Another chapter…
The next morning brought sunshine and a feeling of content to Sirius, this day would be a good one, he could feel it. He dressed as quickly as he could, and missed out his breakfast as an attempt to avoid the chess set still lay on the table. With a quick glance around his home, he did a spin and no sooner than you could say 'Merlin', stood just beyond the grounds of Hogwarts. From here, he walked up the gates and requested entry on the terms of seeing the headmaster. Sirius had briefly forgotten of his previous charges, and was quickly reminded of this when the wizard at the gate gave him a look with a flash of fear.
The walk to the Headmaster's office was one of excitement, dread, curiosity, all in one. The feeling of dread soon disappeared however, when Sirius was greeted with a beaming Dumbledore. He gestured for Sirius to take a seat opposite at his desk.
"I would firstly like to apologise Sirius, for doubting you all these years. I knew deep down that surely the Sirius I knew could not at all have acted out such a cruel deed. Peter on the other hand, well…I truly believed he had a future of no positivity. Nevertheless, I am sorry, and I hope you can forgive me."
"Oh Albus, don't mention it. It is easy to lose one's gut instinct through an act of evil," Sirius reassured him.
"On another note, Harry. Harry is now 11 years old, and I am sure that he would love to meet you; what is left of his true family."
"Well, does he have a loving family at his home sir?"
"I am afraid not Sirius, although being his Godfather, the duty lies with you to decide his future," Dumbledore hesitated, "What is best for the boy, is what must be considered."
"Sir, I would be more than happy to take Harry into my own care. It is, after all, my duty."
"Yes, I do agree that may be best for both of you, I will have it arranged and as of the Christmas break, Harry's home will be with you."
At that moment, there was a knock at the door. "Enter," Dumbledore ordered.
It was Harry.
"Sir?" He asked timidly, his eyes diverted to the stranger sitting before him.
"Good morning Harry, sleep well?"
"Y-yes Sir."
"Harry, take a seat."
Harry sat on the remaining chair next to Sirius, his Godfather.
"Harry, this is Sirius Black."
Sirius was surprised that Harry did not flinch or make any attempt to leave. In fact, Harry showed no emotion at all. Did he even know who he was?
"I should apologise my boy, because this is not something I wished you to discover in such a way. Sirius, would you care to explain the past 9 years to Harry?" Dumbledore asked gently. For once, the wise old man could not deliver the news.
Sirius sighed, "You have met me before Harry, when you were very small. I was your father's best friend. However, something dreadful happened and I am sure that you are aware of what I am referring to; I lost my best friend to an evil power. I could not accept his death, nor your Mother's. We were extremely close. Despite this, I was charged with the murder of your parents. I have spent the past 9 years in Azkaban, and finally, I have been set free, because I have proven my innocence. I did not at all hurt your parents. Like I said, we were very close."
Harry was silent, taking all of this in carefully.
"I am your Godfather Harry and-,"
Dumbledore interrupted Sirius, "…and if you would like to, your new home could be with Sirius here."
"You-you mean…l-leave the Dursleys? Forever?!" Harry murmured.
"It's okay… Albus, I knew it was probably not what Harry would want…it's okay Harry, you don't have to, it doesn't matter-," Sirius frowned.
Dumbledore held his hand up to silence Sirius and wait for Harry's decision.
"Oh, I would love to! I can finally leave the Dursleys!" Harry smiled, he could not believe his luck. "Does Sirius really want me?!"
"Why yes, Harry, it is, after all, a Godfather's duty," Sirius grinned.