Surprise Reunions
October 27th, 1989
Harry-
Harry bit his lip anxiously as he sealed the letter before him. Goldaxe had sent a letter to him about Sirius. Sirius wanted to meet the person who was instrumental to his release. And while the man had no clue it was Harry. He couldn't decide how to feel about Sirius...his godfather. Was he a nice guy? Did he know about what his parents did? Did he help plan any of it? Was he in contact with Harry's ex-parents? Did any of it even really matter?
It had caused Harry so much anxiety that he'd frozen up. His heart had been beating in his ears as his breathing quickened. Percival had of course been very worried as Harry wasn't answering him. He sent Loki out of the box to comfort Harry. Eventually Percival had snapped him out of it. After an hour of cuddling Loki to his chest like a Niffler teddy. Hedwig hooting softly in his ear from his left shoulder. Harry finally told Percival why he had reacted as such. Percival being the smart capable adult he is. Helped Harry work through his emotions and suggest a solution.
Percival was right Harry didn't owe Sirius anything, he wasn't obligated to meet the man. Gringotts was neutral ground which meant no hostility was allowed. It wasn't that he thought Sirius was violent or anything. But the man had been in prison where Dementors messed with his head. No, his biggest concern was Dumbledore and of course secrecy. He had the feeling if he was found they wouldn't let him go. Harry refused to return to the Dursley's or to his ex-parents. Percival had of course known exactly what to do. He told Harry that if he decided to go, he would have to make some conditions.
One of which was that they wouldn't be alone. Goldaxe would stay with Harry and Sirius as they met. Two Sirius would have to be sworn to secrecy by magic. Thus, preventing anyone from knowing about Harry. Sirius wouldn't be able to say anything about what he sees or discusses. It had soothed his worries in part, but that didn't mean he wasn't nervous. What if he didn't like Harry? It could very well mean the rejection from yet another parental figure. Something that Harry wasn't sure he could handle. Percival was right though no matter how far you run sometimes the past catches up. It was inevitable that he would cross paths with someone who might recognize him. Harry had just hoped that it would take longer than a few weeks.
Harry placed the letter in his magical mailbox and watched it vanish to Gringotts. There was no going back from now on.
Sirius-
Sirius wasn't sure how today was supposed to go but even he hadn't expected this. He'd just gotten a letter from Gringotts. He was about to open it when a knock at his door sounded. Healer Edgewood came in to tell him he had a visitor. So, Sirius tucked his letter under his bed mattress. He was still a little paranoid and his clothes didn't have pockets. He was wearing a dark blue pajama set still. As Sirius had yet to change for the day. A lot had changed in the last week or so. The first thing that had changed. Was, that Sirius was finally out of the danger zone. At least as far as his physical health went. He'd gained some weight back but not much. He no longer looked like a sickly bone thin skeleton. The second change was that Sirius finally had access to his Gringotts account. Which he celebrated by buying new clothes. He made sure to buy them with certain spells. Those being resizing charms and no wrinkle charms.
This way if Sirius put on a little more weight, he wouldn't have to resize them or buy new. The healers were evaluating his progress thus far. Sirius would find out if he could have a wand in the next few days. Which would be a huge relief honestly. Another change was that Caspian was helping him find a place to live. The mind healers said he could leave pending his evaluation. So long as he came back for his mind healing sessions. Until then Sirius was still a resident of St. Mungos. He was torn out of his thoughts to see healer Edgewood. Closely followed by...Dumbledore??? What the hell did that man want now? Potent anger bubble in his veins. The man had a lot of nerve showing his face to Sirius.
"Sirius my boy." Dumbledore said, jovially.
Sirius scowled and not only at Dumbledore but at Edgewood as well. The man had made towards the door and Sirius wasn't letting him go. Oh, no he brought Dumbledore here. Now he was going to stay and help Sirius deal with him.
"Healer Edgewood, would you stay with us please?" Sirius asked, gritting his teeth.
He didn't trust Dumbledore, nor did he want to be alone with the man.
"Surely Healer Edgewood has better things to do." Dumbledore said.
Sirius shook his head. Who did Dumbledore think he was fooling? This man didn't care about anyone, let alone the schedule of a healer!
"First of all, I'm not your boy. Secondly, I don't trust you at all anymore. And thirdly, I have zero desire to talk to you. So, this is the last conversation we're having so you better make it worth it. Because we both know you aren't here because you give a damn about me!" Sirius said, gritting his teeth and clenching his jaw.
Healer Edgewood came back from near the door and settled in Sirius's desk chair. He felt bad for the brown-haired man as he was now caught in-between Dumbledore and Sirius. But to Edgewood's credit he was looking at Dumbledore with quiet suspicion now. Good don't be taken in by the grandfatherly routine! Sirius had been there and done that; the outcome wasn't pretty.
"Sirius, I don't understand why your upset I thought...." Dumbledore never finished.
Sirius felt like his blood might boil and explode out of his veins. Upset was a fucking understatement on how he felt!
"Okay, cut the crap Dumbledore! If you don't understand why I'm pissed at you then you're a clueless old fool! I spent nine years! Nine years, in jail when you could've done something about my incarceration! Your Supreme Mugwump of the Wizengamot! Not only that but you were the one that swore in the real secret keeper! You could've easily gotten me out without revealing your dirty little secret! That's right I know they aren't dead Gringotts doesn't play games like you do! I won't say anything about it but it's over. I'm not helping you; I'm not rejoining the Order...I am done! After today I never want to see you again. Not to mention you losing Harry! How could you leave him with Petunia? What is wrong with you? That bitch of a shrew should never be let around a magical child! And to add insult to injury you show your face to me after nine years! You didn't come to visit, and you made no effort to get me out of there! I know you didn't come because you care about me. So, ask what you need to ask and never come near me again." Sirius said, with a growl.
It had taken everything he had not to shout...to reign in his anger. He didn't want the healers to think that Sirius couldn't control himself. Dumbledore actually had the audacity to look sad! That man is utterly ridiculous! Did he really expect Sirius to just forgive him? That man destroyed his life and worst of all Sirius had trusted him!
" I understand and will make an effort to give you space and time..."
Sirius held up his hand to stop him.
"No amount of time and space could ever fix the way you destroyed my life. I trusted you and trusted in your judgement. Somewhere down the line I forgot to look out for myself. I gave and gave and gave...until I had nothing left to give. I could've died or gone entirely insane in there. But that didn't matter to you at all did it? It was all about the greater fucking good. You act like our friend or even like a friendly grandfather. But the truth is you don't care about any of us. We're nothing but pawns in your fucked up game. And I'm taking myself off the board before you manage to somehow get me killed." Sirius said, angrily.
Edgewood was now actively looking back and forth between them with sharp brown eyes. A frown marred his bearded face as he listened intently. Sirius wondered what he must be thinking right now. Unlike Dumbledore he wasn't a mind reader. Nor would he invade someone's privacy like that. He was a firm believer that a person's mind was nobody else's business. It's a form of violation that Sirius found was similar to rape. The victim doesn't get a choice about being violated. And most of the time if a person is really good at Legimency the victim won't know about the violation. All the more reason for Sirius to bring his Occlumency shields back up to snuff.
"I wanted to enquire about your godfather bond." Dumbledore said, cautiously.
"I should've known, why else would you come to visit me if not to find your prophecy child. A week before my trial I felt it snap entirely. I had assumed it was because my incarceration interfered with the bond. But that was before I was told Harry was missing. I had the goblins examine me to figure out what the cause was. All they could tell me was that something was wrong with the magic. My own personal magic was fine, so the cause has to be coming from Harry's end. I already asked if they could track Harry with the residual magic left from the bond. They told me it was too corrupted to track." Sirius said, shaking his head.
Dumbledore sagged in front of him aging a decade in that one moment. He looked old and so very tired. Sirius however felt no sympathy for the man.
"I see...that is disappointing as all other methods have led to dead ends. Even in the muggle world, the muggle authorities have been unable to find him. Amelia has exhausted herself working so many cases at once. Your bond was our last chance to find him through magic. I am sorry that things turned out the way they did. I know you don't believe me Sirius, but I never meant for this to happen." Dumbledore said, sadly.
Sirius sighed, the man wouldn't learn if he did nothing at all.
"You need to learn that people aren't chess pieces. You can't just sacrifice anyone you want and then apologize and hope that that fixes it. That's...I don't know really shitty. But if I were you, I would take a large step back. And take a long deep look at yourself and really think about everything. Because I sincerely doubt that I'm the only one you've screwed over. No matter how you phrase it Dumbledore. What happened to me is always going to look deliberate. There was so much you could've done and you did nothing. You talk big about your ideals and the world as you envision it. But at the end of the day. You're the only one who doesn't pay for those ideals! One life really can be worth more than another. I'm not saying that out of arrogance. But there are a hundred ways to skin a cat. Which means there is always another way...another choice other than Dumbledore's way. So, stop sacrificing one life to theoretically save the masses" Sirius said, sighing tiredly.
He hoped Dumbledore really did think about it. Caspian was right there is always another way. In the heat of the moment, it might seem like there aren't any other viable choices. But there are other choices. Something the older man needed to learn preferably before Harry is found. How much of Dumbledore's ego was based on his actual skill and intelligence? And how much of it was due to others' expectations? When Grindelwald had terrorized Britain people had flocked to Dumbledore. And when he'd finally defeated Grindelwald, Dumbledore became a political powerhouse. Every time something happened people looked to Dumbledore, when they realized, the Ministry wasn't going to fix it. Now the man in question seemed to have an overblown sense of entitlement. It was his way or no way. The Order had started as a democracy and ended in a dictatorship. Dumbledore hadn't been willing to listen to their ideas. In the end rather than argue with the man. The Order simply did what Dumbledore wanted. It was war so they had gone with their leader. A choice that Sirius regretted immensely.
Don't get him wrong, Sirius was glad that he'd fought to protect innocent people. But he regretted simply going with what Dumbledore wanted. So many things had happened as an end result. And none of them were good.
Dumbledore seemed speechless as if he hadn't expected Sirius to say that.
"Sirius I..."
Sirius interrupted shaking his head.
"Save it! I don't want to hear whatever self-serving statement you may have. Please leave and don't come back." Sirius said, firmly.
He wasn't going to change his mind. Sirius was going to stand his ground this time.
"I believe that is all Dumbledore. I'm afraid I can't let you harass one of our patients. You've gotten your answers it's time to go. " Edgewood said, gruffly.
Sirius could've hugged that man for reinforcing his need to get Dumbledore the fuck out. Once Dumbledore had shuffled out the door dejectedly. Sirius let out a sigh of relief and dropped down on his bed. It had been hard talking to someone and not meeting their eyes. But he couldn't risk Dumbledore catching wind of his lies. Oh, Sirius had been truthful about everything but his godfather bond. It wasn't as severed as he'd told Dumbledore.
But his need to protect Harry outweighed the possibility of finding Harry. Dumbledore won't stop until he's out of options. He was obsessed with the prophecy and Voldemort. Harry was just caught in between them. He had never had his bond checked at Gringotts. When Sirius was incarcerated, the bond made his chest throb. In the sense that it literally felt like he was missing something. It was like that for years his chest dully throbbing like his chest was bruised or damaged. A week before his release was the first time that feeling had changed. It became a dull almost non-existent ache. It was what was called 'bond withdrawal'. It's a side effect of an unfulfilled bond. He couldn't be with Harry so he couldn't renew it. The odd pain in his chest was a result of their separation. Godparents were meant to have an active part of the child's life. While there were extenuating circumstances, of which Sirius was sure he may have taken more magical backlash otherwise. He really needed to find Harry to renew his promise.
Whatever had happened to Harry had somehow changed their bond. Sirius heavily suspected that something had changed in Harry's magic. There was no way the bond would act a certain way for nine years. Then suddenly change right around the time Harry vanished. Even weakened as the bond was Sirius could still feel a small fragile leftover of the original bond. Enough to know that Harry was alive still. Enough to give him hope of finding his pup.
"Healer Edgewood, would you fire call Caspian McMillian. And ask if he's free for a few hours?" Sirius asked.
"Of course, Mr. Black. You handled that surprisingly well all things considered. I really think you'll be able to leave full time soon. Especially, if you handle all of your confrontations like that. We were worried that your temper would set you back. Healer Brown in particular, was very vocal about it. But you're working really hard to get to a new normal. I will however make sure that Lord McMillian is your last visitor of the day. You need time and space to get through that emotional upheaval." Healer Edgewood said, soothingly.
Sirius nodded grateful that one other people believed in him. Fishing his letter out from under the bed. He opened it and started reading.
Heir Black,
My client has expressed to me that he is alright with meeting you. But he has some conditions for this meeting to take place.
* You must come with non-hostile intentions. He doesn't believe you are violent man. But he knows that certain people are looking for him. And wishes to be sure your intentions.
* He wants the meeting to be at Gringotts with me (Master Goblin Goldaxe) present for the entire meeting.
* He also requires that you or anyone you may bring with you swear a magical oath. He wants to ensure that his identity, and the contents of your meeting are entirely confidential.
If these conditions are acceptable and you are able. Report to Gringotts British Branch in Diagon Alley at 2pm today. If the time doesn't work for you, please reply immediately and we will reschedule.
Accounts Manager Master Goblin Goldaxe
Sirius was now more curious than ever about his anonymous savior. Who the hell were they that they required magical oaths? And who is hunting him?
Lily-
Several things had become very apparent to her over the past few weeks. The most prominent was that she had come to accept that this was what she deserved. Lily had a lot of trust and faith in her husband. Dumbledore not so much.... the man talked pretty but that was about all. He was the kind of man that Lily called a snake charmer. When Dumbledore talked, he could charm the snakes out of the trees. For all his talk about light magic and a better world....it was just that talk. Dumbledore was one of the more manipulative people she'd ever come across. Maybe he did it on purpose or on truly by accident. What she did know was that for someone who didn't want political influence he sure had a lot.
"I'm sorry my boy, but Sirius says that the bond snapped right around the time Harry vanished. The goblins told him the residual magic was corrupted on Harry's end." Dumbledore said, gravely.
The man popped a lemon drop in his mouth. James frowned and looked over at her in concerned. She merely looked at him back as she gritted her teeth and looked away. There was a reason he was sleeping on the sofa after all.
"So that's it? You're just going to stop looking? You're the one who convinced James this was best! Now our son is missing and all you have is a frown and some lemon drops! What the fuck is wrong with you? Do you even care that he's missing? Does his life really mean so little that all he means is a prophecy?" Lily hissed.
Severus would've told her 'I told you so'. He had warned against getting involved with Potter. And in the beginning, she had listened and kept her distance. James and his friends had made it easy by bullying Severus. But then they had gotten into a fight, and she had second guessed everything. She had given James a chance out of spite. It had been wonderful for a time having a man this besotted with her. She had grown to love him back. Even tolerating his ridiculous friends. She never liked Sirius, Peter was just strange and ugly, and Remus was the one she liked the most. Then the prophecy had happened forever entangling her Harry in this mess. In a moment of idiocy or blindness, as love was blind, she trusted James.
James unfortunately trusted in Dumbledore. A man who convinced them to fake their deaths and relinquish Harry. He whisked them away to a cabin in the middle of nowhere. He denied them any communication with the outside world. Or at least she had been denied. She had her suspicions about James having more contact than she was allowed. It was just the two of them and their daughter Bianca Rose Potter. Two years ago, when they were on their last nerves. And their marriage was all but over with. James had convinced her to have another child. She hadn't wanted another child. She wanted her Harry...her baby boy. But ultimately, she wanted her marriage to survive.
So, they had Bianca, and she was so beautiful! It didn't fix the growing distance between them. But it had soothed her frayed nerves and given Lily something else to think about.
"Lily!" James growled.
He was looking at her in warning. Merlin, she hated him sometimes! Who was he to tell her how to act?
"It's the truth he loses our son and all he has is platitudes. He tells us not to worry and yet there is plenty to worry about! Harry is out there either alone or being held captive! He's only nine years old! We made our choice to be involved in all of this. Harry didn't, he has no idea he even has a living family! Let alone that there are dangerous people who would hurt him! It's made even worse by him taking Harry to Petunia. She's always been a jealous little shrew. I have zero doubts that she treated our son with fairness. She probably said or did something horrible to him. She's locked me into closets before! And I'm her sister...the sister she loved until I became a witch. Then I was suddenly a freak to her! Petunia is petty and Vernon is even worse!" Lily yelled.
This infuriating man! This is why she couldn't stand him anymore!
"Lily please he couldn't have known that would happen!" James said, defensively.
He tried to reach out to her; she smacked his hand away angrily.
"James it's alright she has a right to be upset and angry. I let the both of you down. I truly thought that Lily was exaggerating where Petunia was concerned. The blood wards, I had set up would only work with family members. James didn't have any living family left. I thought that hiding him in the muggle world was best. I made a mistake and miscalculated the cruelty of others. I can't turn back time. If I could believe me there would be a lot of things I would change. Right now, what is most important is Harry's safety. No apology can make up for any of this. I am not infallible, nor can I see the future. I try to do the right thing but seem to always fall short. Recently someone I fell short of told me to look at myself. Something I honestly intend to do going forward." Dumbledore replied, sadly.
James looked shocked at the small speech. But she wasn't so quick to believe. It was her choice to believe in her husband and look how that turned out! She had lost Harry, and her marriage was nearly nonexistent. If she never got Harry back...if he ever found out and hated them. It was nothing more than what they deserved. Now more than ever she wished Severus was with her.
Sirius-
Adjusting his clothes for what felt like the hundredth time. Sirius huffed and sat down on his bed as Caspian finished talking to Healer Edgewood. He had no idea why he was so anxious, but he was. Maybe Dumbledore had unnerved him more than he'd thought? No, it just felt like something big was going to happen. Not having a wand yet seemed to make Sirius even more paranoid.
"Ready to go Siri?" Caspian asked.
Siri... it was so odd yet very comforting. Caspian had started calling him that over the past few days. He kind of liked it...Padfoot always referred to his Animagus form. He hadn't minded being called Padfoot or Pads. But it brought on memories that starred his ex-friends. Friends he was trying to forget about and move forward. Plus, Siri was actually a part of his name. He'd never had a real nickname. Siri was different it was hard to describe how it made him feel. But it was new and didn't remind him of times best left in the past.
"Yeah, as ready as I can be." Sirius replied.
They left his room and made it down to the lobby where the apparition points were. Holding onto Caspian's arm tightly as the world swirled around them. That distinctive feeling of being squeezed through a tube happened. He was definitely glad when they finally landed. Maybe it was from being stuck in that small filthy cell. But apparition made him feel claustrophobic and made him panic slightly. He must've gripped Caspian's arm a tad too hard. As the man in question was trying to talk to him. But it was like everything had gone mute. Fuzziness crept at the edges of his vision as he struggled to breathe.
He practically let himself fall into Caspian's arms as he shook and clung to him. After what felt like a long while his vision cleared, and he could hear Caspian. He was quietly telling Sirius to breathe and that it would be alright. With the added commentary of Caspian cursing apparition and not thinking about it. On all their other outings they had gone by floo. Which for some reason didn't make Sirius feel as bad. Logically speaking there was more space in a fireplace. Then there seemingly was when apparating. There wasn't necessarily any logic when it came to fear.
He tried to move out of Caspian's arms and stopped as he still felt dizzy. Breathing deeply, he pulled back entirely his back hitting the side of a brick building. They were in Diagon Alley, with the crowds moving around them. Nobody seemed to notice either of them which was amazing. Because Sirius and the 'Azkaban Refugees' as the papers had called them were still front-page news. With Harry's disappearance slipping to page two. Something that had infuriated him more than once.
"Siri are you okay? Do you want to postpone the meeting?" Caspian asked, concerned.
He shook his head determinedly.
"No, I need to do this. The letter said they were being hunted. I may never get another chance like this. Besides I have to push the envelope eventually anyway, right? I can't just shrink away from the world. Life won't ever be normal for me until I get over all this." Sirius mumbled.
Caspian scoffed in disbelief.
"Yes, the healers want you to start reaching out and doing more things. But they don't want you to torture yourself Siri! You don't have to just get over it. Trauma is trauma and there is no set amount of time to heal from it. You shouldn't force yourself. It's not good for you Siri! You need to take better care of yourself...you and your pain matter. If you won't do it for yourself, then do it for Harry." Caspian pleaded.
Sirius nodded finally feeling like he could stand without feeling dizzy. He grabbed Caspian's arm in a silent plea to let him keep it. Caspian simply responded by shaking off Sirius's hand. Sirius went to pull his hand back. It hurt a little at the small rejection. But he was surprised when Caspian twined his fingers with Sirius's. A quick reassuring smile was sent to him as Caspian pulled him forward. It was so surreal yet also comforting. He couldn't remember the last time someone had held his hand. Had it been back in school? Possibly but it was never a gesture of comfort. Weaving through the fringes of the crowd. They scaled the steps heading into Gringotts.
His stomach turned as they came up the last step. Every step brought him closer to his mystery savior. Why was he so anxious? Sucking in a breath harshly he stayed close to Caspian. The man's warm fingers kept Sirius grounded. It seemed like only minutes before they were ushered into a side entrance. Goblin guards were escorting them down. Some of the halls were darker than others. Each patch of darkness made him clutch at Caspian's fingers. There were times when he thought there was movement within the darkness. He'd had nightmares about it for the longest time. The dementors always seemed to ooze cold and darkness. More than one dementor had materialized that way. It featured prominently within each nightmare.
All the healers and Caspian said trauma and fear weren't rational. They simply existed...it didn't make him feel any better. It made him feel weak...children were afraid of the dark not grown men. But was it really irrational, when Sirius knew what kind of creatures resided in the dark? When he'd seen and felt that kind of horror....
When he looked in the mirror it was like looking at a stranger. Sirius had once been fearless in everything he'd done. Consequences be damned he'd do it just to prove that he could. Now Sirius looked in the mirror and saw a haunted man. He knew what it was to be helpless...to be afraid. He didn't know who he was anymore...and wasn't that even more disturbing? To not even recognize oneself? Enough was enough though. Sirius would take their advice and let time heal some of his wounds. But others...other wounds he'd force open and deal with them. Sirius was just so tired of not feeling like himself. It was so frustrating to feel this way.
"Sirius are you okay?"
He shook his head and looked to see Caspian. He was looking at Sirius with concern etched into his features. With good reason too. He'd been so lost in thought he didn't even realize they were in a meeting room. They had made it to their destination. And Sirius hadn't even registered being here.
"Sorry I was just thinking." Sirius replied.
Caspian chuckled softly.
"I'll say, you didn't even seem to know we had stopped. Master Goblin Goldaxe should be with us shortly. You know what is required for this meeting to take place. Why don't you sit down and gather yourself." Caspian suggested.
The blond man moved to the circular table in the center of the room. And took a seat facing the door. Sirius sat in the chair to his right so he too could see the door. After a few minutes the door opened to reveal an older looking goblin. His eyes were sharp behind small round glasses. White hair sprouted from its ears.
"I am master goblin Goldaxe. As per the terms of this meeting you will have to swear a magical oath. If this is acceptable, please produce your wands and then we will begin." Goldaxe said, briskly.
Caspian nodded and pulled his wand out.
"Ahh, well Mr. Black can use yours Mr. McMillan when you're done. ' I Caspian Clarent McMillan, swear by my magic to not reveal the identity of the person I am to meet. I will also never reveal the contents of this meeting. Or any future meetings with Lord Peverell.' Then Mr. Black will do the same with his." Goldaxe stated.
They looked at each other after hearing the name of who they were meeting. Peverell? Weren't they all dead? But he immediately dismissed the thought. The Potters were supposed to be dead too. And they were up and walking around. Caspian finished his oath before handing his wand over to Sirius. He did the same and as the golden light faded from the wand. Sirius let out a sigh of relief. He didn't know why he was so relieved. But it felt like something he'd been waiting on was finally coming to a close. What came next even Sirius couldn't have imagined.
A boy walked into the room. He had short black hair with bangs framing his face. His eyes were a startling color that seemed to change in the light. They were teal in the well-lit room. But when his hair cast a shadow over his face. His eyes deepened in color to clear sapphire blue. He had a snowy white owl tucked into the groove where his shoulder met his neck. He came to a very startling realization.
This child somehow felt familiar...could....no, he looked nothing like James! The kid's magic felt wrong...or maybe it was just Sirius's memory that was wrong.
"Harry????" Sirius said, breathless.
The boy tilted his head and gave a small smile.
"My name was once Harold James Potter. But I magically changed my name and forsook the Potter lineage and magic. It's fortunate that the Peverell Lordship accepted me. And that I had Black and Peverell lineage. As a result, I didn't lose a whole lot of magic removing any trace of them from me. Now I go by Valerian Harrison Peverell, but you can continue to call me Harry." Harry said.
Sirius almost got up but stopped himself. This child didn't know him at all. So, getting up and grabbing him into a hug. Wouldn't go over very well right now.
"If you don't mind me asking Harry. Why did you do that and how? We were led to believe that you had no knowledge of the magical world." Caspian asked, curiously.
Harry smirked as the owl hooted.
"Now that is a story indeed one that I can't give to you fully. Suffice it to say I wasn't in a very good place. Something happened that revealed my magical heritage. And my friend helped me escape my relatives. He then gave me the knowledge to make it to the Leaky Cauldron. Then he directed me to Gringotts where I was able to get an inheritance test. I of course found out about my ex-parents being alive. Living their lives comfortably without me. They left me with magic hating no-majs. So, I decided if they didn't want me, I didn't want them. I also found out about the prophecy and the Horcrux that was in my scar. So, I had it removed...disowned myself...and took up my Lordship. My magic changed as much as my appearance. I then moved to one of the Peverell properties out of this country. I had no intention of coming back. But I couldn't leave Sirius in prison for crimes he didn't commit. So, I had Goldaxe anonymously hire you a solicitor. I've been weighing the pros and cons of revealing myself to Sirius. He too was wronged by my ex-parents. But I had no guarantees that Sirius would be on my side. So, my friend came up with the magical oaths so that no matter what happens today. I will be safe and anonymous...and hopefully have one less pursuer." Harry explained.
Sirius was speechless...this kid really was something else!
"That's a... really smart move for a kid." Caspian said, cautiously.
Harry glared at the man.
"I had to be smart to survive the hellhole I escaped. My greatest asset is that everyone underestimates a child." Harry said, smirking.
Sirius blinked; no truer words were never spoken. Nobody thinks a child is this smart. What the hell had happened at Petunia's house?
"I didn't know what they did that night. It was heartbreaking to know that they were still alive. And I was in prison for helping to facilitate their murder. But it was worse when I found out you were missing. You probably already know I'm your godfather. I... know that I let you down by giving you to Dumbledore. And pursuing Pettigrew rather than stay there with you. It was a choice that I've regretted heavily for nine years. I know that as a Lord you are considered an adult by our laws. But I would like an opportunity to be your godfather again. I want nothing to do with your ex-parents or Dumbledore. Whatever you choose I would like to be there for you. And only you... this time Harry." Sirius said, sincerely.
Harry looked at him with an unreadable look.
"I don't know..." Harry started.
"It's okay Harry. Will you at least think about it?" Sirius asked.
"I will give it a little more thought." Harry said, biting his lip.
"I want to hug you, but I don't want to scare you...I" Sirius stopped sadly.
Harry had come around the table and slowly edged closer. The white owl on his shoulder was glaring at Sirius threateningly. Harry smiled at the bird before placing it on the table. Sirius sat frozen as Harry moved closer. He was afraid to move and scare the kid. It was obvious that Harry didn't trust either him or adults in general. And Sirius couldn't blame him. What had adults done for Harry? They abandoned him and left him with magic hating muggles. A hesitant step later Harry was in his arms for the first time since infancy. He couldn't help it when small thin arms wrapped around him. Sirius couldn't stop the tears that suddenly started falling from his eyes. Sobs shook his frame as he clutched at Harry.
To Harry's credit he didn't flinch or move away. Small hands rubbed his back as everything hit Sirius at once. He should be comforting Harry not the other way around. After a few minutes he forced himself to release Harry. He didn't want to scare Harry away. Sirius silently prayed to mother magic and Merlin that Harry would give him a chance.
"Harry, can we meet again?" Sirius asked, cautiously.
"Yeah, we will meet again maybe...tomorrow?" Harry asked, hesitantly.
Sirius smiled.
"I would like that. Where?" Sirius asked.
"How about at my manor? Goldaxe can make a temporary portkeys for the day. You can even bring your friend here too. I would advise that you wear no jewelry unless it's magically impossible to be removed by anyone but yourself. No clothing with shiny buttons or cufflinks. I have a pet that is quite the handful. He adores shiny things, and I don't need him stealing from my guests." Harry said, amusedly.
He was smiling at the mention of his pet. And no one was happier than Sirius to see Harry smile. Maybe they would also get to meet Harry's mysterious friend too.