Ears pricked at Harry's bedside, Sirius could hear every word of the conversation taking place outside of Room Two in the Emergency Response Unit. Past the door, beyond the hallway and as far as the Emergency Entrance, he could make out voices and separate them from the throbbing noise that constantly pressed on his ears. Years of sharpening his senses during the lost years in Azkaban had made him very adept and comfortable in his canine form. Curled up as Padfoot, it was much easier to find a position for him to rest and relax. Especially with his nose pressed against Harry's sleeping form on his right, his familiar scent a balm for his own anguish and distress.

On the other side of the door, Sirius could hear the flustered spluttering of Cornelius Fudge as he was refused entrance. It was immensely satisfying considering how Fudge had barged in the Hospital Wing less than a year ago without a shred of compassion towards a deeply hurt Harry. No one had been able to stop him from trampling all over the evidence supporting Harry's account back then. Now, however, he'd been forced to face the facts. Voldemort had returned and, once again, Harry was hurt as a consequence.

"You are simply going to have to wait," the assertive and unshakable voice of Esther Mckinnon overruled Fudge's attempts to argue his case. "I cannot stress enough the seriousness of Mr Potter's condition. His health is much more of a priority than salvaging your reputation."

Sirius huffed in amusement and satisfaction.

"Now, see here Esther-."

"If I must ask for you to be moved off the premises, Minister, I have the authority to do so for the sake of my patients." Her tone was icy sharp, reminiscent of Minerva McGonagall only her fury was cold, not the fiery inferno that the Head of Gryffindor House tempered inside her.

"Minister, your presence is interfering with an Auror investigation," Kingsley then cut in, his deep voice diplomatic though Sirius could hear his frustration. "You are a security risk and that is the truth of the matter."

"You will have your opportunity to visit Mr Potter when he is ready, not the other way around." Esther firmly told the magical leader of the country, causing him to angrily splutter. "By all means, you can wait in the visitors room, but I rather think you have more pressing matters that demand your attention, Minister."

Sirius made several huffing sounds, the canine version of laughter. Fudge's attempt to force his way into an audience with an unconscious, seriously injured Harry Potter just failed dramatically. He listened to him storming off, his footsteps growing distant and rejoining whatever entourage he managed to muster up. Sirius strained his sharp hearing.

"Sir, we've received word from Hogwarts. Dolores has been safely retrieved from the centaurs…"

Sirius huffed again, having forgotten that Harry and Hermione lured Umbridge into an angry herd of centaurs in order to get rid of her. With Harry safe and healing next to him, he began to see the funny side of the story. Umbridge finally faced the wrath of the 'half-breeds' she despised so much. He hoped that she, along with Fudge, would be made to face the consequences of her actions. He only wished he could see the look on her face when told that Voldemort had been back all along. It was unlikely that a woman like Umbridge would ever feel guilt enough to apologise. Even more unlikely that she'd do so on public record.

The door clicked open. Kingsley reentered the private room. Sirius raised his head, opening his eyes to see them in his monochrome vision.

"I bet you enjoyed that, Sirius," Kingsley said under his breath, amused himself as he remained at the door, standing guard. Sirius looked over to the second bed in the room, gaze taking in Remus's vacant seat. He sniffed, trying to make out his old friend's scent among the many others in the hospital, but it was still absent. Remus had left midday to check on Grimmauld Place and the unspoken object that was safely stored away. Sirius knew that he'd also gone to parley with Dumbledore. As much as they both wanted the wizard to keep his distance, they weren't fools. There was a bigger picture and for them to survive the conflicts to come, they had to find an accord. Remus was the better mediator and Sirius wasn't leaving Harry's side, not for a second.

"It will be best to have Harry recover in the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts when it's safe to move him." Kingsley said in a more serious and sombre tone. "Fudge will not be able to interfere on Dumbledore's territory - not now."

Sirius didn't like the idea of Harry being placed back under Dumbledore's jurisdiction, but he knew that keeping Harry out of politics was more important. There was only so much they could do to keep Fudge away from Harry. Stretching out from his curled position, Sirius grumbled some more growls before jumping off the bed where he'd spent the rest of the morning sleeping to regain some of his own energy. The moment his paws found the ground, he shifted back into his human form. He rolled his shoulders as he reorientated himself. Now standing, however, he had a better view of Harry. He still slept, undisturbed despite their conversation and Sirius jostling about next to him. The bed kept Harry in place, the pillowy, magical mattress moulded around his form, supporting every curve and dip of his young body so he was as comfortable as possible.

Sirius looked away from Harry over to where Hermione also slept in the second bed on the right of Harry's. She'd fallen asleep watching Harry, her face in full view. He then sighed as he realised that the visitor rules would apply to her as well. If Harry was made to stay at St Mungo's for the long-term while he healed, he wouldn't get as many visits from his friends while they were at Hogwarts. Hermione included. Once she had a clean bill of health, she would have to return back to the castle.

"Sirius…" Kingsley murmured his name cautiously as he made his way over. "It's going to be a while before Harry is strong enough to get back on his feet. Keeping him here any longer than necessary puts him at risk… and it will be harder for you to stay at his side."

Annoyed and angry that the Auror would make a good argument against him before he could even protest, Sirius folded his arms, saying nothing. He didn't need to voice his thoughts. Instead, he turned from them, pacing over to the seat where he'd dropped in once Harry had settled down.

"The moment Fudge gets a way to wrest control over Harry's arrangements, he will. We need to protect Harry from that and keep him out of his reach for as long as possible." Kingsley said as he moved to join him at his side. "At least for as long as we can while we get you pardoned so you can legally take responsibility for Harry."

Sirius jerked his chin away, looking over Harry's still, slumbering form. At his angle, Sirius had an uninterrupted view of Harry's scar. He sighed, unfolding his arms so he could rub his hands over his face.

"What's the news on the Death Eaters under arrest?" He asked heavily, needing confirmation that they were secure and unable to reach Harry at least.

"Transferred to Azkaban pending trial. Our resources are spread too thin to have them held in the Ministry's holding cells so we've handed them to the dementors."

Sirius couldn't help his flinch at the mention of dementors. His skin immediately felt cold and he brought his arms around himself instinctively. Kingsley rested his hand on his shoulder at once, sighing.

"Nice to see that things have changed enough since Crouch that suspected Death Eaters get such luxuries like a trial," Sirius bitterly spat. He knew it was unfair to direct his vitriol at Kingsley, but he couldn't help but feel hateful at how Dolohov would be treated with more fairness than he had been.

"We'll get enough out of them to vindicate you, Sirius. That much I'm certain. Amelia's authorised the use of veritaserum for interrogation so we'll have them all confirming that Pettigrew is alive and that you're no Death Eater."

Sirius scoffed lightly but his sarcastic attitude wasn't convincing. He wasn't quite ready to believe that freedom was so tantalisingly close, but the hope was too enticing to ignore. He could finally be free to make do on his promise to Harry. There was so much lost time for them to make up, so much that had been left unsaid. He wouldn't just be free to protect Harry himself, but guide him and support him as much as he could. They would be a family.

"What about the whole reason why we were all down in the Department of Mysteries in the first place?" Sirius then asked, lowering his voice. It was unnecessary when they were alone in the room with two unconscious teenagers. Kingsley drew himself up a little straighter, clearing his throat as he removed his hand from Sirius's shoulder.

"I believe that is in Albus's hands though speculation will fill in the gaps, no matter what he keeps from being known about Harry and Voldemort. Too much has already gone public and we can't contain the rumours without obliviating everyone. People will work it out for themselves."

"By 'people', you mean the press?" Sirius glanced up, finding his answer in the flat look Kingsley shot back at him. "I wonder how many public apologies they will have to make before they start lauding Harry as a hero and not a compulsive liar."

Kingsley let out a deep chuckle. "I expect Harry will be smothered in tributes in the days to come as word spreads that he was right all along. A lot of people will be queuing up to get in his good graces - not just Cornelius Fudge either."

"That idiot has no chance of staying in power now." Sirius turned his head to check on Harry, his eyes lingering on the electrum still pulsing its slow, regular beat to keep Harry's heart beating steadily. "Not without Harry's support and he's in no position to give it. Even if he could…"

"He needs to be gone." Kingsley said firmly. "The Ministry needs competent leadership now more than ever… and besides, too much of Lucius Malfoy's gold lines his pockets. My best guess is that he will be out of office before August, maybe sooner. It depends on how soon they can push the vote of no confidence out."

As Kingsley spoke, Sirius heard Harry make a soft sound. Kingley fell silent, moving from Sirius as he then got up from his seat, drawn over. He assessed the potion stand, checking that Harry was still on plenty of pain blockers. He drew up next to Harry, as close as he could be, casting his shadow over him. Harry shifted a little, his face turning slightly towards him. His eyes moved under his eyelids. Sirius glanced over to Kingsley.

"He's waking up," he told him, "Esther should probably be here."

"I'll get her," Kingsley said, agreeing. He went to leave.

Harry's face then scrunched a little, making another sound, huffing out his nose. He stirred a little more, his legs shuffling under the tucked-in bedsheet. Subconsciously, Sirius reached for the edge of the bed sheet that had slipped a little when he jumped off the bed. He drew it up higher to under Harry's arms which had been placed on top of the sheet. Sirius then reached for Harry's right hand, his fingers lax in his grip, malleable where he could move his own in between and hold his hand.

"You're okay, Harry. Everything is going to be okay."

The responding grunt made Sirius smile. Kingsley left the room, door clicking shut behind him. Harry's lips then parted, his mouth sounding dry.

"Sir'us…" Harry mumbled out, his eyes fluttering a little.

"Yeah, it's me," Sirius breathed out, feeling a heady mixture of relief and concern.

"Y-you're here?"

Harry's left eye peeked open. Sirius caught the flash of his green iris as he looked over at him. Both eyes then opened, both slightly unfocused. He squinted at Sirius before then looking past him, taking in his surroundings with quick glances.

"We're s-safe…?" Harry then asked.

"We're safe," Sirius confirmed for him, "do you know where you are?"

"Hospital." Harry's eyes then slid shut for a moment, tilting his head to rest his cheek against the pillow. "Feel… sleepy."

"I bet. You've been sleeping for a few hours." Sirius told him. Harry hummed in response, sounding content.

"This… bed is really nice." Harry said thickly. "Like… a cloud."

"You get the best treatment, kiddo," Sirius said, so relieved to see Harry calm at least, even if he was sedated up to his eyeballs. "You've got the Head Healer herself leading your care. I knew her from before and she hasn't thrown me out yet."

"Hmm… not a dog." Harry mumbled sleepily. "You were though. A dog."

"Yeah, that's right. You're doing great, Harry." Sirius said, glancing over to the door. "She's going to be here to check you over."

On cue, the door opened. Sirius let out a relieved breath as Esther returned, stilling for a moment in the doorway as she registered that Harry was conscious. She closed the door behind her, wand snapping up to lock it and restore her wards. She swept towards them with purpose, approaching Harry on his left where her equipment waited. She summoned a glass, filling it with water.

The squashy mattress under Harry started to move at her insistence, gently moving Harry from his flat position to a more upright one. His back curved a little, moving his head up higher. Light from the enchanted window splashed on Harry's face, making him scrunch his face again against the light.

"Ergh. Bright…" Harry slurred as he was moved into a better position. Sirius looked up at Esther as she then came to stand over Harry. He then blinked up at her. Confusion creased his brow as he looked at her, not recognising her. Sirius started to wonder if Harry could remember anything about his seizure and heart attack. He knew that sometimes, memory loss was common after extreme trauma. A heart attack certainly qualified. The state Harry had been in… he didn't want to relive that moment, not ever.

"Hello, Harry," she greeted him as she smiled gently. He let out a soft huff in response, his confusion clearing as he squinted at her lime-green robes. "How are you feeling?"

Harry pressed his lips together as he considered the question, his eyes unfocusing again.

"Feel dizzy and… tired and… thirsty."

"I have some water here. Do you want to take some sips?"

"Mmhmm…" Harry sleepily turned his face towards her when he saw the glass in her hand. Sirius was a little amazed at how compliant Harry was but he knew it was all down to the potions being pumped into him. If not for them, he'd been in just as much pain as before.

Harry's throat bobbed as he drank some of the water being offered to him. His eyes shut a little, his face going slack with relief.

"You're doing very well, Harry," Esther told him as she drew the glass away, setting it down. "Do you remember where you are?"

Harry's gaze swept up to Sirius, his brow furrowing again before he answered.

"Sa-saint Mungo's?" Harry said in way of a question. "What… what am I doing here? N- not at Hogwarts?"

"You were very badly hurt so you had to come here for healing but you're going to be alright. It's safe here." Sirius explained for him, becoming concerned that Harry couldn't remember. Esther didn't appear worried. Harry considered his explanation, the blank look in his eyes telling Sirius that he was struggling to understand.

"Harry, can you look at me for a moment, please?" Esther caught his attention again. She had her wand at the ready. "Can you focus on the light?" The tip glowed white. Both of Harry's eyes focused upon it, his pupils shrinking. "Very good. I know that you feel a little confused at the moment but don't be alarmed. One or two of the potions you're on have side effects of temporary confusion… a bit like a confundus charm."

"Feels more like… imperius…" Harry mumbled. "Floaty… can't think straight."

Sirius tensed, catching Esther's alarm but she didn't question why Harry knew how it felt to be under an Unforgivable Curse.

"It will pass. You have a very healthy metabolism, too healthy. You burn through potions very quickly, young man."

"Potions…" Harry confusedly looked over to Sirius for answers. "What potions am I on? Didn't you…?" He closed his eyes again, brow knitting with frustration. "You gave me something back at Gri- Grim…" He shook his head, unable to speak the name of the address with Esther in the vicinity.

"You can't say it, Harry…"

"I can't?" Harry's eyes widened a little, alarm clearing his gaze. He glanced over to Esther, his mind starting to wake up. "Sirius… you're… what are you doing? If they catch you…"

The electrum above them suddenly brightened to a burning, vibrant orange. Harry let out a horrible gasp, his free hand twitching in the direction of his chest. Esther swiftly took that hand in hers, making him look at her. The electrum sank back to the deep red hue, pulsing slowly.

"You must stay calm. Nothing bad is going to happen to you or to your godfather. No one can enter this room without my authorisation." She assured Harry in careful, measured tones. "Not even the Minister for Magic - and he has already tried."

"Really?" Harry asked, his eyes still wide. His gaze swept over to Sirius again. "It's safe for you here too? But… what happened…?"

He frowned, his gaze going distant. He looked past Sirius, squinting to see behind him. He gasped again as his eyes rested on Hermione's sleeping form. He tried to sit up, arms shaking as he did. The electrum pulsed orange once again in warning as Harry's heart started to race, fighting against the slow pulse that was being fed directly through the wires imbedded in his body. He tried to roll over towards where Hermione was, struggling against the tight bed sheet.

"Stay still, Harry." Sirius said at once, letting go of Harry's hand to lightly press on his shoulder to keep him resting on his back. "You need to calm down."

Harry choked on his breath, his eyes shimmering with tears.

"Her- Hermione…"

"She's right here, just sleeping like you were. She needed to get some rest as well."

Harry pushed against Sirius, still trying to see Hermione. Esther handed Sirius a familiar pair of glasses. He at once unfolded the arms for Harry, handing them over. Harry clumsily fumbled for them and pushed them onto his face. He at once relaxed, sighing as he could then see for himself that Hermione was just to the right of him, only a few feet away, fast asleep behind Sirius in another bed.

"You got us in the same room… I asked… I remember." Harry muttered as he started to calm back down. His hand started to crawl up his chest, his breaths coming a little short. Esther reached over, gently taking his hand and moving it back down at his side. Harry didn't protest, staring up at her now, his gaze much clearer. He then took a deep breath, rocking his head back to look upwards at the electrum above his head. Sirius watched him, feeling wretched as Harry started to remember and realise all at the same time how critical his condition was. He could likely feel his own heart struggling in his chest, even if he wasn't in pain, he'd definitely feel something.

"Your friend is going to be alright, Harry. She just needs sleep. You, however, are still very badly hurt. Lay still for me and take some nice deep breaths."

Harry closed his eyes, swallowing tightly. Sirius kept hold of Harry's hand as he did as he was told, heaving in great lungfuls of air. As he did, Esther drew the bed-sheet down to expose his chest. She kept him covered from the belly button down. Harry struggled to keep his breathing regular, his hand squeezing Sirius's as he betrayed his fear and discomfort. The bandages wrapped around Harry's torso were still pristine and white. Esther traced her wand over Harry in a complex pattern. Golden shimmering magic hazed out of her wand, hanging over Harry's chest, before sinking down to the bandages. Harry let out a small moan, closing his eyes.

"Harry?" Sirius gasped his name at once. "What is it?"

"Cold…"

"It's a sanitation spell," Esther explained, "it's sterilising your dressings so there is no risk of infection. It will feel a little strange at first. Just keep breathing deeply and tell me if anything hurts or feels uncomfortable."

Harry swallowed, shakily nodding his assent. Esther then gently touched him over the centre where Sirius knew the worst of the damage to be. He was relieved that the injuries were covered up, the burned flesh out of sight where Esther's spells encouraged Harry's body to heal what magic could not.

She finished checking over his bandages. She made no move to remove them and assess the injuries healing under them. Sirius followed the black wires from where they trailed off Harry's chest and up behind his head where they dangled down from the pulsating crystal above him. She straightened, examining the electrum with her fingers, sensing the magic contained within. Sirius knew that her blindness made her a healing prodigy as healers relied on their magic, not their sight, when diagnosing and treating magical ailments. It was a very complex art and not one that everyone had the talent for. Highly attuned magical senses were a necessity.

Once done, she then turned to face Harry, lowering her wand as her blind eyes sought his face.

"You need to be fully aware of your condition, Harry, as much of your recovery depends on you. You must not tamper with the electrum while it's working on keeping your heartbeat regular. I understand how unpleasant it is to have something embedded inside you, but it is currently keeping you alive."

Harry had gone rigid at her words, glancing between her and the pulsing crystal above him.

"H-how long does it have to be inside me?"

"That is the good news. Your heart is on the mend and responding well. A day or two and I am positive that your heart will be able to maintain a steady beat on its own. At that point, we will disconnect the electrum and you can recover back at Hogwarts under Poppy Pomfrey's care. You'll have to stay in bed and rest while taking your prescribed potions, but I am certain you will make a full recovery."

Harry rocked his head back in relief. "But I have to stay here while I'm attached to this thing?"

"Yes and while you are, you can't leave this bed. The electrum is a very fragile alchemical instrument and sensitive to the slightest fluctuations - as you have discovered when your heart palpitated due to elevated stress. We need to keep you on a course of strong pain blockers and a calming draught to keep you as comfortable and relaxed as possible both for your benefit and the electrum."

Harry glumly absorbed the news. Sirius squeezed his hand, making him look over.

"You're going to be okay, though, alright? You just need to stay put and let Esther do her magic."

Harry then nodded, making Sirius sigh in relief. Esther smiled at their exchange, turning away from them.

"I will give you some privacy," she said, mostly for Sirius's benefit. "Make sure Harry doesn't get himself into any more trouble if you can, Sirius."

As she went to leave, Harry twitched, trying to sit up a little before deciding against it.

"Um? Excuse me?" Harry called after her. "Miss um?"

She stopped, jerking her head over her shoulder, smiling back at him. Sirius could see she was amused.

"You can call me Esther, Harry." She said warmly. Harry's face pinked in response, clearly embarrassed.

"Esther… um… thank you. You… I know you saved my life."

Her head flicked over in Sirius's direction, her smile deepening.

"That has been a joint effort, Harry. Your will to live certainly contributed as did your godfather. Now rest and don't undo our hard work." She nodded over at Sirius. "The alarm is on your side, Sirius. Call for help if you need it."

She swiftly left, the door clicking behind her, leaving them alone. Harry sighed, tilting his head back as he looked upwards at the object keeping him alive. Sirius couldn't look at it, instead moving to sit on the edge of the bed, keeping hold of Harry's hand as he did. The magical mattress didn't disturb Harry as he joined his weight next to his.

"Where is Remus?"

Sirius drew in a sharp breath at the question.

"He's handling things with the Order while I stay with you and Hermione."

Harry resignedly closed his eyes, accepting everything with a stoic, silent air that wasn't right for a fifteen-year-old. Sirius started to rub the back of his hand, doing his best to give him comfort.

"He's with Dumbledore?"

Sirius sighed. "Yeah, he's with Dumbledore. Once he was sure that you're in good hands, he went to help the others. As for me… I'm not leaving you. We… we came too close to losing you last night, Harry."

Harry gave a soft sniff in response to Sirius's words. The gravity of the situation was finally dawning on him. Sirius looked over to Harry's face, his own heart lurching at the sight of his tears. They glittered in the light as Harry struggled to control his emotions while crammed full of potions that made him so vulnerable. Sirius edged closer to him, wanting to desperately hold him close but couldn't without touching the wires inserted carefully under the bandages.

"You… you're not going to leave me?"

"No one is going to take me away from you. Not this time." His breath hitched on his own words. "I'm staying right here."

"But… you're a wanted man…?"

"And I'm technically in Auror custody with you." Sirius said, offering him what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "Kingsley's responsible for us both."

Harry looked over to the door, frowning. "Kingsley is here?"

"He's outside the door."

"No one's getting in?" Harry asked.

"That's right. Between the Aurors and the Order, they arrested most of the Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries last night, Harry. Voldemort's arrival bought a few a chance to escape but not all were as fortunate. Lucius Malfoy, for example…"

Harry let out a gasp, staring intently at Sirius, his eyes that were so achingly like Lily's shifting subtly between his.

"What about… Dolohov?" Harry asked tentatively. Sirius gritted his teeth at the name, thinking of how it felt when his other set of teeth had torn into Dolohov's skin when he let Padfoot take over in a total rage. He hadn't killed him, though he meant to. The bastard hadn't bled out from where he'd ripped his throat out, though he would soon wish he had. Dolohov would receive the fate that had been hanging over Sirius's head for two years - the Dementor's Kiss.

"He'll get the Kiss," Sirius forced past his clenched test.

Harry's eyes flicked past Sirius, looking over to Hermione. Their green depths adopted a satisfied gleam.

"Good."

Sirius let out a short laugh in response, agreeing whole-heartedly with the sentiment.

"I'll get my name cleared now that Fudge can't deny that you were telling the truth. Merlin, you could demand that he rip apart my arrest warrant right now and the man would do it. You currently hold his career in the palm of your hands."

Harry's brow furrowed, considering their joined hands for a moment. Sirius sighed softly.

"Don't worry about me, alright?" Sirius asked Harry, causing him to look up again. His eyes were red-rimmed and teary, but he hadn't cried. Sirius didn't think he'd be able to hold it together if he witnessed Harry in distress again.

"I can't help it," Harry said in a slightly strained voice. Sirius closed his eyes, his heart squeezing at the pain he heard in Harry's voice, pain he fought to hide.

"I know," Sirius said quietly, "it's okay. This… this isn't like last year. I'm not going to run off on some mission for Dumbledore. I'm your godfather and it's about time I act like it. You come first, Harry, you always come first… because I love you."

The words left him feeling breathless. He hadn't voiced his love aloud to Harry since he was a baby. Part of him wondered if he was capable of the same feelings he once had. Was the love he felt just a memory of a feeling, a ghost of something he felt before the dementors had feasted off every happy thought and feeling he possessed? It was only then that he knew for certain that his heart wasn't lost. He knew with every part of him that Harry was the single most important thing in his life, not just a duty. He loved him like a son. He was his son or as close as a son he could have. He held Harry in his arms when he was only a few hours old, a warm bundle of life that had been so fragile and precious. Fifteen years on, Harry was still that bundle of life, still fragile and precious. Sirius loved him just as much as he had when James introduced him.

"Say hello to Harry James Potter, Pads. Your godson."

He sucked in a quick breath as James's voice whispered from the back of his mind. Harry then sniffled, succumbing to his tears only then. He lifted his left arm, his hand resting on Sirius's shoulder. Harry then said the words that Sirius didn't realise he'd been waiting for.

"I… I love you too."

Sirius knew what to do. He'd seen James do it many times before putting Harry to bed. He leaned over Harry, placing a kiss in the crown of his black locks.

"You're going to be okay, Harry James," he murmured into his hair, "I promise."