The Harry and Rose being calmly walked down the corridor from the Headmaster's office, feeling calmer and more at piece than they'd ever felt. Their mind was clearer, more focused, as if the Horcrux they'd been had been weighing them down, or perhaps, something else that wasn't detectible. They even felt healthier, too, as if their bodies were purified somehow. As they walked, the Harry and Rose being took their wands from their holsters, curiously wondering why their clothes had survived this Phoenix burning they'd experienced. It was odd, but it seemed that even their clothes were different somehow, changed in some strange way. Silently, and without speaking, the Harry and Rose being ran their wands over each other and cleaned them self, the Rose half spinning slowly before the Harry half did the same, their sharp vision picking out minute details they'd never before noticed. At a leisurely pace, they resumed their walk.
As they gazed around at the corridor, their mind went back to the various conversations they'd had with Professor Dumbledore regarding Voldemort. They remembered the prophecy, remembered the deep possibility of Voldemort using Horcruxes to assure his immortality. It was obvious he'd used more than one, as the Harry half had been an unintentional one, the diary unprotected. They knew they had to fight and defeat him and were aware, as if in crystal clarity, that it would come down to either him or them in the end, but they wouldn't be separated again in any form. They'd previously thought that with the petrification, and at the time, had felt so sure of it, perhaps due to their bond. When the Rose half had begun to die and burn from the venom in her blood, she'd separated from him again, but in a different way somehow. The Harry and Rose being knew that, if she'd died then, it would have only been the body. The Rose half would have still been there with the Harry half, they realized as they thought about what had happened, analyzed the event with a clarity of thought and focus that was incredible. That brought them to thinking of Tom Riddle, who had made himself Voldemort. Why, they wondered curiously, and what was the best way to prepare for battling him?
The Harry and Rose being then noticed a significant change in their thoughts. More than the calm was a change in actual thinking. Before, they'd wanted to kill Voldemort, had been preparing with a feverish pace to eliminate him, had been focused on learning the most destructive spells they could, the best offensive magic and strongest shields. That wasn't the answer, though, and such focus and dedication would have caused serious difficulties for them in the future had they continued. No, the right way was to focus on identifying spells, ways to place shields around Voldemort to contain him. They wouldn't do the killing, they couldn't. The very thought was appalling, so dark and terrible that their mind shied away from it and found alternate means of accomplishing their goal. After all, Voldemort only needed to be vanquished, defeated, conquered. He didn't actually need to be killed.
The thought rang like a bell in their mind and they felt a hope rise within them, a great hope that they wouldn't have to commit such a terrible, terrible act of killing. But then, there was the other line of the prophecy. Neither can live while the other survives. Their joy and hope left them as they remembered the other parts as well. Either must die at the hand of the other. The prophecy was clear. But, perhaps only lord Voldemort needed to die, not the actual person himself. They gasped and grinned in great joy, their thoughts going over their line of reasoning.
The prophecy, after all, had spoken of the dark lord only, hadn't mentioned Tom Riddle. Though, Riddle had identified himself as Lord Voldemort in the Chamber of Secrets, but that didn't necessarily mean they were one and the same, did it? They thought about how to end Lord Voldemort without killing him, to defeat and kill him without actually killing him. So far, they didn't see any reason they couldn't proceed with that, accept, of course, for the obvious fact that there wasn't a way to do that. But if there was a way, perhaps rewriting the memories in the mind. After all, memories were a lot of what made you a person, but then there was also the personality traits to think about as well. How many would emerge over time? Would Riddle still be power hungry even if he wasn't Lord Voldemort? What had driven him to behave in that way in the first place? They had to find out what that was before they had any hope of determining a means of killing Lord Voldemort and leaving Tom Riddle alive. But in the mean time, they decided it would be best to go after his Horcruxes. For now, though, quiet, calm, relaxed study would be best. It was certainly better than running them self ragged as they'd been doing, caught up in the anger of grief and the fear of Voldemort winning. Looking back on their behavior now, it seemed ridiculous. If they couldn't enjoy life and spent all of it studying, they might accomplish their goal, but it would as good as kill them in the end.
They continued to move through the corridor with the smooth grace they'd displayed since the Phoenix regeneration and wondered how everyone would look at them now. They moved differently than before, though it was something subtle from their point of view, though they weren't sure how others would see it. Their eyes were the biggest difference about them, the Harry half's still emerald green and the Rose half's still ocean blue, but within them swirled the dark black of the Phoenix. The Harry half reached out and touched the Rose half's skin. It was still warmer than his, the Rose half still feeling the coolness of the Harry half's touch, so that hadn't changed. They could transport them self with the abilities of the Phoenix, though, that they knew for certain. Strength was enhanced judging by how light the sword had felt afterward, and they curiously wondered if they could heal with their tears as a Phoenix could. They certainly felt as if tears were a precious thing, not to be wasted on such an activity as crying.
They approached the great hall and heard the low murmurs of some of the students talking. They entered and some glanced up. Ron and Hermione were among them, both staring at the Harry and Rose being as they walked over to them.
"You look different." Hermione said as they sat down across from them. "It's something I doubt most would notice, not immediately, anyway... Your eyes! Harry half, you're not wearing glasses!"
"No." The Harry and Rose being agreed. "Professor Dumbledore said I experienced the regeneration of the Phoenix, something legendary just as my nature is."
Ron and Hermione shivered at the sound of the voices of the Harry and Rose being, staring in wonder.
"Your voice..." Hermione trailed off.
"Yes, it's another effect." The Harry and Rose being responded calmly.
"From this regeneration of the Phoenix?" Hermione looked puzzled.
"Yes." The Harry and Rose being responded. "Two Phoenix's sacrificed themselves for me. Also, I've got a lot to tell you, but I'll sum it up simply for now. I, with the help of Fawkes and Professor Dumbledore, killed the Basilisk and Tom Riddle. Apparently, a diary of his was being used to open the Chamber of Secrets."
"A diary, really?" Ron asked. "I suppose it's possible, I've heard of all sorts of books with different kinds of curses on them."
"Yes, a diary." The Harry and Rose being said. "But don't worry, no more students will be attacked. We've made sure of that."
"That's a relief." Hermione replied. "And we know the ones who were already attacked will be cured soon enough."
"Something I wish I could do something about." The Harry and Rose being stated in a pondering manner. "When we're finished here, I have more to tell you."
As the Harry and Rose being took a bite of bacon and eggs from their plate, their eyes widened in sheer surprise and wonder. The taste was unlike anything they'd ever experienced before, as if they were tasting food for the first time. It had more clarity than before and seemed completely different than they remembered. It was completely unexpected. Even their drink, the glass itself tasted somehow different.
"What is it?" Hermione asked, noticing their surprised wonder.
"I don't know." The Harry and Rose being said. "It's as if... Everything's new, like I'm tasting for the first time."
"You have some weird experiences, mate." Ron commented.
"You don't have to tell me." The Harry and Rose being responded with a grin.
"Your voices... They're so, calming... They make me feel hopeful." Hermione said. Ron nodded in agreement.
"The Phoenix song does the same to me, maybe our voices are somehow infused with that type of magic." The Harry and Rose being said.
"Maybe." Hermione said. "We should start researching this, trying experiments, we should find out everything we can about this. I wonder if you burn like a Phoenix does too at some point in your life, or maybe when you're old and would normally die you'll burn and be regenerated as children and come back to life like..."
"Hermione, calm down." The Harry and Rose being said in a slow, soothing and graceful voice. Hermione gasped and seemed to relax and Ron stared on, surprised but also looking calmer. The Harry and Rose being felt this was natural for them and weren't surprised by it, the odd, latent knowledge of the Phoenix in their minds. They knew everything they could do, and as they thought about it, realized they also knew how to do such things. More of this knowledge was rising within their mind as they thought about it, as if it had always been there, waiting for them to access it.
"I know what I can do." The Harry and Rose being said. "Just like a Phoenix, I can lift heavy loads, transport from one area to another regardless of wards or no, and presumably, take people with me. I think I can also fly without a broom, and I know my tears are things not to be wasted on crying, but used for healing."
"Do you want to test these things some time?" Hermione asked.
The Harry and Rose being stared at her in confusion. Why would they want to test something that was a part of them already? The thought was foreign to them, but they realized this was something new to Hermione. From her point of view, there were possibly many discoveries to be made. From theirs, there were many things they had yet to do, but they wouldn't be discovering something new, only performing an action for the first time.
"Would you want to test your visual acuity for research purposes, Hermione, test how you're able to lift a cup of water, what makes you breathe? These things are already known, no research need be done on them. My new abilities are part of me just like your own are a part of you." The Harry and Rose being explained calmly.
"You know the students are probably going to be talking about this, now, don't you, mate?" Ron asked.
"That's okay." The Harry and Rose being said, then concentrated and spoke in their normal voice. "They don't have to know."
"Wow!" Hermione said in wonder. "How did you do that, switch from one way of talking to another? Can you change your eyes, too, or is that limited what you're able to do with your voice?"
"It's an unnatural way of talking." The Harry and Rose being admitted. "I don't like it much. It's... Wrong, off... Impure. It's also somewhat difficult to do."
"Then don't." Hermione said.
The Harry and Rose being nodded at the logical statement. There wasn't a reason to hide who they were now. After all, this was the natural way, not how it had always been, but better. The Harry and Rose being smiled at Hermione, then said, "I'll be myself, Hermione, and I won't hide it."
"Good." Hermione said.
"Is that the best idea?" Ron asked.
"Yes." The Harry and Rose being responded immediately. "Hiding myself isn't logical, I don't want to change who I am."
"Oh." Ron responded. "I didn't think about it that way."
The Harry and Rose being met up with Ron and Hermione in an empty class room on the third floor after they'd finished breakfast. The dusty state of the furniture indicated it hadn't been used in some time, which was perfect. After everyone was seated, the Harry and Rose being gazed calmly and steadily at Ron and Hermione.
"I know how Voldemort survived." They said.
Ron and Hermione jumped at the use of the name Voldemort and the Harry and Rose being felt a sliver of sadness. It was a terrible thing, they thought, to be chained by the sound of a name and controlled by fear.
"How?" Hermione asked.
"He made something called a Horcrux. He made more than one of them." The Harry and Rose being stated.
"Horcrux?" Hermione asked. "What's that?"
"Usually it's an object that contains a piece of soul, but it can be a living being as well." The Harry and Rose being explained. "All pieces of your soul are always bound together, hence the reason behind one half of me being effected by what the other half of me experiences, and also the reason Voldemort didn't die when he attempted to kill the Harry half. These objects that hold a piece of his soul are anchors. They must keep the soul bound to this plane of existence, this world where the objects are."
"How did he make them?" Hermione asked inquisitively.
She was so innocent and ignorant of the horrors of such knowledge, the Harry and Rose being realized. They couldn't expose her to it, so they'd state the truth. While they had a theory on how Horcruxes were created, by an act of death and possibly some type of ritual, they didn't actually know for sure.
"I'm not sure." The Harry and Rose being responded to her question. "But, Professor Dumbledore and I know of two, both are destroyed."
"What were they?" Ron asked.
"One was the diary, Tom Riddle's diary." The Harry and Rose being replied. "That's what was being used to control a student, who unwittingly opened the Chamber of Secrets, totally unaware of such actions and something done against their wishes."
"What was the other?" Hermione asked.
"The Harry half." The Harry and Rose being said, the Harry half gracefully reaching up and drawing his bangs away from the scar on his forehead. "This was created the night of Lilly Potter's murder by Lord Voldemort. Unintentionally, a piece of soul was torn from Voldemort when the curse he fired at the Harry half rebounded and hit him. That piece of soul was inside me, the Harry half of me. The regeneration of the Phoenix burned all of the impure elements away, refined what was necessary to refine, both Horcruxes destroyed by the burning."
"Wow!" Hermione breathed. "I think I'm going to research this regeneration of the Phoenix, it sounds like a wonderful thing!"
"It is." The Harry and Rose being replied. "But I doubt it happens much. Like our single soul bond that everyone states we have rather than simply accepting who we are, this regeneration of the Phoenix is apparently a legendary thing. Good luck on researching it, Hermione."
"Thanks!" Hermione said, standing. "I'm going to start looking it up right away!"
"Oh, come on, Hermione! It's Christmas! You can do research later!" Ron protested.
"Let her research if it's what she likes." The Harry and Rose being said with a grin. "It's Christmas, Ron, a time of joy and giving. Give her this time if she wants to devote it to research."
"No, Ron's right." Hermione said. "Books will always be there."
"I'll remember you said that when exams come up." The Harry and Rose being said, then with a grin, mimicked Hermione's shrill voice. "Ten weeks, there's only ten weeks to revise!"
Hermione swatted playfully at them, but was grinning herself.
As always, the feasts at Hogwarts were grand and had a great splendor about them. A dozen frost-covered Christmas trees and thick streamers of holly and mistletoe crisscrossed the ceiling that evening. Enchanted snow, which was warm and dry, fell from the ceiling. Arrayed around the great hall were other magnificent decorations, and many platters of several different items of food, along with the familiar wizarding party crackers, were organized on the tables.
Professor Dumbledore was decked out in a bright robe with flashing stars that moved in an animated manner, along with several miniature Christmas trees. It was a bright, cheery sort of thing and he beamed at the Harry and Rose being when they entered along with their friends. Despite the topic of discussion earlier that day, he was still able to find happiness even in the times of rising darkness. The Harry and Rose being were glad for that, knowing they could do the same. They also grinned with great joy, moving to the Gryffindor table with their friends.
The feast was a happy affair, likely made even more cheery due to the Harry and Rose being's help in destroying the monster that had been responsible for petrifying the students, as well as removing the culprit himself permanently. The Harry and Rose being joined in as best they could to the Christmas carols Professor Dumbledore led them in. Hagrid, who was consuming goblets of eggnog, sang louder and louder. Many at the table were snickering at Percy Weasley's prefect badge, which had been spelled to read Pin-head. Unaware, he asked them what they were snickering at, though no one clued him in. The Harry and Rose being thought it was an amusing prank, having Fred and George Weasley's fingerprints all over it. Draco Malfoy was making loud, snide remarks at the Slytherin table about a new sweater he'd received. All in all, it was quite normal. In all the Christmas decorations and distraction, no one took much notice of the Harry and Rose being, not yet, anyway. They were sure that would come soon enough.
Prisoners at Azkaban were isolated from the holidays. Each day was as cold and depressing as the next, some more so if the Dementors decided to pay you a visit. Christmas evening found Sirius Black huddled in a corner of his cell, transformed into the big, black dog he sometimes used to take refuge from the guards in. Emotions were less complex as an animal, and as a result, the Dementors didn't effect him as much. He'd already finished the slop they called dinner, so knew the Dementors wouldn't be back for some time.
As he lay in the cell, he remembered one thing. He was innocent. It wasn't a happy thought, but the Dementors couldn't take it from him. If it hadn't been for such a thought, he'd likely have lost his sanity long ago. In fact, he'd long since lost track of just how long he'd been in prison, simply clinging to each day, to the knowledge that Peter Pettigrew had been the one who betrayed the Potter's, not him.
As the time had passed, he found himself remembering the happy moments less and less. He hardly remembered the names of Rose, his daughter, and his godson, Harry. He knew he'd spent time with them as children once, but didn't recall the specifics, the details. Trying to remember such thoughts brought about more effects from the Dementors as they leached the happiness, the joy from him, so instead, he went back to thinking of Pettigrew and how he was innocent, hadn't betrayed the Potter's.
As Padfoot, he heard the screams and shouts of other prisoners, curled underneath the excuse they called a bed, nothing more than a thin, ragged mattress that was, at times, hard as a rock, which was held off the floor by a steal frame bolted into the ground. He'd just begun to try and get what sleep he could when a strange, unusual event occurred. A flash of flames appeared near him and revealed something he hadn't seen in a long time. Transforming back into his human form, Sirius trembled as he moved closer, spotting a piece of parchment in the low light. On top of it was what looked like a single hair, but the light was so low he hardly saw it. Something else was on it, too, a vial of some kind. Trembling, he picked up the vial and saw a strange, foreign substance within. Carefully, and trembling, he grasped the hair between the fingers of his other hand and held the vial in the same hand, lifting the parchment closer to his eyes and blinking, holding it close to read.
Dear Sirius Black,
I first want to express my view on your imprisonment. It's unlawful, wrong. I know Peter Pettigrew is the one who betrayed the Potter's, not yourself. Evidence to this end has been discovered here at Hogwarts, taken to the Ministry by Professor Dumbledore, then subsequently and unfortunately, vanished. I wanted the first thing you saw in this letter to be a declaration of the truth, and that I believe your innocents.
I've heard terrible things about Azkaban and the Dementors, which suck all happiness and joy from those living there. I wouldn't wish that kind of life on anyone, and I hope you have a way of midi gating the effects of the Dementors somewhat. At the moment, you won't be able to respond to this letter, but I hope that the knowledge that someone is looking out for you will give you some hope.
The vial that came with this letter is something that should help your health. Though you won't be restored to your formal appearance, for I'm certain you don't look as healthy as you once did, you should have more energy than before. It contains Phoenix tears. It is safe to drink and be assured that I wouldn't poison you.
I ask that you not do anything rash and don't act impulsively, Sirius Black. This may hurt you to read, but it's the truth. Acting impulsively is what got you into trouble in the first place. I will come and visit you soon, and am trying to figure out a way of getting you out of prison, as you don't deserve to be there. Drink the Phoenix tears, regain your strength, rest. Please do nothing more than that.
Merry Christmas, father, for it's I, the Harry and Rose being, one in two bodies, two names by which we go. I will visit you soon.
Sincerely,
The Potter's, Harry and Rose
Sirius felt his hands shaking more than they did before, and trembling, opened the vial and drank the salty tears as he'd been instructed, fiercely believing that Harry and Rose wouldn't deceive him. After doing so, he carefully placed the hair within the vial and closed it, putting it and the parchment in his pocket. He felt something he hadn't felt in some time. Hope. The Dementors sensed it and he felt them coming nearer. His thoughts turned colder and he remembered they'd found Peter at Hogwarts. Pettigrew, he thought fiercely. Harry and Rose weren't safe from the traitor. He transformed into Padfoot and let the flames of rage burn within him. Pettigrew had been found at Hogwarts, and if that was possible, he could kill them at any time. He had to escape despite their warnings. He would protect his child at all costs. Once the Dementors passed, Sirius Black lay on the bed before slipping into a restless slumber, muttering, "He's at Hogwarts. He's at Hogwarts." In his state of mind, he'd forgotten the rest of the letter, and in his dreams, imagined the rat Pettigrew, and him, finally obtaining his revenge.
January 8, 1993.
It was a chilly Friday when the Harry and Rose being woke, and as they dressed for the day, they looked at their calendar they kept for indications of the approaching full moon. Strange. According to it, the full moon would be tonight, and yet, they felt no anger, no feral rage. They felt the calm of the Phoenix as they'd felt since the regeneration of the Phoenix fifteen days ago. As the students had returned from holiday, their new appearance hadn't been unnoticed, nor had their graceful way of moving along with their voice, which struck hope in some and fear in others. As a result, there had been much speculation and roomer by the students, but that wasn't the main topic of conversation. Dumbledore had announced at the welcoming feast for the second term that the monster which had been petrifying students had been dealt with. Everyone cheered at that, and to the Harry and Rose being's delight, the vicious name calling toward them had stopped. Instead, it was replaced with whispers and speculation about their transformation, subtle though it was. The Harry and Rose being didn't answer many questions about it, simply telling the students that this was who they were now. They decided it best not to advertise how it had come to be, something Ron and Hermione agreed with.
To her consternation, Hermione had found nothing regarding the regeneration of the Phoenix in the library. It seemed even more mythical than the Single Soul Bond, which she'd discovered the prior year. The Harry and Rose being had mollified her by telling her calmly they'd tell her anything she wanted to know, so the questions had begun. With calm smiles and great patients, the Harry and Rose being answered all of Hermione's questions, watching her frantically writing down their answers. They even demonstrated some of their abilities, like the ability to transport in flames from one side of the room to the other. At that, her jaw had dropped and she'd shouted, "But you can't apparate or disapparate within Hogwarts!"
"It's the transportation of the Phoenix, not apparation." The Harry and Rose being had stated. "And it feels a lot better, too, I must say."
Indeed, it did. While apparation felt like a restricting band, the Phoenix flaming, as they called it, felt like warm, soothing flames that wrapped around them in an embrace, making them appear wherever they desired in a literal flash. They'd also discovered on Christmas evening that they could transport objects with some of their hair, so had sent their father, Sirius Black, a letter and a vial of their tears to help in his recovery.
Thoughts of the new day were on their minds as they dressed, however. It was still quite early in the day, they noted as they looked out the window. Deciding to go for a little walk before breakfast, the Harry and Rose being opened the door to their room and exited into the common room. As they climbed through the Gryffindor portrait hole and headed down the corridor, they gazed around the corridor with a grin. Their sharp vision caught dust particles on the walls and ceiling, and the crystals of white snow out the windows they passed. As they turned down another corridor, they spotted Professor Dumbledore, who rounded a corner and was heading toward them.
"Ah, how advantageous." He said. "I had hoped to speak with both of you this morning."
"What is it, Professor?" The Harry and Rose being asked, catching the sharpness of his gaze, the concern on his face.
"Please, accompany me to my office." Professor Dumbledore stated.
The Harry and Rose being followed him calmly. They weren't nervous, feeling they were capable of facing anything head on. They rode the familiar staircase upward and entered Professor Dumbledore's office. Fawkes gave a chirp from his perch and the Harry and Rose being realized they understood him. He was greeting them fondly, welcoming them in.
"Hello, Fawkes." The Harry and Rose being said with a smile, moving to gently stroke his feathers.
Fawkes crooned in a manner they knew was enjoyment. The Harry and Rose being realized they felt an affinity for Fawkes as Fawkes did for them. Given that they were part Phoenix now, they found that understandable. After greeting Fawkes, they turned around and spotted the familiar wide arm chair in front of Professor Dumbledore's desk. They sat down within and Professor Dumbledore pinned them with a sharp, penetrating gaze.
"It would seem," He began slowly. "Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban. I thought you had the right to know."
"How?" The Harry and Rose being asked. "What happened?"
"It is speculation on the parts of the Aurors that frequented the prison, but he was muttering a simple phrase in his sleep. He's at Hogwarts. It is their belief it refers to you, Harry, that Sirius Black is coming to kill you. I, of course, dismiss that notion as a possible explanation for his actions." Professor Dumbledore said.
"Peter Pettigrew." The Harry and Rose being said, feeling a cold dread within them.
"Indeed." Professor Dumbledore responded, his gaze growing sharper. "Tell me, Harry and Rose. Did you, by chance, facilitate his escape, assist him in any manner?"
"No." The Harry and Rose being responded. "I sent him a Christmas note, though, and in it I mentioned Peter Pettigrew having been found at Hogwarts."
"Perhaps you ought to have waited, given the state of mind Sirius is likely to have been in, being exposed to Dementors for so long." Professor Dumbledore said. "However, you did not, so we must deal with the current repercussions as they stand."
"I don't regret what I did." The Harry and Rose being stated, feeling a fierce loyalty, a need to defend them self. "Sirius Black is my father. He's innocent and was wrongfully put in prison. It isn't my fault that he chose to disregard my advice. I feel dread, a sadness that he didn't listen, but that isn't my fault. He makes his own choices, I won't be held responsible for them."
"Nevertheless, the note you wrote precipitated his actions." Professor Dumbledore responded firmly. "As such, you bare some responsibility in his escape."
"Ridiculous." The Harry and Rose being stated. "Am I responsible for his thoughts?"
"No, you are not." Professor Dumbledore said.
"Am I responsible for his emotions? What about his abilities, his means of escaping? Am I responsible for that, too?" The Harry and Rose being asked fiercely.
"No." Professor Dumbledore said with a sigh. "You are responsible for sending him your note, which in his current state of mind, caused him to think and act rashly. Your choice is perfectly understandable and I don't blame you for doing what you did. However, you lack experience, knowledge that could have prevented this from occurring. Because of Sirius Black's escape, the minister of magic has decided to post Dementors around Hogwarts, as he believes Sirius is coming to kill you, Harry. I have, however reluctantly and without much choice, accepted the Minister's wishes."
The Harry and Rose being felt a cold feeling of guilt, though that didn't last long. Fawkes let out a note of song and they felt a hope rise within them. Yes, they thought. They could correct this.
"Professor, I have an idea." The Harry and Rose being said with a calm fierceness. "Now that Sirius is away from the Dementors, he ought to be of clearer mind, no?"
"Perhaps." Professor Dumbledore stated.
"I could tell him where to go, or take him there myself." The Harry and Rose being said. "I'm sure that he'd stay if I impressed upon him the seriousness of the situation, and being away from the Dementors, I'm sure he'd think clearly."
"What do you have in mind?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"From what you told me before, it's clear I'll be returning to Privet Drive this summer. We send Sirius there in some type of disguise. They won't think to look for him in a Muggle neighborhood." The Harry and Rose being said with certainty.
"You are wrong there, I'm afraid." Professor Dumbledore stated. "The Muggles have also been notified. Remember, according to what everyone else knows, Sirius Black is an extremely dangerous criminal."
"Then we can keep him somewhere that no one knows about." The Harry and Rose being said with a smile. "The Chamber of Secrets."
Nothing was said for a long moment, then Professor Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling.
"A delightful idea." He said. "No one knows of the Chamber's existence, and even if they did, they cannot gain entry without a speaker of Parseltongue. I presume, as you were able to transport him a note, that you will be able to transport him to the chamber as well."
"It won't be a problem, Professor." The Harry and Rose being said.
"I suggest one of you goes and the other remains here to facilitate any communication that's needed." Professor Dumbledore stated.
"The Rose half will go." The Harry and Rose being said as the Rose half stood. They focused, and in a flash of flame, the Rose half vanished.
The Harry and Rose being reflexively held their breath as the Rose half appeared in ice cold water, eyes wide as she stared at a large black dog which was struggling, and failing to surface in the icy ocean. The Harry and Rose being knew that the dog was Sirius Black, though, due to where the Rose half had transported. The Harry half started breathing slowly and reassuringly as he wasn't in the ice cold water, the Rose half grabbing at the dog which struggled in her grasp. As it did, the Harry half said, "The Rose half appeared under water, she's got Sirius, who's a large black dog."
"How interesting." Professor Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "It appears he is also unregistered, just as Peter Pettigrew is."
"I'm taking him to the Chamber." The Harry half said as the Harry and Rose being focused, appearing in the chamber with a flash, the dog shivering from the cold.
The Rose half leaned over the dog that was Sirius and stroked him, her hands warm as she felt a tremendous heat along her entire body, something that seemed to warm her. Steam rose from her and she dried off quickly, her touch calming Sirius, seeming to infuse him with warmth. The Rose half let out a cry at his state and tears streamed from her eyes, the thick, pearly tears of the Phoenix. They fell on his body and the Harry half said, "The Rose half's crying for him, he's in the Chamber but not in good shape."
"I may be able to help." Professor Dumbledore said as he stood, the Harry half also standing. "Will you trust me?"
"Yes." The Harry half said, taking Professor Dumbledore's arm.
They vanished from the office in a flash, reappearing next to the Rose half. Professor Dumbledore pulled out his wand and waved it over Sirius's body, drying him instantly. The giant black dog looked up at the visitors, raising itself to its feet and shaking its head, its ears flapping.
"I harbor no ill will toward you, Sirius Black. You are among friends. Please, feel free to regain your true form at your leisure." Professor Dumbledore said casually.
The Rose half stood as Sirius cocked his head, then transformed. Before them stood a man in ragged clothing, his black hair long, face unshaven. His skin looked as though it was stretched tight over his bones. His eyes were haunted from his life in Azkaban, no doubt, but they were filled with tears of hope. The Rose half firmly put an arm around him and Sirius leaned into her, blinking his eyes.
"I told you, Dad, not to do anything rash." The Harry and Rose being said with a quiet gentleness. "I'd have freed you eventually, but since you're free now, you can stay here."
"We can provide for you here." Professor Dumbledore said calmly. "I shall instruct the house-elf's to feed a large, black dog with enough meals to assist you in regaining your health. And, I must compliment you, Sirius, on an ingenious way to escape Azkaban. However, I must impress upon you the seriousness of what you have done. Dementors will be patrolling the grounds of the school, searching for you. You will not be allowed to leave this place until another, more suitable location can be found. I presume this is acceptable to you?"
"It'll have to do." Sirius responded in a voice that sounded as if it hadn't received much use over the years. "As long as I can find that rat, Peter, and kill him."
The Harry and Rose being noticed a corner of paper sticking out of one of the pockets on Sirius's clothes. The Rose half calmly pulled the letter they'd written from his pocket and waved it in front of his face.
"Peter Pettigrew, evidence found, and subsequently and unfortunately, vanished." The Harry and Rose being stated calmly. "You know how to read, Sirius?"
Sirius looked down and shifted awkwardly.
"Don't worry." The Harry and Rose being said, the Rose half patting his shoulder. "Professor Dumbledore suggested you might not be thinking quite clearly due to your exposure to Dementors. It's okay, Sirius. But promise me to be here for me from now on, okay? I'd like you to stay alive so I can get to know you, Dad, so please stay here."
Sirius tried to choke back a sob and the Harry and Rose being hugged him firmly, rubbing his back soothingly.
"Let it go. Let it out, Sirius. I'm here for you." The Harry and Rose being said tenderly, sensing this is what they needed to do. Sirius did as they suggested, crying hard, harsh sobs, grieving and releasing anger he'd held on to for so long.