Chapter 31
Disclaimer: Harry Potter etc still belongs to JK Rowling, plot still belongs to me.
Author's Note: Hopefully, there should be something completely unexpected in this chapter. Wish me luck.
A/N2: After this, I have 5 chapters left. I guess I'd better make the effort to write more for this fic; the style will suddenly change between chapters 36 and 37 if I do that. I just want to say thanks to anyone who's reading this, reviewing it, liking it, etc, I love you all.
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On the following Monday, a rather unwelcome shock arrived with the post. As usual, an owl swooped down to Hermione with her usual pile of newspapers and magazines. Harry and Ron, being used to this, did not look up, at least not until they heard Hermione's shocked gasp. When she had caught their attention, she wordlessly shoved a magazine into Harry's hand. He looked down at it and realised it was Witch Weekly, known for catty gossip and rumours. After the name, the first thing to attract his attention was the headline. Harry's breath caught in his throat as he read the large print in pride of place on the glossy cover.
MY NIGHT OF PASSION WITH LOVE GOD BLACK
Underneath was a smaller title, 'Sirius Black enjoys his freedom in style'. Without taking his eyes off the magazine for a second, Harry flicked rapidly to the page where the article was. For several minutes, he read it, silent and frowning.
When he had finished, he looked up, an expression of acute shock on his face. He handed the magazine back to Hermione. The first paragraph had said it all, but he had had to read the article just to make sure.
'After recently receiving a pardon from the Ministry of Magic, Sirius Black has wasted no time in getting back on the dating scene. Here, Rosmerta Goodison tells all about Saturday's night of earthly delights with the man of the moment.'
Hermione looked up from the page and frowned at Harry. "But Sirius was in Hogsmeade on Saturday night!"
Harry narrowed his eyes in thought. "Yes, he was… oh no. No…"
"Yes," Hermione said grimly. "Madam Rosmerta."
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Author's Note: I know it's short, but how can I carry this on? All will be made clear next chapter. Well, maybe not 'made clear', more 'expanded on'. I think.