Chapter 11

Sirius and Remus prepared to leave Diagon Alley, knowing their next destination was the gates of Hogwarts for a meeting requested by Professor Dumbledore. After saying their goodbyes to Harry and the others, they stepped into a quieter alleyway.

"Ready?" Remus asked, glancing at Sirius.

Sirius nodded, determination etched on his face. "Let's do this."

With a synchronized turn, they Disapparated, the familiar sensation of being compressed through a narrow tube enveloping them. Moments later, they reappeared at the edge of the Hogwarts grounds, the towering gates before them. The castle stood grand and serene in the distance, illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight.

As they approached the gates, the massive iron structures began to open with a low creak. Standing just inside was a towering figure, his wild hair and beard unmistakable.

"Welcome, Sirius, Remus!" Hagrid called out, his voice booming in the quiet night. "Professor Dumbledore's waitin' fer yeh."

"Good to see you, Hagrid," Sirius greeted with a smile, stepping forward to shake Hagrid's enormous hand.

"Aye, good ter see yeh both," Hagrid replied, his eyes twinkling kindly. "Let's get yeh up to the castle, then. Follow me."

Hagrid turned and began leading them up the path to Hogwarts. The lanterns lining the way flickered gently, casting long shadows over the grounds. As they walked, Hagrid filled the silence with his usual warmth and chatter.

"Been a busy summer, it has," he said. "Lots of preparations fer the new term. But nothin' we can't handle."

"It's good to be back," Remus commented, glancing around at the familiar surroundings. "Even if just for a visit."

"Aye, Hogwarts is always a comfort," Hagrid agreed, his tone nostalgic.

As they walked toward Dumbledore's office, the ambient sounds of the castle echoed around them. The rhythmic tapping of Hagrid's boots, mixed with the occasional creak of the ancient floorboards, created a familiar, soothing cadence. Hagrid's normally cheerful demeanor grew more somber as they approached the grand staircase leading to the headmaster's office.

"Sirius, Remus," Hagrid began hesitantly, his voice softer than usual. "There's somethin' that's been weighin' on me fer a while now. 'Bout that night... yeh know, the night James and Lily died."

Sirius glanced at Hagrid, a flicker of pain crossing his features. "What about it, Hagrid?"

Hagrid stopped walking, turning to face Sirius directly. "When Dumbledore told me ter take Harry from yer hands... I didn't understand it then. Yeh was so desperate, so broken. But Dumbledore insisted, said it was fer Harry's safety. I never had the chance ter tell yeh how sorry I was."

Sirius's expression softened as he looked at Hagrid, seeing the sincerity and regret in the giant's eyes. "Hagrid, you were following orders, doing what you thought was best for Harry. I understand that now."

Remus placed a reassuring hand on Hagrid's arm. "You were doing your duty, Hagrid. None of us knew how things would turn out."

Hagrid's shoulders slumped slightly, his expression troubled. "Aye, but it still haunts me," he confessed, his voice thick with emotion. "If I hadn't taken Harry that night, he wouldn't have ended up with those awful Dursleys. And yeh wouldn't have gone after that traitor Pettigrew, Sirius. Yeh wouldn't have ended up in Azkaban."

Sirius looked at Hagrid with a mixture of sympathy and sadness. "Hagrid, you couldn't have known what would happen. None of us could. We all did what we thought was best at the time. It was a horrible situation, and we all made mistakes."

Remus nodded in agreement. "And we've all paid for those mistakes in different ways. But dwelling on what could have been won't help us now. We need to focus on the present and the future."

Hagrid sighed deeply, wiping at his eyes with a large hand. "I know yeh're right, Remus. It's just hard ter let go of the guilt sometimes. Harry deserved better than what he got, an' I wish I could've done more."

Sirius stepped closer, placing a hand on Hagrid's shoulder. "We all wish things had been different, Hagrid. But Harry's strong. He's made it through so much, and now he has us to support him. We'll make sure he never has to go through anything like that again."

Hagrid managed a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, both of yeh. It means a lot."

With that, they continued their journey to Dumbledore's office, the air between them lighter now that they had shared their burdens. As they ascended the spiral staircase and entered the headmaster's office, they felt a renewed sense of purpose. They were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, united in their mission to protect Harry and ensure that he never had to suffer alone again.

—

As they entered the headmaster's office, Sirius and Remus were greeted by the sight of Professor McGonagall standing beside Dumbledore. The room was filled with the soft glow of the enchanted candles, casting a warm light over the various trinkets and instruments scattered around.

"Welcome, Sirius, Remus," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles. "I trust your journey was uneventful?"

"It was," Sirius replied, glancing at McGonagall. "Good to see you, Professor."

McGonagall nodded, her expression as stern and composed as ever. "It's good to see both of you as well. We've much to discuss."

Dumbledore gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. "Please, take a seat."

Sirius and Remus sat down, their expressions attentive and serious.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice," Dumbledore began, folding his hands on the desk. "There is a matter of great importance we need to address concerning Harry."

Sirius leaned forward, his gaze intense. "This is about you sending Harry to the Dursleys, isn't it?"

Dumbledore sighed deeply, a hint of weariness in his eyes. "Yes, Sirius. I owe you an explanation. When Voldemort fell, and James and Lily were killed, my foremost concern was Harry's safety. The protection provided by Lily's sacrifice required that Harry be placed with her blood relatives. It was the only way to ensure that the protective enchantments would remain strong."

Remus nodded, his face thoughtful. "We understand the need for protection, Albus, but surely there could have been another way? The Dursleys... they were not kind to Harry."

McGonagall's lips pressed into a thin line. "I, too, had reservations about sending Harry there. I voiced my concerns at the time."

Dumbledore's expression grew somber. "I was aware of the Dursleys' nature, but I believed the blood wards to be paramount. In hindsight, I can see the impact it had on Harry. For that, I am truly sorry."

Sirius's voice rang out, filled with frustration and anger. "Bullshit, Albus! You can't sit there and spout apologies while expecting us to bow down and accept them. You've been so used to being right, so convinced of your own infallibility, that you've forgotten you're just a man, not some almighty deity sitting on his throne here at Hogwarts."

Remus placed a hand on Sirius's arm, urging him to calm down, but Sirius shook it off, his eyes blazing with intensity.

"If you were truly sorry for your role in Harry's mistreatment, you would have come to us, acknowledged your mistakes, and worked with us to make things right. Instead, you summon us here, expecting us to present ourselves like peasants before the king."

Dumbledore's expression remained solemn, but there was a flicker of remorse in his eyes. "Sirius, I understand your anger, but-"

"But nothing!" Sirius interrupted, his voice thundering through the room. "Harry deserved better, and you failed him. We all did. But it's not too late to make amends."

McGonagall stepped forward, her voice firm but gentle. "Sirius, Remus, please. Let us not dwell on past mistakes. What's important now is how we move forward, how we ensure Harry's well-being and happiness."

Sirius's shoulders tensed, his jaw clenched with barely contained fury. "Fine. But don't expect me to forgive and forget so easily, Albus. Not when you've cost Harry so much."

Dumbledore nodded solemnly, his gaze unwavering. "I understand, Sirius. All I ask is for the chance to make amends, to work together for Harry's sake."

Sirius's voice was sharp with accusation as he addressed Dumbledore. "You can start making amends by handing over James' Invisibility Cloak. It's a Potter Family Heirloom, rightfully belonging to Harry."

McGonagall's eyes widened in shock, her gaze flickering between Sirius and Dumbledore. "A Potter Family Heirloom? Albus, I had no idea-"

Hagrid's expression mirrored McGonagall's astonishment. "Blimey, Professor Dumbledore, ye've been holdin' onto a Potter Family Heirloom all this time?"

Dumbledore's expression remained composed, though there was a hint of regret in his eyes. "I took possession of the cloak for safekeeping, Sirius. It was never my intention to keep it from Harry."

Sirius's jaw clenched with barely contained anger. "Safekeeping? More like theft, Albus. Harry deserves to have everything that rightfully belongs to him."

Dumbledore's gaze softened, his tone earnest. "You're right, Sirius. I apologize for any distress my actions may have caused. I will retrieve the cloak and ensure it is returned to Harry immediately."

There was a heavy silence in the room as the weight of Dumbledore's revelation settled over them. Despite the tension and mistrust that lingered between them, there was a shared understanding that Harry's well-being must always come first.

Dumbledore rose from his seat, his movements deliberate as he crossed the room to retrieve the cloak from where he had stashed it. With measured steps, he returned to the center of the room, the cloak draped over his arm like a shroud of secrets.

Sirius's eyes tracked Dumbledore's every movement, his expression tense with anticipation. As Dumbledore approached, Sirius extended his hand to receive the cloak, his jaw set in determination.

Dumbledore's expression remained inscrutable as he handed over the cloak to Sirius. 

Sirius's expression darkened as he accepted the cloak from Dumbledore. Without hesitation, he began casting detection charms over it, his movements swift and precise. The room fell silent as everyone watched with bated breath, anticipation thick in the air.

As the detection charms revealed hidden enchantments woven into the fabric of the cloak, Sirius's eyes narrowed in disbelief. "Tracking charms," he muttered, his voice laced with incredulity.

McGonagall gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. "Tracking charms? Albus, why would you-"

Hagrid's brow furrowed in concern. "Professor Dumbledore, why'd ye put trackin' charms on a family heirloom?"

Dumbledore's gaze remained steady, his expression grave. "I assure you, it was for Harry's protection. With the cloak's unique properties, I felt it necessary to ensure his safety."

Sirius's grip tightened on the cloak, his features contorted with anger. "You claim it was for Harry's protection, yet you never thought to inform him or his guardians? This is unacceptable, Albus."

Remus stepped forward, his usually calm demeanor overshadowed by a fierce resolve. "Sirius is right, Albus," he began, his voice firm and commanding. "This cloak belongs to Harry, and he has the right to know of its existence and its significance."

Dumbledore's expression remained unreadable, but a flicker of realization crossed his eyes. "I understand your concerns, Remus," he replied, his tone measured. "I acted out of what I believed to be in Harry's best interest, but I see now that I should have been more transparent."

Sirius's grip on the cloak loosened slightly, his anger tempered by Dumbledore's acknowledgment. "Transparency, Albus, is all we ask for," he stated, his voice resonating with conviction. "For Harry's sake, we need to ensure that there are no more secrets between us."

Dumbledore nodded solemnly, his gaze shifting between Sirius and Remus. "I will endeavor to be more forthcoming in the future," he promised, his words carrying the weight of his commitment. "For Harry's sake and for the sake of our trust."

With that, the tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by a tentative sense of resolution. Dumbledore's acknowledgment marked a step forward, albeit a small one, toward rebuilding the fractured trust among them.

—-

As Sirius and Remus approached the massive entrance to the Great Hall, the resonance of Minerva McGonagall's voice echoed through the corridor, halting them in their tracks. 

"Sirius, Remus," McGonagall called out, her tone a mixture of concern and urgency. 

Turning back, they found McGonagall striding purposefully toward them, her robes billowing behind her. 

"Minerva, is everything alright?" Remus inquired, noting the gravity in her expression.

McGonagall paused, her usually stern demeanor softened by a hint of regret. "I'm afraid not, Remus," she confessed, her voice tinged with remorse. "I cannot help but feel a weight of responsibility for the events that have transpired."

Remus furrowed his brow, his concern deepening. "What do you mean?" he pressed gently, urging her to elaborate.

"I should have done more," McGonagall admitted, her words heavy with self-reproach. "I should have questioned Dumbledore's decisions regarding Harry's placement with the Dursleys. And I should have recognized sooner that you, Sirius, would never have betrayed James and Lily."

Sirius and Remus exchanged a somber glance, understanding the weight of McGonagall's words. Despite their own grievances with Dumbledore, they couldn't fault McGonagall for her honesty and humility in acknowledging her own shortcomings.

"I appreciate your candor, Minerva," Sirius said, his voice tinged with both gratitude and sadness. "But we can't dwell on the past. What's done is done."

McGonagall nodded, her expression reflecting a mixture of determination and resolve. "Indeed," she agreed. "But moving forward, we must ensure that Harry's best interests are at the forefront of our actions."

Remus placed a comforting hand on McGonagall's shoulder, offering a supportive smile. "We'll do whatever it takes to keep Harry safe," he assured her, his tone firm with conviction.

With a final nod of acknowledgment, McGonagall bid them farewell, her gaze lingering on Sirius and Remus with a silent understanding. As they watched her depart, Sirius and Remus exchanged a silent vow to honor her trust and work tirelessly to protect Harry from any further harm.

—

As Sirius Black and Remus Lupin departed, Severus Snape remained concealed in the shadows, his gaze fixed upon their retreating figures. A torrent of conflicting emotions surged within him, stirred by the memories of their tumultuous past as students at Hogwarts.

For years, Snape had harbored a deep-seated resentment towards Sirius and Remus, a resentment born from the scars of their shared history. The memory of the cruel prank orchestrated by Sirius—the one that would have resulted in Snape's demise were it not for James Potter's intervention—loomed large in Snape's mind, a visceral reminder of the depths of betrayal he had endured.

In that moment, standing in the shadows of Hogwarts' corridors, Snape couldn't help but replay the events of that fateful night—the chilling realization dawning upon him as he stumbled upon the Shrieking Shack, drawn by the whispers and murmurs that had long plagued his curiosity.

The taunts and laughter of Sirius and his companions echoed in Snape's mind, mocking reminders of their reckless disregard for the rules and the consequences of their actions. Yet, amidst the cacophony of voices, there was a chilling silence—an ominous prelude to the horror that awaited Snape as he stepped into the dimly lit interior of the derelict building.

The sense of helplessness washed over Snape like a tidal wave, engulfing him in its suffocating embrace as he beheld the grotesque spectacle before him—a sight that would haunt him for years to come. Suspended above the jaws of a savage beast, Snape found himself teetering on the precipice of his own mortality, his fate hanging in the balance as the full extent of his folly unfolded before his eyes.

The bitterness that had consumed Snape in the aftermath of that harrowing encounter resurfaced with renewed intensity, a searing flame that fueled the flames of his animosity towards Sirius and Remus. However, beneath the layers of resentment and loathing, there lingered a deeper, more profound emotion—a sense of duty, born from his unwavering loyalty to Lily Evans.

From the moment Snape had learned of Harry Potter's ordeal under Petunia Evans, he had regarded the boy not as "James Potter's spawn," but as "Lily's son." It was a distinction that spoke volumes, a testament to the enduring bond that had once united Snape and Lily in friendship and love.

For Snape, caring for Lily's son had become a solemn obligation, a sacred duty that transcended the petty rivalries and grievances of the past. Despite his animosity towards Sirius and Remus, Snape knew that they were now entrusted with the care and protection of Lily's only child—a responsibility that he could not afford to ignore, no matter how deep his resentment ran.

As Snape watched Sirius and Remus disappear into the night, a flicker of determination ignited within him, steeling his resolve to keep a vigilant watch over Harry Potter, the boy who carried the legacy of Lily Evans within him. For Snape, it was a solemn vow—a promise to safeguard Lily's son at all costs, even if it meant confronting the ghosts of his own past.

—

As Sirius and Remus arrived at the Bones Family Estate, a sense of relief washed over them. For Remus, who currently had no home of his own, and Sirius, who harbored too many painful memories of Grimmauld Place, the sprawling estate had become a sanctuary of sorts—a place where they could find solace amidst the chaos of their lives.

As they stepped through the gates and made their way up the winding path towards the grand manor house, Sirius couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude towards Amelia Bones, the matriarch of the family who had welcomed them with open arms and offered them a place to call home.

Inside the estate, the familiar warmth of the surroundings enveloped them, easing the tension that had lingered from their encounter with Dumbledore. Here, amidst the elegant furnishings and comforting embrace of the Bones family, Sirius and Remus found respite from the trials and tribulations of the outside world.

As they settled into their temporary abode, Sirius and Remus knew that, for now at least, they were safe and surrounded by those who cared for them—a welcome reprieve from the shadows of their past and the uncertainties of the future.

Amelia joined Sirius and Remus, a gentle smile gracing her features as she informed them of Harry and Susan's peaceful slumber, their youthful energy finally spent after the excitement of the day. Sirius and Remus chuckled softly at the thought, grateful for the quietude that had descended upon the estate.

With a warm cup of tea in hand, Amelia settled into a nearby armchair, her gaze shifting between Sirius and Remus, curiosity evident in her eyes. "How did the meeting with Dumbledore go?"

Sirius ran a hand through his hair, his expression somber as he recounted the events of the meeting. "It was... enlightening," he replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "We confronted Dumbledore about Harry's placement with the Dursleys and demanded answers."

Remus nodded in agreement, his features reflecting a mix of determination and weariness. "Dumbledore admitted his role in the decision, citing the blood wards as his primary concern," he added, his tone measured. "But Sirius wasn't having any of it."

Sirius let out a bitter laugh, the sound echoing through the room. "I told him straight—he's so used to being right that he's forgotten he's only human," he said, his voice tinged with anger. "If he truly cared about Harry, he would've come to us instead of treating us like peasants summoned to his court."

Amelia listened intently, her brow furrowed with concern. "And what of the Potter Family Cloak?" she inquired, her voice soft.

Sirius's expression darkened at the mention of the cloak, his grip tightening on the armrest of his chair. "Dumbledore handed it over, but not without a fight," he replied, his tone clipped. "Turns out he'd placed tracking charms on it without our knowledge."

Remus shook his head in disbelief, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "It's clear Dumbledore has his own agenda," he remarked, his voice tinged with disappointment. "We can't trust him to have Harry's best interests at heart."

Amelia sighed, her gaze troubled as she processed the information. "We'll need to be vigilant," she said, her voice firm. "For Harry's sake."

Sirius and Remus nodded in agreement, a shared determination gleaming in their eyes. They knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but they were prepared to face them head-on—for Harry.

Remus, intent on changing the subject, chuckled, as a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "You won't believe what the Weasley twins had to say," he began, his tone lightening with the prospect of sharing a humorous anecdote. "They seemed rather intrigued by Sirius and me referring to each other as Padfoot and Moony."

Amelia arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Padfoot and Moony?" she repeated, her lips quirking into a smile. "Those are certainly unique nicknames. I take it there's a story behind them?"

Remus nodded, a reminiscent gleam in his eyes. "Indeed, there is," he confirmed. "They were part of a rather mischievous quartet back in our Hogwarts days. James Potter was Prongs, Sirius was Padfoot, and Peter Pettigrew was Wormtail."

Remus paused, a flicker of sadness crossing his features as he mentioned Peter's name. Sirius noticed the change in his friend's demeanor and shot him a sympathetic glance before continuing the story.

"Ah, yes, good old Wormtail," Sirius remarked, his tone tinged with bitterness. "He was always the weakest link in our chain, but we tolerated him nonetheless."

Amelia regarded Sirius with a curious expression, sensing the underlying tension in his words. "It sounds like you've had quite the adventures," she remarked, her gaze shifting between Sirius and Remus.

Sirius nodded, a nostalgic smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Oh, you have no idea," he replied, his voice tinged with fondness. "We were a force to be reckoned with, the Marauders. There wasn't a prank we couldn't pull off or a rule we couldn't bend."

Remus chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Indeed," he agreed, his tone wistful. "We may have caused our fair share of trouble, but we always had each other's backs."

As Sirius regaled Amelia with tales of their escapades at Hogwarts, the tension of earlier conversations faded into the background, replaced by the warmth of shared memories and camaraderie. And in that moment, they found solace in the bonds of friendship that had endured through the trials of time.

Amelia listened intently to Sirius's tales of mischief and adventure, her interest piqued by the mention of the Weasley twins. As Sirius finished recounting their escapades at Hogwarts, she cleared her throat, drawing their attention back to the present.

"Speaking of the Weasley twins," she interjected, "did they have anything of note to share with you today?"

Sirius and Remus exchanged a knowing glance before Sirius replied with a grin, "Oh, they certainly did. It seems they have some rather ambitious plans in the works."

Amelia raised an eyebrow, her curiosity evident. "Ambitious plans? Do tell," she prompted, leaning forward slightly in her seat.

Remus chuckled, shaking his head at the memory. "Do you remember Sirius mentioning about starting a candy business?" he asked, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Apparently, the twins have been experimenting with magical confectionery and are eager to help us turn Sirius' idea into a full-fledged enterprise."

Amelia's eyes widened with interest at Remus's question, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Ah, yes, I recall Sirius mentioning his plans for a candy business," she replied, nodding thoughtfully. "It seems the twins' enthusiasm and creativity align perfectly with your vision."

Sirius nodded eagerly, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Absolutely," he agreed, a grin spreading across his face. "And the best part is, I've managed to recruit my cousin Andi, who's a master potioneer, to help us make candies with some interesting magical effects. With her expertise, we'll be able to create treats that are not only delicious but also enchanting."

Remus chuckled, his expression fond as he glanced at Sirius. "Indeed, it appears we have quite the team assembled," he remarked, a note of excitement in his voice. "With Sirius's entrepreneurial spirit, Andromeda's potion-making expertise, and the twins' ingenuity, I daresay we'll create something truly remarkable."

Amelia's smile widened at the news, her curiosity piqued. "That sounds fascinating," she remarked, her tone filled with anticipation. "I can't wait to see what you all come up with. It sounds like you have a truly innovative and talented team."

With a shared sense of enthusiasm and determination, they continued their discussion, each contributing their ideas and insights with fervor. And as they delved deeper into planning their venture, they couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the possibilities that lay ahead.

---

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