Screaming Shack Truth

Read up to 25 chapters ahead on Patreon - patreon.com/Dark_sym

-----

In the end, after Percy's severe reprimand, the three repeatedly reassured him that they wouldn't make any more mistakes. Only then did he let them return to their dormitories, disheveled but relieved.

Harry couldn't wait to go to the bedroom to tell Hermione and Ron about the bloodline protection and Sirius's invitation to live with him.

"Oh my God," Hermione gasped, covering her mouth in surprise after hearing Harry's account.

"Mate," Ron said solemnly, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder, "even though your parents have passed away, they're still with you in a special way."

Harry nodded earnestly, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness. For so many years, his parents had been protecting him somehow. Harry felt as if the happiest time of his life had finally arrived.

After Ethan returned Peter Pettigrew's body to the Ministry of Magic, Sirius's exoneration news was published in the Daily Prophet. Everyone finally understood the truth about the events twelve years ago.

Sirius's identity shifted from a terrifying criminal to a tragic hero who endured years of injustice and broke out of Azkaban to save his godson.

Hogwarts was excited, and Harry and Sirius had become the school's brightest stars. The students were captivated by Harry, constantly asking him about the events over Christmas. Many regretted missing such a spectacular event because they had gone home for the holidays.

Gryffindor lion cubs now surrounded Harry because of his popularity and the "bodyguards" assigned by Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor Quidditch team captain. Wood had been eating pudding in the Great Hall when he learned that Harry had received a Firebolt.

Overwhelmed with excitement, Wood inhaled the pudding into his trachea and nearly choked. Only Hermione's Heimlich maneuver saved him.

The first thing Wood did after catching his breath was to demand Harry show him the Firebolt. He stared at the sleek lines of the broom with a passionate gaze, carefully running his fingers over it. Eventually, Wood managed to tear his eyes away from the Firebolt and instructed Harry to protect it.

Harry's acquisition of the Firebolt caused a significant stir at Hogwarts. It guaranteed Gryffindor's victory in the Quidditch Championship that year.

Wood, fearing sabotage from other houses, arranged for the Gryffindor Quidditch team members to "specially protect" the Firebolt. He even found a cabinet to house the broom and organized round-the-clock guards before he felt reassured.

Meanwhile, Sirius's popularity took a unique turn. The Daily Prophet had painted him as a tragic hero, earning the tears of witches across the wizarding world.

Having cleared his name, Sirius was now recognized as the heir to a wealthy, pure-blood family. He became a popular figure at the Ministry of Magic, and a steady stream of owls had been arriving at Hogwarts for him.

Most owls brought letters from witches adorned with scents and even lip prints.

But Sirius had no interest in romance; his only concern was his godson, Harry.

In Harry's view, his life now was the happiest it had ever been. Sirius's meticulous care filled the void in his heart for his family.

Most importantly, he could finally go to Hogsmeade Village with integrity. Sirius had signed the consent form for him.

Harry could now happily visit Hogsmeade village with his friends. The trio sat in the Honeydukes candy store, chatting and laughing while eating pink coconut ice cream.

"There's a post office over there."

"The Zonko's Joke Shop is over there. Let's check it out together!"

"We can even visit the Shrieking Shack!" they discussed excitedly.

For Harry, this Hogsmeade experience was the happiest he had ever had at Hogwarts.

The only thing that felt odd was Sirius's presence, trailing behind them.

Sirius had become overly "enthusiastic."

He was eager to make up for all the lost time and feelings, showering Harry affectionately.

This enthusiasm was evident in his actions. If the trio spent more than half a minute looking at any item in Hogsmeade, Sirius would buy it for them—one for each. As a result, they were loaded with bags before they even finished their tour.

When Sirius overheard their discussion about the Shrieking Shack, he quickly revealed the truth.

"You know, the Shrieking Shack has never been haunted. The screams and howls the villagers often hear were Lupin's," Sirius whispered, sharing the secrets of their student days.

Ron and Harry's eyes widened in surprise. They had no idea that this haunted legend was connected to Professor Lupin.

Sirius wore a nostalgic expression as he recounted that period of history.

"Lupin was bitten by a werewolf when he was very young, which caused him to turn into a werewolf once a month. He wouldn't have been able to attend Hogwarts, but Dumbledore, headmaster then, made an exception for him."

"Did you know that the Whomping Willow was planted because of Lupin? It protects the only way into the Shrieking Shack, which isn't completely sealed off."

Harry and Ron exchanged eager looks, wanting to explore the famous haunted house.

"I advise against it," Sirius warned, noticing their thoughts immediately.

"The Whomping Willow can only be controlled by a special knot. If you go without permission, it will pummel you!"

Harry and Ron turned to Sirius with hopeful eyes, silently begging for the secret of the Whomping Willow.

"Don't even think about it!" Sirius laughed at their expressions.

Despite his refusal, the day was filled with joy and new revelations, making it an unforgettable experience for Harry and his friends.