Mike's POV
Professor Dumbledore didn't lie when the hearing came out.
Buckbeak wasn't listed as a dangerous creature. And I found out how Sirius Black came into the equation when I met him in Hogs Head with Lupin.
"You're the one who made sure the hearing came out okay?" I asked in disbelief.
Sirius Black spread his arms out, looking smug at his handiwork. While his face still looked a little gaunt and malnourished, he managed to clean himself up and was offered a job as a senior Auror in the Ministry of Magic. It was ironic that a few weeks ago, he was one of the most wanted men in the Wizarding Community.
Now, where was the troublemaker back in that day?
Will he try to charm the ladies around him? Or will he live the rest of his life just looking after Harry? Just thinking about the possibilities made me excited for Sirius's life and the future of this parallel World.
"That Malfoy shut himself up when he saw me working in the Ministry. He nearly lost his shit when he realised he couldn't kill off a Hippogriff in the name of his," he nearly barfed at the next few words, "beloved son."
I smirked at his action.
"Well, I'm glad you prevented the death of a Hippogriff. It seemed like these days, you have been doing your godfather job. Like that fire bolt you sent to Harry."
I nudged Sirius's elbow a little while taking a sip from the butterbeer. He smiled.
"It's the least I should do. I missed all of Harry's previous birthdays and his muggle relatives wouldn't have celebrated his. So, I'm definitely not going to miss this one. James and Lily..."
Sirius sighed deeply before he took a swig out of his butterbeer. I patted his shoulder. I felt a little guilty at how things had happened. I couldn't say that Peter was the traitor until it was the right time. Even if given the chance for me to redo my mission, I would still follow through.
"Don't give me that expression, old friend." Sirius clapped my back as his mischievous grin returned. "At least you did something this time. You gave me back my life and that's enough. Leave whatever happens next to me."
I had a bad feeling about his last sentence.
Lupin took the liberty to ask. "You don't mean...?"
Sirius lowered his voice.
"Peter escaped using the same trick that I did. That's why the dementors in the school were never called back to Azkaban."
"Dammit." I cursed.
"It's alright. I'm going to post some of the ministry's finest Aurors here, myself included. We will be here under the guise of teaching defence against the dark arts with Lupin. Dumbledore agreed to this, that's why I'm telling you guys now."
"Lupin knows this?" I glanced at the man beside me.
"Vaguely." Upon seeing my expression, Lupin reasoned. "Dumbledore didn't include you in because you said you weren't going to stay for long."
True.
I did mention that to the Professor. It was only a few days ago did I confirm that I was going to leave soon. Guess I was petty for nothing.
"So, this is all you guys can do for now?"
The two simultaneously nodded their heads in agreement. I nodded my head slowly before pulling out the Library's necklaces to give to them. It was the same ones that were given to Sebastian and Ciel in the Black Butler World. The very same necklace with a brown string and a gold leaf.
"Parting gifts." I explained simply. "They will help you when you are really in danger."
"This... Something serious is going on at your side, right?" Lupin beat Sirius by speaking first. "This time, you came back without Kagura. Speaking of her, where is she?"
I gulped.
I knew there would be a question like this. It was moments like this when I wished I could just make them forget about it. But, I can't. Not anymore, I have to face it and move forward. Kagura would have wanted me to do so.
"She's..." I couldn't stand their eyes and looked away. "… She's in a better place. Just like Lily and James."
Hearing this, the two men gave a solemn nod of understanding. Especially Sirius, since we had similar circumstances.
If only we had done otherwise...
We took a second of silence to remember the great people who were missing in our lives.
"That lady at the Quidditch stands." Sirius blurted out suddenly. "That's not our fight, right?"
"She won't hurt you so long as you don't get any more involved with me. You best be careful with her. She doesn't take kindly towards men so keep your boy charms towards yourself." I joked before standing up.
They stood up too, their face a little solemn despite my attempt to ease the tension. I know I don't normally crack jokes but a smile would suffice, right?
With one hand each on one of their shoulders, I continued.
"You guys do your best for your world. I will do everything within my power for mine. Then... who knows, someday we can have a drink once everything settled down."
It took a while before they gave a muted nod.
I know what became of Sirius and Lupin in the original story but... Sirius's storyline change. So have Buckbeak's and Peter's storylines. There was a chance, no matter how small, that my involvement had created a ripple effect to change their fates.
The future is unpredictable.
And all of us are willing to gamble on that very fact.
~~~~~
"This is so sudden, Professor." Hermione said.
It was the day of departure.
Since everything had settled down, there was no need to stay any longer. I gave a slight apologetic smile. One that doesn't need much words to convey what I wanted to say.
I glanced up to see Draco hanging around at the back. Alone. It was plainly clear that he wanted to say goodbye to me. Yet, seeing the small group crowding around me, he could only step back because he is Draco Malfoy, the obnoxious little Slytherin who sneers at others with his goons.
"Draco." I called out.
All the heads turned to the back to look at the boy. Now the pale blond-haired boy had no choice but to walk to the front.
"Sir."
He mumbled in front of me. A blush of embarrassment creeping up his face. I kneeled down so that I could see him eye to eye.
"Do what you think is best without any regrets at all. You don't have to care about the judgement of others. They can't hurt you. Just remember this, Draco. And… all will be well."
He mutely nodded his head, despite not understanding the reason behind my words. In the story, I believed that Draco was not a bad character overall. He was just raised in an environment that was not helpful to his growth, being surrounded by Death Eaters and Voldemort.
I wondered when the time comes… would he seek help when his family is in danger? Or would he continue to follow Lord Voldemort's plans?
I flipped open my watch and saw that it was my time to go. Nodding to my friends, I stepped into the fog surrounding the castle. When they could not see me anymore, I summoned the portal. Dice stood dutifully by my side, unveiling the illusion that I had placed on him when he suddenly got blasted away.
A cold and sharp fingertip grazed the nape of my neck before I flinched away.
Countess gave a chuckle. I cursed under my breath when I realised that she had been waiting for this moment before appearing. Now, I couldn't do anything as the portal opened.
"Going home so soon?"