"Potter! Granger! I want to see you both!"
Professor McGonagall's voice cut through the crowd of chatting students in the entrance hall. Hermione led Harry, who had Magic's hands firmly on his shoulders. They pushed through the crowd, though Harry didn't have the energy to feel worried about why she might be calling to talk with them.
"Move along there, Weasley, this is for Potter and Granger only." Professor McGonagall announced.
"Harry, I... I want to say sorry for what I said." Ron called after them.
"It's okay, Ron!" Harry responded as they walked across the entrance hall and up the marble staircase. As they approached what Harry presumed was Professor McGonagall's office, he felt a strangely familiar piece of magic that he couldn't immediately identify. Knowing that Magic would instantly identify it, he wanted her to tell him what it was.
"Time." Magic stated.
"I beg your pardon?" Professor McGonagall asked as Harry felt his face pale. "Mr. Potter, I don't know what you're worried about, but you haven't any need."
They entered the office and the door closed behind them. Harry, his heart pounding, said, "It's dangerous to manipulate time. I feel the magic."
"How could you possibly know about that?" Professor McGonagall sounded completely shocked.
"So I am right, you have something in here to manipulate time! Do you know how dangerous that is?" Harry asked frantically.
"I'm well aware of the dangers involved, Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall stated firmly in reply. "However, that isn't why I called you here. Professor Lupin informed me about your impressive patronus charm."
"The happiness shield against the Dementors." Harry said after a moment. "Yeah. I just copied his."
"And performed it more brightly than a patronus has been seen before, I'm told." Professor McGonagall stated. "As you've stated the unfairness in awarding you points for your magical use, I simply wished to thank you for helping to protect the students from the effects of the Dementor."
"Thanks." Harry said. "Now, who's going to travel through time? Who... Hermione. That's why she was called here, too. Are you serious? No wonder you're able to take all the electives! Do you realize what could happen if you passed yourself and did something you didn't remember happening before you passed yourself, either in the past or the future? That could destroy you!"
"And just how are you aware of the dangers involved in time travel?" Professor McGonagall asked. "By chance, you didn't attempt it, did you?"
"Once, at the Dursley's... And I knew if I did anything I didn't remember doing, or even detected myself and Magic when I didn't remember that happening... I... Sometimes when I think about testing certain things, or do things, I feel warnings. It's hard to explain." Harry said.
"Perhaps Magic is protecting you." Professor McGonagall replied. "Like fear, or acting without thought in self defense, our magic will sometimes act to protect us without our conscious knowledge. I am glad to hear that you pay attention to such warnings, Mr. Potter, but I implore you not to experiment with any dangerous sort of magic as traveling back in time without supervision."
"Or ever." Harry stated. "I don't even know why you're doing this, Hermione, it's dangerous."
"Mr. Potter is quite correct, Miss Granger. And, as he has correctly inferred, and is already aware, I shall present you with the time turner now. This, above all, is most important. You must not be seen." Professor McGonagall responded. "The results could be catastrophic."
"Like what, Professor?" Hermione asked.
"You could cease to exist." Professor McGonagall stated.
"Oh." Hermione replied.
"I went through a great deal of work to obtain this time turner, and I'm trusting you not to abuse it, Miss Granger. I would also ask both of you, and Magic as well, not to reveal this to anyone. I'm certain many other students would want one should the information get out, so keep it to yourselves. Am I clear?" Professor McGonagall asked, her voice stern.
"Yes, Professor." Harry and Hermione stated.
"Very good." Professor McGonagall said. "I'll accompany you back to the Great Hall."
Harry walked with Hermione leading him, entering the great hall behind Professor McGonagall. He could hear the crowd of students chatting to each other, smiling at the familiar sound.
"Oh, we missed the sorting!" Hermione softly said.
Hermione led Harry to the Gryffindor table, and as they walked, he could hear some people whispering about him, which was a regular occurrence that he'd gotten used to. They eventually sat down near Ron, who had saved seats for them both. Magic, as she usually was, sat on Harry's left side.
"What was all that about?" Ron muttered.
"Professor McGonagall wanted to have a word about my Patronus charm and talk to Hermione about something regarding her classes." Harry said.
At that moment, he heard everyone going silent as the Headmaster, who Harry hoped was still Professor Dumbledore, was getting ready for the beginning of year speech. His hopes were proven correct as he heard Professor Dumbledore's voice.
"Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all before we begin our sumptuous feast, and as one of them is rather serious, I believe it important to get out of the way now. As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the Dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business."
As Professor Dumbledore paused, Harry realized his voice sounded just a bit harder than usual. He didn't blame him, though. Dementors were terrible things, and thinking of their effects on him made him shudder a bit.
"They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds." Professor Dumbledore continued. "While they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises-or even Invisibility Cloaks." Professor Dumbledore added the last part casually, but Harry knew he was likely talking about him specifically. "It is not in the nature of a Dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the Dementors."
Professor Dumbledore paused, and Harry could almost hear Percy Weasley saying something self important about his new responsibility. He wasn't worried, though, as he now knew how to dispel the effects of the Dementors, as well as how to defend against them. That knowledge didn't make them any less frightening, though, as there was always the potential for him to be caught off guard.
"On a happier note, I would like to first welcome a representative from the Ministry of Magic, one Dolores Jane Umbridge. She will be determining if I shall be retaining the job of Headmaster thus far, or if such a task is to go to another individual. She may also be observing..."
Harry heard Professor Dumbledore stop speaking, and faintly, he'd caught the sound of Umbridge clearing her throat. Within only moments, he heard a rather high, girlish voice speaking, which he found rather irritating.
"Good evening to all!" She said. "I'm so very happy to see all of you gazing up at me, and am delighted to be here at Hogwarts!"
The woman paused, and Harry found himself curious as to exactly what her roll would be, though the manner in which she spoke didn't engender much of his confidence in her.
"I would first like to assure you all that the Ministry of Magic takes the running of Hogwarts very seriously, and its top concern is the safety of every one of our students! To that end, the Dementors will be here to catch Sirius Black, who will not be gaining access to our school. Furthermore, I wish to assure you that the horrible events of last year will never be repeating again, and I'm here to ensure that the quality of education maintains that which we're so very proud of! We will be evaluating the educational standards within the school, and should it prove necessary, will prune practices that ought to be prohibited! To that end, I'll be personally observing classes with our teachers to determine how the educational standards currently are! We must remember that tradition is very important in our world, and we must all remember what a grand job our very own Ministry has done to keep us safe, secure, and protected! That will be all for now, and I am hopeful that you will enjoy our grand feast!"
Yeah right, Harry thought. If there idea of keeping people protected was sending fear inducing Dementors to search the train, he didn't have much confidence in their ability to keep the school safe. There was some scattered applause at Umbridge's speech, which Harry and Magic took part in, Harry because he wanted to be polite, and Magic because he wished her to. It faded after a few moments, however, and Professor Dumbledore began speaking again.
"Finally, I wish to introduce two new staff members that we will be hosting this year. First, Professor Lupin has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts this year." Professor Dumbledore said.
There was more scattered applause, but Harry, Hermione, Ron, Magic, and the rest who had been in the compartment with him during the Dementors search clapped hard. Harry was grinning. The clapping faded after a few more seconds, and Professor Dumbledore continued.
"As to our second appointment, well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties."
The applause at the Gryffindor table was tumultuous, and as they clapped hard, Harry heard Ron shout as he pounded the table, "We should have known! Who else would have assigned us a biting book?"
Harry, Magic, Ron, Hermione and Daphne were the last five to stop clapping, and when the applause finally faded, Professor Dumbledore continued speaking.
"Well, that should be everything of importance. Let the feast begin!"
Harry grinned eagerly as he heard everyone begin talking again, smelling the scent of the familiar foods, which were of excellent quality, as they appeared on the table. Magic served Harry as he waited, and he listened to the conversations around him as he heard her pouring him a goblet of juice and dishing roast beef, potatoes, and carrots on his plate. Magic placidly stated his food items and where they were as she always did, and after thanking her and feeling the familiar rush of soothing closeness, dug in, suddenly feeling quite hungry.
Harry was hoping he'd have a chance to talk with Hagrid after the feast. Similar sentiments were echoed by Ron, Hermione and Daphne, and when Ron asked Magic if she wanted to join them, she simply responded, "I'll do as Harry wishes."
"I should never ask you anything ever again." Ron said, though from the sound of his voice, Harry thought he was grinning. "You're always giving the same answers!"
"Yes." Magic stated calmly in response.
As the conversations continued and Harry ate, he thought about how Hagrid had been expelled from Hogwarts in his third year, a little over fifty years ago. From that alone, he imagined that being a teacher meant a great deal to Hagrid, and found himself happy for him. Once the feast ended and all the items of food vanished from their plates, Professor Dumbledore told them it was time to head off to bed. Harry, with Magic leading him, walked up to the teachers table, Ron, Hermione and Daphne behind him.
"Congratulations, Hagrid!" Hermione said happily as they approached Hagrid's place at the table.
"I can' believe it meself!" Hagrid said, and Harry noticed he was talking through tears of what was likely happiness. "Great man, Dumbledore, came straight down to me hut after Professor Kettleburn said he'd had enough. It's what I always wanted."
"We're all happy for you, Hagrid." Harry said cheerfully. "And I'm definitely looking forward to your class!"
"You're strength and knowledge qualifies you for the post to which you've been assigned." Magic stated blandly.
Hagrid sounded overwhelmed with emotion, and Harry squeezed Magic's hand in a silent gesture of support for her compliment of truth. He felt the soothing rush of power that had come from thanking Magic in such a way, and knew she understood his gesture, though wasn't surprised. She knew and understood all of his intentions.
"Off to bed with you, now, go on." Professor McGonagall stated.
Harry began to turn and walk with Ron and Hermione, but stopped as he heard a cough or someone clearing their throat behind him.
"Hem, hem!"
The sound reminded him of the ministry representative, Umbridge.
"Mr, Potter, I wish to see you immediately!" She said sweetly. "If you will follow me!"
"Yes, ma'am." Harry said politely.
Since Magic still led him, Harry didn't take out his cane, simply allowed her to lead him from the Great Hall. As they entered the entrance hall, however, Umbridge said, "You're not to be involved in this discussion, young lady. You may remain here. Let him go, now."
Magic released Harry's hand instantly, then Harry heard her walking away as he unfolded his cane. He felt a concern at her not being included, but didn't care, as Magic would know, through him, anything and everything he knew.
"You won't need that, Mr. Potter, I'll be leading you!" Umbridge announced.
"I'd prefer to use it for now, ma'am." Harry said politely, but did take her arm.
"Very well, then." Umbridge said sweetly, though Harry got the impression that she wasn't terribly happy about his choice.
Harry was led up the marble staircase and took the familiar rout to the second floor before they began walking through some corridors away from the rest of the students. Within moments, they were entering a warm room, and Harry could hear the sound of meowing coming from some areas of the room, though the sound of cats remained in one place.
"Please have a seat, Mr. Potter." Umbridge announced.
As Harry sat down, he heard a polite knocking at the door.
"Why, Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall!" Umbridge said.
"I was, sadly, uninformed of a meeting between yourself and Mr. Potter." Professor Dumbledore said pleasantly. Harry smiled a bit. "As Headmaster, I believe it would be prudent to be present during this meeting, as is my right."
"And, as his head of house, I believe I should also be present." Professor McGonagall added.
"That won't be necessary, as I'm simply going to be informing Mr. Potter of his future here at Hogwarts. The appropriate paperwork has already been filed with the Ministry, so there's little you could contribute to this discussion, I'm afraid." Umbridge said.
"We have, I believe, had this discussion about Mr. Potter already." Professor Dumbledore stated. His voice was casual, but Harry detected a slight edge of coldness within it.
"However, as you don't have any say in the Ministries decision, especially when it comes to the magical safety of all those concerned at Hogwarts, we've already made the decision." Umbridge added as Harry heard Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall sitting on either side of him.
"Exactly what decision is this?" Harry asked.
"Mr. Potter, I have here your record of schooling with me." Umbridge responded sweetly, and Harry heard the sound of papers being turned. "It seems that your ability to perform practical magic is unsurpassed, but we at the Ministry have little faith in these results. While your understanding of the theory is impressive for someone who's blind, we don't believe that you've been able to achieve the impressive feats of magic listed here. Additionally, we heard the reports about your loss of magic the previous year, which, undoubtedly, you stated to curry favor and sympathy with the Professors here."
Harry felt a hot ball of rage filling him as Umbridge spoke in that sickeningly sweet voice of hers. He wanted to shout at her, to deny what she'd just said, to show her his results were based off of what he'd actually done. The Ministry of Magic, it seemed, had no belief in what he achieved because of his blindness, and from the sound of things, his two years at Hogwarts were about to amount to absolutely nothing. He remembered his discussion with Mrs. Weasley, though, and how losing his temper had resulted in nothing. He'd also experienced many other times when getting emotional had done nothing to help him, and he didn't think it would do anything to help him now. He simply took a deep, silent breath and slowly let it out.
"Due to your blindness, among other things as well as your not receiving a wand, we believe you aren't competent or fit enough to learn, or participate in, any magical skill what so ever. As a result, the Ministry of Magic and the board of governors have determined that, as of this moment, you are to be officially expelled from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Umbridge stated.
Absolute silence fell in the room. The only sound Harry could hear was the pounding of his heart. His hands shook and the anger he felt was greater than anything he'd felt before. He said nothing for a moment, simply listened to the pounding of his own heart, felt his flame of magic within him, allowing it to calm and sooth his emotions, though there was only so much it could do.
"I see." Harry stated coolly. "So, you're not even going to bother getting my side of the story, why any of this happened?"
"It's quite evident, Mr. Potter." Umbridge said.
"If I'm expelled, why tell me now, why did I take the train here?" Harry asked.
"Because, Mr. Potter, the decision wasn't approved and ratified until after the time you'd already have been on the train." Umbridge responded.
"Why wasn't I notified of the approval of this decision?" Professor Dumbledore asked. His voice, while calm, was hard and firm.
"There was no reason for you to be notified until after I informed Mr. Potter." Umbridge stated. "After all, Headmaster, you can't overturn our decision. Now, Mr. Potter, there is one final matter I wish to ask of you."
"That is?" Harry asked.
"As I'm sure you're aware, there are those who look highly on you for supposedly defeating He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, though much less than there were in the past. And, as it stands, you are a wizard, and therefore one of our own. I believe, then, you can understand that, as a matter of security, I must ask you to inform me of the location of where you will be staying with your new guardian, Sharen Henderson, as you will not be remaining on Hogwarts grounds." Umbridge said.
"If you will excuse me, Dolores, but I do believe that, as Headmaster, I'm entitled to determine whether those expelled remain on the school grounds." Professor Dumbledore interjected.
"Not anymore, Headmaster." Umbridge said sweetly, and Harry heard her pulling out a piece of paper. "Educational Decree number twenty. By order of the Ministry of Magic, should any student be deemed unfit to attend Hogwarts school, or expelled for any reason what so ever, such students shall not remain upon Hogwarts grounds. Their wands will be snapped, and they shall not attend any magical education for the safety of our population. The Minister himself signed this, Headmaster, and while it is too late to apply this to your very own professor Hagrid, it was signed before our approval of Harry Potter's expulsion. As you can see, he is, clearly, not allowed to remain on Hogwarts grounds."
"And, precisely how do you explain not informing either myself or Professor Dumbledore of this?" Professor McGonagall asked in a voice that sounded like she was holding back a great wave of fury. Harry, himself, had his hands clenched into fists in his lap, and had to consciously relax them along with his jaw.
"Because of the events of last school year, both of your ability to run this school has been put into question. We've had to take certain precautions as a result, such as keeping such information from you until such time as it is pertinent for you to know." Umbridge stated. "Now, Mr. Potter, if you please, the address of Sharen Henderson."
"I can't tell you." Harry replied icily.
"Can't, Mr. Potter, or won't?" Umbridge asked.
"Can't." Harry stated.
"And why is that, Mr. Potter?" Umbridge asked.
"Well, Miss Umbridge, because of the threat of Voldemort, we saw fit to p..." He was interrupted.
"Mr. Potter!" Umbridge said in an even sweeter voice than before. "Now, now, telling such stories isn't conducive to this discussion! He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has been defeated, I assure you!"
"Well, I believe otherwise, as does my guardian. May I continue, Miss Umbridge?" Harry asked.
"You may not, Mr. Potter. I wish to know why it is that you can't give me the location, Mr. Potter. And, if you please, stick to the matter at hand." Umbridge said.
"Very well." Harry stated tersely. "It's under the Fidelius Charm."
"And just why do you believe such protection is necessary for you?" Umbridge asked.
"Because of Voldemort." Harry stated.
"Now, now, Mr. Potter, we've already been over that." Umbridge said sweetly. "I have been approved to administer Veritaserum to anyone whom I choose, given my position here and the precarious nature of the educational system that is currently in place."
"And what is Veritaserum?" Harry asked coolly. "A truth potion of some kind?"
"That's quite right, Mr. Potter. Now, for your own protection, I should wish you to Floo call your secret keeper, so we can resolve this matter." Umbridge responded sweetly.
"She can't tell you the address without my permission, and I'm not giving that short of coercion, which wouldn't be me giving permission of my own free will, and therefore, I'd still be protected." Harry stated, feeling triumphant at the foresight of Sharen and her parents, and himself, to such eventualities.
"Then, I'm afraid we have no other choice but to take you into Ministry custody for your own protection, Mr. Potter." Umbridge stated. Harry heard what sounded like a wand tapping on something, then Umbridge said, "Mrs. Landry, please enter."
Harry heard the door open and the footsteps of Rose Landry entered the room, someone he remembered from his guardianship court date, as well as the evaluation before hand.
"Mr. Potter." Rose spoke. Her voice was bland and robotic. "By order of the Ministry of Magic, you shall be taken into custody immediately. Any attempt to resist will be taken as non-compliance and will result in your stay in Azkaban for a period of one week. Do you clearly understand what I am telling you?"
"Sure." Harry stated as he stood, trembling so hard he could barely stand, feeling a fury that dominated his every thought. "This, is utter, and complete ridiculousness! That's what I understand you're saying, along with you too, Umbridge! You helped me before, now you're betraying me, Landry? I thought you... Why! Why would you do this!"
"It's my job, Harry." Rose responded, and Harry was startled to hear it cracking, as if she was on the verge of tears. Some of Harry's rage calmed at that, but he still felt anger toward Umbridge. He turned around to face where she sat.
"Miss Umbridge, I want to inform you that I won't be going with Rose Landry, who, no doubt, will attempt, and fail, to take me with her. I won't be going to Azkaban, and there is nothing you can do to take me there, nothing at all. Go ahead. Try it." Harry stated viciously.
"Hem, hem!" Umbridge coughed sweetly. "You know what to do, Mrs. Landry."
Harry had prepared for magical and physical attacks, just as he had the previous year before he'd lost the use of his magic. As a result, the magic sent at him dissipated on contact, and Rose's attempt to grab him failed from an immaterial, but physical barrier that blocked her hands from approaching. The shield would sense intent as well as the strength of any attack. Harry stood, unmoved, trembling, with his heart still pounding hard in his chest.
"As you can see, Miss Umbridge, I can perform magic without the use of a wand." Harry stated coldly. "And, you know what? That woman you left in the entrance hall?" With a thought, Magic appeared standing behind him. "She is Magic, my magic. I don't care if you don't believe that, it doesn't change what is. Does it?"
"Mr. Potter, you will stop this, this instant!" Umbridge shouted, leaping up. She'd just lost her cool, Harry thought to himself with satisfaction, though stepped back and wondered if he was handling the situation well. Surely, giving into his anger wouldn't solve anything. He took a deep breath and let it out, Magic's hot hands resting on his shoulders.
"Calm down, Harry." She said in the musical tones of the phoenix. "Calm down. Be calm."
"What is that!" Umbridge screeched, almost as if in physical pain. "You will cease that terrible sound immediately!"
"I'll stop now. Harry's calm." Magic stated placidly.
"Thanks." Harry said, smiling, feeling considerably calmer. Magic briefly clasped his cheeks between her hot hands, then he felt them leave his face and sighed. "Miss Umbridge, I'm sorry about getting angry, but my decision still stands. I see no reason to come with you. In fact, wouldn't your court of law need my guardians permission for you to take me into custody?"
"Which is precisely why you will tell us where your guardian is staying." Umbridge said, her voice sounding overly sweet now, but was trembling a little. "If you will give up the information and stop telling your lies, Mr. Potter, we will stop with this foolishness immediately."
"I'm afraid I can't stop telling you lies I haven't told you." Harry said, feeling vaguely amused. "Now, if you'll excuse me, since I'm not wanted here at Hogwarts, I'll be going now."
"You will not!" Umbridge shouted. "I haven't dismissed you yet, Mr. Potter!"
"But I'm expelled, Miss Umbridge, and by your own decree, I'm not allowed on school grounds. So, I'm violating the decree by being here, and was violating it by being here during the feast." Harry said, feeling almost giddy now that Magic had calmed his anger, and that he was thinking to turn her own words against her.
"Now, now, Mr. Potter. I, as the representative, can make certain exceptions to this." Umbridge stated. "I'll just ask you to remain until we've successfully resolved this matter, shall I?"
"I think I'm safer at Sharen Henderson's house." Harry replied. "Excuse me."
At that moment, Harry heard someone jump up from a chair, then hands gripped his shoulders in a fierce, surprisingly strong grasp. At the same time, he felt strong magic that isolated him from everything except what was within a small bubble, Professor Dumbledore's magic.
"Sirius Black is innocent. Try the forest to find him. Take him with you and find out why..." Professor Dumbledore began, then stopped speaking and abruptly released him as the privacy bubble was dismantled by Umbridge, leaving Harry in a state of confusion at the cryptic statement. Hadn't Mr. Weasley, and others informed him that he was guilty? Hadn't the Daily Prophet? Harry realized quickly, however, that the Daily Prophet was likely run by the Ministry, who were obviously fools, and he wondered if everything he'd heard was true.
"Would you care to inform me why you just did that, Headmaster?" Umbridge asked furiously.
"No, I would not." Professor Dumbledore stated with a cool calm.
"If you don't, I'll have no other choice but to remove you as Headmaster here and now." Professor Umbridge was seething with rage, Harry realized, and grinned to himself.
"Do as you must do, Dolores." Professor Dumbledore stated. "There are, however, things beyond that of any positions I may or may not hold. Should I be dismissed, I shall leave quietly, but you have little grounds to take me into ministry custody at the moment. I suggest that you not try such a thing."
"I think I'll just go now." Harry said. "I wouldn't want to continue violating your decree, now would I?" Before Umbridge could say anything more to him, Harry and Magic teleported to the edge of the grounds near the forbidden forest.
Harry felt the magic around him, heard the quiet sounds of nature, smelled the cool air, felt Magic clasp his hand beside him, standing at his left side. He let out a sigh and Magic led him forward toward the forest. Being outside seemed refreshing in a way, especially after his encounter with Umbridge.
"Well, this sucks." He said. "I can't believe the ministry is kicking me out of the place... One of the places I call home. I was really looking forward to this year."
"I know." Magic stated, and Harry felt them approaching something that felt like Scabbers.
"I wonder how many other things the Ministry's going to be foolish about." Harry sighed, silence passing for a few moments. "Where do you think he's at? Should I just call out, or what?"
"Do as you wish." Magic said.
"Yeah." Harry sighed. "Of course. Okay, then." Awkwardly, he cleared his throat and called, "Sirius Black? I want to talk to you!"
He listened, but heard nothing.
"Professor Dumbledore told me you're innocent! I know you're my Godfather! I want to talk to you, I've got a safe place we can both go!" Harry said.
He heard a rustling of bushes in front of him, felt the magic of something between an animal and a human coming closer to him.
"Sirius Black! Where are you? Dumbledore told me to take you with me!" Harry said.
He suddenly felt some type of transformation magic, and the magic he now felt was that of a man standing in front of him.
"Harry?" The voice was raspy, as if it hadn't been used in quite some time. "You believe I'm innocent, you don't think I'm guilty?"
"I don't know." Harry said. "But I'm willing to give you a chance."
He could smell the man standing in front of him, as if he'd not bathed in some time. He tried to keep any expression off his face, though wasn't sure he succeeded. Being blind, he wasn't always aware of his facial expression, and didn't always know what expression he was showing.
"First thing's first." Sirius said, his voice furious. "Do you know about the rat?"
"What rat?" Harry asked.
"On the Weasley boy." Sirius said, his voice filled with rage. "Do you know it?"
"Scabbers." Magic stated. "Ron Weasley's pet rat, missing a front toe."
"Pettigrew!" Sirius roared. "It's not a rat, it's the real traitor!"
"Going after him won't help you." Harry said, though realized the feel of Scabbers now made sense. It was quite close to that of the man in front of him before he'd felt the transforming magic. He felt relief, but also a bit of anger toward Pettigrew at betraying his parents and getting them killed. Mostly, however, he felt drained. Now that the full effects of his anger had faded, things were looking rather bleak for him, and he was just now starting to come to terms with that.
"Once he's dead, then..." Sirius began.
"Did you attempt to kill him before, and that being the reason you were branded as a traitor?" Magic asked placidly. "Going after Pettigrew must be more important than you being a good Godfather to Harry Potter and I."
"That's not it at all." Sirius said, his voice shaking. "You don't understand..."
"Yes, I do." Harry replied quietly. "You're letting your anger get the better of you. I've done the same before, and it's never done any good. Listen, we've got to go, okay? I'll take you to a safe place, and we'll get this sorted out."
"Where?" Sirius asked.
"I can't tell you where, but I'll take you. You won't be found there, it's under the Fidelius Charm. Sirius, Godfather, family is more important than vengeance. If you agree, then hold on to me and I'll take you to the safe place. I'd like you to come with me, please." Harry pleaded.
Sirius sighed, then Harry felt his hand grab hold of his shoulder. In another moment, he was standing in the kitchen of his home, where he lived with Sharen. No one else was home, which Harry found a bit odd, though didn't concern himself with it for now. Grasping the arm of Sirius, he realized how painfully thin the man was as Magic moved toward the lights and turned them on, Harry hearing the switches being flipped.
"Sit down, Sirius." Harry said. "Magic, reconnect my post box to the network and conjure a letter for Daphne. Write this in it. I, Harry Potter, have been expelled from Hogwarts. I'm in my home where Sharen lives, and I'm well, so don't worry about me. Send it."
As he spoke, he went to the cupboards and took out some pots and pans, deciding something simple like scrambled eggs would do for now, until he was able to figure out what would be best for Sirius to eat. He heard the sound indicating the box was connected to the network, felt his flame of magic as Magic did as he asked.
"Harry, you don't have to cook for me." Sirius said as Harry grabbed a mixing bowl.
"Maybe not, but I'm going to." Harry said. "While I do, will you tell me exactly why you're branded as a traitor?"
"You have the right to know, I suppose." Sirius responded as Harry opened the fridge and pulled out the carton of eggs. "The night after your parents were killed, I was grieving and not thinking straight, still wasn't, still might not be entirely. But I heard that Pettigrew, Peter Pettigrew, had given information about you and your parents to Voldemort. Wormtail, that traitor." Sirius growled the last words, then took a deep breath. "You see, Harry, Voldemort wouldn't have even known that you were blind if Pettigrew hadn't given up the information. He even told Voldemort where you lived. When I heard, I just wanted to kill him for what he'd done!"
"Grief." Harry said after a long moment, cracking the eggs into the bowl. "I understand it's hard dealing with intense emotions. When I heard about what happened from the Daily Prophet, I wanted to kill you for a bit before Magic set me straight."
"I don't blame you." Sirius said in a guilty voice. "I as good as betrayed your parents since I went after Pettigrew. I could have taken care of you, but I let my emotions get the better of me. I'm sorry, Harry, for not being the Godfather I should have been all these years."
"That's okay." Harry replied. "What I'd really like to know is how Pettigrew was able to hide out all these years as the Weasley's rat, Scabbers."
"Well, you see, that's a long story." Sirius sighed.
"We've got time." Harry said as he spread butter in the pan he'd placed on the stove.
"It all began when we were in Hogwarts." Sirius began. "I got to know your father, James Potter, and we befriended Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. We were quite the pranksters, the four of us. We called ourselves the marauders, and came up with nicknames for ourselves. This was because we'd discovered something about one of our friends, Remus Lupin."
"The magic that's restless on the full moon." Harry said. "You know what it is?"
"Yes." Sirius responded, sounding surprised. "You see, Harry, he's a werewolf. He didn't tell us, of course, because werewolves aren't looked upon highly by wizarding society."
"Yeah. I know all about that." Harry said as he whisked the eggs in the bowl. "People don't look on me highly, either."
"I thought you might be able to relate to that." Sirius responded. "But we found out about it, eventually discovered that there was a pattern to his illness, or wherever he'd pretend he'd be going. Either he was ill, or a family member. He'd never tell us the full truth, but we tracked his disappearances to the full moon, and discovered what he was. We worked long and hard, and didn't tell him that we were becoming Animagi, people who can transform into animals. From that, we got our nicknames. Wormtail, was Peter Pettigrew, the rat. I was Padfoot, a large black dog. Your father, was a stag, and was called Prongs. Remus Lupin was Moony. He was always taken to a shack, the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmeade. Wormtail was able to immobilize the Whomping Willow, a magical tree that gets violent if anyone gets too close, then we'd all go through the tunnel to the shack and keep Moony company. The werewolf was calmer with us with him, and his bite couldn't effect us as animals, so we were safe. We'd explore the grounds and take risks back in those days, and eventually created something known as the Marauders Map, a map of Hogwarts that'll show every passageway, every room, every person in the school. And so, when Pettigrew called me out as a traitor, he was able to cut off his own finger and transform into a rat, faking his death. More clever than I took him for, but everyone else apparently didn't have enough common sense to work out that Pettigrew hadn't actually died. Fools, the lot of them."
"Wizards don't seem to have much common sense." Harry commented. "So, Peter's the one that's the real traitor, the one that's really responsible for why I had to live with the Dursley's most of my life until going to Hogwarts, then getting Sharen Henderson as my guardian." Harry sighed. "It's just one thing after another with me and my life."
He spoke loud enough to be heard over the sizzling of the frying eggs as he chopped them up and flipped them with the spatula, glad that he finally knew the truth about Sirius Black, and feeling grateful that Professor Dumbledore had informed him of his innocence, though sad that he was probably going to lose his job because of it.
"What do you mean by that, Harry, and why were you expelled from Hogwarts?" Sirius asked.
"Oh, because the Ministry thinks I fabricated my exam results, and thinks that since I'm blind, I'm too dangerous to be at Hogwarts. Some ministry person named Umbridge was behind it." Harry said.
"I've heard of her." Sirius stated. "She was still in Hogwarts when I was working as an Auror, but she's a nasty peace of work from what I've heard, conversations people had regarding her in Azkaban, etc. I'm not surprised she did that to you."
"Well, I'll just have to be home schooled, I guess." Harry stated in reply, sighing deeply and feeling exhausted. "Eggs are done."
Harry took the pan from the stove and poured the eggs onto a plate, then carried them over to Sirius. As he put it down and got him some water to drink, he felt the feel of someone approaching the house. He knew it was Sharen, as she was the only other person who knew where he was. Sirius, having not been let in on the secret, didn't know his location yet, but Harry hoped to change that.
"I'll be right back." Harry said. "Magic, stay with him, okay?"
"Okay." Magic serenely stated as Harry walked toward the front door, where Sharen was going to enter.
It didn't take long. He heard the door unlock, then open. Sharen gasped.
"Harry?" She said, her voice shaking.
"Yeah." Harry replied. "Everything's fine, I'm just expelled from Hogwarts. It's safe here, so I came back."
"Oh." Sharen stated, sounding as if she was near tears.
"Sharen, what's wrong?" Harry asked as she stepped into the house, then closed and locked the door behind her.
"My parents... Were killed in a car crash..." Sharen sobbed, and with a suddenness that surprised him, flung her arms around him and cried hard into his shoulder. "They weren't supposed to die this way not like that, not now, we had years and years left and I just didn't think this would happen..."
Harry returned her embrace and rubbed her back, hoping it would comfort her as she babbled hysterically, crying hard and clutching him to her. She didn't resist him as he guided her into the kitchen, knowing from previous emotional displays, though ones less severe, that she liked to drink tea. He knew how to prepare it for her, as she'd shown him how before. Gently, he led her toward a chair and sat her down, carefully pulling away from her.
"I'm going to get you some tea, okay?" Harry asked.
Sharen only sobbed, saying nothing. Feeling sadness for her and what she was going through, Harry worked methodically, heating water and preparing her tea for her. Not a word was said, Sharen's crying the only thing that filled the kitchen. Harry was almost sure she'd seen Sirius by now, and it was a mark of how much she trusted him that she hadn't said anything about his presence in her kitchen, despite all she'd read about him. A few minutes later, Harry brought her a mug of tea, leaving the pot on the stove so the rest of the tea would stay warm if she wanted it. After pouring himself a cup, he sat down at the table, slumping in a chair.
"How you doing, Sirius?" Harry asked.
Sharen let out a choked sob, but said nothing.
"Still hungry, but okay." Sirius responded awkwardly. "Listen, I can go somewhere else if you... Want privacy or something. I feel awkward intruding on this."
"You're fine." Harry responded. "You want anything else? I can make something, see what else is in the fridge."
"I don't want to impose." Sirius said.
"Not imposing..." Sharen sobbed weakly.
"Guess that means you can stay, eat whatever you like." Harry said. "Sharen trusts me, Sirius. When she's doing better, I, or you, or Magic can tell her why you're innocent."
"Don't care." Sharen stated weakly.
"Okay." Harry said gently.
"Trust you." Sharen stated.
"All right, Sharen." Harry gently responded. "You hungry?"
"Sharen nodded." Sirius indicated after a moment as Sharen let out another sob.
"Okay." Harry said as he stood, stretching and yawning.
"Harry, you're tired." Magic stated.
"That's a wonderful, obvious observation, Magic, thanks for telling me." Harry replied flatly.
"Sleep and I'll take care of them." Magic said.
"Okay." Harry responded. "I'm just concerned about your bluntness, so if Sharen talks, just listen. I think she'd appreciate that. Sirius, don't leave the house, okay?"
"Don't worry, Harry, I won't." Sirius replied. "You get some sleep, kiddo."
"Will do." Harry said. "And thanks for telling me about your innocence."
"You deserved to know the full story." Sirius replied.
Harry left the kitchen, entered his room, then pulled his trunk from his pocket and set it at the end of the bed. After dressing for the night, he flopped down in his bed with his room door open. Despite how tired he felt due to the emotions of the day, it took him quite some time to fall asleep. Before he did, he could hear Sharen talking to Magic and telling her all the stories of her parents in a voice laced with sobbing, and Sirius showering in the bathroom. He drifted off to sleep with those sounds, and remembered no dreams when he woke the next morning.