Chapter 22: Reunion with Padfoot
I do not own Harry Potter
Author's Notes :
First of all, thank you so much for 2.5k follows! It's been over 8 months since I started this story, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I owe it all to the wonderful reaction you all have given me. Often I have come back from college frustrated and tired, only to read heartwarming words of encouragement and upbeat reception towards my story, instantly energizing me and pushing me to write more. As we approach a landmark 100k words, allow me to take a moment to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You're the best.
So its finally here. After months of build up, we finally have the reunion between Harry and Sirius. I've seen the reviews, and yes - this moment will also serve as a turning point in terms of plot involvement for everyone's favorite Harry Potter adult. I have a lot planned for the Marauder, including an expedition to Albania, and an early confrontation with Voldemort! I advertised Sirius Black as a major character in this story, and I intend to make good on that promise.
Tonks is also officially back in the story, so yay for the...Nymphos? What's the name for Nypmhadora fans? ...Someone let me know lol. Kudos to anyone who predicted me writing her back in.
A very long scene in the Headmaster's Office, did not foresee it where I started writing. But I think it works for the better.
Lastly, I'm back again, hopefully for another good stretch. Sometimes you just have to take breaks because there is too much going on. Thank you for your patience. We will finish this together.
|The Headmaster's Office |Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry |Somewhere in the Scottish Highlands |October 31, 1993 |
A few hours after the Quidditch game
"Let's begin then, shall we?" the Headmaster spoke formally, initiating the emergency meet between the school, its governors and the Ministry of Magic. Representing Hogwarts were Dumbledore, his deputy, the remaining Head of Houses, and Madam Pomfrey. Standing in for the board was longtime member Augusta Longbottom, while the Ministry's delegation was made up of Minister For Magic Cornelius Fudge, Senior Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge, Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour, DMLE Director Amelia Bones, and Azkaban Warden David Bolton.
Dumbledore cleared his throat "Good afternoon, distinguished witches and wizards. First of all, allow me to express my gratitude for arriving on such shor-"
"Hem Hem" came a shrill voice. It was Dolores Umbridge, the Minister's Undersecretary. Instantly, heads turned towards the stout woman, who was dressed in an overwhelming amount of pink and wearing the most insincere smile one could ever come across.
"As the headmaster may know, the Minister is terribly busy and being requested to come on such short notice has precious little time for courtesies. So perhaps if Headmaster Dumbledore could do away with the and get to the point?" the plump woman remarked, still with a sickly sweet smile.
McGonagall was fuming, and if not for a discrete tap on her leg by Dumbledore, would have given the toad-like woman a piece of her mind.
"Of course, Madam Umbridge" he acknowledged "...though my courtesies would have been finished in the time you were highlighting our Minister's congested schedule" the old wizard commented innocently, making the rest of the room snicker.
"But of course, to the matter at hand" the Headmaster said at once "As intimated by me in my message, a swarm of dementors invaded this afternoon's Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, kilometers away form their stationed posts, threatening to endanger the students, and leading to grievous hurt for one in self defence." Dumbledore took in a breath "I have decided that Dementors will no longer be stationed anywhere near my children. They will return to Azkaban immediately."
"Albus!" exclaimed Minerva in approval, as the rest of the room descended into anarchy, with 'hear, hear's and cries of protest both present in abundance.
"Order, Order!" howled Fudge, finally bringing the meeting to calm down with several bangs on the table "Please, we are not children, my friends!" he declared, his demeanor switching from annoyance to humor in the blink of an eye. "Albus, I must protest!"
"Hem, Hem" interrupted Umbridge "My mistake, but it sounded as if the Headmaster was-" but she was overridden by an annoyed McGonagall "My mistake, but the Undersecretary stick to her job of making notes and raise her hand if she wants to express her unwanted, unimportant opinion!"
"How dare you! I am the Undersecretary to the Minister-" a revolted Umbridge shouted, only to be overridden once again, this time by her boss. "No need for this m'ladies!" cried out Fudge. He knew he was looking at what would be a PR nightmare in tomorrow's Prophet, and losing his wisest counsel, aka Albus Dumbledore because his assistant mouthed off the Deputy Headmaster was not going to earn him any favors. "Dolores" he sighed "your presence is invaluable...but please, let me talk this over with Dumbledore" he said tiredly. Leashed by her boss, Umbridge spitefully quieted down for the rest of the proceedings.
"...Now, where were we?" picked up Fudge "Dumbledore, you know we can't! Black is still on the loose! We need the dementors!"
"Pardon me, minister" came the voice of Severus Snape "but with the way things seem to be going the dementors will kill Potter before Black ever gets to him" the Potions master propositioned silkily
"Huh?" Fudge replied dumbly, and as he often did in times of need, looked over to Dumbledore
"Thank you, Severus" acknowledged Dumbledore "...Yes, Minister today makes a second instance where young Mr. Potter came close to being kissed by a Dementor"
"You mean-"
"Yes, the student 'grievously hurt' is Harry Potter" declared the Headmaster
Once again, chatters, whispers and outrages filled the room, with Fudge trying to control it with all the authority of an underconfident substitute teacher.
"Coming to my suggestion" Albus spoke loudly, and instantly everyone's focus shifted to the speaker "The dementors have proven to be too big a risk. This is the second time my students have been endangered by Azkaban's fiends. I will not tolerate it any longer. They will return to Azkaban immediately, my decision is final." he declared with purpose "The agenda of this meeting is to discuss a suitable replacement and ensure a secure transit back to the North Sea for our overly adventurous guards". Such was the impact of the venerable old wizard that complete silence befell the room.
"Well the Board of Governors have passed multiple resolutions disapproving of those creatures being anywhere near our children" seconded Augusta, the new de facto voice of the board following Lucius Malfoy's ousting.
"The recklessness of the dementors is already on record. Additionally, you will find letters from distressed parents and medical records showing a marked degradation in both physical and mental health of the students and staff alike" announced the Headmaster "...Perhaps this will be of interest to Madam Umbridge, after all she was quite enthusiastic in reminding us that is the Minister's Undersecretary" finished Dumbledore with the faintest of smiles
"...Right, yes - Dolores, look them over" Fudge replied absent-mindedly, lost in thought over the dilemma he was faced with. A red-faced Umbridge paced across the office and began scrutinizing the paperwork, soundly put in her place.
"Albus, a word, privately?" pleaded Fudge, with Dumbledore acquiescing by conjuring a silenced pod for the two. Without a word exchanged, Fudge stepped in; this was a well-established routine, after all.
"How may I assist you, Cornelius?" the snappy dresser curtseyed
Fudge sighed again "I have a mandate Albus, I can't just go back on my claim to catch Black, the press will have my head!" the Minister babbled neurotically
"And when news breaks out that several students were once again at risk, including the pure-blooded, and that an Ancient line nearly went extinct... they will come for you anyways, such is the burden of power." knowing mere logic would not be enough to satiate the pudgy man, Dumbledore continued "Both voters and Lords alike have always praised a Minister who listened to his people... and I can guarantee you a majority of both want them gone since the first day, today will only make it more lopsided."
"That-"
"And of course, anything happening to the children is the Headmaster's responsibility, after all I am the one advocating for it..." he interjected, leaving the last few words hanging.
And just by a mere jolt of his counterpart's shoulders, Dumbledore knew he had his man. While Fudge was once a good man, now all that mattered to him was his power. It was precious to him above all others, and any remote chance of his hold on the reins being taken from him frightened him. But with Dumbledore explicitly agreeing to take the fall, Fudge could walk away from any controversy unscathed. In the man's mind, he may even try and install a more 'obedient' headmaster if Dumbledore bit the bullet. That he still wrote to him for advice regularly did not seem all important to him at the moment.
He gave a troubled sigh for dramatic effect, even though inside he too knew the other man fully saw through him "... Alright, Dumbledore. I'll agree to send them back. But" he emphasized "if anything goes south - it's all on you" he finished with a look he hoped was intimidating to the other man
There was no hesitation on Dumbledore's part "Of course, Cornelius. And let me thank you for your open-mindedness, precious few ministers possess such a gift" he flattered, before subsiding the silencing 'bubble' and rejoining the rest of the meeting. Fudge quickly scurried behind, intent on taking the lead. However, Dumbledore assumed it for him.
"The Ministry has agreed to remove the dementors from Hogwarts" announced the Headmaster, receiving silent nods in acknowledgement "Excellent" Albus exclaimed "Since there seems to be no dissent on the matter" he said at once, with a quick look over to Mrs. Longbottom who had apparently barked the others into agreement, or so a little note on the table by Minerva said.
"Now, then. Madam Umbridge it seems we are once again in need of your expertise" the defeater of Grindelwald declared unexpectedly, raising eyebrows across the room
"If you could start drafting the press release for today's meet" Dumbledore 'implored', as Umbridge glared daggers at him
"And you have immediate access to a pensieve, Umbridge?" questioned Augusta, looking critically at the pink-clad woman
"I... do not" replied a confused Undersecretary
"Well then why on earth aren't you taking notes!" hollered the Longbottom Regent, making half the room flinch "The governors will be demanding a minutes of the meeting! Tell me girl, did you lie on your resume? Because you don't seem to have the slightest idea what your job is!" Augusta chided as if talking to a primary school student
This would not be the end for Dolores though, as Scrimgeour joined in on the fun "Aye", began the Head Auror in his Scotsman accent " 'Said y'were some kinda secretary w'rent ye? Cannae imagine why ye were busy babbling like an imbecile instead of working... I'd have suspended or fired mine on the spot if she'd behaifed like ye"
"I always keep an extra quill and parchment if you need one, Dolores" offered Madam Bones, feigning looking through her purse
"No thanks, Director" answered an irate Umbridge through gritted teeth. Without another word, she fetched the essentials from her own bag and began writing angrily, nearly breaking her quill with the force she was applying.
"My staff and I took the liberty of drawing up a surveillance plan" transitioned Dumbledore, and with a wave of his wand, a sheet appeared in front of each participant, and began discussions with the Head Auror and the DMLE Director over personnel and arrangement.
"Hold on a minute!" protested Fudge as the discussion progressed completely ignoring his presence. Multiple heads turned towards him "I'm the Minister! This can't be decided without me!", the man complained like a child deprived of a toy
"Of course you are, Cornelius" replied a confused-looking Dumbledore "Only as I guessed, and your companion pointed out - you are terribly busy and possibly couldn't have time for such micromanagement?" Albus questioned, peering over his moon-frame spectacles
"uh..nba-tha" the Minister blabbered incoherently, before he was spared the blushes "Naturally your counsel is invaluable to us all and we'd appreciate any input from your behalf"
"Yes, of course" he cleared his throat, and began staring at the map rather intensely, attempting to decipher the schematics of the school
"You seem to know exac'ly how many men I have to spare, aye Dumbledore?" commented Scrimgeour, mixes parts amused and annoyed
"Made a reasonable guess, as any prudent man would" the man in question replied neutrally
"That right?" the accuser replied with a snort "...Seems good to me. I'll put Hestia Jones, head of the 'personal security' division to man Potter specifically...woman'll prolly go mad over being given the job; she'd marry the boy if he were a day over age" scoffed the lawman. "S'pose since isn't about choosing the color of paint fer the academy, you don't need to be involved, Melia?" Scrimgeour added an an afterthought, taking a not so subtle shot at the Director.
However, Bones was not one to let it slide "You may be un-fireable Rufus, but don't think for one second you can undermine me. You want this to turn into a power struggle, just say the word, or can all that Gryffindor bravery not make you admit you're not so sure you'd win one?" the Regent Bones clapped back
Before things could get ugly, McGonagall thankfully intervened "I had a suggestion, if I may?"
"Yes, Professor?" Dumbledore said with a discreet nod of appreciation to his deputy
"Mr. Potter could prove to be difficult in cooperating with his...watchers, for the lack of a better word" reckoned the Boy-Who-Lived's Head of House
"How so?" inquired Scrimgeour, intrigued
"Allow me, Head Auror" interposed Snape "Professor McGonagall means Potter is an egomaniacal little brat exceedingly like his father who will without question go off on his typical spree of rule-breaking and sneaking" he spoke in one breath "Given how precious" Severus virtually spat " the boy is...your assignee may not be enough" he concluded
"Perhaps Professor Snape has forgotten it is Mr Potter's "spree of rule-breaking" that this institution is still open and he is still gainfully employed!" barked back Minerva
"Enough!" spoke up Dumbledore, keen on avoiding an all too familiar altercation "Severus, please stay behind after the meet" he said with a look to his Potions master, before turning back to face Scrimgeour. He gave a thoughtful look, and after a brief pause, continued "...Severus does raise a valid point" he declared, putting up a hand in anticipation of the Head lioness' protests "As thankful as Hogwarts, and the realm at large is for his actions in the last two years - and believe me we have good reason to be - the boy does go looking for trouble... and equally, in fairness, trouble does seem to find him"
"Boy may be slick, but surely he's not slipping past an Auror Albus!" mooted Madam Bones
"I disagree, Amelia" Dumbledore stated vehemently "...but I believe it is not an insurmountable problem. Young Harry chooses whom he can trust cautiously. Moreover, he is repellent of surveillance. Placing a Ministry assigned employee will immediately draw a hostile response - and immediate skeptically and paranoia"
"Which breed mistrust in spades" Amelia completed for him, seeing the logic.
"My point exactly" the great-breaded man acquiesced "He will undoubtedly try and lose this new 'tail' which he will read as 'spying' and 'controlling' from me specifically" Dumbledore emphasized, but moved on quickly, before any questions could be asked "...our best option is placing someone who he either trusts, or at least looks at favorably... I suggest Private First Class Nymphadora Tonks be put in as our point man"
"What an excellent idea!" erupted the Minister "Yes! His proxy's daughter! I agree, we absolutely must... great suggestion Dumbledore, I too was thinking the same!" Fudge spoke in his crafted jovial voice, attempting to be seen as relevant in the conversation "...Well, Rufus? Amelia? Surely you agree too?!"
"Cadet, no PFC Tonks" the Regent Bones corrected herself "promising lass, got the flair, quick on her feet too, and more than appropriately skilled, for sure... bit green, but I too think she's the best option. I personally evaluated her on her graduation" Amelia added the last part as a discreet jab to Rufus, who proudly stated how he was 'one of the boys' and an excellent man-manager
"..Well, let's do it" agreed Scrimgeour
"Excellent!" spoke up Fudge "well, wizards, it has been a pleasure, but I must get going, I'm a busy man!" finished Fudge with a laugh, and with a tip of his hat, began towards the floo network.
"We'd like to see Madam Umbridge's draft, if that is alright?" Dumbledore 'politely' questioned
"Pardon?" asked Fudge, turning back to face the Headmaster
"Well as Undersecretary she must draft the press release, yes?" reckoned Augusta "do make sure all of us receive a copy, Dorothy - no, Delores" she added the name as if forgetting it.
Umbridge mustered the biggest smile she could, and left without a word
"Come now, people! Was that much really necessary?!" protested Fudge over the bashing of his Undersecretary
"Keep your pet on a leash or she'll be getting neutered again" Augusta dismissed, taking her leave, followed by the Minister
"Let's keep the dementors for one last night. Aurors should be here by tomorrow morning, say 8 am?" Amelia propositioned, also beginning to get up. Scrimgeour looked sourpussed over Amelia speaking on behalf of the DMLE, but decided to let it go.
"Wonderful, many thanks Amelia. Also have my thanks for attending a meet at this hour, for the prompt action, and for the support. Consider me indebted" Dumbledore imparted humbly
"Nonsense, of course we would... well I have to rush, working on a floo regulation bill...good day, Albus, Professors.. Rufus" she added, flooing back to her office. Following his own parting ritual, Scrimgeour left too, and soon, it was just the Hogwarts faculty and their headmaster.
"Albus, thank you" Minerva said earnestly, breaking the silence.
"There is no need. In fact" Dumbledore began, now facing his head of houses directly, "I must thank and apologize to all of you especially. I am well aware about all the scathing letters and howlers you have received from the parents. I am also aware Madam Sprout, that just yesterday a student broke down in your office, and it was not the first time something of that nature has happened this semester. I am aware you have disagreed with my decision-making recently, but have giving me your 100% regardless. And lastly, I am aware of the tremendous pressure on all of you and your own healths. You are the finest group of colleagues... no friends any person could have asked for, and don't receive even nearly the amount of credit you deserve. I realise as I am speaking, that I do not recall the last time I thanked you, for everything that you do, far and beyond what you are expected to. Let me say this to you all - your presence is cherished by me, and that is the highest compliment I am capable of giving. You are invaluable, and I hope we stay together for years to come."
To say that the four professors in the room were stunned would be an understatement. The amount of emotion that had come pouring out of Dumbledore wasn't just rare, it was hitherto unseen. They were touched by their longtime boss' tribute.
"If I may speak, Headmaster" McGonagall asked throatily "...I think I speak on all our behalf when I say this - there is no one we would be rather led by, and we all cherish you, and you are not just my Headmaster, but my lifelong friend" she finished shakily, and received affirmations from around the room - including Snape.
"Thank you Minerva, I am touched" replied Albus, getting sentimental himself. He took time to steady himself, before continuing "No amount of apology can make up for the burdens you have had to carry, not just this semester, but for the past two years. As many have said before me, actions speak louder than words - ask, and if it is in my power, I shall give it to you" he declared, surprising his staff once more.
"Oh, and something you should keep in mind - something I was meaning to say at the next staff meet - I have been recipient of many charitable contributions over the years, and as often as I can, I ask they be diverted to the school, having more than I can use myself. However, any donation made is just gold sitting in a vault deep under the ground, and usable by us only after the Board of Governors incorporate it in their budget meetings. In recent years, with Lucius Malfoy hijacking the Board, as you may be aware, those have been noticeably absent. BUT, as you may also know, Lucius Malfoy was sacked recently, and while the budget had already been set, Augusta Longbottom managed to intimidate the rest of the room into a new condition, that for this year, we be allowed to make 'special requests' which the Board will ponder individually. What I'm trying to say is all that gold piling up for years have left us, well, flush... This new state of affairs is something you may want to keep in mind" the ancient wizard ended meekly, though with the largest smile, a sentiment echoed by the room at large.
"Severus, perhaps you would like to start?" proposed Flitwick
"Thank you Filius, I would, but I wish to speak to Professor Dumbledore about it privately..."
"Severus being Severus" guffawed Pomona, making everyone else snicker
"Of course, Professor Snape, in any case I wished to speak to you... Pomona?" transitioned Dumbledore
"I've been wanting this for years, but with Malfoy keeping us hamstrung, I knew I couldn't ask" she mumbled "...Umm, I've identified some exotic species that we could bring to Hogwarts, but I'd like to go and study them personally..." the Herbology Professor shyly put forward
"Send me an itinerary, Professor Sprout, I will write to the Board myself. Though I am disappointed you did not seek my help, I could have paid for your sabbatical myself" he finished, peering over at the Head of Hufflepuff
"...That's... why I didn't ask" she muttered, blushing heavily, but making her colleagues rave with laughter.
"Professor McGonagall and I had a combined request, Professor"
"Yes, Fillius?" asked an intrigued headmaster, stroking his beard
"Minerva and I would like to takeover and reformulate the dueling club" he declared in one breath, so fast that it was nearly incomprehensible.
"Professor-" whatever the headmaster was about to say was overridden by an impassioned McGonagall
"We can re-create the magic England had on the international stage!"
"Professor-" Dumbledore began again, but the Scotswoman wasn't to hear
"It's a lucrative career path"
"Professor-"
"Oh for heaven's sake Albus, we can have rubbish like Divination but not-"
"PROFESSOR" Dumbledore yelled, breaking McGonagall out of her rant "I agree"
"Oh-Um -Headmaster, I'm truly sorry-" apologized Minerva, thoroughly flustered
"None needed Minerva" the long bearded wizard replied with some amusement "What do you need?"
"We've already planned everything out, down to the last spell. We need a floor with only abandoned classrooms to be refurnished as we need, some dummies, battle barriers so people can watch, and a host of other things... but most importantly, we need time, Headmaster"
Flitwick took over before Dumbledore could ask the obvious question "We are swamped with work, apart from having a full 7 year course to teach, we are both Head of Houses, and Minerva is additionally your deputy... Batch sizes are increasing again, with the post-war population boom. The current year is nearly twice the size of the third year, that only means more workload. Honestly, Professor, we currently don't have the time to fruitfully contribute towards building a dueling culture here. We were wondering if two, or even one year could be taken over..."
"I understand completely, my wise friend" Dumbledore replied with a smile. "You are proposing that the first two years be taught by an understudy?"
"Actually we wished to hang on to the first years, since being Head of Houses, this will give us more time with the new students. But if Year 2 and Year 3 could be..."
"Very well. I must say children losing out on 2 years of education with you is a huge blow, but I cannot deny the reasoning. We will have new faculty join our family" the man promised
"We will maintain status quo for this year, since abruptly changing teachers midway through a course is never good, we can manage running the dueling club simultaneously till the next year"
"Which gives requisite time for me to find a suitable successor" added Dumbledore.
Then, out of nowhere, the man began laughing.
"Professor?"
"Nothing... just... when given the liberty to ask anything, the only requests you put forth were for the your students." he pointed out with a smile.
"I do believe that there is no other profession that invokes as many frustrations, yet as much passion" Dumbledore said with glistening eyes, taken back to his own teaching days.
Meanwhile, in the Medical Wing
Padfoot eyed the sleeping form of his godson worriedly. The moonlight had lit up the medical wing sufficiently enough for him to make out the still not fully healed burns, as well as the copious amounts of medical paraphernalia, multiple empty flasks, as well as a filled one tucked in between the wall and the bed.
'Probably an emergency potion for the night' he reckoned.
He was watching from afar, eager to come closer, but apprehensive out of fear.
'At least he looks he'll be alright... If only I'd found that rat by know... if only I'd asked James not to-'
He was brought out of falling into an all-familiar guilt trip by movement. But not where he expected - the boy on the bed sat up.
Sirius' initial instinct was to leg it.
But this was a golden opportunity.
To talk, to explain everything.
What's the worse that could happen? Not like he could be any more wanted then he was... If he could lure the boy out, then grab him...that'd give him time to talk. Maybe the kid might even believe him... there was so much that could go wrong, but Sirius couldn't help but feel like he owed it a shot. Hell, he could at least ask him to get the rat, and see for himself. It was his best friends' after all...
The Marauder saw Harry pat the bed, indicating him to come closer.
'I was hoping he'd do that... at least I have a start'
Playing the role of the timid but curious mutt to perfection, he tiptoed his way to the seemingly unassuming boy.
"Hey boy" Harry greeted him affectionately, and using his arm which was comparatively less injured, started stroking the 'dog'.
Sirius looked like he was enjoying the ruffling, but on the inside, he was tearing up. He couldn't help but start drifting into a reality where he'd explained everything - and the boy had believed him. It was giving him shivers, he couldn't wait anymore.
'I've done my waiting. 12 years of it.. in Azkaban'
He looked directly into Harry's eyes, and as green eyes met grey, Sirius heard the 5 words that singularly changed the rest of his life's trajectory
"I know you are innocent"
Harry declared in a hushed voice, making Sirius freeze.
He took his hand off of him and produced a parchment from his side which was farther away from, and in the dog's blind spot.
He recognized it instantly. It was the Marauders' Map.
Harry knew.
Without another thought, Padfoot transformed into Sirius and threw himself at the boy.
And that's a wrap!
I could have ended it after this scene, but that could probably take another 1000 or more words, and I really wanted to post something, since its been so long.
Hope you enjoyed it, and stay tuned for updates!
Thank you for reading!