Chapter 19: New Beginnings

It seemed to Harry as though time had slowed down, perhaps even stopped momentarily. He knew he must be imagining it but it seemed that several minutes had passed since the last word Dumbledore spoke. His mind was a frenzy of confused thoughts and emotions, he had been waiting so long for this moment; ever since he met Sirius Harry had dreamed of seeing him free. Now that the time was here when his dreams could be realised, he was terrified. The logical part of his brain, and of course his logical friend Hermione both told him that he had nothing to fear. Sirius was innocent so there was no way that he could be found guilty - was there? The other part of his mind was reeling; he had gone through every possible scenario that could unfold from the next word to escape Dumbledore's lips. His heart was pounding and he was almost certain that he was beginning to sweat; this was more nerve racking than opposing Voldemort - well, almost.

Harry was staring intently at Dumbledore willing him to say that one word; innocent. And he did.

The cheer from Harry, Ron, Hermione and Remus would inevitably been enough to bring the roof down, if that were actually possible. Sirius sat dumbstruck and staring into space; his eyes though, were alight with a hope that hadn't graced them in countless years. They thought he was innocent; they actually believed him!

Sirius looked over towards his godson who was jumping around, cheering madly with his best friends, and grinning happily in his direction. Sirius tried to return the smile but his brain was still numb and finding it difficult to make contact with his facial muscles. He did however, manage a faint grin though; which was more than enough for Harry who promptly returned to his manic celebrating.

Because Sirius had been so distracted by Harry he hadn't noticed Dumbledore and a few others leave the room. Now though he saw them return. More specifically he noticed that box they were carrying, from his days as an auror. It was one of the boxes that they put prisoners' wands in. A fire of hope awakened in his gut; he hadn't even dared to think that they might have kept his wand; though when he thought about it he couldn't think of any reason why they wouldn't – they kept everyone else's after all.

Sirius hadn't even noticed missing his wand, not really, but now that he could see it in front of him, his heart leapt. His wand was a part of him, just as much as his arm or leg, and he couldn't wait to have it back. He would be able to perform magic again, whenever he wanted, not just when he borrowed someone else's wand for a few minutes.

That was true freedom; magic available whenever it was needed. And he was getting a second chance at experiencing it.

Dumbledore carefully opened the old dusty box and held it out to Sirius, gesturing for him to take his wand. Sirius looked disbelievingly at the dark strip of wood that he had missed so much. He did the only thing his body could manage; he fainted.

Sirius was revived almost instantaneously and awoke to find Remus and Harry towering over him, watching him intently; concern obvious in their gaze. He grinned happily, and they were reassured. Dumbledore wanted to talk to Sirius about a few things so it was decided that Remus and the kids would see them back at Hogwarts.

When they were alone, Sirius looked questioningly at Dumbledore, "What did you need to talk to me about?"

"Several things," began Dumbledore, "the first of which being what was discussed while we came to a verdict"

"Are you supposed to talk about that?" asked Sirius curiously,

"Strictly speaking no, but you have to know at least some of it" Sirius nodded understandingly, encouraging Dumbledore to continue, "the first thing…you will have to register as an animagus"

Sirius looked slightly dismayed, but conceded, "the second thing…you were to be offered the position of auror again, but I disagreed…I had hoped you would still like to be put in charge of Hogwarts security?" Sirius nodded enthusiastically, doing that he would still be useful, protecting people, and be near Harry.

"Definitely" he replied,

"Good" said Dumbledore, "now, the final thing for the moment…you will have to issue a statement to the press, who are waiting outside"

Sirius winced, and looked pleadingly at Dumbledore, "Do I have to?" even when Sirius had been one of the best aurors at the ministry all those years ago, and had to deal with the press all the time, he didn't like it. Now he was fifteen years out of practice, and would rather just steer clear.

"I'm afraid it will be essential. After all, until today you were one of the most feared wizards alive, the people are going to need some time to come around to the idea of your innocence; and they'll come around much sooner if you're willing to face them. "

Sirius nodded grimly, and muttered, "Let's get this over with then"

They arrived back at Hogwarts a short time later and Dumbledore retired to his office. Sirius for lack of anything better to do returned to his room behind the portrait. He was slightly surprised to see Harry, Ron, Hermione and Remus there, but even more so to see Ginny, Ali and Caighlynne.

In his absence they had visited the kitchens in search of some food, much to Hermione's dismay – she was still intent on campaigning for elf rights- and as ever the house elves were only too happy to comply with their requests. There was a large selection of snacks and drinks spread over the table and there were some hurried decorations sparsely spread around the room.

Sirius looked round at his 'welcoming committee' and smiled; things were truly looking up. The smile seemed to break the silence that had fallen since Sirius returned and a friendly chatter spread through the group. Harry was talking to Ali; filling her in on the days events, as Ron and Hermione were doing with Ginny, while Sirius and Remus told Caighlynne.

Once everyone was caught up, Sirius began to complain, "They're making me register as an animagus you know" he said, his face pleading for sympathy,

"What do you expect when you just told the court you're an illegal animagus?" asked Remus exasperatedly,

"I dunno, I just…" he trailed off, not really having a point at all,

"What difference will it even make?" asked Caighlynne, "It's not like it was a well kept secret anymore anyway"

"That's not the point" Sirius huffed, "It won't be the same if it's perfectly legal…they'll be no thrill to it anymore"

"Shut up Siri" continued Caighlynne, "that's not the best example to set for your godson now is it?"

Sirius face lightened at the mention of Harry, "no, I suppose not…" his face dropped suddenly as he panicked, "does this mean I have to be responsible?"

"And he's back" smiled Caighlynne

"What?" asked Sirius the panic still evident on his face,

"It's just that in all the time I've seen you since, well, you know, this is the most like the Sirius we all know and love that you've ever been"

"Really?" asked Sirius bemused, "I suppose it does feel as though a weight's been lifted…" he grinned, "Glad to have me back then?"

"Well…" began Remus and Caighlynne at the same time, which caused the whole group to laugh. They spent the next few hours telling stories; all about their years at Hogwarts, everyone joined in, even Ali told of a few things that had happened in the short weeks she'd been there. Everyone had a good time, and the atmosphere was unusually light when they realised it was past midnight and said their goodnights.

Everyone fell asleep smiling. Shame it wasn't to last, Harry's dreams were not to be pleasant.

He was on his broomstick, flying, the sun shining brilliantly through a cloudless sky, the gentle breeze pressing against him as he sought out the snitch. He was distracted though by Ali flying around him, trying to get his attention. When he finally gave up his search and turned to her, he smiled inwardly; she was beautiful.

What he was seeing began to change though, the scene around him morphed into an old cottage. It was warm, cosy and inviting, or it would be normally; something in the air that told Harry that he wouldn't receive a warm welcome. He felt himself walk towards the door; but it didn't feel like his walk, he tried to look down at himself but found he had no control over his eyes, or any other part of his anatomy.

When he reached the door, rather than knocking as he would normally do, he blasted it open, and marched through the house. It was then Harry realised that this wasn't a normal dream, and that it wasn't his body; it was Voldemort's.

 There was no-one around, and Voldemort went straight to the bedroom. He blasted the door open nosily; he wanted the person inside awake, he wanted them to know what was about to happen.

Harry was shocked to see whom Voldemort had personally targeted was a frail old woman. When she open her eyes however, it made a lot more sense, and worried Harry a great deal more. Her eyes were a distinct shade of violet; one that Harry had seen in two people; Ali and Caighlynne. They must be related. At once the guilt welled up in Harry; what if this was because of him? What if Ali and Caighlynne had simply gotten too close?

Before Harry had further chance to worry Voldemort spoke, "So Avalyn, have you decided to join my forces yet?" he questioned menacingly,

"No" she replied coolly, staring Voldemort right in the eye, Harry admired her courage, he doubted he'd have dared, "and I never will" 

"That, Avalyn, is the wrong answer" whispered Voldemort as he raised his wand, "Crucio!"

Her screams echoed through the empty house as she writhed in pain. Harry felt Voldemort's mouth curve into a smile, and was repulsed; it felt like it was him smiling. Harry so desperately wanted to do something to help; anything to stop the screaming, to stop the maniacal laughter that was now coming from Voldemort. Even though Harry was fast asleep, he could feel tears forming in his eyes; his own eyes, and he could feel the frustration and desperation build up inside; his mind was overwhelmed with raw emotion.

Voldemort's laughter suddenly stopped, and his thin eyes darted from side to side, as though he thought there was someone there. 'Could it be a coincidence that he had stopped at the exact moment Harry wanted more than anything else in the world for him to cease?' Seemingly satisfied with his brief security check, the vile grin pulled itself back onto his face, "maybe your successor will be more wiling to co-operate…Avada Kedavra!"

The jet of brilliant green light flew towards Avalyn, and it struck her right in the centre of her chest. She fell backwards instantaneously, and Voldemort's sick, twisted laugh once again echoed through the silent home.

Harry woke up, damp with a cold sweat; that dream had really happened, he knew it. It was like the one with Mr Weasley last year; and as awful as Harry felt about thinking it after what he'd just seen, the only thought he had was how much he didn't want to have to see Snape for Occlumency lessons again.

He considered going back to sleep. Forgetting it had ever happened. That thought was gone in an instant though; it wasn't even a serious thought, not really. For one thing Harry could never forget what he'd just seen, and for another, people had to know. Especially since it had been important enough for Voldemort himself to do.

Reluctantly Harry hauled himself out of bed, and pulled on the invisibility cloak.

Harry quickly made his way through the halls, involuntarily shuddering every so often; he told himself it was just because of the cold, but deep down he knew it was because of what he had seen.

He arrived outside Dumbledore's office quickly, but when he got there he was faced with a problem; he didn't know the password.

"Sherbet lemon? Cockroach cluster? Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans? Chocolate Frog?" Harry guessed desperately at several different things, and was there for some time but the gargoyle seemed immovable. Harry growled with frustration, "Will you just bloody move? I need to see Dumbledore now! He needs to know this; there's no-one else that can help!" even as Harry shouted at the impassive gargoyle in front of him, he realised he was wrong, there was someone else who could help; Sirius. Giving up on his failing quest to see Dumbledore Harry moved onto a much more achievable goal. He shuffled along the corridor to the portrait hiding Sirius rooms, which was currently displaying a hippogriff, and let himself in.


"Sirius?" he called desperately, he hated disturbing Sirius in the middle of the night again, but he really had no choice. He was sure Sirius wouldn't mind. "Sirius?" he repeated, a little louder this time.

Sirius emerged from his room moments later, wand raised defensively, and his face showing he was ready for trouble. His expression softened when he saw Harry though, "Harry? What are you doing here? What's wrong?" he lowered his wand and made his way over to the couch where Harry had taken a seat.

"Well, um…I had a dream…a real one…but I…I was Voldemort…I had to see it all as though I was him…Sirius it was awful…he barged in and then…" Harry trailed off, he didn't want to talk about it; in fact he wasn't sure he could. It repulsed him to remember what he'd done. 'No', he thought, 'what Voldemort had done, he wasn't a part of it, he'd only been a witness'

Sirius looked at Harry disconcerted and worried, "It's okay Harry, it's over now…what happened?" he asked kindly, only his eyes betraying the panic building inside.

"It started outside an old cottage, I…he…blasted the door open and headed straight through the house – to the bedroom. There was an old woman there. He asked if she was ready to ally with him…Avalyn I think her name was." Harry stopped then, noting the apprehensive look Sirius was bestowing upon him.

"Harry…did the woman…err…look like anyone you know?" Sirius asked slowly, as though dreading the answer,

Harry nodded, bowing his head, "…she looked like Ali…or Professor Danson"

Sirius massaged his brow in frustration. "What?" asked Harry, watching his reaction, "Who is she?"

"That was Caighlynne's grandmother…she was head of the fairy council…looks like Voldemort's after their alliance again. What did she say? She didn't agree did she?"

Harry shook his head sadly, "No…not even after he tortured her…" Harry grimaced, and Sirius face fell,

"He killed her didn't he?" Sirius breathed,

Harry simply nodded dumbly, he had nothing to say.

"Come on" said Sirius gently, "We have to go and see Dumbledore"

"I know," Harry replied sullenly, "I already tried to see him…but I didn't know the password…that's why I'm here"

Sirius smiled supportively, "It's a good thing I do then, eh?"

Harry nodded as he reluctantly dragged himself onto his feet, he really didn't want to have to tell the whole thing again.

A few minutes later Harry found himself in Dumbledore's office, sitting in a comfortable chair facing the old wizard. "So Harry, what brings you here at this time of night?"

"Well…I had a dream, that I was Voldemort…I think it actually happened…like that time with Mr Weasley. He tortured and killed an old woman, called Avalyn." At the mention of the name Dumbledore's eyes flicked to Sirius' as though seeking confirmation of the woman's identity. Sirius nodded and Harry continued,

"He wanted her to join with him…but she refused. I woke up after he killed her."

Dumbledore nodded, and looked at Harry thoughtfully, "You know what this means Harry?" Harry nodded reluctantly, "You will have to start Occlumency again. If Voldemort is aware that you are once again seeing through him, he could attempt to use it against you once more"


Harry cringed and stared harshly at the ground, unable to make himself look Sirius – the one who had suffered as a result of last time – in the eye.

Sirius, however, was looking livid. You can't expect him to learn from Snape again?" he spat the other mans name distastefully, "He threw Harry out last year! Refused to teach him anymore!"

Harry looked round at Sirius, "no" he said, "it's fine…I need to master Occlumency, can't have something happen like before…and if I have to learn from Snape, so be it…there's not much we can do is there?"

Dumbledore looked at Harry appreciatively, his eyes twinkling, "Well actually, I had someone else in mind"

Harry looked puzzled for a few moments, then realisation dawned on him, "not you sir? I thought you said it would be too dangerous?"

"Indeed," replied Dumbledore, "and unfortunately I have to stick to my original sentiments on that issue"

"But then who?" Harry asked curiously,

"Professor Danson of course" Dumbledore replied smiling,

Harry grinned, "Really?"

"Well I will have to confirm it with her, but I think it would be the best choice"

Harry's smile faltered, "But what will we tell people, I mean, I can hardly say I'm going for remedial Defence against the Dark Arts after last year can I?"

"I was thinking more along the lines of advanced classes"

Harry smiled appreciatively, "would people believe that?"

"Always the modest one, Harry" said Dumbledore with a crooked smile, "you may be unaware of it but you have quite a reputation amongst your peers"

Harry's jaw dropped, "seriously?"

"Yes, Harry, your adventures over the past years have been no secret…and your involvement in the DA last year caused quite a stir, I'm sure the students would easily accept that you were receiving advanced classes"

Harry nodded dumbly, he didn't realise that people thought so highly of him. He was used to being ridiculed, and thought to be mad. It was a very bizarre feeling to be admired, but Harry had to admit, it looked a lot better than having people think he was mad.

"I will speak to Professor Danson tomorrow, and get in touch with you when a time is arranged. But for now, it's late and I think you should return to bed"

Harry nodded, only just noticing how tired he was, and got up to go as Sirius did the same.

"Remember" added Dumbledore as they were leaving, "empty your mind before you go back to sleep"

"I will" said Harry, and began his descent of the stairs.

"Night Harry" said Sirius, pulling him into a hug as they reached the bottom of the stairs,

"Night Sirius" he replied affectionately as he pulled away and headed back to Griffindor tower.

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When Harry woke up the next again morning he wished he could return to slumber. He was going to have to tell the others what he had seen; tell Ali, his girlfriend, that he had watched her grandmother die. She would never speak to him again, how could she? Every time she looked in his direction all she would see was her grandmother. At least that's what Harry thought. He was dreading seeing her. Harry massaged his temples in frustration; why did this type of thing always happen to him?

Ron, who was also awake noticed Harry's strange behaviour, "You okay mate?" he called over,

"Not really" replied Harry sullenly,

"Why? What's wrong?" asked Ron, newfound concern edging his voice,

"It's, um, maybe it would be better if I told everyone at once…it's not the kind of thing you want to hear about very often…"

Ron looked like he was going to complain, or demand to be told, up until he saw Harry's face; it looked like he hadn't slept a wink, and his expressive eyes clearly reflected obvious pain. He simply nodded and moved to get dressed; if he had to wait until everyone was together he was going to make sure that was as soon as possible.

Harry noticed Ron's sudden rush to get dressed, and followed in the action; he wanted to get this over and done with as soon as possible.

They met the girls in the common room as they usually did in the mornings, but unsurprisingly they were one less in number; Ali was missing.

As soon as the girls reached them Ron turned on Harry, "So are you going to tell us what's wrong then?"

"Something's wrong?" asked Hermione curiously, "oh, does it have something to do with Ali? She's nowhere to be found"

Harry nodded dumbly, the ground transfixing him.

"Have…have you had a fight?" asked Ginny timidly,

Harry laughed a hollow, broken laugh, "no…I wish that was all it were…"

Everyone looked morbidly intrigued.

"I had a dream last night…like the one I had about Mr Weasley last year…it was an old woman…Ali's great grandmother…Voldemort tortured and killed her."

The surrounding group's expressions got progressively worse as Harry retold the dream, or nightmare, of the previous night, and when he finished both Hermione and Ginny tears in their eyes, and Ron's face was set as he stared at the ground in front of him.

"But…why?" Ginny whispered, struggling to make her voice audible at all,

"She was the head of the fairy council…Voldemort was after their alliance but she refused"

The silence settling around them was awkward and uncomfortable, and Harry was very relieved when Neville disturbed it,

"Hey…aren't you guys going down to breakfast?"

Harry got to his feet quickly, clearing his face of all the emotion that had been building up there, "yeah, course…come on guys"

Hermione got to her feet, wiping her puffy eyes, and walked with Ron, whilst Ginny went to Dean to seek out comfort and support. Seeing those two so upset made Harry realise just how devastated Ali was going to be, and though he was dreading what she would think of the fact that he had witnessed it, he wanted nothing more than to be able to comfort her; make sure she knew he was there for her.

He trailed a little behind the group as they made their way to the Great Hall, submerged in his thoughts. His eyes trailed the ground as he trod the familiar path to his usual seat at the Griffindor table.

"Harry…Harry!" hissed Hermione suddenly, nudging him in the side,

"What?" he asked indignantly, rubbing the spot her elbow had struck him gingerly.

"Look…at the staff table…is that Sirius?"

Harry looked up immediately, and sure enough there was Sirius, looking like the cat that got the cream, grinning broadly from the edge of the staff table. Harry also noticed the nervous glances that many of his fellow students were shooting Sirius, the most entertaining of which was Malfoy; his glare was a mixture of contempt and disbelief. Harry could tell that most people either hadn't noticed him, or simply didn't recognise him though.

Dumbledore stood up to address the hall. "Now…before you begin your breakfast's I have a quick announcement to make. As you all know Voldemort is becoming increasingly daring, and is intent on starting war. Because of this I have decided that the school should be placed under extra protection. I have invited a few trusted wizards here to help with the schools defences. Firstly Remus Lupin," at which point Remus stood up from his place at the table "whom some of you may remember as a Defence against the Dark Arts professor, next two aurors Nymphadora Tonks and Trisana Fiorn" they both stood at the mention of their names, ", next we have Charlie Weasley who is something of an expert in the field of Magical creatures," he stood up, and shot Ron a grin, "and last but by no means least…the new head of Hogwarts defence….Sirius Black"

At which point several students gasped loudly, and several more paled considerably. Draco Malfoy, however, stood up to have his say, "You can't be serious! You're placing him in charge of our safety? He's an escaped murderer!"

"That was proved innocent yesterday" countered Sirius darkly as he rose to his feet with a sadistic smile,

Draco snorted and fell back into his seat, while the students broke out into frenzied chatter…'Sirius Black was innocent?'

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Hey, hey, hey!

Well so ends another exciting chapter. Next chapter things will move a little quicker…and we'll see the first quidditch match, Griffindor vs. Slytherin!

I would like to thank all of the people that reviewed, I had a fantastic response to the last chapter, and I do love to hear from you all.

Hplova4eva – as always thanks for the encouragement, hope to hear from you again soon!

Ice Lupus – I know that was a very cliché ending last time… but I just couldn't resist. Anyway thanks ever so much for the review, it means a lot that you thought it was so good!

Gryffies#1() – Yeah, okay, you were right, of course I couldn't have Sirius found guilty! Though I seriously considered it *evil grin*

Jaximillion – Thank you for the review…and as for Fudge…well, I'm keeping my mouth shut!

Manga – lunatic – There was never really any doubt that he was, was there?

Phoenix marauder () – Thank you for all the compliments – it makes my day when I get such a nice review. Glad you like Ali, I do too!

Anna L. Black – You're too kind! And as for reminding yourself it's not real, I completely sympathize I have to do the same thing all the time! Lol

Jbfritz – thank you for the review- sorry it was so long between chapters. School is evil and gives me waaay to much to do. Anyway…enjoy!

Aural() – Glad you like it so much!

Sk8tersoftball11 – Thank-you for the review! Thrilled you like it so much. And as for Sirius innocence, it couldn't have been any other way!