Harry Potter and his whole world belong to JK Rowling. I am borrowing a few characters from her.
Explanations
Harry woke very early on Saturday morning. He knew that he should use the day to pack his things together, but he wanted to go to visit Sirius. He could pack later. There was still tomorrow, after all.
He clambered out of bed and dressed quickly and then made his way down to the common room. It was still deserted. He checked his watch and found that it was still only six in the morning.
Frowning, he hurried back up to the dormitory and scribbled a note to Ron. He went back down and left the common room. He started toward the Great Hall.
As he stepped off the last stair, Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost, came gliding through the door on the right. Harry gasped as he walked through the ghost.
"Oh! Harry, my apologies!" Nick exclaimed. He adjusted the ruff around his neck, the ruff the hid the fact that Nick's head was partially severed.
"That's alright, Nick," Harry answered, rubbing his arms, trying to get warm again.
"I heard you've had some good news," Nick said with a smile. Harry stared at him.
"What good news?"
"Sirius Black," Nick said patiently.
"Oh. Yes, we managed to get him back. He's in St. Mungo's though, and we don't know if he's going to recover."
Nick nodded, his head wobbling unpleasantly. "I wanted to apologise for last year, Harry. I know I told you that he wouldn't come back. I was wrong. Not about him being a ghost, mind." Nick smiled at Harry. Harry forced himself to smile back.
"We still lost Hagrid," he reminded Nick.
"Ah, yes." Nick nodded again. "I will miss Hagrid." He sighed then turned. "Well, Harry, I must be off. Have a good summer."
Shaking his head, Harry went into the Great Hall. It was empty but for Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape and Remus. Remus and Snape appeared to be arguing about something. Dumbledore had a look of impatience on his face. All three looked up when Harry entered. Snape scowled, Remus' face became impassive. Only Dumbledore's expression remained unchanged. Harry faltered.
"I can come back," he offered. "I don't want to interrupt anything."
"Don't bother," Snape growled. He stood. "I was just leaving. Headmaster. Lupin." He nodded at each in turn and swept through the door off to the side of the Great Hall. Harry made for the Gryffindor table.
"Harry."
He glanced up toward the head table. Dumbledore had stood and was making his way toward him.
"Yes, sir?"
Dumbledore beckoned for him to sit. He sat and Dumbledore sat across from him. He regarded Harry silently for a moment.
"How are you?"
Harry raised his eyebrows, slightly confused. "I'm okay, sir," he answered honestly. It wasn't a lie, because for the first time in a week, he felt okay.
Dumbledore nodded. "Remus told me about what you did. About how you saved Sirius. How you came up with the idea to save Sirius."
Harry glanced at Remus, who was looking down at his plate. He turned his gaze back to Dumbledore.
"But I didn't," he protested. "I came up with the idea for the mirrors. Remus came up with the idea to rescue Sirius."
"He says that you inspired him to do it. And he says he couldn't have done it without your help." Dumbledore smiled. "We have talked about what happened that night."
Harry's stomach dropped. He waited for Dumbledore to continue.
Dumbledore smiled kindly. "I want to know, Harry, how you are coping? I know how it feels to defend yourself."
Harry flushed. "Have you ever used…that curse?"
Dumbledore sat up a bit straighter. He held Harry's gaze. "I have."
Harry sat back, shocked. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Remus look up, astonishment also evident in his eyes.
"When?" Harry asked before he could stop himself.
Dumbledore smiled again. "I am afraid that I can not answer that, Harry." He sat back and looked intently at Harry again. "How do you feel about it?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "I'm having a hard time getting my head around it," he said quietly. "I know that it was in self defence, but…I know Bellatrix Lestrange was evil, but, Professor, I took someone's life." He paused. "Mr Malfoy said that Voldemort had transferred more of himself to me than they'd thought. Professor, I meant to disarm her. I didn't mean to kill her. The words just changed in between my brain and my mouth."
"That can happen sometimes," Dumbledore said blandly. "I don't usually condone the use of the Unforgivable Curses and especially not that one…but in this case, Harry, I think its use is justified. She would have attempted to use it on you. At the very least, you might have been captured and I know Lord Voldemort would have been able to go through with the Curse."
Harry scooped some eggs and some sausages onto his plate to avoid looking at Dumbledore. He still got a knot in his stomach when he thought about casting that spell. And the thought that he'd have to do it again.
"Remus told me how you reacted to Hagrid's death." Dumbledore's voice shook slightly as he said this. Harry looked up sharply. "It wasn't your fault, Harry."
Harry set his fork down with a clank. "So everyone keeps telling me," he snapped. Dumbledore raised a silver eyebrow at him. "Sorry, sir."
"No need to be."
Dumbledore got to his feet. "I wish to speak with you when you return tonight. There is something…more…that I need to tell you. Come see me in my office. The password is sugar quill."
Harry nodded, watching as Dumbledore nodded to Remus and left the Great Hall. Remus stood up and moved down to the Gryffindor table.
"Seemed sort of silly to be the only two in here and sit on opposite sides of the room," he said with a smile. Harry smiled back. "When do you want to leave?" Remus asked.
"Now, actually," Harry said with a grin. Remus chuckled. "As soon as Ron, Hermione and Ginny are up and have eaten." He took a bite of sausage and chewed thoughtfully. "Do you have any idea what Dumbledore wants to talk to me about?" he asked suddenly.
Remus shook his head, taking a sip of his tea. "I have no idea, to be honest with you."
Harry shrugged. "I guess I'll find out later."
Remus nodded. "I suppose you will." He took another sip of tea.
"Remus, do you know why the Stunning Spell didn't work on Mr Malfoy and Mrs Lestrange?"
Remus looked up at him, his eyes sharp. He set his cup down. "No. Do you?"
Harry shook his head. "No, I just wondered. It seemed…strange. Why couldn't we stun them? I mean, I know Hermione and Ginny did, but it didn't last long, did it?"
"Did you see when I cast it? It split around him. I have never seen that happen. I seem to remember…I wonder if Hermione has read anything on it…there is a sort of…Reflector Charm?"
Remus' eyes glazed suddenly and he seemed to be trying to remember something.
"Now that I think about it…" he paused and glanced over Harry's shoulder. He nodded his head. "Good morning, Ginny."
Harry looked up and watched as Ginny moved toward them. Ginny smiled as she made her way to the table. She covered her mouth to hide a yawn as she sat down.
"What on earth are you doing up so early?" she greeted Harry with.
"I woke up and was too excited to go back to sleep."
She chuckled and poured herself a glass of pumpkin juice. "Me too."
"Me three," Remus said with a grin.
"What were you and Snape arguing about?" Harry asked abruptly. Remus raised an eyebrow at him.
"Nothing serious, Harry," he answered. "It started off when I asked Professor Dumbledore if he'd heard from Narcissa or Draco Malfoy."
"Why do you care?" Ginny asked.
"That's what Snape said," Remus said, his eyes flashing. "I care because he is one of my students and he lost his father. I also care because he might blame Harry and try to harm him."
Harry snorted. "He's been trying to do that since we met on the train in first year." He glowered at his plate. "Malfoy doesn't scare me. As for losing his father…" Harry paused. He'd been about to say something nasty, but found that he couldn't. "Well…I am sorry about that. Even if the father was an evil git, even Draco Malfoy doesn't deserve that."
"What doesn't Malfoy deserve?"
Harry glanced up as Ron plopped down in the seat next to Ginny. He poured himself a cup of coffee and a glass of pumpkin juice before looking back up at Harry.
"Nothing," Harry said. "Nevermind, it's not important."
He glanced at Remus and found him watching him thoughtfully. He ate the rest of his breakfast in silence.
Hermione joined them not long after and ate very quickly. Remus wondered briefly if they should take the Invisibility cloaks, for safety, but then decided they didn't need them. They all blinked as the bright sun dazzled their eyes when they left the castle.
"It's going to be a gorgeous day," Hermione said softly, slipping a pair of Muggle sunglasses on. "I can't believe we're finished for another year."
They made their way up the road toward Hogsmeade. Harry made sure he was looking in the opposite direction when they passed Hagrid's house. He could hear Fang barking inside.
"What's going to happen to Fang?" he asked Remus.
"I'm not sure," Remus answered, glancing at the house. "I think Dumbledore will take care of him."
"I wish I could take him," Harry said. "Aunt Petunia doesn't like animals."
"Well, I'm sure Sirius wouldn't mind a dog."
"Sirius isn't there to take care of a dog," Harry pointed out.
"No, he's not but I will be. And you, if you decide to come."
"Plus I think we're going back," Ron said quietly. "I haven't asked Mum anything yet, but I think she would like to be at Headquarters for the summer."
"So if you wanted to take Fang, Harry, I'm sure it would be alright," Remus said. Harry nodded.
"I'll have to think about it at any rate."
Hermione grinned suddenly. "Can you believe that we can get our Apparition licenses this summer?"
"Well, I could have gotten mine a while ago," Ron pointed out. Hermione stuck her tongue out at him.
"Yeah," Harry said. "And you can't get yours until September. You'll have to do it over Christmas or something."
Hermione glowered at them. "We'll have to study for it this summer."
"How do you study for an Apparition test?" Ron asked, dumbfounded. Remus chuckled.
"Madam Pince will have some books on it," he told Ron. Hermione flashed a superior grin in Ron's direction.
They had reached Hogsmeade by this time. It looked nice in the morning, when everything was just opening up. A tiny witch waved at them as she opened the door for Gladrags Wizard Wears. They waved back to her. An old wizard smiled toothlessly at them from the window of Dervish and Banges.
"I could live in Hogsmeade," Ginny said, looking around. "It's close to Hogwarts and it's quiet. Plus I could play Quidditch whenever I pleased."
Hermione chuckled. "You and I could get a place here when you're finished school," she offered. Ginny's eyes lit up.
"That would be cool!"
Harry laughed as he listened to the two girls planning their flat and how they would furnish it. He pulled the door of the Three Broomsticks open.
"I guess they're open all the time," Ron commented as they moved into the dark interior of the pub. They waved at the witch behind the counter. It wasn't Madam Rosmerta; Harry had wondered if she would be there.
"Can I get you anything?" the witch called pleasantly.
"No, thank you," Remus answered. "We just need to use the fire."
"Alright."
Harry led the way toward the large stone fireplace at the back of the bar. There was a pot of Floo powder on the mantle and a small jar beside it for contributions for the use of the fire. Harry dropped a few galleons into it and took the pot off the mantle. Everyone took a pinch and he set it back, taking a pinch for himself.
"I will go last," Remus said. "St. Mungo's has wards around it and you should be fine coming out of the fire there. See you in a few minutes."
Harry nodded as Ron threw his Floo powder into the flames. He stepped into them, yelled, "St. Mungo's!" and was gone.
"Ladies first," Harry said with a grin. Hermione followed, then Ginny. "See you soon," he told Remus. Remus nodded as Harry removed his glasses and threw his Floo powder into the flames. He stepped into them.
"St. Mungo's!"
He tucked his arms in as he whirled out of the Three Broomsticks. He squeezed his eyes as far closed as he dared. He needed to watch for the right grate. He saw Ron and put his hands out to stop himself smacking his nose on the hearth.
"Remus right behind you?" Ron asked as Harry brushed himself off. He nodded and moved out of Remus' way. The flames turned green and Remus appeared, spinning slightly. He clambered out of the fire and brushed the soot from his robes.
"What floor would Sirius be on?" Harry asked, eyeing the sign above the Welcomewitch's desk.
Remus shrugged and moved toward the witch. She looked up and flashed a friendly sort of smile. Ginny and Hermione started to giggle, hiding their mouths with their hands.
"Good morning," she said pleasantly, batting her eyelashes. Harry wondered briefly if she had something in her eye. Ginny and Hermione were almost breathless with mirth.
"Good morning," Remus answered, smiling at her. "We're here to see Sirius Black."
Her smile froze slightly. She glanced down at her ledger. "Sirius Black? Right." She flipped a couple pages while Remus waited patiently. "You'll find him on the fourth floor. Spell damage." She smiled again as Remus thanked her. They headed for the stairs.
"Okay, you two, that's enough," Remus said blandly. This only made Ginny and Hermione giggle harder.
"Did that witch have something in her eye?" Ron asked. Harry snorted. Remus chuckled, flushing slightly.
"No," he said. "For some reason, women…and not just witches, but Muggle women as well, do that. I'm not completely sure why."
Hermione had tears trickling down her cheeks. "They think it makes them look sexy."
"I think it looks painful," Harry commented. Ginny laughed even harder.
"Anyway," Ron said, looking at the two girls like they'd lost their minds. "I wonder why Sirius is in Spell Damage."
Remus shrugged. "Probably the best place for him. He'll probably be here for a while and they have the best long term care."
"Does that mean he'll be in with Lockhart and Neville's parents?" Harry asked.
"Yes, most likely."
Ron groaned. "I hope Lockhart is asleep. I don't want to refuse more autographs."
Harry laughed. They reached a door that announced they'd reached the fourth floor and pulled it open. There was another witch sitting behind a desk. They moved toward her.
"Hello," she said, glancing up at them with some surprise. "May I help you?"
"We're here to see Sirius Black," Harry said. She raised her eyebrows.
"Mr Black? Of course. Just let me check with the Healer." She rose and went through a door to the left.
"I hope we'll be able to see him," Hermione said, worried. They all looked up as the witch came back out.
"He is sleeping right now, but you may come in and see him. Please keep your voices low because there are other patients in here."
She led them through the door. Harry held his breath as they walked toward Sirius' bed.
Hermione gasped as they drew level with the bed. The figure on it was very thin; thinner than Harry had ever seen him, thinner even than he had been a week ago. There were small cuts on his face and a dusting of hair across his jaw. His torso was bandaged tightly, making Harry suspect that the internal injuries had included broken ribs. He wondered why the Healers hadn't just mended them.
Remus drew a deep breath. "Oh, Padfoot," he whispered. He took Sirius' hand and gave it a squeeze. Sirius opened his eyes quickly then closed them again. A moment later he opened them again, glancing at them all.
"Hello," he said softly, his eyes somewhat suspicious.
"Hello," Harry answered for them all.
Sirius stared at Harry, his eyes narrowed. His eyes searched Harry's face and rested on the lightning bolt scar on his forehead.
"Do I know you?" he asked abruptly.
Harry nodded. "I am your god son. You knew my parents."
Sirius continued to stare at him and his eyes kept flicking up to the scar. "I'm sure I would know if I had a god son."
Harry smiled. "Well, you have one, and I'm him." He turned and introduced the others quickly, feeling his chest tighten. Hermione's eyes were very sad. He sat in one of the chairs and moved it closer to the bed. "How are you?"
"I don't know who you are," Sirius answered, trying to sit up. Harry backed away quickly. He didn't want to panic Sirius and make him injure himself worse. "You seem familiar, all of you, but how do I know that you're not the people who did this to me?"
Somebody behind Harry sniffled. He turned to find Ginny in tears. He took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
"We didn't do this to you, Sirius," Remus answered. "Harry is Prongs' son."
A note of recognition came to Sirius' eyes. He stared at Harry again. Harry remembered Remus saying that Sirius had mentioned Prongs.
"Prongs?" Sirius asked, his eyes clouding over. "Prongs is dead."
Harry nodded. "Yes." He felt reassured somewhat that he remembered that his dad was dead.
"You're Prongs' son?"
Harry nodded again.
"Why don't I know you?"
Harry smiled sadly. "You do know me. You know me very well, actually. You just need to remember that."
Sirius nodded, his eyes blank. "I'm trying to. I can feel it there, my memory."
"Don't push too hard, Padfoot," Remus said softly. "Take your time."
Sirius nodded again. "That's what the Healer says."
His eyes started to droop slightly. Harry felt Remus' hand on his shoulder.
"We should let him rest, Harry," he said quietly. Harry nodded sadly and got to his feet.
"Harry?"
He turned back to Sirius.
"Will you come back and visit me?"
Harry nodded, trying to swallow the lump in his throat. "Count on it," he promised.
*
Harry went straight toward Dumbledore's office as soon as they returned to Hogwarts. He gave the password and waited for the ugly stone gargoyle to jump aside. He climbed on to the moving staircase and walked up it, too curious to wait for it to reach the top.
"Come in, Harry," Dumbledore said as he raised his fist to knock. He opened the door, slightly puzzled. Dumbledore was seated behind his desk, Fawkes perched on the back of the chair. "Have a seat."
Harry sat, feeling as though he'd done something wrong.
"How was your visit?"
He sighed, looking down at his hands. "He didn't have a clue who any of us were. He finally warmed up when Remus told him that I'm Prongs' son. He did say that we seem familiar and he asked me to come back to see him." He sighed again. "I guess it was a pretty good visit. He was asleep before we left."
Dumbledore nodded. "He will be alright, Harry. Don't you think for one moment that he won't be. I know Sirius Black very well, and I know that he will fight until he gets his memory back."
"I know."
Dumbledore regarded Harry silently for a moment. Harry asked him the same question that he had asked Remus earlier.
"Sir, do you know why the Stunning Spell didn't work on Mr Malfoy and Mrs Lestrange?"
Dumbledore raised his eyes quizzically.
"Didn't work?"
"Yeah. When we tried to stun them, the spell didn't work. Ginny and Hermione did manage to Stun Mr Malfoy after I…after Mrs Lestrange died…but he didn't stay Stunned for very long."
Dumbledore's eyebrows furrowed as he listened to Harry. "There is a spell, but it's very dangerous to cast. It allows you to be basically immune from minor hexes and spells like the Stunning Spell. It will also cause the spells to not work for as long as they normally would. It's called the Reflector Charm."
"Remus mentioned that earlier."
Dumbledore nodded. "Most people don't know about it because it isn't taught in schools. Well, at Hogwarts anyway. It can go horribly wrong. I wouldn't be too surprised to learn that that's what it was."
Dumbledore stood abruptly.
"Have you thought anymore about what I told you last year?" he asked, starting to pace.
Harry laughed mirthlessly. "Of course. Every waking hour."
Dumbledore stopped and looked at him seriously. "Do you have any sort of plan?"
Harry stared at Dumbledore. "A plan? No, should I?"
"You need to start thinking about it, Harry."
"I have been thinking about it!" he answered hotly. "How am I supposed to bring down the most powerful dark wizard ever?"
Dumbledore said nothing, just continued to study him.
"I don't even know what this great power that I posses is."
Dumbledore smiled. "It's your heart. Your ability to love. Your passion. Everything that makes you. That's what you need to defeat Voldemort. He knows nothing of heart and love and passion. All he knows is power. And using whatever means to get it."
"But he's a better wizard than I-"
"He's not." Dumbledore's eyes flashed. "You have the potential, Harry, to become the greatest wizard the world has ever seen. Yes, even better than I. You just need to apply yourself more."
Harry stared at Dumbledore in surprise.
"How? I mean…I'm nobody. I'm not even a pure-blood."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Neither is Voldemort, remember? You are most definitely not a nobody. You have more wizard blood in your veins than he, and you have the power of the greatest sorcerer the world ever saw flowing in those same veins." Dumbledore paused. "The greatest pure sorcerer. One who wasn't overcome by greed and prejudice."
"What are you talking about?" Harry demanded.
Dumbledore sat again. "When I told you about the prophecy last year, I wasn't entirely honest with you. I told you the truth, but I didn't tell you everything."
"What didn't you tell me?"
Dumbledore paused again. He looked seriously at Harry. "I didn't tell you that you are the last descendant and heir of Godric Gryffindor."
***
You had to know that was coming in somewhere. I still think that it might turn out to be the case, because of the clues that point to it. Who knows, though. One more chapter to go!