I do not own Harry Potter.
A/N: I hope you enjoy this new chapter.
Enjoy!
Chapter 30: A New Semester Begins
A new semester began. The students were back at Hogwarts. All the children were chatting amongst themselves while eating their dinner.
Harry sat next to Ron, listening to when he and his brothers went to a Quidditch match. Harry was so excited for him because he knew how much Ron loved Quidditch.
Professor McGonagall tapped on her goblet when dessert came to get the students' attention. After several glass chimes, the Great Hall was silent. All the students looked up at the dais and saw Professor Dumbledore standing up.
"Welcome back, students," Albus said. "I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. I would like to bring a few things to your attention. Professor Quirrell will no longer be teaching at this school."
The students started murmuring amongst themselves. Professor McGonagall had to tap her goblet again.
"Set your hearts at ease," Albus said. "We have a new Professor here as his replacement." Albus held out his hand, beckoning Remus to rise. "This is Professor Lupin. He will be your Defense teacher."
This news shocked Harry. He was happy he didn't have to see Professor Quirrell anymore. The man scared the child. Maybe Professor Lupin would make the class fun, and perhaps he wouldn't always get so sick. Harry's thoughts were interrupted when he heard Professor Dumbledore say, "Well, good night, my students." Get your rest for your classes tomorrow."
Harry didn't know what to do. He looked at the Professors' table and saw his Godfather talking with Professor McGonagall. He wanted so much to go to his room in the dungeon, and his safety said he could come down, but he didn't want to waste his one time now.
"Come on, Harry," Dean said, getting up from the table. "Seamus brought back some candies and games."
"Yeah," Ron chimed in. "We're going to play Gobstones."
Harry stood with Ron and gave his Godfather another look before leaving the Great Hall.
Severus looked up just when Harry was leaving the Great Hall. He didn't want to admit that he would miss having his godson in his chambers with him. But he was resigned, knowing he would see the child in his class the next day.
"You know, you can just go up there and say good night to the child," Minerva smirked as she leaned beside Severus.
Severus closed his eyes and lowered his head. The teasing would never stop. He was really beginning to not like this old cat. But he couldn't understand why she felt he was family. Albus was a given since the old coot adopted him, but learning of Minerva's feelings towards him surprised him.
0_0_0
The five Gryffindor boys walked into their dorm and unpacked.
"How was your Christmas?" Harry asked.
"Great," Dean answered, putting his bag on his bed. "We went to the Americas." Dean pulled out a few souvenirs and showed the other boys what he got.
"Yeah, Gran took me to Paris," Neville chimed in.
Ron walked over to his bed. "Hey, Harry. You got a present."
"What?" Harry asked, walking over to his bed. There wasn't anything on his bed when he brought his things up from his Godfather's chambers.
There was a silvery-wrapped package sitting on the bed. Harry was wary of it. Getting presents from his Godfather was the first time he'd ever had a present.
"Who's it from?" Seamus asked, bringing Harry from his thoughts.
"Don't know," Harry answered, still not moving closer towards the bed.
"Well, open it," Dean prodded. "Let's see what it is."
Harry looked over at Ron and saw his friend nodding. Harry took a deep breath and reached out for the present. Stilling his nerves, Harry opened the wrapping. He was shocked at what he was looking at—a robe.
Harry pulled the woven fabric from the wrapping and held it against him. It was heavier than it appeared. And it was extremely long. Swinging his arms, Harry wrapped the robe around his shoulders.
"Whoa!"
"Wicked!"
"Harry's invisible," Dean screamed.
Harry looked down at his body and saw it was gone. He could only see the floor. He touched his arm under the robe and could still feel himself; he just couldn't see himself. He could feel the mattress behind him. It was weird. He could feel the floor under his shoes but couldn't see them.
"That's an invisibility cloak," Neville said.
"Yeah," Ron agreed. "They're really rare." Ron walked over to the discarded wrapper. "Here's a note."
Though mesmerized by the cloak, Harry took it off and laid it on the bed, grabbing the note.
'Your father left this in my possession. Use it well.'
Well, that was cryptic.
0_0_0
Severus returned to his chambers and stood in the doorway of Harry's room. It was so easy now to think of this as Harry's. Just a few months earlier, Severus didn't want to have anything to do with the child. He dreaded the boy coming to Hogwarts. He did not want to live another seven years with someone who would probably act just as arrogant and entitled as his father, making his life hell again.
But that's not who stepped in those double doors. What stepped into those doors was a small child shrouded in mystery. That child held many secrets, some of which Severus is still learning about.
Looking back, Severus saw a child filled with wonder of a new beginning, not arrogance. A child searching for acceptance and love, not fame and notoriety.
Severus was ashamed of the way he treated Harry. He was proven wrong in his assessment of the child. And he was glad he was. He would not admit his realization to Albus and Minerva, though Severus was confident they already knew.
Severus slowly walked into Harry's room and sat down on the edge of the bed. Though the child would still be in the castle and agreed that he could spend a night a week of his choosing with him, Severus would miss his company.
"You know, you can always call dear Harry down here. I'm sure he would love to come."
Severus closed his eyes, not wanting to turn around and see the old geezer's gleeful expression. Why was he even here?
"Does the concept of knocking elude to you?" Severus asked, turning to face Albus, who was standing in the doorway.
Albus just smiled at his adoptive son.
"What are you doing here?" Severus asked, getting up and walking out of Harry's room.
"When have I ever not come down and said good night to you before classes start?" Albus countered.
Severus sighed as he walked into his sitting room and sat down in his wing-back chair. "As you can see, I'm fine. You do not have to linger. I'll even be in the Great Hall for breakfast."
Albus laughed out loud after that comment. Usually, Albus would have to drag Severus, kicking and screaming, to go to the hall for breakfast.
"Good night, Albus," Severus said, picking up his Potions Journal from the side table.
"Good night, son," Albus said, leaving by way of the floo.
There was a knock on the door, bringing Severus from his reading. Leaning his head back, he sighed. Would these two leave him alone? Albus had just left, meaning that this was going to be Minerva. Not bothering to get up, Severus waved his hand, causing the door to his chambers to open. Severus was prepared to hear Minerva's voice but was surprised when the voice he did hear was male.
"Snape," Remus said, standing in the doorway.
Severus was puzzled as to why Lupin was back in his chambers.
Remus stood in the doorway for a moment. When the door didn't slam back into his face, he took that as permission to enter. Remus came in and sat on the sofa.
"What can I do for you?" Severus asked.
"I wanted to share with you one of the assignments I'm doing with the children," Remus said.
Severus laid the journal on his lap and looked at the other man. "You are a grown man, Lupin. I'm sure you don't need my approval on your teaching subjects."
Remus couldn't help but snort at Severus' statement but continued. "I've captured the boggart," Remus said.
That got Severus' attention—the amount of time it took for Minerva and himself to convince Harry that his uncle was not in the castle and had no way of reaching it. Severus didn't want to put Harry through that again. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Harry was still fragile about what happened. Severus could tell Harry was trying to hide his issues—something he could probably put on his relatives' doorstep.
"Do you think it's wise to have first-years face their worst nightmares?" Severus asked, putting his journal back on the small table.
"I think it would be a fun way for the children to face their fears in a classroom setting," Remus urged.
"If you want to do that with your older years, fine," Severus said. "But not the first-years, and definitely not Harry."
"But—"
"Harry is still not used to so much magic," Severus said. "It took a lot to convince…"
"Wait a minute," Remus said, cutting Severus off. "What do you mean Harry's not used to magic? He's been with you. What have you done with him?"
Remus didn't like hearing that Harry was lacking from the other students. He didn't want to fully blame Severus, but he wouldn't stand idly by and see Harry suffer if Severus mistreated Harry because of who his father was. The werewolf tried to keep the growl from his tone but wasn't as successful as he'd hoped.
When Severus told Albus that he was no longer that scrawny boy, he meant that. It didn't mean that he wasn't cautious around the werewolf. He knew how to defend himself. And would not hesitate if it meant protecting himself or Harry.
Severus lowered his arm, hiding it behind the side of his chair. He flicked his wrist so that his wand was in his hand, ready to defend himself if needed.
"I've done nothing to Harry," Severus said calmly.
"Then what do you mean Harry's not used to magic?" Remus growled. His eyes turned amber. "He's been with you."
"Firstly, you will calm down before I tell you anything," Severus said coolly. "I am no longer a child, and you do not have Potter and Black to hide behind. You are in my chambers and will show me some respect."
Severus' words washed over Remus like ice-cold water. He blinked, clearing his head. What was his problem, Remus thought? Severus made his Wolfsbane.
"Now," Severus said, bringing Remus from his thoughts. "I did nothing to Harry because I didn't know much about the boy until he entered the Great Hall at the beginning of term."
"That's impossible," Remus sighed, sounding deflated, leaning back on the sofa. "He's been with you."
"No," Severus shook his head.
"What?"
"I didn't learn I was Harry's Godfather until a week before the Christmas holiday."
"How is that possible?" Remus asked befuddled.
"A curse was placed on the will and was hidden for the past ten years," Severus said. "It was an elf under the Confundo curse."
Remus couldn't believe what he was hearing. This wasn't supposed to be like this. When he learned that James and Lily died, Sirius killed Peter and was arrested; he just knew that Harry was safe with Severus. Then his mind went back to when he first arrived back at Hogwarts. The boggart. Remus looked at Severus and asked, "Harry's boggart, who was that?"
Severus sighed, bringing his wand hand and laying his wand on his lap.
"That was what terrifies Harry the most," Severus said. "That was his muggle uncle."
Remus couldn't believe this. He lowered his head in his cupped hands. His elbows on his knees.
"You said you and Lily became closer friends in the seventh year," Severus stated. "I'm sure Lily talked about her sister." Remus nodded but didn't raise his head from his cupped hands. "And I'm sure you were privy to many stories."
"She told me a few," Remus mumbled in his palms, "but not much."
"I'm sure you could gather from what she did tell you."
Remus lifted his head, looked at Severus, and asked the one question he wanted and didn't want to know, "What did they do to him?"
000
Remus walked into his chambers later that night. He had a lot to unpack, both physically and mentally. What had happened that Halloween night? Did he really know the people he thought of as friends?
When Remus walked into his office, he went straight to the small cupboard that housed the boggart. He believed that showing the children the boggart would be a great idea, but after learning what he did from Severus, he realized that maybe it would be best for the upper years. Remus decided on another assignment that the first years could do with the help of Severus. Something fun.
0_0_0
The Gryffindor boys' dormitory was buzzing. Dean and Seamus shared the lollies and sweets they had received over the holiday while they played Exploding Snaps.
Harry missed his Godfather but was happy to return to the dormitory. He was also glad his friends were back and that they included him in their fun.
A little later, Percy came in, informing the boys that it was lights out. They all got ready for bed. Harry snuggled down in his duvet. It was much later when he heard the door creak. Harry's heart started to race, hearing the creaking floorboards as they got louder towards his bed. Harry held his breath when he felt more than heard his curtain that surrounded his bed open, and something or someone sat on the bed.
"Harry," a whispered voice said.
Harry gasped at the voice. He knew that voice. He was safe with that voice. That was the voice of his safety. Harry scrambled from under his duvet and collided with his safety, wrapping his arms tightly around his neck.
Severus told himself that he would see Harry in the morning and in class, but after talking with Remus, he couldn't not see his godson. He had to see Harry, feel Harry's arms around him before going to sleep. When Harry wrapped his small arms around his neck, Severus felt like he could breathe easily again. After a moment of just holding his godson, Severus patted the child's bum.
"Okay," Severus whispered, loosening his arms around Harry. "I want you to get some sleep."
"Good night, Professor," Harry whispered, giving one more squeeze before letting go and laying back down.
Severus tucked Harry back under the cover and leaned down, brushing his lips over Harry's forehead.
"I'll see you at breakfast," Severus whispered before standing up and leaving the boys' dormitory.
Harry put his hand over his forehead where his safety kissed him. The boy felt so special. Harry curled on his side and quickly fell asleep.
0_0_0
Harry woke to a wet muzzle nudging against his face. When he opened his eyes, he was startled by the huge dog face in front of him. Quickly sitting up, "Fang!" Once again, Harry was holding Fang's head back, trying to avoid the dog's tongue.
Ron stirred from his bed, waking up. He rubbed his eyes. "What's going on?" Ron said after he yawned. "Whoa." His tone was more alert when he saw the massive dog in their dorms.
"Wow!" Dean exclaimed. "How did he get in here?"
Harry was finally able to squirm out from under Fang and crawl out of bed from the other side.
The door to the dormitory opened, and Percy walked in.
"What's all the….What's Fang doing in here?" Percy asked. "Which one of you snuck Fang in here?"
"Like anyone could sneak in Hagrid's dog without anyone seeing them," Ron said, rolling his eyes at his brother.
"We woke up to him being in here," Neville said.
"Well," Percy said, walking further into the room and gripping Fang by his collar. "He can't stay here, and you boys need to get ready and go down to breakfast."
0_0_0
Nobody is going to keep me from him. I don't care who they are. He's mine. It was impossible before, but now, here's my chance. I was able to get around last time, and I would again now.
He slowly made his way into the castle, remembering all the secret alcoves from when he was at Hogwarts last time, which made it easier to sneak around. Ducking behind one of the tapestries that covered hidden corridors, he trotted in silence.
When he came out the other end after several winding corridors and stairs, he made it close to the Gryffindor's Common Rooms. All he had to do was wait.
His wait wasn't long, as the portrait that stood guard in front of the Common Rooms opened, and several students came out. He was surprised when he saw the Gamekeeper's dog being led from the rooms. Why was Fang in the castle? His inquiry was interrupted when the person he was looking for walked out with other children: Harry Potter.
0_0_0
Remus left his chambers, heading to the Great Hall for breakfast. Remus still couldn't wrap his head around what he learned. Harry was abused. Living with his mother's sister. Remus knew that Lily was adamant that Harry would be nowhere near that woman after the terrible debacle that happened at James and Lily's wedding. It took Remus, Sirius, and James to remove Lily's sister and brother-in-law from the ceremony. The only good thing about it was that Lily didn't learn of the commotion until after her and James' honeymoon. The three agreed she didn't need to know her wedding almost became a spectacle.
As Remus walked towards the stairs, he saw Harry walking with his friends. He was surprised to see Fang, who usually never came inside the castle. Remus couldn't help smiling at the sight. Harry was smiling as he talked animatedly with his friends. Harry was happy. That's what Remus would focus on. Right now, Harry was happy.
Things took a turn when a smell invaded Remus' sensitive senses. It's been a long time since he smelled this. The last time was over ten years ago.
"That's impossible," Remus growled as he turned from his original trek down the stairs to continuing down the corridor. He didn't see anything.
Maybe it was just a memory smell—old phantoms from the past. Remus turned the way he'd come and went to the Great Hall for breakfast.
0_0_0
Severus came upstairs, heading towards the Great Hall, when he saw a group of Gryffindors walking. Seeing the children wasn't surprising, but seeing that behemoth once again inside the school was surprising.
"Mr. Weasley," Severus said, walking towards the group. "Planning a prank? I would think something like that would be more from your twin brothers than a prefect like yourself."
"No, sir," Percy said, his arm pulled around as he tried to contain Fang. "He came into the boys' dormitory."
"Really," Severus said, looking over to Harry.
"Yeah," Harry said. "He woke me up."
"Take that behemoth back to Hagrid's," Severus ordered.
"Yes, sir," Percy replied, but when he tried to move towards the door, Fang would not budge. "Come on, Fang," Percy pleaded with the dog.
"I'll take him," Harry said.
Before Severus could dispute that idea, Ron agreed to go with Harry.
Harry gripped Fang's collar and headed towards the door.
"Wait," Severus called out. Snapping his fingers, two warm robes, gloves, and hats appeared in the Potions Master's hands. "Put these on. I expect you at the table in ten minutes."
"Yes, sir," the boys said in unison.
With ease, Fang followed Harry and Ron out to the courtyard. Severus stood at the door and watched his godson and the younger Weasley run down towards Hagrid's hut. Shaking his head, Severus turned and went into the Great Hall.
000
Harry knocked on the wooden door.
"Not right now." Came the call from inside.
"Hagrid," Harry called. "We got Fang."
"What?" Hagrid opened the door. "Fang, you mangy mutt. Get inside."
"Wow," Ron said, stepping just inside the door. "It's hot in here."
Harry agreed. It was never this warm in Hagrid's hut when he visited before.
"Well, come inside," Hagrid invited. "Don't want you to get too cold."
Harry and Ron walked in and pulled off their hats and gloves. They walked over to the table. In the middle of it sat a giant brown ball nestled on a bed of wrapped blankets. Well, it looked like a ball to Harry.
"Hagrid," Harry said. "What is that?"
"Well, it's a—" Hagrid started.
"I know what that is," Ron piped in. "But they're rare. Where did you get it?"
"I won it," Hagrid said proudly. "In a card game last night."
"What is it?" Harry asked again.
"It's a dragon egg."
0_0_0
Remus sat down at the head table and watched as the children came inside the Great Hall for breakfast. His mind still wondered at the scent he picked up when he left his chambers. Maybe after what he learned the previous night, had his mind susceptible to familiar smells of the past. Remus picked up the copy of the Daily Prophet next to his plate and read the headline.
No, Remus growled to himself. This can not be. It wasn't a memory. Remus stood and rushed out of the door behind the teacher's table. Breakfast forgotten.
0_0_0
Sirius walked down a forgotten corridor, heading towards one of the side doors that he and the other marauders would sneak in to get out of the castle.
Remus took the stairs two at a time. If the scent was strong, Remus knew he would find him. The big question was how he was at Hogwarts to start with. Why would he come here first? When Remus turned the last curve at the end, he saw something or rather someone who should not be on this side of Azkaban. A low growl escaped his lips as he drew his wand and cast an Immobulus charm on the large black dog.
000
Sirius didn't know what hit him. One minute, he was heading towards the exit, and the next, he was frozen in place. He felt himself rising from the floor. Being in dog form and still weak, the fast movement made him dizzy, so he closed his eyes. He felt his body change back to his human form, and when he opened his eyes again, he was face-to-face with someone he'd never expected to see at Hogwarts: Remus Lupin.
In two steps, Remus was at Sirius' side. He gripped Sirius' collar and slammed him to the wall.
"I should kill you," Remus growled. "You had James and Lily killed."
"Remus," Sirius pleaded. "Please believe me."
"Believe what?" Remus snarled, pulling Sirius from the wall just to slam his former friend back against it again.
Sirius grunted in pain but didn't try to defend himself. He could see Remus' eyes were turning amber.
"That you didn't set out and had James and Lily killed," wrapping his hand around Sirius' throat. "Killed Peter when he tried to stop you. That you didn't abandon Harry to a life of abuse."
"I wasn't James' secret keeper," Sirius pleaded as he tried to take in air. "Peter was."
Remus slammed Sirius against the wall again but stepped back from the animagus.
"You're lying," Remus said.
"It's the truth," Sirius said, rubbing his throat. "I persuaded James to make Peter their secret keeper."
0_0_0
"Good morning, Albus," Minerva said when she entered Albus's office.
Albus was sitting behind his desk, looking over the Daily Prophet and drinking tea. The Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress usually shared a morning cup of tea before heading towards the Great Hall for breakfast.
"Good morning, my dear," Albus said, looking up at her. "Ready for a new semester?"
Minerva walked over to the tea service, helped herself to a cuppa, and sat down on the other side of Albus' desk. She saw the headlines.
"So, Amelia was able to acquire a date for Black's trial?" Minerva asked.
Albus closed the paper to look at the first-page heading. The Headmaster couldn't help but twinkle when he remembered his impromptu visitor from the previous night.
(_~~~)
Cornelius stormed through the floo, demanding answers.
"What is the meaning of this, Albus?" Cornelius raged, walking to Albus' desk and slamming his hands on the wood.
"Is this how you enter someone's home?" Albus asked calmly. Not in the least affected by the Minister's attitude.
"Explain yourself," Cornelius ordered. "What right do you have to take a criminal out of Azkaban without informing me first?"
"Things came to light while you were on your excursion to the Himalayas. Or was it Figi?" Albus said, sitting back in his chair, his hands clasped in front of him.
Cornelius paled a little. No one was supposed to know where he went.
"You are being informed now," Albus said. "So, what is the problem? A trial date has been set. There's nothing else to talk about."
For the second time in as many days, Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, was dismissed.
(_~~)
"Yes," Albus answered. "Understandably, I will be away from the castle for this."
"Of course," Minerva said. After a moment of quiet between the two, Minerva spoke again. "I guess it's time to head down to breakfast."
"Yes," Albus agreed. "Severus has promised to be at breakfast."
Minerva laughed. "We'll see if he keeps it."
As the two of them walked towards the door, Albus hesitated momentarily.
"Minerva, go on ahead," Albus said. "There's something I need to do first before going to the Great Hall."
"Of course, Albus."
0_0_0
Remus conjured a chair and sat in the middle of the room. Still standing against the wall, Sirius didn't dare move from his spot.
"So, you were at the house?" Remus asked.
"I arrived the same time Hagrid showed up. James was dead on the floor," Sirius said.
"Why didn't you check on Lily and Harry?" Remus asked.
"I thought they were dead," Sirius said. "You have to understand part of the roof was blown off. The house was on the verge of collapse. Hagrid came out with Harry. I went after Peter."
Trying to keep his temper this time, Remus took a deep breath, holding it until his lungs burned for release before letting the air escape. "Why didn't you stay with Harry?" Remus asked once he knew he could speak without yelling.
"Hagrid was there," Sirius explained. "I let him have my motorbike. He would take Harry to Albus."
Remus just blinked at Sirius. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Instead of caring for his godson, he pawned him off to someone else.
"Harry was fine with Hagrid," Sirius continued. "I needed to find that traitor."
Anger flared in Remus again. He could feel the wolf raging inside of him. He really couldn't believe what he was hearing. He looked at the man who had been his friend during their school years. Taking a few more calming breaths, his anger soothed to indifference.
"Why are you even here?" Remus asked, sounding weary.
"I came for my godson," Sirius said. "Snivellous has him."
"Why do you care now?" Remus asked. "You didn't care when it mattered. You pawned him off for Hagrid to take care of him."
"I was going after Peter," Sirius defended. "It was all Peter's fault. James is dead because of that rat."
"But Harry was alive," Remus roared, standing up with such force he knocked over the chair he was sitting on. "Is alive. Did you ever think of the child? Do you ever think about anything or anyone but yourself?" Remus started pacing for a moment before turning back to face Sirius. "Harry is with his Godfather."
"I am his Godfather," Sirius roared. "Not Snivellous. That no-good Death Eater shouldn't be around my godson."
Remus shook his head at his friend. Things had never changed. "I don't think you really care who has Harry, as long as it's not Severus."
"That's not true," Sirius said. "Harry belongs with me."
"No, he doesn't," Remus said firmly. "You didn't care about Harry ten years ago. You only wanted revenge."
"Peter had James and Lily killed."
"Yeah," Remus agreed, "so instead of protecting their child once you learned the baby was alive or see truly to his safety. You rush out for revenge. Forget about the child. The one they were truly after. Leave him unprotected—"
"He was protected," Sirius roared, tired of people not getting his point.
"By who?" Remus countered. "A half-giant that couldn't do magic. You left Harry, a baby, vulnerable to another possible attack."
"I had to find Peter," Sirius said.
"No," Remus said, shaking his head. "You wanted to find Peter. Harry be damned. What you should have done was take Harry to Albus yourself. Convince the man that you persuaded the Potters to change secret keepers at the last minute. And allow the Order to find Peter. Which would have happened sooner or later; as you know, Peter can't tie his shoes without someone pulling the strings."
Sirius was speechless.
"You allowed your arrogant stupidity to start off a horrible chain reaction. And little Harry was the casualty. For ten years, that child suffered unimaginable abuse. And now that he's found love and safety, you want to stop that just to get at Severus. You don't care about Harry. You just want to hurt Severus again. Now, I don't know how you got here. I don't really care. You left Harry ten years ago. That proved to me where your true priorities were. You will not hurt Harry."
"But Remus," Sirius paled, "Harry belongs with me."
"No," Remus said. "He's with who he belongs with. I will tell you this," Remus stepped in front of Sirius to where they were inches apart, "if you want to get to know Harry, then you will do it right. You will go through Severus. Severus Snape is Harry's Godfather. If you try and fight this, I will stop you. I witnessed Lily naming Severus as one of Harry's Godfathers. Now, if you want any kind of relationship with Harry, you will go through Severus."
"I couldn't've said it better myself."
Both marauders turned to the new person in the room. Albus was leaning against the now-opened door.
"I do believe," Albus said, walking into the room, "I said that as long as my son was within these walls of Hogwarts, you were not allowed to come unless Severus invited you."
"Why won't any of you listen to me?" Sirius raged. "I am Harry's Godfather. He belongs with me, not that Death Eater."
Remus and Sirius felt the temperature drop in the room. Remus looked at Albus and saw a look on the old wizard that had him stepping back.
Albus stood in front of Sirius and said. "I have secured a date for a trial for you. You will go back to Grimmauld Place, and that is where you will stay until your trial. Misty." A small house-elf popped into the room. "Misty will stay with you at your home. Where she will keep an eye on you. She will care for you, but you will not be able to leave that house until I come for you."
Albus raised his finger and pointed it at Sirius' chest. Sirius began to groan in discomfort.
"Your ability to change into your animagus has been blocked. I will remove it only if you are found innocent." Albus turned to the small elf. "Misty, take Mr. Black back home. Ward the home so no one but me will be able to come or go. Take care of him. See to his needs."
"Yes, Headmaster," Misty said, bowing. She reached up and gripped Sirius' wrist tightly.
Albus raised his hand and snapped Sirius and Misty from the castle. After a moment of calming breaths, Albus looked at Remus.
"Remus, let's go have breakfast," Albus said, walking out of the room.
Remus followed wordlessly.
As they reached the steps, Remus had to ask a question.
"Headmaster," Remus said, halting at the top of the stairs. "Severus is your son?"
"He is," Albus answered. "Severus is a private man."
"I understand," Remus said. And the two wizards headed for the Great Hall.
TBC
A/N: Thank everyone who favored, followed, and reviewed my story.
Please leave a review, letting me know what you thought about this chapter.
Many hugs and kisses to you all!
~Mandancie~
