Chapter Nineteen

"Harry!" Sirius trembled with delight as he saw his Godson step into the infirmary. He really wanted to leave, having spent almost two weeks in bed.

The emerald-eyed youthsmiled brightly at his Godfather, "Hello, Snuffles."

"Hey!" Sirius pouted at that ridiculousname. "It's Padfoot. But did you hear!"

Harry laughed loudly at the excited, bouncing wizard. "Yes, Siri. I was there when they freed you. I was there when you came back. Haven't you heard?"

"Albus told me all about it. But nothing else."

Both men knew Sirius was trying to dig for information, "Very well." Harry plopped down beside his Godfather, sharing a large hug, lasting for a few moments. "Merlin, I missed you, Sirius."

"Missed you too, Harry."

Each sniffled, trying to keep the tears from falling, not caring that the other knew. It had been too long since they were together. "Maybe this might cheer you up. We've got a new Minister. He was the one who made sure you were pardoned publicly and given back everything you owned and inherited since Bellatrix's death."

"Who? Fudge couldn't have willingly given it up!"

"No, he was forcibly removed by the same Gods that gave you to me. And then the next day Lucius Malfoy was sworn in."

"What! Malfoy!"

Emerald eyes narrowed, hushing Sirius' next comments. "Lucius was on our side, after a proposition by me. I gave him the power and prestige as Minister and he helped me destroy his Lord. And now the world is slowly picking up the pieces. As a matter a fact, just today a decree came out. Any one seen disrespecting a Dark Creature, even refusing to house them or giving them a job, will see the inside of Azkaban for at least six months. After that, if it continues, two years in Azkaban and the loss of their home or establishment to the Dark creature they abused."

Sirius' mouth dropped, "Remus?"

"Has a new job as the permanent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with Severus as co-professor. Draco Malfoy has his Master's in Potions and will take over when Severus is otherwiseoccupied."

Swallowing, "And me?"

Here Harry smirked, "You get to decide. And Lucius has promised no matter what you decide it will happen. You could even be Head Auror if you wished. After all Lucius wants to be shown as a fair and just Minister, willing to do what it takes to protect our world and those residing within."

"And you?"

"I haven't decided yet. I'm thinking of going into the Ministry for a possible career in Curse Breaking, even anUnspeakable, since learning the arts of Circe." Sirius' dark eyes widened, tears of happiness brightening his glaze. Not many have been able to learn such a gift. "Yeah, I was able to learn it all within the confines of the Amazon."

Sirius frowned, confused, "Amazon?"

Harry took a deep breath, please don't judge me, Sirius. I had to. "Yes. In my Sixth Year, after I lost you I knew I had to do something. I wasn't ready to face Voldemort. Having him invade my head, sending false images, proved that. I needed to learn, to train more. And I also knew, as much as he cared, Dumbledore wouldn't give in too much. So, I went to Remus and Severus for help. I had them start teaching everything they knew in Dark Arts, in Dark magic, and how to defend against it." Seeing the raging look in Sirius' eyes, Harry hurried forward, "I knew Voldemort would have no conscience about using such magic. I had to defend myself against it. And that was when the plan began.

"Draco was the one that approached me. He didn't want to bow like his Father. As a matter of fact, I think he believed that Lucius wanted out. But only with a good reason. I gave it to them. I promised them a better position in society by granting Luciusthe Minister's job. And Lucius agreed, knowing he could discredit Fudge and gain the position easily. He also knew that staying on my side, as well as those I fought for, that his family name would grow in wealth, power, and respect. Therefore, he made the decrees to help the Dark creatures, to pardon you when Pettigrew was found, and to further protect our world. He also made sure that Muggleborns and Half-bloods would have a better education, especially the Muggleborns. He believed that all Muggleborns should have the decision to learn about a new world before entering it. And if they didn't that their magical core could be caged until they were sure what they wanted."

Sirius' mouth dropped in surprise. He couldn't believe it. "He did all that!"

"He's going to. But before that, let me continue. After I made my proposition and they accepted, Lucius helped me learn something new. I could leave England and study magic elsewhere without Fudge's interference, nor could he force me to return without reason. The other Ministries objected to Fudge. And I decided, what better way than to leave because Fudge thinks I'm the next Dark Lord. Draco would convenientlyhide outside during one of my lessons and pretend he never knew. Then he would tell his Father, who would in return tell Voldemort, who would make sure the public knew. But the catch was that Draco never saw me practice such things. Only saw me leave the forest.

"And that wouldn't be proof enough for the Amazonian Ministry. They needed absolute proof that I would become the next Dark Lord nor would they allow me to be forcibly removed. After all, it could be proven that I willingly took the lessons to protect myself. And that wouldn't look good for Fudge. It was also the Malfoys that told me of legends about natives in the Amazon practicingmagic long forgotten. I decided it was worth the shot. We set up my exposure and Fudge didn't delay. But once we left the apparition wards, I vanished. Must say, it is very magically, physically, and mentallyexhausting to apparate across the world. But the Malfoys willingly gave me some Pepper-Up potion before I left and designated points to apparateto in order to make a clean getaway without splinching. Worked wonders, still asleep a week afterwards." Harry laughed at the memory of him collapsingsoon after meeting Mama Rhea and her stern lecture when he had awoken.

"I'm proud of you, Harry. And I know James and Lily would be too."

The mention of his parents still led Harry to tears. "Thank you, Sirius. You don't know how much that means to me." He leaned forward, burying his face in the tempting neck. Strong arms wound tightly about him, allowing him to openly cry. Soothing words brushed over him, calming his racing heart.

And that was how Poppy Pomfrey, Albus Dumbledore, Remus Lupin, and Severus Snape found them. With the Weasleys and Malfoys discovering them shortly after. "How touching."

Sirius laughed at the sneering Head of Slytherin House. He finally felt like he belonged, at home with his family.