Chapter 23
Albus Dumbledore is upset that Harry and Ron are not any closer, even after Harry saved the ginger from the lake during the second task. Instead, Harry is always around the Weasley's twins and Miss Granger. All three are proving to think for themselves, which is not a practice that Albus values.
Sirius has moved from the cave to places unknown. Again, that was not in Albus' plan. He floos Remus and finds that the werewolf is also gone. Most likely, the pair are together. Black never gave Albus permission to use the Black Manor for the meetings. This means that he needs to find Black right away.
An owl flies in the open window and drops a letter on his expensively robed lap. He recognizes Black's writing.
Dumbledore,
Spending the Holiday break, this past winter has opened Remus' and my eyes to how my godson has been treated under your supervision. Harry and I spent some time at Gringotts and in the Ministry's Department of Mysteries. Most notably in the Hall of Prophecy. James had not only told me personally, but everyone in the will that had been named to take care of Harry, about the prophecy. He didn't believe in leaving me or Remus out of anything that would have affected Harry's life.
After hearing said prophecy, one of the Unspeakables brought us to the Veil. A hand reached out and pulled an invading sliver of Mr. Riddle from Harry's scar. Since then, the scar has looked like an old scar. Remus and I have since gone on a trip of sorts. We were able to find out a lot about Tom Riddle. We also now know that you were just as liable in his atrocities.
To date, we have only found and destroyed Hufflepuff's cup that was in my cousin's vault. She has been thrown out of the Black family and the Lestrange vault has been reclaimed into the overall fortune of the Black family. As for my family's home, I cannot in good consciouslet your Order use it until it has been fumigatedand cleaned from top to bottom. It should be ready by Harry's fifteen birthday. My stipulations for the use are:
i. The Order pays a nominal fee of 50 galleons a month.
ii. They are restricted to the meeting room, kitchen and downstairs bathroom.
iii. Only Remus and myself are to retrieve needed tomes from the Library.
iv. Molly Weasley is Not Allowedto cook or order anyone around in MYhome. This last one is an absolute deal breaker.
Beyond that, even though there is plenty of room, I am not running a boarding house. Aside from Remus and any guests I invite, no one is to stay overnight. Blooded members of the Black family are of course able to stay. In addition, any bugs, listening spells, tracking spells or location spells are grounds for termination of your use of the Black Manor. It has already been protected by the Goblins and the Black family wards. There is nothing stronger. As owner and head of the family, I am the secret keeper.
-Sirius Orion Black
P. S. Free and clear, no thanks to you!