Dumbledore invited Sirius and Remus to stay for dinner-
Professors MacGonagall and Flitwick gave up their seats next to Dumbledore,
as these were the places of honour. It felt strange to Sirius, to be
sitting at the staff table in his old school, after everything he had been
through. Every person who caught his eye had a smile or a wave for him.
Rubeus Hagrid gave him a huge wink, and the thumbs-up.
When everyone had finished eating, Professor Dumbledore stood up, and Remus groaned and rolled his eyes. Sirius did the same-he had hoped that Dumbledore would not refer to his presence at all.
'Gryffindors, Slytherins, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws!' Dumbledore said loudly, gazing around at his students, 'this is an historic day!'
'Here we go', Remus muttered, behind Dumbledore's back, 'I know he's a great wizard and everything, but he does tend to go on a bit...'
Sirius nodded in agreement. This, however, was one speech he did want to hear.
'Yesterday afternoon, a Gryffindor student risked everything to save someone who was very dear to him.'
All eyes turned towards Harry, who was staring intently at the ceiling.
'However', Dumbledore continued, 'he was not alone. Four of his fellow Gryffindors, and a Ravneclaw pupil, came willingly to his aid. Because of these six young men and women, several dangerous Death Eaters were captured, and it was finally proved to the Minister for Magic that Lord Voldemort has returned.'
There was a sharp intake of breath at this. Harry met Sirius' eyes and made a face. His godfather smiled, then looked back to Dumbledore again.
'While the deed was rash and careless, the boy's motives were noble and unselfish. With no regard whatsoever for his own safety-or for school rules, I might add-he set out to help another, not knowing it was a trap. But, all's well that ends well, as old William Shakespeare would say, and thanks to Mr Potter, Mr and Miss Weasley, Miss Granger, Mr Longbottom and Miss Lovegood, some decisive action will now be taken against Lord Voldemort.'
There was a round of applause, during which Harry turned bright red, and placed his head in his hands. But Dumbledore was not finished.
'Harry's actions yesterday did effect one other person also', he announced.
Sirius began to study his fingernails, aware that all eyes were now upon him.
'Sitting on my right is Sirius Black', Dumbledore continued slowly, 'an old pupil and friend of mine. For the past sixteen years, he has been punished for the crimes committed by another. But no more. Today, Sirius Black, you are a free man, and you are owed many an apology. I myself must apologise to you, for I too believed you were a traitor.'
' 'S'all right', Sirius mumbled, avoiding Dumbledore's eyes.
'Excellent', Dumbledore exclaimed, 'and one more thing-on my left sits a familiar figure-Professor Remus Lupin. I believe', he said, glancing casually around, 'that Professor Umbridge is no longer in a fit state to hold her position in the Ministry for Magic. I shall personally see to it that any bans on employing fine men such as Professor Lupin, shall be lifted at once. Remus, if you would care to join my staff again, I would delighted to have you teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts next year.'
'Cool!' Dean Thomas cried loudly. Everybody laughed, and clapped. Lupin had been the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in years, and had been sorely missed.
Remus' jaw dropped. 'Are you serious?' He whispered to Dumbledore. The headmaster smiled benignly, and nodded.
'Well', Remus was trying to not laugh out loud with joy, 'in that case, Professor Dumbledore, I accept your offer!'
'Marvellous!' Dumbledore cried, 'now, to bed, all of you, I have kept you long enough!'
Sirius and Remus embraced each other.
'Congrats, Moony', Sirius said sincerely.
'Welcome back to the free world', Remus replied equally seriously. They looked at each other, and burst out laughing.
This day just kept getting better and better!
*********************
'Oh my-Sirius, c'mere, quick, look at this!'
Sirius stopped trying to mend his robes by hand, and hurried over to Remus. 'What is it?'
He leaned over Remus' shoulder, and read the headline on the Daily Prophet:
FUDGE FLEES IN SHAME! NEW MINISTER FOR MAGIC TO BE ANNOUNCED LATER TODAY!
'Fudge is gone!' Sirius cried gleefully, studying a picture of the Minister running away from a reporter, his lime green bowler hat pulled down well over his eyes.
'His ministers are all out too', Remus remarked, reading on through the article, 'it's up to the new minister to decide who he wants to hire and who he wants to fire.'
'Let's hope it's someone a bit more open-minded, and a bit less anti- Dumbledore', Sirius replied, doing a little jig on the spot, 'things aren't too bad at the moment, are they Moony?'
'We're on a winning streak', Remus agreed, grinning, 'how'd you like to visit Diagon Alley, make a public appearance?'
'Hmmm', Sirius wasn't enthusiastic, 'what if somebody realises I can't do magic?'
'They won't', Remus assured him, 'nobody's likely to ask you to cast a spell for them, are they? Anyway, you can say you lost your wand if you get into a difficult position.'
'S'pose', Sirius replied doubtfully. He looked around at the dreary basement kitchen of his mother's house, and made up his mind. 'Yeah, I'll come.' He said, 'can I borrow a set of robes? Mine are all tatty and horrible.'
'Course', Remus said amiably. Sirius saw his expression change to one of amusement, as he looked towards the kitchen door. Sirius turned around, and couldn't help letting out a snort of laughter.
Severus Snape was standing in the doorway, dressed in his usual gloomy black robes. There was a large lump in the middle of his now slightly crooked, and hooked nose. He had two black eyes, and a bandage around his head. He did not look one bit happy.
'Look what the cat dragged in', Sirius remarked, sniggering.
'Oh don't worry, Black', Severus said softly, his lip curling, 'I never would have expected anything more from you-you always did have a nasty temper. No self control.'
'Oh stop it Severus', Sirius pretended to sob on Remus' shoulder, 'words can hurt too, y'know!'
'I swear', Snape hissed, stepping forwards suddenly, 'I'll make you regret this, Black.'
'Y'know something, Remus?' Sirius said thoughtfully, 'I always wondered whether I'd be able to beat Severus in a fair duel. Now I know I don't even need magic to beat him. Dumbledore said to tell you that if you need another day of, er, recuperation, that's fine with him, Snape.'
'I was just about to leave', Snape replied stiffly, heading for the fireplace, glowering at Sirius all the way.
'Good', Sirius cried cheerfully, 'don't let the flames burn you on the way out!'
And without a backward glance, he sprinted up the stairs, followed by Remus, feeling triumphant once more.
****************
The moment Sirius stepped into the Leaky Cauldron, the pub fell silent. One or two people looked apprehensive, but most just looked astounded. Sirius supposed that if he suddenly saw Peter Pettigrew standing in front of him, having been proclaimed an honest, free man, he might be a bit shocked too.
'Two Firewhiskeys please', Remus said. Tom, the landlord nodded wordlessly, still staring at Sirius.
Sirius was just beginning to wonder whether this had been a good idea or not, when an elderly wizard with a long white beard shuffled over, and grasped his hand tightly.
'It's good to see you, Black', he said jovially, 'always thought you were guilty myself, but well done for proving us all wrong!'
'Er...thanks, I think', Sirius replied, smiling at the old man.
A pretty witch in her late twenties or early thirties, approached him timidly. 'I was in first year when you were in seventh year', she told him, shifting nervously from foot to foot, 'me and all my friends...well, we always thought you looked like a nice person.'
'Thank you', Sirius replied, smiling warmly. It was always nice to hear something like that, and in Sirius' case, very rare.
After that, everybody in the pub crowded around him, congratulating him, apologising, praising him, or just to shake hands. One young witch came over, blushing furiously, and offered him a bunch of flowers, which he accepted gratefully.
'Still got it, Moony.' He said out of the side of his mouth, grinning.
'Obviously', Remus responded, sipping his whiskey, watching the scene with amusement.
It was almost an hour before Sirius was allowed to leave the pub, and go on to Diagon Alley. Word had obviously spread that he was on his way, because as soon as he stepped onto the street, a crowd of people bore down on him. Cameras flashed and people cheered. Sirius spotted Rita Skeeter standing just beyond the crowd, waiting to nab him for an interview.
'That Skeeter woman's waiting for me', he said quietly to Remus, as a middle-aged woman thrust a box of chocolates into his hands.
'Well, we'll just have to avoid her. 'Scuse me please, excuse me, I need to get through, if you could just let us past...thanks, c'mon Sirius.' Remus physically dragged his friend through the crowd, much to Sirius' relief.
'Thanks', he gasped, brushing his hair out of his eyes. Then he caught sight of himself in a shop window. He made a face. 'I look like a monster', he complained.
Remus' expression brightened. 'Why don't we step into Madam Malkin's? Get you some new robes? Then you could get a haircut, have a bite to eat...nobody'll recognise you once you've got cleaned up a bit!'
'You think so?' Sirius asked thoughtfully. It would be nice to see himself looking more like he had in the pre-Azkaban years.
'Come on, you'll look a lot better in no time!'
******
Sirius stared at himself in the mirror in Madam Malkin's Robes shop. His hair was clean, and very short. He had washed his face in a public bathroom, and was now wearing a set of fine, dark blue velvet robes. Remus too, had cleaned himself up-if it wasn't for the huge circles under his eyes, and the grey in his hair, Sirius could have believed he was ten years younger.
'You shouldn't have bought me these', Remus admonished, looking at his new robes with pride.
'Yes I should', Sirius contradicted, 'I owe you. Remember that time when you found me with Harry and Hermione and Ron, in the Shrieking Shack? You could've killed me then, and I wouldn't've blamed you. You looked out for Harry as best you could while I was on the run, and I appreciate that. And all I've done in return is spend a bit of my gold on new robes for you!'
Remus shrugged, and smiled tiredly. 'It's a full moon tonight', he sighed, exiting the shop with Sirius and gazing up at the cloudy sky.
'Is it?' Sirius groaned, 'I've lost complete track of time! You've got the potion haven't you?'
Remus nodded. 'Plenty of it.'
They sauntered down the street, gazing into the shops as they passed. Sirius frowned as he passed Ollivander's wand shop. 'I'll never need to go in there again', he said softly, making a face.
'Lucky you', Remus commented, 'that man gives me the chills!'
Less people recognised Sirius now that he no longer looked like a cross between a nutcase and a vampire. The two friends were even able to walk past Rita Skeeter without her noticing!
As they approached the Daily Prophet offices, they noticed a huge crowd gathering around the door.
'What's up?' Remus asked one of the people, a young wizard, who was jumping up and down, trying to see what was going on.
'It's the new Minister for Magic', he told them, 'it's been announced who he is!'
Sirius and Remus looked at each other, then pushed savagely to the front of the crowd. A copy of the Daily Prophet had been pinned to the door of the building. They stopped dead, unable to believe their eyes.
Smiling down at them from the front of the paper was an ecstatic-looking Arthur Weasley.
When everyone had finished eating, Professor Dumbledore stood up, and Remus groaned and rolled his eyes. Sirius did the same-he had hoped that Dumbledore would not refer to his presence at all.
'Gryffindors, Slytherins, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws!' Dumbledore said loudly, gazing around at his students, 'this is an historic day!'
'Here we go', Remus muttered, behind Dumbledore's back, 'I know he's a great wizard and everything, but he does tend to go on a bit...'
Sirius nodded in agreement. This, however, was one speech he did want to hear.
'Yesterday afternoon, a Gryffindor student risked everything to save someone who was very dear to him.'
All eyes turned towards Harry, who was staring intently at the ceiling.
'However', Dumbledore continued, 'he was not alone. Four of his fellow Gryffindors, and a Ravneclaw pupil, came willingly to his aid. Because of these six young men and women, several dangerous Death Eaters were captured, and it was finally proved to the Minister for Magic that Lord Voldemort has returned.'
There was a sharp intake of breath at this. Harry met Sirius' eyes and made a face. His godfather smiled, then looked back to Dumbledore again.
'While the deed was rash and careless, the boy's motives were noble and unselfish. With no regard whatsoever for his own safety-or for school rules, I might add-he set out to help another, not knowing it was a trap. But, all's well that ends well, as old William Shakespeare would say, and thanks to Mr Potter, Mr and Miss Weasley, Miss Granger, Mr Longbottom and Miss Lovegood, some decisive action will now be taken against Lord Voldemort.'
There was a round of applause, during which Harry turned bright red, and placed his head in his hands. But Dumbledore was not finished.
'Harry's actions yesterday did effect one other person also', he announced.
Sirius began to study his fingernails, aware that all eyes were now upon him.
'Sitting on my right is Sirius Black', Dumbledore continued slowly, 'an old pupil and friend of mine. For the past sixteen years, he has been punished for the crimes committed by another. But no more. Today, Sirius Black, you are a free man, and you are owed many an apology. I myself must apologise to you, for I too believed you were a traitor.'
' 'S'all right', Sirius mumbled, avoiding Dumbledore's eyes.
'Excellent', Dumbledore exclaimed, 'and one more thing-on my left sits a familiar figure-Professor Remus Lupin. I believe', he said, glancing casually around, 'that Professor Umbridge is no longer in a fit state to hold her position in the Ministry for Magic. I shall personally see to it that any bans on employing fine men such as Professor Lupin, shall be lifted at once. Remus, if you would care to join my staff again, I would delighted to have you teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts next year.'
'Cool!' Dean Thomas cried loudly. Everybody laughed, and clapped. Lupin had been the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in years, and had been sorely missed.
Remus' jaw dropped. 'Are you serious?' He whispered to Dumbledore. The headmaster smiled benignly, and nodded.
'Well', Remus was trying to not laugh out loud with joy, 'in that case, Professor Dumbledore, I accept your offer!'
'Marvellous!' Dumbledore cried, 'now, to bed, all of you, I have kept you long enough!'
Sirius and Remus embraced each other.
'Congrats, Moony', Sirius said sincerely.
'Welcome back to the free world', Remus replied equally seriously. They looked at each other, and burst out laughing.
This day just kept getting better and better!
*********************
'Oh my-Sirius, c'mere, quick, look at this!'
Sirius stopped trying to mend his robes by hand, and hurried over to Remus. 'What is it?'
He leaned over Remus' shoulder, and read the headline on the Daily Prophet:
FUDGE FLEES IN SHAME! NEW MINISTER FOR MAGIC TO BE ANNOUNCED LATER TODAY!
'Fudge is gone!' Sirius cried gleefully, studying a picture of the Minister running away from a reporter, his lime green bowler hat pulled down well over his eyes.
'His ministers are all out too', Remus remarked, reading on through the article, 'it's up to the new minister to decide who he wants to hire and who he wants to fire.'
'Let's hope it's someone a bit more open-minded, and a bit less anti- Dumbledore', Sirius replied, doing a little jig on the spot, 'things aren't too bad at the moment, are they Moony?'
'We're on a winning streak', Remus agreed, grinning, 'how'd you like to visit Diagon Alley, make a public appearance?'
'Hmmm', Sirius wasn't enthusiastic, 'what if somebody realises I can't do magic?'
'They won't', Remus assured him, 'nobody's likely to ask you to cast a spell for them, are they? Anyway, you can say you lost your wand if you get into a difficult position.'
'S'pose', Sirius replied doubtfully. He looked around at the dreary basement kitchen of his mother's house, and made up his mind. 'Yeah, I'll come.' He said, 'can I borrow a set of robes? Mine are all tatty and horrible.'
'Course', Remus said amiably. Sirius saw his expression change to one of amusement, as he looked towards the kitchen door. Sirius turned around, and couldn't help letting out a snort of laughter.
Severus Snape was standing in the doorway, dressed in his usual gloomy black robes. There was a large lump in the middle of his now slightly crooked, and hooked nose. He had two black eyes, and a bandage around his head. He did not look one bit happy.
'Look what the cat dragged in', Sirius remarked, sniggering.
'Oh don't worry, Black', Severus said softly, his lip curling, 'I never would have expected anything more from you-you always did have a nasty temper. No self control.'
'Oh stop it Severus', Sirius pretended to sob on Remus' shoulder, 'words can hurt too, y'know!'
'I swear', Snape hissed, stepping forwards suddenly, 'I'll make you regret this, Black.'
'Y'know something, Remus?' Sirius said thoughtfully, 'I always wondered whether I'd be able to beat Severus in a fair duel. Now I know I don't even need magic to beat him. Dumbledore said to tell you that if you need another day of, er, recuperation, that's fine with him, Snape.'
'I was just about to leave', Snape replied stiffly, heading for the fireplace, glowering at Sirius all the way.
'Good', Sirius cried cheerfully, 'don't let the flames burn you on the way out!'
And without a backward glance, he sprinted up the stairs, followed by Remus, feeling triumphant once more.
****************
The moment Sirius stepped into the Leaky Cauldron, the pub fell silent. One or two people looked apprehensive, but most just looked astounded. Sirius supposed that if he suddenly saw Peter Pettigrew standing in front of him, having been proclaimed an honest, free man, he might be a bit shocked too.
'Two Firewhiskeys please', Remus said. Tom, the landlord nodded wordlessly, still staring at Sirius.
Sirius was just beginning to wonder whether this had been a good idea or not, when an elderly wizard with a long white beard shuffled over, and grasped his hand tightly.
'It's good to see you, Black', he said jovially, 'always thought you were guilty myself, but well done for proving us all wrong!'
'Er...thanks, I think', Sirius replied, smiling at the old man.
A pretty witch in her late twenties or early thirties, approached him timidly. 'I was in first year when you were in seventh year', she told him, shifting nervously from foot to foot, 'me and all my friends...well, we always thought you looked like a nice person.'
'Thank you', Sirius replied, smiling warmly. It was always nice to hear something like that, and in Sirius' case, very rare.
After that, everybody in the pub crowded around him, congratulating him, apologising, praising him, or just to shake hands. One young witch came over, blushing furiously, and offered him a bunch of flowers, which he accepted gratefully.
'Still got it, Moony.' He said out of the side of his mouth, grinning.
'Obviously', Remus responded, sipping his whiskey, watching the scene with amusement.
It was almost an hour before Sirius was allowed to leave the pub, and go on to Diagon Alley. Word had obviously spread that he was on his way, because as soon as he stepped onto the street, a crowd of people bore down on him. Cameras flashed and people cheered. Sirius spotted Rita Skeeter standing just beyond the crowd, waiting to nab him for an interview.
'That Skeeter woman's waiting for me', he said quietly to Remus, as a middle-aged woman thrust a box of chocolates into his hands.
'Well, we'll just have to avoid her. 'Scuse me please, excuse me, I need to get through, if you could just let us past...thanks, c'mon Sirius.' Remus physically dragged his friend through the crowd, much to Sirius' relief.
'Thanks', he gasped, brushing his hair out of his eyes. Then he caught sight of himself in a shop window. He made a face. 'I look like a monster', he complained.
Remus' expression brightened. 'Why don't we step into Madam Malkin's? Get you some new robes? Then you could get a haircut, have a bite to eat...nobody'll recognise you once you've got cleaned up a bit!'
'You think so?' Sirius asked thoughtfully. It would be nice to see himself looking more like he had in the pre-Azkaban years.
'Come on, you'll look a lot better in no time!'
******
Sirius stared at himself in the mirror in Madam Malkin's Robes shop. His hair was clean, and very short. He had washed his face in a public bathroom, and was now wearing a set of fine, dark blue velvet robes. Remus too, had cleaned himself up-if it wasn't for the huge circles under his eyes, and the grey in his hair, Sirius could have believed he was ten years younger.
'You shouldn't have bought me these', Remus admonished, looking at his new robes with pride.
'Yes I should', Sirius contradicted, 'I owe you. Remember that time when you found me with Harry and Hermione and Ron, in the Shrieking Shack? You could've killed me then, and I wouldn't've blamed you. You looked out for Harry as best you could while I was on the run, and I appreciate that. And all I've done in return is spend a bit of my gold on new robes for you!'
Remus shrugged, and smiled tiredly. 'It's a full moon tonight', he sighed, exiting the shop with Sirius and gazing up at the cloudy sky.
'Is it?' Sirius groaned, 'I've lost complete track of time! You've got the potion haven't you?'
Remus nodded. 'Plenty of it.'
They sauntered down the street, gazing into the shops as they passed. Sirius frowned as he passed Ollivander's wand shop. 'I'll never need to go in there again', he said softly, making a face.
'Lucky you', Remus commented, 'that man gives me the chills!'
Less people recognised Sirius now that he no longer looked like a cross between a nutcase and a vampire. The two friends were even able to walk past Rita Skeeter without her noticing!
As they approached the Daily Prophet offices, they noticed a huge crowd gathering around the door.
'What's up?' Remus asked one of the people, a young wizard, who was jumping up and down, trying to see what was going on.
'It's the new Minister for Magic', he told them, 'it's been announced who he is!'
Sirius and Remus looked at each other, then pushed savagely to the front of the crowd. A copy of the Daily Prophet had been pinned to the door of the building. They stopped dead, unable to believe their eyes.
Smiling down at them from the front of the paper was an ecstatic-looking Arthur Weasley.