AN: Okay guys, here's the deal. The chapter below isn't entirely completed, but I know I've kept you guys waiting forever. As someone who reviewed just pointed out to me, I haven't updated in a year and there's a very good reason for that. I honesty have the whole story mapped out and I also have almost all the chapters written out on lose leaf. I think I have about four more chapters to write. My problem however is this: I moved over the summer and the lose leaf papers with the story on it are in a binder sitting in the basement of my Father's house. I'll try and get him to send it to me as soon as possible and if that doesn't work I'll try my best to remember what I had written and get something else out to you.

So the following is an early Christmas present I guess for being so patience and waiting. I also have another bit of business I wanted to talk to you guys about, but I'll go over that in the next chapter or the revisited version of this one once I finally get it all written and reposted.

Anyways, enjoy!

– Chapter Twenty-One –

Meeting 'Sirius Black'

Ron and Hermione watched Harry nervously all through diner, which annoyed Harry to no ends. He hadn't gone to Hogsmead and over heard the conversation about Sirius, but it seemed Ron and Hermione still remembered it.

When they went upstairs to the crowded common room, it was to find that Fred and George had set off half-a-dozen Dungbombs in a fit of end-of-term spirit. Harry, who didn't want to really talk to anyone right now, especially Fred and George, and because he wanted to avoid Ron and Hermione, sneaked quietly to the empty dormitory and headed straight for bed.

He was mentally exhausted. Even though he could do what he wanted and say what he wanted with Lupin, he was still tired from the countless hours of research they had done. They were still no closer to finding an answer then they had been when they had started. Lupin found some information on a case of the curse being performed over a century ago, but they didn't keep a detailed account of it and it had only said that the victim hadn't survived.

"What am I going to do?" Harry asked himself, quietly as he lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. He wanted to go home, back to his time. He missed Sirius. It would still be a while yet before he could get in touch with the one here. He thought the best time would be when Sirius breaks into Gryffindor Tower and tries to kill Peter, but that wouldn't happen 'til the next Quidditch match. He really didn't want to wait that long.

He rolled over and sighed. Maybe he could send on owl to him. Sirius was supposed to be in the Forbidden Forest somewhere. Maybe Hedwig could get to him. He'd have to tell Hedwig what to look for however, but that was simple, just a big, black, shaggy dog.

Harry sat up in his bed. That's exactly what he would do. Owl Sirius. It was brilliant and he couldn't believe that he hadn't thought of it before now.

Getting out of bed, Harry knelt down in front of his bedside cabinet and began rummaging through it for a spare bit of parchment and some ink. Once he found some, he sat back against the side of his bed and began to write. It took him a few tries to get the wording right as he was sure this was probably the most difficult letter he had ever had to write. How did you tell your Convicted Godfather that you knew he was innocent, that he was in fact your Godfather and that you're from the future in need of his help? Not exactly an easy task.

He sat back after twenty minutes and a couple of pieces of parchment later and read over his finished letter.

Dear Padfoot,

This may sound slightly mad but, I'm you're Godson, Harry Potter, and I know that you innocent. I know that it was Peter who betrayed my parents and not you. I know about the switch in Secret Keepers and what really happened between you and Peter in that street full of Muggles.

The reason I know all this I can't explain in a letter. I need to speak to you. I swear that this isn't a trick from the Ministry of Dumbledore to lure you out of hiding. If it were a trick, how would I know all that stuff about Peter? Please owl me back with a reply.

Your Godson,

Harry

P.S I told Moony you were innocent and he'll meet with you as well.

"That will have to do," Harry said. "I just hope that Sirius will believe it."

He stood and went over towards Hedwig, who was perched on the windowsill, watching him curiously. He guessed that she just wanted to spend some time with him or something since it wasn't often that she came here instead of going to the Owley.

"I need you to get this to a man named Sirius Black. He's in the Forbidden Forest, most likely in the form of a big black dog, okay?" Harry said as he tied the letter to her leg. She nipped his finger affectionately and then took flight and soared out the open window.

Harry watched her for a moment until she disappeared into the darkness of the forest and the flopped down on his bed, closing his eyes. He hoped that thus worked. He got up and changed then got into bed, took his glasses off and made sure that the hangings were hiding him from view just in time.

The dormitory door opened.

"Harry?" Ron's voice called uncertainly.

Harry didn't feel like talking so he pretended to be asleep. He heard Ron leave and then rolled over onto his back, his eyes wide open.

He was wondering why he had never thought to tell Ron and Hermione about what was happening, but then thought about what he had Lupin had discussed. If all this was in his mind, then he had to be very careful about who he decided to trust. Anyone of his friends could really be Voldemort in disguise or they could be created by his own mind to protect him. At that moment the only person he was sure about was Lupin. He wasn't even sure about Sirius yet. Guess I'll have to wait and see about that one, he thought, sighing slightly.

Whatever happened, he knew he'd have to be extra careful. Voldemort could be anyone.

Sirius sat beside Harry's still form in the hospital wing, James beside him, asleep in a chair. The night was fairly dark and gloomy, the almost full moon being obscured by cloud cover. The hospital wing was dark and quiet, the only sounds being from James, who was snoring slightly, and Harry, whose breath was coming in short, raspy, gasps.

He shook his head, sighing deeply as he took hold of Harry's hand. None of them were sure what had happened to Harry. They all had their suspicions, but they didn't have any hard evidence and until they figured out exactly what was going on, there was very little that they could do for him.

Sirius began to slowly study Harry's feature, hoping that Harry might reacted and give a sign that he was still in there; that he was trying to wake up. Hid breathing was coming in short, quick gasps; his jet black hair was stuck to his sweaty forehead and his scar was red and puffy. He looked so ill and Sirius could hardly believe that Harry was even alive at all sometimes he looked so fragile.

Sirius bowed his head, clutching Harry's hand between his own. How long had Harry been like this now? He lost count of the many hours that he had spent by this bedside sometimes. It was already February. The students had all been informed of the situation to a point and certain clubs like Quidditch and the Duelling Club had been cancelled until further notice. Sirius was slightly grateful for that as he knew that the Gryffindor team wouldn't want to play without their captain and seeker and he was having a hard enough time dealing with his class and he knew that he'd never be able to get through a Duelling lesson.

Sirius jumped slightly when he felt Harry tighten his grip. He looked up at the boy hopefully and sure enough, Harry's whole face was scrunched up as though he was fighting with all his might to just open his eyes.

"Harry?" Sirius said. The response he got was that Harry squeezed his hand slightly. Sirius moved closer.

"Come on, Harry. Open your eyes."

At his words Harry's eyes cracked open a little. Sirius could see so much pain and determination in those eyes.

"Sir...ius?" Harry struggled to say. He was finding it too hard to talk or even keep his eyes open. He could feel that something was trying to pull him back under; pull him back into that world that was created in his mind, but he fought it with all the strength he had. He didn't want to go back. He wanted to stay right here, with Sirius.

Sirius smiled. "It's me, Harry, but don't try to talk, alright. You'll just drain your strength."

Harry shook his head slowly. "I…have…to tell y…you somethi…thing."

Sirius frowned, gripping Harry's hand tightly. They were going to lose him again. He could feel Harry slipping. "What is it, Harry?"

"Voldemort…did…this," Harry swallowed hard, trying to get some moisture into his throat. "The…curse is…Avucinor…Sarco."

"Avucinor Sarco?" Sirius asked, making sure he heard Harry correctly.

Harry nodded.

Sirius felt his heart sink down into the pit of his stomach. He had to tell Dumbledore about this. He knew exactly what Avucinor Sarco did and they needed to start trying to find a way to help Harry now or they could lose him.

Harry's relaxing grip brought Sirius back to the present. "Harry?"

Harry's eyes slide shut and his head rolled to one side. He was gone again.

Sirius eyes teared up as he brushed away a lock of his Godson's hair. "You just keep on fighting, Harry. Just keep on fighting."

"Harry, you-you look terrible."

Harry sighed deeply as he came the rest of the way down the stairs. That's because I didn't exactly get a lot of sleep last night, however he did feel slightly better then he had when he had gone to bed. He had gotten home last night. It had only been for a moment but he had seen Sirius and had let his Godfather know what was happening. Hopefully they could do something from their end now that they knew.

"Where is everyone?" Harry asked, glancing around the deserted common room as he reached the bottom.

"Gone! It's the first day of the holidays, remember?" Ron said excitedly, watching Harry closely from where he was perched on the arm of one of the chairs. "It's nearly lunchtime, I was going to come and wake you up in a minute."

Harry slummed into an armchair next to the fire. Snow was still falling outside the windows. Crookshanks was spread out in front of the fire like a large, ginger rug.

"You really don't look well, you know," Hermione said, peering anxiously into his face. Harry thought that she might go as far as to check his forehead in a moment.

"It's not what you think," Harry sighed, rubbing his eyes with his hand."

"Harry, listen," Hermione said, exchanging a look with Ron, "You must be really upset about what we heard yesterday. But the thing is, you mustn't go doing anything stupid."

Harry just gave her a look. Oh to hell with it all, he thought. "What are you going on about?"

Hermione and Ron shared another look. "What we overheard about Black," Ron continued. "That he betrayed you parents."

Harry sighed and covered his eyes with a hand. God, he really didn't need this right now. He wished that he wasn't even having this stupid conversation.

"I don't care about Black, Ron," he replied, rolling his tongue over how strange it felt to refer to Sirius as 'Black'.

"You can't fool us that easily," Ron answered sharply.

Harry just remained silent to Ron's reply and stared into the flames. Was there anyway out of this conversation? Probably not. He couldn't think of one without it seeming too suspicious.

"Harry?" Hermione peered into his face again.

Harry just put his head in his hands. "Look, I'm not going after Sirius Black, alright. I've got plenty to do already, much more important things really, then chasing after an innocent man."

Both Ron and Hermione started at him in puzzlement now. "Blimey," Ron replied. "I don't know how much sleep you got last night, mate, but surely you remember what McGonagall, Hargid and Fudge said about Black yesterday. Basted sounds anything but innocent."

Harry grew angry all of a sudden and stood to face his 'friends'. He was tempted to whip his wand out but thought better of it. "Don't call Sirius that again, Ron," he warned, his emerald eyes burning in rage.

Ron took a step back in alarm. "Sorry," he muttered, while Hermione just stared at Harry as if he had gone mad.

"Harry, what on Earth is wrong with you? Granted I'm happy to hear that you won't do something stupid and try and find Black, but that man betrayed your parents. Surely you're not going to start defending him," Hermione questioned.

"Sirius didn't betray my parents," Harry answered, throwing caution to the wind. "Someone else did."

"Who?" Hermione asked.

Harry shook his head. "I don't have time for this," he muttered, heading towards the portrait hole.

"Harry-" Hermione called after him, but he ignored her and just kept walking. Once he was a few feet away from the portrait hole, he broke into a run. He didn't want them to follow him, as he was not in the mood to continue the discussion they had just had or to fight with them. It was no use anyways.

He kept running until he was outside by the lake. The air was cold, but Harry didn't care much. He just collapsed by the lake into a pile of snow and sighed heavily, trying to dispel the rest of his anger.

He was just so tired of it all. He was sick of being trapped in his mind, sick of reliving this period of his life. Sure it was the best year at Hogwarts he had ever had, but he had changed too much to properly enjoy it, seen and done things even wizards twice his age hadn't done. He just didn't want to fight anymore.

"Dame it," Harry shouted, punching the snow covered ground. He was tired of it all. "Why didn't he just kill me?"

It was a question that Harry really wanted answered. Why had Voldemort cast this curse on him? Why not just kill him and be done with it? It didn't make much sense, but there must be some sort of reason behind it all. Voldemort didn't do anything without having a very good reason for doing so.

I guess the answer lies in the curse that he cast me on, Harry thought sadly, resting his arms on his drawn up knees. He and Lupin still had been unable to discover what 'The Dreamer's Curse' pertained too. Lupin figured it must be something bad, but they still hadn't been able to discover a record of the curse actually being performed. It was really starting to get annoying.

The sudden 'who-who' of an owl brought Harry out of his thoughts and he looked up just in time to see a white blur going towards him before it hit him squarely in the chest, knocking him over into the snow. By the time he had whipped the snow off of his glasses and looked down, Hedwig had seated herself comfortable in his lap.

'Who-Who' she looked up at him with her huge amber eyes and Harry noticed a large letter attacked to her lag.

"Excellent," Harry said excitingly, quickly untying the letter from her leg and ripping it open. At first it looked like Hedwig hadn't been able to find Sirius as it was his words he was staring at, but when he flipped it over he saw a response written in what looked like mud.

Dear Harry,

I'm not going to try and understand how you found out about Peter and, as I'm in no position to dispute what you said, I'm inclined to believe you. I understand that you wish to speak with me. However this may be difficult seeing as I can't risk being seen too much on the grounds and there are security measures that have been taken to keep you safe and in the castle. Therefore the only thing I can come up with is to met you somewhere still on the grounds, but close to the forest. The far side of the lake closest to the forest should be good enough. Hopefully you have your father's invisibility cloak so it shouldn't be too hard for you to get out of Gryffindor Tower. I'll see you tonight around midnight then.

Padfoot

P.s Tell Moony that I look foreword to seeing him again and that I really am sorry.

"Yes," Harry said, looking in the direction of the forest. "See you tonight, Sirius." Then he ran off back towards the castle to see Lupin. Hopefully he was still around.

Harry knew that Lupin doesn't show up at any of the meals during the holidays, but, taking into account that the full moon was in a day or so, Harry wouldn't be surprised if the man had just locked himself up in either his office of his living quarters for the duration of the holidays.

Skidding to a halt outside Lupin's Office, Harry knocked in the large oak door, breathing heavily from his run.

There was a pause as Harry heard papers being rustled around and the scraping of a chair being the door slowly opened. Lupin's head peered around the door and his gaze fell on Harry.

He smiled tiredly, "Hello, Harry, I thought you were spending the holidays with Ron and Hermione."

Harry sighed, still slightly out of breath. "I was, but then they brought up some things that I real didn't feel like dealing with at the moment. Can I come in?"

Lupin nodded and opened the door a little wider so that Harry could squeeze through before he shut it firmly. Harry was surprised to see what a mess the place was in. Normally Lupin was fairly organized and neat, but it looked like a tornado had ripped through the place. There were papers lying crumpled on the desk and floor, Mountains of books piled around the room with some open on the desk and another pile on the extra chair that Lupin had around for when people came into his office.

"Do I want to know?" Harry asked, making his way carefully to the chair and removing the pile from on top of it.

Lupin sighed and gazed around his office. "Yes, I do realize that it looks like a war zone in here, which when I think about it sounds quick accurate considering that some of the books have actually been fighting with me, but it's not fun trying to balance marking assignments, doing up lesson plans, researching not just your problem but a few of my own and my own tiredness from the upcoming full moon."

Harry felt bad, all of a sudden, that he was being such a burden on his Godfather. "I'm sorry-"

"Forget it, Harry," Lupin answered quickly, waving his hand dismissively at Harry's apology. "It's not your fault that you're in this mess. Beside," he moved carefully over to his desk and ruffled through a few sheet of paper, before showing on to Harry that had a big A+ written on the front, "I would have noticed something was going on with you even if you hadn't told me. You're marks have even surpassed Hermione's."

Harry grinned sheepishly, "Oops."

Lupin smiled and sat down. "Is there a particular reason why you decided to join me here in this mess," he gestured around the office, "Or did you just decide to come here to get away from Ron and Hermione."

Harry shrugged a bit. "A bit of both actually. I finally got a hold of Sirius." Lupin looked up as Harry pulled out the letter and handed it too him. "He says he can meet with me tonight."

Lupin read over the letter before looking back up at Harry. "I don't want you meeting with him alone, Harry. Like I said before, he's spent the last twelve years locked away in Azkaban and it might not be a very good idea to confront him right now alone."

"I knew you were going to say that, but don't worry. I understand, which is why I think we should both meet with him. I could get him and bring him to where ever you want," Harry answered.

Lupin nodded after a moment. "That sounds like a plan, but where could we go? There aren't many places where we could actually bring Sirius and not be seen."

"We could always go to the Shrieking Sack," Harry suggested. "It's the only safe place I can think of where Sirius could transform."

Lupin smiled softly at Harry. "Yes, I think that would do. Mind you I haven't been there in years."

Harry waved him off. "Besides a bit of dust, the place is stable. We can go there."

Lupin nodded. "Sometimes, Harry, I wonder just how much you know about the things that go on in this castle."

Harry smiled and shrugged. "The things I learn from being around two of the Marauders."

"Frankly, Harry, I'm scared to know what your Sirius has being telling you, if he's anything like he use to be."

Harry laughed at that. "Don't worry. You balance it all out."

Lupin smiled, looking down at some of the papers on his desk. "So how are you planning on telling Sirius about everything. He may not believe you."

Harry shrugged. "I thought I'd just wing it. I have a feeling that no matter what I say, he'll believe me."

Lupin sighed thoughtfully. "Just like James."

"Thank you," Harry answered.

Lupin chuckled slightly, before pulling a stack of essays towards him. "I should get these marked, but if you want to keep researching the curse, go right ahead," he said, gesturing to the books around the office.

Harry nodded, bending over to pick on up. "I've got nothing better to do." He propped open the book and began reading.

Harry met up with Ron and Hermione just after they came back from Hagrid's. Luckily neither of the mention the fight they had had that morning. Harry wondered if they even remember it at all as they didn't give any signs that there even was a fight.

Ron and Hermione were upset about Buckbeak and they ended up going straight to the library and then returning to the empty common room laden with books, which might help prepare a defence for Buckbeak. Harry didn't pay much attention to the books as they sat in front of the fire. He was busying looking over a book he had borrowed from Lupin's office hoping to find something on the curse. Luckily neither Ron nor Hermione seemed to notice.

"Here's something…there was a case in 1722…but the Hippogriff was convicted – urgh, look what they did to it, that's disgusting-"

"This might help, look – a Manlicore savaged someone in 1296, and they let the Manlicore off – oh – no, that was only because everyone was too scared to go near it…"

Later that night, when Harry was sure Ron was asleep, he snuck out of bed, took his father's invisibility cloak and made his way quietly down into the common room.

After throwing the cloak on, he started his way out of the castle. He knew that sneaking out of the castle wasn't the smartest thing to do right now as the castle was very well protected against Black fro his safely, but he needed to get to Sirius. Sirius might be able to help.

Harry shivered as he stepped outside into the cold weather. Even with his school cloak on, he was still freezing. The wind whipped at the invisibility cloak as he slowly walked towards the lakeside that was closest to the forest.

The trees were like huge monstrous shades that seem to try and reach for him. The lake was frozen and still and the almost full moon casted an eerie glow over the snow.

Harry reached his destination and sat down in the snow, letting the cloak fall off his head so that Sirius could spot him. He checked his watch. Eleven fifty-seven. Sirius should be getting here soon.

As he stared out over the lake, he sighed. So many things had changed since his 'real' third year. Not just in his life, but also Hogwarts itself. In his time, there were so many things and people guarding the place that you could hardly go anywhere without seeing some sort of security measure.

He shook his head and stared down at the ground. Too many things were different. Even he was in a way. He never would have noticed of he hadn't been put in this situation.

He continued to stare out over the lake, watching every small detail and every movement. There was a light mist rising from the lake making it hard to see the other side, but it didn't stop Harry from seeing a figure.

Harry squinted. It was a tall, cloaked figure, very hard to see through the mist. It was moving slowly towards Hogwarts. Then it stopped and looked right at him. It was a Dementor.

Harry heard something move behind him. Whatever it was, it took in a deep rattling breath. A wave of cold broke over him–

He stood and turned quickly. The Dementor was almost upon him. The screaming in Harry's head was overwhelming him. He could hardly think past it.

Not Harry! Not Harry! Please – I'll do anything–

Stand aside – Stand aside, girl–

"No!" Harry yelled, collapsing to the ground, tripping over the hem of his invisibility cloak, which now feel completely off of him. The icy cold was penetrating his insides, fog started to obscure his vision; more Dementors were appearing out of the darkness on every side; they were encircling him.

Lily, take Harry and go! It's him! Go! Run! I'll hold him off–

Suddenly the Dementor in front of him staggered and stumbled to the ground, a huge black dog on its back. The other Dementors noticed the dog and started to go after it. The dog fought fiercely at the Dementors, but there were far too many of them. It was losing.

Harry slowly stood and pulled out his wand. His mother and father's voices screaming in his head, he pointed his wand at the hoard of Dementors and focused sonly on a happy memory. He had to save Sirius.

"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" Harry yelled

And out of the end of his wand burst the stag, but like it had once before, it was pulsing gold. It galloped silently away from Harry and slammed hard into the group. Most of the Dementors staggered back and exploded. The others, sensing the danger, glided silently away.

Harry felt tired and weak, but he had to get to Sirius. The dog was limping and had a blood covered snout. Harry moved towards him slowly, however Sirius immediately started to growl at him.

Harry took a step back. Sirius probably thought this was some sort of trap.

"Padfoot," Harry began slowly. "I know what you must think, but you're wrong. Do you think Dumbledore would really use me as bait? I know you're not after me. You're after Peter. Please, believe me."

Sirius seemed to think for a moment, and then slowly moved closer to Harry. Harry quickly kneeled down in the snow and began to gently run his fingers over Padfoot's body. It was a lot thinner then he remember Sirius ever being in his dog form and their were a few cuts here and their but the worst of it was the gasp on his front leg.

"We better get out of here," Harry said after a moment, standing up and bushing the snow off his pants, "We're going to the Shrieking Shack. Moony will meet us there."

Sirius barked in reply and they slowly began making their way to the Whomping Willow.

AN: Remember, this chapter isn't finished, but I wanted to get something out. I'll try my best to finish it soon and get the story completed. Believe me it bothers me just as much as it bothers you guys that I haven't been able to get it finished. Review and get me your guys input and thanks for staying with me in this.