'Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Warning: Some strong language
Chapter 32 – Families, Friends – and Freedom
Sirius arrived in the Great Hall and slid into his place next to Remus just as dinner appeared on the table. Glancing around, he located Kate, seated with Dorcas and Lily, at the opposite end of the Gryffindor table. Catching her eye, Sirius gave her a quick smile and a wink then turned his attention to his plate.
James leaned over and poked Sirius with his elbow. "Give over; what happened with Dumbledore?"
Sirius glanced around to make sure they wouldn't be overheard. "Ofelia's father owled her to say that he was totally unsurprised that I could not give up my randy ways and expressed his relief that she would not be shackled to me for the rest of her natural life. He's agreed that she can stay at school for the rest of the year before returning home with them when they come up here for Arturo's graduation in the spring. Unless I miss my guess, I believe the great Arturo Bullstrode will become quite the overprotective brother in the meantime."
"What happens next year?"
"She goes back to Beauxbatons – and her friends – to finish her education," Sirius said then shoveled a forkful of steaming hot chicken potpie into his mouth.
Remus leaned forward. "The contract has been dissolved, then?"
Sirius nodded. "Bullstrode sent an owl to Grimmauld Place, telling my parents all about my betrayal of his daughter. Father quilled quite a reply; it arrived while Ofelia and I were in Dumbledore's office." Remus noted that Sirius had put down his fork when he started speaking and, now finished, made no move to reclaim it. If I'd gotten a message from Orion Black, I think I'd have lost my appetite, as well.
"What did he say?" James asked, his own dinner forgotten as he recalled his friend's condition when he arrived back at school after the holidays.
"Oh, the usual. I'm not fit to be a Black, I've brought disgrace to the family, they want me to Floo to Grimmauld Place immediately for a discussion of the situation," Sirius' voice had gone very quiet.
Remus and James exchanged a grim glance. "You're not going anywhere near that place, Padfoot," James said, his own voice steely in its resolve. "They're not going to get the chance to do what they did at Christmas."
Sirius smiled at his friends. "No, actually – they're not. Dumbledore sent a rather terse owl to Father, telling him that he wasn't going to interrupt the new term by sending me home for an 'impromptu visit'. In exchange, he's invited them here for a meeting that he will attend, as well."
Remus smiled. "I would say that you have nothing to worry about, then. Dumbledore will not allow anything to happen to you while he's present."
Sirius sobered. "No, not while he's present. It will be a different story when I go home for the summer though, won't it? He can't bloody well move into Grimmauld Place over the holiday, can he?"
James shook his head. "No, but it won't do to start worrying about that now. Maybe Dumbledore can do something in this meeting that will make your parents think twice about doing anything to you when you return to London."
"He's right, Pads," Remus agreed quietly. "Look, Dumbledore has already seen what your mother is capable of; he's not going to allow anything like that to happen again. He's not stupid, Sirius; he's going to keep his eye on things this summer, as well."
Sirius sighed. "Look, I know that Dumbledore will do everything he can to protect me. My parents are not stupid enough to try anything while they're here. But, you're right, James, if darling Mother is driven to lose her temper in front of him, perhaps Dumbledore will do something that will prevent my having to return to London over the holiday."
"You can always come and stay at my house, you know," James offered. "As you well know, my parents think you were stolen from them at birth, anyway!"
"Thanks, Jamie," Sirius said, smiling. "It will probably all work out in the end."
"When's the meeting?" Peter piped up, finally pushing his plate away from him.
Sirius shrugged. "Dumbledore told them to send him a few dates that would work and he'd get back to them." He glanced around at his friends and smiled slyly. "Try to imagine how well that's going to go over!"
The four friends did share a chuckle over the image of the demanding, ever-in-control Blacks being at the beck and call of Hogwarts' Headmaster.
"So, you can be with Kate now, right?" Peter asked when the group had settled down a bit.
Sirius nodded. "Yeah, but not publicly until after the meeting with my parents. Knowing them, it won't take long for Dumbledore to receive a reply."
He didn't realize how right he was. When Sirius finished dinner and rose, preparing to return to the Common Room with his friends – and, finally, with Kate - he was delayed by a hand on his shoulder. Dumbledore inclined his head at the other Marauders with a smile.
"Gentlemen, would you excuse us for a moment? I'd like to have a word with Mr. Black; I won't keep him too long, I assure you."
When the three boys, Lily and Kate had exited the Hall, Dumbledore escorted Sirius to his office.
"Your father's owl arrived just before Professor McGonagall and I went down for dinner," the Headmaster wasted no time.
"I didn't think it would take long," Sirius replied. "So, when is the meeting?"
"Tomorrow morning, 9 o'clock. We'll meet here," Dumbledore replied.
Sirius nodded, feeling his body tense as the news settled in. So much for a leisurely Sunday morning in bed, he thought wryly, then was seized by another possibility.
"Is she coming, too?"
Dumbledore reached out and clasped Sirius' shoulder. "Yes, your father indicated that your mother would be joining him." Feeling the tension in the muscles under his hand, he continued. "You have nothing to fear from her, son. I will be right here."
Sirius nodded. "May I go now?"
Dumbledore nodded and released him. "You may. Go spend some time in your Common Room with your friends – and Miss Morgan. Natural courage is always bolstered by the presence of those whom we love - and who love us in return, Sirius. That is a lesson worth remembering."
Sirius relaxed his shoulders and smiled at the Headmaster. "Thank you, sir. I think I'll just go put the lesson to work, now."
XXXXXXXX
When Sirius climbed through the portrait hole he was greeted by the chatter and hum of a fair number of students gathered in the Common Room. Scanning the crowd, he found his friends in their traditional location – directly in front of the hearth. Sirius approached the couch currently occupied by Kate and Lily. As she saw him approach, Lily smiled and rose – going over to take James' seat in an overstuffed chair not too far away.
"Cheers, Lils," Sirius murmured and settled himself next to Kate who smiled warmly at him before sliding closer and tucking her feet under her so she could lean against his shoulder.
"Comfortable, Pads?" James asked with a smile from his new seat at Lily's feet.
"Very," came the reply. "And you look quite natural sitting at the feet of Miss Evans," he added, grinning widely. James lifted his hand to make a rude gesture to his friend, but a light kick from the witch in question curtailed it.
"What did Dumbledore want?" Remus asked, curiously.
"Oh, well, I was right about my parents. Their owl arrived just before dinner – with one possible meeting date," Sirius responded, tightly. "They'll be in Dumbledore's office tomorrow morning at nine." He felt Kate shift slightly closer to him and he put his arm around her shoulders. The others must have filled her in before I got back.
"It will be fine," she said quietly. "They can do nothing to hurt you; Dumbledore won't allow it – you know that."
Sirius nodded. "I do. I just hate the thought of having to even be in the same room with her again. Ruddy bitch!"
Kate reached up and squeezed his hand where it was draped over her shoulder. "Listen, if she becomes abusive toward you, it will only work against her in the end. Dumbledore will certainly not tolerate it in his presence and may cause your mother to regret her actions."
"Ever the optimist, eh, Katie?" Sirius said, shaking his head. "No, the only way my mother will ever regret anything she does is if it personally costs her something." His voice was laced with bitterness.
Kate looked around at the others who returned her gaze with equal measures of sympathy and concern. Casting about for a safe topic of conversation proved unsuccessful after that and silence fell over the group of friends. It wasn't long before Remus announced that he was going to bed, giving James a pointed look before he walked to the staircase.
"Right – yeah. Lily, I think I'll head up as well. I'll see you for breakfast?" At the redhead's nod he, too rose and poked Peter on the arm. "Wake up, Pete. Time to go to sleep."
"Was asleep," Peter grumbled, hefting himself from the comfort of his deep chair and following the other wizard up to the dorms.
"Subtle, aren't they?" Kate asked.
"Mmm," Sirius responded absently, his gaze on the fire.
Kate could feel the anxiety rolling off him in waves.
"You're thinking about tomorrow," she observed, squeezing his hand again.
"Pretty obvious, don't you think?"
Kate reminded herself that the sarcasm in Sirius' voice was undoubtedly driven by his anxiety at seeing his parents. "Maybe if you got some sleep, you'd feel a bit better."
Sirius pulled his arm from around Kate's shoulders and jumped up from the couch. "Maybe if people would stop telling me what to do, I'd feel better," he said, starting to pace up and down in front of the hearth. "All sleeping is going to do is make tomorrow morning come faster." He pulled his fingers through his hair.
Kate took a deep breath. "Yes, but you will be rested and better prepared to face them," she reasoned. "And then it will be over."
Sirius stopped his pacing and turned to look at her. "This will never be over – not until they die, or I do. Even then I have a feeling she'll – they'll – figure out a way to torture me from the great Beyond! You don't have a bloody clue what it's like – and rested or not, it doesn't change."
Kate rose to her feet, losing the battle to control her reactions as she felt her anger begin to rise. "Look, I might not have first-hand experience with what it's like for you at home, but you'll remember that I got a fairly graphic accounting from you when you returned after Christmas. Yes – I was horrified by what you told me and no, I cannot imagine that it could get worse, but if that's what you're trying to tell me, then I will believe you. I know I can't do anything to make things better – I'm not stupid – but it now appears that I also can't say anything right! So, you tell me, what do you need from me? What can I do? What do you need me to say that might help?"
"If I knew, you wouldn't have to say it to me, would you?"
Angry tears sprang to Kate's eyes. "Fine. Apparently, you know everything; you've got all the answers. Sleep – don't sleep; stay down here and pace in front of the fire all night; sit around and mope. It's your choice. You certainly don't need me sitting here trying to help; in fact, I can't figure out what you need me for at all!" Anger at full tilt, Kate bent down and picked up her book bag, jerking the strap over her shoulder. As she turned toward her own dormitory staircase, Kate felt a hand on her shoulder and she paused.
"I do need you, Katie" Sirius whispered, his breath stirring her hair.
Kate turned to find him looking at her with a truly penitent expression on his face. She sighed and felt some of her anger leave on the exhale. "You know, Sirius, I understand how important it is to you to show the world this very tough, very independent persona. I get it; it's the armor you wear to protect yourself. They see Black – what they expect to see based on reputation, not Sirius, not the person you really are. The toughness and the whole Pureblood arrogance keep people at a distance. Sometimes, though, you distance the wrong people and I don't think you mean to do that."
"I don't ever want to distance you, Katie," he said, reaching for her hand and holding it tightly. "You're right about the armor bit; it's how I survive around people like Bellatrix and Narcissa. Doesn't work as well with my parents, but well enough – most of the time." Sirius studied her face. "Ever since Dumbledore told me that my mother would be here tomorrow, that's all I can think about. Every time I close my eyes, I can see her face – and I hate that she has that kind of control over me; I hate her."
Kate dropped her book bag onto the floor and put her arms around his waist. "Sirius, everything about your family is based in hate. They hate non-Purebloods. They hate Dumbledore. Nothing will align you closer with your family than embracing that emotion, even if you are directing that hatred toward them."
Sirius returned her embrace, tightening his arms around the young witch. "I can't help what I feel about her, Kate – and I don't see that changing. She's earned my hatred – for the things you know about, and for so many more that you don't. But, I don't hate the way they do; I don't hate people because of their bloodlines or what House they were sorted into. So, that must count for something, eh? That must mean that I'm not as bad as they are."
"You're nothing like them," Kate replied. "I just want you to realize that, too."
"I'm sorry I was a git to you earlier," Sirius kissed her forehead gently. "You didn't deserve it."
"You're forgiven," she smiled, brushing a lock of hair from his eyes. "Are you feeling better?"
Sirius nodded. "A bit. Tired, though," he confessed.
"I'm not surprised. It's been a long day."
"And tomorrow …," Sirius began. Kate placed her fingers against his lips.
"…will be here soon enough," she finished. "I'm going to sleep; and you?"
"I'm headed to bed, as well."
They kissed softly before separating and heading toward their mutual stairways.
"Katie?"
She turned to find Sirius standing on the first step. "Yes?"
"Have coffee with me in the morning before I have to go to Dumbledore's office?"
Kate smiled. "Absolutely. I'll meet you here at 7?"
Sirius smiled in return. "Thank you."
She nodded and continued up the staircase to her dormitory. Sirius stood for a moment longer then took himself off to his own bed – calmer, certainly, but still dreading what the morning would bring.
XXXXXXXX
"Dumbledore would do very well to realize that the Blacks are not to be kept waiting in some common reception area," Walburga Black spat, declining Minerva McGonagall's invitation to sit while waiting for the Headmaster to arrive. Walburga's expression may have exemplified haughty disdain; the Transfiguration professor's tightly compressed lips and crackling eyes were proof of her barely restrained temper.
"Most of the Headmaster's visitors find it preferable to standing in the school entrance hall," she returned. "But if you would like to wait there …" Minerva gestured toward the hallway beyond the gargoyle guarded staircase, half-turning as if to leave – and jumped slightly as the sight of Dumbledore standing not a foot away from her. His amused smile did nothing to mollify Minerva's temper. She leaned in slightly and muttered, "Would it kill you to make a bit of noise instead of sneaking up on a person?" A slight incline of his head and a momentary widening of his smile was the only indication he'd even heard her.
"Thank you, Professor. Please give us a few moments and then send young Mr. Black to my office." Dumbledore stepped around the irritated witch and approached the Blacks. "Thank you both for coming; I apologize for making you wait. Shall we?" He gestured toward the staircase that led to his office; silently giving the password that allowed them access.
"Please, have a seat," the Headmaster gestured toward two comfortable chairs in front of his desk and waited until the couple had situated themselves before offering them tea – which both declined with a bare minimum of courtesy.
"We have not come here to exchange pleasantries, Dumbledore," Orion Black said gravely. "We have come to collect Sirius and bring him back to Grimmauld Place."
Dumbledore rested his folded hands atop his desk and fixed his gaze on his guests. "And his education?"
Walburga waved one elegantly manicured hand in dismissal. "We will address Sirius' educational needs at home; clearly, Hogwarts has been a most unsuitable choice for him."
Dumbledore nodded once. "From your perspective, perhaps so, but from mine, I'm afraid that I must respectfully disagree with you. If I were to base my opinion on what I observed of your treatment of Sirius over Christmas, I would say that Hogwarts was the safest choice for him." He paused, "As I explained to you, Orion, at that time."
Walburga's face drained of color and her expression was mutinous as she glanced at her husband before turning her attention back to the Headmaster. "You may be the head of this school, Dumbledore, but you do not dictate the actions we take with our son. That is a bit beyond the scope of your authority – despite what you may think. Orion and I will handle Sirius – and direct his education and upbringing in the manner we see fit." She began to rise, but her husband reached over and placed a hand on her arm.
"Dumbledore, I well remember our conversation, but certainly you do not believe that you can withhold our son from us. He has brought shame to our family by his irresponsible behavior since returning to school," Orion glanced at his wife to ensure that she had resettled in her seat before continuing. "His inappropriate behavior has caused the termination of a marriage contract between the Blacks and another Pureblood family. There are consequences to such actions."
"Indeed," Dumbledore's voice took on a hard edge. "As there are for those who would physically abuse a child – their own child. That behavior is more than 'inappropriate'; it is criminal – and would bring more than 'shame' upon you if it were to become public knowledge." Walburga gasped at his words and struggled against her husband's grasp, which had tightened around her wrist. "Ah yes," the Headmaster continued. "I am well aware of the importance you place on reputation and image, Mrs. Black. Rest assured, I have no desire to expose you to the social vagaries this sordid situation would bring." He paused again, ensuring that he had their exclusive attention. When both were looking up at him, he added, "No desire – however, if it meant sparing Sirius further harm, I would also have no qualms about doing so."
"I assure you, Dumbledore, I will keep my word. No further harm will befall Sirius after we arrive back in London. He will be sent elsewhere to school – perhaps to Durmstrang …" Orion began.
"No!" Walburga leapt to her feet. "I will not be told what to do with my own son! He will not be sent elsewhere to school. I will handle his education as I did before he was old enough to attend Hogwarts. If you are too weak to stand up to him, Orion, then I will certainly do so." Breathing heavily, Walburga stood facing Dumbledore – his desk between them. When he was sure she had nothing further to add, Dumbledore began to speak.
"Please, Walburga, be seated." When she remained standing, a look of haughty arrogance and high temper on her face, the wizard shrugged. "As you wish. I can speak just as easily if you do not. Please allow me to explain how this morning will work. Sirius, I suspect, is on the other side of that door – or will be, shortly. When he joins us, you may both take as long as you wish speaking with him about the dissolution of the marriage contract with the Bullstrode family. You may speak with him about the cause of that dissolution. Please note that I said, 'speak', for that is all I will allow you to do. There will be no punishment meted out – and no physical contact unless Sirius permits it. Ask him whatever you wish to ask, but when the talking is finished, Sirius will remain here at school, while you both will return to London."
"You cannot deny us our son, Dumbledore!" It was Orion's turn to be outraged.
"Oh, but I am not doing so," the Headmaster advised the man quietly. "I have given this matter a great deal of thought, you see. While I am prepared to pursue what happened to Sirius legally – and publically, if need be – it is a nasty piece of business and I wish not to have the school associated with it. There is another way that I can ensure that Sirius remains here at Hogwarts – one that is highly preferable than taking your abusive ways to the Ministry. When you signed the contract permitting Sirius – and Regulus, come to that – to be educated at Hogwarts, that contract spoke to their entire educational career at this school. One of the tenants of the agreement was that the Headmaster had full authority over the welfare of the students entrusted to his care – throughout the full term of that career. The contract is specific and absolute. Unless Sirius fails to achieve the educational standards expected of all students, his attendance at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry is guaranteed and iron clad. If he continues to meet our educational standards, even I can only dismiss him if he commits an infraction or exhibits behavior that is so egregious in nature that it brings great harm to the school. He has not done so. You, on the other hand, can only remove him from our school in the proven case of extreme emergency – such as a death in your family that obligates the young wizard to assume his place as head of the family or if the Board of Governors declares that the school is unsafe, derelict in its responsibilities or has failed to provide the education and experience for which we are contractually obligated. Again, none of those situations exists. There is another means by which you could remove Sirius from this school and return him to your home in London – and that would be if Sirius, himself, requested it. I think that's highly unlikely, don't you?" Dumbledore gave the stunned parents a satisfied smile.
"We will challenge the contract," Walburga began. "I remember no such …"
"Walburga," Orion said quietly. "Leave it." He looked over at his wife. "It doesn't matter now."
"Of course it matters," she spat. "He cannot order us about in this manner."
"Enough!" Orion's voice rose for the first time that morning. Walburga's mouth snapped shut in response and, observing that, he spoke again – more quietly this time. "Enough. Dumbledore, you said that Sirius would join us for a discussion. I would very much like that to happen. We will endeavor to be civil, however, while Sirius' behavior may not qualify under the contract terms you mentioned, it is egregious in our eyes and, as his parents, we must address it."
Dumbledore inclined his head. "I have no desire to act the part of parent in your stead. I will ask Sirius to join us if he has, in fact, arrived."
"Dumbledore," Walburga spoke up, her voice like ice, "while I, of course, will acquiesce to my husband's wishes, I must insist that you excuse yourself from the meeting and allow us to speak with Sirius alone – privately."
Dumbledore shook his head slightly. "I regret that I am unable to honor that request. I have promised Sirius that I will remain with him whilst you meet. I will not betray his trust by reneging on that promise."
"I find it difficult to believe that he asked you to be present," Walburga retorted.
"I can assure you, madam, that he did; after what happened to him at Christmas, I felt more than obligated to agree." Dumbledore spared a second glance at Orion before crossing the room and opening the door of his office.
Looking out into the seating area, the Headmaster smiled at the young wizard standing there. "We're ready for you, Sirius," he said kindly, extending is arm toward the boy.
Sirius blinked once and moved forward, face pale. He felt Dumbledore's arm encircle his shoulders. "Come along, son. It will be fine, I assure you."
"How is she?" Sirius asked in a whisper. Dumbledore did not have to ask to whom he referred.
"In need of a strong cheering charm, I'm afraid," the Headmaster replied. "Your conversation with them may be a bit difficult, but you will not be returning with them. When it is over, you will return to your dormitory."
Sirius exhaled sharply. "Thank you, Professor; but how did you manage to …?"
"Convince them?" At the boy's nod, he smiled. "That is a story for later. For now, let's not keep your parents waiting any longer. The sooner we begin our conversation, the sooner they can be on their way, yes?"
Sirius entered the room and seated himself in a chair that Dumbledore had conjured and thoughtfully positioned closer to his own side of the desk than to his parents'. Bloody Siberia couldn't be far enough away, he thought to himself. Sirius glanced briefly at his mother and immediately wished he had not done so. Her face was the one that haunted his nightmares.
"Sirius, your parents wish to discuss recent events surrounding your engagement to young Ms. Bullstrode. I've told them that we will remain here, in this office, as long as it takes for that discussion to come to a natural conclusion. You will not, however, be returning to London with them. When we have finished here, you will return to your dormitory. Are we all clear?" Dumbledore glanced around him and, satisfied that things appeared to be headed in the right direction, sat back in his chair and waited for the discussion to begin. It didn't take long.
"Sirius, as you know, Ofelia's father has owled us with the news of your recent indiscretion with another witch – an indiscretion that was, unfortunately, discovered by your former fiancée and her brother," Orion's voice was controlled, but steely. "Is what he has told us the truth?"
"Yes."
"Have you slept with this witch?" Walburga's tone was harsh.
"Well, we didn't really sleep."
Sirius glanced over at his Headmaster, who was studying the brocade on the cuff of his sleeve with great interest. Sirius was certain he saw a slight upturn in the corner of Dumbledore's mouth.
"I do not find your tawdry comment amusing, young man," she replied.
Dumbledore cleared his throat softly. "Perhaps we could dispense with the more … colorful … responses, Sirius, in consideration for your mother's more refined sensibilities."
"Yes, sir."
"Mother, if you were asking me if I had intercourse with that witch then the answer would be yes."
"While you were engaged to Ofelia?"
"Before – and, well – when Arturo was hiding under an Invisibility Cloak with Ofelia and caught me out," Sirius amended. "We weren't actually … well, we might have gotten there if we weren't interrupted."
"Did you not understand me when I told you that you were to give up these dalliances and focus on spending time with Ofelia, as the contract – and the Bullstrodes themselves – dictated?" It was Orion's turn to steer the interrogation.
"I understood, Father, and I did spend time getting to know Ofelia. Ask anyone – including Bellatrix and Narcissa. They probably wouldn't want to tell you the truth, but if they had to, they would say that I was seen with Ofelia often – and that she spent time with me in the Gryffindor Common Room," Sirius said.
"And that Morgan witch? What of her?" Walburga spat. "I suppose you expect us to believe that you did what you were told and broke it off with her upon your return to school."
"I don't expect you to believe anything I say," Sirius said quietly. "But I did stop seeing Kate." Sort of; for a while, at any rate.
"It is preferable to us that you return to Grimmauld Place at once, but, as you know, Dumbledore will not permit it," Walburga stated, her eyes boring into her son's. "If we are able to do so, Sirius, there will be another contract; another Pureblood bride and this time, you will abide by the terms of the marriage contract. Your father and I will be actively seeking such an arrangement, as difficult as you have now ensured that search will be. When you return home in June – and you will return home, Sirius, – we hope to have such a contract in place. Until then, you are to do nothing further to bring shame to our family. You cannot escape us, my son; there are those here who will be happy to report your transgressions to us. Once they have been made known, you may rest assured that there will be consequences to bear."
Dumbledore's eyes had snapped up to observe the impact Walburga Black's words had on her son. He was dismayed, but unsurprised, to see Sirius begin to tremble at the barely concealed threat his mother had made against him.
"That will do, I think," he interrupted softly. "I believe your comments fall under the portion of our contract that requires me to act in the best interests of my students. I do not believe that your comments are in Sirius' best interests and so I think our discussion has reached its conclusion."
Orion stood, reaching down and taking his wife's arm to assist her to her feet. "I am not accustomed to being ordered about, Dumbledore – particularly where access to my children are concerned," Walburga said. "I am of half a mind to bring your behavior before the Board of Governors for review. I am certain they would be most interested in hearing how you have treated us here today. Claiming to be acting in the best interests of your students by denying their parents' wishes to remove them from this school is simply not to be tolerated! Perhaps you would find that they invoke the clause in your precious contract that allows students to be dismissed due to unsafe conditions within the school." An unpleasant smile accompanied her words as she turned to follow her husband to the door.
As Dumbledore walked behind them he replied, "Perhaps so, Walburga. On the other hand, perhaps it is you who would be surprised when I brought to light the unsafe conditions that exist for young Sirius in your very own home."
A startled gasp met his words and neither Black looked directly at the Headmaster as he opened the door to facilitate their exit. "Have a pleasant journey back to London," he said courteously and, in the next moment, the Blacks were gone.
Dumbledore turned back to see Sirius standing in front of the chair he had so recently occupied. "What was that all about?" he asked, a puzzled look on his face.
"Ah – well, I simply pointed out a few clauses in our Hogwarts enrollment contract that took your Mother rather by surprise," Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled behind his half-moon glasses.
"Clauses?" Sirius thought back to his Hogwarts letter and the accompanying parchments. "Was there a contract?"
"Yes, indeed. It speaks of tuition amounts, uniforms, testing schedules throughout each student's time with us, Hogsmeade visits and the like."
"But nothing about students being pulled out of here by their parents if there are unsafe conditions?"
Dumbledore remained silent, doing nothing to alleviate Sirius' growing concern now that a new thought had entered his head.
"But, Professor, if my parents were to go home and re-read the contract … wouldn't they realize that you'd …"
"Colored the truth?" the Headmaster smiled. "Sirius, come with me for a moment."
The two walked back to Dumbledore's desk and the Headmaster waved open one of the deep, built-in cupboards. He raised his hand in the air and began flipping his fingers about as if rifling through papers. After several moments had passed, a file rose from the collection in the drawer and, guided by a graceful movement from the ancient wizard's hand, fell to the top of the desk. Sirius could clearly see his own name written in heavy black script on the file tab. With a wink in Sirius' direction, Dumbledore opened the file and withdrew a single sheet of parchment that bore the title, "Enrollment Agreement – Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" in its center. Sirius watched, enraptured, as Dumbledore picked up his wand and began making a series of circular motions in the air above the parchment. As he looked down at the form, Sirius was amazed to see words rearranging themselves as new sentences and paragraphs were added. When it was finished, Dumbledore placed his wand back on the desk and picked up the parchment for closer inspection.
"Just as I thought," he said, smiling broadly. "I am so sorry to have alarmed you unnecessarily, Sirius. It would appear that the required language is here after all!"
Sirius' eyes widened. "But … my parents' copy won't have been changed …"
Dumbledore held up one hand, then closed his eyes and began to mutter an incantation Sirius had never heard before. Finishing with a wave of his hand over the amended parchment, Sirius saw the newly added sections glow briefly before returning to their previous state.
Turning to Sirius, Dumbledore smiled. "It has, now."
