Sirius the Black
Chapter Four
The next second we were standing in Diagon Alley. I looked over at Harry who was bent over catching his breath.
"You did good, Harry. Many people throw up the first time."
He just looked at me for a second, then straightened up.
"I've felt that before, but not as intensely."
"Once you start using your own magic to help, it can lessen the effects. Apparating on your own is normally not as bad, although you will still feel the sensation but at a slightly diminished level. Apparating others can be much worse on the ones being apparated. They don't recommend apparating small children due to that reason, unless it's an emergency of course."
"Okay."
"Tell me something. When did you feel that before?"
"When I was eight years old, I think. It was at school and I was being chased by Dudley and his friends during recess so they could beat me up. I accidentally apparated up onto the roof of the school so they couldn't catch me."
"You're kidding!"
"Nope," he said shaking his head.
"I knew you were powerful, Harry, but this is unheard of. You will likely be able to learn to apparate on your own easily if you were able to do that accidentally, especially at such a young age. They don't even teach you until you are at least sixteen and you can't get your license until you are seventeen. Could come in handy in an emergency. But we'll look into that later. Right now, we need to go to the bank and do some shopping immediately afterwards."
"Lead the way, Sirius!"
With that, Harry followed me to the bank where I introduced him to Bonecrusher. I informed Bonecrusher that Harry's mail ward had been removed and he could now send Harry's statements and any other correspondence from the bank straight to Harry. If I had to put up another mail ward, then I would make sure Gringotts was excluded.
I previously had explained to Harry, via owl, about the ward and how I was now in control of that.
Bonecrusher gave Harry lots of information to take with him and look it over. The big discussion would happen once he digested all the information. The numbers Harry saw in the ledger book copy he was given of the Potter holdings was staggering.
Then for me to inform him that we would not be spending any of Harry's money for our shopping trip, made Harry wonder just how rich the Blacks were.
After the bank, I had Harry in Madam Malkin's, then in Twilfitt and Tattings, to get measured and order all the magical clothes he could possibly need. I occasionally saw some of the Order members milling about in the Alley as we shopped, keeping an eye on things.
After finishing in Diagon Alley, we went through the pub and out into London to shop for Muggle attire.
I think Harry actually enjoyed it. One would think a thirteen year old boy could find better things to do than go shopping for clothes with an adult. However, given his upbringing he was happy to get the experience and the fact that he was able to pick out his own clothes was that much better. He definitely had input from me if I thought he needed help and the pretty young sales assistant was helpful too, especially with finding colors that worked well on him.
She helped a lot with current trends and styles too, making sure Harry could make the best decision for himself about what he wanted to wear. We left to head back to Grimmauld Place in high spirits and loaded down with purchases.
Kreacher met us at the door, took all our bags, and placed them in Harry's room, which was formally my room. I had moved into the master suite which I'd completely redone with Kreacher's help. After Kreacher had the place cleaned up and we got rid of the rest of the dark objects we found, I decided that a new brighter paint job was in order to brighten the place up. The house looked fantastic and Kreacher was happy.
I turned to Harry.
"Just so you know, I was planning to take you to a tropical paradise over the holidays. It's an island that the Black family has owned for many generations and a great place to visit for some fun and plenty of sun. However, given everything we need to discuss and what I have to start teaching you right away, plus what you have to get up to speed on for the Potter family fortune, I think we'll save that trip for summer break."
"Alright. But just so you know, I'm happy either way. To be away from the Dursleys permanently is the best thing to happen to me."
"I'm sorry they were not the family they should have been, Harry."
"Let's not talk about them anymore. I don't even want to think about them ever again."
"Very well. That subject is closed. They are out of your life and no longer a concern."
"Thanks, Sirius."
"You're welcome, Kiddo," I said ruffling his hair.
Kreacher popped back in.
"Kreacher has put up all the young master's clothes and made sure the room is ready. Dinner will be ready at six."
"Thank you, Kreacher!" I told him.
"Yes, thanks, Kreacher!" Harry said. "You are a big help!"
"Kreacher is pleased to serve," he replied then popped back off.
"Let me give you a tour of the place, Harry, and show you to your room. It actually used to be my room when I lived here with my family. It's yours now. You can decorate it any way you want."
As we headed off for the tour, I added one thing more, "By the way, you can use magic here as much as you like. The house has wards that prevent the Ministry from sensing the magic from an underage witch or wizard."
"Really?" he asked surprised.
"Really. And that's important because of all the things I need to teach you."
"I can't wait to get started."
"I hope you stay excited like you are now. I can promise that some of it will not be easy to learn and will require a lot of hard work."
"Nope! I'm still excited."
I laughed as we continued the tour.
When I asked Harry about his life at Hogwarts, I found another subject he didn't want to talk about. However, I was not going along with that one. I pulled out the Black family pensieve, showed Harry how it worked and then had him give me copies of his memories from all two and half years at Hogwarts. I told him how important it was for me as his guardian to know about everything he's had to deal with.
How else could I help him?
When I watched him and Ron defeat the troll on Halloween to save Hermione, then witnessed his fight with Quirrell and Voldemort at the end of the school year, I was in shock. Having to fight off massive spiders in the Forbidden Forest was another shocker, but when I saw all the petrifications and then watched in horror as my godson fought the biggest snake I had ever seen during his second year, I nearly passed out. However, that memory made me realize the connection between my godson and Ginny Weasley.
I asked Harry if he minded me asking what he said to Ginny at King's Cross. He told me that since he realized the importance of representing the Potter family properly by dressing well, he also thought it good to present himself better to others. He noticed Ginny was still having some issues. So, he told her that he understood how bad of a year she had her first year but promised he would help her in any way he can if she needs anything or just needs to talk.
I have never been prouder of my godson.
I promised myself to have a chat with Ginny the next time I see her. I wanted her to know that she had two people who were concerned about what she went through and we just want to help. I suggested Harry send her an owl to reiterate his sincerity on helping her and to let her know he had to share that experience with me. He thought that was a good idea.
We then started talking about Occlumency and Legilimency. I asked where he put the two books I sent him to read. He explained that he had completed them. Hermione was reading them now and Ron wanted to read them when they all get back after the holidays.
The three kids reminded me of how dedicated the marauders were in becoming animagi once we found out in third year that Remus was a werewolf. It took us two years to accomplish it but we never gave up or stopped working at it.
Speaking of animagi, that was another subject to discuss with Harry. Since both of his parents could transform, then I strongly suspect he will be able to do it too, especially since he's so powerful. He may even learn it quickly.
I discussed Occlumency with Harry until I was blue in the face. He had picked up a lot of good information from reading the books and had a good foundation to start with. After I was confident he was understanding everything well enough, I taught him the same way I was taught. I used legilimency on him and helped him setup his first shields to block legilimency attacks and surface scans. I also showed him how to compartmentalize his memories, bringing order to all the chaos.
After I was done and he witnessed all I showed him, I explained that he would know from now on if someone was trying to break into his mind. That would allow him to reenforce his shields and even push them out if needed. I would test him on occasion when he was least expecting it just to make sure he was aware someone was poking around.
He was able to detect me immediately after only a few tries.
Pushing people out would be something we would work on later. For now, he was to study his new shields and think about what all I showed him while setting them up. He didn't have to keep the shields I gave him but he was to use them until he could replace them with ones of his own.
He was also supposed to keep up with his memories and make sure they were all filed away in the right spot for easy retrieval. He noted out loud how much clearer his mind felt after that.
I explained that if he kept up with the organizing then he would be able to learn things faster as his mind would be working in a more orderly fashion.
To break up the monotony of working on Occlumency for long periods, I also taught Harry some new spells and how to duel, using the Black training room in the basement. I gave my godson a wand holster as a Christmas present and helped him to learn how to use it properly during our training sessions.
He was coming along quickly in both the mind magics and the wand training. He seemed to be a natural when it came to the practical side of things and was able to learn quickly. Plus, with his new organized mind, he was able to remember everything and recall it right away.
When I taught him to apparate, I was surprised when he learned it perfectly during his first lesson. He said he just remembered the desperation he felt to be somewhere else when he did it accidentally. He figured that translated into the determination aspect of apparating I taught him. So if he wanted it bad enough, determined he absolutely had to be there, then it was easy enough to learn.
I was astounded at what my godson could accomplish so easily. It wasn't long before he was apparating all over the house.
Ginny was in her room at the Burrow dealing with the nightmare she had just before she woke up early. She was really tired of them. They were always about being possessed by Tom but they usually went worse than the actual event and Harry died fighting the basilisk or she did before Harry could save her.
She was just wishing the nightmares would stop.
As the morning brightened out her window, she continued to ponder what she could do about the nightmares. She then recalled what Harry told her at King's Cross and a smile came across her face. Maybe she could work up her nerve and talk to Harry about her nightmares once they were back at school.
After all, he would certainly understand, especially since he already knew what she went through and was there saving her at the end. Her parents had always told her that if anything troubled her then she should talk about it to a good listener and that would help lessen the problem. She decided to give that some more thought. Talking to Harry was not easy for her but she knew she needed to do it.
As she was pondering all this she heard a tapping at her window. She turned and looked. There was Hedwig on her window seal tapping lightly on the window pane with her beak. Ginny jumped up from her bed and let the beautiful owl in from the cold.
"Hedwig! Come on in out of the cold! It's good to see you!" she told her as she opened her window and let the snowy owl into her bedroom before closing it and shutting out the cold again.
Hedwig flew in and landed on back of Ginny's desk chair. She then stuck out her leg that had a letter tied to it.
"Oh, you have a letter from Harry for me? That was nice of him… and you, of course, for bringing it. Let me see what he has to say," she told her as she removed the letter.
"Can you stay in case I want to reply, Hedwig? Errol is getting too old and he might not make it all the way to London."
Hedwig hooted and nodded her head. Harry had already informed her to wait in case Ginny wanted to reply.
"Thanks!"
Ginny opened the letter and began to read.
Dear Ginny,
I just wanted to make sure you understood that I meant what I said to you at the train station. I know what you went through and I want to help you. I'm not sure what I can do to help you the most but I'm willing to be there for you in any way that I can. Maybe you would have an idea of the best way I can help?
By the way, Sirius insisted that he be brought up to speed on all my experiences and adventures at Hogwarts over the past 2 and half years. I was reluctant at first but he had a pensieve so he could view the memories. At least I didn't have to talk about all of it. That would have been difficult.
However, after he watched the memories we discussed everything he saw. I didn't have to talk about everything but just discussing the different events seemed to help me, especially since I knew I finally had someone who cared about me and only wanted to help.
This means that he now knows about the Chamber and what you went through too. Don't worry though. He understands everything. He knows, like I do, that you in no way were to blame for what happened. He made sure I understood that fact about me too. It seems I have an issue with taking on more responsibility for things going wrong than I should.
You're not like that, are you? I sure hope not. Having one of us that way is enough. Don't you do that too! I'm bad enough for the both of us.
Well, I better go. Perhaps we can talk on the train back to Hogwarts? If not, then after we get to school maybe?
Just let me know how I can help. OK?
Your friend,
Harry J. Potter
Ginny put down the letter slowly and had a big smile on her face. She then looked over at Hedwig.
"Do you need some water and an owl treat, Hedwig? I'm going to write a reply so why don't I get you a drink and a snack before I get started?
Hedwig hooted a reply so Ginny took off downstairs to get what she needed. Her mum was just starting to make breakfast when she entered the kitchen.
"Good morning, Ginny!" she greeted her daughter. "You're up early for a non-school day."
"Another bad dream and then I got an owl from Harry that made it all better. I need to get a bowl for water and an owl treat for Hedwig. I'm going to write a reply."
Ginny retrieved an owl treat out of the bin while her mother found a bowl for the water.
"Put water in it in your loo so you don't have to carry it with water all the way up the stairs," she suggested to Ginny
"Thanks!" she told her mum.
"Tell Harry hello for me, please."
"I will. I'll come back down to help after Hedwig is on her way back to Harry."
"Thanks, Ginny. You're a good daughter."
Now, if only she could stop having those nightmares about her horrible first year, Molly thought to herself. She then wondered why Harry was writing Ginny instead of Ron. She suddenly remembered Harry taking Ginny aside at King's Cross, telling her something, and then Ginny giving him a big hug. She wondered what that was about. Maybe her daughter would be more forthcoming about their correspondence when she returned to help with breakfast.
Hedwig flew into the Black house and landed in front of Harry before sticking out her leg with a letter attached. Harry relieved Hedwig of her burden and let her fly to her perch for some rest. Later, when it was dark, she would want to go outside and hunt for food.
Harry opened the letter and began to read.
Harry,
Thanks so much for your letter! It came at the right time too. I had a horrible nightmare and woke up early. I seem to do that a lot. I was thinking over my nightmare and was trying to figure out how to get them to stop when Hedwig showed up. You are so nice, Harry.
Your letter made me completely forget about my nightmare and I was once again happy. See! You are already helping! And, if you want to help more then I believe you are on the right track. My parents always told me to talk about things that bother you to someone willing to listen. By doing that, the issue normally lessens or goes away completely.
Speaking of my parents, Mum was starting breakfast when I went downstairs to get water and an owl treat for Hedwig. She said to tell you hello.
Anyway, back to the subject at hand. I think talking about it is what I need. I need someone to listen to me talk about my nightmares and since you already know what really happened, because you were there saving me, then maybe that will help. I'm certainly willing to give it a try and if you have any suggestions then please let me know. I'm completely open.
If we can talk privately on the train or have to wait until we get to the castle, either way that will work for me.
Thank you so much for wanting to help.
Yours Always,
Ginny
When it was time to go back to school for the second semester, I dropped Harry off at King's Cross station and watched as he boarded the train and left. I had given him a book his dad and I put together after we accomplished our animagus transformations. We realized how we could have done it quicker after we completed it and it was too late. Had we known everything we learned from start to finish in the beginning, it would have been easier.
We decided to create the "Marauders Guide to Becoming a Marauder" which covered the easy way to accomplish the transformation. After all, you couldn't be a Marauder without it, unless of course you were Remus who could transform into a werewolf once a month. He was able to transform into an animal so he still met the requirements, just in a different way.
Of course, I informed Harry that he was not to attempt to transform until this summer when I was with him. If he studied the book carefully and learned what all it said, then we could work on his animagus after school lets out for the summer.
Harry was sitting with Hermione and Ron in one of the train compartments after they got moving when Ginny showed up looking for him. She poked her head in the door.
"Hey, Harry, mind if I come in?" she asked.
"Sure, Ginny. Come on in and join us," he said waving her in and scooting over on the bench he was sitting on. Ron and Hermione were on the opposite bench sitting together. Harry patted the bench beside him to indicate for her to sit next to him.
"Thanks," she said as she came in, shut the door, and sat down next to Harry.
"Why are you here, Ginny, and not with your friends?" asked Ron a bit concerned since she normally didn't sit with them.
"I need to talk to Harry," she replied looking at her brother then turning back to Harry.
"How have you been?" asked Harry who was still concerned about her.
"Good, especially since I received your owls. That really helped."
"Excellent! I'm glad I could help. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Well, like I mentioned, I would like someone I could talk to about it all. Exchanging letters via Hedwig seemed to help. Since you're the only one who truly understands what happened and was there at the end experiencing it with me, I feel like you're the only one that I can talk to about it." She then looked down at her hands in her lap. "I don't want to be a bother though if it's really not something you want to do."
"Nonsense," Harry replied putting his right hand on hers. "Of course, I'll be happy to help you in any way I can. If you need to talk, we'll talk," he said squeezing her hands and then releasing them. "Now tell me, have you been experiencing more of those nightmares you mentioned?"
"Yes, it's really messing with my sleep."
"I may have a solution for that. Hang on just a second." Harry turned to Hermione. "Hermione, did you finish those two books on Occlumency and Legilimency?"
"Yes, I was going to give them to Ron to read next once we get back to the school."
"Ron, I need you to let Ginny read them next. She's in greater need. You can read them after she finishes with them. In fact, if she'll read the one on Occlumency first then hand it to you, she can start on Legilimency while you start the first one."
"Sure, not a problem, but why does she need to read them so badly?"
"Her experiences during her first year are causing problems, especially with nightmares. Occlumency will help with that."
"Oh, okay," Ron replied looking worried for his sister who was feeling embarrassed at the moment.
"I can give you the books now, Ginny, if you want to start reading them on the train," offered Hermione with the books in her hand.
"Sure," Ginny replied, reaching over and taking the books.
"Wait a second," said Harry.
"What?" Ginny asked putting the books in her lap.
"Did you have a nightmare last night and miss sleep?" Harry asked her.
"Yes," she said looking down at the floor.
"Let me have the books then," he said picking them up and placing them upright on the bench between him and the wall to the outside.
Ginny wasn't sure what he was up to.
"Now, I want you to take a nap right here on this bench next to me. I will be here watching over you, plus you will have your brother and our good friend Hermione to help me protect you from any harm. We'll make sure you're safe while you sleep. I'll even guarantee it."
"I don't think I'll be able to sleep, Harry," she said still looking down.
"Give it a try, please. For me?" he asked.
Ginny turned her head and looked up at Harry.
"Alright, I'll try."
"Good. You can use my lap for your head."
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Positive, and I'll keep watch."
Ginny slowly laid down and placed her head in Harry's lap with Ron and Hermione watching them closely. She could see the worry on Hermione's face and her brother's, so she closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
She wasn't having much luck, but Harry's hand on her shoulder and upper arm was comforting. But when he moved his hand and started moving her hair off her face and putting it softly behind her ear, then letting his fingers play with her hair some, ever so lightly on the side of her head, she began to relax.
It felt so good to be taken care of and watched over. Before she realized it, she had dozed off and fell in a deep asleep, comforted by Harry's fingers stroking her hair.
She wasn't even aware an hour later when Draco Malfoy slammed the door open and started insulting everyone. She especially wasn't aware of the angry look that came over Harry's face.
Ron and Hermione barely saw him move as his hand lifted from Ginny's hair, his wand shot out of his holster, and into his waiting hand. Suddenly a banishing charm, Depulso, shot out of Harry's holly and phoenix feather wand that blew Malfoy back through the door, knocking down his two body guards standing behind him. All three landed in the hall.
Next, they saw Harry flick his wand a couple of times, then watched as the door closed and locked so tight it squelched.
Harry gently brought his left hand around to play with Ginny's hair while he kept his wand out and pointed toward the door.
Ginny let out a sigh, snuggled up some more, and relaxed again. Harry looked at her worriedly, afraid she would awake with Malfoy's interruption. She did stir with the noise, but she was back fast asleep.
Malfoy tried to open the locked door but he couldn't. He finally gave up and went back to his seat with his goons following him. Harry only relaxed his wand a little once they left. Once he was sure they wouldn't be back, he used his left hand to set his wand back in his holster, before returning it to put his fingers back in Ginny's hair.
Hermione noticed that Ginny would smile in her sleep whenever Harry's fingers were in her hair. She noticed this after looking up from a book she was reading. Ron never noticed since he was completely focused on his Quidditch magazine.
Once they reached Hogsmeade, Harry was gently shaking Ginny awake and calling her name to wake her up. She sat up not believing she slept so long, on Harry's lap no less.
Harry handed her the two books and began collecting his things, then releasing and saying goodbye to Hedwig for now as she flew to the owlery. They all exited the train and grabbed a carriage together to ride to the castle. Ginny looked shyly over at Harry as they rode.
"Thank you so much, Harry, for letting me take a nap. I really needed it. I feel better now."
"I could tell. Promise to let me know if you have any more trouble sleeping. Also, read those books as soon as you can. I'm quite sure we can solve the nightmares with Occlumency. Even if we can't, it's a very handy skill to have and will help in many other ways."
"Alright, Harry. I'll do that."
"Let me know when you're done reading them, so I can help you with the practical part."
"Okay."
"Meet me in the common room tonight if you're not too sleepy and still want to talk. If not, then we can talk another time. Just let me know."
"Thanks, I will."
"Also, feel free to find me if you need me for anything. In fact, you're welcome to sit with us in the Great Hall anytime. Just plop down beside me and you will be more than welcome to join us."
"Why are you being so nice to me, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"I learned a valuable lesson last semester and I've been trying to put it to good use. You see, I'm a Potter. I not only should represent my family by dressing appropriately, I should present myself better, be kind, and a help to those who need it. My behavior not only reflects on me, it reflects on the Potter name.
"I understand the Potter family has always been looked upon favorably. I want to make sure that continues and if I can make it even better then I'll do my best," Harry concluded.
Hermione, Ron, and Ginny all looked at each other in wonder at what Harry said.
The welcome back feast was tasty as usual. Ginny took Harry up on his offer and plopped down next to him for the meal, joining in their conversations as they ate.
Harry made sure she was included and his two best friends had caught onto the fact that Ginny was needing the help Harry was offering. They decided to keep quiet and let Harry help Ginny, being as supportive as they could.
That night after everyone had gone up to sleep so they'd be ready for the first class day back, Harry moved over to the sofa in front of the fire and waited. A couple of minutes later Ginny came back downstairs and joined him. She had been reading the book on Occlumency on her bed in the dorm room.
She looked over at Harry worriedly. He just smiled back at her.
"Are you sure about this Harry?" she asked him.
"I'm positive. You tell me as much as you're comfortable sharing and I'll listen."
It took several seconds before Ginny finally started talking. She slowly began telling Harry all about her nightmares. As she continued to talk she built up a little steam and began including more and more of the detail.
Harry could easily spot the changes from the actual event and was slowly getting an idea that he thought might help her.
When she finished and was crying, Harry stood up, moved in front of her, then pulled her to her feet where he gave her a big hug and comforted her.
When her sniffles were lessening he pulled back and put his hands on her shoulders.
"Ginny, I have another idea that I think will help you. I will need to speak to Professor Dumbledore first to setup a time, but once I do I'll let you know. It should be sometime in the evening after classes are over."
"Okay, Harry. Just let me know," she said with a sniffle. "And, Harry?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you so much," she said tearfully and hugged him again.
