Chapter 11: Two Lives Saved
It was a dark, silent night, and you, Hermione, Ron, Remus, and I were walking back from the shrieking shack, with Peter in tow. Suddenly, a cloud shifted just a couple of meters, and the full moon became visible. Quickly, I flung out my arm to protect you and Hermione, and told you to run. Then, horrified, I watched as Remus transformed. I had no choice but to transform myself and attack Remus, in order to protect you. I managed to chase Remus into the Forbidden Forrest, and then came back to you, hoping we were alright to continue on, and act as if there was no full moon. Unfortunately, you informed me of Peter's escape, and I bolted after him.
Before I could find Peter, however, I ran into a mob of dementors. There were at least a hundred of them. Immediately I feel to my knees.
"No," I moaned, my hands over my head. "No… please…."
I could feel the dementors sucking every drop of happiness out of me. I tried to hold on as long as I could, but nothing work. Finally, I just fell into unconsciousness, leaving you and Hermione to fend for yourselves.
About an hour later, I regained consciousness. Groaning, I managed to sit upright. Looking, around the room, I wondered where I was, and how I had gotten there. Then, I saw Dumbledore. He was standing in the corner of the room with a curious expression on his face, as if he wondered what I was doing there as well.
"Where am I, and how did I get here?" I moaned.
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "You are in Professor Flitwick's office. It appears you were attacked by dementors. Fortunately, Serverus found you, and brought you to me."
Everything that had happened in the past few hours poured back into my memory. "Where's Harry?" I realized I sounded as if I wanted to kill you, just like many people assumed, so I quickly added, "Is he safe? I don't know what I'd do if he isn't."
Dumbledore smiled. "He's fine and recovering in the hospital wing. He put up a brave fight against the dementors. He used a Patronus, which as you know is very advanced for a third year. You may be interested to know it takes the form of a stag, just like his father's." Dumbledore chuckled. "In fact, Harry is like James in many ways. He's not nearly as big of prankster and you and James were – he's more like Lily in that sense – but he's a determined boy, and a great Quitditch player."
I straitened up. "How did he learn to create a Patronus?" I asked. I was very impressed.
Dumbledore smiled again. "Remus Lupin taught it to him. He's the DADA teacher this year, and taught Harry how to create one in order to defend himself against dementors."
I wanted to talk about you all night and learn as much as I could, but I knew there was other business I needed to attend to. Sighing, I explained to Dumbledore the whole story, from when I decided to switch secret keepers to Peter, to chasing after him and meeting the dementors. Besides nodding his head, Dumbledore gave no reaction.
"Do you believe me?" I asked nervously.
"Yes." Dumbledore said slowly.
"Do… do you think you could prevent me from going back to Azkaban? I survived once, but I don't think I could do it again." I sighed, and then continued. "I really don't want to go back. I want to raise Harry as my son, as I know James would have wanted me to."
Dumbledore grimaced. "I'm not sure if I can accomplish such I task, Sirius." He sighed. "I am only one man against almost the entire ministry of magic. They are not likely to listen to me. I'm afraid I am not powerful enough to help you. However, I do know of someone who just may be able to save you."
I raised my eyebrows. "Who do you have in mind, Professor?" I asked as Dumbledore walked to the door.
Dumbledore ignored me. He opened the door and prepared to leave, but stopped.
"I'm terribly sorry, Sirius, but I'm afraid I must lock you in. The Ministry requires I do so." And with that, Dumbledore left the room, shutting the door behind him.
Sighing, I got out of the bed I was lying in and began to pace. I wondered who Dumbledore was planning on saving me. I also wondered his plan was, or even if he had one.
When I least expected it, I heard a sharp tap on the window. I looked up, and to my utter amazement saw you and Hermione sitting on the back of a hippogriff. Leaping from the chair I was sitting in, I ran to the window and tried to open it, only to find it was locked as well. It wasn't a problem, though, because you opened it for me."
"How – how-?" I stuttered weakly.
I climbed out the window and onto Buckbeak's back. We took off, and landed on the West Tower. Immediantly, you and Hermione slid off Buckbeak and told me to leave.
I could only stare at you. "How can I ever thank -"
"GO!" You and Hermione interrupted.
I sighed. "We'll see each other again." I promised. "You are – truly your father's son, Harry…." And with that Buckbeak and I flew off into the night.
Now, here I am, sitting under this large oak tree, writing you what must be the world's longest letter. Even though we are now in the present, I will continue to write to you, and will give it to you when I feel the time is right. Because of this, from now on, I will date each part of this letter. Someday, I hope to present this letter to your personally. Chances are, I will, because we will see each other again. It's just a matter of time. I cannot wait to raise you as my son. Then, we will be together until the end of time.