Chapter 3: Return to Hogwarts
After saying good-bye to everyone at Grimmauld Place. Harry, Ron, and Hermione boarded the Hogwarts express to return to Hogwarts. "I can't believe Sirius left you everything." Ron said wide-eyed when Harry told him what had happened the week before."I feel bad though, Lupin had been his best friend. I think he should have received something." Harry said gazing out the window. Talking about Sirius still upset him.
"You never know Harry, Sirius might have already given Lupin something before he went to the ministry. He didn't seem upset when you got everything. He was actually a lot happier after you returned." Hermione said trying to cheer him up.
Ron jumped up out of his seat. " Harry you might want to open the window." He pointed to a bird outside. Harry knew it to be Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix. Harry quickly opened the window and let Fawkes inside. Once he took the letter off, Fawkes left instantly.
Dear Harry,
I'm sorry for not being around much after Sirius' death. I was taking care of important matters. I'm sure you'll find out about them soon enough. Once you arrive at school please go to my office, and wait for me. The password is Cockroach Cluster. I'll meet you there after the ceremony. There are a few items I need to discuss with you and someone who has been patiently waiting to see you."
Sincerely,
Albus
Dumbledore
Hogwarts Headmaster
Ron
and Hermione read the not over his shoulder. " What do you think
he meant when he said he has someone whose been patiently waiting to
meet you?" Hermione said going back to her seat.
"I
don't know. I'm just finding it odd that he sent Fawkes to the train
and didn't just tell me when I got there, like Filch did for Snape
that one time." Harry reread the letter. Something was going on
and Harry didn't know if he liked it or not.
"Well, ask Hagrid. He's usually there when we get off of the train." Hermione said getting out one of her school books.
Once
they arrived at Hogwarts, Harry ran off the train. " Hagrid,
what's wrong? Dumbledore sent me a letter. Who wants to meet me?"
Harry looked Hagrid in the eye.
"There is nothing wrong
'Arry. Professor Dumbledore just has a few things to talk to you
about. Sorry about Snuffles though he was a great-erm-friend, even
when he was a dog. Better get going Harry, first years this way
please." Hagrid said walking over to a group of new students.
Harry entered the school and made his way to Dumbledore's office. " Cockroach Cluster!" Harry said sternly getting on the steps that appeared once inside he noticed he wasn't alone.
"Hi, um who are you?" Harry asked taking a seat next to a brown haired, emerald green eyed girl.
"Hi, I'm Darla. What's your name?" Darla asked turning to face Harry.
"I'm Harry Potter. Are you a new student?" Harry looked around at the portraits. The people inside where whispering amongst themselves.
"I'm not really a student. I get home schooled during the breaks, and such." Darla said with a smile. Harry guessed that they talked for a while because Dumbledore had entered his office followed by Snape and Lupin.
"I'm glad to see both of you are getting along so well. I was afraid that you two might not like each other." Dumbledore said drawing up two chairs and sitting behind his desk.
"Professor what's Lupin and Professor Snape doing here?" Harry asked, he really wasn't liking what was going on. ' It must be bad' Harry thought 'Lupin and Snape are never nice to each other.'
"There are here because they know this situation better than I do. Harry in Sirius' will there was a part about who gets custody over you now, and that information resides with me. However the story is just as unclear to me as it will be to you. Harry I think it's time that you know a little more about your parent's lives. Before your mother died she was pregnant. I thought that the baby didn't make it, but it seems that Voldemort had even thrown me. One of his deatheaters took your sibling when you destroyed him, and raised them as if it was his own. I think that Professor Snape can take it from here, I still don't know the whole story."
"Potter, your mom had a daughter before her death. Lucious Malfoy was placed in custody of the child and she was raised as Draco Malfoy's sister. When I found out what had happened I told Dumbledore about it. Dumbledore went in a took the child from Lucious and she was given to me to watch. I've raised her since she was a baby, taught her everything I knew about your parent's and the wizarding world. I've had to hide her from the Malfoys and Voldemort. Darla here is your sister Harry, and we all agree that it's about time you both met and became friends. Other than the Dursleys you're all each other has." Snape said looking at Dumbledore rather than at Harry or Darla.
"You knew about this didn't you?!" Harry jumped out of his seat and yelled at Lupin. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Harry it wasn't for me to tell. She was kept safe, and out of harm until Dumbledore was allowed to tell you about her. I'm sorry Harry but it was for your own good." Lupin said calmly. " That brings up another point. You were left in the custody of Dumbledore until he sees fit to pass it on to the actual guardian. I'm sorry to say Harry that it is not me, being Minister of Magic I already have a lot to deal with right now." Lupin said looking at Harry and then at Darla.
"Wait a minute! You aren't saying what I think you're going to say?" Harry said turning to Dumbledore.
"Well it's only fair, Dumbledore isn't always there and he has raised your sister for quite some time. Harry I'm sorry to say this but from this point on Professor Snape is your guardian. It's not like you'll be living with him or anything. I mean you have Grimmauld Place and Godric's Hollow to live in now both are under pretty heavy spells."
"Potter don't worry I'm not going to treat you any different in front of people. I think you'll come to like being around me and I can help you learn how to defeat the Dark Lord. I suggest you get to know Darla, she's one powerful witch and can help you with stuff that she's even surpassed Dumbledore on." Snape said looking at Harry now.
"Harry, I know that this is a lot for you to take in right now but we wanted you to know. I hope that you understand why we did all this and why we are just not getting around to telling you everything. All I hope is that you don't hold it against anyone, even Sirius."
