The visitor's gallery emptied quickly after the trial, leaving Harry, Arcturus, and Chrysa waiting as Sirius climbed the stairs. Harry noticed his godfather's hands shaking slightly. Sirius's eyes locked onto Harry, barely acknowledging Arcturus's presence.
Dumbledore appeared next to them, speaking softly. "My private meeting room might be more appropriate for this reunion." He gestured toward a door near the Wizengamot chambers. "More comfortable than standing in an empty gallery."
The walk to Dumbledore's room felt longer than it should have. Sirius stayed close to Harry, while Arcturus maintained a careful distance behind them. Even Chrysa seemed to pick up on the tension, pressing against Harry's leg as they walked.
Dumbledore's meeting room turned out to be a warm space with comfortable chairs arranged around a small table. A fire crackled in the hearth, driving away the usual Ministry chill. As soon as the door closed behind them, Sirius turned to face Harry properly.
He started to reach for Harry's shoulder but pulled back before making contact. "You look..." His voice broke for a moment. "Merlin, you remind me of James. But..." He frowned, puzzled. "You seem older than eight."
Harry shrugged. "I grow fast for some reason. The healers say I'm healthy, just... accelerated?"
Sirius glanced at Arcturus, who kept his expression carefully blank, before looking back at Harry. "Thank you." The words came out rough, filled with seven years of things left unsaid. "For catching him. For..." He swallowed hard. "For believing in me."
Harry tilted his head. "I would have burned him alive, but Grandpa Dumbledore stopped me." He spoke as casually as if discussing the weather. "We needed him alive to free you."
The room went silent. Sirius stared at Harry, mouth slightly open. Even Arcturus looked taken aback, his grip tightening on his cane.
"You..." Sirius blinked several times. "You tried to burn him alive?"
"He deserved it." Harry's green eyes hardened. "The way he lived as a pet rat while you suffered in Azkaban..." Smoke escaped his nostrils, making Chrysa press closer against his leg. "I wanted him to die on the spot."
Sirius ran a hand through his tangled hair. "I understand that feeling." He let out a shaky breath. "When I found him that night, I wanted to tear him apart."
"At least he'll rot in Azkaban now." Harry's voice came out cold. "The Dementors can have him."
Arcturus cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should focus on other matters." He glanced at his grandson. "Sirius, you look unwell. The years in Azkaban have not been kind."
"I'm fine," Sirius snapped, speaking to Arcturus for the first time.
"No, you're not." Harry stepped forward. "Let me help."
Sirius frowned. "Help? But you don't even have a wand yet."
"I don't need one." Harry smiled. "I heal people at St. Mungo's sometimes. The healers send me cases when normal magic doesn't work."
"What?" Sirius looked at Arcturus. "Is he serious?"
"He speaks the truth." Arcturus nodded. "Many permanently cursed patients have recovered under his care this past month. The healers cannot explain how he does it."
Sirius gaped at Harry. "But... you're eight."
"Does that matter?" Harry stepped closer. "And I look twelve, remember?" He reached out toward Sirius. "Will you let me help?"
"I'm not injured," Sirius protested weakly.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "You're skin and bones. Your hands shake. You can barely stand straight." He moved his hand closer. "Please?"
Sirius paused, then agreed with a nod. Harry touched Sirius's chest and shut his eyes. A warm, golden light came from Harry's hand and spread across his godfather's entire body. Sirius's sunken cheeks became fuller. His messy hair became neat, and the tiredness around his eyes disappeared.
Sirius stretched his arms, eyes wide. "How did you..."
"Better?" Harry asked, stepping back.
"Much better!" Sirius bounced across the room on the balls of his feet. "I feel lighter, like I can breathe again."
Arcturus kept his expression neutral as he watched his grandson's energetic display. He struck his cane against the floor with a sharp tap.
"Since you've regained your strength, we need to discuss the future. The Black family estate-"
"Stop right there." Sirius went still, his smile vanishing. "I don't want a single thing from you."
"You're my heir," Arcturus replied evenly. "I reinstated you last week."
"Really? After I spent seven years in Azkaban?" Sirius let out a bitter laugh. "How convenient."
Harry sank into one of the comfortable chairs. At his feet, Chrysa curled up into a ball. The only sound came from the crackling fire as both Blacks remained silent.
"I made mistakes," Arcturus finally said. "I should have stepped in when Walburga burned you off the tapestry."
"But you didn't." Sirius's hands balled into fists. "You just watched while she drove me away."
Arcturus met his grandson's angry stare. "Yes. I chose to stay neutral when I should have protected my family."
Harry studied their faces. This wasn't like Sirius's raw hatred for Pettigrew. The strain between grandfather and grandson felt worn down by time - a scar that had set wrong and still ached.
"Harry." Arcturus shifted his attention. "The Black family library in our manor holds quite a collection of books. Rare volumes on countering dark magic you won't find elsewhere. Perhaps you'd like to visit? It might be useful to you in the future."
"Don't." Sirius's voice went sharp. "Whatever game you're trying to start, leave Harry out of it."
"I can make my own choices," Harry said calmly. "The books sound interesting."
"Harry..." Sirius turned toward him, then froze. His eyes went wide as he stared at something behind Harry's head. "What... what is that?"
Harry reached up to touch the faint golden circle floating behind him. "Oh. This helps me heal people."
"A halo." Sirius's voice came out strangled. "My godson has a halo." He stumbled backward until he hit the wall. "You can somehow burn someone alive, can heal without a wand, and now you have an actual halo?"
"The halo showed up recently." Harry shrugged. "No one knows why, but it might just be an innate gift."
Arcturus watched Sirius slide down the wall to sit on the floor. "We should take a moment-"
"Take a moment?" Sirius laughed, a touch hysterical. "My eight-year-old godson who looks twelve just healed seven years of physical deterioration like it was nothing. And now he's glowing and has a halo!" He ran both hands through his hair. "What's next? Do you have white wings too?"
Harry smiled. "Actually..."
"No." Sirius shook his head. "Don't tell me. I can't handle any more surprises right now." He looked between Harry and Arcturus. "Does anyone else know about... all of this?"
"Everyone knows about the halo. Grandpa Dumbledore knows all the details, naturally." Harry said. "And the Flamels. I live with them two weeks every month."
"The Flamels?" Sirius's voice rose an octave. "Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel? The alchemists?"
"They're teaching me potions, herbology and alchemy." Harry scratched Chrysa behind her ears. "We traveled the world last year. Egypt, Japan, Greece..." He frowned slightly at the memory. "That's where I got Chrysa."
Sirius stared at the golden-furred lion cub. "I thought that was just a large magical cat."
"Nemean Lion." Harry grinned as Chrysa rolled onto her back, showing her belly. "She's still growing."
"A Nemean..." Sirius slumped further against the wall. "You have an invulnerable lion as a pet."
"Friend and equal familiar," Harry corrected. "She chose to come with me."
Arcturus cleared his throat. "I think we should discuss living arrangements? Now that you're free, Sirius, you'll need somewhere to stay."
"I have properties." Sirius waved his hand dismissively. "The Ministry can't touch those holdings." He paused, glancing at his grandfather. "Unless you removed my access?"
"No." Arcturus shook his head. "The charms will still recognize you."
"Good." Sirius pushed himself up from the floor, steadying himself against the wall. "Harry, would you like to see where I grew up? It's a bit dark, but-"
"Grimmauld Place is not fit for visitors." Arcturus's voice turned sharp. "The house-elf has gone mad, and the charms have degraded."
"Kreacher was always mad." Sirius scowled. "And I can handle the protections."
"Actually..." Harry leaned forward in his chair. "I'd like to see both houses. The Black family library sounds interesting, and I want to see where you grew up."
"…but only if Grandpa Dumbledore comes with me." Harry met both men's eyes. "Or Uncle Nick. I don't visit new places alone."
"You..." Sirius blinked rapidly. "You don't trust me?"
"I trust you." Harry smiled. "But Aunt Min taught me to be careful. Strange houses can be dangerous, especially old magical ones." He glanced at Arcturus. "No offense."
"A wise precaution." Arcturus nodded approvingly. "The Black family homes contain many... surprises for unwary visitors."
"But I'm your godfather!" Sirius protested.
"Who spent seven years in Azkaban." Harry said softly. "You need time to recover, to get used to freedom again." He met Sirius' grey eyes. "And I need time to get to know you properly."
Sirius opened his mouth, then closed it. He sank into a nearby chair, running a hand over his face. "You're right. Of course you're right." A weak laugh escaped him. "Merlin, how did you become so... sensible?"
"The boy shows outstanding judgment." Arcturus's lips twitched. "Unlike some people at his age."
"Don't start." Sirius glared at his grandfather. "I still haven't forgiven you."
"I don't expect forgiveness." Arcturus met his gaze steadily. "Only a chance to do better."
The door opened, revealing Dumbledore. "I apologize for interrupting, but there's someone else who would like to speak with you." He stepped aside.
Light brown hair flecked with grey framed the scarred face of the man who stood in the doorway. His shabby robes hung loosely from his frame as he fixed his gaze on Sirius. Multiple emotions played across his features in rapid succession, impossible to interpret.
"Moony..." Sirius breathed out.
The man - Moony - took a hesitant step forward. Then another. Sirius rose from his chair, moving toward his old friend. They met in the middle of the room, crashing into a fierce embrace.
"I'm sorry." Moony's voice cracked. "I should have known. Should have believed-"
"Shut up, Remus." Sirius gripped him tighter. "Just shut up."
Harry watched with interest. Remus… Remus Lupin from the stories Aunt Min had told him. One of his father's friends...
"Harry!" Sirius pulled back from the hug, grinning. "Come here. This is your Uncle Moony!"
Harry remained in his chair, head tilted. "Hello, Mr. Lupin."
Sirius's smile faded as his gaze shifted between Harry and Remus. "Wait. Are you telling me you've never met him before?"
"Remus Lupin." Harry nodded politely. "Aunt Min mentioned you were friends with my father."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop. Sirius's energy drained away as he stared at Remus. "He doesn't know you." The words came out flat. "Why doesn't he know you?"
Remus stepped back, unable to meet Sirius's accusing stare. "I... I couldn't."
"Couldn't?" Sirius's voice rose. "What stopped you? Azkaban walls? Dementors? Because that's what kept me away!"
"The Ministry wouldn't let a werewolf near-"
"DON'T!" Sirius slammed his hand against the wall. "Don't you dare use that excuse! You could have visited! Written letters! ANYTHING!"
Harry watched quietly, stroking Chrysa's fur. The lion cub pressed closer, sensing his unease.
"I failed him." Remus's shoulders slumped. "Failed all of you."
"Seven years." Sirius's anger crackled through the air. "Seven years, and you never once checked on James's son?"
Arcturus cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should-"
"Stay out of this!" Sirius snapped at his grandfather before turning back to Remus. "Well? What do you have to say for yourself?"
Remus remained silent, staring at the floor. The scars on his face seemed more pronounced in the light from the hall.
"I know about you." Harry spoke up, making everyone turn toward him. "Aunt Min told me stories about the Marauders. About my father and his friends." He met Remus's eyes. "She said you were the reasonable one."
Remus flinched at the word 'reasonable'. "I tried to be." He looked up at Harry. "But sometimes being reasonable means making hard choices."
"Hard choices?" Sirius barked out a laugh. "What was so hard about visiting Harry?"
"The Ministry classifies me as a Dark Creature." Remus's voice grew bitter. "Any contact with Harry would have given them an excuse to restrict his placement even further." He shook his head. "They were already trying to take him from Hogwarts."
"Dumbledore wouldn't have let that happen." Sirius gestured at Grandpa, who remained silent by the door.
"Even Dumbledore's influence has limits." Remus ran a hand through his greying hair. "The werewolf laws became stricter after the war. Any excuse to paint me as dangerous..."
"So you just gave up?" Sirius paced the room like a caged animal. "The Remus I knew would have fought!"
"The Remus you knew died the night James and Lily did." Remus's voice came out raw. "When I thought you had betrayed us all."
Harry stood up, drawing everyone's attention. "Mr. Lupin." He spoke calmly, but Chrysa's fur bristled. "Did you ever try to contact me?"
"I..." Remus swallowed hard. "No. I convinced myself staying away was safer."
"Safer." Harry's green eyes turned cold. "While I grew up not knowing anything about my parents' lives except what the professors at Hogwarts could tell me."
"Harry-" Remus stepped forward.
"Don't." Harry raised his hand. "You made your choice. Now you get to live with it." He turned to Sirius. "I should go. The Flamels are expecting me for dinner."
Sirius looked torn between anger at Remus and worry about Harry leaving. "But we've barely had time to talk."
"We'll have more time later." Harry smiled at his godfather. "Once you've had a chance to settle in somewhere proper." He glanced at Arcturus. "Maybe we can visit both houses sometime in the next couple of weeks? With Grandpa Dumbledore, of course."
"Of course." Arcturus nodded. "I'll ensure the protections recognize you as a welcomed guest."
Sirius looked between Harry and Remus, conflict clear on his face. "Harry, I..." He stepped forward, arms half-raised before dropping back to his sides. "I want to be part of your life."
"You will be." Harry reached out and squeezed Sirius's hand. "But everything doesn't have to happen today. Get some rest, find a place to live." He smiled. "We have time now."
"Time." Sirius let out a shaky breath. "Yeah. We have that." He glanced at Remus, who stood quietly by the wall. "Some of us chose to waste it."
"Sirius..." Remus started.
"Not now." Sirius shook his head. "I can't... I need time to process this."
Dumbledore moved from the doorway. "Harry, shall we? Nicolas sent word he's prepared something special for dinner."
Harry nodded, then turned back to Sirius. "Send me an owl when you're ready?" He paused. "And maybe we could have lunch sometime next week?"
"I'd like that." Sirius managed a weak smile. "Just... one more thing." He gestured at the still-visible halo. "How did this really happen?"
"No one knows." Harry shrugged. "Magic works in mysterious ways."
oo0ooOoo0oo
Poll is over. Avatar: The Last Airbender won and will be the first world Harry will be teleported towards when he gets the Elder Blood perk (400CP). He will spend a limited amount of time there, and then be teleported back towards the HP world, but will return at regular intervals. A new poll (on Questionable Questing and Spacebattles) will be setup in a while where people can vote for where & when Harry will pop up first (Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom, etc).
1. Avatar: The Last Airbender (QQ: 308, SB: 54) - Total: 362
2. Kung Fu Panda (QQ: 145, SB: 16) - Total: 161
3. Highschool DXD (QQ: 131, SB: 16) - Total: 147
4. Fairy Tail (QQ: 127, SB: 18) - Total: 145
5. Skyrim (QQ: 76, SB: 28) - Total: 104
6. Worm (QQ: 77, SB: 17) - Total: 94
7. Pokemon (QQ: 70, SB: 19) - Total: 89
8. Warhammer Fantasy (QQ: 66, SB: 15) - Total: 81
9. One Piece (QQ: 36, SB: 9) - Total: 45
10. Xena (QQ: 24, SB: 7) - Total: 31