I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it. I'm a touch nervous for tomorrow, I had so much orthodontic work as a kid and developed a rather healthy trepidation over related things, so I'm grateful for everyone's support. Here's another update and I hope everyone enjoys. Hopefully I'll see y'all later this week. Have a lovely day!
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A Taste of Magic
43rd Course – Justice
Remus stopped and turned suddenly, nearly cricking his neck from the violent motion. He stared at the map, blinking hard. "No, it can't be," he gasped. He looked in the area to the side of the main doors into the castle, staring in disbelief.
He dropped his cup and nearly pressed his face into the map. "Peter?" he gasped. Clear as day, the name Peter Pettigrew floated there, moving up a hallway before it disappeared. He looked forward some and blinked again when the name reappeared and moved some more before disappearing again.
"That's impossible," Remus gasped. He clutched his chest. "But the map never lies. How…but…" He slumped to the floor, mind reeling. "How," he repeated numbly.
His hearth roared suddenly, a fire appearing in full force as if it had been burning for some time. "Remus!" Pomfrey's voice came from the Floo fire. "I need you in the Infirmary! Potter's here!"
Remus literally jumped into action, lurching to his feet and snatching up his wand. He ran out of his quarters and did not stop until he reached the Infirmary. "Harry!" he shouted, bursting in. He dashed to a bed, seeing the boy lying there. "What happened?!"
"Exposure to Dementors and magical exhaustion," Pomfrey said crisply. "Help me check on him."
Remus nodded and they both cast diagnostic charms, murmuring incantations and comparing results. After they finished, they nodded to one another.
"Is he okay?" Lavender asked tearfully.
"Nothing is wrong, is it?" Pansy asked, looking just as upset.
Remus belatedly realized they were there too, and Hedwig was sitting on the bed frame, keeping an eye on things. "He is fine, exhausted magically but otherwise nothing terrible. Signs of miasma of course but faint and lingering. What happened?"
"We were out looking for Sunny, my friend's kneazle," Pansy explained. "We saw her and another kneazle and a dog from up high in the castle. When we came down, we couldn't find them and the Dementors came after us when we were returning."
"I'm going to gut Fudge for this," Pomfrey said savagely. "How did you three survive with minimal exposure?"
"Harry saved us!" Lavender said loudly and proudly. "He cast a full Patronus and it drove them away!"
"He did?!" Remus looked down with pride and worry at Harry.
"He did," Pansy said, eyes shining. "She was beautiful. She was a snowy owl like Hedwig and she protected him and us."
Hedwig hooted smugly and proudly, looking at her boy with love.
"Amazing, I knew he had it in him," Remus said proudly. "Has the Headmaster been informed?"
"I already told the Deputy Headmistress and she is going to send him a note through Fawkes, he is away at the moment," Pomfrey said grimly. "And then she is going to go have a word with the Ministry handlers."
"Good, I will do the same," Remus said, voice heavy with disapproval and anger. "This has gone too far and we have barely avoided true tragedy."
"Harry's going to be okay, right?" Lavender asked.
"He will be fine," Pomfrey soothed. "He just needs to rest and recover."
"Oh thank Merlin," Pansy groaned, deflating with relief and Lavender did the same.
"Oh no," Lavender gasped, sitting up.
"What's wrong?" Pomfrey asked, startled.
"I just thought about Sunny and Crookshanks and the dog. Will they be okay?"
"Dementors do not bother with animals generally," Remus said. "Do not worry about them."
"Oh that's good too," Pansy said, rubbing her chest.
"What's this about a dog?" Pomfrey asked. "Was it Fang?"
"No, it was one we had never seen before," Pansy said. "Wait, Harry said he has. In Hogsmeade."
"Oh and he mentioned he thinks it's one he met in Surrey," Lavender said.
"Wait, what? That can't be right, we're very far from London and Surrey," Remus said, brow furrowed.
"That's what we thought but Harry insisted that he thought they were the same," Lavender said. "Said he fed it food because it was a stray, both in Surrey and in Hogsmeade."
"What…what kind of dog is it?" Remus asked slowly.
"I have no idea. It was very big, had black fur," Pansy said.
"Must be used to cats or kneazles, it was sitting with Sunny and Crookshanks and wasn't chasing them. If anything it was chasing with them," Lavender said.
Remus looked into the distance for a moment. "It can't be," he whispered. He looked down at Harry, his thoughts roiling.
"Harry was really brave," Lavender said quietly, looking at him as well with a very soft expression.
"He saved us," Pansy said softly, looking at him too.
Remus stood. "I need to see the Headmaster as soon as he returns," he said firmly.
-0-
Dumbledore smiled when the door opened. "Madam Tonks, it is good to see you."
"No need to call me that." Andromeda Tonks smiled warmly, ushering Dumbledore inside. "Madam is reserved for the Ladies of the Houses as you know."
"I prefer to use it for anyone deserving of respect," Dumbledore said comfortably, sitting on the couch. "In lieu of a title of course."
"Driving the Society people mad at the same time," Andromeda snorted.
"It does have intentional benefits," Dumbledore chuckled.
"Quite," Andromeda smiled. She served him some tea. "How can I help you?" She suddenly looked weary. "Please do not tell me that you found something else that Nymphadora has done."
Dumbledore laughed. "No, not quite but I will let you know if I do." He sipped his tea and looked serious. "Forgive me for asking, but have you had any contact with Sirius."
She frowned. "I have not," she said. "I will admit I thought he might come to me after he escaped prison, but he never did. Then again, there is no reason he would either. Not with the way I was cast out and the ties being cut."
"He trusts you a great deal," Dumbledore said.
"That is news to me."
"Are you not the executor of his estate?"
She blinked at him. "I beg your pardon?"
Dumbledore felt a chill. "You are the executor of his estate. In control of his responsibilities due to his incarceration."
"I am? How do you know this and I do not?" Andromeda asked, growing alarmed and angry.
"I went to the records of estate in the Ministry and you were listed," Dumbledore said. "You were not told?"
"I was not, I received no post nor any sort of message!"
"That is curious," Dumbledore frowned. "You should have been told when he was incarcerated. It is standard procedure when someone is…tried in court and found guilty…" He and Andromeda exchanged horrified glances.
"If I was not informed, then either someone forgot to inform me, which is nigh impossible with the magical protocols-" Andromeda said.
"-or no trial was had," Dumbledore finished, horrified.
"My cousin was sent to Azkaban for years without trial?!" Andromeda shouted, standing up. "Even if he was guilty, he deserved a trial!"
"I agree," Dumbledore said, also rising. "I need to return to the Ministry and check-" A bright flash of fire startled them both and Fawkes appeared. He trilled urgently at Dumbledore and dropped a roll of parchment into his hands.
Dumbledore read swiftly. "I am needed back at Hogwarts. I must go but I will get to the bottom of this."
"Please do and I will contact Ted and we will figure things out on our end," Andromeda said. "Go on, we will speak soon."
-0-
The door to Dumbledore's office flew in and he strode into it, his face carved from stone. Yet his eyes blazed and his magic pulsed, feeling almost palpable in the open air.
Cornelius Fudge gulped seeing him. "Now, see here Dumbledore, what happened was an unfortunate accident-"
"No, enough," Dumbledore said angrily and Fudge flinched. Amelia Bones, the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement flinched too, thanking the powers that she was not the direct target of Dumbledore's ire, not yet at least. "Once was an accident," Dumbledore said. "This has been twice now that Dementors have come onto the grounds of my school and threatened my students and there will not be a third time!"
"But-but-" Fudge stammered.
"No buts! None! I want them gone! They have failed multiple times and I will not have them here threatening the health and safety of my students anymore. I do not trust the ability of the Ministry to control them and they are unwanted. I do not care what the governors say, I want them gone. Now."
Fudge looked towards Amelia who pointedly looked away and he flinched when he looked at Fawkes who smoldered on his perch, his feathers mantled and flickering with flames. Fawkes growled, the sound like a violin being tuned discordantly. He turned back to Dumbledore and gulped audibly. "But, if the reports are true and two have been destroyed, then shouldn't we find out what did it? What if Black-"
"If Black was capable of destroying Dementors, he would have done so already," Dumbledore said. "And I will investigate what happened, with or without Director Bones' assistance, but all this will be done with the Dementors gone from this area. Now I personally know not what can destroy a Dementor but I have an idea of who to ask and I promise you, if they are not gone soon, I will obtain their assistance and I will personally destroy every Dementor I can find."
"They are Ministry property!" Fudge said loudly.
"And Ministry property has tried to harm Harry Potter not once but twice!" Dumbledore thundered back. He watched with grim amusement as Fudge paled dramatically. "I am sure Wizarding Britain would love to know that their own Ministry was nearly responsible for killing one of their own citizens multiple times, something that even Voldemort only attempted once!"
"Too far!" Fudge gasped. "That was too far and too low of a blow! How can you compare us to You-Know-Who like that! We have done what we thought best for safety! Mistakes happen!"
"I recant my poorly chosen words," Dumbledore said coolly. An unspoken 'for now' was heard loudly.
"Yes well, perhaps it is best if they were removed. I will ensure it," Fudge said pompously, straightening his bowler cap. "Bones, you assist Dumbledore with finding this thing that caused the destruction of the Dementors and I want Black found!" He fled the office as swiftly as he could while maintaining his dignity.
"That was rather brutal of you to say," Amelia said dryly.
"I am rather vexed," Dumbledore said, letting out a breath. "I never wanted the Dementors here and I learned of something rather upsetting before this. I need you to check your records for something."
"What?" she asked.
"I need to know if there are records of Sirius' trial."
"Why wouldn't there be?" Amelia asked, frowning.
"I think something untoward happened and it might lend some insight of what is going on," Dumbledore sighed.
"Is it that important that it needs to be looked into now?" Amelia asked.
"Please, indulge me on this."
She rose. "Fine. I'll go look and come back, it'll be faster if I do, but I expect an explanation."
"You will get it," Dumbledore promised.
-0-
Remus knocked on the door. "Professor, I need to speak with you."
"Come in," Dumbledore said wearily. He looked up tiredly at Remus when the man entered. "Did something happen to Harry?"
"No Sir," Remus said. He looked at Amelia, McGonagall, and Dumbledore. Amelia and McGonagall looked angry and upset while Dumbledore looked upset and exhausted. "Uh, my apologies Sir. I would like to say this can wait, but it really cannot."
"No, go ahead," Dumbledore said, pouring himself a measure of firewhiskey. "What else could make this day even more factually upsetting?" He raised the glass to his lips.
"Sirius is an animagus," Remus said. He blinked when Dumbledore spat his mouthful of liquor over his desk and the women looked at Remus with shock.
"I am sorry, repeat that?" Dumbledore said, ignoring the alcohol dribbling down his lips and beard.
Remus licked his lips. "Sirius is an animagus. He, James, and Peter became animagi to help me when I transform."
"What?!" McGonagall gasped. "What does that even mean?!"
"They figured out that I was a werewolf during our years here," Remus said, eyes cast down. "Instead of abandoning me, they rallied to me. They surmised that because werewolf was generally no danger to a magical animal, they believed an animagus would be also somewhat immune."
"That is a very dangerous assumption," Amelia gasped.
"Yes, yes it was," Remus said miserably.
"So they became animagi," Dumbledore said.
"Yes Sir. They did and it was true. I had no desire to harm or attack them and they were able to keep my more…primal impulses at bay. They were safe around me in their transformed forms." His voice broke. "I was safe with them."
"Dear Merlin," McGonagall said tearily.
"James was a stag. Sirius is a very large black dog. Peter…is a rat." He continued when they looked at him. "And I know Sirius isn't here for Harry. He's had ample times to attack Harry alone if Harry was truly his target. I've been told that he in his animagus form has interacted with Harry several times. So he can't be. Therefore, Sirius is here for Peter."
"Peter Pettigrew? Isn't he dead?" McGonagall looked like a woman drowning from the weight of revelations. "That's why Sirius went to Azkaban!"
"Sirius never received a trial," Dumbledore said heavily.
"He what?!" Remus and McGonagall shouted.
"We checked," Dumbledore said, pointing at Amelia and himself. "I went investigating something and discovered Andromeda Tonks, Sirius' cousin, is his executor. Except she was unaware."
"But they are informed at the end of a trial," McGonagall said and then gasped.
"Exactly," Amelia fumed. "Meaning he never had one. I searched all the records. There's no sign of anything that Sirius received a trial. Even if he was guilty of killing Petigrew and the Muggles, he should have gotten a trial."
"Peter isn't dead," Remus insisted. "We made a map and it lists people here at Hogwarts. The map never lies and is never mistaken. I saw Peter's name earlier, tonight, entering the castle. Sometimes the map cannot show everyone all the time, it would be too overwhelming. But it never lies, never."
"If he is alive, and he is a rat as you said, he could be anywhere," McGonagall said. "We will need all the Elves to help us search the school and even with their aid, it will take a very long time."
"He might even escape while searching for him," Amelia said grimly. "If he learns we are searching for him."
"We might have some assistance in that," Remus said slowly. "Apparently, what brought Harry and Miss Brown and Miss Parkinson onto the grounds was that they were looking for a kneazle belonging to their friend. The kneazle was with another kneazle and with what could be Sirius chasing something."
"You think they were chasing Peter as a rat?" McGonagall said incredulously.
"It's possible," Remus said. "When I noticed Peter entering the castle via the map, it was right around the same time the students were attacked by the Dementors and Harry driving them off with a Patronus."
"The boy cast a Patronus?" Amelia asked.
"It's what saved them," Remus said proudly.
"Can a Patronus destroy a Dementor?" Amelia asked Dumbledore.
"If cast by one with an intense desire to protect and strong memory and feeling, it could be possible," Dumbledore said, looking very proud for a moment. He rose to his feet, energized. "Let us find these two kneazles and do you have the map? Excellent. Hurry, we have the advantage and I think it is time we had a very long talk with someone who should be dead."
-0-
"Professor, thank goodness," Neville said, running into McGonagall outside Gryffindor tower. "I was just coming to get you."
"What is wrong?" she asked, concerned.
"There's some trouble in the common room right now," Neville said nervously. He blinked when he saw Dumbledore, Remus, and Amelia with the Head of Gryffindor.
"What trouble," McGonagall gently but firmly pressed.
"Uhm, there's a fight brewing, you should see," Neville said and led them to the common room. When he and the adults entered, they saw a very strange scene. Ron was shouting with Hermione while standing in a corner, being faced by two very irate looking cats. Parvati was trying to pull away a grey one while Hermione was doing the same to an orange one.
"I told you he has it out for Scabbers!" Ron yelled. "I finally found him and he was being chased by those two monsters!"
"We're trying Ronald!" Hermione shouted back, trying to pull Crookshanks away but the cat-kneazle was ignoring her, claws dug into the carpet and hissing.
"And who does that other one belong to?" Ron asked angrily.
"She's Millie's and no I don't know how she got in here!" Parvati said. "Come on Sunny, be a good girl." Sunny clearly showed no desire to be a good girl and was also like Crookshanks, glaring and hissing at Ron while ignoring Parvati's attempts to placate her or pick her up.
"Professor," Percy said, seeing McGonagall. "And…oh dear. Headmaster, Professor, Director," Percy greeted the others in turn, gulping. "I apologize for the trouble. We have been trying to resolve it but-"
"At ease," Dumbledore said gently. "No one is in trouble, not yet anyways." He looked over at Remus who looked at the map and nodded slightly. "Mister Weasley," Dumbledore said, addressing Ron, "do you have your rat with you?"
"Yes Sir," Ron said, his anger turning into confusion.
"May I see him?"
"Why?"
"Ron!" Percy squawked.
"No, a reasonable question deserving of a reasonable response." Dumbledore coughed. "We have reason to believe a fugitive might be hiding here and is in the guise of your rat."
"That's mad!" Ron gasped.
"It certainly sounds it," Dumbledore agreed genially. "But you know of animagi yes? Well we believe there might be one on the loose and we want to be sure. If you would be so kind, allow me to examine Scabbers. If Scabbers is how he should be, he will be returned unharmed and you have our thanks. If not, then we will deal with it."
"But, are you sure?" Ron asked, his voice plaintive.
"I am not, but that is why we must check," Dumbledore said kindly. "I know I am asking much of you, but if you would indulge me, it would be for the best. Please, Mister Weasley."
Ron hesitated for long moments but after an encouraging nod from Percy, he reluctantly nodded and reached into his pocket. "Okay, please don't hurt him-OW!"
Scabbers bit Ron hard and when Ron reflexively let go, he jumped, trying to get away. He squealed when Sunny leapt for him, batting at him with claws extended. She managed to deal a glancing blow and Scabbers tumbled and bounced off the carpet, disoriented.
Dumbledore flicked his wand and stunned Scabbers before gently scooping him up.
"He bit me!" Ron gasped. "He's never bitten me before."
"Don't worry," Remus said and tapped Ron's bite with his wand, healing it. "We'll be careful and get to the bottom of it." He stared hard at Scabbers in Dumbledore's hand and nodded firmly, without question.
Dumbledore murmured softly and when Scabbers glowed with blue light he sighed deeply. "Yes, we will," he said with finality.
-0-
Peter Pettigrew woke slowly, blinking and sniffing. He yawned before reality set in. He tried to move but was firmly stuck and bound to the chair he was sitting in. He looked about wildly before realizing he was in the presence of others. He whimpered when he saw Snape and McGonagall, groaned when he saw Amelia, shivered when he saw Dumbledore, and went pale when he saw Remus.
"Good afternoon, Peter," Dumbledore said quietly. "It has been a long time."
"P-P-Professor!" Peter stammered. "You must help me, Sirius Black is trying to kill me!"
"If I recall, he was imprisoned for killing you already," Dumbledore said quietly. "But seeing you alive now casts doubt over that. I would like for you to explain how that came about."
"I escaped!"
"Clearly," Dumbledore said with the patience he cultivated from teaching children. "Why was he trying to kill you in the first place?"
"He killed James and Lily and was coming after me to finish the job!"
Remus growled audibly and looked like he was going to step forward when he was stopped by Dumbledore's look.
"And how do you rationalize that?" Dumbledore asked with remarkable calm. "Voldemort," he ignored the flinches from almost everyone present but noticed someone who did not, "was the one who killed James and Lily and attempted to murder Harry."
"Be-Because Sirius was the secret keeper! Everyone knows that," Peter stammered.
"I did not know that," Amelia gasped. "The Potters were under a Fidelius?"
"Yes, and not everyone knew who the Secret Keeper was," McGonagall said sharply. "In fact, most of us did not, though we surmised it was Sirius."
"Sirius was an agent for the Dark Lord," Peter said hurriedly. "He betrayed the Potters!"
Dumbledore's eyes widened and he cast a look at Snape who also looked shaken. Dumbledore jerked his head and Snape strode forward, grabbing Peter's left arm and pulling up a ragged sleeve of his coat and shirt.
"Well, I never knew," Snape said quietly, staring down at the faded Dark Mark on Peter's inner left forearm.
"Traitor!" Remus shouted and jumped, only to be held back by McGonagall. "You were the traitor! Not Sirius!"
"Is that a Dark Mark?" Amelia asked, leaning in to look.
"Yes, and they were only ever given to those that willingly took them," Snape said quietly before releasing Peter's arm.
Peter looked at them, his face going still.
"Why?!" Remus shouted. "James and Lily loved you! We were friends! All of us, why did you do this?!"
"Why?" Peter laughed, a broken sound without mirth or joy. "I did what I had to, to survive! What use is there standing against the likes of The Dark Lord?! He knew magic we couldn't even dream of. He was too powerful! What could I have done?!"
"You could have stood against him, like we were doing," Remus said, shaking.
"And die for you?" Peter spat.
"Yes, like we were prepared to do the same for you," Remus said coldly. "But instead you sacrificed your best friends, orphaned their son, and sent another of your best friends to Azkaban for years while he was innocent! Did he even kill the Muggles or did you?"
"I had to make it look good," Peter whispered. "It had to look genuine." He moaned and his head fell to one side, stunned once more.
Dumbledore set his wand down. "My apologies, I…could not stand to listen anymore. That should be plenty as a confession at least, enough to be arrested."
"More than enough," Amelia said, eyes burning. "I'm going to bleed him dry of every bit of information I can get."
"What about Sirius?" McGonagall asked.
Amelia rubbed her face. "There's enough evidence to show that he is innocent but he's still technically a fugitive. The best thing to do is to have him come in willingly, get him his trial, and formally exonerate him."
"You want him to give himself up to the body that incarcerated him without cause in the first place?" Snape snorted. "He's not that stupid."
"We will need to find him and convince him, and offer assurances, someone he can trust," Dumbledore said. "Remus, with me. I have an idea."
-0-
"This is turning into a regular thing, isn't it Sir?" Harry asked, joking feebly.
Dumbledore smiled. "It is a mark of resiliency when a person is able to smile and make jokes in the face of adversity."
He and Remus had gone to the Infirmary while Amelia took the stunned Peter to the Ministry. She would return after he was secure and wait for Remus and Dumbledore to meet her on the grounds afterwards. Dumbledore had been heartened to see Harry awake and well albeit still exhausted.
"My word, your owl is rather protective of you," Dumbledore remarked. Hedwig was sitting on Harry's lap and glared mightily at Dumbledore when he sat by Harry's bedside. Her expression had turned thunderous when Dumbledore had explained why he was there.
"She's the best," Harry smiled, petting her and she nibbled on his fingers lovingly before staring up at Dumbledore with unmistakable disapproval.
"Indeed. And we have two kneazles to thank for helping us apprehend the criminal," Dumbledore said. "It appears he was also responsible for damaging some of the protections keeping the Dementors out, something the Director discovered so we will add that crime to his list."
Dumbledore took a deep breath. "Remember your first year, when I said there were things I could not tell you?"
Harry stilled and looked up at the Headmaster. "Yes Sir."
"There are some things I still cannot, but there are things I believe you should know before we proceed." He took another breath. "Your parents were in hiding, from Voldemort. A way they hid was a very powerful spell called the Fidelius Charm. With that charm, a location could remain essentially invisible, completely impregnable from outside as long as someone keeps the location safe, the Secret Keeper. As long as the Secret Keeper does not divulge the location, it will forever be safe."
"So how did they get found?" Harry whispered.
"They were betrayed," Dumbledore said sadly. "Someone they thought they could trust told Voldemort where to find them and you."
"Was it Sirius Black?" Harry asked, eyes wet. "Is that why he killed Peter?"
"The opposite as it turns out," Dumbledore said sadly. "Peter was the Secret Keeper, something we did not know. He betrayed your parents and faked his death while incriminating Sirius as well as murdering those poor people to further the farce. He lived, all this time, and we recently caught him and he confessed."
Harry sat there and gaped at him while Remus pinched the bridge of his nose and Dumbledore sat there calmly as if he was discussing the weather. "That…is a lot to take in," Harry said after a while.
"It is and I wish I could give you more time to process it properly," Dumbledore said. "You are taking it in stride and I am quite proud of you."
"Thank you, Sir," Harry said, still flabbergasted. "So…Sirius is innocent?"
"Yes. However, he is still considered a fugitive and we need him to come in so we can get him a trial to prove it. Another transgression is that he never received one the first time. Now, as you might imagine, he is a bit distrustful of the Ministry at large." Dumbledore ignored Remus' snort and cough.
"I can see why," Harry said. "Where do I come in?"
"Well, we think he will trust you and because he cares a great deal for you. He is your godfather."
"I have a godfather?" Harry asked, feeling overwhelmed by the information.
"Yes you do but again, the aforementioned incarcerated in Azkaban despite being innocent in this situation, prevented you from knowing him unfortunately." He turned to look up at Remus. "Would you like a cough drop, Remus?"
"No, I'm okay," Remus sighed, burying his face into his hands.
"Also," Dumbledore continued smoothly, "you have met him recently it seems. The large black dog you met in Surrey and in Hogsmeade."
"My godfather is a dog?!"
"Your godfather is an animagus and his animal form is a dog," Remus said, cutting Dumbledore off.
"Oh, well, alright then," Harry stammered. "So you want me to go and try and talk him in?"
"Yes, and you will be accompanied by myself, Remus, and Amelia Bones. Not that we think you will come to any harm mind you, but more for moral support and witnesses." Dumbledore smiled sheepishly. "It does appear that I ask you to do a lot."
Harry smiled. "No trolls though, right?"
"None at all."
"And no basilisk?"
"I certainly hope not."
"And no Dementors."
"Absolutely not," Dumbledore said firmly. "I have verified that they are gone and if I even think one is near, I will be taking it with me to the Ministry and Cursing it to be bound to Fudge and I mean that in every sense of the word."
Harry smiled a little more easily. "Well, I think I can handle it then."
"Splendid. Thank you, my boy. Come, the sooner we do this, the better."
-0-
"Right then, where is he?" Amelia asked when she accompanied Harry, Dumbledore, and Remus onto the grounds. "Also, why is there an owl with us?"
"She pointedly ignored me when I suggested she stay," Dumbledore said lightly. "And had an expression that I have seen on Fawkes when he looks like he is going to peck you. Ah speaking of." Fawkes appeared in a flash of fire and light and the phoenix trilled a greeting before settling on Harry's vacant shoulder.
"Okay," Amelia said. "So, where to?"
"I have an idea," Remus said. He led them to the Whomping Willow, a rather belligerent tree that waved its limbs and branches at them threateningly as they approached. "The tree was planted over a tunnel leading to the Shrieking Shack when I arrived. The Shack was where I sequestered during my transformations when I was a student here."
"How do we keep it from whomping us?" Harry asked, standing back when the tree swung its branches about.
"There's a knot that when pressed, it stills," Remus said, trying to find it in the dark. He blinked when Dumbledore flicked his wand and the tree went immediately still. "Or you can do that."
"Do not tell Pomona, she will be cross with me," Dumbledore said, "but time passes and I want this resolved as soon as possible." He led them down the tunnel and they walked for a few minutes with Fawkes emitting a warm orange-red light for illumination. Finally, they came to a wooden door that was slightly ajar.
"Recent disturbances," Amelia said, noting signs of broken dirt and tracks. She held her wand at the ready and pushed the door open. She and Remus entered with their wands held up, shining more light. The interior of the shack was humble, made of plain wood boards. Deep claw marks scored the walls and floor and ceiling, the edges of boards gnawed and broken and splintered.
Remus sighed deeply, his face a complicated expression. He started gently when he felt a touch and relaxed when he noticed it was Harry patting his arm. "Thank you," he said, voice husky.
Harry nodded, looking sad.
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Sirius? Are you in here? We are here to help."
Silence was their reply.
"Sirius, we caught Peter. He confessed," Remus said, his voice thick with emotion. "I am so sorry my friend. Please, we really are here to help you." They looked around when they heard creaking, something moving, but saw nothing.
Harry saw Dumbledore and Remus looking towards him and took a steadying breath. "Uhm, hi. I'm Harry but you probably know that," he said sheepishly, face red. "We met apparently a few times, back in Surrey and in Hogsmeade. I gave you leftovers and a sandwich. Sorry, I didn't know it was you, or that you were a person and not a dog. I could've given you better or treated you better."
A low whine filled the air and the turned. A large dog crept out of the corner, hidden from sight by debris at first. The large animal showed its teeth at the adults for a moment before looking at Harry, brown eyes glinted with emotion and intelligence and pain.
"I just learned that you're my godfather and that you were accused of betraying my parents," Harry said quietly and the dog whined again, a loud mournful sound. "That must have been really hard, and I'm really sorry it happened to you. But the Headmaster and the Director have sworn that you will get your trial and you'll be found innocent and everything will get better. It doesn't mean it's alright, because it isn't. Just because things get better, it doesn't make everything before go away."
Harry sighed. "I know a lot about that. But I'm lucky to have friends that are teaching me that it does get better, and that some things are wrong and just because you're used to it, that doesn't make it right. And you deserve that too, I think."
"I swear to you, Sirius Black, on my name Albus Dumbledore, that I will do what is needed to make things right for you," Dumbledore said quietly. "To atone for my mistakes and to make things better for you and for Harry, to bring you justice that was delayed but not forgotten."
"Me too," Remus said. "I solemnly swear."
"Me too," Amelia said quietly.
The dog looked at them in turn before he shuddered. His fur shrank, his body changed, and soon the large dog disappeared and was replaced by the man in the wanted posters. His hair was messy and limp, his skin waxy and pale. He was dressed in ragged robes. Yet his eyes did not have the manic gleam the posters had. Instead there was intense pain, intense vindication, and longing.
"You caught the rat?" Sirius' voice was harsh from pain and disuse.
"We did," Remus said.
"I'll get my trial?" he asked.
"You will," Dumbledore said.
Sirius nodded and looked at Harry. He smiled and for a moment, it looked like years melted off his face. "You wouldn't happen to have another sandwich or something, do you?"
"Not with me, but I can make you something when I can," Harry smiled.
Sirius' smile grew. "I'd like that. I'd like that a lot." He offered his hand. "Sirius Black, nice to meet you again Harry. Properly."
"Nice to properly meet you too," Harry said and shook it firmly without hesitation.
-0-0-0-
Arnie1701 - I thought a different Patronus would be apropos here. Burgers and fries are classic for a reason.
poka - Thank you so much. Today's chapter should lend a bit more insight into what the animals were doing and what they end up doing. I was rather happy with one scene in this and hope y'all like it too. A belligerently protective snowy owl Patronus felt right here and I'm glad it was well received. Same with protective gremlin Sunny.
Plmnbvjk - Thank you for the kind words.
Betty boop in TX - Thank you. I had the other two removed within the last 15 years but tomorrow will be much more involved so it'll be a bit rougher. Thank you for the kind words.
Jaysto - A fiercely protective snowy owl Patronus felt right for this setting. Thanks for reading.
odonnellzoo99 - Unfortunately one is not only impacted but completely horizontal so I'm in for a great time haha. Glad I could help with dinner, hope they were tasty. That's what I'm doing for tonight. I liked the idea of Sunny just being there and them not sure how nor why until, well this chapter really. I thought a very belligerently protective snowy owl Patronus would work in this setting and am glad people liked it. It's always nerve wracking when a large canon point is changed and I had hoped people would like it.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - There should be an answer to that in this chapter, among others. And the two kneazles will be doing something more in this chapter too. Thanks for reading.
Kaya - I had hoped snowy owl Patronus would be well received and I thought that was a nice moment for Hagrid to shine too. Thank you. I appreciate the good wishes.
l4w - Of course, never a doubt.
justanfanboy - Sorry, I don't know what your first sentence refers to. That question should be answered in this chapter. Thank you for reading, glad you find it so.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - He's not going to have a good time of it after this chapter either. Poor Peter, not really. I am about 6 chapters ahead after this chapter. They've been longer, especially compared to Family, so not so far forward. I haven't started 4th year proper yet but I've really enjoyed the last few I finished and I hope people do too. Snowy owl Patronus just felt right this time around too.
DustieDaven - Yup, a little mental growth for Pansy too. This chapter should answer a few of your questions and the upcoming chapters will answer more.
alix33 - I only like a little malt vinegar on fries. I'm very sensitive to the smell of vinegar. I'm only having two removed so I'm hoping it won't be too bad.
xXMoonlitSorrowsXx - I'm glad people have liked snowy owl Patronus. It made me happy too.
TheMatze99 - Thank you. I'm glad you enjoy the different fics. I have 6 more chapters of this ready and waiting so if I have a delay in writing, it won't be too bad, but I antipcate my posting will be reduced a bit. Thank you for the kind words.
