Harry and Remus appeared in the entryway of Potter manor with a bang. A moment later, Mrs Figg and Luna arrived via floo.
"I can't believe everything went so perfectly!" Harry said excitedly. "I was expecting more of a fight. The rat must have gotten lazy over the years."
Remus nodded and said, "That sounds more like the Peter I knew. He was always a bit lazy at school."
"I hope the Weasleys will be alright," Luna said.
Harry nodded his agreement. He knew how he'd feel if Loki or Ratatoskr turned out to be a dangerous criminal in disguise. They'd been in the room while he slept and seen him naked. He shuddered at the thought.
Loki, who had traveled with Luna, jumped out of her arms and ran towards the kitchen. That reminded Harry that Luna still had Ratatoskr, so he went over and collected the stick creature from her.
"We should go eat something now that our part is done," Mrs Figg said. "We'll just have to wait to hear from the others for now."
They entered the kitchen and made a light dinner. Harry ate in silence, mentally going over the next steps.
Shacklebolt and McGonagal were traveling to the ministry with the caged rat. Remus and Kingsley had intentionally planned to reduce the chances of interference. The ministry would be lightly staffed due to it being Sunday and nearly Christmas, but Madam Bones was supposed to be in the office.
The rat would be turned in and verified as an animagus by Professor McGonagal, who Harry had learned was also an animagus besides being a qualified expert in transfiguration. He'd then be questioned under the influence of truth serum in the presence of Madam Bones as the head of the DMLE and Professor Dumbledore in his capacity as Chief Warlock.
If everything happened like Sirius said it did then Wormtail would be kept in a holding cell at the ministry until an official trial could take place.
With any luck, Sirius would be released and sent to Saint Mungo's for treatment until the trial. Kingsley had said Sirius would still be held by law enforcement, but Harry and his family planned to visit him on Christmas if everything worked out.
Harry finished his food and went to clean up. He was feeling so restless and was already tired of waiting. He decided to head outside to the greenhouses and Luna offered to join him. Remus and Mrs Figg remained behind in case someone contacted them from the ministry.
It was dark and cold outside. He had mostly practiced a few spells that seemed useful like Lumos, Alohamora, protego, and Stupefy, but he managed a very weak warming charm. He'd need to practice more.
Using Lumos, they managed to navigate safely to the greenhouse. Harry wasn't growing anything yet, but he figured the manual work of prepping the pots for next season would help distract him.
He and Luna lit a few lanterns and got to work and even Ratatoskr helped a little. They opened different bags of soil and mixed them before adding the mix to a few pots. Mrs Figg said that different plants liked different soil so it was worth making sure each plant got what it needed.
They repeated the work in the other greenhouses. Once they got the seeds early next year, they'd be ready to plant.
It was a few hours later and a very sweaty and dirty Luna and Harry returned to the house. They removed their outer robes and shoes so they didn't track any dirt inside. They didn't want to get in trouble with Mrs Figg, who would just end up making them clean it up anyways.
Luna claimed the shower first, but Harry knew there was another shower in the master bath so he could just use that one.
Harry showered quickly, hoping to check in with Remus and Mrs Figg for an update on the Sirius situation. He walked by the other bathroom and heard the shower still running. He knocked and opened the door just a crack so he could tell Luna where he was going.
He went and found Remus, who was reading a large tome, in the guest suite.
"Hey Remus," Harry said. "Any update on Sirius?"
Remus folded the corner of one of the pages of the book to mark his spot and closed it. He looked up at Harry with a smile and said, "Yes, actually."
Remus gestured that Harry could sit down if he'd like and Harry complied.
"Kingsley called the floo and let me know that everything went according to plan," Remus said. "Sirius is already at Saint Mungo's."
Harry grinned happily at that. He was happy to hear that Sirius had finally escaped from, and would hopefully never return to, Azkaban Prison and its guards.
"Did Kingsley say when the trial would be?" He asked. Harry hoped it could be soon. He wanted to see Wormtail receive the justice he deserved.
Remus shook his head. "These things can take some time to set up," Remus said. "But Wormtail is in a specially warded cell so he can't transform and is under 24 hour surveillance without visitation rights so we shouldn't need to worry."
Harry frowned. From what he'd heard about the corruption in the ministry, he wasn't too sure.
Remus must have sensed his doubt because he continued. "Madam Bones and Professor Dumbledore are taking this very seriously," he said. "Everything that can be done to secure the rat and keep Sirius safe is being done."
Harry decided he would try to have faith. Even if something went wrong, he'd at least done his part to set things right. He'd have to let the others do their job now.
"Thanks for the update, Mooney," he said to the werewolf. He yawned just then and said, "I should probably get to bed."
They said goodnight and Harry walked to his room for some much needed sleep.
It was the afternoon the next day and Harry was in the library reading the book about magical creatures and plants in the forbidden forest that Luna had found yesterday.
He'd been given the day off since it was Christmas Eve. He was both grateful to have the day off from Mrs Figg's vigorous training program and discouraged because he needed the distraction.
He tried asking Mrs Figg if he could go to Diagon or Hogsmeade to buy Sirius a present, but she was too busy with her mission to take him and Remus had left early in the morning to try and get a hold of his girlfriend.
He ended up practicing spells for a while until he started to get light headed.
After that he hung out with Luna in her room. Auggie was there and in much better shape. His feathers had grown back in and they were practically glowing. Harry thought the bird still looked a bit miserable but that was just in their nature, he guessed.
But now Harry sat in the library alone, making notes of the various interesting creatures and plants in the forest that he'd hoped to find. Ratatoskr had been with him initially but the small creature kept ripping pages out of the books so he could re-sort them. It drove Harry mad so he took the rascal back up to the tree in his room.
His stomach growled and he remembered that he'd skipped lunch again which meant Luna probably did too. He went to the kitchen and started to make dinner. It was Christmas Eve after all and they should try and make it special even though everyone was stressed and busy.
As he was cubing the potatoes, he heard a voice that sounded like Kingsley calling from the floo.
Still holding the knife, he ran to the entryway where he saw Kingsley's head floating in the fireplace. It was the first time seeing what it looked like on this end.
"Hey Kingsley," he said trying not to laugh as he remembered what Luna looked like when she'd used the floo and pictured what the man looked like on the other end. "Everything okay?"
"Harry, I have good news," Kingsley said with a smile. He laughed deeply as he followed up with, "Dumbledore pulled some strings and he has enough members of the wizengamot to call an emergency trial."
That was good news, Harry agreed. "Do you think it will go in Sirius's favor?" He asked excitedly.
"We do," Kingsley said. "Most of the members that we think might try and oppose are out of the country for the holiday and couldn't be reached. It's in Sirius' favor."
Harry laughed. This was perfect!
"Can I come?" He asked.
Kingsley frowned and said, "Sorry, emergency trials are closed meetings. Only members of the wizengamot and witnesses are allowed in."
Harry deflated at that. "Aren't I a witness?" He asked.
Kingsley chuckled, "You could be but we think we have everything we need already. We wanted to avoid any opportunity of someone finding out you used magic with an unregistered wand."
Harry frowned.
Kingsley continued, "We have Sirius' and Pettigrew's testimony under Veritaserum, McGonagal's verification that Pettigrew is an illegal animagus, along with Arthur Weasley's account of when and how Pettigrew was taken in by the family as a pet rat."
It seemed like they had what was needed and Harry really didn't want to get in trouble for his wand so he just nodded and said, "Alright."
Harry promised to pass on the good news to the others when he saw them.
"I need to go," Kingsley said. "The trial could start anytime now."
Kingsley left and Harry went back to the kitchen to make dinner.
He anxiously cut the potatoes and skinned the carrots. He really hoped everything went well and that Sirius would officially be declared a free man.
Distracted, he sliced open his finger with a yowl.
He quickly raised his hand above his head and applied pressure. He'd sliced it pretty good and blood was oozing out despite the pressure.
He grabbed a towel and wrapped his finger in it and then used his good hand to quickly pull out a wiggenweld potion, uncork it with his teeth, and then swallow a mouthful.
Thankfully, that did the trick to stop the bleeding but wasn't enough to fully heal the wound. He was able to bandage it without bleeding all over everything at least.
He cleaned up his mess, inspected the food, and found he'd have to discard some of it unfortunately.
He gathered it up and threw it out with a curse just as Remus walked in.
Remus looked concerned and asked, "Is everything alright, Harry?"
Harry nodded. "I just cut my finger and had to throw some food out," he said. "Kingsley flooed and said Sirius and the rat are getting an emergency trial. I guess Dumbledore pulled some strings."
"That's excellent!" Remus shouted happily. "When is it?"
"Right now or soon," Harry said bluntly.
"Now!?" Remus yelled. "Why didn't you say so?" Remus threw his hands in the air in exasperation just as Mrs Figg walked in.
"What's going on?" She asked. "What's with all the shouting?"
Remus paced as Harry explained.
"But we can't go anyways," Harry said defensively. "Kingsley said it was a closed trial."
Remus stopped at that.
"A closed trial?" Remus checked.
Harry nodded. "Why? Is that a big deal?" He asked.
Mrs Figg interjected before Remus could answer. "No, it's a good thing," she said. "It was probably the only way Dumbledore was able to convince Fudge, and Crouch if he's involved, to allow the trial."
Harry and Remus stopped at that. "They could have stopped the trial?" He asked.
"Not legally, but these are well connected career politicians," she said. "They could have found a way. Good on Dumbledore for rushing the trial and finding a way to keep them from interfering."
Remus nodded his agreement.
"Wait, why would Crouch and Fudge want to stop the trial?" Harry asked.
"Crouch was the head of the DMLE when Sirius was wrongly imprisoned. He won't want the details to get out," Remus said. "And Fudge won't want the past ministry actions to color his own reputation. He'll want to use this to show how he is fixing things, but since he was left out of the loop he can't do that."
Mrs Figg added, "He'll be able to spin it however he wants since the details won't be public."
"Will Crouch be punished because of this?" Harry asked. He didn't want the man responsible for imprisoning Sirius to get off without any consequences.
"We can hope," Remus said. "But I wouldn't count on it… not unless Fudge sees a benefit in doing so and Crouch is very popular."
Personally, Harry hoped he'd be the one to punish Crouch. This was one time he had been glad the ministry was so corrupt.
They continued to speculate on how or why Sirius and the rat's trial had been rushed while they cooked dinner.
Just when they were all gathered and about to start eating, Harry heard the floo flare. He and Remus raced out of the kitchen, both competing to be the first one there.
Harry, who has been expecting Kingsley again, was surprised to see the head of an old wizard with a very long beard wearing half moon spectacles smiling at him.
"Professor Dumbledore," he heard Remus say, "Is everything alright?"
The professor shifted his gaze to Remus and said, "Yes, quite alright I suspect. Sirius has been cleared of all charges and Pettigrew has been convicted of several crimes."
Harry and Remus shared a smile at that.
Remus seemed to be overcome with emotion and couldn't seem to think of anything to say.
Harry, curious to know the details, asked, "Will Sirius be able to come here tonight, sir?"
Dumbledore shook his head no. "I'm afraid he's still in need of some medical care before he's fit to return to you," he said. "He asked me to pass on his gratitude for your part in capturing Pettigrew."
Harry nodded at that. He knew that Sirius might be stuck at the hospital a while longer. He was anxious to see the man his father had written so much about in his journals, but was relieved that Sirius was free at least and could join him soon.
Remus finally pulled himself together enough to ask, "Any trouble with the trial?"
Dumbledore grimaced and said, "Nothing more than I suspected. Mr Crouch managed to elude any consequence, despite my efforts, and I suspect our Minister will try to act as if he'd led the investigation himself.
Harry felt his lip raise in a silent snarl at that but he quickly smoothed his features when Dumbledore looked at him.
Remus interrupted his dark thoughts when he asked, "And Pettigrew?" Harry thought he'd seen a dark glint and a flash of orange in the man's eyes as he'd said his old friend's name.
Dumbledore breathed a heavy sigh and said, "Mr Pettigrew has been sentenced to the veil tonight, despite my attempts to see him sent to Azkaban."
Remus simply said, "Good," and crossed his arms.
"What does that mean?" Harry asked. "What veil?"
Dumbledore looked away from Remus with a frown and said, "The ministry holds in its depths an ancient archway known as 'The Veil of Death' that it sometimes uses to execute criminals."
"Oh, well that's alright then," Harry said. He was honestly confused why Dumbledore had tried to recommend anything else.
"Is it?" Dumbledore asked in a tired voice. "I for one think it inhumane, as it removes any chance of redemption or change from old ways."
Harry wanted to consider the old man's words but he was honestly glad the rat would pay for his crimes with his life. The rat had ruined everything for Harry that night by selling his parents out to Voldemort.
Harry looked at Remus who had lost every friend he'd had that night. One night of every month since then, he'd had to suffer alone and without distraction. He'd have to wake up the next day and tend to his wounds on his own.
No, Harry didn't care about the rat. He'd ruined everything and deserved his punishment. He didn't really want to debate the old wizard, but he wanted to stick up for Remus so he said, "I think Peter deserves to be sent through the veil for what he did."
Remus nodded again next to him but didn't say anything. Harry suspected the reserved and stoic man was wrestling fiercely to reign in his emotions.
Professor Dumbledore sighed in defeat and said, "Perhaps, but the decision weighs heavily on my soul and killing a man shouldn't be done lightly."
Harry wondered why he was telling him that. It's not like Harry was in a position to make those kinds of decisions.
Deciding that, despite his reservations about the man, he was grateful for the man's help tonight, he said, "Sir, would you like to join us for dinner tonight?"
Dumbledore's jaw dropped in surprise at the invitation. He recovered quickly and said, "I'd love to, Mr Potter. Would it be terribly rude of me to also invite Professor McGonagal?"
Harry smiled and said, "No, she's welcome too, of course."
"Marvelous," Dumbledore replied happily. "We'll floo through in just a moment after I collect something."
Dumbledore had disappeared and Harry looked at Remus, who looked like he was about to boil over with emotion.
"Are you okay, Mooney?" He asked.
Remus shook his head as if clearing away bad memories. "I didn't realize how much I've been holding in. The last ten years have been so hard without them and… all this time I've just kind of pushed my emotions aside.
"Hearing that Peter is going to die tonight for what he did is both a relief and… I don't know how to explain…" Remus shook his head again, his eyes glowing with an amber tint as if a wild animal was bursting to get out. "We took him in. Peter was part of our pack and he betrayed us. He deserves to die for what he did but I'm still sad by the loss of someone I always considered as a pack mate."
Harry thought he understood. He couldn't fathom how he'd fill it Luna or Mrs Figg betrayed him.
"At least now you'll have Sirius," Harry said.
Remus smiled a toothy smile at that. His amber eyes still shining, Harry almost expected to see fangs.
"Your eyes are glowing. Is that a werewolf thing?" Harry decided to ask even though he was worried he'd offend Mooney somehow.
Remus laughed. "Yes, it's a werewolf thing," he said. "The wolf knows Wormtail and Padfoot and is processing his own emotions."
Harry thought it was interesting that Remus regarded the wolf as a separate being but chose not to comment. It must be pretty complicated, he guessed.
Harry simply gave Remus a hug. Remus jumped a little at the contact before returning the hug tightly. It was almost as tight as Mrs Wesley's, Harry thought.
The floo flared green just then and the two separated. A moment later, Harry saw Professor McGonagal step through, followed by Professor Dumbledore, who was taller than Harry imagined.
Professor McGonagal shook Harry's hand and then she noticed Remus and gave him a big hug. Harry guessed she probably knew how hard the situation was for the man who had been one of her lions.
While the two adults were hugging, Harry took in Professor Dumbledore's appearance. He was old, nearly ancient, but he looked healthy and full of energy. Harry guessed he likely had several more years of life in him.
"Thank you for your gracious invitation, Harry," Dumbledore said. "I admit I was worried that you and I might get off on the wrong foot because of my actions regarding your initial living arrangements."
Harry thought carefully about what he wanted to say to the man. He wasn't sure he'd forgiven him but he also recognized that Dumbledore's decision wasn't made with malice.
"Mrs Figg explained everything and even though I'm sometimes still upset with you, I do understand that you thought you were making the best choice," Harry said.
He offered the professor his hand and said, "I'm willing to give us a fresh start, sir."
The professor took Harry's hand with a smile and shook it. "I'd like that too. That reminds me that I brought you a present… although it's not really fair for me to call it a gift since it belonged to your dad."
The professor handed Harry a gift wrapped in red and gold wrapping paper. "You may want to open this in private."
Harry nodded his understanding and said, "Thanks."
Feeling awkward, Harry said, "I'm sorry, sir, I didn't get you anything."
Dumbledore laughed and said, "Fear not, I'm not offended. And like I said, my gift doesn't really qualify as a gift."
"I think I'll go put this in my room for now, then, if you'll please excuse me." Harry said and then he ran to his room quickly.
When he got to his room, he decided to open the present and a silvery material tumbled out of his hands. The material was cool to the touch and Harry instantly wanted to reach out with his magic to inspect it.
He focused on his breathing and felt his magic reach outside his body. He sent probes out and instantly could tell the material was magical. It felt cold and dark like an abyss. He couldn't quite guess what properties it had because it almost felt like nothing, but not quite the same as the cloak he'd tried on at his initiation. It was different.
He drew his magic back in and decided to inspect it further the normal way. He soon found that it wasn't just material, but a very large cloak with a hood. He figured he could fit him and another person underneath it.
Suspecting what it might be, he threw it on and put on the hood. He walked over to the mirror and found that he couldn't see anybody in the mirror. This was his dad's invisibility cloak! He was suddenly very glad that Dumbledore hinted he'd want to open this gift when he was alone.
Harry woke up bright and early Christmas morning. This would be his first Christmas with people he considered family. He hated Christmas with the Dursleys because he never felt wanted, except to do all the cooking and cleaning.
He remembered trying not to sob as he cleaned up all the wrappings and boxes that had contained Dudley's numerous gifts while he got nothing.
But now he'd be surrounded by people he loved and that loved him in return. He'd actually get gifts and be able to spend time relaxing with his friends and family in his own house.
Last night, dinner with his family and the professors had been wonderful. They'd enjoyed a meal that they'd prepared together and spent hours talking about nothing.
He'd learned a little bit about his future professors and what his classes might be like. He'd been teased with stories about hidden passageways and getting lost in the castle's many rooms and hallways. He couldn't wait to go.
Luna and Harry planned to open gifts together in their shared living room and then join Mrs Figg and Remus in the dining area. He was looking forward to giving everyone their gifts.
Mostly, he was hoping to visit Sirius at Saint Mungo's. He hadn't had time to get the man anything but he'd find a way to make it up to him.
It was still early and Luna wouldn't like to be woken up just yet but he was still tempted to wake her up. It was Christmas for Merlin's sake.
He walked outside his room quietly and then gently opened Luna's bedroom door. It was pitch black because she'd put several curtains up to block out the light.
He nearly tripped over several mysterious items strewn about the floor. The girl was messy.
He eventually made it to her bed and was considering how he might wake her up without risking any potential injuries he might receive as a result.
His eyes had finally adjusted to the dark and he was able to make out a glass of water on the nightstand. Decision made, he grabbed the glass and then dumped the contents on Luna's head.
Luna gasped before shrieking so loud that Harry had to cover his ears. Luna jumped up out of bed and threw open the curtains violently. When she saw him standing there with an empty glass, she glared at him and yelled, "You're dead!"
Harry tried to run to the door but he tripped over a pile of clothes with a thud. Luna was on him in an instant and she proceeded to tickle him without mercy.
He gasped for air as he struggled to breathe as she leaned over him so that her wet hair was in his face. Desperate for freedom, he reached up with his hand and gripped her thigh just above her knee and squeezed in a pulsating fashion.
She began to laugh and convulse until she finally relented and got off of him. "No fair," she wheezed. "Truce?" She asked.
Harry filled his lungs with air several times before agreeing to the truce.
"Ugh," she groaned. "What time is it?"
Harry chuckled nervously and said, "Just after seven, which is a pretty late start for me. You're lucky I didn't wake you up sooner, honestly."
Luna glared at him. "You know I know where you sleep, right?" She asked in a threatening tone.
He laughed and said, "But we both know you're not going to wake up early just to prank me."
"Who said anything about pranking?" She said bluntly.
"You're scary in the morning, did you know?" He responded.
Luna just laughed at that. She stretched and said, "This isn't over. You better have gotten me something nice for Christmas or I might just reconsider our truce."
Harry laughed. He knew she'd be happy with his gift. "Let's go find out, shall we?" He asked, offering his arm.
She took his offered arm and they walked out of her room and into the shared living area.
Harry walked her to the couch like a gentleman, fully repentant off his mischievous behavior. He then bolted to the tree to gather her presents. "Ladies first," he said while handing her one of the gifts.
He'd gotten her a few things. Some were common and casual gifts but he'd also gone out of his way to give her something that he thought was a big gesture. He wanted her to know that she was important to him.
She opened a few gifts, including some chocolate and candy, some more clothes and robes that he thought she might like, as well as some magical hair dye that should last her all year.
She'd told him that she might like to dye her hair a few colors, like blue, purple, and pink so he'd gotten her a set that was spelled to whatever shade and color she wanted and that would last a long time.
She could even end the spell if she needed to look presentable. This made it perfect for school since she could just use it during the weekends.
Her last gift was Harry's big gesture gift. He wanted her to know that she was important to him so she'd gotten her a very nice locket made of fine silver.
She gasped in surprise when she'd opened the box it came in. She took it out and admired the embossed image of a Crumple-Horned Snorkack. Harry had swiped a drawing of hers and taken it to a jeweler to be custom made.
"Open it," he said.
She gently opened the locket to find a picture of her parents on one side and a picture of Harry, Mrs Figg, and Loki on the other.
Harry watched as the photo of her parents blew her a kiss. Luna wiped tears from her eyes. Photo Harry and photo Mrs Figg waved happily at her and Loki's tail twitched.
"Thanks Harry, this is really nice." She said as she hugged him and then gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You really are the best even though you're annoying sometimes."
Harry laughed and said, "Is our truce still in effect then?"
"Yes, you idiot," she said with a laugh.
Harry waited happily while Luna fetched his gifts. She'd also gotten him some sweets and a couple books on potions and enchanting that she'd noticed him eyeing. Harry thanked her earnestly.
"My last gift is kind of silly because it's something I found in the house," she said. She handed him the last present and he opened it reverently.
Inside he found a framed canvas of his family's crest. It featured a griffin and a lion in opposite corners, followed by a stag and a ceramic pot in the other corners. It was accompanied by a script that read, 'Novissima autem inimica destruetur mors'.
"It's your family motto. I looked it up and it translates to, 'The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,'" she said.
Harry was blown away. "Where did you find this?" He asked.
"The canvas was rolled up in one of the offices," she said. "All I did was get it framed, really."
Harry loved it. "It's great, Luna," he said. "Thank you!"
It was several hours later and Harry and Luna were getting ready to go and visit Sirius at Saint Mungo's with Remus. Mrs Figg was going to go and visit Mundungus to finalize some plans. Harry didn't understand why she was working on Christmas, but he wasn't going to stop her if that's what she wanted to do.
They'd already exchanged gifts with Remus and Mrs Figg. Harry had gotten several more books, including one that went into great depth on bowtruckles written by none other than the famous Newt Scamander. Harry had gotten Remus a butt load of all sorts of chocolate treats as well as some new robes. He'd given Mrs Figg the candied pineapple that he'd picked out several months ago as well as some new quills because he'd noticed hers had been getting dull.
It had been a magical Christmas so far and Harry didn't think anything could ruin it.
They traveled via floo to the hospital and got checked in by the welcome witch at the front counter.
"Oh, you three are here to see Sirius Black?" she checked.
Remus nodded and said, "Yes, is that alright?"
"Oh yes," she said. "You just missed the last visitors, Andromeda, Ted, and Nymphadora Tonks were just here but they left a few minutes ago."
Harry thought Remus looked surprised. There must be some history there, he reckoned.
"Sirius has been moved to the fourth floor for prolonged exposure to dementors. He'd originally been on the first floor but they weren't quite sure how to help him," she said. "He's in room 402, near the nurse station."
Remus chuckled and said, "And I bet he's being a complete hound with the nurses."
The welcome witch chuckled and put her hand on Remus' arm. Harry and Luna shared a look and then laughed at Remus' expense.
Harry checked the hospital's map and saw that the first floor was reserved for creature related injuries, which made sense since dementors were classified as creatures. He saw that the fourth floor was for spell damage. He wondered why Sirius had been moved up there.
When he brought up his question the welcome witch said, "The spell exposure team had some treatment that they thought would better help Sirius than the creature team since they mostly dealt with exterior wounds."
Remus said, "That makes sense. They probably know better how to treat Sirius internal, mental, and emotional injuries."
The welcome witch nodded. "You can go up and see him now if you'd like, but there's no rush," she said as she batted her eyelashes at Remus. Harry thought she was laying it on pretty thick.
"Remus, when did you say your girlfriend was stopping by?" Luna said, trying to help Remus out of his predicament. Harry glared at her. He'd been having fun.
The welcome witch frowned at that, sat back down, and pulled out a 'Witch Weekly.' Harry bit his fist to stop from laughing and Remus smacked him in the back of his head lightly.
Harry's shoulders shook as he held in his laughter the whole way to the lift. He guffawed loudly as soon as the lift doors had closed.
"So immature," Remus said. "So much like James."
They rode up to the fourth floor and walked out towards the nurse counter. Harry saw Neville and Madam Longbottom talking with a nurse at the counter. "Hey Neville, are you visiting someone today too?" Harry asked.
Neville's eyebrows shot up in shock as he saw Harry and Luna. Harry noticed the boy begin to blush and stammer.
Madam Longbottom rolled her eyes at her grandson and held out her hand, clearly expecting a proper greeting.
Harry obliged and kissed her hand. "Madam Longbottom," he said simply.
Madam Longbottom bowed stiffly and said, "We're here to see my Frank and his wife Alice, Neville's parents," she said.
"Oh," was Harry's elegant reply.
Remus helped cover for Harry and asked, "How are they doing, Madam Longbottom?"
"The same as always, I'm afraid," she said. "But it's good for Neville to visit them. He has so much to live up to."
Neville blushed even deeper and looked down at his feet.
Madam Longbottom looked unimpressed.
"Are you here to see Sirius, then?" she asked them.
"Yes, Madam Longbottom," Remus said. "We were hoping to wish him a Merry Christmas."
Madam Longbottom nodded and said, "Terrible business what happened to that man. It's such a shame that Crouch is going to get away with the flop."
Harry nodded at that, a grimace on his face. He was still angry that Crouch hadn't got so much as a slap on the wrist. He'd make the man pay.
Madam Longbottom must have seen the look on his face because she said, "See that Neville? That's the look of someone that will see things through," she said pointing at Harry. "You'd be wise to spend some time with Mr Potter here, maybe some of his courage will rub off on you."
Neville blushed and stammered, "Yes gran."
Harry felt sorry for the boy. Madam Longbottom sure was overbearing.
"Well we'll just be going then," Remus said. "It was good to see you both. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," Madam Longbottom said.
The trio quickly checked in with the nurse, who directed them to Sirius' room with a blush. Sirius had definitely been up to his wily ways. From what Harry had read in his father's journals, the poor nurses didn't stand a chance.
They walked into Sirius' room and Harry had expected to see a dirty and mangy man laying in bed. What they found instead was a well groomed and happy looking one. His hair had been cut and his beard trimmed nicely. He was still skinny as could be, but Harry was happy to see some color in his cheeks. They were obviously taking very good care of him here.
Harry watched as Remus walked in and hugged Sirius fiercely. The two men held onto each other for what felt like ages but Harry had no intention of interrupting. He looked at Luna and noticed she had tears in her eyes. He wondered what the auras in the room were telling her.
After a long while, the two men leaned back out of their hug, but each left their hands on the other man's shoulders as they looked each other in the eyes. No words needed to be said in a friendship like theirs, Harry guessed.
Together, they said, "It's so good to see you." and then they laughed.
These men were not merely friends, they were clearly brothers. Harry felt himself start to tear up as he thought about the implications of such a deep relationship being wounded by distance and deceit for nearly a decade. They didn't deserve what happened to them. It was terrible and Harry vowed to never let something like that happen again to the pair.
Harry looked up and saw Sirius watching him with a knowing look. "I know that look," Sirius said. "I saw that look on your dad's face many times during the war." A smile grew on the man's face as he asked, "Who's going to suffer your wrath?"
Harry smiled and said seriously, "Barty Crouch, Lucius Malfoy, and then Lord Voldemort… maybe a few others."
Sirius looked deeply into Harry's eyes. "There is no way you're ten years old."
Harry and Luna laughed, although Harry wasn't sure why Luna was laughing. He looked at her curiously.
"Harry's an old soul. He's been through too much to be a lowly ten year old boy," she said.
Sirius inspected the young girl. "You must be Luna Lovegood. You look just like your mother… What are you doing with this mangy old man and that scrawny little kid?"
Remus laughed before Luna could answer. "Are you remembering all the times you tried to get Pandora to even look at you?"
Sirius laughed and said, "And I managed to get her in a broom clos-" before Remus smacked him in the chest. "Oh right," Sirius said, looking apologetically at Luna. "Er… yes. I never could get her to take me seriously."
Luna just giggled and said, "I like you, Sirius Black."
Sirius beamed at that, showing his still yellow stained teeth.
"Harry and Mrs Figg found me in Hogsmeade after mum and dad died," she said as if it were the most normal thing. "They took me in and we've been together ever since."
Harry nodded, smiling fondly at Luna.
"Bit young to be shacking up, don't you think, Harry?" Sirius said. "Your dad would be proud but your mother would be-"
"It's not like that!" Harry said defensively, interrupting the man. "Luna's like a sister to me."
Sirius' eyebrows shot up. "You went and made this beautiful girl your sister?" he asked. "You fool."
Luna smiled brightly at Sirius' compliment. Harry thought it was rather gross for a man his age to be talking about a 10 year old girl like that.
"I'm only joking, Harry." Sirius said. "I can't help but tease the two of you… It's in my nature."
Remus shook his head. "You haven't changed a bit, Padfoot," he said. "The poor nurse outside blushed when I mentioned your name, you know."
"Oh, which one?" Sirius asked excitedly. "I hope it was the blonde one."
Remus just shook his head and said, "At least learn their names first, Sirius."
Harry interrupted, "Hey, if you two are done… Do you know when you'll get out of here, Sirius?"
Sirius frowned. "They aren't sure. I haven't really been able to cast much magic just yet," he said. "They want to make sure my magical core hasn't been damaged before they release me and it might take a while to heal me if it has."
"Oh okay," Harry said. "Well I hope it's soon. You're welcome to stay with me if you need a place."
Sirius smiled. "That's kind of you," he said. "And I might take you up on that."
Sirius looked at Remus, "Andy was here and she said that I inherited the family home and whatever gold they had left that they didn't give away to the dark lord."
"Oh is that why Andromeda came?" Remus asked. "Was she asking to be reinstated into the family?"
Sirius shook his head, "No, she just wanted to see me," he said. "I offered and she declined. Said she wanted nothing to do with the Black family."
Sirius looked like he was trying to remember something and was struggling. "Oh. Her husband, Ted, is a lawyer and he offered to help me go after the ministry for what they did to me," he said with an evil glint in his eye. "I'm tempted to take him up on it… not that I likely need the money."
Harry agreed that he should.
Sirius yawned mightily after that.
Harry didn't necessarily want to leave but he figured Sirius probably needed to rest.
"We should go," Remus said. "We'll visit again soon." Harry and Luna both echoed Remus' promise to come back and visit.
They wished each other a Merry Christmas and then they left Sirius to get some rest.
A/N: Thanks for reading and for the reviews so far. I really enjoyed writing this chapter and I hope it shows. I probably won't post the next chapter until the week of June 16th.