Harry potter and the Time of Retirement
Everything related to Harry Potter belongs to JKR
Chapter 43 – Year 2
"And after that, I faced Draco and the others in the courtyard. I tried to go easy on them" said Harry, with a teasing tone, brushing up the horrible-looking hand-made scarf tied around his neck.
"I can imagine, after they challenged yeh" commented Hagrid, shaking his head. "Well, he shouldn't have made fun of yehr house."
"To be honest, I make fun of Hufflepuff too" said Harry "and this year we are losing left and right. But Slytherin is a bit too arrogant, lately."
"So long as you didn't bicker about it, at the end…"
"No, things remained mostly gracious. And stopping goals is not the same as defeating someone. Plus, Draco is a seeker, and he certainly used that as an excuse" said Harry, rolling his eyes.
"Oh well, I am glad already that Malfoy's party went well. He probably knows how to throw one."
"The food was great, but it's not like he cooked it personally" added Harry, smiling and wiggling the cookie in his hand. "Everyone also got a trinket as a present. A tiny silver oak tree, with Christmas decorations."
"Oak? Shouldn't it be fir?" asked Hagrid, puzzled.
"Normally, yes. Oak is more linked to yuletide, and I don't think it was a coincidence."
"Hhmm? Why not?" said Hagrid, mouth busy with a slice of cake.
"Malfoy's present, the kid Malfoy I mean, was a book on wizard lore and traditions. I think that was probably the theme of the whole party, this year."
"A celebration is a celebration, who cares fo' the reason?" grumbled Hagrid, pushing the cake down with some tea. "After that, yeh got back here?"
"Eventually, yes. Most people remained until late afternoon, and I had no reason to rush back to Hogwarts either. I got more invites too, you know? Seems like people do nothing but visit each other, during the holidays."
"Ain't you becoming one social butterfly, kiddo" commented Hagrid, amused.
"I didn't say I am actually going" countered Harry. "Except for Mr. Black's. I already received an owl, he will come and pick me up tomorrow morning."
"Don't expect all shops to be open, though. Some will be home preparing for new year's eve."
"The company will be enough. I was almost alone here, after you left" said Harry.
"Oh right, I have to tell yeh all about Norbert. Yeh won't believe how much he grew, we were the same height" said Hagrid, enthusiastically. "And he recognized me, too!"
"Really?" asked Harry, smiling.
"He sur' did! He crashed into me, and was almost singing, I swear" said Hagrid.
Harry imagined for a second an Hagrid-sized dragon crashing into him, screeching all the way – and shuddered. After that, he managed to produce a smile. "Well, ain't that nice. You should go again next year."
"I will, I will" said Hagrid, nodding. "I wish I had more time, but work never ends here. By the way…." he added, with a smile.
"Nope, I am out" said Harry. "Sorry, but on Christmas I was told I won't have to work with you anymore starting January. A present from the headmaster himself" he added.
"Oh" said Hagrid, now disappointed. "Good for yeh, I guess, but I will miss yehr presence."
"It's not like I won't visit you anymore" said Harry. "And I think the idea was that working for hours each afternoon was incompatible with my homeworks or something."
"Like yeh were doing them in the first place. Oh well, if Dumbledore said that…" concluded Hagrid, now falling silent. After a bit, he restarted. "Try to be a better student this year around, Harry. Yeh have no idea how often I had to defend ya with the professors."
"Well, thank you Hagrid" said Harry, even if his tone wasn't exactly full of gratitude. "And don't worry, if my meeting with Mr. Black goes as I hope for my school life is certainly going to change" he concluded too, shrugging.
"Ok?" said Hagrid, puzzled, but Harry added nothing more on that. After a while, food and drinks mostly gone, Harry stood up.
"So, another day is over. I'll see you at dinner then" he said, nodding at Hagrid.
"I am going to really make yeh earn your meals tomorrow and on the 31, Harry. Last two days!" said the half-giant, smiling.
"Of course" said Harry. "Later."
Outside, the whole country around the castle was covered in snow and the moon was already showing itself in the sky. It certainly was quite chilly but, after grasping as its wand, Harry smiled and put that away, deciding instead to tighten his scarf around his neck.
Rough, uneven, with yellow wool parts that probably were meant to represent a Badger – Harry caressed it and moved on towards the castle. A couple strands, already separating from the edges of the scarf, almost flied into his eyes.
'This wont last long' he thought, and shrugged. 'Better enjoy it while it does'.
Walking back to the castle, and then to Hufflepuff's common room, Harry once again saw almost no other students. His common bedroom, those days, had become his personal room – a bit too large even for his tastes.
Opening his chest, he placed inside all his warm overclothes: cap, gloves and the scarf. The latter one got folded and placed inside with care. 'I wonder if Ginny liked my present' thought Harry.
Going out, he wandered a bit around the castle, aimlessly. There was very little to do at Hogwarts during the school break, and there still was some time before dinner – not that he was already hungry, anyway. So, after a bit of hesitation, Harry headed for the library. Surprisingly not even the librarian, madam Pince, was around. Harry went on to search something to read until he stopped in front of the entrance for the restricted section.
He remained there for half a minute then, shrugging, he stepped inside. Some of the books were clearly dangerous and he stayed well away from them. Eventually, he found one that seemed an advanced treaty on defensive spells. Picking it up, he went outside – carefully checking for the librarian – and found a corner where to sit down in peace.
'I wonder if this will get me into more troubles' he thought 'but which former student could resist?'
With a satisfied smile, he started reading until dinner time.
"So, is it done?" asked Harry, while the statue of the gargoyle hiding the entrance to the headmaster's office was moving.
"Sure is" said Sirius Black, head still turned towards the now disappearing stairway. "You weren't joking when you said Dumbledore doesn't trust you. It took forever to convince the old man" he continued, while shaking his head. Soon, though, he showed a big smile.
"I must learn how you achieved that, Harry. Let's go!" and with that and a brisk pace he started walking towards the gates of Hogwarts. He slowed down almost immediately, though: Sirius often stopped to stare at random statues or paintings most ofwhich, Harry knew, hid secret passageways which made him wonder what was the significance of the remaining few.
They also met some professors on the way who insisted to talk with Black. Some were mere polite chats, others seemed more deep. Mcgonagall too intercepted them on the way, and Sirius talked about a couple of times he was breaking the rules together with his old friends. During that moment his laugh was a little too brittle, and Harry assumed the professor noticed it too as a placid smile never left her face no matter how outrageous were the pranks he boasted about.
During all this Harry remained silent, simply waiting and letting the man enjoy his tour. It was clear he was greatly enjoying himself, and Harry did not mind waiting a little. Or, actually, a lot.
"Sorry if it took so long, Harry" said finally Sirius, once they were outside of the castle. "What can I say, I was always popular."
"With the professors? Hardly something to brag about" commented Harry, smiling.
"How dare you!" complained Black, sniggering. "They are merely unwanted victims of my charm. You should have seen what my smile did to my classmates. The female ones, I mean."
"There are so many jokes I could make now, but I'll bite. What did it do?" asked Harry.
"Let's just say I have seen the inner side of more than one school robe" said Sirius, nodding with satisfaction, only to widen his grin even more. "Seen might not be the correct word, broom closets are quite dark."
"That's something I imagine a school boy could brag about but" said Harry, abruptly interrupting himself. He then smiled, shook his head and simply said: "Good for you."
"You listen to me, Harry, and I'll teach you one trick or two" said Sirius, looking down on him. He then smiled condescendingly, patted him on the shoulder, and continued. "Well, maybe once you are older. I doubt a 2nd year boy is interested in girls already."
"Only quidditch and fart jokes" commented Harry, evenly. Meanwhile, they had left the castle. "I guess we are apparating? I thought you arrived here with the Floo."
"Yes and yes. Have you done it already?" asked Black, taking out his wand and offering Harry his arm. Harry silently grabbed it, and after a few seconds and a loud pop, they were in Diagon Alley.
Regardless of the cold air, the alley itself was far from empty: people were moving back and forth, and Harry could see several families out in force, often busy talking with other families. He even recognized a couple faces, other students from Hogwarts – though none from his year.
Meanwhile Sirius, too, was busy looking around himself, with a satisfied smile. "It's been so long" he said, almost to no one. Then he turned to Harry. "I spent most of my days lately either at my old house or with my cousin Cissa. Well, Mrs. Malfoy for you. Neither place is particularly joyous."
"Couldn't you take Draco out for ice cream, too?" asked Harry, with a little smirk.
"By heavens, no. I might have wanted to but he is a little too stuffy, you know? Takes after his father" said Sirius, shaking his head – only to add, hastily: "Not that there is anything wrong with that, of course. I do owe some gratitude to him."
"I don't mind Draco, even if we are not friends-friends. So long as you take him in little doses" said Harry.
Sirius nodded, and then started walking. "Let's go, Harry. We both need money. And guess who won your key from the headmaster?"
A frown appeared on Harry's face, but only for an instant. Soon, he was following Black along the way. Some people were staring at Sirius, but one could tell the difference between those that were aware of his release – friendly stare or nods – and those that, to judge from their surprised and sometime scared expression, probably thought he was still in Azkaban.
Nevertheless, they soon arrived at their destination. "Gringott. I assume you have been here too, right?" asked Sirius to Harry, who simply nodded. "Good, good. Let's make it quick, then. Not that I mind their carts, they were always fun to ride."
Once inside Black asked first access to his vault and then, after aiming a wink and showing Harry a key, to the Potter's. They didn't waste much time in either of them – Sirius took a couple pouchfuls of gold from his vault, and next to nothing from Harry's. At Harry raised eyebrow, he shrugged.
"The headmaster was quite serious on this, Harry" said Sirius, spreading his hands as to deny any involvement. "Might be little but those coins are all for you. I plan to cover all the bills today! Let me spoil my favourite godson."
Sighing inside a little, well aware of the standard comeback to that overused line, Harry went with it anyway. "Really? How many other godsons do you have?" which only made Sirius laugh.
"In any case, was that my key? First time I see it. Can I have it for a second?" asked Harry.
"Nope, sorry" countered Sirius, smirking.
"I said a second. What am I going to do, take it and apparate away?" said Harry, frowning.
"I told you, Dumbledore was relentless on money. I quote, give him a tiny allowance and don't let him even touch his key. Harry is too smart for his own good, better limit what he can buy" continued Sirius. His expression showed his amusement, though.
"I see" said Harry, quietly. "This lack of trust is almost offending. Don't tell me you are going to listen to him."
"He made me promise, kid. Nothing personal. Let's go!" concluded Sirius, heading towards the cart.
A few minutes after that, they were sitting down at Fortesque's, a menu' in front of them.
"Maybe ice cream was not the best choice in winter. I wonder if they have other stuff" said Sirius.
"Anything with melted chocolate will work" added Harry, checking out the menu'.
They both ordered something way too sweet and sugary to be healthy and after a couple of bites Black relaxed on his chair, sighed with contentment, and spoke. "So, here we are Harry. What can you tell me? About… everything, I guess."
"I can start with what I know" said Harry. "I already got some stories about my parents. And about you four; I have your map of Hogwarts, by the way."
"Us three. Just us three" said Sirius, almost in a murmur. "Anyway, the map was one of our best achievements. Too bad we couldn't show it off to the professors" said Sirius, nodding.
"Yeah, sure. So, that was the best part. There is also your feud with Snape, and now that creep is taking it out on me. How my parents married soon after school while helping Dumbledore on something related to the dark lord."
"Don't call him that, Harry" said Sirius, with a grimace. "Only his followers do. Try with some nicknames. Dork lord, Voldispork, stuff like that."
"The standard is you-know-who now, and it is pretty ridiculous already" said Harry, frowning. "I'll admit dark lord sounds stupid too, but it beats the alternatives."
"Maybe" said Sirius, shrugging. "So, you have been told some of our adventures. We were pretty awesome at the time, kid. Want to learn about my best pranks?" he added, with a big smile.
"Actually, I thought a bit about what to ask and I do have a question" said Harry. "You were there, my dad's best friend. They married instantly after school, in a time when people kept disappearing. So…" and here Harry, showed some hesitation, before steeling himself. "Ok, I'll just say it. Was I planned, or an accident?"
Sirius gave him one hell of a stare after that, before shaking his head. "That is one weird question, Harry. I mean it." When the silence persisted, he went on. "Are you worried you were unwelcome? Your parents were overjoyed at having you."
"I know. Well, I have been told so. It's just… bad timing, I guess. Too young, too immature, running from a murderer. Barely fit enough to be babysitters."
"Who told you that, Harry? Was it Snape? Whoever described your parents like that deserves one solid kick in the arse" growled Black, viciously. Harry simply shook his head, and Black calmed down.
"Listen, I don't know if you were planned. Your mom didn't leave Hogwarts saying she wanted to become a mom, true, but when they told us all she was pregnant they were happy. For real, giggling and talking about how you would be. And James…" here, Sirius stopped.
"What about him?" asked Harry, tightly.
"Your father, he was scared. Really nervous, much more than when he married your mom, and there is a funny story there, too" continued Sirius, smiling at the memory. "He was worried he would not be good enough. Desperate to make sure your mom, and you, would be taken care of. It really made him grow up instantly."
"Yes. Yes, I can imagine that" said Harry, nodding.
"If anyone said you were a problem, he would have punched him good. I would have, too. And I don't want to sock you in the face Harry, so don't even think that, ok?" concluded Sirius, smiling widely.
"Well, whatever" said Harry, relaxing on his chair and taking a bite out of his sweets. "I don't mind knowing about your school years too. How did you two met, anyway?"
At this, Black started talking. Of his early years as a kid, when he met James Potter through some play date organized by their parents. How they got along plenty, and became friends long before Hogwarts. How they went to school, met other people, had plenty of adventures. His eyes were shining all the way, and his smile faltered only when he talked about the other two members of the group.
"By the time we graduated, we thought the world was ours, kid. Your dad was busy taking your mother out, I was setting my place up after my parents, well, disagreed with my ideas and the rat and Remus were searching their own way. We were still the best friends ever, or so I thought. The rest is not a story for kids" he concluded with an hint of sadness.
"A good share of what you said wasn't, either" said Harry, shaking his head. Black really bragged a little too much about alcohol, making out and breaking rules.
"Of course not" added Sirius, a self-satisfied smirk appearing on his face. "But you don't strike me as the sensitive kind, Harry, you'll survive. In fact, it's your turn now to speak."
"I would" said Harry "but it's time we leave this place. I swear the owner keeps glaring at us."
"We could order more chocolate treats" said Sirius. "In fact, I wouldn't mind it."
"If you get fat, you can say goodbye to your charm with the ladies" commented Harry, standing up. "And lunch is not that far away. Come on."
Sirius smiled patronisingly, and followed suit. Just like that, they left Fortesque's and joined the crowd of people in the Alley.
"I really don't mind, Harry. Let me buy it for all the birthdays and Christmases I missed" insisted Sirius, his hand still on the latest Nimbus model and trying to walk towards the counter.
"Thank you, but I most certainly mind. Such an expensive present is inappropriate in the extreme" countered Harry, refusing to budge and let him pass.
"I am your godfather, it's not inappropriate at all!" complained Sirius.
"Aren't you happy I enjoy your company and not your wallet? And if you disregard what I say and buy it, I swear I'll leave the package on the ground" said Harry, his face as serious as it could be.
Eventually, mouth half open in continued protest, Sirius shook his head. "You are one weird boy. I would have killed to have this broom, when I was your age. Your dad, too."
"He was part of the team. I told you that in my year we are barely playing."
"You could try out for the team, too, then" suggested Sirius, only to sigh at Harry's stare.
"Why don't you buy it for yourself? You must have missed flying" suggested Harry.
"I did, but it's the kind of thing you do with your friends. Right now I mostly spend time with the Malfoys."
"I can't really picture Mr. Malfoy on a broom. Let alone your cousin" said Harry, one eyebrow raised in sarcasm.
"I wish I could, because it seems hilarious" joked Sirius, nodding towards the exit and walking in the Alley. "Well, brooms are out. Are you the book type?" he continued, with way less enthusiasm.
"I am, but Hogwarts' library is more than enough. And I am done with shops, if the first thing you say is what I would like to have" said Harry, looking around the street.
"Killjoy" said Sirius, grimacing. "Well, what now? Lunch already?"
"It's a bit early. You know, you could buy a deck of cards and we could go at the Cauldron's. We drink and play until it is time to eat. I mean, we could also do that at your place and save some sickles."
"Nope. As in, no. Not the cards, I like the idea, but my house is as cheery as you, kid" said Sirius with a smirk, while Harry rolled his eyes.
"I think we can find the deck at Flourish and Blotts, there" said Harry pointing at the shop, and there they went.
Not long after they were sitting down at the Leaky Cauldron, cards in front of them, and Tom the bartender standing on one side of the table already writing down Black's orders.
"And what for you, butterbeer?" asked Sirius.
"Yes, with an extra glass" answered Harry. "You know, there might be one thing here that I would like for you to get me, after all."
"Oh, finally!" said Black, sincerely happy at hearing this. "What is it?"
"A bottle of firewhiskey. Whenever we have house parties in our common room, older students complain that we bring only kid stuff. A bottle should shut them up."
"Damn right it would!" commented Sirius, nodding at the bartender, who shrugged and left. "This is also what old Dumbledore warned me against, by the way. You are not going to drink it yourself, right?"
"No matter what he said I never even tried it so, since we are here, I could give it a chance. One sip shouldn't hurt me."
"Only one sip, Harry. Even I have standards" said Sirius, nodding gravely. His face was showing a small grin, though.
While Harry was shuffling the cards, Tom came back with one shot of firewhiskey, one big glass of butterbeer, another empty glass and the bottle. Harry could swore he saw the bartender frown a little when he left the bottle.
"No time like the present" said Harry, opening the bottle, while Sirius downed his small shot, emitting a satisfying groan after it. Harry started filling the glass but, halfway, Sirius stopped him. "Harry, wait! You are wasting it. It's not butterbeer, go easy on it."
"Oh, of course, it should be very strong, right? Let me see" and with that he took first a small sip, and then simply drank it all down. "That's it? Rum candies are stronger. Either it's overhyped, or the bartended scammed us. Maybe he thought school kids wouldn't notice the difference."
"What?" said Sirius, shocked. "No, Tom would never…." but then he stopped, and a very dark expression crossed his face. It lasted for a full half minute, too.
"Let me try it, Harry" he said eventually, with a dead tone, and Harry filled up the glass.
Sirius took it and, like Harry, he tried to gulp it down. He only lasted two seconds though, before slamming the again half empty glass down and coughing. "Agggh!" he complained while recovering. "This was the real one! Are you sure you didn't feel anything?"
"Maybe you are just delicate, Sirius. Nothing to be ashamed of" said Harry, smirking and serving the cards. Sirius glared at him, took his cards and started playing. He won the first round and smirked in triumph, but Harry won the second. When he did, he drank from his butterbeer as to celebrate, but then he spoke. "You know, I should try it again. It can't be that weak" and with that, he added some more firewhiskey into the glass. He barely sipped it, though.
"Nope, still lame. I would offer you some, but I wonder if you can take it" said Harry, a small smile on his face.
"Maybe being stuffy and polite suits you more, kid. And I have no problem whatsoever with my drinks" countered Sirius, slightly offended.
"Prove it, then. Words are cheap" said Harry, pushing the glass towards him. Sirius hesitated, but then took another long gulp, frowning when he was done.
"Let's play" said Harry, shuffling the cards again. Once the cards were served and they started to play, he spoke again.
"You know, I would like to meet the fourth guy too, that Moony. What happened to him?"
Sirius's expression, that was still tense from the drink, showed a lot more pain at this question. He played his cards, and answered.
"I don't know, kid. Never heard from him since… since that day. I sort of hoped he would contact me when I was released."
"He might feel ashamed" commented Harry once the round was over, face expressionless. "Chances are he believed you were guilty. Can't exactly show up and say hi, now."
Black's sad frown grew at this words. He stood still for a while, and then tried to continue playing only to stop midway. He looked at the still half full glass of firewhiskey, but then shook his head. "You are probably right. Still, I wish I could meet him again."
"Oh, I can help with that" said Harry. Sirius perked up at his words, but Harry merely picked up his own glass of butterbeer, pouring a tiny amount in the other one. "Maybe now it won't make you sick. Go ahead."
"No, I drank too much alr… Oh, who cares" moaned Sirius, and took another big gulp of firewhiskey. In fact, he drank down the whole glass, slowly, and his face got more and more red. Harry kept staring at him, still stone faced. Almost imperceptibly, he shook his head but kept playing his cards. Not long after, he restarted talking.
"It's all because of the rat, Sirius. I am sure he had been forced but still, he sent the dark lord to my house. And you to Azkaban."
"He wasn't like that, on… once" hiccuped Sirius. "We were friends, we have been for… for… How do you say it? You know… you know, always." Meanwhile, his cards were now almost abandoned on the table.
"You could still be his friend. Visit him in Azkaban" said Harry, evenly. Sirius face showed only horror at the suggestion.
"No! No. No… no way. I can't… go there. No" he moaned. His face had got quite red, and he was cradling his head with his hands.
"Of course not" said Harry, pouring all that remained in the bottle inside the glass, and pushing it towards Sirius. He didn't even notice it at first, but when he did, he burped a little.
"I don't… feel well, kid. Too much an.. and too fast. I… we stop here" said Sirius.
"You are right, better stop. But we can't waste this, it's expensive. I'll drink it" said Harry, looking intensely at Black.
"No! No… you can't. It's wrong. Harry, let's get out…."
"Let's get out. But we can't waste this, Sirius. If I can't drink it, you must. Drink it and let's go" said Harry, offering him the glass once again. Sirius, tiredly, looked at the glass and after some hesitation tried to drink it. He managed to swallow two gulps before burping again, with the glass itself falling on the table muddling up the cards, finally rolling on the floor. This drew the attention of Tom, who had been glaring a Sirius for a while now.
"You two, what are you doing over there? Do I have to kick you out?" said the bartender, angry.
Sirius moaned but said nothing. Harry glared back at the man. "We are leaving already. Calm down."
"I knew he was nothing good" grumbled Tom, going back to cleaning tables, but keeping an eye on them; the very same, actually, could be said for the rest of the customers inside the tavern. Harry ignored them all and turned to Sirius.
"Come on, pal. Let me help" and moving one arm under his shoulders, helped him walk out of the Cauldron, right into muggle London. They didn't go far: Harry headed for the first small alley he could see and sat Sirius down behind a truck, somehow covered from sight. As he placed him on the ground, he spent quite some time with his hands under his robe.
"Youuuu… youu big softie, Harry. You wanted a huc? Hugh? A... hug?" blabbed Sirius, his speech hard to understand. Harry himself stood up, quickly checked the key now in his hand, and moved it inside his own robe. After that, he sighed. "Damn you, Dumbledore" he murmured.
Harry looked down at Sirius, who was slowly moving his head side to side but was otherwise still; then, he carefully checked his surroundings, searching for any face or camera. He saw none.
"Can take you home, at least. Hang in there" he said and, grabbing Sirius's robes, he extracted his wand from his pocket. A loud pop later, they disappeared from the street.