I don't own anything, it all belongs to Mrs J.K Rowling.
Harry was happy. Things had gone back to normal as the first of December drew nearer. Well better than before. Gryffindor was in the lead when it came to winning the Quidditch cup. Snape had found a newfound joy, in forcing Harry to brew harder potions and writing more difficult essays, not that Harry really minded. Potion was the only subject Harry had to work with at the moment, the rest came on quite easily due to the extra years of experience he'd gotten. Snape seemed to have accepted Harry's new talent in potions, for now.
The castle was bustling with Christmas preparations, professor Flitwick had already decorated his office. Ron and Hermione had decided to stay over for the Christmas holiday, making Harry happy, even though he knew that they did it for his sake.
To everyone's delight, save Harry who really didn't mind, there was to be another Hogsmead trip. Harry figured that he could sneak into town anyway. He wanted to get professor Dumbledore a pair of socks. He felt ashamed for not buying the Headmaster any Christmas presents any of the other years. Especially now, when he knew how the old man felt for him.
On the Saturday morning of the Hogsmead trip, Harry said goodbye to Ron and Hermione and then hurried up towards the Gryffindor tower.
"Psst-Harry." Fred and George stood hiding behind the one-eyed witch. "We've come to give you a bit of festive cheer before we go." Said Fred, smiling. "Come in here." The twins pulled him into an unused classroom. They placed a piece of parchment on the desk in front of Harry with a flourish, looking smart.
"Oh, you have the Marauders map." Harry said innocently. "What!" Fred exclaimed, his jaw almost hit the floor. "How did you know about the map?" George asked shakily, sitting down on a chair. Harry picked the map up gingerly. "Oh, my dad helped make it." he answered of handily. The twins opened their mouths silently in shock. "Your dad created this map?" George whispered in awe. "Of course not. He had help from Sirius and Remus. And I guess that Pettigrew helped a bit." Harry said looking at them in humour. It wasn't often that you got the chance to shock the twins of mischief. "My dad's Prongs, if you're wondering." Fred looked close to tears. "Your dad was a Marauder. That is so unfair." he said slowly, looking at Harry in jealousy. "Hang on. Did you say Remus? As in Professor Remus Lupin?" George suddenly asked. Harry nodded slowly. "You can't tell him though. He'll take the map away." The twins grinned evilly. "Of course not, Harry. Would we ever?" Harry sighed. "Well just don't tell him that I've got the map." Harry said, before smiling at them walking towards the door. "Thanks guys." he said, opening the door and walking out. "No, thank you, Harry." they answered.
Harry got his fathers cloak and was soon on his way to Honeydukes. He stayed under the cloak, not really feeling up to meeting anyone. He saw Ron and Hermione argue outside the bookstore. Ron clearly wanted to go to Zonko's, whilst Hermione looked ready to drag him forcefully into the bookstore. Harry left them to it, not wanting to be held up before buying the socks for Dumbledore. He figured that he could catch up with them in the Three Broomsticks later.
An hour later, he walked over to the crowded place, searching for a tall redhead and Hermione's easily spotted hair. He spotted them near the window, next to the Christmas tree.
"Mind getting me a Butterbeer?" he asked Ron, who spat out the Butterbeer he'd just taken a sip of. "Harry?" He whispered, looking awed. "How did you…" Hermione looked around the table trying to see him. "I'm next to you, under the cloak." Harry said in her ear, making her jump. "You could get caught." She hissed at him, when Ron walked of to get another drink for Harry. He shrugged his shoulder, not realising that she couldn't see him. The door opened to reveal professor McGonagall and Flitwick, closely followed by Hagrid and Cornelius Fudge. Hermione gasped and Ron looked worried as he came over with Harry's drink. "Harry?" He whispered. "It's alright, they can't see me. I'm under the cloak. Just pass me the drink, mate." Ron held the tankard under the table and Harry slipped it under the cloak carefully. Hermione moved the Christmas tree to stand between the tables, hiding them from view.
Madam Rosmerta walked over with the teachers orders and was soon sitting down with them. She was telling the minister about the searches made by the Dementor's, making him shift uncomfortably on his chair. "Necessary precautions." he said. "We all know what Black's capable of."
"Oh, I'm not sure minister. I've read about what the Potter boy said before the school start." Rosmerta said. The minister shock his head. "Don't know what got into the boy, but I assure you, the ministry has done no wrong. Sirius Black is guilty." Harry's grip on the tankard was vice hard. He felt like dumping the warm content over Fudge's head. "I mean, really. What does a third year student know?" he laughed. McGonagall looked a little disturbed. "You may not know…" Fudge began, looking sure of getting their support. "…that Black was the Potter's secret keeper." Rosmerta didn't look convinced. "It said in the Prophet, that the boy pointed out the Pettigrew boy, as their secret keeper. That would explain why Sirius killed him." she said, making Harry smile. This was just the reactions he wanted, the article had bean a lucky thing. It had gotten some people thinking. Fudge was about to make a retort but McGonagall cut him of before he had the chance. Maybe he should send Rita some flowers.
"You know, Cornelius, if you're dining with the headmaster, we'd better get going." They left the Three Broomsticks one by one, leaving Ron and Hermione looking at the spot where Harry was believed to sit. "She's great isn't she?" Ron said dreamily, looking after Rosmerta. Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "Harry? Are you really sure that he's innocent?" she asked him, sounding unsure. "He's not guilty, he didn't kill anyone." Harry answered patiently. "Ok, I believe you. What are we going to do to prove it?" She asked, looking determined. Harry stared at her. "What? We can't let an innocent man go back to jail, or worse get the kiss." She said in defence. "I didn't say anything." Harry exclaimed quietly. "But you thought it." She hissed back. "Look. We'll meet in the common room ok?" Harry said standing up. Hermione slapped Ron on the arm, calling his attention away from Rosmerta. "Stop staring at her, Ron. She's much to old for you." Hermione snapped, Ron blushed crimson but followed her out.