Back at the Grangers, Harry and Hermione settled in for their last week with her parents. The time at the beach had been good, but now they had to focus on tasks for the summer. Harry's discussion with Dumbledore after the wedding still bothered him. There was definitely something more going on and he needed to know more. He had talked to Sirius as well, who said he needed to talk to Harry later. So, on their last day in Felixstowe, Harry had sent Hedwig to Sirius and arranged for him to come to dinner at the Grangers the day they got back.
Over the last days at the beach, Harry and Hermione had talked over everything that was happening and noticed a few things they hadn't correlated yet. First, their bond seemed to be settling in since they had managed to run separate errands for a couple hours apart and only felt a bit more tired than usual. Second, their magic seemed to have changed and grown. Harry's bit of spontaneous magic when he stopped Meggie from falling down the stairs was just one sign. Another example happened one morning when Harry's glasses had fallen off the night stand and he had been too asleep to look for them. Without thinking, he had cast a quick 'accio' without his wand and the glasses had zipped to his hand. Hermione had something similar when she was cooking one evening and, without thinking, summoned the salt across the kitchen. Neither of them fully understood what was happening. Was their magic growing, their skills improving, or were they somehow boosting each other? Maybe it was a combination. In addition to these events, their perceptions of each other had increased. They could now feel each other's emotions over longer distances and now would catch stray thoughts.
While these changes were all welcome, the afternoon after the wedding something else happened that put a damper on their joyful mood. Harry had been entering a shop with Hermione when his scar suddenly felt like it was being ripped open and he dropped to his knees, holding his head. He had had pains before, but nothing this bad had happened since the cemetery. Tonks had been on duty and had immediately appeared by the door, looking around for attackers as Hermione dropped to her knees next to Harry, trying to comfort him, but also feeling the pain to a lesser degree. A couple bystanders stopped as well, but Hermione passed it off as a migraine and they desisted. After a couple minutes, Harry was able to stand and stumble to an alley where Tonks quickly apparated them back to the cottage. She had called Dade and the old Auror had arrived with a couple potions to help with the after effects of the attack. They were better with the potions, but both were exhausted and decided to nap and relax in the back garden for the rest of the day. As they curled around each other, Hermione turned her head and kissed Harry's jaw as she checked on him.
"You feel better now love. Only a trace of pain left. I never understood what the scar does to you until I felt it myself. I can't imagine how you cope with it being so much worse than what I felt through you. Do you have any idea what triggered it this time? You haven't had anything except twinges all summer."
"I'm not exactly sure Mione, but whatever it was, he was very angry. I got a flash of some old house. I've never seen it before, so I assume the image came from him."
"Well, let's hope it doesn't happen again. We only have a day left of our vacation."
The next day, Harry had taken Hermione to see Miranda's Shoppe and thank the old witch for her assistance. Knowing that their story was already in the Prophet, Harry had happily introduced Hermione as his wife. The old lady was thrilled to meet her and quite astute when she complimented Hermione on her bouquet. While they were in the shop talking to Miranda, Hermione had been drawn to her small selection of books and one specifically caught her eye. The hefty tome was titled Mind Magics and included extensive training as well as case studies on occlumency, legilimency and complementary seer abilities. The price was as hefty as the book, but Harry bought it, happy to support Miranda's small shop. They had started to read the book later that day as they sprawled on the beach and they both found it fascinating. Harry had never heard of the two most common mind magics before and Hermione had read about them only in passing. That evening they each started meditation exercises as they started the work to build up their shields.
The following day they found themselves back at the Grangers' home and Harry truly felt like he was coming home. Already in the short time during the summer, the house had become home more than the Dursleys' ever was. After unpacking and starting laundry, he and Hermione grabbed drinks and headed to the back garden to talk, with her taking the lead.
"Alright love, so now that we're home, we need to decide how to use the rest of our summer. We've got about five weeks left and we leave for the Burrow in a little over a week."
"Yes, I've been thinking a fair bit on the ride home. There's a lot more going on than we're being told and I want to get to the bottom of it. I wish I could talk to Dumbledore now. I wasn't about to interrupt our wedding celebration. I do think that we should keep working on Mind Studies. I need to stop Voldemort from invading my head."
"I've been thinking about that Harry. I don't understand it, but I think the connection might go both ways. I mean, you could feel what he was feeling. I think you might have been invading him as much as he invaded you."
"Well, maybe you're right, but I don't see him being dropped to his knees in mind shattering pain. Anyway, I want to study the Mind Magics and I think we should keep up our defense studies. I wonder who will be our new DADA teacher this year? I suppose whoever it is can't be worse than Lockhart or more boring than Binns. We have OWLs this next year, so it will be important what we study. I haven't given it a lot of thought yet, but I'm sure my brilliant wife has."
"Yes love. I think the usual list: Charms, Transfiguration, DADA, Herbology, History of Magic and Potions. Also, I think Ancient Runes, maybe Astronomy. I took Arithmancy, but I'm not sure if I want to continue with that. What do you want to take?"
"I'd like to keep the same classes as you. The six main of course, which we already share. I think I'm going to drop Divination. I don't know how much help Astronomy actually is. I'm not sure about Ancient Runes, you've already taken two years of that."
"Well, I think you should try Runes Harry. They're a cornerstone of magic. There are two class levels, one that third years started and one for those that started in fourth year. I think with my help and our connection, you can get caught up with those who are only a year ahead. Of course, it means we won't have that class together, but we can still study together."
"Alright, I'm sure with you to tutor me I'll manage, but I'm definitely going to skip Astronomy if I'm busy trying to catch up on Runes. I wonder though if I'll be allowed to start a year late."
"I think with me helping you we can get Dumbledore to allow it. There's also the fact that we wear the rings of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. I read the section on the founders in Hogwarts: A History again and we have a lot of power over the school now. We have a controlling vote, so there is basically nothing we can't do within reason. We could even name a new headmaster."
"Wow. Really? That's quite a thought. Not that I would plan on using that power, but still. So, I guess we are decided. The six basic classes and add in Ancient Runes."
"That sounds good. I'm still not sure about Arithmancy. It's hard, but I already have two years study in it. I'll think on it. At least we can be separate more now."
"Agreed, now let's try the occlumency exercises."
They spent the rest of the afternoon studying mind magics, finding the quiet garden an ideal location to meditate. Both focused on organizing their minds and erecting shields. As he organized, Harry found an image of his mind appearing as if he was floating in a sea of bubbles. Each bubble was color coded to give him an idea of what type of memories it held. He could take hold of a bubble and pull it apart to reveal multiple small bubbles inside. He grabbed a bright yellow bubble and inside found smaller bubbles inside that contained some of his happiest memories. Brightest of them all was his first soul-bond with Hermione. As he thought of her, she suddenly appeared near him, almost translucent. Then a sound broke through the silence of his bubble world.
Harry, where are we? Am I dreaming?
No love, this is my meditation. My thoughts are organizing into bubbles. I just viewed the memory of our soul-bond and was thinking of you when you appeared.
Hmm, I wonder if I can show you my meditation?
Hermione faded out and Harry waved his hand to capture all the small yellow bubbles and put them back together into the large bubble. Then he felt something pulling on him and the bubbles all gradually faded as he found himself in a large library. Hermione was there, standing at a desk with several books laid out in front of her.
Wow Mione, I should have guessed. A library is perfect for your meditation.
Indeed Harry. I'm able to organize everything quite well here. I like that we can visit each other. I wish our mind speech was better when we aren't meditating. Anyway, I should get back to filtering through a couple memories.
Harry gave her a brushing kiss and then thought back to his own memories as Hermione's library faded and he was back in his bubble world. He began to think about shields and the environment influenced his thoughts as he envisioned a large, glass bubble. Then, thinking about it, he realized glass wasn't the right idea for a shield. He looked at the crystalline structure that now encompassed him completely and suddenly thought of diamond. He focused for a minute on turning his large shield bubble into the hardest diamond. Floating toward it, he reached the surface and tapped lightly. It held solid and he decided that he had made good progress for the day. Centering his breathing, he willed himself back out to the garden. When he opened his eyes, he found Hermione was still meditating and stayed sitting, watching her. A few minutes later her eyes opened and she smiled at him.
"So love, how did it go? Got your library organized?"
"Yes. And I decided to build a wall for a shield, but as I started envisioning the stones, I realized the roof was open. So I changed my image and moved the library inside a mountain. The image seems good, but we need to have someone test our shields."
"I agree. You saw my bubble world. I kept the theme and encased it in a diamond bubble. Or that's what I envisioned."
Harry pulled her close and began kissing her deeply. She was ready to take things further as he pulled back.
Sorry love, Sirius will be here before long.
Harry?
"Wait, I didn't say that out loud did I?"
"No, but I heard you perfectly. That's the first full sentence that's come through our bond."
I love you Mione. And when my godfather leaves tonight I'm taking you upstairs to shag you senseless on every piece of furniture in the room.
Hermione giggled.
Oh really, senseless huh? There's a lot of furniture in the room, are you sure you have the stamina?
Harry leered at her.
Wow, so it seems we unlocked mind speech as part of our exercises. I wonder how?
I don't know for sure, but I think that since our subconscious minds have connected now it makes it easier. Anyway, you're right about it being almost dinner time.
Harry nodded and stood, giving her a hand up. They made their way into the kitchen, where Jean was starting a pot of couscous to go with the lamb that was in the oven. She asked Hermione to chop the vegetables, which she started to do.
"So dear, now that we're back, what are your plans for the rest of the time you're home? I'd love to say that your father and I will be around, but we can't take off much more time right now. Maybe we can manage an afternoon."
"That's fine mum, we understand. We're going to be busy working on some studying and exercises. The week off was fantastic, but it's time to get back to work."
Jean nodded and turned to Harry.
"So Harry, tell us a bit more about your godfather who'll be here in a while. I know you and Hermione explained that he was falsely accused and spent twelve years in prison. We saw him at the wedding, but he left fairly early and I never got a chance to really talk to him. He seemed to be nice enough when we were introduced, dressed quite well. How is he now? How is he handling being cleared?"
Shite! Sorry love, but how do I tell them that Sirius is still a fugitive? Should I? I mean, we agreed to be honest, but I don't want to risk him.
I understand. I think we need to tell them, but we also need to work on resolving Sirius' status. You're a lord now, even with the Ministry in the state it is, you should be able to submit pensieve memories. It's one of the things I wanted to discuss with him tonight.
Alright, so honesty, but maybe I can get an oath from your parents first. This mind speech is a big help, although you're mum is looking at us strange.
I agree on both counts love, but we better start talking out loud soon. Mum has that look.
Before Harry could speak, Jean broke the silence.
"What is up you two? You're looking at each other, but you haven't said a word."
"Jean, we agreed we could be honest and up front with you, right?"
"Of course son."
"Alright, well the first thing you need to know is that the meditation Hermione and I have been working on has unlocked a bit more of our bond. We don't need to talk out loud now."
"WHAT? Don't tell me you were just doing mind speech during that pause?"
Hermione nodded and Neil let out a low whistle while Jean paled. Eventually collected herself.
"Alright, well then I guess I'm glad we agreed to honesty. It's a bit intimidating though. So, is this normal with soul bonds?"
"Well mum, again there aren't a lot of recorded accounts, but it has been reported before."
"I see. Well, now that we've been shocked yet again, Harry can you tell us a bit more about your godfather?"
"As you know, his name is Sirius Black. Full name is Sirius Orion Black. Yes, the family was into constellations. He is the last heir to the most Ancient and Noble House of Black, one of the oldest wizarding families in Europe. He was my father's best friend, they were brothers in all but blood. You know the story of how he was wrongfully convicted and escaped and how we found the evidence that he is innocent. Now I have to tell you something else, but I have to ask on your oath to this family that what I am about to say goes no further than here."
Jean and Neil both goggled at Harry and then looked to Hermione, who was drawing her wand.
"Mum, dad, we need an oath. We'll stop talking now if you don't feel comfortable. And I'm going to put a magical bind on it. Not that I don't trust you, but this way no one else can forcibly extract information from you. Do you agree?"
"Damn, alright, this must be important. I'll agree. Jean?"
"Yes dear, I agree as well."
Hermione incanted as she began the spell weaving.
"Do you Neil Paul Granger and Jean Elizabeth Granger swear on your lives that all confidential information being divulged to you regarding Sirius Orion Black will remain only to you until you are released from this oath by Harry James Potter of Hermione Jean Potter?"
"So I swear."
"Yes, I swear."
Hermione finished the incantation as a pale light encompassed her parents for a moment.
"So mote it be."
As the light faded, Harry continued.
"Alright, thank you. Now, you need to know that Sirius has not been actually cleared of charges. He's still a fugitive in both the magical and muggle worlds. I plan on trying to resolve that soon with the Ministry, but there are no guarantees. That's why he stays in his home most of the time when he's in England."
Jean sat down on a stool while Neil rubbed his face.
"Well, that certainly will make dinner interesting. Alright son, anything else we need to know about your godfather? Unusual powers, anything like that?"
"Well, he's an animagus. He can turn into a large, black dog."
"And with that, I think it's time for some scotch." Neil announced as he made his way to the dining room bar.
Hermione looked at her mother, who still looked pale and shocked.
"Mum, are you okay?"
"Um, yes dear. Just a bit too many shocks. I understand that Sirius is innocent, but it's still difficult. So, Harry, you think you can clear him, how?"
"Well, there's a way that I can extract my memories from our confrontation with Pettigrew and the cemetery. Those memories can be placed in a pensieve to be viewed by members of the Wizengamot. Hermione thinks that now I'm a lord, I can push for a retrial."
"…extracting memories…huh…interesting" Jean mumbled, apparently confounded yet again my magic.
Hermione returned to the stove to check the pots as Neil returned with his scotch. Talk turned back to plans for studying during the week. About a half hour later, a knock sounded on the back door. Hermione went to answer it and Sirius stepped in. He greeted Hermione with a hug and then turned to his godson before being led in to meet the Grangers again.
"Sirius, I know you met briefly at the wedding, but let me make more formal introductions. Drs. Neil and Jean Granger, this is my godfather, Sirius Black. Sirius, these are my in-laws."
"A pleasure to see you again. This is a beautiful house. And really, pup, so formal?"
"Yes Harry, you know how we are about formality with family. Please, Sirius, if it's okay that I call you that? We're just Neil and Jean."
"Excellent! Yes, just Sirius please. And whatever is cooking smells fabulous."
"We're having lamb. It's almost done. You can actually thank Harry. He did the marinade on it and it looks incredible."
Harry went to check the lamb and pulled it out to rest while Neil poured a scotch for Sirius. A few minutes later the food was ready and taken to the dining room while everyone sat. The conversation over dinner was pleasant, with much of the talk focusing around the wedding ceremony. Sirius also regaled the Grangers with a few of the tamer tales of the Marauders. He was at his most charming and Hermione just smirked as her mother especially responded to the handsome rogue. With his hair cut, beard trimmed and clothes tailored to appear casual and effortless with a refined sense of wealth, Sirius was the picture of an aristocratic playboy. Once the meal was finished, they retired to the living room and talk took a more serious turn.
"Well, that was a most excellent meal. I must say pup, I didn't realize how good of a cook you are."
"Thanks Sirius."
"By the way Sirius, can I ask a personal question?"
"Certainly Neil."
"You keep calling Harry pup. He mentioned that you have an animal form, I forget what Hermione called it. Is that the reason for the nickname?"
Sirius grinned.
"Yes. I suppose now that he's legally an adult and married I should stop, but I still like it. My animagus form is a dog, thus he is my pup. Just a term of endearment. I called him that the day he was born. It was a glorious summer day. I can still remember getting the patronus from Prongs. He was so excited, I could barely understand what he said. I made it to the hospital right away, but the stubborn one here took another fifteen hours to make his appearance. They probably had to install new flooring at the hospital we did so much pacing. But then he arrived and I went back to see Lily and the baby and held him for the first time. I didn't even think about it, he was just pup from that moment."
Harry couldn't help himself as he wiped a tear. He had never heard the story of his birth before. He had no idea it had taken fifteen hours. Hermione pulled him closer as she sent him soothing thoughts. Sirius saw that Harry was upset and decided to change the tone.
"So Neil, Jean, want a animagi demonstration? It doesn't take long."
"Um, sure."
Sirius rose from his chair and stepped to the other side of the coffee table, where he immediately began to transform. Ten seconds later a large black dog stood in his place. The dog ran to the other side of the room and proceeded to pounce on Harry as he gave him a big swipe with the tongue.
"Eww. Padfoot, get off. Yuck!"
The dog ran around the room once and then stopped and Sirius transformed again. He was chuckling as Harry cast a scourgify on himself.
"Wow, that was certainly impressive."
"Thank you. Took us nearly three years to perfect the transformation. So, speaking of studies, how are your summer studies going you two?"
"Well we have all our homework done. We've been doing some additional work on defense and we also found a good book on mind magics that we've been studying."
"Yes, we've been working on meditation to help with occlumency. After that we'll move to legilimency, although right now it seems more important to block our thoughts, especially for Harry. As an interesting part of the meditation, we were able to communicate with each other while meditating. We figured that, even though Voldemort has been quiet for now, we know he's busy building up forces and we need to do what we can to start preparing."
"Especially since he seems to be focused on me. I know I somehow defeated him as a baby, but there is some reason he keeps targeting me. And I think Dumbledore knows more than he lets on. I plan on having a serious discussion with the headmaster soon."
"About that Harry, that's part of the reason I wanted to talk to you. Hold on a moment."
Sirius stood up and cast around the room. Harry recognized most of the spells he cast. A couple were detection charms and then an enchantment marker. Once he seemed satisfied, Sirius cast several privacy shields around the room. Jean was looking concerned once again at the level of security he felt was necessary.
"Alright pup, now that I know no one is listening in, we need to talk. I assume you don't mind if Neil and Jean are here?"
"No Sirius. We're family."
"I understand. You deserve to have a good family. Unfortunately I have not been able to be that for you as I wished. Alright, so to begin, you are correct that Dumbledore knows more than he says. He feels he is orchestrating everything for the light, but he is still just a man and he is not infallible. I don't agree with him on several points and I am here to rectify that. He has an organization called the Order of the Phoenix. It's a covert underground group with members hidden throughout the Ministry and in business. Our goal is to gather information and on occasion take small actions to neutralize certain individuals within Voldemort's ranks. I was part of the Order back during the first war and have taken up the cause again as much as possible given my current status. Dumbledore requires all of us to take a magically binding oath to the Order. This means that we normally cannot divulge information to those outside the Order. Except that in your case, I took an oath to you as your godfather before I took my oath to the Order. That means my oath to you takes precedent. I would prefer though that you not reveal that you know what I am about to tell you. At least for a while. Dumbledore still feels you are too young. Obviously I disagree."
"I understand Sirius."
"Alright, the first thing I need to explain is where I've been for the past couple months. Moony and I have been travelling on the continent trying to enlist support against Voldemort. Moony has been working within the werewolf populations. During the first war Voldemort enlisted many werewolves under his banner with the promise of fairness and equality if he took power. I don't know how they can be stupid enough to believe that, but it's not like our side has been very good to them. Anyway, we travelled together to France and then separated and moved on from there. My task was to use my fugitive status and natural charisma to build friendships within certain criminal elements. Nothing too extreme, but having operatives among small time crooks and con artists can prove useful. Now I'm back and confined in my house most of the time. Dumbledore would prefer I wasn't here and that I didn't leave for the wedding either, but he knows when not to push my limits. I missed fourteen years with you and I want to do what I can to help, even if it's not much."
Sirius paused to sip his drink and Jean spoke up.
"Sirius, you mentioned Moony, who is that, he's a werewolf? Hermione told us she had a teacher who was a werewolf. A man who was quite kind except for a few days out of the month. She said there's a potion to control it? I'm sorry, but to us werewolves are myth. Are there a lot of them?"
"Perhaps I need to explain more mum. Moony is the nickname for Remus Lupin. Much like Sirius' nickname is Padfoot because he turns into a dog and Harry's dad James was Prongs because his form was a stag. Werewolves are not myth, they are people afflicted with an incurable disease called lycanthropy. The disease is transmitted by being bit by a werewolf when they are transformed during the time of a full moon. Moony was bitten as a young boy. He attended Hogwarts thanks to Dumbledore, who implemented special safeguards for the few days out of the month that he was in the process of transforming. The actual transformation is for a day, but the couple days leading up to and out of the full moon cause werewolves to be quite temperamental. There is a potion, the wolfsbane, that lessens the impact of the transformation, making them less dangerous and unable to transmit the affliction. They still need to remain away from others during that time, but they are safer. Moony is a good man who is forced to live destitute, often taking menial jobs in the muggle world due to the fact that he gets sick for a few days out of the month. There is a lot of prejudice. If the Ministry would help them more and treat them decent, so many wouldn't be tempted to go to the other side."
"Excellent synopsis Hermione. Really pup, I don't know how you managed to bond to brains and beauty. Of course, I said the same to your father. Anyway, so now you know where I've been. I would have preferred to be back home where I could spend time with you, but obviously you've been in good hands. Now, we need to talk about Dumbledore. As Hermione mentioned, he was a good friend to Remus and allowed him an education where others would not. He has done many great things for our world, but I do not follow him blindly. I believe he has woven a web of deceit that he feels is for the greater good and I think his web has become snarled. For one thing, he should never have put you with the Dursleys, blood protection or not. I remember Lily talking about her sister and the oaf she married. She would have been furious to know that you were imprisoned with them for ten years. And trust me, your mother was one you didn't want to make angry. Brilliant, beautiful for sure and positively scary in her abilities if you got on the wrong side of her."
Harry chuckled and shot a look at Hermione. Sirius and the Grangers caught it and laughed.
"So the question I imagine you must have is why Dumbledore is so interested in you? Yes you defeated Voldemort once, but you could barely walk yet. Why keep protecting you? What can you offer that could defeat the greatest dark wizard of all time? This is something that has plagued me every night as I remember visiting your parents' house right after the attack. Dumbledore keeps things to himself, but in the last Order meeting he let something go. It's not much, but I think it may be the clue. Apparently there was a prophecy given shortly before you were born that marks you as the one to destroy Voldemort. I don't know the details, but apparently Voldemort heard part of the prophecy, but only part. Now he is trying to find the rest in case it holds more details. The prophecy is housed in the Department of Mysteries and the Order is now regularly guarding the hallway leading to it. I wish he would tell us more, but that is all I have for now. I know it's not the best news, but it should give you something to go on."
"A prophecy, like in Divination that Trelawney teaches? That's what made Voldemort attack when I was a baby? But Trelawney's a quack!"
"Perhaps, I don't know her. I do know that seer abilities are very real and very rare. Most people think it is quackery because many claim to have the abilities that only a few actually do. True seers are some of the most magical and most dangerous people. The legends say only one seer is born for every hundred years, but that may be an exaggeration."
Everyone was quiet for a moment, contemplating everything until Hermione broke the silence.
"Alright, so we know why Dumbledore thinks Harry is important. But what else is he up to and what is Voldemort up to?"
"Two very important questions my dear. For now I would recommend to keep on the path you are. Study defense and occlumency. Voldemort is known for breaking people through their minds. I would like to spend some time with you as well. Molly said you were due to come to the Burrow in a week, but the plan has been changed. She sent a letter, but I probably got here before the owl. There have been some vague threats and she and Arthur decided the Burrow needed it's wards strengthened. Until that happens, they've joined a couple other Order members staying at my ancestral home. The place needs a bit of work, but it does have lots of space. My movements are restricted, but if you join the others we'll have some time together. And, not to worry, the two of you will have your own room."
Harry and Hermione both blushed at the knowing look Sirius gave them.
So love, what do you think? Are you okay with going to Black Manor in a week?
As long as I'm with you, I'm fine. And it will be nice to see the others.
"Alright Sirius, we're in agreement with going ahead with our planned departure in a week, but with a different destination. Is that alright Neil and Jean?"
The Grangers both nodded while Sirius looked at Harry curiously.
"Pup, you said you were in agreement? What do you mean? You didn't ask Hermione."
"Well, actually I did. Our recent mind magic meditation techniques have pushed our bond further. We can manage mind speech between us now."
"Really? Bloody brilliant! Oops, sorry Neil and Jean. Anyway, that's a fantastic development. Build up your shields and you'll have a definite advantage there. It will be great to have you at the old house. I much prefer it full of people. When I was there all alone with just Buckbeak, I'm afraid I got a bit morose."
"Buckbeak?"
"Yes mum, Buckbeak is the hippogriff I told you about that we freed Sirius with. Half eagle, half horse."
Jean just nodded, while Neil chuckled.
"I'd like to see some of these creatures sometime. The stuff of legends come to life."
"Well, unfortunately we have bigger problems than magical creatures, but the Order is working on trying to stay a step ahead of the Death Eaters. Of course, if the Ministry would acknowledge that Voldemort is back, it would help."
"Speaking of the Ministry Sirius, there's something else I wanted to discuss. Now that I've taken my title, Hermione says I can submit evidence to the Wizengamot for you. They wouldn't listen to me as an underage student, but now I think I'm going to try to push for a pensieve review of my memories and get you cleared. I think I'll also arrange a viewing of what happened in the cemetery."
"Really pup? If you can manage, that would be fantastic. The Ministry has been more bull headed than usual lately though. Still, as a lord you might be able to force it. Tell you what, work on your shields for another week and we'll discuss it then. Now, I have to thank you Neil and Jean for a wonderful evening, but my curfew is almost up. If I miss it, the Order will be out to find me. I'll see you and the missus in a week pup."
Harry rolled his eyes at his godfather's teasing and stood to give him a hug. Sirius shook the Grangers' hands and then hugged Hermione as well before stepping into the backyard to apparate. Once he had left, Harry turned back to Hermione and pulled her into his arms.
"Well, he certainly gave us a lot to ponder."
"Indeed."