Disclosure Hp belongs to JKR. The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux

Sirius's Gift

Sirius escaped the Veil thanks to an enemy. He had to promise to keep it secret and disappear. On the Muggle side, he found help and a surprising discovery. He welcomes the opportunity for a fresh start, of sorts, while learning nothing happens by mere chance.

A/n slight changes from the first published.

Sirius and Fate

Exhausted from running, Sirius went through an entrance to the Muggle world. Remembering his Muggle Studies, he folded some of his clothes. Then, he started walking on a road, wishing he had a broom. Indeed, Sirius was tired, hungry, and thirsty but could not use his wand.

Despite the inconveniences, Sirius knew he was lucky. This night, Lucius, an enemy, covertly stopped him at the edge of the Veil. Later, Lucius returned to rescue him, using a spell only known to the Malfoy family. Since Lucius did not want to risk his neck any further, Sirius had to promise to go as far away as possible, use his wand sparingly, not contact anyone, and lay low for a while. Lucius wished him luck and before leaving, gave Sirius a purse full of Galleons.

Near dawn, a farmer saw Sirius and stopped his old noisy truck. "Young man, get in; you look tired. I can give you a lift, but only to the next town."

Sirius was grateful and climbed in, unsure what to do. "Have some coffee; you could use it." The man said, giving Sirius a metal bottle.

Sirius opened it and was surprised to find hot, milky coffee, without magic. "Thanks, it's good."

"You're welcome. You aren't from around here, right? You seem to be in trouble; I have seen that look before. I tell you what, my son died some months ago, and I could use a bit of help to work my land and with my cattle. What do you say? I am only picking up cattle feed and going back. I must say your face looks very familiar, but at my age, many people do." He chuckled.

Sirius nearly kissed the older man; he hoped his Karma was changing. Lucius had Apparated him as far as he could, to a remote entrance to the Muggle world, and he had walked all night. This place was isolated, and it was unlikely that magical people would be around. "Thanks, I can help, but I might need to learn." Sirius knew that he would need to learn without a wand.

The man grinned, "Ah, I see, you are a gentleman. No matter, you will learn fast."

Sometime later, they arrived at an old estate. The house was a well-kept old manor, so much for a farm. The man was no farmer. He seemed to live alone, but for a couple of small dogs, an old cook, and another older lady.

They ate a hearty breakfast. They had eggs, bacon, mushrooms, beans, homemade bread, fresh butter, strawberry marmalade, and hot tea; everything tasted like heaven. The cook deciding Sirius had to be famished, kept the food coming. Sirius missed the looks between Francis and the cook.

When finished, they unloaded the truck by a barn. Sirius saw only old cows and equally old horses in the barn. Sirius could see the 'cattle' were his pets, the cows wore fancy leather collars, and the horses had blankets; he read their names on block print on their stalls. The pretend farmer has pretend cattle, Sirius thought grinning, looking at the man petting the animals.

They let free the cows and horses out into a large, fenced area to clean the stalls. Sirius also saw a few chickens and a fat cat; the dogs were laying down for a nap, and the cat joined them, like old friends. He laughed at the handsomerooster, wanting attention and following Sirius wherever he went. My familiar, Sirius thought.

They worked for a couple of hours, and when finished, the farmer put his hand on Sirius's shoulder, "Son, why don't you walk around and come back in a few hours. We will work in the vegetable garden. Today is a good day if you fancy a nap under the sun. We will get my son's room ready for you; he was about your size, so feel free to use his clothes and whatever else you may need. I'd like that. There is a big bathroom connected to the room; you might like to freshen up." Sirius felt a genuinely welcoming wave of affection, and the man's kindness gave him hope.

"Yes, sir, thank you for everything, but first, let me introduce myself, "I am James White. Please to meet you." Sirius waited, feeling bad about lying, but he wanted to be cautious.

"I am Francis Thomas Riddle, named after my uncle. He wasn't a good man, abandoned his wife and family, always thinking he was better than everyone else." He stretched his hand, and Sirius shook it, remembering Muggle Studies, hoping the man wouldn't notice how cold it was.

He must be related to the Dark Lord; my bad Karma at work, Sirius thought, and for a second, he almost ran. Instead, they talked a little more. When Sirius walked away, he reasoned Fate had to be at work, who knew if he could learn something to help defeat Voldemort. He wondered if the Gaunt's homestead was nearby, hopefully not, though the story went that Voldemorts' mother lived near by.

He shrugged and kept walking. He smiled when he passed a building with several expensive-looking Muggle cars, as he remembered the old noisy truck. The place was beautiful, with many green trees, a gazebo, wild gardens full of flowers, an orchard, and a giant pond, a good place to swim in the summer. The sun shone, and the air smelled clean. Tears of gratitude rolled down his eyes; he was alive and safe.

Sirius walked a little more and found a meadow. The grass looked inviting, reminding Sirius of happier times with the Marauders before James was murdered. The rooster followed him.

He sat on the soft grass, then took off his shoes, socks, and the worn-out working coat the Muggle gave him. His eyes were closing, so he rolled the work coat as a pillow, placed his wand inside, and lay down. Putting a hand under his head, Sirius looked at the blue sky. The sun was bright and warm, and he could hear birds singing, soothing his injured soul, and erasing last night's darkness and horrors; he never wished to remember what he saw. He saw the rooster standing by him, Sirius thought he looks like a watch dog.

Sirius was nearly asleep when he decided to accept Mr. Riddle's generous offer. He had a place to sleep, food, and good company. He would have to stay away from Harry, but only for a time. Maybe long enough the young witch and Harry were together. Yes, he would stay. Why not? He knew his Karma was changing, so gratefully, Sirius welcomed the opportunity for a fresh start.