Chapter 39: “The Meeting at the Park”

As Harry and Emma made their way through the crisp morning air towards their rendezvous point in the park, the anticipation was palpable. Their steps were measured, and each lost in thought about the impending meeting with Sirius Black. Harry's mind was a whirlwind of emotions – curiosity, apprehension, and a sliver of hope.

Upon arriving, they spotted Sirius sitting alone on a secluded bench, his posture betraying a mix of nervousness and eagerness. Drawing closer, Harry could see the raw emotion on Sirius's face, a mixture of joy and trepidation upon seeing him.

"Harry, it's been too long. How have you been?" Sirius greeted him, his voice laden with a myriad of unspoken feelings. His eyes briefly shifted to Emma, "And who's this?"

"This is Emma, a close friend and a healer in training," Harry introduced her briefly, his tone still guarded.

Sirius's brow furrowed in confusion. "Healer? Harry, how did you meet an independant healer? They are quite rare."

Harry paused, knowing this conversation could lead anywhere. "We'll talk about that later. First, I need to know why everything happened the way it did after Voldemort attacked."

Sirius nodded solemnly, aware of the weight behind Harry's words. He asked Harry's permission before taking his wand out and setting up a privacy dome. He did not want the things said here to leak.

"After Voldemort was defeated, Dumbledore suggested new security measures. The Fidelius Charm failed twice, so they needed a new plan. But this new warding could only protect three people. James and Lily after some hesitation thought that Charles, being the one the prophecy said would beat Voldemort, should get the most protection. There was this prophecy made a few years before that night, you see, saying someone would become the equal of Voldemort and the end of him. I don't know the exact wording but Dumbledore thinks that person is Charles. You were sent away because of these warding limitations, so they could focus on keeping Charles safe and help him train for his destiny."

Harry's expression hardened, "That's it? Voldemort was gone. There was no immediate danger, especially with his followers locked up. Why was I sent away? Couldn't they have just used normal protections? And why didn't you do anything to stop them?"

Sirius looked down, struggling with his guilt. "I tried, Harry. I really did. But they were convinced it was the best way to keep Charles safe. They thought they were doing the right thing for the prophecy, but I couldn't change their minds. I wanted to keep you with me, but Dumbledore said I was too much of a target. They wouldn't listen. I didn't agree with any of it."

"But why the Dursleys? Couldn't I have stayed with any other wizard family?" Harry pressed, his voice tinged with bitterness.

Sirius let out a heavy sigh, explaining the deeper strategy at play. "Dumbledore convinced your parents that Charles was destined for great things. He said that would need Charles to be the Potter heir and gain all the protections that come with it. Dumbledore decided to send you to the muggle world just for Charles to gain the Potter Heirship over you. They thought if you didn't know about our world or the Potter family's history, the heir's ring would reject you, making Charles the rightful heir. This was all planned by Dumbledore to shield Charles from Voldemort's followers who still had power in the ministry."

Hearing this, Harry felt a cold silence envelop him, struggling to grasp the deliberate choices that had dictated his life.

Emma, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "So, this is why Harry's memory was blocked..."

Sirius looked at her, shocked. "Memory block?"

Gathering his strength, Harry shared a piece of his painful journey. "Life's been tough, Sirius. If it weren't for a brush with death and being saved by Emma's mentor, I might not have made it."

Hearing this, Sirius's voice trembled with regret. "I'm so sorry, Harry. I should have done more. I've lived with that regret every day."

Harry needed a moment to let everything sink in. "I have to think about all this, Sirius. Let's move on to a happier topic. I've noticed you've changed a lot since the last time we met. You're not the same Sirius who stood by James and Dumbledore. Tell me, what's been happening with you since you left them?"

Harry then listened intently as Sirius unfolded his story, detailing the journey that led him to his current path. After the fallout with James and Dumbledore, Sirius found himself at a crossroads. Going back to his mother's home, a place teeming with unpleasant memories, was out of the question. Instead, he threw himself into his duties as an Auror, trying to find solace in his work amidst the chaos left by the war.

This life of solitude and dedication was interrupted when Sirius received a letter from his grandfather, Lord Arcturus Black. Sirius had always held a certain respect for Lord Black, separate from the disdain he felt towards other members of his family. This respect was partly influenced by Harry's grandfather, who often spoke highly of Lord Black during Sirius's time with the Potters.

Curious and with nothing to lose, Sirius decided to meet with his grandfather at the family's true ancestral home, The Black Castle, far from the dark and dreary house in London. The meeting was a turning point for Sirius. Lord Black, with his imposing presence and strict demeanor, interrogated Sirius about every decision he had made since leaving home.

During their conversation, Lord Black expressed his concerns about the Black family's future, especially after the death of Sirius's brother, Regulus. He saw the rift between Sirius and Dumbledore as an opportunity, a chance for Sirius to embrace his role in the Black family.

Sirius was introduced to the real ethos of the Black family, a revelation that challenged his preconceived notions. Contrary to the fanaticism of some of his cousins, the core Black family held values that, while aligned with the Dark Arts, were not inherently evil. This was exemplified by the marriage between a Potter and a Black.

Since then, Sirius had been living with Lord Black, learning about the family's true history and politics. He gained a new perspective on Dumbledore, understanding the manipulative streak that his grandfather often warned him about. Thinking of what had happened to Harry only reinforced these views.

Sirius's focus shifted towards politics. He began to align himself with neutral families like the Greengrasses, distancing himself from those staunchly supporting Dumbledore. He utilized his position as an Auror and the resources of Lord Black to search for Harry, driven by a desire to make amends and reconnect with his godson.

As Sirius finished his tale, Harry felt his anger soften, replaced by a cautious empathy. Sirius's transformation and efforts painted a picture of a man seeking redemption and understanding.

Harry finally spoke, his voice cautious but open. "You've changed, Sirius. I can see that. I'm willing to try and rebuild something here, but we'll need time."

Sirius nodded, a look of resolve etched on his face. "I understand, Harry. I just want the opportunity to be part of your life again, to be the godfather you deserve."

With a newfound sense of closure, Harry and Emma left the park, their minds heavy with the day's revelations. The path to reconciliation was long and uncertain, but for Harry, it was a journey he was now willing to embark upon.