Chapter 3 – Coming Home

Sirius stood as Hermione entered and was struck momentarily speechless. In the years he had been gone she had grown up quite well. She was dressed in a very business appropriate blue skirt with an asymmetrical hem and a cream colored blouse with a V-neck, in which a light necklace with blue stones was arranged. Her hair was pulled back with just a few tendrils escaping. As she entered the office, Sirius was struck by a firm sense of authority that issued from her. As Sirius took a moment to adjust to the changes in Hermione, she closed the door behind her and scrutinized him with an undefinable look.

"Hello Sirius. Or at least that is who you appear to be. I'm afraid the news of your return seems a bit unbelievable. I have a couple of questions for you."

"Certainly Hermione."

"First, what unique plant did Dumbledore have planted at Hogwarts during your time at the school?"

"The Whomping Willow."

"Alright, and what is the name of the map that you and your friends created while you were students?"

"The Marauders' Map. Named for the four of us."

Hermione paled a bit and took a moment before asking one final question.

"And what is the pet name that you use for your godson and why?"

"Pup. Because my animagus form is a dog."

Hermione gasped as her eyes filled with tears and she stepped forward to embrace Sirius.

"I can't believe it. It's really you. After all this time. They told me you had returned, but I had to check for myself."

Sirius hugged Hermione for a moment before they stepped back and he looked down on her. He smiled to himself as he saw that she was recovering and composing herself, gaining the air of authority that she had entered the office with.

"That's quite understandable Hermione. And your questions were quite good. Even the best impostor wouldn't have answered all three correctly. I must say it is good to see you. I have a million questions of course, but I don't know what my legal status is."

Hermione looked over at Mathilda and her full authority was reinstated as she took command of the situation.

"Well Mathilda, I can definitively confirm that this man is Sirius Black. Since he has no criminal charges pending, I believe this situation is no longer in need of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I do thank you for the department's assistance in seeing that Sirius returned home as quickly as possible."

"No problem Ms. Granger. Thank you for ensuring his identity for us. I will admit that I have questions, but there is no reason to detain him further."

With that said, Hermione took Sirius by the arm and led him out of the office. They passed through the cubicles for the rest of the department and several people scrambled to move as Hermione led them purposefully out of the department. Sirius followed quietly, intrigued by the confident young witch that Hermione had become. When they reached the lift it was full, but several wizards exited with a tip of their hats to Hermione. Four floors later they left the lift and made their way to a large department that a sign showed was the Minister's staff offices. As Hermione entered, a couple more people scrambled and two of them made their way to greet her.

"Ms. Granger. You returned quickly. I have the papers you requested for your meeting at two."

"Thanks Ellie, but I will need you to reschedule that. I will be taking the rest of the day off. Graeme, I see you have the centaur's quarterly report ready, please review with George and then we will discuss it tomorrow. Also, Ellie, I need an emergency owl brought to my office immediately. I have several calls to make, and then I will be attending to personal business for the rest of the day and should not be summoned short of a national emergency."

"Yes Ms. Granger, of course."

Hermione pulled Sirius along as they left the outer offices and entered her own private office. Sirius was still a bit gobsmacked at watching Hermione give orders to several underlings and seeing them scramble to obey. Then he looked at the nameplate on her desk and his eyebrows shot up. It read: Hermione Granger – Senior Assistant to the Minister of Magic, Liaison for Magical Creature Relations. Finally Sirius found his voice and looked with new found appreciation on his godson's friend.

"Wow Hermione. I know I have a lot to adjust to. It seems you've done quite well for yourself."

"Thank you Sirius. After the war there were a lot of opportunities for smart, dedicated and hardworking individuals. I used the unique times to my advantage. Having Kingsley as the Minister helped as well. Where others discounted me due to my age, he did not. He works his staff hard, but he appreciates us and our abilities. Now, I need to notify several people about your return. I haven't said anything yet, as I wanted to confirm the truth for myself. I assume Harry would be the first person you wish to see?"

Sirius nodded his head, still absorbing the news that Hermione had blasted him with. 'After the war'? And Kingsley was Minister? He had a lot of catching up to do.

While Sirius stood contemplating, Hermione was busy. She pulled a small mirror out of a side cabinet and tapped it with her wand while saying 'Auror department'. A minute later, a middle aged man appeared in the mirror and grimaced at her as Hermione began to speak.

"Hello Williamson. There is a personal emergency and I need to have Harry return home immediately. Is he in the office?"

"No Ms. Granger. He is in the field on surveillance duty. It would be most troublesome to pull him out right now."

"Well then please trouble yourself. Find someone else to take his place. That is an order from the Minister's office, am I clear?"

"Yes Ms. Granger. I'll have one of the juniors go to his location. We should have him home within the hour."

Hermione nodded and tapped the mirror. Then she looked up at Sirius.

"Merlin's beard that man is always difficult. He's an excellent Auror, but as a director he's always been difficult."

Hermione then turned to the small fireplace in the corner of the office and reached for floo powder. Sirius just sat across the office in a bit of shock at the fact that Hermione had just issued orders to the director of the Auror department and he had followed them. Coming out of his daze, Sirius looked over and saw a familiar face in the fireplace. It was Ginny Weasley and Hermione was talking to her, much friendlier than she had been with Williamson.

"Hi Ginny. I know this is a surprise. I've got a bit of an emergency situation. No! Nothing bad. Harry is fine. Actually, he'll be home within the hour. I will also be coming with a guest. We should be there in about fifteen to twenty minutes."

"Alright Hermione. I'm intrigued. I'll see you in a bit."

The fireplace returned to normal and Hermione turned to Sirius.

"I'm glad you were well back and away where she couldn't see you. I think the news of your return will be best done in person. Now, there are a couple things you should know before we…"

Hermione was cut off by a knock at the door and she waved it open. The secretary, Ellie, was standing with a small owl on her shoulder and entered when Hermione beckoned her in.

"Ah Ellie, thank you. Please set him down on the coat rack. I still have to draft a note to the Minister and then I'll send him off. Once that's done, I'll be leaving for the day."

Ellie nodded, deposited the owl on the top of the coat rack and left the office. Hermione took a piece of parchment and began to scribble a brief note. Then she pulled out a seal and affixed it to the letter with a final tap of her wand. Crossing the room, Hermione tied the parchment to the owl. Then she opened her door and sent the owl on its way. Turning back to Sirius, Hermione continued where she had left off when Ellie arrived.

"As I was saying Sirius, there are a couple of details you need to know before we leave. When you disappeared almost seven years ago it was assumed you were dead. As such, your will was put in place and took effect when Harry came of age. After the war he moved into Grimmauld Place and it is the home for him and his family now. I have to warn you that you probably won't recognize the place. You should also know that he and Ginny married four years ago, so she is Ginny Potter now."

Sirius blew out a breath and took a moment to respond.

"Well, I'm thrilled to know Harry is doing well and is happy. As for the inheritance I left him, I'm not surprised. Nor do I mind. I hope though that they have a spare room for me for a while until I get adjusted and decide what I'm doing."

Hermione smiled. "Oh, that won't be a problem I'm sure. Now, we've delayed long enough and I know Ginny is waiting."

Hermione and Sirius left the Ministry and apparated to the doorstep of Grimmauld Place. From the outside, it looked much the same and Sirius had a range of emotions as he stood on the threshold of his childhood home. Hermione knocked and the door was opened almost immediately. Ginny stood in the doorway, looking more beautiful than ever and Sirius was once again boggled at how those that he had known young had grown up so well. Meanwhile, Ginny Potter looked first at Hermione and then past her to the man who stood behind her friend. Ginny went pale and began to tremble. Hermione took the initiative and stepped in the door to take her friend by the arm. Sirius followed, stepped into the foyer and suddenly felt dizzy and confused. The house was not the same place he had grown up with. The dark walls and grimy wood moldings had been replaced by polished wood that gleamed in the lamplight. The upper part of the walls were decorated with a wallpaper in a subtly modern design in shades of pale green and white. The whole hallway seemed brighter and several modern paintings graced the walls. Sirius took a moment and snapped out of his shock to hear Hermione speaking.

"Yes Ginny, I know it's a shock. I don't understand how myself, but I have confirmed he is Sirius. The questions he was able to answer convinced me. Can we go sit down and talk?"

"Oh, of course. Sorry Hermione. Please, come."

As they entered the living room, Ginny seemed to come out of her daze and turned to Sirius.

"Welcome home Sirius. I'm sorry for the way I've responded, it's just a shock."

Sirius smiled at her and turned to survey the living room, which had also been redecorated to such an extent that it was unrecognizable. Gone were the days of darkness and bitterness when his family had resided in the house. Now the place was warm and comfortable. He had been dreading returning, but now he felt better with the idea of staying here for a while. The three old friends then settled into comfortable couches as Ginny called out 'Quisi'. Seconds later, a young female house elf in an apron appeared and smiled at her mistress.

"Quisi, can you please make tea for four. Hermione, Harry's on his way home, right?"

"Yes Ginny. He should be here shortly."

Ginny smiled at the elf and she popped out to attend to their tea. Sirius was looking a bit puzzled and Ginny turned to him.

"There's a lot for you to catch up on Sirius. Kreacher died three years ago in his sleep. One morning he wasn't making breakfast and we found him in his closet. He was old, so it wasn't a surprise. We had him cremated and spread his ashes in the garden. After he was gone, we hired Quisi. She's one of the new modern house elves. It's probably more Hermione's place to explain all of that to you, as it's her department."

Hermione smiled and continued for Ginny.

"Sirius, house elves are now recognized as fully sentient magical creatures and are due full rights and considerations under the law. We've abolished all of the old slavery notions. House elves still prefer to bond and serve a single family, but now they do so with certain protections. They are granted clean clothing on a regular basis, a certain standard of housing within the residence they serve, regular meals and a small weekly payment for their services. In addition, the Ministry receives a monthly fee for them and ensures they are not abused and receive medical treatment as necessary. Truthfully, what they receive is a mere pittance, but the elves are all quite happy with the new arrangements."

Sirius shook his head. "Well Hermione, it seems that your early goals have come to fruition. You've accomplished a lot in a few years."

Hermione was about to respond when a bell sounded indicating that front door was opening. Then they heard Harry's voice and Sirius' heart leaped.

"Ginny? Hermione? I'm home. Where are you? What's the emergency?"

"We're in the living room my love."

Sirius stood, faced the doorway and braced himself. Seconds later his godson entered the room and came to a dead stop, staring at him. A range of emotions flashed through Harry's eyes, but his face remained a hard mask. Seeing the disbelief in Harry's eyes, Hermione stood and went to her friend.

"I know it's a shock Harry. We still have a lot of questions, but he is who he appears to be. I interrogated him and he knew facts that only Sirius would know."

Harry took a moment to let Hermione's words settle into his brain. Then his carefully controlled Auror facade began to crumble and he took a couple tentative steps forward.

"Sirius? Really?"

"Yes pup. I'm home."

The rest of Harry's resolve cracked and he crossed the room to engulf his godfather in a hug.