Chapter 07
Quidditch Can't Heal Everything
Ron's POV
I don't know what Scabbers has to do with Sirius Black escaping Azkaban, but so far everything about it seems to make sense. Scabbers is twelve years old, which is the same amount of time Black has been in Azkaban. Black also attacked the Fat Lady when only pets were in Gryffindor common room, like Scabbers.
And finally has Scabbers been feeling under the weather since we came from Egypt, which is the same time as that Black escaped and did Black escape only shortly after my family and I got into the news paper. The only thing I can't imagine is whatever role Scabbers could play in Black's life before his arrest and imprisonment.
I look at the man, who even has enough trust gained from the Hit Wizards to move around Harry without trouble – except for with Auror Johnson – and while I know that Harry also caught onto the derisive snort coming from the man like I did, does this make me worry for what the man could be planning, seeing his timing.
Sirius seems to notice my worries shining through my eyes and asks: "Worried about your friendship with Hermione?" And only then does it occur to me that book-me will most certainly be blaming Hermione and her cat for whatever happened to Scabbers, but then my curiosity wins from my worries and I ask:
"A little. Sirius, if Crookshanks didn't eat Scabbers, then what happened to my rat?" And Sirius sighs as he says: "I won't reveal the end of the book, Ron." But I ask: "Not even with a small hint?" And the man seems to contemplate this before he says: "My supposed crimes. That's all you're getting, nothing more."
This makes me sigh and I think: "The crimes Sirius supposedly committed. The crimes he was framed to have committed. What were they?" And I turn my face down to the table as I mutter: "Betrayal of the Potters." But I shake my head and think: "That would mean there's a link between Harry, Scabbers and Sirius. Not it."
And I mutter on: "Murder of twelve Muggles." But I shake my head again and think: "Scabbers has to be magical. How else could he –." And then it hits me as I think of the last crime Sirius supposedly committed. "The murder of Peter Pettigrew." And while I whiten at the idea of housing a grown up in my bed, do I shout:
"I NEED THE MAP!" Shocking everyone and making those around me jump, Hermione and Aunt Rosie the worst and actually making Edena shoot a fire ball at me from the palm of her hand, but while I duck at it with a shout of shock, do I see Sirius looking at me with surprised pride shining in his eyes.
He then turns to the twins, who are shocked at this request and says: "You heard him. Give it." And the twins share a look before they see Harry nodding along with Sirius and then shrug and hand me the Map, to which I share a quick look with Sirius, the man now smiling at me in pride, proving he knows that I realized the truth.
I smile back, while the idea of this all being actually true makes me feel pretty disgusted with myself and I quickly run for the Antechamber, almost dropping my wand in my haste to get it into my hand as I close the door behind me and whisper: "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." My back holding the door closed behind me.
I see the magic of the password working and while I can only imagine how shocked Harry must have felt when he first saw this in the book and the future that would have been ours had it not been for the Gang, do I quickly page through the Map, hoping against hope that I won't find the name that I am looking for.
But then my hopes are dashed as I reach Gryffindor common room and in the actual dorm I share with Harry, Dean, Seamus and Neville, do I see a small dot, actually smaller than that of the students here in the hall, with the cursive letters of the name Peter Pettigrew standing next to it, the position being the same as my bed.
Shuddering at the idea of sharing my bed with a full grown man, I think: "I need to secure that little bastard. He's the one that framed and cursed Sirius. He's the reason Sirius can't have his full memories of James or his Veela side anymore. But I can't let that little rat know I'm onto him. I need a plan, a strategy."
And at this I smirk as my Chess talents made me a right genius when it comes to strategy and I think: "Pettigrew obviously knows that Hermione and I are at odds with each other over him and Crookshanks and he's not above using it against us. But there's always the phrase two can play that Quaffle."
And I smirk as I think of a way to get in a fight with Hermione, make sure it's about Crookshanks and Scabbers and then secure Pettigrew away, making the little bastard believe it's for his own safety while making sure Sirius doesn't get near him as that will surely make the little rat try to scramble like he did in the book.
I then erase the Map like the book told me to and walk back into the Hall, thanking the twins lightly as I give it back to them before sitting back with Hermione and Remus and nodding stately at Sirius, making a small smirk appear on his face before I whisper: "Trio meeting after chapter." And Harry and Hermione nod at me.
Then suddenly the book is shoved my way and Harry says: "We think you should read the next chapter. Not because of the upcoming fight – but because of the title, really." And just by reading the first word of the title do all thoughts of my plan get wiped from my mind as I smirk in excitement and start to read.
Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw
This makes an all around cheer ring through the hall as everyone gets excited, the Slytherins smirking at the Ravenclaws with looks that say they expect the Ravenclaws to win, the Hufflepuffs debating among themselves who they want to see as the winner and the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors cheering their own teams on.
All in all it makes me smile widely as only Quidditch can cause for such close House unity to exist, but then I think this through again and think: "It might be unity inside the houses, but Quidditch also causes for a lot of injuries due to rivalries between Houses going too far, whether they be before or during the match."
And this worries me as I think: "We need some kind of outside sport that can make students compete against each other without having to look at what House they're in. It has to be about the talent, not the House." And while determined to find such a sport after I succeeded in my plan with Scabbers, do I decide to read on.
It looked … Hermione's friendship.
And this sentence alone is enough to make everyone stop talking about the upcoming game – even if the first one to come up is still the Gryffindor-Slytherin game – and while some Slytherins now snort and laugh softly about our friendship being ripped apart, does this sentence only make me want to succeed even more.
I then take a deep breath and ask: "Hermione, can I please ask you again to just keep to the promise you made when you bought Crookshanks. To keep him in your dorm whenever Scabbers is around me and not in my own dorm?" The girl seems reluctant at first, but then sees my wink and says: "I promise." To which I read on.
Each was … boys' bed.
"First, good argument. You really should put other people's care for their pets in consideration or they won't take yours in consideration either." Remus tells Hermione and while I feel furious that the man is actually defending the lousy bastard, do I keep a neutral face as Hermione blushes and nods before Remus says:
"Second, is on you, Ron. You can't expect Hermione to constantly keep an eye on her cat; especially not with the busy schedule she has and how driven she is to keep her schoolwork going well." At this I nod and say: "I probably just meant that she hadn't kept to her promise of keeping Crookshanks up in her dorm."
The man nods and says: "The last however is definitely crossing the line, Hermione, as that sounds as if you care nothing for how hurt Ron is over losing his pet and that's not something I had expected of you." Now the girl really looks down, obviously feeling guilty over how she behaves in the book and I decide to read on softly.
Hermione, meanwhile … Magical Menagerie.
"Good arguments, bar one." Remus says again, his tone proving he's trying very hard not to hurt Hermione further and he says: "Hermione, there is no way those hairs could have been there since Christmas. First because Seamus is allergic to such hairs and would have removed them to prevent an allergic reaction.
And two, because there are House-Elves, working here at Hogwarts, that would have been really insulted if they only heard you even suggest such a thing. You don't always have such clean beds and well-ironed robes and cloths without reason, you know?" Now the girl has a guilty smile on her face and I smile at her as I read on.
Personally, Harry … Harry, too.
This makes Hermione cringe and Harry roll his eyes before he turns his head away, making me shocked as it actually means that Harry is used to that kind of behavior and I ask: "Harry, did – did we do that before?" And Harry sighs as he says: "Almost every time you fight, whether about small things or big things."
And Hermione and I both turn red as I ask: "How do you accept that?" And Harry shrugs as he asks: "How else do I keep you guys from tearing each other apart with your tempers?" And while those around us snicker, the twins nodding their heads in agreement, do Hermione and I share a guilty look before I read on.
"OK, side … to do!"
"And I'm pretty sure that workload is making you as touchy as it sounds, doesn't it Mss. Granger?" McGonagall asks and Hermione turns red, obviously proven once again that she takes her studies just too seriously and while I can't help but worry for my best friend, does she nod at our Head of House and do I read on.
Ron had … a thing."
This, while it makes many people around me turn green or put their hands in front of their mouth with their cheeks blown as a sign they need to puke, makes me only turn grim as I think: "I wish that cat had eaten the filthy flea bag. Sure hope Sirius will come to get him soon." And while faking a sad tone in my voice, do I read on.
"Fred!" said … his memory.
"He did ten times worse to Harry. Hope that blasted blood was poisoned or something." I think darkly, now knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that Sirius was after Scabbers, because Pettigrew was the one that framed him and while I wonder what Black could have caught Pettigrew on that he has now forgotten, do I read on.
Oh, come … they'd finished.
This makes me smile, while I don't really feel that I deserve Harry's good heart and his need to cheer me up, seeing that I actually – in the past – took my temper and anger against Hermione out on him and while determined to change that from now on – preferably by just talking things through with Hermione – do I read on.
This did … was too …"
At this Sirius nods and says: "A fine broom indeed, and a Potter creation, if you well remember?" And while many are shocked at this, especially Harry, do I notice Sirius almost hissing through his teeth in pain at the end of his speech and I think: "What of James and Sirius' past are you hiding, Pettigrew?" But I ignore it and read on.
She continued … full recovery,
This makes the Ravenclaws – especially Cho herself – glare at Oliver, but then Harry says: "Oh come on, as if you're not constantly wishing that I'm ill before a game. I hear the grapevine, you know?" And he motions for Parvati and Lavender, while the Ravenclaws turn red with guilt at being caught and I snicker as I read on.
Then said … the ground.
Instantly everyone's at the edge of their seats, but then Jack scoffs and Eddy says: "Oh puhlease, Harry is already on a much better version with everything Madam Hooch mentioned improved to the max since he first began his job." And while many are now shocked that there is something better than the Firebolt, do I read on.
It was … air again –
"And they made something." One of the twins starts and the other asks: "That out-flies that?" And they both motion for the book in my hands as they turn to the other twins and Jack and Eddy nod. Then Jack says: "They're not able to sell it yet, though." And Eddy goes on: "Harry mentioned being uncomfortable about the spellwork."
This makes Harry look worried here as well and he asks: "Did I mention why?" But the twins shake their heads and Jeremy says: "Just that you didn't think they'd get the permission to keep using this kind of spellwork, even if it did improve the handling between flyer and the actual broom." This worries even me and I read on.
"Harry, I'm … his hand.
"Within." The Ravenclaws start and the Hufflepuffs go on: "Ten." And the Slytherins end: "Seconds?" All of them white and then all three Seekers groan and Malfoy says: "The chance of beating that is so below zero it might as well be the highest negative number in the Universe." And the other Seekers nod in agreement does Harry ask:
"Why not make it school rule that every position needs its own set of brooms?" Making everyone look at him shocked as he says: "I agree with Malfoy. My advantages with this broom are outrageous and unfair. So why not even out the playing field? Would definitely make it easier to see who handles what broom the best."
And while I can only snicker at the little challenge Harry actually gave the other teams in the end, do all teams now nod in agreement and Malfoy says: "The Malfoy House will fund whatever brooms our team needs." And while Susan and Cho promise the same, does Harry nod to make his part of the agreement and I read on.
The team … a first.
Now Oliver has a playful pout on his face, making those around him laugh at his face as the pout just doesn't work with his facial features and then, after pushing down a really heavy blush, does Harry catch Oliver's eye and does he send him a – to my shock – flirty wink, making the older boy smile widely before I read on.
"I can't … was stronger.
"Whether in the book or not, you do not need to worry, child. You know I hate the Dementors with a passion and anyone trying to take my grandson from me gets everything thrown at him that I have learned over the many years of my life." Dumbledore then says and I smile, glad that my best friend has such a guardian as I read on.
"The Dementors … her seat.
This makes the woman groan as she hides her face in her hands, but then I see Remus smirking and he asks: "Rolanda, how could you? I thought you of all people would be totally transfixed by such an amazing broom." And while the students start snickering, am I shocked at how Remus helped our teacher over her guilt as I read on.
"Here you … was Crookshanks.
This shocks everyone, but me and I think: "Good, that little devil is still hunting for that monster." And while I feel a small twinge of guilt as I know book-me won't respond friendly to this event and while many students share confused, hushed conversations, do I draw everyone's attention back to the book as I read on.
"Get out … Entrance Hall.
By now Sirius is red in the face with guilt and Harry is quick to sit with him and hug him, saying: "No one can pick how they look, especially not after 12 years Azkaban." And while Auror Johnson still has his hand in his robe, do I know the man can't do anything because it was Harry who initiated the contact, to which I read on happily.
Harry went … is brilliant!"
At this Malfoy glares at me, but I decide to use the same tactic as Harry used with Cho and say: "As if Nott wouldn't have said the same thing had you shown us your new broom in the Great Hall for the first time." And the two boys purse their lips, knowing they have to give me right, while I high-five Harry and read on.
Wood, too … Firebolt closely.
This makes me raise an eyebrow and I think: "That almost sounds like the Percy I remember from a year before he got his Hogwarts letter." Then my mood turns sour and while I try to hide this, by reading on hurriedly, in order to keep the twins from commenting, do I think: "Sure wonder what happened to that boy."
"Penelope and … of toast.
Now the girl actually looks surprised, but before Percy can do so much as blush, does Malfoy sneer and say: "Of course Weasel doesn't –." But then suddenly does Penelope explain to me what Percy sees in her as she has her wand out and aimed straight at Malfoy before the boy has even half his sentence uttered.
The glare the girl gives him is even more terrifying and actually reminds me of a female Snape as she says: "You have 3 options, Malfoy. I ask Harry to let his Elemental Friends out on you for insulting the family he cares about. I curse you for wanting to insult my boyfriend. Or you keep your little obnoxious comments to yourself."
But then one of the Elementals stands up and says: "Sorry Mss. Clearwater, but we promised Aunt Rosie never to use our powers for the arguments between other people, even if they concern people we care about. If Malfoy insults one of us, we will not hesitate. He did not, we will not attack. I hope you can understand?"
The girl nods, while I am most shocked at how professional the eldest of the group sounded and Harry mutters: "And that's why he's our leader." Making me nod as I personally feel the same amount of respect for the elder boy as I have felt for Harry since he said that amazing speech in first. Then Malfoy presses his lips together and I read on.
"Sure you … a Dementor."
This makes Sirius shoot out of his seat quicker than Penelope did earlier and he hisses dangerously: "Heir Malfoy, let me remind you that, while you are on British ground, you are first and foremost a Black, so if I ever hear you insult someone weak to Dementors again, then as a Black, you will sorely regret it."
The blonde turns white, while I am personally shocked that Sirius is using the family he obviously hates to make his message come across and then Auror Johnson makes everything worse as he sneeringly asks: "And what kind of Dark Magic do you plan to use to – as you say – make him regret it, Black?"
But while the three Hit Wizards glare the Auror into being silent again, does Sirius keep his eye on Malfoy the entire time, the gaze so intimidating I can understand why Malfoy is starting to shiver as his cold tone stays and he says: "I don't need magic to make him pay, Johnson." Shocking the Auror before I read on.
Crabbe and … for you."
This is actually enough to make Sirius – who had still been standing – calm down again and the man sits back down as he says: "Harry, that comment has my signature all over it. I would have paused the exact same way and given it the exact same wording. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're –." But then he screams yet again.
This scream is more blood-freezing, more tortured, more agonizing than how I felt when I had my first look at the Accromantula nest of last year combined with how I felt when McGonagall told us Ginny had been taken into the chamber and the man grabs his head with both hands, his nails almost digging through the skin of his skull.
All of the first years whiten in fear at hearing the scream, most of the second years sitting close to us now move back in fear, while the elder years, mostly sixth and seventh, grab their wands, some of them having a need to help in their eyes, others the fear of needing to defend themselves as they all look at the man.
Sirius, in the mean time keeps screaming and yelling and to my shock, does Harry shout: "Edena, Irma, Rosaline, help me!" And while I feel slightly disappointed that my best friend didn't mentally call out to me and shocked that he didn't ask Madam Pomfrey, do the three mentioned girls spring in action at once.
All three of them then prove to me why they were summoned as Rosaline lies her hands on both sides of Sirius' seat, causing for an entire field of fragrant flowers to grow from the wood, the scent alone making the Sirius lower the volume of his shouts to painful, tortured moans that still scare me due to their intensity in pain.
Irma then swirls her hands over several golden goblets, all of them filled with water and the water flows out of the goblets at her command, fusing together and firming a circle of water just under her hands, which she quickly moves to lie over Sirius' head and hands, her hands then at the sides of the circle itself.
To my shock does the circle light up with power, making me realize that the girl is an actual Healer, not the kind that work at St. Mungo's, but those of Ancient Times that used to work with magic of the nature itself to heal their patients of any and all illnesses. Amazed at this one single fact, do I watch it all unfold.
The circle glows with power and Irma closes her eyes, obviously focusing strongly as she starts to breath in through her nose and out her mouth, her tranquility astounding me seeing the grunts and moans of pain coming from her patient, who slowly seems to realize he is being helped as he removes his hands from his head.
This Edena seems to take as her cue as she lies the fore and middle finger of both of her hands on both of Sirius' temples and while I wonder how fire could help someone, does Sirius seem to calm down of the pain he is feeling as Edena seems to focus on something – I realize – is not shown on Sirius' skin – probably his blood or even his mind.
Amazed at how brilliantly these three work together as none of them even spoke a single word to each other or even so much as glanced at anyone but their patient, do the three of them stop when Sirius looks up again, gratefulness being the only emotion swirling in his grey-blue eyes as he looks at each of them.
"How long have they been able to do that?" Madam Pomfrey asks and Harry says: "Like I said, we're the Misfit Gang." Everyone looks shocked, none of them obviously wanting to take that little piece of information as an answer, but Harry only looks at the three girls and whispers: "Thank you." The three of them nodding.
Then suddenly Sirius asks: "Why?" And just by his tone is everyone's fear and trepidation of him gone as curiosity rings over all of the students, teachers and Aurors' faces and Sirius says: "Why are my memories of James, Harry and my Veela side effected by this curse? What on earth is the link between those three?"
And suddenly a new memory flashes through my mind, something one of the Gang members said during the reading. My eyes widening, do I again whisper: "Trio meeting after chapter." And while Harry keeps looking at Sirius and Hermione looks at me in confusion, do they both nod in acceptance before I read on.
The Gryffindor … with nerves.
This makes me quickly look at Wood, who must be feeling pretty bad about this and indeed does the boy have his head down as he sits close to Harry, who looks at him with guilt in his eyes, but when Wood sees this, does he smile at my best friend and say: "This isn't your fault, Harry, Book-me should have been honest with you."
This doesn't seem enough for my friend to be appeased, something I had already been expecting and Oliver, seeing this, goes over to sit with the boy as he wraps an arm around my brother in all but blood's shoulder and whispers: "At least I'm taking the chance I should have back in the book. I'll be alright." Harry nods and I read on.
"Wood, Davies … the barriers.
At this everyone gasped and Oliver whispers: "No way. No way will we win the match this early." And I quickly page through the chapter, not really reading but more counting the paragraphs and pages and say: "You're right, we won't. There's still too many pages left for that." The Ravenclaws sigh in relief and I read on.
Harry dived … HAVE TO!"
At this everyone in Ravenclaw wants to start shouting at the boy, but he stands up and shouts: "It's my crush on him, okay? I must have seen his reaction to Cho, felt jealous and that must have fused with my need to win! Okay?" The Ravens look shocked, but nod, while Harry turns red and while Oliver sits back down, do I read on.
Harry turned … at him.
"WHAT?" All of the teachers shout, but before Dumbledore can release a third burst of furious magic, do I ask: "Something the matter, Harry?" As Harry had started frowning the minute I had mentioned the Dementors. Everyone looks at the boy and he says: "They're not real." His voice soft, but laced with confidence.
Everyone looks shocked at this and Harry says: "There was nothing. Nothing that described the weather or the area of the pitch being affected by the Dementors. Those three on the field aren't real." This shocks us all and a Hit wizards asks: "Who would be stupid enough to fake being a Dementor?" Before I read on.
He didn't … struggling Snitch.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Chang suddenly shouts and asks: "He managed to produce a Patronus and keep his focus on the Snitch? How?" And while the other members of the Ravenclaw team nod in agreement with their Seeker, does the Hit Wizard answer: "It's like Potter said, the Dementors aren't real, so he's not affected."
The girl looks shocked and says: "But I thought you needed your full focus to conjure a Patronus." And Professor Lupin answers: "Normally yes, but Harry had the adrenaline of winning the Quidditch match to already form the happy memory required and there were no Dementors or Boggarts to make it harder on him."
This makes the girl pout, which actually looks pretty stupid on her beautiful Chinese face, but I personally wonder how Harry will respond to this face and look at him. Only to laugh out loud as Harry has hidden his beet-red face in Oliver's shirt, obviously not used to be praised like Lupin just did. Instead of that do I read on, snickering.
Madam Hooch's … come off.
At this, while having a proud, happy arm around his new boyfriend, does Wood send the 3 girls a playful glare that still clearly says: He's mine, back-off. Making the 3 Chasers look at him shocked, while the twins laugh and the rest of Gryffindor cheers for this new victory. Ten minutes later, they calm down and I read on.
In complete … excuse me –"
At this the girl playfully glares at her boyfriend and Percy turns red as he asks: "No more bets?" And while the twins fake to make whipping sounds, does Penelope send him a loving smile with her eyes closed and her head tilted sideways, giving her a look of innocence that I know is totally played and that makes me laugh as I read on.
"Good on … a thing!"
"Guess my excited mind didn't quite catch up yet." Harry snickers, finally having untangled himself from Wood's possessive embrace and then the hit wizard – this one definitely male – grunts and says: "I just want to know who would be cowardice enough to try such a thing." And while many students nod, do I read on.
"That would … said Lupin.
This doesn't shock me one bit as I had been already expecting it to be the blonde, mostly because of all the cheating he has already been doing this year and therefore, had I used a monotone voice when I spoke that one sentence, one sentence that makes all of Gryffindor glare at the blonde, who turns red at being discovered.
"Hey, I haven't done it yet, have I?" The boy asks as Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students start to glare along with my own House Mates and then the same Hit wizard as before asks: "Does that mean you regret doing it? Or that you hereby promise not to even think about doing such a thing ever again, Heir Malfoy?"
The Hit Wizard asks, his voice deadly calm as he looks at the boy and even though the man doesn't really look intimidating with his average height, square shoulders and muscled front, is the look in his azure blue eyes enough to make Malfoy quall and he says: "That I won't do it, sir. I promise." The man nods and I read on.
Harry stared … hooded robes.
"The same, I hope, will be promised by the rest of you three?" The Hit Wizard now glares at the other three mentioned Slytherins and while Malfoy turns red, having obviously been planning to convince his team mates to do the trick for him, do the three grumble a promise not to do this again and I read on, feeling pretty happy with myself.
It looked … Harry's ear.
This makes the twins share a glance and proud smirk, one that actually makes them miss the hidden glance shot between Sirius and Remus, while Dumbledore has trouble hiding a snicker and McGonagall turns her eyes skyward and while I feel amused by so many different reactions, do I read on with glee in my voice.
Only one … British Muggles.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" Everyone in Gryffindor shouts and the girl turns red at being shouted at before Sirius says: "Bloody hell not even Reggie –." Only to scream in pain again, causing for Irma, Edena and Rosaline to spring in action and perform the same ritual as before, Sirius calming down and thanking them silently.
"Sirius, you said Regulus' name." Remus tells the man softly and while Sirius now has confusion shining in his eyes, does he say: "That – that can't be right. I – I meant Lily. Why – why did I say my brother's name – when I meant Lily?" And while I'm shocked that the man has a brother, does no one have an answer and I read on.
Harry broke … slightly hysterical.
"Mss. Granger, I was worried for you when I read of you taking your education above your health, but you're letting it excel everything you stand for, including your pride in your friends. This has to stop, understand?" McGonagall asks and Hermione nods, but while the woman had been ranting, had I read ahead and I wince.
"It's not just her homework that makes her miss the party, Professor. I'm the reason too. I'm being an immature prat, as they say." The woman looks shocked and Harry hits himself on the head, having apparently already expected this. Then Remus wraps an arm around Hermione while looking fearfully at Sirius and I read on.
Anyway …" she … Ron quietly.
This makes me cringe and while I know that my brothers will lay in on me next paragraph and feeling that I deserve it – even if it hasn't happened yet – and that book-Harry should have gone down on me harder than he did, do I send a look at Remus, urging him to comfort Hermione, while sending her an apologizing look as I read on.
"No." said … on something."
"Did that sound as if she's pretending, Ron?" Percy asks me harshly, while the twins and Ginny glare at me, Ginny actually fingering her wand and I say: "I promise you here and now, I have no longer the urge to defend that little rat and I feel absolutely disgusted he is causing this between Hermione and me, I really swear it."
But then, to my utter relief, does Sirius say: "Ron's being an immature prat in the book, no denying that, but he's not fully to blame. There is much more to Scabbers than any of you – except now Ron and Remus – know and if you knew what he was fully capable of, you would understand why Ron is not fully to blame."
Everyone looks at each other shocked and then Percy asks: "Sirius, what do you know about Scabbers that we don't? And how did Ron find out?" But I quickly look at Sirius and he says: "Ron is just that good. He figured it out at the start of this chapter and that is all I will tell you." My third eldest brother nods and I read on.
The Gryffindor … to sleep …
This makes many people smile, Sirius, Mss. Rosie, the elder members of the gang, Dumbledore and Remus in sheer happiness and then Remus says: "Good ending." But I shake my head as I had read ahead while he said that and say: "Not the end, and damn, what the hell?" Everyone looks intrigued and I read on.
He had … NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
I shout, wondering what on earth Harry had been following, but then my eyes widen as, while many of the students had either gasped, screamed in shock or even almost fall off their benches, had I again read ahead and I turn to Sirius as I ask: "I repeat, what the hell?" The man looks confused and shocked and I quickly read on.
Harry woke … a knife!"
At this utter silence rings through the hall and then Remus breaks it – like a butter cutting through a string of burning of iron – sudden and with a shock as he asks: "Sirius, you did know that Scabbers had escaped Ron's hold, didn't you?" And Sirius answers: "Apparently, in the book, I didn't." And while everyone looks at him, do I read on.
"What?""Here! … Weasley brightly.
This causes for a small snicker to run through the still silent room as the fact that Sirius had, again, entered the school and this time even the boys dormitory definitely has the school in shock, even after all this time that the man has had to prove he didn't commit any crimes and while I feel worried for the rest of the chapter, do I read on.
"Everyone back … a nightmare –"
"EXCUSE ME?" The twins shout, rounding on Percy with fury and one of them starts: "You actually think –." The other then goes on: "That Ron would lie –." And they chorus furiously: "ABOUT A MASS-MURDERER?" Sending Sirius a quick apologetic look before continuing to glare at the Head Boy.
Percy shivers as he sees the anger in their eyes and I don't really know if I should feel for the one brother I always look up to as the twins can be quite scary when they're angry, something they actually inherited from mum, even if they don't get as easily angry as she does and the twins furiously hiss in chorus:
"Apologize." Their tones cold and void of the usual laughter that always rings through it no matter what they're talking about, something that warms my heart as it proves the two take my health and honesty serious enough to get angry at whoever doesn't, even if that person is our brother. Percy apologizes and I read on.
"I'm telling … a nightmare –"
"Mr. Weasley, I agree with your brothers on this one and I certainly don't appreciate the fact that you decided to tell me your side of the story instead of reporting this very serious matter to me. Whether we believe Mr. Black guilty or not, him entering the school successfully is not a good omen in the book reading, am I clear?"
McGonagall asks with a stern tone and Percy nods, while the twins had gone back to sit a little between him and myself, leaving enough room between either of us to prove they don't want to pick a side and still not sitting with either of us as Hermione and Lupin are next to me and Percy has Penelope next to him.
Percy in the mean time has his head down, obviously ashamed of his actions and while I can't help but wonder how much more of my brother can be changed by his pride and ambition, do I feel the strong need to call for a Family Meeting – even if I'm only the last Male Heir of the Line – and while fighting the need, do I read on.
"IT WASN'T … portrait hole?"
"And this is why I don't trust adults." Harry suddenly says, his voice colder and more hardened than that of the twins when they were mad at Percy just now and while he has a firm glare on McGonagall, does he hiss: "When it matters the most, they never believe you." And while the gang nods, does McGonagall lower her head.
Everyone else, on the other hand, looks shocked at how empathic the Gang seems to be about Harry's statement and Dumbledore asks: "You mean to tell me you were all once called a liar, children?" And when the Gang Twins chorus: "All the time." Do I really feel my heart reach out to them, worried for their pasts as I read on.
"Ask him!" … Sir Cadogan.
At this many people look absolutely shocked, while I let go off the book with one hand to slap myself on the head with it, my eyes covered by my hand as I feel absolutely stupid for having this portrait as our Common room guardian and think: "There was really no one better?" But then a new question rings through my head and I ask:
"How did you get in?" Turning to Sirius, who looks just as bewildered and he says: "I – I might have told him of what I wanted. Made it look like some kind of hero's quest. He seems like the kind of guy who appreciates that." And while I feel even more embarrassed of our portrait, do I nod with the man's theory and read on.
There was … of paper!"
Now Neville moans, but then Hermione shouts: "I KNEW IT!" Everyone looks at her and she says: "I knew Neville being mentioned like that – wait –." She suddenly turns to Sirius and asks: "How did you get those?" And this time Sirius seems to instantly know the answer as he smirks and says: "I probably had some help."
"I KNEW IT!" Snape suddenly shouts and Sirius snaps back: "No, you didn't. Wrong conclusion, Snape." The man looks shocked, but then glares and says: "You just confessed, Black." But Sirius shakes his head and says: "I said I had help. I didn't say who.""Everyone knows who, Black, you'd be a fool not to –."
Snape tries to argue, but then Sirius stands up, his full length seeming taller than before and he says: "I, Sirius Orion Black, swear upon my magic that, until the arrival of the Gang and the books, Remus John Lupin has not helped me nor did he know of my true goals for getting into Hogwarts. So I swear, So mote it be."
And when the man lights his wand with a Lumos spell, does Remus smile at him gratefully, while Snape glares at the man, obviously feeling defeated yet again, while I personally wonder: "If it's not his best friend who's helping him – then who is?" And after looking at all other adults to see who it could be, do I read on.
Professor McGonagall … the air.
This makes Sirius cringe and he says: "Minerva, don't take this out on Neville. This is my fault and if you knew why I wanted to get in there, you would have accepted me and given me the passwords yourself, I assure you." The woman nods, while elder students whisper about this new little hint and the woman says:
"I won't punish Mr. Longbottom here, Sirius, but I can't say anything about my book-self as she still believes you after one of my most favorite third year pupils. You understand that, yes?" And the man sends her a grateful smile as he says: "Had the roles for my life been any different, then yes, I would have fully understood."
The woman nods and then I send a look at Harry and Hermione, motioning them with my head and eyes for the Antechamber. The two nod and Dumbledore, who seems to have caught onto my intentions, says: "All students have a ten minute break. Within ten minutes you are all to be back in your seats."
Everyone instantly starts to mingle, the Gryffindors heading for Ravenclaw table to discuss the latest match with them and Harry sends Oliver, Sirius, the Gang and Dumbledore a loving smile before joining me and Hermione for our walk to the Antechamber, me leading the whole gang and actually feeling out of place as I am.
We enter the Antechamber and I turn on my friends, my face determined as I remember the reasons why I wanted this meeting. I first look at Hermione as getting Pettigrew caught will eventually make it easier for Harry to grow used to the other discovery I made and while the girl is shocked at my determined look, do I say:
"I know who Black is after." The two of them share a look and I say: "It's Pettigrew, Peter Pettigrew. When Black said I had to look at his supposed crimes, were there 3 I could choose from. Him betraying your parents, him killing the Muggles, him killing Pettigrew. Seeing he was after a living wizard, the answer was simple.
Peter Pettigrew is an Animagus like Sirius and your dad, Harry, only he's one no person would look twice at, because they are so bloody common. He's –." And Hermione answers in shock: "A rat. He's Scabbers! That's why Sirius escaped when your family got in the Prophet, he recognized Pettigrew's Animagus form."
I nod and say: "And so did Crookshanks. That cat has to be Part Kneazle, Hermione, because Kneazles can recognize an Animagus only with full-bred Kneazles their whole body and stance will show off some kind of magic that they are hunting Animagus and this didn't happen with Crookshanks, so he has to be part Kneazle."
My two friends are absolutely shocked at hearing this, but I feel another wave of repulsion as I think of that little bastard, lying up there in my dorm, waiting for me to protect him and I say: "Look, Pettigrew is expecting me – as his so-called owner – to protect him, to protect him from Sirius – but I know how we can use that against him."
I turn to Hermione yet again and say: "You and I are going to have a fight, one as big as the one we had in the last few chapters and I am going to be so pissed at you, I will shout about not trusting in the safety of my rat until you control your cat. That will give me valid reason to put Scabbers in his cage without him any wiser."
Now Harry and Hermione share a proud, excited smile and I turn a stern on Hermione as I say: "I need you to be at your angriest, Hermione, at your very angriest. This needs to work and I don't want that little monster in my bed a moment longer so we have to do this right the next time Dumbledore gives us a break."
The two of them nod, Hermione slightly hesitant and I know she will hate for herself to fake being angry at me and so I whisper: "Just pretend me to be Scabbers." Hermione nods, still looking apprehensive and then Harry draws her attention away from our current plan as he asks: "So, what's your other reason for our Meeting?"
And while the memory of that same little note flies through my head again, do I say: "I know why Sirius keeps getting those headaches." This makes both of their eyes bulge and Hermione, her voice almost high pitched enough it goes through the wooden closed door, making me worry for those on the other side overhearing, asks:
"How did you figure that out? Not even Sirius himself can figure that out. How did you?" I sigh as I wonder how Sirius couldn't have figured this out himself and say: "Because of something Irma read during the start of the Marauder's Map chapter. The thing she read when McGonagall shouted at Malfoy, remember?"
The two share a glance and I repeat: "You will soon find out that your rival was never your rival. The family Harry will get will prove she was never his. Never yours, but never his either." The two look at me shocked and I say: "I don't know what the first or last sentence mean, but the middle one made me realize why Sirius has his headaches.
They're connected to Harry, his dad and Sirius' Veela side and they reacted the worst when Sirius made that comment about Harry making a comment that could have been made by his own kid. Sirius doesn't have any memory of his Veela side, yet he treats Harry as a son, for which he is rewarded by huge mental pains?"
My two best friends have their eyes widen more and more as I lie the truth out in front of them and then Harry whispers: "James and Sirius are my parents." And I nod, while wondering how Lily Potter could fit in the whole picture and say: "And that is exactly the kind of memories that Pettigrew wiped from everyone's memories."
Harry and Hermione have their mouths hung open slightly, Harry's lower lip trembling as he must feel absolutely horrible about having lost one of his parents to death and the other to prison, while in Hermione's eyes I can see her mind going over everything that has been happening to us all since we started reading.
Seeing the light shining in her eyes, I know that she has come to the conclusion that I am indeed right and I say: "A Veela is the most loyal of all creatures. If Sirius and James were really mates, then their loyalty to each other would have made it impossible for Sirius to betray James, which would prove his innocence in a heartbeat."
"So Pettigrew wiped everyone's memory, made us all think I had Lily Potter for a mother and that Sirius is my Godfather, just so he could escape justice." Harry mutters, but then Hermione seems to finally find a loophole in my theory and says: "You can't be right, Ron." I glare at her, wondering why she defies me and then she says:
"Veelas are more loyal to their Mates than you just mentioned. Their lives depend on those of their mates. If James Potter was really Sirius' mate, then why didn't he – sorry Harry – then why didn't he pass away a year after James did, like all Veela do when their mates die?" And there the genius girl stumps me again.
