Author's Note: Well, I am back. Mainly because of that last review. That is what really made me want to continue. And, I left you at a cliffhanger too. I had hoped that would be incentive to review, but... Anyway, I'm not gonna post a review requirement this time, but please, review. Thanks!

Chapter Nine—Padfoot

Harry stood in Professor Dumbledore's office awestruck. He had spent the entire summer thinking he would never see his godfather again. He was right, in a way. Sirius is gone, but he lives on.

A stunning portrait of his late godfather stood on an easel, less than five feet away from him. The only word Harry could get out was: "Sirius?"

"Yes, Harry, it's really me," said Sirius. Harry still didn't move, he just stood there, staring. "I can only imagine how hard it has been for you," Sirius continued, "but I had no choice, I had to do what I did. But I'm back now, at least as much as I can be."

Harry felt a surge of hope, he wanted to hug Sirius, but he knew he couldn't. "This is for you," said Professor Dumbledore, handing Harry a small box. Inside was a small, circular picture frame, with a background matching that of Sirius's portrait. He looked up to ask Professor Dumbledore what it was, and in the corner of his eye noticed that Sirius was no longer in his portrait.

"Harry, Harry," said Sirius's voice. "I'm down here." Harry looked back down to see Sirius's face in the picture frame."

"This one is for you Harry," said Professor Dumbledore. "One will remain in my office, while an additional one will be located at Headquarters."

Harry nodded. After Professor Dumbledore dismissed him, Harry ran as fast as he could to the Great Hall, he had to tell Ron and Hermione.

"Guys, guess what?" he said, panting from running all the way. "Sirius is back."

"What do you mean?" blurted out Ron, almost yelling.

"I'll tell you later," said Harry. "When we're alone." Ron and Hermione nodded, and went back to their lamb chops. Harry took one last look at Sirius's picture, before helping himself.

Later, in a small corner of the Common Room, Harry explained the whole story about what had happened in Dumbledore's office.

"So he's back?" said Ron, who seemed very unsure. Harry nodded.

"Yeah, take a look," he said, and took out Sirius's picture. "Sirius? Sirius?" said Harry.

"Hello Harry. Oh, Ron, Hermione, it's good to see you," said Sirius, looking around.

The four of them conversed for nearly an hour, as the Common Room slowly emptied. "Blimey, I'm tired," said Ron, yawning.

"And we haven't even done our homework!" said Hermione, who was in a panic.

"Well, Sirius," said Harry, "I guess we got to go now."

"Yes, I understand. Good night all," said Sirius, as he was leaving the frame.

"Good night, whispered Harry, putting the frame back in his pocket.