Disclaimer: see all previous chapters.
Chapter 9
Dumbledore was holding his head in his hands and the office was silent. Even the watching paintings were quiet; all were shocked at this revelation. Finally Dumbledore looked up at Harry.
"We have to call the ministry. Sirius your name will be cleared and you can take custody of Harry."
Harry face broke out into a grin and he leapt at his godfather and hugged him tightly. Sirius was shocked, it had been a very weird night, but he regained his senses and hugged the young teenager back.
Ron and Hermione were both sitting in silence. The implications of what the headmaster had just said had not fully set in. Eventually Harry pulled away from Sirius and looked back at the headmaster.
"I think you have a letter to write sir, and I don't know about the others but I'm exhausted and need sleep. Sirius can stay as the dog right? Until his name is cleared."
Dumbledore smiled, the boy was happy.
"Yes that's fine, if anyone asks say you found him and are nursing him back to health. And tomorrow bring him to breakfast" he looked to Sirius, "You look like you need a good meal. Goodnight."
Sirius grinned and turned back into the dog, the three teenagers stood and bid the headmaster goodnight before making their way back to Gryffindor common room. When they reached the portrait Hermione said the password and the disgruntled lady swung forward allowing them to enter.
"Harry." Hermione said once inside. "How did you know?"
Harry stopped, thinking quickly. Knowing he wouldn't be able to come up with a decent cover story he opted for the truth.
"Not now, not here. It's to risky, I'll tell you when snuffles is free."
Sirius donned a confused look, how did Harry know my dog nickname? I'll ask him tomorrow.
Hermione nodded and said goodnight, the boys returned it and headed up to their beds. Happy for the first time in 14 years, snuffles the dog settled down at the end of Harry's bed with a grin on his doggy face.
He was free.