Summer Shocks

by amnh1922

Summary: It's the summer before third year and Harry is alone, staying at the Leaky Cauldron. Minister Fudge told him he could explore the alley to his heart's content. Harry's whole world changes with a visit to Gringotts. Turns out his headmaster has been keeping secrets from not only him but his true father as well.

11. A Sirius Plan

Ch 11: A Sirius Plan: Severus, Harry, Minerva, and Remus reunite with Sirius while at Hogwarts and come up with a plan to clear his name

"So how many times will I be summoned to Dumble's office this week?" Harry joked with his friends as they watched the headmaster leave the Great Hall. "Hmm…at least three more times. You know he needs to have control and he hates that you have it." Susan said. The kids ate their breakfast, chatting with the others at the table about what to expect with their classes this year. The heads of houses handed out the schedules for each student and soon the students in the hall packed up and went to class. Harry looked at his schedule and he was happy with how his days were planned out. He would get to have classes with all his friends, minus Luna who was a year below them, and he was looking forward to his new classes.

Gryffindor (3rd year) schedule

Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays

6:30-7:30: Breakfast

8-9: Transfiguration with Hufflepuffs

9:30-10:30 Defense against the Dark Arts with Slytherin

11-12: Lunch

12:30-1:30 Third year elective (Harry and Neville chose Runes and Care of Magical Creatures)

2-3: Herbology with Ravenclaw

3:30-4:30: Free period

5-6: Dinner

Tuesdays/Thursdays

6:30-7:30: Breakfast

8-10: Potions with Slytherin

10:30-11:30 Charms with Ravenclaw

12-1: Lunch

1:30-2:30 Third year elective

3-4: Defense Against the Dark Arts with Ravenclaw

4:30-5:30 Transfiguration with Hufflepuff (Tuesdays) Herbology with Ravenclaw (Thursdays)

5-6: Dinner

Harry, Neville, and Susan left their friends and headed towards Transfiguration. The trio decided to sit up front and as Harry sat down he noticed his grandma sitting as a cat on her desk. He smiled and waved at her before getting his materials out. Minerva transformed from her cat form back to her normal self and all the kids looked at her in awe. "Professor McGonagall, that was wicked!" Neville commented. "Thank you Mr. Longbottom. Now animagus transformation is too advanced for third years," She said giving the trio a pointed look, "but this year you will be learning to transform inanimate objects into small animals such as different types of insects." The trio were the first to be able to manage the transfiguration and Hermione was fuming by the end of class. Minerva watched the trio with pride dancing in her eyes. She was amazed at what a new wand and some confidence did for Mr. Longbottom. Minerva was even more amazed at how far Harry had come. She had been a part of his training at the manor and it was clear he had been holding back the past two years because he was afraid of outshining Miss Granger. When Transfiguration was over Harry and Neville said goodbye to Susan and went to meet up with Draco at DADA.

Harry, Draco, and Neville were practically vibrating with excitement for their first class with Remus. All three had trained with the man over the last few weeks of summer and they knew he was an amazing teacher. The boys were excited to learn even more from Lupin. "There is no need for your books today. Please stand to one side of the room please." Remus said as he swept into the room. "I know the past two years have been less than ideal for you in terms of what you have learned in this subject. Today, you are going to partner up and have a duel so I can see what spells you know. Remember to duel fair and to not seriously hurt your classmates." All the kids looked excited to learn they would be able to duel on the first day of class. Harry paired with Neville and Draco paired with Theo Nott. "Are you scared Nevile?" Harry joked with his friend as they got in their dueling stance. "Just because you are the boy-who-lived? I can handle myself." Neville snorted. Remus counted down to three and the duels commenced. Hermione had to pair with Ron and easily took him down. After a few minutes the only ones left standing were Neville, Harry, Draco, and Theo. Draco finally was able to hit the diving Theo with a jelly-legged hex and an expelliarmus, which ended their duel. Neville and Harry were both breathing heavy and sweating but both were not willing to let the other one win. The class watched the two wizards shoot spells and move around in a graceful way to dodge spells. Finally Neville hit Harry with a langlock jinx and ended their duel by summoning Harry's wand. The class looked at Neville in shock because they had thought he was a near squib. Remus countered Neville's jinx and Harry went over to his friend and said happily, "Good show mate! But next time I'll win." Neville just laughed at his competitive friend. Remus ushered the class back to their seats so they could discuss where some made mistakes and what allowed Harry and Neville to duel for a lot longer than most of their peers.

With their morning classes over Neville, Harry, and Draco headed to the Great Hall to meet their friends for lunch. "I guess the girls decided we are eating at the Hufflepuff table for lunch." Draco pointed out as he was the first to spot Susan and Luna in the Great Hall. "I wish you girls could have seen Harry and Neville's duel! It was awesome! It was close but Neville just moved a little quicker than scar head ("Oi! Watch the name calling!" Harry shouted) over there." Draco laughed. The girls congratulated Neville on his win and told Harry he could beat Neville next time. The twins decided to join the group for lunch and when they heard Harry mention the name "Moony" they looked at him with wide eyes. "Uh Harry? How do you know the name Moony?" Fred asked. Harry shrugged and said, "That's my Uncle…I mean Professor Lupin's nickname." The twins looked shocked and finally George said, "So our professor who has to enforce the school rules was once part of the great pranking marauders?" Harry took a bite of his sandwich and nodded. "Also James Potter, Sirius Black, and the traitor were in the group. James was Prongs and Sirius is Padfoot." Harry told them. Fred looked at George and they seemed to have a silent conversation and the rest of the group was curious as to what they were trying to talk about. George nodded at Fred and he reached into his backpack and took out a worn out piece of parchment. "Harry, we want you to have this. This is your legacy." George said seriously as he handed him the parchment. Harry looked down at the parchment in his hands and said, "Uhhh…thanks guys for…well whatever this is." Fred and George laughed at him. "Harry, this is what has helped us not get caught when pulling pranks. It's a map of Hogwarts that shows you where everyone is and it even has some secret passages on there. To use it, tap your wand to the parchment and say 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.' and to get rid of the map tap your want and say 'mischief managed'' Fred explained. Harry now had a big grin on his face and Draco mock whispered, "Oh no! You two did it now! You've given Harry the most powerful weapon to prank old Dumbles and the terrible trio." The group laughed at Draco and started talking about their morning classes.

It wasn't until the first potions class the next morning did Harry get bombarded by Ron and Hermione. "If it isn't the Gryffindor traitor" Ron sneered, "Hanging around snakes. You really are bringing shame to our house." Harry counted to ten in his head and finally coolly said, "Ronald, it is you who brings shame to our house. Even though each house represents different traits the founders wanted us to come together as one school. So I am trying my best to be an example in showing others how to be more united with the other houses." Before Ron or Hermione could respond, Snape banged, opened the door and said sternly, "Enter. You will pair up and this will be your partner for the year so choose wisely." Harry scrambled to get a seat next to Neville so he would not be stuck with Ron. "Today we will be making a shrinking solution. You all had a summer essay about this particular potion so you should all be prepared to brew it. Directions are on the board, get to work." Snape said in an almost whisper as the class hung on to his every word. Harry went to get the ingredients while Neville got all the knives and scales they were to use for this potion. While Harry was gathering ingredients, he heard Ron whisper, "You better watch your back Potter, no mommy and daddy here to save you." Harry ignored the red head and went back to his station to get started on the potion. Potions class was going well until Harry saw something being thrown towards his and Neville's cauldron out of the corner of his eye. He didn't react in time to shield the potion so the object went into the cauldron and caused the potion to explode.

Severus stalked over to their station and with a wave of his wand the mess was cleared. "What happened here?" He hissed in a dangerously low voice. Harry and Neville knew Severus wasn't mad at them because he knew of their newfound potion making abilities but they gulped in fear at the look on his face. "Uh…well professor Snape, Neville and I were working on our potion when something came flying in from my right and then the potion exploded." Before Severus could respond Draco spoke up from his seat, "Sir, I saw Weasley throw something into their cauldron." Severus sharply turned to face Ron and Hermione's area. Ron paled at the look on his professor's face. "Mr. Weasley detention tonight at 7 sharp with Mr. Filch and 50 points from Gryffindor for ignoring basic potion safety." Severus snapped. Ron looked murderously at Harry and Draco before restarting his potion. When class was over Severus asked Harry to stay behind.

"Harry how did your talk with Dumbles go? I wish I could have been there but I don't want to blow our cover." Severus said as he hugged his son. "Honestly it was fine. He was trying to question my friendship with Draco but since he wants me on his side he didn't try anything. I am waiting for him to call me after he received the letter from the bank this morning but I think he wants to plan before he calls me to his office." Harry shrugged. Severus and Harry planned to have a family dinner on Friday so they could spend time together and so they could try to figure out a plan to clear Sirius's name.

Harry surprisingly wasn't called to Dumbeldore's office until Thursday night. "Wow I thought he would have called me at least once by now. I mean he did get the letter on Tuesday." Harry said to his friends as they ate dinner. "Maybe he wanted to make sure he figured out a plan and made it seem like it isn't a big deal so he can manipulate you to stay on his good side." Neville said. Draco nudged Harry and looked towards the head table. Harry noticed his father looking at him with an eyebrow raised in concern but Harry shook his head slightly in a way to show Severus that Minerva and Harry could handle on their own. Once dinner was over Minerva came to collect Harry and they walked silently up to the headmaster's office.

"Chocolate frogs." Minerva stated as they reached the gargoyle who moved to let them enter. Harry made sure his shields were tight before walking into the headmaster's office and sitting down across from the old wizard. Dumbledore looked at Harry and realized he would have to approach this carefully if he wanted to keep Harry and Minvera on his side. "Harry, I first need to apologize to you. I received a letter from Gringotts about paying you back for all the money I took out. I want to say I am sorry I used the money your parents left you behind. Before you speak I want to explain where I used that money." Albus said in what he thought was a sincere voice, " I know no one has told you of the group the Order of Phoenix but it was a group I put together in the last war to fight against Voldemort. Your parents were a part of this group. Well some of our members were not as well off as your family so I have been using the money to help those who need it. I hope you can forgive this old man who was just trying to help those in need." His eyes twinkled and he did his best to look like a caring grandfatherly figure. Harry kept his mask up and looked at Dumbledore's forehead as he spoke calmly, "Headmaster while I appreciate your honesty and I can see that you were being helpful to those who need it, it was still the money my parents left me to decide what to do with it. I alone decided at Gringotts to ask for my money back. What you don't understand is that I grew up with cast off clothes, slept in a cupboard until my Hogwarts letter came, and was given scraps of food like a dog by my 'loving' aunt and uncle. So that money that was supposed to be in my vault can help me afford the basics everyone else takes for granted." Minerva was looking at Harry in a way that he knew meant they would have a family discussion tomorrow night at dinner and Albus was looking at Harry thoughtfully. Eventually Albus broke the silence by sighing, "Again I am so sorry Harry. If you can find it in your heart to forgive this old man it would be appreciated. While I cannot fix your childhood, I do hope by returning this money life with your relatives improves." Harry looked thoughtfully at the headmaster and said, "Sir, you are forgiven ('Like hell I will ever forgive you old goat' Harry thought to himself) and I know my life outside of Hogwarts will improve with this money. It has already improved because this summer I was able to buy new clothes that fit me perfectly." Albus put on his best grandfatherly concerned face and wished Harry a good night.

Minerva and Harry walked alongside each other until they reached Minerva's office. "Mr. Potter, can you please step in my office for a moment?" Minerva asked and Harry nodded. Minerva threw up the strongest privacy wards she could think of (even though she had no portraits that would spy for Albus in her office but she did this to be careful) and hugged her grandson. "Oh my little cub! I am so sorry for your childhood. I knew the night Albus left you with Petunia they would be the worst guardians for you but I could not stand up for you. I wish the old goat never meddled with our family and I promise you I will never let you go back with those muggles ever again." She whispered fiercely, "Maybe a visit to Dursleys is in order. We can teach them a few lessons as a family." she smirked. Harry looked up at his grandmother and smiled, "Granny you don't need to apologize because Dumbles was meddling long before I was born." he hugged her tight and then smirked, "I like the idea of visit to my dear Aunt Petunia." The two talke for a little while and then Harry returned to his dorm.

Friday seemed to blur by for Harry. He had felt as if he had just woken up and then the next thing he knew he was walking down to dinner with his friends. Harry and his family decided to go to the hall for dinner but not eat a lot so they could have a family dinner together. "If we all miss dinner, Albus may get suspicious." Remus pointed out to Minerva and Severus. Remus later informed Harry of the plan when he kept him back after his DADA lesson. Harry couldn't help but keep a smile on his face all throughout dinner, 'I can't wait to spend time with my family', he thought. Fred and George joined the group at the Ravenclaw table. "Ummm guys, did one of you hit Harry with one too many cheering charms?" Fred asked. Susan laughed, "No but now I want to try it and see what happens." They all laughed at that and Luna whispered, "He's just excited to spend tonight with his family after we leave here." The twins nodded in understanding and then got the group discussing how they could prank the terrible trio.

After dinner Harry walked towards the tower with the rest of the lions but made sure to loudly say to Neville and the twins, "Guys, I need to see Professor McGonagall so I'll see you later." Once he got to his granny's office they called for Hydra to take them to Severus's private quarters. Harry ran to his father and gave him a tight hug. Severus chuckled, "Didn't I just see you yesterday? I mean I will take the hug but it hasn't been that long." Harry blushed at his father and mumbled, "Dad I just miss being able to be us like we were at the manor. How much longer do we have to pretend?" All three adults looked at Harry with sadness and understanding in their eyes. They all felt it was hard to pretend to not be a family but none of them really considered how much harder it would be on Harry because even though he is only 13, he has shown great maturity for his age so sometimes they forget he is so young. Severus hugged his son tighter and said gently, "I know it is hard son. The three of us feel the same way. We need to plan for a little longer before we can bring Dumbledore down. We need to clear Sirius's name and reunite your grandfather to his body. I know what will make you feel better, Coral made us a nice dinner and she of course made treacle tart for dessert since she knows it is your favorite." Harry smiled at the thoughtfulness of the little elf, he really did love spending time in the kitchen with her. They dug into the amazing homemade meal and started talking about their first week back. After hearing stories about the "dunderheads"in potions, the amazing progress of the N.E.W.T. students in Transfiguration, the lack of overall knowledge in DADA, and Harry losing to Neville in his duel, Harry finally made a mention of the map the Weasley twins gave him. He turned to Remus and asked, "Didn't Pettigrew die? Because I think your map is broken. It said he was in the tower with us the other night but I did not see him." After hearing about the Pettigrew, Remus asked, "Harry, may I see the map?" Remus pointed his wand at the map and said "Find Peter Pettigrew" and it showed Peter in Gryffindor Tower next to Ron Weasley ("The Weasley twins didn't know about that feature! That is wicked!" Harry exclaimed). Remus widened his eyes in shock, "Well clearing Sirius's name got easier. We just need a plan to catch Peter and bring him to Amelia." They decided to each come up with a plan and would present it at their family dinner next weekend. Harry planned on using his friends to help him plot the rat's capture. It was decided Remus would hold on to the map to keep track of Peter's movements since as one of the main creators he knew all of the secrets of the map. Harry convinced Severus to play a game of chess and it was the help of Minerva and Remus that allowed Harry to have his first victory against his dad ("Well you don't take after Me or Sev with your chess abilities, I am blaming Lily, James and Sirius." Remus laughed)

The next day

Since it was the weekend everyone else was sleeping in but Harry was reading a book and reflecting on his first week back on a cozy chair in the common room. After having some quality family time, Harry felt better. All week he had been feeling like a baby because he was upset at having to hide his family and it seemed like the adults had an easier time with it. Listening to them at dinner last night express how hard it is to pretend made Harry feel like he wasn't alone. The first step of his plan to uncover the rat was to ask his friends for help. He knew his friends would each bring a different approach to how to best uncover Peter ('Fred and George will probably have the most ridiculous idea' he chuckled to himself.) and between the 7 of them, they should be able to come up with a solid plan.

An hour later, Harry was joined by Neville and the twins as they made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast. "Good morning lions!" Luna greeted them excitedly. "Lu, I love you but you know I am not a morning person so can you tone it down." Fred said sleepily as he put his head down on the Hufflepuff table. "Here you go Freddy, I got a strong cup of coffee ready for you since I know you need it to become a human in the morning." Susan smirked at him as she pushed him a coffee cup. The rest of the group laughed at the girls messing with Fred, who gratefully took the coffee. "Does anyone know of a room we can meet that has a little more privacy?" Harry asked his friends. "My dad told me about a room that can become anything you want. I think he called it the Room of Requirement. I'll owl him and ask him where it is." Draco said. Harry told his friends he wants to tell them about last night but he needs somewhere they won't be overheard. George suggested for today they just find an abandoned classroom and throw up some privacy wards. So after breakfast the group of 7 found themselves in an unused classroom near the charms corridor.

"So last night I was telling my Uncle Remus I thought the map was broken because I had seen Peter Pettigrew there. He told me the map isn't broken, Peter is alive and hiding here in the castle! (all the others were yelling in shock) So we decided that each of us would take the week to create a plan to capture the rat and clear Sirius's name and I need your help to create a plan." Harry explained to his friends. Susan was the first to speak, "We should get my auntie involved as soon as we decide on a plan. She is the head of the DMLE." The others agreed with the red head girl and vowed to get their families involved for political backing in the Wizengamot. The group decided to spend their Saturday outside by the lake having a picnic and plotting for the capture of the traitor.

Before heading down to the lake, the twins snuck into the kitchen to get a picnic basket full of goodies and a couple of nice blankets to sit on. Susan laid her head in Harry's lap and he started playing with her fiery red hair as everyone else got settled and Fred threw up some privacy wards. "So, where should we start?" Harry asked his friends. "Is there any way we can capture him without Ron noticing?" Luna asked. The boys looked at each other and shrugged. "Ron complains about having a rat but he does love him and will notice if we take him. He's already accusing Hermione's cat of not liking the rat which has caused some tension between the two." Neville said. The kids took a few minutes to enjoy their snacks as they each thought of a plan. After a few minutes Susan yelled, "I got it! All we need to do is ask Professor McGonagall to help us." the others looked at her confused so she continued on, "Remember the first class she showed us her animagus form? She did say the third years won't work on animagus transformations since it is too advanced but we can ask her if there is a spell to show us if an animal is just an animal or an animagus. Now, I know there is a spell so I can't be the one to ask and neither can Neville since he is a pureblood. Harry was muggle-raised; he can ask her and we can ask her to use Ron's rat as an example since Ron always brings him to class." Susan smiled proudly at all her friends. All of the kids looked at her with their mouths hanging open. "Well damn Red, that is a great plan" Fred said and the others agreed. "Thank you. My auntie is the head of the DMLE and I want to follow in her footsteps so catching bad guys is something I need to learn how to do." Susan blushed at the compliments from her friends. After settling on a plan, the kids enjoyed their picnic and played a game of exploding snaps by the lake.

Friday morning

Harry woke up early Friday excited to be one step closer to reuniting with his Uncle Sirius. He knew his dad, granny, and Uncle Remus had to agree to his plan but he was confident he and his friends came up with the best plan to capture the rat. Harry was in such a good mood that even Ron and Hermione trying to be his friends again didn't ruin his mood. The morning went by fast and the next thing he knew it was lunch time.

"So Harry, how do you think the others will like our plan?" Susan asked. Harry finished chewing his sandwich and reflected, "I really do think they will love the plan. I mean I know I am biased because my friend came up with the plan but it's a solid plan." As he and his friends ate lunch Harry noticed that Susan looked really cute today with her hair in french braids that had little gems all through them. 'Wait…where did that thought come from? Susan, cute?! I mean she is and I like spending time with her. Focus Harry, you can think about these weird feelings later after you capture the rat.'

After lunch Harry and Neville headed off to COMC. Both boys loved the subject because they loved animals but they both agreed Hagrid was not a great professor. Today Hagrid was bringing their class to the forest. "Now class, today I am going to show you something really special" Hagrid said excitedly (Harry raised his eyebrows at Neville and mouthed "oh boy"), "Today I am going to show you all some hippogriffs" Harry was nervous when heard that. He knew hippogriffs were proud creatures and he didn't trust Ron or some of the Slytherins to not open their big mouths. As Harry was thinking about how this class could go wrong, Hagrid was explaining all about hippogriffs to the class. Harry was so into his own thoughts he didn't notice everyone else step back so he was the lone person standing front and center when Hargid asked who would like to go up to Buckbeak. "I knew you'd be the one to volunteer Harry" Hagrid beamed at him. If looks could kill Neville and Draco would have dropped dead that moment Harry looked over at them. The two friends sniggered at Harry and Draco mouthed, "go on". Harry slowly moved towards Buckbeak and bowed. The hippogriff looked at Harry as if he was searching his soul and after a few moments he nodded at the raven haired teen. "Alright! Beaky will let you pet him" Hagrid said excitedly. Harry slowly approached Buckbeak and whispered "You are beautiful and I am so grateful you allowed me to pet you." Buckbeak soaked in the praise. After Harry's success, Hagrid had more hippogriffs for the class and allowed everyone to have a chance to attempt to pet the creatures. Just as Harry thought one person could not keep their mouth shut so he tried to stand as close as possible to Buckbeak. Ron marched over to Buckbeak and bowed. The hippogriff allowed the red haired teen to approach him but as soon as Ron said, "I knew if Harry could do this, then I could do this. I mean how hard is it to approach a beast as simple as you." Buckbeak moved too fast for Harry to shield Ron and Ron tumbled backwards screaming ,"My arm, my arm, I'm going to lose my arm!" Harry calmed Buckbeak down while Hagrid tended to Ron. "Hagrid, he needs to go to the hospital wing." Hermione insisted. Hagrid was nervous to leave his class but he knew she was right so he announced, "Class dismissed. For the next class read the 2nd chapter in your textbook."

The rest of Harry's afternoon was uneventful until right before dinner when his granny came over to him before he could reach the Great Hall. "Mr. Potter, could you please come with me? We need to head to the headmaster's office to go over your version of what happened today in your Care of Magical Creatures class." Harry nodded and followed her in silence to the office. Once they got there Harry noticed the Weasley parents, Ron (who was now in a sling), and Hagrid were already present. "Ah Harry, welcome." Dumbledore said with his eyes twinkling, "I know you are probably wondering why you are here this evening. (Harry nodded) Young Mr. Weasley explained that you were the closest student to the accident that occured today during Hagrid's class. I was wondering if you could explain what you saw." Harry took a moment to compose his thoughts. On one hand he didn't want to see Hagrid get in trouble since he was his first friend in the wizarding world but on the other hand Hagrid was not a great professor and the students deserve someone who will actually teach them. "Today we were learning about hippogriffs. Hagrid made sure to explain how they are proud creatures and we should not insult them. When Hagrid asked for a volunteer to pet Buckbeak I went first. After that everyone else had a chance to bow to see if one of the hippogriffs would allow them to come closer. Ron went up to Buckbeak and I made sure to stand close because I know Ron can have a temper so I didn't want him to get Buckbeak in trouble. But everything happened too fast for me to help. Ron insulted Buckbeak and Buckbeak only reacted that way because it is in his nature. In my opinion, Ron was the one at fault for his accident and Buckbeak should get into any trouble." Ron looked like he wanted to murder Harry, Dumbledore looked disappointed in him for betraying a "friend", the Weasley parents looked disappointed in their youngest son, and Hagrid smiled at Harry for standing up for Buckbeak. "Sir, may I add something else?" Harry asked shyly. Dumbledore nodded at him to continue. "Hagrid, you know I love you but you are not fit to be a professor. While Buckbeak should not be punished, our class should never have had any introduction to these creatures just yet. I know you love all creatures but some of the creatures you find sweet are dangerous to us as young children." Harry said gently as he looked at the half-giant. Hagrid looked at Harry. He knew the raven- haired teen meant no harm and as thought about what was said, he agreed with Harry. Hagrid turned to Dumbeldore and said, "Professor Dumbledore, Harry is right. I am no professor. I will stay on as grounds keeper but as of right now I am no longer the Care of Magical Creatures professor." Everyone in the room (except Harry) looked at Hagrid with shock and Albus could not believe the power of Harry's words. Albus knew he had to say something so he took a deep breath and said, "Hagrid I am sad you feel that way but I understand. As of what occurred today, it sounds as if Ronald was in the wrong and will serve a detention with Hagrid for not following directions and nothing will happen to Buckbeak. Now Ronald and Harry you can head to dinner, Molly and Arthur. I am sorry for dragging you here for this."

Harry rushed down to dinner so he could fill in his friends on what just happened. Once he joined his friends at the Gryffindor table he was bombarded by questions. "Not all at once," Harry laughed, "Let me tell you why I am late and what just happened in old Dumbles office." Harry made sure to throw up some privacy charms so they could talk without being overheard before he told his friends what had just happened.``Aw poor Hagrid" Luna sighed sadly. "Lu, you never experienced his classes. He doesn't understand what is dangerous for us." Draco said. Susan glared at the blonde Slytherin, "That is supposed to cheer her up? (Draco shrugged)". The Hufflepuff hugged the young Ravenclaw and whispered, "It's okay Lulu. Hagrid will still be the grounds keeper and we can still visit him. Just because he isn't a professor doesn't mean he won't still be our friend." Luna smiled at Susan and fake whispered, "Do you think we could teach the boys to be a little more sensitive?" The boys looked at her in shock and Susan giggled, "it will be a hard task but I think we can do it". Harry removed the privacy wards and the group talked about their day of classes and the upcoming quidditch season. After dinner was over Harry once again made a point to be overheard that he was heading to Minverva's office before being apparated to his dad's quarters by Hydra.

"How's your week been Harry?" Severus asked as the family was eating a home cooked meal by Coral. "It was pretty uneventful until Hagrid's class today." Harry said and proceeded to tell his dad and Uncle Remus everything that happened today. Severus was not surprised that Hagrid was no longer a professor, he knew the half-giant would not last the whole year. Harry was practically buzzing out of his skin with excitement as they finished dessert because he was so confident his family would go with the plan that Susan proposed. "So since Harry is acting like an over hyper toddler why don't we allow him to go first and tell us his plan to capture the rat." Remus laughed. Harry blushed but took a deep centering breath before telling the others what Susan came up with. "Wow, outsmarted by a group of teenagers" Remus said, "my plan is nowhere as good as that plan." Severus and Minerva agreed with Remus. It was decided to not even propose their plans because what Harry proposed was ultimately the best plan. "Before we act on our plan we should write a letter to Griphook and Amelia." Severus suggested, "This way they aren't shocked when we hand over the rat and declare we need a trial for Sirius. I know Amelia is building a case quietly but it is slow going." After spending some time playing exploding snaps with his family, Harry went back to Gryffidnor tower to head to bed. Harry went to bed with a smile on his face and was thinking 'Soon one more family member will be reunited with us'

Monday morning

Harry sat at breakfast with his friends and he was quiet. His friends knew he was nervous this morning so they did their best to distract him. "So I was thinking we try and do the impossible…prank old Dumbles." Fred whispered to his friends. Draco smirked at Fred, "Or we could use some of my dad's contact at the Daily Prophet and start ruining his image." Fred and George shared a look and then George smiled, "Oh Draco, your Slytherin is showing. Why don't we plan on both." The group laughed at the idea of not only pranking Dumbledore but ruining his image too. As breakfast winded down, Susan grabbed Harry's hand and held it all the way to Transfiguration.

As the class started to settle in, Minerva looked at her students and said, "Today I want to discuss animagi. I want you to read the textbook chapter about animagi and take notes on the steps it takes to become one. For your homework I want you to write a foot long essay that explains the benefits of becoming an animagus and what are the risks of trying to transform without learning under a transfiguration master." A few minutes into reading, Harry took a deep breath and raised his hand. "Mr. Potter, you have a question?" Minerva asked. Harry shyly asked, "Umm Professor, is it possible for people to detect if someone is an animagus or if it is just an animal." Susan and Neville smirked and got their wands out ready to stun Peter in case he tried to run. "There is a spell that we could use. If an animal is just an animal it will glow blue but if it is an animagus it will glow red. There is also a spell to force an animagus to shift back to their human form." Minerva said and then went over to Ron, "Mr. Weasley can I please borrow your rat (Ron took a sleeping Scabbers from his pocket). Now let me show you on Mr. Weasley's pet." Minerva waved her wand and Scabbers turned red and the class gasped. "Professor, that's not a rat, it's an animagus!" Susan exclaimed. Minerva calmed the class down and waved her wand again at the rat. In place of the rat was now a short, pudgy, balding man looking at Minerva with panicked eyes. "Peter Pettigrew!" Minerva gasped. Before Peter could transform back into a rat he was hit with two stunners, one from Susan and one from Neville. The whole class was deadly silent. Minerva looked at her class and started to give out orders, "Everyone stay in your seats, except for Harry and Susan. Harry, I need you to go to Professor Dumbeldore and explain we have a situation. Susan, I need you to go to my office and floo call your aunt Amelia and tell her to bring a few aurors to Hogwarts. Tell her they can come through my floo." Harry and Susan rushed out of their seats and went about their missions. The rest of the class just kept looking at the man who was stunned in the middle of their classroom. The muggleborns had no idea why everyone was so shocked but the purebloods knew that this man was supposed to be dead and his killer was on the run. The purebloods were left thinking that the ministry messed up and that shook them to their core.

Albus and Harry entered the classroom the same time Susan, Amelia and a couple of aurors (Moody, Tonks and Kingsley) arrived. "Now Minerva, was getting the aurors involved necessary" Albus sighed. Amelia snarled at the old man, "Of course she needed us here. This man is supposed to be dead and Sirius was locked in Azkaban for 13 years for a crime he apparently never committed." Albus looked at her in defeat and allowed her to question the students as Moody and Tonks took Peter to the ministry holding cells. After questioning the students and dismissing them to their next class, Minerva asked Amelia how quickly Sirius could get a trial. "Hopefully within the next few days. I would like to question Peter first, then we would have to release a statement in the press to declare we would like to finally give him a trial and then we wait for Sirius to turn himself in." Amelia explained. Albus listened to Amelia and tried to plan a way to stall Sirius's trial but he knew he had to let this unfold or else Amelia would come after him.

Lunch was a lively affair. By now the Hogwarts rumor mill was churning at full speed about what happened in the third year lion/badger Transfiguration class. Harry was excited Susan's plan went off without a hitch but was a little nervous the master manipulator would ruin Sirius getting a trial. As if reading his thoughts Susan took his hand and gently said, "Everything will be ok. Auntie Amelia has been working on this case for a couple months now behind the scenes and we finally gave her the last piece she needed to free Sirius. You will see that everything will turn out fine and Sirius will be reunited with your family soon." Harry squeezed her hand and gave a quick "thanks" to his friend.