5. Sirius Black
They settled happily at a table in the back of the library, and soon discovered each of them was exceptional in a different subject: Neville in Herbology, Harry in Transfiguration, Daphne in Astronomy, and Padma in Potions.
Harry suspected he'd also do very well in Defense Against the Dark Arts, if the teacher was competent. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
Hermione Granger was seated nearby, but she merely frowned in their direction. They noticed she was surrounded by most of the books needed for their classes; even though she wasn't using them.
Madam Pince put a stop to that, despite Hermione's strenuous objections.
"Other students need to use these books, Miss Granger. You may only tie up three at one time."
Working together, they managed to complete all of their homework before dinner.
In the Great Hall, Malfoy charged over to their table. "Heard the news? Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban! Scared, Potter?"
"Why should I be?" asked Harry stoutly.
Malfoy grinned maliciously. "Because maybe he'll finish the job!" He ran back to his own table, sniggering.
Harry looked to Neville for an explanation, but Ron Weasley broke in. "Black betrayed your parents," he said. "He was Secret Keeper."
The flicker was strong in Harry's mind. "He was?"
"Yeah, and a Death Eater!"
The flick came again. Harry resolved to speak with his head of House.
"I'm afraid it's true, Potter. Though I admit I was shocked."
"Why, Professor?"
"Because your father and Black were so close! I seldom saw one without the other…the thought of them turning on each other was so unlikely. But I heard that Black confessed."
Another flicker.
By now Harry knew that something was off.
"What sort of favor?" Susan Bones was suspicious.
"Just…enclose my letter with yours, when you write to your aunt? I'm sure she gets lots of hoax letters and I need her to take mine seriously!"
"I'll do it, but I get a favor in return."
Harry was surprised. "Okay, Susan. What do you want?"
"Hannah and I get to join your study group," Susan declared. "Deal?"
Harry agreed. It was worth it, to get Amelia Bones on his side.
Things happened very quickly after that.
Amelia Bones launched a swift investigation after it became clear Sirius Black had never received a trial.
"My boy, I don't feel it is in your best interest to attend this trial." Dumbledore's eyes lacked their usual twinkle. "I fear it may prove distressing for you."
The flicker came, and Harry's resolve hardened. "I want to be there. I need to know what really happened."
He played his trump card. "Amelia Bones is sending an auror to fetch me."
Dumbledore frowned. "That will not be necessary. If you are certain, I will escort you myself."
They dragged Sirius Black into the room, laden with chains. Three aurors kept wands leveled on him at all times.
Harry scowled. Really, the man had turned himself in once he'd been assured of a trial! Why would he suddenly attack anyone?
"This is a farce!" Insisted Bartemius Crouch. "Sirius Black was already tried and convicted."
Harry could hear murmurs of approval from the Wizengamot; something had to be done before Sirius was thrust back into Azkaban.
He stood. "Is that so? Then may I ask, who here remembers the trial?" Harry could see several people starting to get to their feet.
"And is willing to take a magical oath to that effect?"
Lucious Malfoy quickly subsided, followed by several others. Even Crouch withdrew his claim, and Harry relaxed.
The person willing…no insistent….on the magical oath was Sirius Black, with the result that he was exonerated by most of the assembly.
Two of the aurors immediately lowered their wands as the chains released the prisoner. However the third, a young woman with pink spiked hair, stayed focused on Sirius.
Harry tensed; he had a bad feeling. He invoked the Ritual of Displacement: May what harm you devise for Sirius Black rebound upon you!
The auror cast.
And collapsed screaming.
Sirius was holding him so tightly he could scarcely breathe, but Harry didn't utter a peep.
It just felt so wonderful to be held by someone who truly cared.
The Hogwarts Express steamed towards London for Yuletide break.
Harry felt excited, it was the first time he'd ever looked forward to the holidays. He'd been talking to Sirius every night on a communication mirror, and he couldn't wait to see his godfather.
The first thing Sirius had done after gaining his freedom had been to wrangle Harry's guardianship away from Dumbledore and the Dursleys; Harry would live with him in future, and they both couldn't be happier about that.
But he was alone in anticipating homecoming.
Daphne was morose. She had confided her wish to remain at Hogwarts, but it had not been permitted. Neville seemed resigned rather than pleased…Longbottom Manor was sometimes lonely, but Harry had promised to visit.
"The house is a bit gloomy," said Sirius apologetically, ushering Harry in. "But at least it's clean now. My cousin, Narcissa Malfoy, gifted me an elf to celebrate my release! In reality, it's to prevent me from disowning her from the Black family."
There were two elves: an energetic one named Dobby, and Kreacher, an old one who roamed about muttering imprecations.
"This room is near mine," Sirius explained. "Is it okay?"
"No!" The old elf materialized in front of the door. "This be Master Regulus' room, not for filthy half-blood!"
Sirius reddened with anger, but Harry could see that the elf was truly distressed.
"I don't have to have it…"
"No!" Sirius fumed. "Kreacher adored Regulus, but my brother was a Death Eater!"
The flicker came. "I don't think he was, Sirius. Or at least, he changed his mind later."
Kreacher lifted his head to stare at Harry.
"Am I right?" Harry asked the elf.
The story came tumbling out as Kreacher handed over the cursed locket.
"How did you know, Harry?"
"I'll tell you later," Harry promised.
Kreacher held open the door to Regulus' bedroom. "Kreacher will unpack for Master Harry."