Padfoot Returns
"Any idea where Harry is?"
Hermione stood in the Entrance Hall, just a few steps from the doors that led out of Hogwarts. With her was Ron, waiting for Harry to arrive.
"He just said he needed to grab something. Sounded important, so I didn't want to pry."
Hermione nodded but was admittedly curious about what Harry was grabbing. It was Saturday, a week since the Weighing of the Wands, and the first Hogsmeade weekend. It was also three days until the First Task, and her nerves were beginning to get the best of her. This past week, Harry had been training obsessively. Andromeda had devised a rather clever means of training Harry to face a dragon. With Madam Hooch's assistance, she'd charmed a Quaffle, two Snitches, and four Bludgers to fly in a particular formation.
The goal was simple. The Quaffle represented the dragon's open mouth. The Snitches were the eyes, and the Bludgers were the claws, tail, and whatever other weapons the dragons might have. Harry had to hit the weak spots while dodging the oncoming attacks. It sounded easy, but such thoughts were dispelled once Harry started the training regimen. Only a handful of his spells landed on their target, with the balls either dodging at the last second, or his aim was thrown off by the Bludgers flying at him at high speed.
The training was working, at least she thought so. Harry's reflexes had never been better, and his aim was improving. By now he could land most hits consistently on the mouth, and even the eyes. His odds were looking better than ever, but one fact still complicated things. They didn't know exactly what kind of dragon he would be facing. Percy's letter seemed to indicate different dragon breeds were being brought in, and which one he would face was an unknown factor. This complicated their training because every dragon had different strengths and weaknesses.
Even their behaviour could vary from one breed to another. The Antipodean Opaleye was a beautiful creature and considered the least aggressive dragon. Compare that to the Hebridean Black, which needs 100 square miles of territory because of their aggression. God forbid they end up being stupid enough to bring a Hungarian Horntail with them. Between the range of its fire and its poisonous tail spikes, even she wasn't sure how Harry was going to stand against a living weapon like that.
But she pushed aside such thoughts for now. She could see Harry running up to them, with a bag over his shoulder.
"What's in the bag, Harry?"
"I'll tell you on the way Hermione. Come on, Padfoot's waiting for us, and Andy's already in Hogsmeade."
The trio made their way outside, boarding the carriages to Hogsmeade. The last time Harry had been to Hogsmeade, he had snuck out of the castle via secret passage and was wearing his Invisibility Cloak. Today, he sat with his friends in the carriage, enjoying the ride alongside them. This was very much an improvement. But as they got closer, Hermione looked again at the bag Harry had brought with him. Seeing her curiosity, Harry decided to explain himself.
"It's food, Hermione. I figure being on the run makes getting regular meals difficult for Padfoot, so I asked the kitchen elves for help." Harry opened the bag, and the smell of various foodstuffs filled the carriage. "They charmed this with an Expansion Charm, Featherlight Charm, Preservation and Stasis Charm. There's enough in here to last a week, and it'll last indefinitely."
Ron was nodding his head as Harry explained. "That's a good idea mate. Can't imagine he's gotten much to eat, especially if he has Buckbeak with him still."
"I thought about that too. Most of the food is meat, so if Buckbeak has little luck hunting, he'll still be cared for. Even better, a house elf will stop by once a week to refill it, so he doesn't have to risk entering Hogsmeade for scraps."
"Harry," Hermione asked in a seemingly innocent tone, "How do you know where the kitchens are?"
"Uhm... I asked around, and I eventually found the entrance."
"And, why didn't you think to tell me?"
'Oh, right. S.P.E.W. Oh boy, how do I explain... oh, wait a minute.'
"Well, um, I was going to, but... I learned something while I was there."
"And that would be?"
"My mum had the same idea when she was a student. Started a volunteer group called Magicals for Advancing the Rights of Elves."
"M.A.R.E. Bugger, why didn't I think of that?? I wonder if it's too late to..."
"Anyways, she had the same idea, to help house elves gain their freedom and secure their emancipation."
"So, did it work? Did people join? How did she go about it?" Hermione was eager to hear about Lily's efforts. So far she had heard only good things about Lily Potter nee Evans, especially concerning how brilliant she was. Maybe she could learn something from the last student to be named 'The Brightest Witch of her Age.'
"Well, she spoke to the kitchen elves, and they were offended." Hermione blinked at Harry's words, confused. Before she could speak, Harry continued.
"When she asked why, they explained the nature of the magical Bond. The easiest way I can explain this is house elves form magical Bonds with individuals, families, or locations. These Bonds provide the house elves with magic, which they can use to provide for themselves everything they need. In exchange, they take care of who the Bond is formed with. All of the house elves of Hogwarts are Bonded to the school itself, and in exchange they cook, clean, and otherwise maintain the building. That's why everyone says the house elves enjoy their work. It's because it's more entertainment for them than hard labour.
"The reason I didn't tell you is... is I knew how important this was to you, and I wasn't sure how to tell you without upsetting you."
Hermione looked confused. "Why would the truth upset me?"
"Because the Bond is more symbiosis than enslavement. Breaking the bonds would result in the house elves being deprived of the magic they needed to survive. Without it... they would wither away to nothingness."
Harry wasn't happy to be lying to Hermione like this. Granted, it wasn't a complete lie. It was Dobby who had shown him how to find the kitchens, and he was the elf who would be stopping by to refill the food bag. His mum had started such a group and attempted to secure emancipation for the house elves. Harry even had in his trunk one of the badges she had made to promote her cause. But it was Gnarl who explained to her the nature of the house elf Bond, and more importantly how vital it was. Lily had dropped the cause afterwards, deciding to focus on the Death Eaters before she started meddling in the lives of other magical beings.
Hermione was quiet for the remainder of the ride, a strange look on her face. She was looking out the window, deep in thought at everything she had been told. Finally, as they arrived in Hogsmeade, and were about to leave the carriage, she said "Thank you for telling me the truth, Harry."
That was the end of any talk surrounding S.P.E.W. or the house elves. Leaving the carriages behind, they quietly walked through Hogsmeade, with Hermione pointing out the sights Harry hadn't been able to enjoy under his Invisibility Cloak. Near the edge of the village, they saw Andromeda waiting for them. The trio followed her as she led them out of the village and towards the mountains Hogsmeade was built in the shadow of.
As they began their ascent, following the path up the mountain, Harry kept his eyes and ears open. While thus far nothing had happened, he was still wary of anyone finding out where Sirius was hiding, especially that bint Skeeter. For the past week, Talon had been keeping tabs on her, and while the woman was clearly as dishonest as journalists can get, outright lying in her articles, nothing had been found that could be used against her. At least not without revealing she was being spied upon. He needed something more, something concrete that could be used to keep her at bay.
His thoughts were dispelled by the sound of Andromeda gasping. Looking ahead, he saw the reason why in the form of a large black dog, lazily lounging in the sun on an outcropping of rock. A dog that noticed their approach, standing on its legs and wagging its tail as they got closer.
"Sirius."
Harry was quiet when he said it, but just loud enough for Andromeda to hear it. She rushed forward, pausing only when she was within arm's reach, and stretching her arm to pet the Animagus. Sirius leaned into her pets, wagging his tail all the while. Eventually, however, she pulled back her hand, and Sirius took that opportunity to lead them up the mountain. Soon enough, despite the rough walk, they were led into a cave, facing away from Hogsmeade, shielded by large bushes. Stepping inside, Harry saw a familiar creature at the end of the cave, one that made Andromeda jump.
"Is that a hippogriff??" She exclaimed, watching Buckbeak with wide eyes, never expecting to find the hippogriff still with Sirius.
"It's Buckbeak, the hippogriff we mentioned before," Harry answered Andy's question, taking the chance to approach Buckbeak, bowing low as he did. The hippogriff responded with a bow of his own, letting the trio approach him. Harry remembered how they had freed him using the Time-Turner, and how Sirius had ridden him to freedom. "It's good to see you again, Buckbeak."
When Harry turned back to Sirius, he saw his godfather had already changed back. Where once stood a large dog, now stood Sirius Black, in tattered black robes, his hair the same mess it had been the night he escaped. But that didn't matter to him, as Andromeda had pulled him into a hug, weeping as she held her cousin.
"I swear... I never believed you were guilty..."
"It's alright Andy, it's alright."
Sirius comforted his cousin for a few minutes, holding her as she let out all the emotions she had been holding in since learning of Pettigrew's survival. Feelings of anger, towards the Ministry and Fudge's incompetence. Feelings of pain for her cousin, and everything he has endured in the past decade. And feelings of grief, for James and Lily, that their betrayer would be hailed as a hero and martyr.
Eventually, she calmed enough to sit down, allowing Sirius to pull Harry into a hug of his own. Harry hugged his godfather tightly, thrilled at being able to see him again, yet internally wincing. He could feel how thin he was, even through the robes. His godfather was suffering, all because he had let that slimy rat slip from his grasp.
'Next time I have a hold of him, I won't let go. I'll squeeze until something breaks, and drag him before the Wizengamot myself, no matter what it takes...'
Shaking aside his feelings of anger, Harry held up the bag he had been carrying.
"Thought you might like this, Sirius."
Taking it with a look of curiosity, Sirius opened it and smiled brightly at the contents.
"Oh Harry, I could kiss you for this! Chicken, pork, bread, even some pies!" Sirius pulled Harry into another hug, laughing with joy at Harry's forethought. "You've no idea how much I've missed real food."
"I figured you'd like that." Harry smiled at his godfather's joy, taking a seat on one of the larger rocks in the cave, across from Sirius. "There should be plenty for the week, and the bag's got Preservation and Stasis Charms worked into it, so it should last that long, at least. One of the kitchen elves will be stopping by every week to restock your supply, so you should be safe for a while. I figured it hadn't been easy getting food for you and Buckbeak while still fugitives."
"You have no idea." Taking a seat, Sirius pulled out a chicken leg and took a bite of it, savouring the taste of fresh food. "They've amped up security since the summer. Whether it's because of the World Cup, or your forced entry into the Tournament, I'm not sure."
"Have the Aurors been a problem, Sirius?" Hermione had stepped aside from Buckbeak and sat next to Harry, while Ron sat next to Andromeda.
"Not really, Hermione. There have been a few of them in Hogsmeade, but they're mostly there to maintain a presence. To remind everyone that the Aurors are active, and ready to assist if needed. They're not actively searching for me, or anyone in particular."
"They're not looking into who entered Harry into the Tournament?" Hermione sounded incredulous at that.
"More like they don't know where to start. I don't doubt that the news of your forced entry has ruffled some feathers, but if they've found anything, they're keeping quiet about it."
"The Aurors have been to Hogwarts, and they have interviewed some of the staff," Andromeda spoke with a calm voice as she continued. "They figure someone used your signature from a school assignment since you would have signed your name willingly, and hit the Goblet with a Confundus Charm to believe there were four schools, not three."
"And since I'm the only entry for the fourth school, I'm guaranteed to be the Champion. Wait, the only thing I would have signed are school assignments. Could a teacher have done it?"
"Maybe, but they're not convinced. While the staff do keep track of test scores, they don't take that much care for assignments already handed in. It wouldn't be that hard for a student to gain access to a handed-in assignment. But by then, odds are the grade has already been entered into the class records, kept in a more secure location, so there's no point in protecting the old essays." Andromeda shrugged as she finished. "Personally, much as I dislike Snape, and I know that's who you were thinking of, Karkaroff would be a better bet, but even that's unlikely."
"Wait, Karkaroff's here?" Sirius's head snapped in Andromeda's direction at the name.
"As the Headmaster of Durmstrang. I know what you're thinking Sirius, but it's not him. You know as well as I do he has no reason to."
"I know, I know. Still, be careful around him, Harry." Sirius looked at his godson with a stern look. It didn't suit him.
"Why? He's a creep, that much I can tell just by looking at him, but why would you suspect him?"
"He was a Death Eater, back during the war. Got captured before Voldemort's fall, after which he offered names in exchange for freedom. Figures that the snivelling bastard is here, now of all times. Hmm... well, let's leave that aside for now. How is your preparation? I take it Andy's been giving you some training?"
"That she has, and she has not been holding back. But I'd rather deal with that than face a dragon unprepared."
"Dragon?" Sirius raised an eyebrow at the word.
Ron spoke up this time. "One of my brothers, Percy, works in the Ministry. He sent Harry a letter, telling him they're importing 5X creatures from Romania. Another brother, Charlie, works on a dragon sanctuary there, and he's in the country for the First Task."
"Please tell me you have a plan."
"Sort of. We don't know what breed the dragon will be, and they all have their various strengths. Andy's been training me to go for the eyes and mouth with the Stunning Charm and Conjunctivitis Curse. And I've been looking into other spells in my spare time."
"Other spells? Like what?" Sirius casually asked as he tossed a hunk of pork towards Buckbeak, the hippogriff tearing strips of meat off while the others talked.
"I can conjure a Lightning Bolt now."
Andy and the others, Sirius included, looked at him with a start. While Sirius looked proud and impressed, Andromeda was stunned. "When did you learn to do that??"
"Earlier this week. I've been doing a fair bit of reading in my spare time." Hermione looked so proud of Harry.
"Not bad pup. Elemental magic is difficult, even at the best of times. Learning it as a fourth year is impressive."
"Be careful with those spells, Harry. A careless cast can be dangerous, especially when others are involved."
"I know Andy, and I promise to be careful going forward. I probably wouldn't be learning these spells if not for the Tournament."
That put Andy at ease, though Hermione was looking at him with a doe-eyed look that said 'You're going to teach me, right?' Harry didn't notice, but Ron was looking at the two of them with a knowing smirk. When he looked at Andromeda and Sirius, he rolled his eyes. The two adults smiled at Harry and Hermione before Andromeda spoke.
"Alright you three, you've still got a Hogsmeade trip to enjoy. Go and enjoy yourselves. Sirius and I need to catch up."
The trio stood to leave, with Harry pulling Sirius into another hug.
"I'll send Hedwig as often as I can. I promise."
Sirius smiled, patting his godson's back. As the trio made their way back down the mountain, Hermione casually asked, "So Harry, about those lightning bolts..."
"You're angry with me, aren't you?"
Sirius and Andromeda now sat alone in the cave. Harry and his friends were heading to Hogsmeade, and by now were at least far enough they could ensure their privacy.
"Right now, I'm furious, with a lot of people, but not with you. With you, I'm more... exasperated." Andromeda shook her head as she said this. "Sirius, why didn't you come to me that night? You know I would have helped you."
"I know Andy, I know. I just... that night, everything seemed to fall apart. James, who was practically my brother, was gone, and so was his wife. Peter, who I thought was a loyal friend, had betrayed us. And I was the one who suggested switching the Secret Keepers. It was my idea to be a decoy, while a traitor had the real information."
"Sirius..."
"But it wasn't just that. We suspected for months there was a traitor among us, but never suspected Peter. He played us against each other for God only knows how long, and was responsible for so many lives being lost. All because he was too scared to turn to us. It just... it just all hit me at once, and I couldn't think straight. Going after him, bringing him to the Aurors, was the only thing that made sense at the time. But he played me too, he knew I was coming, and he was ready. He pulled a fast one not only on me but the entire world. I just... broke."
Sirius hung his head in shame, thinking about his past mistakes.
"Then why didn't you try to contact me after escaping? You didn't think I thought you were guilty, did you?"
"I didn't know what to believe. I was thrown into Azkaban without even an interrogation. For all I knew, the rest of the Order considered me a traitor. Even Dumbledore believed I had betrayed them. All I had going for me was the knowledge I was innocent, but that wasn't a happy memory. I had failed James, I failed Lily, and I failed Harry. That only barely kept me sane enough to know that Peter was still out there, but I had no hope of finding him.
"But then Fudge brought that paper to Azkaban. And I saw him! Peter, in his rat form, on the front page of the Prophet! And he was at Hogwarts! That finally gave me something to focus on, besides my pathetic situation. I knew I had to get out, and find Peter, so I could finally prove my innocence." Sirius paused to look around the cave. "Clearly, I should have planned better."
"Well, now that we're talking, is there anyone you want me to contact? I don't know where Remus is, but I can drag him here if I have to. And," sigh "if you insist, I can also try contacting her."
"Her? I wasn't aware Amy had done something to warrant losing the right to a name."
"What else am I to think of her? It's not like she tried helping you, finding out the truth about her fiancee. What am I supposed to..."
"It wasn't like that Andy. Barely a week before Halloween, Amy lost her brother and sister-in-law to a Death Eater attack, Edward and Mary Bones. The only survivor of the attack was their daughter, Susan. She was given compassionate leave, so she could help her niece when everything happened. I don't know if she believed I was guilty, but I know for a fact she wasn't in a good place when it happened."
Sirius looked Andromeda in the eye, waiting for her to respond. For a full minute, he held the stare, before she conceded, shaking her head in exasperation.
"Alright, Sirius. If that's the case, I can try getting in touch with her, if that's what you want."
"If you think it will help. You're probably better able to judge the situation than me. For now, I'll try and keep an ear open for any news concerning Harry. Most I've got is a betting pool being held in the Hog's Head."
"A betting pool? Oh Merlin, on what?"
"On who'll take the lead in the First Task. Harry's a 5-1 shot right now. A definite improvement from 20-1."
Andromeda shook her head, sighing in exasperation as Sirius chuckled. Standing to leave, she hugged her cousin one more time, before letting him lead her out of the cave in his Animagus form. Descending the mountain, she smiled to herself, happy to have finally seen her cousin again.
And more determined than ever, to see him exonerated.