CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: Dark Days to Come

Outside the sun shone brightly. Hogwarts castle was nearly empty. Most of the students, and staff, were enjoying the summer warmth, lounging about in the sun, relieved to have exams behind them. The Hogwarts Express would be leaving for King's Cross tomorrow morning. Harry, and Hermione lay on the grass in front of Hagrid's hut, watching Ron and Roxanne play chess. Hagrid sat nearby in an enormous chair, stirring at a large bubbling cauldron of Magi-grow plant growth potion. He intended to have the largest pumpkins ever seen for next year's Halloween feast. Sirius stood in the shade of the hut, leaning against the doorframe, reading the morning's edition of the Daily Prophet.

"Listen to this," he said aloud, stepping forward as the others looked towards him:

When questioned about the case of Sirius Black, Minister Fudge
refused comment. However, Arthur Weasley, head of Misuse of Magic,
stated that he believed Black to be innocent of crimes for which he
was convicted nearly 16 years ago. Mr. Weasley provided evidence in
the form of statements made by Black and several others, that Peter
Pettigrew is, in fact, alive and that Pettigrew is responsible for the
deaths of 12 muggles-a crime for which Black served 13 years in
Azkaban prison before escaping. Black has successfully evaded
authorities since his escape. Mr. Weasley refused to disclose where
he obtained Black's statement. One statement, made by a teacher at Hogwarts-a Mrs. Roxanne Lupin-
affirms that Pettigrew was seen, by Mrs. Lupin, on Halloween night of
last year. Included among the testimonials provided by Mr. Weasley
was a letter from Albus Dumbledore in support of Mr. Black and
denouncing Cornelius Fudge for his refusal to retry the case.
Pettigrew's mother refused comment.

"I think she knows," spat Black darkly. "Peter's mother was never one to refuse the opportunity to make some sort of comment-especially when it came to her son."

Harry could see the gears working in his godfather's head, saw the rage boil up in his eyes, knew the sort of reckless violence he was capable of when angered. "Sirius," he said slowly.

But Hagrid was behind Sirius now, a heavy hand on his shoulder. "Don' ye think it best to let Perfesser Dumbledore decide how to handle this," he soothed. "Besides, ye've got Vernon Dursley to contend wi.' Tha's enough fer any one man."

Sirius agreed unconvincingly. Harry knew he'd not let it drop that easily.

Roxanne leaned over to Harry, whispered into his ear for a long minute, then rose announcing that Harry would be taking over her game for her, and took Sirius by the arm. "We're going for a walk," she said.

Ron smiled. He knew he was losing the game, but now, with Harry taking over he felt a surge of overgrown confidence return.

But Harry had listened closely to Roxanne's whispered instructions and two moves later checked Ron's king.

**********

She steered Sirius into the forest, walking slowly along a wide, well-worn path, gripping his arm more tightly as they walked farther into the dimness. He tried to stop her, but she pressed on obstinately, refusing to let him ask what she was up to. The path narrowed as it wound its way through denser stands of trees. Roxanne was shaking, breathing shallowly, when she finally stopped, standing in the center of a small circle of black trees rising high into the blue sky hidden somewhere overhead above their thickly growing leaves and branches.

"I don't remember how to get there," she said, trembling. "I'd take you there if I thought I could find it. But I guess it doesn't really matter."

Sirius tried to speak, but she pressed a hand to his lips.

"The clearing was bigger than this. The cauldron stood right in the center. They were all around me," she said, turning with her arms outspread. "I was helpless. That's what I fear the most-being helpless like that again. I felt that way when Remus died. There was nothing I could do for him. He asked me to keep an eye on you and I intend to do that. But I can't if you go running off to fight your battles alone."

"You don't need to watch out for me, Roxanne," he said angrily.

"Someone needs to. You're not doing a very good job of it."

"I'm doing just fine on my own. I've survived this long-"

"Survived maybe. But with how much real success? We have to do more than just survive."

Sirius fell silent.

"Don't make me feel helpless again, Sirius. Remus asked me to do something, and you have to help me do it."

**********

Vernon Dursley waited impatiently at the end of Platform 10 for his detestable nephew to appear. 'Why do I even bother?' he thought bitterly, dreading the odd stares he knew he'd be getting when Harry wheeled his trolley, a caged owl perched on top, through the station. He checked his watch for the thirtieth time. Just a few more minutes.

"Vernon Dursley?" said a voice excitedly from far down the platform. Uncle Vernon saw a tall, dark-haired man waving and smiling. He seemed familiar, though he couldn't quite place him. He waited for the man to approach. They shook hands.

"Forgive me. Do I know you?" he said.

"You certainly should. My name," said the stranger, his voice lowering, "is Sirius Black."

Dursley stopped breathing, his eyes growing wide and darting about for help.

"Don't bother," said Black coolly. "My wand is easily reached, and I can pop out of here faster than you can stutter your own name."

"What do you want?" Vernon gasped.

"I want to be certain my godson has a safe, pleasant summer holiday," Sirius said, throwing his arm over Dursley's shoulders and pressing him toward the magical entrance to Platform 9 ¾ with a broad, yet slightly sinister grin.

**********

"Good morning. This is Maximillian Braggins with Wizard Wireless Network, interrupting your regularly scheduled programming with a news bulletin. Only hours after the safe arrival of the Hogwarts Express at King's Cross Station, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore met with Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, as well as a large body of Ministry Officials and representatives of Magical communities from around the world. The meeting was held behind closed doors. Our man waiting outside reported that heated arguments could be heard from inside the room.

"The meeting finally ended less than one hour ago. Minister Cornelius Fudge refused comment and left the area immediately, followed by several others. Headmaster Dumbledore graciously answered questions for reporters. According to Dumbledore, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will function independently of the Ministry of Magic. Disenchanted by the Ministry's lack of resolve in confronting the rise of dark magic among us, Dumbledore has broken all ties between the school and the Ministry. Dumbledore confirmed that He-who-must-not-be-named is, in fact, alive and gaining power and followers once more. He called for those who are willing to act against the Dark Lord to contact him at Hogwarts as soon as possible. Dumbledore also asserted that Hogwarts would remain open and he would expect students back to begin term on September first as usual.

"Several Ministry officials, including Arthur Weasley, have tendered their resignations, effectively dissolving at least two entire Ministry departments, in response to Dumbledore's announcements. Cornelius Fudge continues to refuse comment. Mundungus Fletcher, a former Hogwarts teacher, suggested that the Ministry may be under the control of the Dark Lord, stating that several formerly suspected Dark wizards remain among the Ministry staff and Executive Committees.

"Dumbledore refused to comment specifically on Sirius Black, saying only that he was certain of Black's innocence and pledged to see to the matter personally.

"In a related story, the mother of Peter Pettigrew, a wizard Black was convicted of murdering nearly 16 years ago, was found dead in her London flat late last night. It is believed she died of natural causes."

**********

Sirius Black paced agitatedly in front of the Hospital Wing door. Arthur Weasley stood guard, repeatedly blocking Sirius from entering. "Trust me, Sirius. It's for the best," he'd say, sternly planting his feet and holding Sirius by the shoulders.

Professors Dumbledore and Flitwick stood in a nearby alcove talking quietly, glancing frequently at Sirius and chuckling merrily.

Harry Potter sat on the floor, his head resting on his knees, doing his best to catch a few minutes sleep. At sixteen, as with any teenager, sleep was a valuable commodity, and he hoped, despite the excitement, that this would be over soon so he could go back to bed. They'd waited for four hours so far, with no end in sight. "These things work on their own clock, Harry," Professor Dumbledore had told him.

They tried to pass the time and calm Sirius by talking about Quidditch, classes, and last week's festive Christmas celebrations. But topics for conversation soon ran out as the hours dragged by.

Another echoing, muffled cry seeped through the door and Sirius rushed at Arthur again, growling impatiently.

Severus Snape came hurrying down the corridor carrying a jar of a blue colored potion, and with a nod from Arthur slipped inside the infirmary. Sirius tried to follow, or at least get a glimpse of what was going on inside.

"You really don't want to be in there," Arthur said, blocking him again. "It's much too dangerous just yet."

Harry started at a series of loud shrieks and a crash.

"Poor Severus," tutted Arthur. "I don't envy him. I hope he's all right."

Moments later Snape emerged, wide-eyed, his hair falling in his face, a long scratch glaring angrily on his cheek. Sirius blanched. Snape brushed his hair aside and joined him in his nervous pacing, patting at his face with a handkerchief. But, for a time at least, Sirius seemed much less anxious to get in.

"There's something wrong," Sirius hissed. "It's too early."

"Early, true. But not too early," soothed Arthur. "Everything'll be fine. Poppy knows her stuff. Why, I remember-"

But the infirmary door opened and Molly waved Sirius inside. She smiled brightly, took him firmly by the elbow and steered him to the curtained bed at the end of the room. Roxanne lay, propped up high, her knees up and covered by a sheet. She was panting heavily, sweat poured from her face, her hair, tied up in a ponytail, was damp. She had her eyes closed, resting for the few seconds she had between contractions

"Everything's going well. She's just started pushing," said Molly. "She'll need your help now."

Sirius rushed to the head of the bed and took Roxanne's hand. She opened her eyes and smiled tiredly. "Is Severus OK?" she asked.

"What did you do to him?"

"I couldn't control myself-" she began.

"There's nothing more dangerous than a witch in labor, I always say," cut in Madame Pomfrey. "Severus is lucky her wand was out of reach. Molly here nearly killed Arthur when Ron was born. Stuck his big head in the door for a split second and I suddenly had two patients to take care of." She tutted loudly.

Roxanne groaned softly, her brow furrowing tightly.

"Here comes another one. You know what to do," said Molly firmly . Sirius held Roxanne's hand tightly, whispering instructions and encouragement into her ear. She took two deep breaths and pushed, straining hard, Sirius still coaching.

"I can see the head now. Nearly there, Roxanne. Just one or two more," said Madame Pomfrey from the foot of the bed.

But the contraction was over and she collapsed back into the pillows, panting. Professor McGonagall offered a cool cloth, which Sirius used to wipe the perspiration from Roxanne's forehead. But it wasn't long until the next contraction surged through her body and she was pushing again.

**********

Twenty minutes passes before the Hospital Wing doors opened again and Sirius came, pushing the door open with his back and turning to show everyone the small bundle he held awkwardly in his arms. "Say 'hello' to young Remus Lupin," he announced proudly. The small group of men gathered around, gawking at the tiny face, touching the long-fingered hands. Sirius looked at each of them before handing the child to Severus. Snape tried to refuse, but Sirius insisted and he took the baby, his hands trembling slightly. He held it much like Sirius had-as if the boy were made of glass. Remus squirmed and stretched, arching his back and whimpering in a voice as small as he. Harry clapped Sirius on the back, laughing brightly.

But the Infirmary door opened again and Molly beckoned to Sirius, a look of urgency on her face. Sirius paled and followed her quickly. "What's the matter," he whispered as they approached the bed.

"You'll see," she said cryptically, smiling now.

Roxanne was sitting up, supporting herself on her hands, straining hard.

"Just a little more, Roxanne! Push!" Madame Pomfrey commanded.

"Twins!" said Molly shrilly.

Roxanne collapsed back onto the pillows, gasping and crying. "I'm-too- tired!" she shrieked.

"Sirius! Help her!" hissed Madame Pomfrey, snapping him out of a state of shock.

He rushed to her head, slipped an arm behind her back and waited for the next contraction, whispering to her again. "You're nearly there, Roxanne. You can't give up now. Remus is watching. He's very proud of you."

"But Sirius, I didn't know. I don't have another name," she cried.

"We can worry about that later. You need to get him here first-or her."

**********

The second was smaller than the first. Madame Pomfrey laid him, squirming and wailing, on Roxanne's chest. She cooed to him in a high, quavering voice, stroking his still wet hair. Molly trotted to the door to give the news to those waiting outside and to bring little Remus back to his mother. Sirius helped wipe the new baby dry and wrap him, rather clumsily, in a warm blanket before Roxanne fed him-also rather clumsily. Molly came back with Remus and traded the babies so he could eat his first meal as well, then took the newcomer to meet the gentlemen waiting outside. Sirius waited, watching with awe as little Remus satisfied his hunger. Left alone now, he and Roxanne discussed the name problem quietly. There were so many good men he could be named after. She wanted to honor one of them, but which one? In the end, Roxanne settled on Lorenzo. It was, after all, Lorenzo Stewart who had started her down this road. She felt it particularly appropriate to remember him now as she embarked on a new one.

Finally, Roxanne slept while the babies nestled together in a nearby cradle, Sirius leaning over them smiling and caressing their soft pink cheeks. And Harry dragged himself back to bed as the morning sunlight filtered in through the dormitory window.

THE END