Disclaimer: Rowling owns her stuff.
Chapter 9-Sirius' Will
The next morning Mrs. Weasley came into Harry and Ron's room sobbing. She shook Harry awake and said,
"Harry dear, Professor Dumbledore wants to see you." Her face filled with compassion and she kissed Harry's forehead. Harry rubbed his eyes and shook his arm that had fallen asleep. He pushed away his blankets, put on his wire-rimmed glasses, and followed Mrs. Weasley out to the dungeon's sitting room. Harry, expecting to see only the professor's face in a fireplace or the two-way mirror, found Dumbledore himself sitting in the same ratty chair Harry sat in the night before discussing Blanche's memories. Dumbledore stood up and smiled at Harry. Harry nodded at him avoiding the professor's kind blue-grey eyes. Finding it hard to be comfortable around Dumbledore anymore, since the great wizard had not trusted him enough with the prophecy and the information regarding Sirius' death, Harry slouched onto the leather couch across from the professor. Dumbledore sat down after Harry and handed him a scroll of parchment sealed with wax in the Black family seal. Dumbledore than said slowly,
"I was Sirius' secret keeper. Everyone in the Order knows they are in constant danger so we entrust each other with our last thoughts and, of course, our wills. That scroll is Sirius' will. I was witness to it and now am giving it to you, as Sirius named you his heir. If you wish to gather those named in it, I am to perform the reading." Harry couldn't open the scroll just yet.
"Professor . . . you would tell me if you knew Sirius was still alive, wouldn't you?" Harry questioned wanting to know whether his inner hope could possibly have some truth to it. Dumbledore sighed and said,
"Harry, I don't think anyone but you can know how much I wish Sirius was still with us. The truth is he is not here, and even if there were a possibility of him being alive, he still is lost to us. The black veil in the "Death Chamber" is very mysterious to all of us who haven't passed through it. I don't know how I could possibly tell you with absolute certainty that he is in fact dead. Our hearts are probably more reliable for that." Harry's face brightened with the hope. Dumbledore frowned raising his hand to Harry for a moment to think. "I do not want you to falsely hope that Sirius could come back. No one knows how and if that is even possible. I doubt I could figure it out myself." Dumbledore paused seemingly deep in thought and then said with deep concern, "Harry, please don't be tempted with the veil like you were the Mirror of Erised." Dumbledore shook his head and sighed again. "All I can really claim to know, Harry, is that Sirius is no longer in our plane of existence. Therefore, he is not with us, and probably never will be." Harry slumped in his chair looking more forlorn than earlier. "So in that way Sirius is dead, Harry."
Harry frowned, not surprised at what he'd just heard. Between Ron, Hermione, and himself they had realized as much. Harry wanted facts and he wanted to know Sirius was dead, and not somewhere where Harry could save him. Harry couldn't put Sirius away until he saw Sirius' body. Without that, Harry would still carry a longing hope. Harry finally decided to open Sirius' scroll and skim through the words. Every word breathed Sirius' personality. Every word brave, honorable, mysterious, and fun. Harry hoped to be as good a man as Sirius was. There had to be a piece of Sirius in himself. Just as Harry thought that he read,
"Molly, please realize that I do know the difference between James and Harry. I have had many hours to think on it, and the reality is that Harry is really turning out to be more like me than anyone. Don't be surprised when he finally runs away from the Dursleys when he turns sixteen. Your Ron is actually the one like James, and Hermione, you are Moony eighteen years ago. Molly, do try to let Harry be a man and be himself, whether he turns out like me or not. That is his true power."
Harry touched by Sirius' words about him smiled a trifle and continued to read. He eyes widened as he read of his inheritance from his father and the mysterious duty Sirius was passing to him. And then, the keys. "That last something you will enjoy thoroughly. I only wish I could have road it once more." Harry looked up at Dumbledore and before he could ask the professor for what he wanted, Dumbledore held out Sirius' keys in his hand. Harry took the keys. The gold, silver, and copper of Sirius' keys enchanted Harry as he felt through them with his fingers. Most of the keys, though obviously old, still had a luster, as if they'd never been used. Only one key didn't shine as much as the others. This odd key was rusty and old- fashioned. Harry thought maybe this was a key to another one of Sirius' great mysteries. Another key looked like a motor vehicle key, a copy because it was new, but a motor key just the same.
Harry felt a bit better, seeing Sirius' words. He knew Sirius had done what he had to. Harry would have done the same, in fact, he had when he thought Sirius was being held at the Department of Mysteries. And now Sirius requested him to one last duty. The mystery of it all stirred Harry's overindulged curiosity. He couldn't wait to do this for Sirius. Harry felt he owed to him.
"Professor, could you contact the members of the Order so we can read this to them tonight?"
"Yes, of course, Harry. Not everyone will be able to come, but I will make sure at least those mentioned exclusively come. Remus, Tonks, Minerva, and Severus will be very happy to come. I'm sure Moody will be here too; he really respected Sirius. Mrs. Weasley can get a hold of Arthur and the twins for you. Of course, you could go see the twins yourself." Dumbledore smiled, "That visit might do you some good." Harry nodded. Dumbledore stood up, patted Harry on the head, and said, "Harry I must leave now, but I will see you tonight."
"Thank you, professor."
"Harry, when we aren't at Hogwarts I would like you to call me Albus. I don't always feel like a professor." Dumbledore smiled and left the room talking to Mrs. Weasley on the way out. Mrs. Weasley came back to Harry and asked him if he'd like some tea.
"No thanks, Mrs. Weasley." Harry smiled briefly, than flopped back in his chair.
"Don't worry dear, things will turn out good. They just have to. I've already told Arthur about tonight."
"Mrs. Weasley?"
"Yes?" Harry sighed,
"Thank you."
Harry spent the day waiting for the night. He decided to go see the twins alone, so he took his father's invisibility cloak and used a port key to get Diagon Alley. The stores were buzzing with students getting their supplies for school. Twenty students were looking at the Firebolt in the Quidditch supply store window. Harry sighed. Sirius. Come back, Sirius. I still need you. Harry didn't want to think about life without Sirius to look up to and discuss all his problems with. He couldn't imagine asking Mr. or Mrs. Weasley about girls or telling them about his scar hurting. And he couldn't go straight to Dumbledore, partly because he was so busy, but also because Harry was intimidated by him, despite his friendly nature. Sirius had been just right. Asking Sirius questions was like telling an older version of himself questions about what they had already experienced. Sirius seemed to relive his life right with Harry, and Harry had enjoyed that, as did Sirius. Harry thought that Sirius may have began thinking he was like James, but soon Sirius grew into the man he had become. But even more than that, Harry wondered so much about his parents' life at Hogwarts, especially now that he'd began seeing a muse's memories about their days in the late seventies as upperclassmen. And that bit Sirius said about Snape, added to the mystery of it all. The words he used sounded just like what Hermione had said about their fights. The more Harry thought about it, the more he could see a bit of Snape in Sirius and even the vice. Maybe Snape wasn't so bad. I guess, maybe, I could manage to call him sir, but only because Sirius wanted it.
As Harry's thoughts strayed, he suddenly heard a voice whisper, "Harry, come here, what are you doing out of the dungeon?" It was Fred wearing a peculiar eyepiece that looked like a bloodshot springing eyeball. Fred saw Harry's surprised face, and said, "X-ray Eye Springs. We nicked one of Moody's auror devices from his office at Hogwarts. We developed these by duplicating the mechanism and adding our own personal touches. Come inside Harry!" Harry followed Fred in the back door of the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Shop. When they got inside the back office, Harry took off his cloak and asked,
"How's business? You aren't going to start selling eyepieces like that are you? I mean what good would this cloak be then?"
"Well, George and I have expanded our horizons, and decided that we could do a whole lot of good for the Order if we used our God given talents to invent more defense weapons, and if they look like gags all the more of a surprise for the enemy." Fred looked Harry over, "So, sick of Mum already, huh? Well, no surprise there. Still treating you like a little first year is she?" Fred grinned.
"Yeah, she is." Harry smiled a bit, then frowned, "I've come to ask you and George to come to the dungeon tonight."
"Business for the Order or Dumbledore's Army?"
"Technically neither, but most of the Order will be there, and so will Ron, Ginny, and Hermione." Harry stopped there and stared at his feet. Fred started to fidget, wondering what the Order would need from him, and finally shouted at Harry,
"Well, do I have to beg?" Fred said absolutely drooling with curiosity and waving his hands.
"Sirius' will reading is tonight. Since you two are mentioned in it you had better come." Fred's eyes weakened, as his whole body seemed to slouch. With affection seeping in his voice Fred said softly,
"Of course, we'll be there, Harry." They smiled awkwardly at each other, when George came in with a new masterpiece.
"Fred, look I've finished the new and improved portrait copier. Oh. Hi, Harry. Check this out!" George pointed what looked like a fazor gun out of muggle movies Harry had seen, at a portrait of Fred. A orange light shone out and magically created another portrait out of thin air precisely the same as the first. Both portraits even said the same words at the same time. It was amazingly accurate until they saw Fred and George. Then they looked at each other as if what they saw was not possible and the copy froze. "Damn. It froze again. I can't seem to work that kink out. I guess the originals are much better than the copies."
"Well, it is a good idea," said Harry trying to be encouraging.
"See George, our financial backer thinks it is still quite the achievement." George beamed, but tossed the gun in the trash.
"Guess I'll just start over. See you Harry." Fred looked back to Harry,
"Don't mind him. It's amazing. He is really addicted to inventing new devices. All day. All night. I don't know if he even sleeps. Horrible, really. All work and no play. Who would ever have thought?" Harry smiled.
"Well, Harry you better get going before someone misses you at home," Fred winked. "Oh, and here is some fun new stuff I've been saving for you. Directions in the bag." Fred patted Harry on the back and went into the store. Harry put his cloak back on and set out for the Hog's Head Dungeon.
That night the members of the Order arrived early for supper. Mrs. Weasley had been prepared for this so it was no set back. Fred and George were at their usual best zooming food and supplies over peoples heads and to their spots on the engorged table. Moody and Lupin were discussing something privately in the corner of the kitchen. Lupin smiled and Harry heard him say,
"That sounds like something Sirius would think of!" Harry was curious, but too nervous about the soon to come to indulge in the extendable ear the twins handed him. Harry sat down next to Ron, blankly staring into space. Harry wasn't hungry. He hadn't been able to eat since he arrived, even though Mrs. Weasley's food was amazing.
Harry's pale face almost smiled as he looked at the familiar faces across from him. Lupin had taken a seat next to him and Tonks, this time with spiky purple hair, sat directly opposite him. He found himself grinning as he gazed into Tonks' eyes that were constantly changing iris color. She noticed Harry looking at her and blushed while her hair sprang out and changed to her real raven black short spikes. Harry's face turned a deep red at this. Tonks had let him in on her biggest secret, that she couldn't control her morphing when she was nervous or embarrassed. Harry also had figured out that she had a crush on Lupin, though she had said nothing could ever happen of it because they were just friends. Harry moved his eyes toward the Weasley twins, who had finally taken seats, probably regrettably, next to Professor Snape. Snape was quietly staring at the table, obviously uncomfortable being there. He hadn't ever eaten with the lot of them, and Harry thought it could be difficult to block the memory of such excitement from anyone. Especially Voldemort.
Harry analyzed Snape, but was careful not to look at him directly. Snape's dark shortened hair, the same shade as Harry's, was greased down in a middle part. He had shaved the moustache he had worn last year at the time and that made his skin look even paler. His weary look made Snape look depressed, as if Sirius had been his best friend. In fact, if Harry hadn't known it was Snape he might have thought he was Sirius. Just as Harry became brave enough to look at Snape directly, Dumbledore arrived. Everyone stood up and waited in anticipation for Dumbledore to speak.
"We are here today to honor our most recently departed. It is always hard to see one we love leave us, but it is perhaps most difficult when the death is so mysterious. While I hold it to be my fault that Sirius was even at the Department of Mysteries, could we have loved him more if he hadn't gone? Sirius was a man who craved the field of battle and who would willingly risk his lives for all of us. It was wrong of me to force him to stay in that mansion. Sirius didn't want our pity, and the more of it he got the more taunted his greatest strengths were when being accused of everything he wasn't. Sirius' death was a great mistake and should never have happened. We all need to take care of each other, and be more open to allowing help with our mental health right along with the physical. No one deserves to be locked up and hidden from the action we all now face, if they do not wish to be. We must be more careful for each other, but never forget our daring. In the name of Sirius I raise my glass to courage, valor, and love." Everyone's glasses rose with a "Here. Here." Even Snape's glass was lifted, and Harry thought he saw a twinkle in his black eyes.
When supper was cleared, Harry caught Dumbledore while the others moved to the sitting room. Harry caught him before he joined the others and said, "Albus, um I mean professor?"
"Yes, Harry?" Dumbledore said with much compassion.
"It wasn't your fault, sir. It was all of ours. But it wasn't just your fault." Dumbledore's eyes filled with tears, and he hugged Harry.
"Thank you Harry. I needed that."
Everyone was crowding to the edges of the small sitting room when Harry and Dumbledore came in. With just a wave of his hand, Dumbledore made the tiny room four times larger and more comfortable. Harry was eternally amazed at how easy spelling seemed for Dumbledore. It took a few minutes for them all to get settled and then Tonks tripped over the fireplace tools. Mrs. Weasley scowled at her, picking up the tools Tonks had tripped over. When even Tonks had found a place, Harry stood up in front of everyone, scroll in hand and said,
"I think everyone here loved Sirius. I don't claim to have loved him more, but I did love him . . . greatly. He had very quickly become the only person I willingly told everything to. He was always ready and eager to answer any of my questions, and there was always something so easy about it. I suppose because Sirius loved me too right from the beginning . . . I think while we became great friends, he was able to grow up like he hadn't been able to before. He had me to worry about, I guess." Tears came into Harry's eyes as he squeaked, "Sirius was brave, honorable, and mysterious. Even his bad traits were admirable. His reckless love . . . anyway," Harry looked to the ceiling holding back his tears, "Sirius named Dumbledore his secret keeper and . . . professor?" Harry handed the scroll to Dumbledore. Harry took his place in the chair to the right of him and bent his head over in his hands to listen. Dumbledore read Sirius' words like poetry,
"I, Sirius Aeneas Black, am in mostly sound mind, though I hate being locked up in this dungeon for a mansion, as I write this, my Will and Testament. After sixteen years in Azkaban, I am rewriting what I gave to Albus Dumbledore back in my early days of the Order, in order to address the new situation I find myself in. Please know that however testy my emotions have been, you will not be reading this because I've done myself in. Hopefully, I have met my demise dueling against the worst of the enemy, while defending you, that I love, and not locked up here with Kreacher for company. Before I go on, I wish to tell all of you and all others that I was completely innocent of the crimes I was thrown in Azkaban for. I never, nor ever, will be in compact with Voldemort or any of my x-family still seen on that horrible Black family tapestry of my mother's. I hope that little Petey gets what he deserves for those crimes I served time for, and also for betrayal to all of us including Lily and James. Other than the curses I have for Pete, here are my wishes concerning all that is left for me to give . . .
To the Order of the Phoenix, feel free to use 12 Grimmauld Place as long as you are able. Be more careful than I ever was and watch your backs! Godspeed to you all!
To Albus Dumbledore I say thank you for trusting me. I have nothing you could possibly need, but we have already discussed that and you know what to do now. Also, Minerva, as my last act as a guardian, I give Harry permission to go to Hogsmeade or anywhere he feels like whenever it is allowed by Hogwarts' Headmaster or Headmistress.
To my dear Meda Black, I entrust our most sacred get-away cottage. The palace in the hills past Hogwarts. I hope you can continue to make happy memories there. I wish that your future will find you with your Rolf and many children with raven black hair and extreme intelligence. It might be helpful if you give them a healthy dose of your cousin Si too, otherwise they might just hang out in the library by themselves all day like a couple people I knew once upon a time. Although I guess you were a bit wilder together out in that deep green forest of yours. I hope you return there someday and that Rolf allows himself to be happy. You will always be the better half with the patience of a saint, but let him come around in his own time. I know he still loves you.
To Severus Snape, Oh Snivellus, I bet you are glad to see me go, but I will, at least, miss our little quarrels. They have been amusing and well, exciting. Thank you, Severus, for being a worthy competitor and if you really are who Dumbledore says you are, I'm grateful that you will be around Harry for some time after me. It really is too bad that we never came around for each other. We are probably more alike than we care to realize. I leave you three crystal orbs to protect memories from those you don't wish to view them. Don't wear them for everyone to see, but have them with you in dark times. Albus holds them for you.
To the greatest of the four, Remus J. Lupin, a.k.a. Moony, oh Moony, the days we've had, the days we haven't. I wish there would have been time to know each other again. I wish we could get eighteen years back. Dear friend, don't forget me, and remember to be wild and happy once in a while. Once a month should be just the ticket! I leave you to be guardian of that person I have come to hold most dear, Harry Potter, until such time as he comes of age and just needs a pal or until Molly and Arthur Weasley adopt him. With any situation, do for him what I would do for him. This includes helping Harry carry his burden and manage his finances, along with the rest of his inheritance. I know that is a lot, but I know you would have done as much anyway. And I also know this will just blow in the wind, like someone's attempt to make James and I behave better once upon a time by making you a prefect, but I'll give it a try. Please try to talk sense into Harry when he acts like I always have. Also you have my permission to ask the unaskable in order to make yourself happy, as well as, someone else I hold very dear.
This means that to Molly and Arthur Weasley, who despite our differences, I trust dearly, I do give my blessing to adopt Harry, as the Potter's did myself some eighteen years ago. Provided, of course, that Harry wishes to be adopted. Molly, please realize that I do know the difference between James and Harry. I have had many hours to think on it and the reality is that Harry is really turning out to be more like me than anyone. Don't be surprised when he finally runs away from the Dursleys when he turns sixteen. Your Ron is actually the one like James, and Hermione, you are Moony eighteen years ago. Molly, do try to let Harry be a man and be himself, whether he turns out like me or not. That is his true power.
Fred and George Weasley I leave you the last of my sneaky tricks—one invisibility cloak, any creatures lurking in the Black Mansion useful for your business, other than Kreacher, and my journals of practical jokes and other things, in Harry's chest. Albus has the cloak for you. I would like you to allow the Order to continue using it, but as it is yours, it will be left for you to decide.
To Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger I entrust Harry's mental well-being and the duty to persuade Harry to learn occulmency and anything that can protect him for the days to come. Your influence has helped Harry in great times of need. I will miss seeing you two finally hit it off, but good luck to you, and don't forget to be like Snuffles once and a while. Courage Ron!
Nymphadora Tonks, you and Harry share ownership of 12 Grimmauld Place. You will have authority over Kreacher. I've told him this already today, so he must obey you. My advice is to get rid of all of it, except for Kreacher, as soon as it is of no use to the Order. Maybe someday you two can sell it to some wanna be heroes.
Finally, Harry I hope you know that I do love you. I knew the day I saw you at the hospital that one day we would be great mates, and indeed so we have become. I also never break oaths so I am giving you your inheritance from your father that was left with Dumbledore until I came back. There is a chest of auror devices and ancient mysteries, a map of a place only James could go, your father's school things, and a duty I need to ask of you. The chest has been hidden in our meeting place from your fourth year. You will need to figure out how to unhide it. The clue is the Chamber of Secrets.
Within the chest you will find many treasures, three of them I need you to give to someone. This is extremely important. I don't care if it takes you 20 years to do it, but it must be done. If I could have done it myself I would have. Within your father's chest I've placed a box containing the items you must deliver to a certain person. Look inside for directions on what to do and who to give it to. There should be a ring, a portrait, and a large orb like the one on the ring. Follow the directions to the letter.
Albus also has a ring of keys that opens the chest and some of the devices within it. These keys are now yours. One key is for the mansion, one for my vault, at Gringott's, about thirteen I don't remember what they are for, and one for something you will find near the chest. That last something you will enjoy thoroughly. I only wish I could have rode it once more. Oh, and in case I forgot to mention it, Harry, you get the rest of my loot in the vault. Not near what you dad has hidden for you, but definitely substantial.
Lastly, Harry, I wish your life to come out happy. Don't bother yourself over me. I can take care of myself and might get to see your dad again. After you get rid of Voldemort make sure to live your life to the fullest, love all around you, and become everything I know you can be. Oh, and I guess you could at least call Snape sir.
Carpe Diem!
Love you all,
Sirius Black
Cheers!
a.k.a. Snuffles and Padfoot"
When Dumbledore finished Sirius' will he added, "Sirius also wished me to tell you that he has been grateful to know each of you again. He only wished time would let us all be together, free, and happy. He loved us all deeply, yes, Severus, even you. You two have bickered through it all, but just as Sirius finally admitted in his will, you two are very much alike." Dumbledore smiled looking at Harry, "Perhaps we all can learn from Sirius' thoughts."
Chapter 9-Sirius' Will
The next morning Mrs. Weasley came into Harry and Ron's room sobbing. She shook Harry awake and said,
"Harry dear, Professor Dumbledore wants to see you." Her face filled with compassion and she kissed Harry's forehead. Harry rubbed his eyes and shook his arm that had fallen asleep. He pushed away his blankets, put on his wire-rimmed glasses, and followed Mrs. Weasley out to the dungeon's sitting room. Harry, expecting to see only the professor's face in a fireplace or the two-way mirror, found Dumbledore himself sitting in the same ratty chair Harry sat in the night before discussing Blanche's memories. Dumbledore stood up and smiled at Harry. Harry nodded at him avoiding the professor's kind blue-grey eyes. Finding it hard to be comfortable around Dumbledore anymore, since the great wizard had not trusted him enough with the prophecy and the information regarding Sirius' death, Harry slouched onto the leather couch across from the professor. Dumbledore sat down after Harry and handed him a scroll of parchment sealed with wax in the Black family seal. Dumbledore than said slowly,
"I was Sirius' secret keeper. Everyone in the Order knows they are in constant danger so we entrust each other with our last thoughts and, of course, our wills. That scroll is Sirius' will. I was witness to it and now am giving it to you, as Sirius named you his heir. If you wish to gather those named in it, I am to perform the reading." Harry couldn't open the scroll just yet.
"Professor . . . you would tell me if you knew Sirius was still alive, wouldn't you?" Harry questioned wanting to know whether his inner hope could possibly have some truth to it. Dumbledore sighed and said,
"Harry, I don't think anyone but you can know how much I wish Sirius was still with us. The truth is he is not here, and even if there were a possibility of him being alive, he still is lost to us. The black veil in the "Death Chamber" is very mysterious to all of us who haven't passed through it. I don't know how I could possibly tell you with absolute certainty that he is in fact dead. Our hearts are probably more reliable for that." Harry's face brightened with the hope. Dumbledore frowned raising his hand to Harry for a moment to think. "I do not want you to falsely hope that Sirius could come back. No one knows how and if that is even possible. I doubt I could figure it out myself." Dumbledore paused seemingly deep in thought and then said with deep concern, "Harry, please don't be tempted with the veil like you were the Mirror of Erised." Dumbledore shook his head and sighed again. "All I can really claim to know, Harry, is that Sirius is no longer in our plane of existence. Therefore, he is not with us, and probably never will be." Harry slumped in his chair looking more forlorn than earlier. "So in that way Sirius is dead, Harry."
Harry frowned, not surprised at what he'd just heard. Between Ron, Hermione, and himself they had realized as much. Harry wanted facts and he wanted to know Sirius was dead, and not somewhere where Harry could save him. Harry couldn't put Sirius away until he saw Sirius' body. Without that, Harry would still carry a longing hope. Harry finally decided to open Sirius' scroll and skim through the words. Every word breathed Sirius' personality. Every word brave, honorable, mysterious, and fun. Harry hoped to be as good a man as Sirius was. There had to be a piece of Sirius in himself. Just as Harry thought that he read,
"Molly, please realize that I do know the difference between James and Harry. I have had many hours to think on it, and the reality is that Harry is really turning out to be more like me than anyone. Don't be surprised when he finally runs away from the Dursleys when he turns sixteen. Your Ron is actually the one like James, and Hermione, you are Moony eighteen years ago. Molly, do try to let Harry be a man and be himself, whether he turns out like me or not. That is his true power."
Harry touched by Sirius' words about him smiled a trifle and continued to read. He eyes widened as he read of his inheritance from his father and the mysterious duty Sirius was passing to him. And then, the keys. "That last something you will enjoy thoroughly. I only wish I could have road it once more." Harry looked up at Dumbledore and before he could ask the professor for what he wanted, Dumbledore held out Sirius' keys in his hand. Harry took the keys. The gold, silver, and copper of Sirius' keys enchanted Harry as he felt through them with his fingers. Most of the keys, though obviously old, still had a luster, as if they'd never been used. Only one key didn't shine as much as the others. This odd key was rusty and old- fashioned. Harry thought maybe this was a key to another one of Sirius' great mysteries. Another key looked like a motor vehicle key, a copy because it was new, but a motor key just the same.
Harry felt a bit better, seeing Sirius' words. He knew Sirius had done what he had to. Harry would have done the same, in fact, he had when he thought Sirius was being held at the Department of Mysteries. And now Sirius requested him to one last duty. The mystery of it all stirred Harry's overindulged curiosity. He couldn't wait to do this for Sirius. Harry felt he owed to him.
"Professor, could you contact the members of the Order so we can read this to them tonight?"
"Yes, of course, Harry. Not everyone will be able to come, but I will make sure at least those mentioned exclusively come. Remus, Tonks, Minerva, and Severus will be very happy to come. I'm sure Moody will be here too; he really respected Sirius. Mrs. Weasley can get a hold of Arthur and the twins for you. Of course, you could go see the twins yourself." Dumbledore smiled, "That visit might do you some good." Harry nodded. Dumbledore stood up, patted Harry on the head, and said, "Harry I must leave now, but I will see you tonight."
"Thank you, professor."
"Harry, when we aren't at Hogwarts I would like you to call me Albus. I don't always feel like a professor." Dumbledore smiled and left the room talking to Mrs. Weasley on the way out. Mrs. Weasley came back to Harry and asked him if he'd like some tea.
"No thanks, Mrs. Weasley." Harry smiled briefly, than flopped back in his chair.
"Don't worry dear, things will turn out good. They just have to. I've already told Arthur about tonight."
"Mrs. Weasley?"
"Yes?" Harry sighed,
"Thank you."
Harry spent the day waiting for the night. He decided to go see the twins alone, so he took his father's invisibility cloak and used a port key to get Diagon Alley. The stores were buzzing with students getting their supplies for school. Twenty students were looking at the Firebolt in the Quidditch supply store window. Harry sighed. Sirius. Come back, Sirius. I still need you. Harry didn't want to think about life without Sirius to look up to and discuss all his problems with. He couldn't imagine asking Mr. or Mrs. Weasley about girls or telling them about his scar hurting. And he couldn't go straight to Dumbledore, partly because he was so busy, but also because Harry was intimidated by him, despite his friendly nature. Sirius had been just right. Asking Sirius questions was like telling an older version of himself questions about what they had already experienced. Sirius seemed to relive his life right with Harry, and Harry had enjoyed that, as did Sirius. Harry thought that Sirius may have began thinking he was like James, but soon Sirius grew into the man he had become. But even more than that, Harry wondered so much about his parents' life at Hogwarts, especially now that he'd began seeing a muse's memories about their days in the late seventies as upperclassmen. And that bit Sirius said about Snape, added to the mystery of it all. The words he used sounded just like what Hermione had said about their fights. The more Harry thought about it, the more he could see a bit of Snape in Sirius and even the vice. Maybe Snape wasn't so bad. I guess, maybe, I could manage to call him sir, but only because Sirius wanted it.
As Harry's thoughts strayed, he suddenly heard a voice whisper, "Harry, come here, what are you doing out of the dungeon?" It was Fred wearing a peculiar eyepiece that looked like a bloodshot springing eyeball. Fred saw Harry's surprised face, and said, "X-ray Eye Springs. We nicked one of Moody's auror devices from his office at Hogwarts. We developed these by duplicating the mechanism and adding our own personal touches. Come inside Harry!" Harry followed Fred in the back door of the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Shop. When they got inside the back office, Harry took off his cloak and asked,
"How's business? You aren't going to start selling eyepieces like that are you? I mean what good would this cloak be then?"
"Well, George and I have expanded our horizons, and decided that we could do a whole lot of good for the Order if we used our God given talents to invent more defense weapons, and if they look like gags all the more of a surprise for the enemy." Fred looked Harry over, "So, sick of Mum already, huh? Well, no surprise there. Still treating you like a little first year is she?" Fred grinned.
"Yeah, she is." Harry smiled a bit, then frowned, "I've come to ask you and George to come to the dungeon tonight."
"Business for the Order or Dumbledore's Army?"
"Technically neither, but most of the Order will be there, and so will Ron, Ginny, and Hermione." Harry stopped there and stared at his feet. Fred started to fidget, wondering what the Order would need from him, and finally shouted at Harry,
"Well, do I have to beg?" Fred said absolutely drooling with curiosity and waving his hands.
"Sirius' will reading is tonight. Since you two are mentioned in it you had better come." Fred's eyes weakened, as his whole body seemed to slouch. With affection seeping in his voice Fred said softly,
"Of course, we'll be there, Harry." They smiled awkwardly at each other, when George came in with a new masterpiece.
"Fred, look I've finished the new and improved portrait copier. Oh. Hi, Harry. Check this out!" George pointed what looked like a fazor gun out of muggle movies Harry had seen, at a portrait of Fred. A orange light shone out and magically created another portrait out of thin air precisely the same as the first. Both portraits even said the same words at the same time. It was amazingly accurate until they saw Fred and George. Then they looked at each other as if what they saw was not possible and the copy froze. "Damn. It froze again. I can't seem to work that kink out. I guess the originals are much better than the copies."
"Well, it is a good idea," said Harry trying to be encouraging.
"See George, our financial backer thinks it is still quite the achievement." George beamed, but tossed the gun in the trash.
"Guess I'll just start over. See you Harry." Fred looked back to Harry,
"Don't mind him. It's amazing. He is really addicted to inventing new devices. All day. All night. I don't know if he even sleeps. Horrible, really. All work and no play. Who would ever have thought?" Harry smiled.
"Well, Harry you better get going before someone misses you at home," Fred winked. "Oh, and here is some fun new stuff I've been saving for you. Directions in the bag." Fred patted Harry on the back and went into the store. Harry put his cloak back on and set out for the Hog's Head Dungeon.
That night the members of the Order arrived early for supper. Mrs. Weasley had been prepared for this so it was no set back. Fred and George were at their usual best zooming food and supplies over peoples heads and to their spots on the engorged table. Moody and Lupin were discussing something privately in the corner of the kitchen. Lupin smiled and Harry heard him say,
"That sounds like something Sirius would think of!" Harry was curious, but too nervous about the soon to come to indulge in the extendable ear the twins handed him. Harry sat down next to Ron, blankly staring into space. Harry wasn't hungry. He hadn't been able to eat since he arrived, even though Mrs. Weasley's food was amazing.
Harry's pale face almost smiled as he looked at the familiar faces across from him. Lupin had taken a seat next to him and Tonks, this time with spiky purple hair, sat directly opposite him. He found himself grinning as he gazed into Tonks' eyes that were constantly changing iris color. She noticed Harry looking at her and blushed while her hair sprang out and changed to her real raven black short spikes. Harry's face turned a deep red at this. Tonks had let him in on her biggest secret, that she couldn't control her morphing when she was nervous or embarrassed. Harry also had figured out that she had a crush on Lupin, though she had said nothing could ever happen of it because they were just friends. Harry moved his eyes toward the Weasley twins, who had finally taken seats, probably regrettably, next to Professor Snape. Snape was quietly staring at the table, obviously uncomfortable being there. He hadn't ever eaten with the lot of them, and Harry thought it could be difficult to block the memory of such excitement from anyone. Especially Voldemort.
Harry analyzed Snape, but was careful not to look at him directly. Snape's dark shortened hair, the same shade as Harry's, was greased down in a middle part. He had shaved the moustache he had worn last year at the time and that made his skin look even paler. His weary look made Snape look depressed, as if Sirius had been his best friend. In fact, if Harry hadn't known it was Snape he might have thought he was Sirius. Just as Harry became brave enough to look at Snape directly, Dumbledore arrived. Everyone stood up and waited in anticipation for Dumbledore to speak.
"We are here today to honor our most recently departed. It is always hard to see one we love leave us, but it is perhaps most difficult when the death is so mysterious. While I hold it to be my fault that Sirius was even at the Department of Mysteries, could we have loved him more if he hadn't gone? Sirius was a man who craved the field of battle and who would willingly risk his lives for all of us. It was wrong of me to force him to stay in that mansion. Sirius didn't want our pity, and the more of it he got the more taunted his greatest strengths were when being accused of everything he wasn't. Sirius' death was a great mistake and should never have happened. We all need to take care of each other, and be more open to allowing help with our mental health right along with the physical. No one deserves to be locked up and hidden from the action we all now face, if they do not wish to be. We must be more careful for each other, but never forget our daring. In the name of Sirius I raise my glass to courage, valor, and love." Everyone's glasses rose with a "Here. Here." Even Snape's glass was lifted, and Harry thought he saw a twinkle in his black eyes.
When supper was cleared, Harry caught Dumbledore while the others moved to the sitting room. Harry caught him before he joined the others and said, "Albus, um I mean professor?"
"Yes, Harry?" Dumbledore said with much compassion.
"It wasn't your fault, sir. It was all of ours. But it wasn't just your fault." Dumbledore's eyes filled with tears, and he hugged Harry.
"Thank you Harry. I needed that."
Everyone was crowding to the edges of the small sitting room when Harry and Dumbledore came in. With just a wave of his hand, Dumbledore made the tiny room four times larger and more comfortable. Harry was eternally amazed at how easy spelling seemed for Dumbledore. It took a few minutes for them all to get settled and then Tonks tripped over the fireplace tools. Mrs. Weasley scowled at her, picking up the tools Tonks had tripped over. When even Tonks had found a place, Harry stood up in front of everyone, scroll in hand and said,
"I think everyone here loved Sirius. I don't claim to have loved him more, but I did love him . . . greatly. He had very quickly become the only person I willingly told everything to. He was always ready and eager to answer any of my questions, and there was always something so easy about it. I suppose because Sirius loved me too right from the beginning . . . I think while we became great friends, he was able to grow up like he hadn't been able to before. He had me to worry about, I guess." Tears came into Harry's eyes as he squeaked, "Sirius was brave, honorable, and mysterious. Even his bad traits were admirable. His reckless love . . . anyway," Harry looked to the ceiling holding back his tears, "Sirius named Dumbledore his secret keeper and . . . professor?" Harry handed the scroll to Dumbledore. Harry took his place in the chair to the right of him and bent his head over in his hands to listen. Dumbledore read Sirius' words like poetry,
"I, Sirius Aeneas Black, am in mostly sound mind, though I hate being locked up in this dungeon for a mansion, as I write this, my Will and Testament. After sixteen years in Azkaban, I am rewriting what I gave to Albus Dumbledore back in my early days of the Order, in order to address the new situation I find myself in. Please know that however testy my emotions have been, you will not be reading this because I've done myself in. Hopefully, I have met my demise dueling against the worst of the enemy, while defending you, that I love, and not locked up here with Kreacher for company. Before I go on, I wish to tell all of you and all others that I was completely innocent of the crimes I was thrown in Azkaban for. I never, nor ever, will be in compact with Voldemort or any of my x-family still seen on that horrible Black family tapestry of my mother's. I hope that little Petey gets what he deserves for those crimes I served time for, and also for betrayal to all of us including Lily and James. Other than the curses I have for Pete, here are my wishes concerning all that is left for me to give . . .
To the Order of the Phoenix, feel free to use 12 Grimmauld Place as long as you are able. Be more careful than I ever was and watch your backs! Godspeed to you all!
To Albus Dumbledore I say thank you for trusting me. I have nothing you could possibly need, but we have already discussed that and you know what to do now. Also, Minerva, as my last act as a guardian, I give Harry permission to go to Hogsmeade or anywhere he feels like whenever it is allowed by Hogwarts' Headmaster or Headmistress.
To my dear Meda Black, I entrust our most sacred get-away cottage. The palace in the hills past Hogwarts. I hope you can continue to make happy memories there. I wish that your future will find you with your Rolf and many children with raven black hair and extreme intelligence. It might be helpful if you give them a healthy dose of your cousin Si too, otherwise they might just hang out in the library by themselves all day like a couple people I knew once upon a time. Although I guess you were a bit wilder together out in that deep green forest of yours. I hope you return there someday and that Rolf allows himself to be happy. You will always be the better half with the patience of a saint, but let him come around in his own time. I know he still loves you.
To Severus Snape, Oh Snivellus, I bet you are glad to see me go, but I will, at least, miss our little quarrels. They have been amusing and well, exciting. Thank you, Severus, for being a worthy competitor and if you really are who Dumbledore says you are, I'm grateful that you will be around Harry for some time after me. It really is too bad that we never came around for each other. We are probably more alike than we care to realize. I leave you three crystal orbs to protect memories from those you don't wish to view them. Don't wear them for everyone to see, but have them with you in dark times. Albus holds them for you.
To the greatest of the four, Remus J. Lupin, a.k.a. Moony, oh Moony, the days we've had, the days we haven't. I wish there would have been time to know each other again. I wish we could get eighteen years back. Dear friend, don't forget me, and remember to be wild and happy once in a while. Once a month should be just the ticket! I leave you to be guardian of that person I have come to hold most dear, Harry Potter, until such time as he comes of age and just needs a pal or until Molly and Arthur Weasley adopt him. With any situation, do for him what I would do for him. This includes helping Harry carry his burden and manage his finances, along with the rest of his inheritance. I know that is a lot, but I know you would have done as much anyway. And I also know this will just blow in the wind, like someone's attempt to make James and I behave better once upon a time by making you a prefect, but I'll give it a try. Please try to talk sense into Harry when he acts like I always have. Also you have my permission to ask the unaskable in order to make yourself happy, as well as, someone else I hold very dear.
This means that to Molly and Arthur Weasley, who despite our differences, I trust dearly, I do give my blessing to adopt Harry, as the Potter's did myself some eighteen years ago. Provided, of course, that Harry wishes to be adopted. Molly, please realize that I do know the difference between James and Harry. I have had many hours to think on it and the reality is that Harry is really turning out to be more like me than anyone. Don't be surprised when he finally runs away from the Dursleys when he turns sixteen. Your Ron is actually the one like James, and Hermione, you are Moony eighteen years ago. Molly, do try to let Harry be a man and be himself, whether he turns out like me or not. That is his true power.
Fred and George Weasley I leave you the last of my sneaky tricks—one invisibility cloak, any creatures lurking in the Black Mansion useful for your business, other than Kreacher, and my journals of practical jokes and other things, in Harry's chest. Albus has the cloak for you. I would like you to allow the Order to continue using it, but as it is yours, it will be left for you to decide.
To Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger I entrust Harry's mental well-being and the duty to persuade Harry to learn occulmency and anything that can protect him for the days to come. Your influence has helped Harry in great times of need. I will miss seeing you two finally hit it off, but good luck to you, and don't forget to be like Snuffles once and a while. Courage Ron!
Nymphadora Tonks, you and Harry share ownership of 12 Grimmauld Place. You will have authority over Kreacher. I've told him this already today, so he must obey you. My advice is to get rid of all of it, except for Kreacher, as soon as it is of no use to the Order. Maybe someday you two can sell it to some wanna be heroes.
Finally, Harry I hope you know that I do love you. I knew the day I saw you at the hospital that one day we would be great mates, and indeed so we have become. I also never break oaths so I am giving you your inheritance from your father that was left with Dumbledore until I came back. There is a chest of auror devices and ancient mysteries, a map of a place only James could go, your father's school things, and a duty I need to ask of you. The chest has been hidden in our meeting place from your fourth year. You will need to figure out how to unhide it. The clue is the Chamber of Secrets.
Within the chest you will find many treasures, three of them I need you to give to someone. This is extremely important. I don't care if it takes you 20 years to do it, but it must be done. If I could have done it myself I would have. Within your father's chest I've placed a box containing the items you must deliver to a certain person. Look inside for directions on what to do and who to give it to. There should be a ring, a portrait, and a large orb like the one on the ring. Follow the directions to the letter.
Albus also has a ring of keys that opens the chest and some of the devices within it. These keys are now yours. One key is for the mansion, one for my vault, at Gringott's, about thirteen I don't remember what they are for, and one for something you will find near the chest. That last something you will enjoy thoroughly. I only wish I could have rode it once more. Oh, and in case I forgot to mention it, Harry, you get the rest of my loot in the vault. Not near what you dad has hidden for you, but definitely substantial.
Lastly, Harry, I wish your life to come out happy. Don't bother yourself over me. I can take care of myself and might get to see your dad again. After you get rid of Voldemort make sure to live your life to the fullest, love all around you, and become everything I know you can be. Oh, and I guess you could at least call Snape sir.
Carpe Diem!
Love you all,
Sirius Black
Cheers!
a.k.a. Snuffles and Padfoot"
When Dumbledore finished Sirius' will he added, "Sirius also wished me to tell you that he has been grateful to know each of you again. He only wished time would let us all be together, free, and happy. He loved us all deeply, yes, Severus, even you. You two have bickered through it all, but just as Sirius finally admitted in his will, you two are very much alike." Dumbledore smiled looking at Harry, "Perhaps we all can learn from Sirius' thoughts."