Chapter 5: Hermione's guilt trip.

Early the next morning Hermione went down into the common room to wait for Harry to wake up. Once Harry came down the stairs Hermione ran over to him. " I can't believe you!" She shouted.

"What are you talking about?" Harry said not registering what she was shouting about.

"Leaving your sister alone. You didn't even do anything last night Harry, you could have spent some time with her. I talked to her last night and she is one of the sweetest and coolest people I know Harry. She knows a lot about Voldemort and his followers and she even knows how to make Professor Snape mad without getting in trouble. She wants to know about her brother and I don't think getting the information second hand is the best way to do it. You're not dead Harry, she should get to know you from you not from other people, or books!" Hermione stormed out of the common room and towards the Great Hall.

Harry went back up to the boys dormitories to write a letter. He usually would have consulted Hermione or Sirius about this but since both were not going to be of help at the moment the next best person was Lupin. After writing the letter and sending it off Harry made his way down to the Great Hall.

"Harry it's great to see you again, I was wondering if you weren't busy today since classes are being delayed until some of the students can arrive, if you wanted to hang out or something that would be great." Darla said sitting by Hermione and Ginny.

"Well, um, we'll see. I'm pretty sure that I have nothing to do but I want to talk to Professor McGonagall about the Gryffindor Quidditich team and then I think I'm free but let me make sure before I make any plans." Harry just wanted time to his self still but Hermione's words kept running through his head. ' You're not dead Harry, she should get to know you from you not other people, or books!'

"Ok, well I'll be around if you get some free time. I would love to see more of the school though." Darla said returning to her breakfast. Almost at once the owls started to bring the mail to the students. Hermione took the Daily Prophet from the Barn owl in front of her and put two knuts in to the pouch that was on its leg.

"Harry! You won't believe it." Hermione said scanning an article on the front page of the Prophet.

"What!?" Harry said looking at the excited expression on Hermione's face.

Hermione handed Harry the newspaper, on the front page was an article about Sirius Black.

Sirius Black murderer or loyal friend?

Due to recent events in the Ministry of Magic, and the capture of one Peter Pettigrew, the Wizengamot has reviewed the case of murderer Sirius Black. After being forced Vertiserum Pettigrew confessed to the betrayal of Lily and James Potter, and the blackmail of Sirius Black. When asked why he did this he said "I knew where the power was, I'm not an idiot. I don't hang with a side that has a great possibility of losing. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is a powerful wizard and those who are stupid enough to come up against him have a death wish." After long discussions with Pettigrew it seems the Sirius Black was being a loyal friend, which are what Gryffindors at Hogwarts are known for. Black should be a respected man, for he did what most of us would not be able to deal with going to Azkaban an innocent man, and when coming face to face with the man who put you there, didn't kill him on site. The Minister of Magic Remus Lupin, once friends with the now deceased Sirius Black, along with Albus Dumbledore and the Wizengamot have dropped all charges against Sirius Black and have labeled him a free man. " It's a pity," Said Dumbledore the day of the hearing, " that Sirius Black is not here to celebrate with us." One person who is rumored to be taking his death to heart is Harry Potter. For those of you who do not know Harry was left in the care of Black, after his parents died fighting to save Harry's life.

"That's great news." Harry said glumly. He handed the paper back to Hermione and left the Great Hall.

"Is he going to be ok?" Darla asked looking at Ron and Hermione.

"Yeah, he'll be fine. It's just that Sirius was like a father to Harry and he blames Sirius' death on his irresponsibility of running off to the Ministry." Hermione said watching Harry leave the room.

"Well, I know that many people think that he's brave no matter if he ran off or not. Even Snape said great things about him afterwards." Darla said reading the article.

Harry went to McGonagall's office and walked inside. " Professor, I was wondering who was the new Quidditch Captain this year?" Harry said sitting down in front of her desk.

"We have a special captain this year Harry. We're going to trick the other teams, and I wanted you to help. I want you to work with Oliver Wood on this years Quidditch moves, and make this team unbeatable. We have to keep this a secret though since Wood graduated he really can't coach the teams, I looked it up though and it doesn't say anything about him giving you friendly advice and helping you along the way." McGonagall said smiling.

"Are you serious?" Harry was excited he never got to work with Wood on designing the Quidditch team, and it would be great experience for him to learn more about the sport.

"There is one thing though Harry, if you want to become captain."

"What's that?" Harry said knowing fully well that McGonagall was planning something.

"Dumbledore and I agreed to let you be captain if you get to know your sister. We don't mean spend three minutes with her and dump her onto Ms. Granger or Ms. Weasley." McGonnagal said smiling.

"I was planning to do that sometime today anyway." Harry lied, he really just wanted to be Quidditch captain.

"Good, well I suggest you get to it then." McGonagall said leading Harry to the door.