Harry smiled. He hadn't seen Sirius so animated and fun for a long, long time. Occasionally throughout dinner he watched Sirius, just like Sirius had watched him. He was happy to see that Sirius was talking to everyone. He no longer was a social outcast, but everyone's friend. Harry was happy for him.
Sirius signaled to Remus that it was time to go and he ended his conversation with Professor Sinistra and bid her a Merry Christmas. Harry led them all out to where Ron, Hermione, and Neville were waiting.
"Sirius, Remus, I was wondering if I could have these guys over the day after Christmas...you know so we can hang out?"
Remus shrugged and Sirius said, "Absolutely! It'll be a party!"
Harry smiled and thanked him. "So owl me if you can come, alright?"
They all nodded at him. Hermione gave him a hug goodbye and he waved to Neville and Ron before grabbing his trunk and turning back to Remus and Sirius. They walked out the front doors of the castle and stopped at the top of the stairs.
"Wow," Harry said. Snow was piled high and there was no way to get through it. More was coming down, and fast. It was a real blizzard out there.
"Wow's right," Sirius said with a sigh. Remus just smiled at the sight of the beautiful white flakes settling over everything.
"How are we going to get home?" Harry asked.
"Well...we were going to go down to Hogsmead and then apparate there...but now I don't know how we're going to get there..." Sirius said, looking thoroughly pensive.
"Harry, do you have your broom?" Remus asked.
Sirius looked stunned. That was an obvious solution, and one that never crossed his mind.
"No, I was going to leave it here...but I can summon it."
"Accio Firebolt!" Harry yelled. His broomstick flew towards him from around the side of the building. Sirius and Remus then each summoned a school broom and they flew over the snow with all their luggage. Once they entered Hogsmead they hopped off the brooms and fell waist deep into the snow.
Remus looked weathered from the short trip. He was definitely not wearing the right clothes to be out there in that weather. In fact none of them were. They all had rattling teeth and goosebumps.
"Lets go," Remus said. Muttering a spell that would send all the brooms back.
Sirius nodded. "I'll go first with Harry. Make sure we both are gone before taking off yourself, okay?"
Remus nodded.
"Grab my hands tightly Harry. Both of them just to be sure."
"Okay." Harry said and gripped them. They were ice cold.
In seconds they appeared in a completely different place. Harry smiled to himself as he remembered where they were. They stood exactly where Harry had gone to before going to see Remus in prison. Harry looked into the woods and then jumped back when Remus appeared right in front of him. He then shortly laughed at himself.
"So...are we walking all the way back to the house?"
Sirius shook his head looking a little angry. "Sorai's supposed to meet us down here...the question is where is she?"
Harry and Remus both shrugged. Harry wrapped his arms tightly over his chest and started hopping up and down, trying to create some warmth. Sirius stepped up to him and started rubbing Harry's arms for warmth. It didn't help much but it was a nice thought.
Suddenly though, Sirius stopped and hit himself on the head. "We're wizards!"
"Wow, Sirius, took a genius to figure that one out," Remus said.
"Hello, Moony! There is such a thing as a warming spell!"
Remus also slapped his head. Sirius pulled out his wand and first put the spell on Harry. Instantly he stopped shivering and his cheeks went from bright red to a normal hue. He then put the spell on himself, while Moony put it on himself. Once they were all sufficiently warmed they decided it would be best to just walk to the house, despite the three feet of snow that was constantly getting higher and higher.
They slowly trudged through it, and were going no where fast.
"We should have kept the brooms," Sirius said.
"Sorry," Remus replied. Beginning to shiver. The warming spell was wearing off. He was about to reapply it when they heard a horn. They looked up to see the familiar jeep bounding down the road. Pushing the snow aside as it went.
The jeep pulled up right next to them and then the drivers door flew open. Sorai ran up to them insanely excited.
"Mr. Headmaster!" She screeched and hugged her older brother. "And the wizarding prodigy, and savior of the world!" She squeezed Harry tight.
Then she stood in front of Remus and beamed. "And Remus...how are you?" She asked pulling him into the longest hug. He hugged back and responded that he was just fine. The hug lasted longer than any of the others.
Sirius grinned at Harry when he saw this. Harry rolled his eyes at Sirius. Remus was all smiles when they broke apart and Sirius started laughing. "Lets go home."
They all agreed and piled into the car. Sirius made Remus sit up front with Sorai, his face beat red the whole time while Sirius laughed amusedly. Sorai just seemed confused but didn't ask any questions. Harry thought it was amusing as well, but was nice enough not to pick on Remus anymore than he was already being picked on.
"I've missed you three!" Sorai said. "We haven't had much time together. We have a lot of catching up to do! Oh and guess what!"
"What?" Remus asked, smiling curiously.
"I've met someone."
Remus's face fell slightly. He kept his smile, but it looked sad. Sirius noticed the face change and knew immediately it was time to stop picking on Remus's little crush. Though Remus had never admitted it, he had a lot of feelings for Sorai. The poor guy's heart was probably broken in two and nobody knew it.
"Congrats, Sor, who's the lucky man?"
"Oh you probably don't know him. His name is Jacob Whitman and he's an auror. I met him at work. We've been together for a few months now, and I think he's going to propose soon. I'm actually going to be spending Christmas with him, if you guys don't mind."
Neither Sirius, nor Remus looked happy about that, but said it was fine with them. Harry could really care less. He liked Sorai well enough, but her presence didn't mean much to him. From what he had seen she was actually quite selfish. When she got no positive feedback on her news, she stopped talking all together, and tension in the car became dense. They were all relieved when they got to the house.
"I'm going to go visit my man, I'll catch up with you all later," she said waving goodbye before walking into the fireplace.
Sirius shook his head in annoyance. His sister was so fake and she had just really hurt his best friend without even realizing it.
Remus stood in his kitchen looking around at the room he hadn't seen since mid-summer. Sirius put his arm over his shoulders and asked, "You okay Moony?"
"I'm fine Sirius, why wouldn't I be okay?"
"Because of what Sorai just told us."
Remus winced slightly. "It's fine Sirius, really."
"I saw the look on your face. I know it hurt. I just want to know if you're okay now."
"I'll be fine," he mumbled and then lifted Sirius's arm off of him. He picked up his bags and went to his room. Harry did the same and Sirius resigned to follow. Before Harry got to his room Sirius called out, "Put on some warm, dry clothes bud and meet me in the living room once you're done unpacking." Harry nodded and continued on to his room. He didn't put anything away at first. Rather he just set everything down and looked at the familiar space. He walked up to the window and looked into the backyard. He saw J and Fang running around in the yard, fighting over some toy. A little after the last meeting with Voldemort Sirius sent both dogs home, as he didn't have the time to take care of them. Fang seemed to really like it there and Harry liked having the constant reminder of his old friend Hagrid. He never wanted to forget him.
Harry pulled himself away from the window and sat on his bed. He ran his fingers over the soft material of his comforter. He breathed in the smells of the room and felt completely at peace. Harry was home, he was where he belonged.
Finally, Harry decided it was time to get everything unpacked. He messily hung things in his closet and shoved stuff in his drawers. There were a few items Harry didn't know what to do with so he threw them under the bed. He then changed into flannel pants, a t-shirt and a sweatshirt and headed down stairs. Sirius was sitting on the couch. On the coffee table in front of him sat three steaming mugs of cocoa. Harry sat next to Sirius and picked up a mug. He blew on it, though he knew it would make no difference, and then took a sip. It was the perfect temperature and warmed Harry in a way that the warming spell could not. It warmed him from the inside out.
The fire in front of them was dying down so Sirius pointed his wand at it and made it bigger once again. The two just sat watching the flames dance, their feet propped against the coffee table. When Remus came downstairs as well they shifted on the couch making room for him. Harry was then sandwiched between the two marauders. Remus grabbed his mug of cocoa and slid right into the same routine as Sirius and Harry.
They all finished their mugs off and continued watching the flames in silence. Harry nearly jumped out of his skin when something heavy landed on his shoulder. He looked to his left and saw Sirius's head on his shoulder. Harry smiled slightly and then jumped again when Sirius snored loudly. He started laughing softly. Sirius snored again, louder and longer and Harry laughed harder. This time Remus joined him. Every snore was louder than the first making Harry and Remus laugh hysterically. They were doubled over laughing when the snoring finally stopped. Sirius's head popped up and he looked around confused.
"What's so funny?" he mumbled wiping the sleep out of his eyes.
"Nothing," Harry said, still laughing.
"Tell me!" he whined.
Harry just shook his head.
"You wouldn't think it was funny, Padfoot," Remus said.
"Just tell me and I'll decide that."
Harry shrugged and said, "You sound like a cow when you sleep."
Remus laughed harder at this, as did Harry.
"I do not!" Sirius said indignantly.
Harry just continued to laugh so Sirius decided the best thing to do was tickle him. Harry fell backwards on to Remus as Sirius continued the tickling. Remus decided to help by holding Harry's arms together.
"Stop! Let go! Stop!" he yelled. It took a while, but eventually they did as he asked. They sat back on the couch the way they had earlier, only this time they weren't completely silent. They made plans for the rest of break and for the rest of the night. They decided to order two pizzas and watch some movies. Just like they would have done over the summer. They decided to make the Christmas break a continuation of where they had left off that summer.
By the time they had polished off both pizzas and were halfway through their third movie, ''Sorai popped out of the fireplace.
"Hey guys," she said. "Allow me to introduce..." she held her arms towards the fireplace and waited. Finally a man popped out, "Jacob Whitman!" She walked over to him and brushed the soot off his nose and then kissed it. Remus looked away.
Sirius didn't even bother to say hello, rather he asked, "How the hell did he get through without the bell?"
"I...umm...changed the wards a little," she mumbled.
"You what?! Sorai those were up for everyone's protection! Do you know how badly you could have screwed things up. You tampered with everyone here's safety! Especially Harry's!"
Harry looked down at the floor.
"Sirius! I did it after you guys got rid of Voldemort! Those wards don't need to be up anymore, anyways! They're just a hassle!"
"Sorai, is this your house?"
"No, it's Remus's..."
"So did you have the right to go changing things like that?"
"No, but Sir-"
"No but's Sorai! I can't believe you! I'm going to bed. Jack...whatever your name is...it was nice meeting you!" With that Sirius stormed out of the room.
Jacob looked very uncomfortable as Harry and Remus stared at him.
Sorai looked like she was going to go cry and ran into the nearby bathroom.
Remus, always a man of manners stood up and shook his hand. "Hello, I'm Remus Lupin. It's nice to meet you."
Jacob smiled warmly and shook back.
"Please excuse Sirius, he worries a little too much. He just wants everything perfect and gets like that when it's not."
"I understand. From what I've heard he's been through a lot."
"Yes, he has. Why don't you have a seat?" Remus asked motioning towards where Harry sat. Jacob took a seat on Harry's right and Remus resumed his seat on the left.
"So, Harry Potter, the savior of the wizarding world, nice to meet you."
Harry smiled formally. He, like Sirius wasn't very fond of Jacob the moment he laid eyes on him. "Nice to meet you to," he said stiffly. "And I'm not the savior. All I did was get tortured. Dumbledore did it all."
"Right," Jacob said uncomfortably. "Well..."
Nobody could think of anything to say. Harry faked a yawn and said, "Man I'm tired...it has been a long night. I'm going to go to bed. Nice meeting you Mr. Whitman."
"Call me Jacob!" he called as Harry trotted up the stairs.
"Sorry to leave you, but I think it's time for me too. I'm sure I'll see you again soon."
Jacob Whitman was left sitting on the couch alone. No one ever went back down to see if Sorai had ever returned to him. For all they knew he sat there alone all night.
After leaving the room Harry went to find Sirius. He hadn't seen Sirius that angry in a very long time and wanted to make sure he cooled off. Harry walked into his room and found that he definitely was still fired up.
Sirius was kicking everything in his room that he could get at. He was punching pillows and ripping the curtains. Harry didn't quite know exactly what to do.
"Sirius, Sirius! Stop!" he said. Sirius did stop kicking things, but his face was beat red and his fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles were as white as snow. Harry was truly frightened by him.
"I can't believe she did that!" he yelled and proceeded to kick his poor bed one more time. "Do you know who that guy is, Harry? Do you?"
Harry shook his head and looked up as Remus also entered the room.
"That," he hissed, "Is Jacob Whitman, former Slytherin and best friend to Lucius Malfoy!"
Remus breathed in sharply, "That's why he seemed so familiar...I couldn't place him. Do you think...do you think he's helping Lucius?"
"I don't know, but I can't believe she would give him free reign to this house. Is he still here?"
They both nodded. "Not for long!"
Sirius marched out of the room and ran down the steps. Remus and Harry silently crept down behind him and listened at the base of the stairs.
"What the fuck is this?!" they heard Sirius yell angrily.
"What does it look like?" A very familiar voice said. It wasn't the voice of Jacob Whitman either. It took a while for Harry to realize, but the voice he heard was that of none other than Lucius Malfoy. Harry's heart caught in his throat. He was supposed to be safe now, and right now he definitely was not safe.
He felt Remus's arm around him and was silently pulled up the stairs. Remus steered him to his room and sat him on his bed. "You have to be quiet, Harry. We can't let them now where you are. I think this will all work out. Sirius will protect you, but you need to be careful anyway, alright?"
Harry nodded in fear. Remus sat beside him and kept his arm over Harry's shoulder, trying to make him feel secure.
Yells were coming from below, but Harry couldn't decipher what they were saying, or who was saying what. He just sat in silence, praying that Sirius would be okay.
~~~~~~~~~
So what did you think? Good, bad, indifferent? Next chapter should be out in a little over a week. I say should cuz I really don't know. It'll either be earlier or later...I'm not really sure. Please review!