Harry aged 15 months
Sirius was startled awake by the sound of a sharp but urgent knocking against his front door. The dimly lit one bedroom apartment was otherwise still and quiet, and Sirius glanced up groggily at the clock on the wall. It was the small hours of the morning.
Grabbing his wand from its holster, Sirius carefully opened the front door. He'd had a few run-ins lately, and the new apartment had been an attempt to lay low for a while. Disappearances were happening all over the Country, and he found himself constantly on edge for potential threats.
To his surprise, Albus Dumbledore appeared in the doorway to the apartment. He'd not seen him now for weeks, the Order members retreating somewhat after losing so many members. He waved the man in, glancing down the hallway that remained deserted before closing the door once again.
"Sirius" Dumbledore said softly, his voice grave with sorrow. "I'm afraid I bring you terrible news".
Sirius looked up; his eyes filled with dread. "What is it, Albus?" he asked hoarsely, though he felt he likely already knew.
Dumbledore hesitated; his gaze filled with compassion. "Lily and James… they're gone, Sirius. They were murdered just hours ago by Voldemort himself."
Sirius felt as though the floor had dropped out from beneath him. He couldn't comprehend the words, couldn't grasp the reality of what Dumbledore was saying. His heart constricted with a pain unlike anything he had ever felt. It was as though he was suddenly in a vacuum, the noise having been sucked out of the room.
"No," Sirius whispered, shaking his head in denial.
"I'm afraid so, Sirius," Dumbledore said gently. "I'm so sorry."
Sirius buried his face in his hands, tears slipping through his fingers. He felt a surge of anger rise within him, directed not only at Voldemort but also at Dumbledore.
"You were supposed to keep them safe," Sirius choked out, his voice thick with anguish. "You promised."
Dumbledore bowed his head, his own grief evident in his eyes. "I know, Sirius. And I failed them."
Dumbledore reached out, placing a hand on Sirius's shoulder in a gesture of comfort. "I understand your anger, Sirius. But now we must focus on what's best for Harry."
Sirius's heart lurched at the mention of Harry. "Harry…" he murmured, his thoughts racing. "Is he… is he…"
Dumbledore shook his head. "No, Harry survived. He's alive, Sirius."
Relief flooded through Sirius, followed immediately by a surge of protectiveness. "Thank Merlin," he breathed. "Where is he? I need to see him."
Dumbledore's expression grew somber. "He's safe for now. I've arranged for him to stay with his aunt and uncle, until we can ensure his safety. Hagrid will be taking him there shortly"
Sirius's eyes flashed with anger. "No," he said fiercely. "There's no way Harry is going there."
Dumbledore sighed, knowing this conversation would be difficult. "Sirius, I understand your concerns, but we must think of Harry's safety above all else. The wards around his aunt's house will keep him protected."
"You don't understand," Sirius insisted, his voice trembling with emotion. "She hated Lily, they've not spoken in years".
Dumbledore regarded Sirius with a mixture of sympathy and understanding. "Sirius, I know you love Harry, I implore you to see reason. We must consider all the dangers."
"I'm not asking for your permission, Albus" Sirius said defiantly. "Lily and James named me. They trusted me to look after him, to do what's right by him. You'll have to kill me if you want him raised by them". He knew his words would sound dramatic but he stood by them. The guilt he currently felt over changing their secret keeper, over not sacrificing himself for their sake, was eating him alive. Merlin be damned if he didn't make sure he did everything he could for Harry.
Dumbledore studied Sirius for a long moment, choosing his words carefully. "Harry's safety is our number one priority Sirius".
"And there's nowhere safer for him than with me. I promise you, Albus, I wont rest until he's here. Send me to Azkaban, it's the only way you'll stop me".
Sighing, Dumbledore nodded once. "Very well, Sirius" he answered, a sad smile on his lips. Glancing around the apartment, he asked, "surely you will not be raising him here?".
"I'll take him to Grimmauld Place" Sirius answered stiffly, feeling no desire to cross the threshold of his old family home. However, he knew Dumbledore, and he knew that offering Grimmauld Place was likely the only way the man would concede. He was aware of the protections on the house, as were most of the Order members.
"It will need added protections" Dumbledore advised, allowing the unspoken truth that they had been betrayed from within to linger.
Sirius nodded, "I'll have it prepared by this afternoon" he confirmed.
Later that day, after returning to his old family home and getting it as prepared as possible for the arrival of a small child, Sirius made his way to Hogwarts. Dumbledore had arranged for Harry to be picked up there, for it was too dangerous to move the child around at the moment.
As he stepped into the entrance hall that was abuzz with celebrations upon the news of Voldemort's fall, Sirius could not find any joy. He weaved his way through students, forcing a smile towards those he happened to make eye contact with, though the smile did not reach his eyes. As he approached the Headmasters office, Sirius looked up to see Dumbledore carrying a small bundle in his arms.
Harry glanced up as he was carried, catching sight of Sirius as he did. His eyes lit up with recognition and a delighted squeal escaped his lips. Sirius's heart swelled as he reached out to take Harry into his arms.
"Hello, pup" Sirius whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he held Harry close. "I've missed you so much" he added, breathing in the scent of the small child.