[a/n-1]I'd've responded directly to this review, but it was unsigned. Saying "…your stories are becoming repetitive…" and suggesting "…a break from writing fanfiction…" I "don't take this as a flame." It's an opinion with, even, a suggested course of action. I don't engage in cancel culture if that's what s/he is worried about. I just disagree, so I'll continue.

[a/n0]Took 3 different Patronus quizzes, got 3 different answers. Doe: Bear: Phoenix. One Sorting put me in Slytherin, two others Ravenclaw.

Harry Does Different CDLXXXVII

It's All My Fault

"Start the music!" a celebratory voice called out. And the band struck up the triumphant symphony. The crowd began cheering. Everyone was clapping, stamping their feet, or both.

Over it all, the few closest to him could hear Harry yelling "Stop! No! He's back! Voldemort is back! Cedric asked me to bring his body back! I couldn't leave him there!"

"My boy! It's my boy!" Amos Diggory hadn't particularly impressed anybody, but every soul present felt the man's anguish as he clutched at his son's fallen form. It was heartbreaking.

Bowled over by the grieving father, Harry half-sat-up and started weeping "All my fault! All my fault! All my fault!" over and over again.

"Albus, we must cover this up." The Minister for Magic whispered harshly "Too many people about."

The Headmaster argued, calmly, but in a tone meant to attract attention "Exactly why we cannot, Cornelius. You heard young Harry. Lord Voldemort has returned to his body."

"All my fault! All my fault! All my fault!" the boy in question could still be heard sobbing. He was oblivious, even, to his friends efforts to comfort him.

Attention drawn to the crying, rocking teen, the politician seized on the solution to his problem. Hiding a smirk, he spoke grimly "We have a murder. Evidence. And an admission of guilt. Aurors! Take him away! We'll arrange for trial and sentencing with all haste."

"Sentence first verdict after!" shouted Hermione, furiously, as powerfully built men and women swept in and ripped the Trio apart. Ignoring the fact her redhaired friend had been stunned, and the punch that would probably leave a bruise on her cheek, accused "Is that the way it works around here? You are a disgrace! Minister Fuckedup!"

The maligned leader turned purple, whipped out his wand shoved it under the restrained teen's chin sneering "If I was as bad as you claim, I would Crucio you where you stand! Come Aurors let's get this criminal into prison!"

Hermione started to protest, but the Minister pushed her away violently. She could not keep track of which Auror pushed her to the ground, or the one that slapped her. And never saw the one that drove his foot into her stomach. Regardless, when she recovered, Harry was gone.

Abcij

It was mere weeks later, there was a pop on Radcliffe Ct. Unusual, even in the Wizarding World, it wasn't a man who appeared. Rather, a canine actually, but larger than typical. It looked up and down the street, then padded off at a trot. After a bit of sniffing around, went to the rear of #67 and scraped on the door. Barking when it opened.

"Sirius?! What are you doing here? Get in!" was the quickfire greeting from the girl. She would not have been easily recognized by her schoolmates in Muggle layabout clothes.

The man snapped "Get it out! Go! Ugly mutt!"

"Daddy, you're in for a shock." She said calmly, then turned to the animal with a sigh "Go on. Change." Remembering her own first time seeing it, she didn't laugh at her father's squeal of surprise, instead "Ian Granger, I introduce you to convicted felon and Harry' Godfather, Sirius Black.

A bipedal form had replaced the quadruped as they both watched, he then spoke with a calmness he did not feel "Nice to see you again, Hermione. And if I may call you Ian? Call me Sirius. I'm sure you can guess why I'm here."

"…And that's how the trial went. At least that's the summary, Sirius." The witch concluded. Even her parents, who'd heard it previously, were still appalled.

The godfather of the convicted and sentenced boy shook with rage "No better than the blithering fop who sent me to Azkaban. I'll give corny fudge a real reason to - -"

"Do you honestly think that will help, idiot?" the father snapped "As Hermione tells it, that's how you got into your mess in the first place. Stop thinking about yourself and do for the boy. Michelle and I have decided we're on a plane to Niagara just as soon as the practice is sold. Hermione is going at the beginning of the school year, regardless of our status. You and he are welcome to join us. The Canadians of your kind are willing …eager even."

The escaped wizard had been initially furious at the Muggle, but even before the speech ended Sirius Black, ex Marauder, was scheming. Mind leaping ahead "You don't have to tell me. Them attacking Azkaban would be an act of war, an asylum request is doable. But I'm on my own."

"I can help." Hermione jumped in without a qualm.

Her father did not need to speak as Sirius interrupted "You have already done more than your share on my behalf." Turning to the father, adding "Ian, I would not think to endanger your daughter. Azkaban you said? Well at least I have a Patronus that no Dementor could handle."

"What is it?" asked Hermione breathlessly.

He winked at her "Tell ya when we meet in Canada." There was a crack and just a Cheshire Sirius smile remained to mark his departure. What with the upset of selling the house and practice, the Grangers didn't learn of his actions for a couple weeks. It was a highly propagandized version of the Daily Prophet from August 12 1995.

Abcij

August 10 1995 was a full moon. The Honourable Marauders, as they called themselves, had made their way to Azkaban Island separately the evening before in accord with the plan and were now in place by the prison entrance. Neither were bothered by the likelihood of casualties, including themselves. Both had enough of the Wizarding Injustice System. Their best friends' son would be free.

"I'd rather do this alone." The former prisoner told his friend.

The werewolf was already beginning to twitch nervously. He snapped "We both failed Harry! Me more than you. You know the prison. I'm not in any real danger. I'm just a distraction to get you in. At the worst, they'll fire a Crucio my way thinking to chase off Moony. It'll hurt, but not the way it did Alice and Frank. I'll get to Niagara, just a few days later."

"Alright old friend." Sirius gripped his shoulder and pounded it a few times.

Remus roughly slapped the hand away the and growled "Go Padfoot! I can feel it starting."

"For James." He said solemnly, then ran off towards the prison entrance. As planned, he would run much of the way as a human to tempt the werewolf. Sirius would then transform to his dog form and run past the prison entrance. He could then infiltrate while the guard Aurors were preoccupied.

Remus' body started to deform, twist and grow "Better hurrrrrrrAAARRROOOOOO!" what started as a warning shout ended in a howl, initially of agnoy; but then animalistic. As the transformation completed, the werewolf gathered itself together in pursuit of prey.

"That was eas…ier… than I ….thought." panted Sirius as he leaned against a magic-reinforced stone wall. He could just hear the sounds of spells being thrown about. Remembering where he was launched the former inmate into action. Looking in every cell he passed, until finally "Bloody Merlin's balls! My own old cell. They got some nerve."

Abcij

Many of the staff were either working on ridding Azkaban Island of a werewolf, or watching the rare dose of excitement. However, a Floor Commander drafted a subordinate and bent a couple Dementors to her will. Something about this felt wrong. The pair began a methodical inspection of the prison.

Abcij

What the Godfather saw simultaneously filled him with unspeakable rage and bottomless grief. Through the cell window, the first thing he noticed was his Godson laying in a pool of his own mixed bodily fluids. Not a boy anyone would call fat, Harry lost a great deal of weight since their last meeting. He stepped away, pointed his wand, and screamed "BOMBARDA!"

"I did it. Cedric dead. My fault. Killed him. Sorry." The prisoner muttered with barely a pause. Debris had showered him everywhere. Pasty white dust from the explosion coated him. There were minor scratches here and there.

Kindly Sirius rushed over and knelt down. A couple "Scourgify s" improved matters, at least cosmetically. Though it was a mixed blessing. The boy's leg was broken and there was only a jagged remnant of flesh where his left ear was. That wound had received no care, having bled until it clotted. It was clearly infected, but that would have to wait. With little effort, he picked up the unresponsive boy, giving a slight grunt "Get you outta here kiddo."

"Freeze!" shouts came from both ends of the hallway. Followed immediately by "Drop your wand!"

If believing his innocence fortified Sirius against the Dementors, knowing his guilt, even if untrue made Harry all the more vulnerable. He moaned in agony, but with sudden awareness, pleaded "Get out Sirius! Let me die! I deserve to!"

"I'll just disapp - -" the invader was confident in his ability to at least get out of the tower, unfortunately his sabotage of the wards had been undone. He might, just possibly, get through alone but not with his extra passenger.

The voice of a deranged witch cackled shrilly "Cousin Sirius is caught WHA-Hahahah! Cousin Sirius is caught!"

"Shut up you mental bitch!" screamed Sirius, full of hate for Bellatrix. Particularly as he realized she was entirely correct. He dove back into his own old cell, just to avoid the crossfire. He made a valiant attempt with "Expecto Patronum!"

The Aurors laughed derisively as the stream of silver spluttered out. The woman's voice ordered "Go on Dementors! Have yourselves a couple meals."

"I failed you once before Harry. James and Lily would never forgive me if I abandoned you now." while regretful, Sirius' voice betrayed no fear. Clutching his Godson's hand, tightly, he pointed his wand out the open cell. Sirius muttered "As good as my own son, Harry. I don't think it will hurt much or for long. Love ya." Then he screamed "Fiendfyre!"

Whether or not either attempted escapee felt anything, or for how long, can't be known. Likewise the approaching Aurors and Dementors. Only the aftereffects, as reported by Ministry spokesmen were known. The flash of the blast was visible on the mainland, and while it cannot be said that no stone remained on another, the destruction of the high security floor caused the floors above to collapse on top of it, followed by the entire structure. There were no survivors.

Abcij

"You are Dr. Michelle Granger, am I correct?" asked the man sitting in the dental exam chair. And after a nod of acknowledgement went on "I apologize for the minor deception. Agent Jason Isaacs. Auror with MACUSA. Due to your daughter's connection, we assume you're aware of the news from Britain?"

To that, Michelle nodded "Quite. Mr. Isaacs. Though all three of us are of the opinion it can more be characterized as NON news. My husband refers to reading The Daily Prophet as 15 minutes he'll never get back."

"Excellent." He commented "A whole conversation in a single sentence. For the past three weeks, since the destruction of Azkaban Prison, one Remus Lupin has been recovering in Franklin Hospital in Philadelphia. With yesterday being a full moon, he is now ready for release. MACUSA has granted him asylum with certain conditions."

Michelle furrowed her eyebrows "And those might be?"

"Largely need to know" replied Auror Isaacs "But as regards you, the government has decided to offer a veto right. That is should you wish him outside apparation distance. Less than one percent of magicals can do so more than 500 miles in a day."

She gave a polite nod "While I do appreciate the gesture, Mr. Isaacs, it is quite unnecessary. Besides, Muggle means could get anyone anywhere in the country within hours. We've discussed this at length as a family. My daughter becomes quite knowledgeable about whatever may affect her. After explaining to us, my husband and I are not purveyors of werewolfophobia, or whatever the actual word might be."

"I take your reference, Doctor." The Auror replied smoothly "I can assume, then, I or possibly one of my colleagues could escort Mr. Lupin to your home here tomorrow?"

Michelle smirked, not unpleasantly "I am sure you are aware of our office hours. While my daughter is likely to be home earlier, we would appreciate if you waited until about 7pm."

"A pleasure meeting you, Dr. Granger." He slid out of the chair easily "For the sake of recordkeeping, bill the Department of Health for the office visit." And he was gone.

Abcij

There was an above average house in an upper middle class neighborhood that was able to see in the distance a perpetual rainbow caused by Niagara Falls. The dusk of fall was briefly brightened by a flash in the back yard. Security required they be as unnoticed as practical. Opening the door in response to a knock, the teenager greeted the main visitor with a patience she did not feel "Nice to see you again Professor Lupin."

"I would hope you call me Remus, Hermione." The tall man answered with a half bow "Moony would be even better. At this point, no one else I'm likely to see is close enough to claim the privilege."

The man of the house addressed the escort "Ian Granger. Aurors, you two are welcome as well. I know traveling by magic, even from Washington is not a chore. You can relax here for as long as you like."

"We are instructed to remain until we're sure you're safe." Said the senior of the pair.

Hermione addressed both replying "I spent a school year in the professor's class and none of us were harmed. I have read all about werewolves. And this one in particular, is a friend. Last it is over three weeks until the next full moon. Like Daddy said, we can certainly be gracious."

"Don't need a thing" said the other Auror "but a trip to the john. And maybe a Coke?"

abcij

Hermione restrained her real curiosity until the Aurors departed, but the instant her parents bid them farewell, it was like a switch was flicked "What happened on Azkaban?"

"Right to the point ain't she?" Ian Granger had been quick to adopt the local dialect.

Remus smiled "Such was my experience as her teacher." He then soured and told his tale "We met up a couple hours before moonrise. We already had weeks of planning time, so it was easy to just finalize based on what we saw. It came down to using my werewolf as a distraction to allow Sirius to free Harry and escape. We guessed I'd get off the island in a day or two. From there, I'd leave the country with help from Gringotts."

"In no particular order" Michelle interjected "why would goblins help? They did not seem especially friendly when we were in their bank. B – I am correct in saying werewolves are known to kill people? Regardless of the person's normal disposition?"

Remus nodded, not exactly unconcerned "I know full well …and even as we planned… that Moony, my werewolf, might actually kill someone. But then, they had imprisoned a boy who committed no crime."

"Are you alright with having done so, Professor?" asked Hermione "Even potentially?"

After glancing at the parents Remus shrugged "I know a bit about Muggle history. I was following orders didn't work too well. But to further my point, both sides of the Second World War massively bombed each other's cities. Virtually all of those killed then were innocent of anything more than living where they did. I do not say I am happy with having killed. Although I might have cause to be happy if Sirius and Harry were here too."

"What next, Mr. Lupin?" asked Ian.

Remus had to collect himself before resuming "As far as the MACUSA Aurors could figure Sirius broke Harry out of his cell but got trapped. Either Harry had already been killed and he chose to kill himself, or he wasn't going to let both of them be taken. Impossible to say."

"Nothing we've read said what Sirius could have used." Hermione was curious.

That produced a gentle smile from the former professor "Ever the student. They told me MACUSA is closely watching Britain, and their sources say it was a powerful exploding spell. By the level of destruction I saw when I woke, I think it was Fiendfyre."

"But that is almost an Unforgivable!" gasped the witch, adding to her parents "Like the Killing or Torture Curses I mentioned."

And the mother asked "What are your plans now, Mr. Lupin?"

"Nothing specific, Mrs. Granger." He replied sadly "Though, thanks to Sirius, I'll have some time to think it over. What portion of House Black he could, was transferred here before… It was intended …well, I do not intend to sit in a house bought with his money. I'll earn my keep."

After nods of permission from her parents Hermione said "Short term, professor …and with arrangements for your condition… we'd be glad to host you. And professor may not be too inaccurate. Assuming you are interested, my principal at Salem is willing to meet with you."

"You are perhaps even smarter than Lily." Remus praised the teen "With just the right dash of Slytherin mixed in. I thank you Hermione. You as well, Ian, Michelle."

She hugged him and kissed his cheek "As you pointed out, I'm the nearest to a connection to your friends. Not that I know much there. Besides Ronald, who is an ocean away, you're all I have of Harry. I'll show you the room we setup. And you can go with me by portkey Monday morning."

"Thank you again, all of you." Remus' voice cracked with emotion as he followed Hermione.