Chapter 38: “Gathering Information”

Harry, feeling all mixed up after running into Sirius, thought maybe Cordelia and Emma could help make sense of things. They might even find out if Sirius really wasn't on James and Dumbledore's side anymore.

The next day, Harry showed up at Cordelia's place out of the blue, catching Emma in the middle of her studies.

"Harry, this is a surprise! What brings you here today? It's not our usual meetup day," Emma asked, her eyebrows arching in curiosity.

Harry let out a heavy sigh, the memory of yesterday's meeting weighing on him. "I bumped into someone from before... Sirius Black, my godfather, when I was at Godric's Hollow."

Emma's eyes widened with surprise. "Wow, that's... unexpected. Go on, tell me all about it."

Harry shared everything about the meet-up, his voice showing he was torn between doubt and a sliver of hope. "He says things are different now, that he's cut ties with James and Dumbledore. But I'm just not sure what to make of it."

Cordelia, hearing the name Sirius Black, looked thoughtful. "Sirius Black, huh? That brings back memories. He was quite the mischief-maker. Good for him he got away from Walburga and ended up with your grandma Euphemia. Let's sit down and sort through this."

They all sat together while Harry explained the whole encounter, his voice filled with uncertainty and a bit of optimism. "He seemed honest, but can I really trust him? I can't just take his word for it."

Cordelia gave him a kind look. "Trust isn't something you hand out easily, especially with everything you've been through. We should be careful but also consider the chance that people can change. Besides, it might be nice for you to have another adult around. It's not good for you to be so isolated."

Emma, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "Harry, why don't we find out more about Sirius's current situation? I have a friend who's quite connected in wizarding circles. She might know something."

Emma moved to the Floo network, calling upon her friend Clara, a well-connected witch known for her insights into wizarding society. Clara's face appeared in the emerald flames, her expression brightening upon seeing Emma.

"Emma! What a pleasant surprise!" Clara exclaimed, her face lighting up. "To what do I owe this call?"

Emma exchanged pleasantries with Clara, her tone casual yet probing. "Clara, you always have the latest news. What's the word on Sirius Black these days?"

Clara leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Oh, Sirius? He's been the talk of the town. Rumor has it he's in a relationship. Can you believe it? Sirius Black, the eternal bachelor!"

Emma, trying to steer the conversation, asked, "What about his relationship with James Potter? Any news there?"

Clara's expression turned more serious. "That's been quite the story. They were like brothers, but after You-Know-Who's downfall, for some unknown reason, things changed dramatically. They barely speak now, and when they do, it's far from friendly."

As Clara delved into the details of Sirius's estrangement from James and Dumbledore, Emma listened intently, gauging each piece of information. Clara described how Sirius had shifted his alliances, moving closer to influential pureblood families and stepping away from Dumbledore's influence.

After thanking Clara and engaging in a bit more chit-chat, Emma ended the Floo call. She turned to Harry, who had been listening with a mix of relief and contemplation. "It looks like Sirius has really changed. He's distanced himself from the people and things he once held dear."

Cordelia, who had overheard the conversation, chimed in. "It's not uncommon for someone to change allegiances, especially under the influence of a family head like Lord Black. I think he most likely reached out to Sirius after the split with Dumbledore. Perhaps Sirius is finally stepping into his role as the Black family heir."

Harry nodded, absorbing their insights. "I need to meet him again. I have questions that only he can answer. But I can't just blindly trust anyone after that night. I have learned my lesson."

Determined, Harry took pen to parchment, composing a letter with a gravity that belied his physical age. He was inviting Sirius to a secluded meeting in a Muggle park, a place where their magical world rarely intersected. The words on the paper were cautious yet inviting, a careful balance of hope and the wariness that life had taught him.

Once completed, Cordelia, understanding the significance of this correspondence, provided an owl to ensure its safe delivery.

With the letter complete, Harry felt a surge of apprehension mixed with hope. He watched as the owl took flight, disappearing into the dusk sky, carrying with it a message that might alter the course of his relationship with his godfather.

Just as a precaution, he did not send the letter through Mira. It was quicker but Harry could use the time to sort his thoughts out.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of mixed emotions for Harry. He found himself oscillating between doubt and the faint hope that this meeting might shed light on the enigmatic figure that was Sirius Black.

Cordelia and Emma tried to offer words of comfort and reassurance. "No matter what happens, Harry, you're not alone in this," Emma said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Cordelia added, "And remember, Harry, people can change. It's possible that Sirius genuinely wants to make amends."

That night, Harry found sleep elusive, his mind replaying the possible outcomes of the meeting. He was torn between the longing to reconnect with a part of his past and the fear of being hurt again.

The following day, a response arrived. Sirius's letter was brief, agreeing to the meeting and promising to come alone. The handwriting was shaky, betraying Sirius's emotional state. Harry held the letter in his hands, a sense of determination settling over him.

"This is it," Harry murmured to himself. "Tomorrow, I might finally get some answers."

Emma, ever the supportive friend, reassured him, "We'll be there with you, Harry. You're not facing this alone."

As they planned for the meeting, discussing every possible scenario, Harry felt a sense of resolve. This was a chance to confront his past and perhaps forge a new path forward. With Sirius's agreement in hand, Harry steeled himself for what was to come.