A/N: So Sirius is free, it was always going to happen, don't worry I left Albus out of the trial because Sirius and Harry will deal with the evil headmaster in their own way, The trial was more about giving Sirius justice and putting Peter in the frame, there will be redeemable Slytherins and Hufflepuffs, it's just in canon Harry had issues with members of both houses, less so with the Hufflepuff lot of course, Snivillus will also get his just deserts Neville's outburst was just the beginning.
Chapter seven
Cho and Luna arrived back at Ravenclaw tower, it was similar to Gryffindor tower but with more blue than red, also they had to get access to the tower by solving a riddle, the two girls were met by Padma, Terry, Anthony and Marietta,
"Any further developments?" Terry asked "because I think it's high time us Claws picked a side"
Cho and Luna looked at each other, then Cho spoke up "what do you mean by picking a side" she asked
"Isn't it obvious, the tension between Gryffindor and Slytherin has always been on a knife edge, but now you got the Hufflepuffs against Gryffindor and Slytherin, all because they have a bit of glory, Cedric being named champion has given a Hufflpuff a much needed boost, but some of its staunch members like MacMillan and Cornfoot are using this to get back at Gryffindor in particular, the Lions have always been the favoured ones in our community"
"Along with us claws" Padma pointed out "The wizarding world has always been more favourable to those who were in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, people either distrust Slytherins and judge them as being evil or look down upon Hufflepuff" she pointed out "our parents were happy that Parvati and I ended up in Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, being immigrants to this country, this does give us both an advantage unlike if we were in Hufflepuff or Slytherin"
"It's okay for the likes of MacMillan and Malfoy, they are both rich and don't have to work, but if your poor then your screwed in those houses" Mandy Brocklehurst said "the wizarding world has prejudices that go beyond blood purity" she noted, the others agreed
"Then really it's no wonder the Hufflepuffs feel slighted at this time, as once again Gryffindor took their glory" Stephen said
"But that's not Harry's fault" Terry said "nor his friends, and besides Harry is no longer a champion, so they got their glory back" he said "MacMillan and his mates are just ignorant prigs with a chip on their shoulder" many of the Ravenclaws agreed with him
"Not all of Hufflepuff has joined in though" Luna pointed out, "Susan Bones and Megan Jones have fallen out with Ernie and Justin, and Cedric has also told his housemates to stop bothering Harry" she said
"I don't think Harry is actually bothered by those who are against him" Anthony said "Luna your also friends with The youngest Weasley girl; Ginny right? What she said about Harry other than that she's clearly head over heels in love with him" He asked, Luna nodded "yes she's also close to him and your right he seems more determined this year, ever since Halloween" she said
"I heard from Parvati that he and Ron have finally distanced themselves away from that fake Ravenclaw; Granger" she said, at that all the Ravenclaws rolled their eyes, they were so glad that she didn't get sorted into their house, "she's been trying to get back into his good books though, but they don't seem interested" she continued
"What's her game eh?" Anthony said "for a muggleborn she knows an awful lot about our world" he said frowning
"Yeah don't we know we know it" Terry "she's always criticising our ways and traditions and how we do things" he frowned, Anthony nodded and continued "yeah but she knows too much, don't you think?"
"She does do a lot of reading mate" Stephen said "that could be why" the others agreed with him but Anthony remained suspicious, so did Luna.
Harry was waiting in McGonagall's office, Sirius would be coming through the floo any second, he couldn't believe that he was going to be living with his godfather finally!
Just then Sirius arrived, Harry hadn't seen him since June, he noticed looked a lot healthier, fuller in the face, short hair which was side parted, high cheekbones and prominent grey eyes, Sirius broke out into a grin and grabbed his godson into a hug, which Harry returned ten fold, both refused to let go of one another in fear that this was just a beautiful dream, but it wasn't, it was real.
They released each other "Harry" Sirius said simply, overcome with emotion "can you ever forgive me?" He said, Harry frowned, "for what?" Asked, Sirius turned away from his godson "for going after that rat, instead of fighting harder for you, to keep you! It's just I was so overcome with grief for your mum and dad" he said finally turning to face Harry, a solitary tear going down his aristocratic face, Harry just smiled at his godfather.
"Don't be sorry" he said "you were young, and you just been through something horrible" Harry said, but Sirius shook his head "it's because of me that you grew up with Lily's evil sister ad he family!"
"No it isn't, it was because of Dumbledore! He knew that you were innocent and he let you rot! He knew about the real will and he ignored my parents request" Harry said "if I were in your position and I saw Ron or Neville or any of the Weasley's dead I don't know what I would do!" He said passionately "Sirius you my godfather and you've made a mistake, we all do, but Dumbledore has cause this shit!"
Sirius looked at Harry, he forgives him, his godson didn't hate him "Thank you Harry" he said "I won't ever let you down again!" He said as he sat down "Dumbledore has a lot to answer for, he's ruined so many lives!" He said
"Why didn't you say at your trial that Dumbledore knew about you not being secret keeper?" Harry asked, surely Dumbledore should be arrested by now? Sirius smirked
"Well..." he started
A FEW HOURS EARLIER
"It says here that Albus knew that Pettigrew was the real secret keeper" Fudge said incredulously "he must be brought in immediately!" But Sirius shook his head
"No Cornelius, let me and Harry deal with Dumbledore, I intend to use my lordship to make his life very difficult" Sirius said "You have always wanted more ministry involvement in Hogwarts, well now is your opportunity, I can be your eyes and hears and for the ministry and a total hinderance to Albus on your behalf" the lord smirked
Cornelius thought this over, he wanted to keep a close eye on Hogwarts for sometime but out and out ministry control would be met with displeasure, Sirius was offering his services on a plate, this way he could slowly remove power from the interfering headmaster, the two men agreed with a handshake and a glass of whiskey
MCGONAGALL'S OFFICE
"That sounds like a good idea, while Dumbledore is watching me your watching him" Harry said smiling, Sirius nodded "exactly, all you have to do is to play nice with Dumbledore, let him think he still has control over you"
"He wants to meet with us, I bet it's something to do with him trying to get me to live with the Dursley's again" Harry rolled his eyes "That's not going to happen cub" Sirius said, "you are living with me and Remus at Potter Manor or where ever you want to live!"
Harry felt relieved at that, Sirius continued "so I heard you and Ron have befriended Neville then" he said, Harry nodded "yeah it's shame we didn't become friends years ago' Harry said, Sirius nodded in agreement "it is, back in the old days, your grandfathers were all allies, and they helped defeat Grindleward, just so happens Dumbledore gets all the credit for that" Sirius said bitterly "but yes it's very fitting that you three lads have formed a friendship" he finished.
The two dark haired males continued to talk for a little while longer before Dumbledore came into the office,
"Ah Harry, Sirius, shall we have our chat now? It's regarding Harry and how he should remain at the Dursley's next summer" he said in his grandfatherly voice, eyes twinkling like crazy, Sirius and Harry looked at each other and smirked, surely Dumbledore knew you just do not try to outwit the perfect combination that was a Black and a Potter by now?