Summery: Harry has Sirius back in his life, a house and friends. What could go wrong?
No Longer Running
Chapter Four
Sixth Year Begins
"Harry," Sirius said as he tried to wake his godson. Receiving no reaction he sighed and tugged the covers off of Harry. "Harry." He called again shaking him awake. Slowly green eyes opened and stared blurrily at his godfather. "You need to catch the Hogwarts Express." Sirius reminded Harry who seemed to wake up a little more. "You have an hour to get ready." Harry nodded and Sirius left the room.
It didn't take Harry long to get dressed and get his trunk down the stairs.
"Harry, can I see you a moment?" Sirius asked from the living room doorway. Harry nodded and followed Sirius to the couch and watched as Sirius pulled out a package. "I want you to have this."
Harry examined the package somewhat perplexed. "Siri, my birthday already passed."
"I know." Sirius said smiling. "This is just something I want you to have."
Harry nodded and began to tear off the wrapping. Inside was a box. Opening the box Harry was confused by the gift. "A mirror?" He asked glancing at his godfather who grinned.
"Not just any mirror." Sirius corrected. "Your father and I created them – for when we were in separate detentions. All you do is say my name and I can talk to you through mine." He pulled out a duplicate of the one he gave to Harry. "This is so we can keep in touch better. I want you to still write to me though." Sirius warned before continuing. "I want you to contact me if you have any problems, or just want to talk."
Harry nodded. "Okay. Thanks!" Harry said giving Sirius a quick hug.
"Ready to go?" Sirius asked motioning to the floo. Harry nodded and gathered his belongings.
Arriving at the Weasley's they quickly said their hello's flooed to Kings Cross station.
"Have a good year, Harry." Sirius said hugging Harry.
Ron, who had just been hugged by Molly pulled away red faced with embarrassment. Harry however showed no embarrassment at hugging his godfather. Sirius assumed it had a lot to do with how close he and Harry were.
Harry, Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Fred and George all boarded the Hogwarts Express and found an empty compartment.
The train ride was slow and the six friends quickly caught up on each others summers. Hermione told them about the wonderful summer she had had in America and she and Harry got onto a discussion about the differences while the others listen halfway while playing Snap and Chess.
The compartment door slid open halting everyone in the compartment. "Hey, Potter!" Cried the blonde boy everyone knew as Malfoy.
"Couldn't find your own compartment, Malfoy?" Harry asked innocently.
Draco sneered and then smirked. "So how's it living with the convict?"
"What convict?" Harry asked eyes narrowing. "Sirius was freed of charges."
"Why don't you leave us alone, Malfoy?" Ron spoke up. "You've no business here."
"Ohh, but it's too much fun to pick on the sorry excuses of Pure-Bloods, the Mud-Blood, and the Scar Face."
All the Weasley's fumed and their faces became almost as red as their hair. Hermione looked upset and angry at the same time. Fred was the first to speak up.
"And your so great that you need to seek us out year after year. Yeah your really something." Fred said sarcastically.
Malfoy fumed, turned on his heel and left the compartment, slamming the door closed.
"Malfoy seeks you out every year?" Harry asked looking at his friends.
"Every year." Ginny confirmed shaking her head in disgust.
Harry sat at the Gryffindor table in the great hall and chatted excitedly with Ron and Hermione and Ginny and Neville. The first years had already been sorted. The Headmaster stood stopping all conversation in the Hall. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!" He cried extending his arms. "Welcome back to those who have been schooled here a previous year, and welcome to those who are new! Now, let the feast begin!"
Food appeared on the plates in the middle of the house and staff table and everyone began to dig in. Half way through dinner a tap on Harry's shoulder forced him to cease his conversation with Hermione about classes.
"Yes?" He asked the young auburn haired Slytherin girl behind him.
"I was asked to give you this." She handed him a slip of paper.
"Thanks." He said flashing her a polite smile before she turned around and walked back to her table. Several students stared curiously at Harry because it was so odd for a Slytherin to be polite to a Gryffindor, but Harry ignored them. He assumed she was only polite because she'd been asked to give him a note by a teacher. Opening the note he read:
Mr. Potter,
Do not forget. Meet me after the feast so we may discuss your impending lessons.
Professor Severus Snape
Harry folded the note back up and put it inside his robes. Looking up at the staff table he nodded lightly to Professor Snape who had been watching him and he began his meal again.
After the feast everyone headed to diner feeling happy and fully; everyone except Harry who headed to Professor Snape's office. Arriving at the door to the Dungeon classroom Harry knocked lightly; Snape had very good hearing so it wasn't necessary for him to knock any louder.
"Enter!" Snape's voice flowed through the door. Harry opened the door and entered the Potion's class room. Professor Snape was seated at his desk and appeared to be going over some files. He looked up as Harry neared him. "Hello, Mr. Potter."
"Hello, Professor." Harry said politely.
"Are you wanting to continue our lessons this year?" Professor Snape asked coolly.
Harry nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, sir."
Snape regarded him for a moment before speaking. "And your Godfather has no problem with it?"
Harry winced slightly. He knew Snape and Sirius did not get along. He and Sirius had discussed it several times over the summer. Sirius was confused about why Harry would want to take lessons with Snape, but he accepted it anyway. He couldn't fault it if Harry was enjoying his lessons with Snape. "He's not ecstatic about the lessons, but he's agreed that I can do them. He even wrote a letter for me to give to you." Harry said pulling out the letter and handing it to Snape. Professor Snape didn't read the letter, he just placed it on his desk.
"Your lessons are Tuesday evenings before dinner."
Harry nodded. "Thanks Professor!"
Snape nodded. "Have a good night."
"You too!" Harry replied flashing a grin. He took that as a dismissal and left the Dungeons.
After Harry left Professor Snape picked up the letter and regarded it a moment before he slid the piece of paper out of the envelope and began to read the untidy scrawl.
Professor Severus Snape,
It is difficult for me to be cordial to you, but for Harry I will do my best. I would prefer it if Harry did not take these lessons from you, as I know he is very well adept at Potions. But he tells me he enjoys his lessons with you nonetheless. The only reason I am allowing these lessons to continue this year is because he wants them. I will warn you however, do not hurt or upset him! Keep our childhood out of this. I also want to thank you for how you helped him last year.
Sirius Black
Concerned Godfather
End of Chapter Four
A/N: Hello everyone! Finally another chapter! I hope you all like it! Please REVIEW!
My friend, Meera, the one who just turned fifteen says, "Thank you!" to everyone who wished her a happy birthday!
Also, this if you plan on going to the movies soon and have a kid, Nanny McPhee is GREAT!