The Mathias Prophecy Book II

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY BOOK II

Recovery

Harry woke slowly, stretching her muscles. Her joints were stiff, and her back was sore, but the bed was warm and cozy. She knew that it would be awhile before she was fully recovered from her ordeal with Lord Voldemort. Professor McGonagall and Sirius had helped her to transform back from her animagus form. It had been a slow and tedious process, since Harry was so tired and the transformation was painful due to her injuries, but she had finally managed it.

Harry's injuries had been severe, and Madam Pomfrey had asked Dumbledore to send for the local healer. They had both worked over her for more than an hour, with the healer searching for any internal injuries from the repeated Cruciatus curses. There had been several, and he was able to discern that Harry had a miraculous ability for healing herself. When he had finished he told Dumbledore that her own ability to heal was what had kept her going. Of course, he did suggest that she might just want to go into medicine. She just smiled and told him she would consider it as Madam Pomfrey put a healing salve on her back.

While none of them had openly said anything, it had been apparent by their expressions that they were both shocked and angry at the condition of her back, and the bruises on her body. She had haltingly told them what had happened after being transported to the Riddle Mansion. Sirius had been furious that Voldemort had actually dared to hint that he had planned to violate her sexually, and sat cradling her compassionately knowing how difficult it had been for her to tell him.

Professor Snape wore his usual scowl, but was more than a little interested in Voldemort's remarks about him. He did venture to mention that Harry had been right, and that her ability to keep from crying out had bought her the time she had needed to escape. Dumbledore and Remus agreed. Sirius had looked at him with gratitude, actually shaking his hand. Snape took the whole thing with his usual stoic manner. Harry could feel the torrent of emotions inside of them both. Sirius, who had hated Snape ever since their days as students together, was actually beginning to think he had been wrong. Severus was slowly beginning to believe that maybe he could fit in with them after all. Dumbledore and Remus merely exchanged glances and smiled.

The only thing Harry did not tell them was that Draco had helped her to escape. She merely said that he had been left to guard her and she was able to overpower him and get hold of his wand, stunning him. Dumbledore had listened to this with interest, and his blue eyes studied her intently. She wondered if he suspected the truth, but had refrained from saying anything.

Stretching again, she finally opened her eyes to find Sirius sitting beside her and smiling.

"What are you smiling about? You look like the cat that swallowed the canary."

"I'm smiling because you look so pretty in your sleep."

"I'm sure that right now I probably look pretty bad."

"I think you look beautiful," Sirius said as he brushed the hair from her forehead. "How do you feel?"

"Hungry," she grinned up at him, "is there anything to eat?"

"I'll have the house elves send you up something. The healer says you need to eat light for the next day or two."

"That doesn't sound too thrilling," Harry pouted. "I would have really enjoyed some pancakes and eggs."

"Well, my dear, it's going to be more like some cereal and fresh fruit," he laughed ringing for the house elf, and Dobby appeared.

"Miss Harry is awake! Miss Harry is awake!" Dobby bounced gleefully. "What would Miss Harry like for breakfast?"

"Miss Harry needs to eat something light for the next few days, Dobby. I believe Nurse Pomfrey sent the list to the kitchen."

"Don't listen to him, Dobby. I want pancakes and eggs."

"Dobby must obey the nurse's orders," the elf said flattening his ears in confusion. "Perhaps Dobby can talk to the Headmaster and get you pancakes?"

"I'm afraid I will agree with Madam Pomfrey. Harry needs time to recuperate," Dumbledore's voice came from the door.

"I'm sorry, Miss Harry, but Dobby must listen to Dumbledore. He pays Dobby's salary. Can Dobby do something else to make you feel better?"

"Yes, Dobby, come here. I have something to tell you."

"You have something to tell Dobby?"

"Only if you can keep a secret?" she asked mischievously

"Dobby can keep a secret," he responded slyly bending over to let her whisper in his ear. This was just what Harry was hoping for. She quickly told him that if an owl should come to him with a letter for Jamie Evans, he was to bring it to her immediately. He was not to tell anyone. "Dobby can't bring Miss Harry any food later without permission," he winked conspiratorially so the others would believe she had asked him to sneak her some snacks.

"Dobby!" Harry groaned, going along with the deception, "I can't live on what they want to give me."

"I'm sorry, Miss Harry, but Dumbledore says no!" Dobby then snapped his fingers and disappeared while Sirius and Dumbledore laughed and her breakfast appeared on a bed tray.

"How are you feeling this morning, Child?" Dumbledore inquired as he sat down on the bed beside her.

"I'm okay, just a little stiff and sore."

"That is to be expected. You were very lucky. Do you feel up to talking with me while you eat your breakfast?"

"What do you want to talk about? I'm sure it isn't the upcoming Easter recess," Harry remarked trying to sound casual as she studied Dumbledore's expression and glanced over at Sirius.

"Well first I would like to congratulate you on a wonderful game of Quidditch. That was one of the cleverest catches I have ever seen, using a keeper move to retrieve the snitch."

"Snape will never live it down, either," Sirius snickered, as he checked out what was on her breakfast tray.

"Sirius, if you're hungry, go ahead and eat it. I'm certainly not," Harry grimaced looking at the grapefruit wedges, farina, and apple juice.

"Child, you need to eat. You said you were hungry."

"I am, just not for that," she pouted pushing the tray out of her way. "I don't like farina, anyway."

"Very well," Dumbledore sighed, waving his wand, causing the tray to vanish. What would you like besides pancakes?"

"A croissant and some strawberries would be nice."

"Dobby, did you hear that?" Dumbledore asked to the air, and the food magically appeared, along with a cup of tea and a vase containing some daffodils.

"Headmaster, you know you have her very spoiled," Sirius shook his head affectionately at the old wizard.

"Do I?" Dumbledore winked and Harry giggled, taking a bite of her croissant.

"So do we get to have any more Quidditch matches?" she demanded looking from one to the other.

"I haven't decided yet."

"Pleeeeaaaassssee..." Harry begged. I had such a great time, even if it did end in disaster. Besides, the person responsible has been caught..." Harry couldn't finish the sentence. It was too painful to think about Hermione, and she averted her gaze to avoid Dumbledore's intense eyes. "Where's Snuffles?" She asked in an attempt to change the subject.

"Hagrid is keeping an eye on her while you recuperate," Sirius informed her quietly. "Ron brought her over to him last night after we got you back into the building. Ron asked to see you last night and first thing this morning. Hagrid also asked how you are, but Albus wanted to give you time to rest before allowing too many people up."

"Can you get Snuffles for me?" Harry implored Sirius. "I want to get her a nice big steak. If she hadn't let you all know I was here...well...I shudder to think what may have happened."

"Of course I will. I'm sure we can all help with her for a few days. In fact I'll go and get her now if you like?"

"I would. I have gotten used to her being here."

"Albus, do you mind staying with Harry for a few minutes, while I go and retrieve Snuffles?"

"Not at all, it will give us some time to talk." Dumbledore waited until Sirius left, studying Harry as she concentrated on her breakfast. He knew she did not yet want to face the subject of Hermione. "You're going to have to talk about it sometime."

"Talk about what?" Harry questioned feigning ignorance.

"Harry...you know I'm referring to Hermione," Dumbledore responded patiently.

"There's nothing to talk about. She had her reasons for doing what she did. It just hurts to know that she didn't feel she could trust us to stop the situation before it got worse."

"You said last night that Voldemort told you what he had done. Do you believe it?"

"Yes, Hermione was no match for Voldemort's Imperious curse. He laughed about how easy it was to control her. Does she know that he had no intention of keeping his word about sparing them?"

"Not yet, Child. I thought you might like to tell her yourself. I need to make a decision about Hermione's punishment today, but wanted to talk with you first."

"What do you mean her punishment?" Harry looked up startled.

"Harry, what Hermione did would normally warrant her being expelled. I have taken her wand for the time being."

"Headmaster, no! Please don't expel Hermione. She was only trying to protect her parents. I know if my parents were alive and Voldemort threatened them I probably would have done the same thing."

"Her actions resulted in your being kidnapped, and could have caused the deaths of you, Hermione, and Mr. and Mrs. Granger. She was consorting with a dark wizard and jeopardizing the safety of this school. Hermione was the one who helped let Lucius in, and left the door to the tower open."

"Professor Dumbledore, Hermione had no control over the situation. She was afraid and used bad judgment. Please give her another chance. She isn't the first person to be used by Voldemort," Harry pleaded, as there was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Harry called.

"Excuse me, Miss Potter," Professor Snape said opening the door, "but I need to speak with the Headmaster for a moment."

"Professor your timing couldn't have come at a better moment. Please come in and sit down."

"Is something the matter, Severus?" Dumbledore asked as the Potions Master came in and seated himself in the empty chair where Sirius had been.

Professor Snape studied Harry intently for a moment, his dark eyes serious, before shaking his head and turning towards Dumbledore. "I thought you should know that there are rumors running all over the school that Miss Potter is dead, and that Miss Granger is responsible. I am concerned for her safety."

"Miss Granger is still confined to her room in Gryffindor Tower. I shall have Minerva reassure her fellow Gryffindors that Miss Potter is indeed alive, and that if she feels well enough, she will be down for dinner in the Great Hall."

"I'll be there if one of you has to carry me," Harry tossed her head vehemently. "This brings me back to what we were talking about, Professor Dumbledore. Professor Snape is a very good example of giving someone a second chance. He's done far worse things than Hermione, yet you still can find it in you to trust him. He was a member of Voldemort's inner circle. All Hermione did was fall victim to an Imperious curse and her own fear," Harry said looking from one to the other in agitation, grimacing in pain as she tried to reach over to Dumbledore.

"Calm down, Child," Dumbledore soothed leaning her back down onto the pillows. "You have a good and honest heart, and Hermione is lucky to have you as her friend. Now I want you to rest, and let me worry about how to discipline Hermione. I promise I will consider everything you have just said," he told her noncommittally, his eyes moist with affection. "For now, you need to recuperate. Poppy will be down in a little while to put some more salve on your back. Then if you feel up to it I will let you have some visitors this afternoon."

"Can Hermione come down?"

"If you are ready to see her, yes, I will allow a brief visit. Afterwards I will decide if you can eat downstairs," he winked, tweaking her nose, as the door opened and Snuffles bounded in with Ron and Sirius.

"Snuffles, Ron!" Harry exclaimed her face brightening as the clumsy puppy came over. Placing her front paws on the bed to have her ears scratched, tail wagging furiously, she sniffed her mistress and gave her a big slurpy kiss on the face. "Yech, dog breath," she laughed, pushing the overlarge pup back onto the floor.

Professor Dumbledore rose, indicating Ron should take his place. "Mr. Weasley, I see you weren't going to be put off any longer about visiting Harry."

"I'm sorry, Albus, I told Ron he could come up for a few minutes. He's been haunting Remus all morning for information about Harry's condition."

"Headmaster, people are asking me if Harry is dead. I keep telling them no, but they don't always believe me."

"Maybe I'm a zombie..." Harry intoned in a deep voice trying to sound spooky. "Be careful lest I try and attack you...," she continued, throwing her pillow at him with a grin. They all laughed, and Ron handed her back the pillow, red faced.

"Wait till you're better, Harry Potter. I'll get you for that."

"Wanna bet?"

"All right you two, Harry needs to rest. Poppy told me to expect her by ten, and it's five of now," Sirius said looking at his watch.

"Mr. Weasley, you can have a good visit with her after lunch," Dumbledore smiled, and I would appreciate it if you would bring Miss Granger with you. I will have Professor McGonagall inform the Prefect she is to accompany you."

"You want to see Hermione?" Ron asked Harry wide eyed.

"Don't tell me you want her expelled too?"

"Expelled?" Ron jumped up looking at Dumbledore worriedly.

"I have made no decisions as of yet, Mr. Weasley. Harry has pled Miss Granger's case to me for consideration. Do you have anything to say?"

"Uh...yes, Sir, I do. Hermione only did what any one of us probably would have done. She was being used and she was scared. Professor Dumbledore, Hermione is very smart when it comes to books and stuff like that, but her people skills...well...she's still learning."

"I was just giving Professor Dumbledore examples of people who have made mistakes and been forgiven," Harry said quietly. "I have just thought of another one, too."

"What might that be, Child?"

"Sirius. He should have been expelled for the time he almost got Professor Snape killed by Remus, but you were able to forgive him. This is just a similar situation," she said reminding Dumbledore of the infamous prank Sirius had pulled as a student, sending Severus Snape down the secret passage from the Whomping Willow to face Remus Lupin in his werewolf form. Snape would have been killed if Harry's father hadn't gone and rescued him just in time. "I'm sure Professor Snape will agree," she looked at the Potions Master, who shifted uncomfortably at the memory.

"Sorry, Professor Black, but Harry's right Sir," Ron pleaded with Dumbledore before Snape could reply. "Can't you punish Hermione some other way?"

"Ron, I will tell you the same thing that I told Harry. I will take what you have said under consideration, and that she is lucky to have two such forgiving and loyal friends. Now it is time for me to attend to some of the business of running this school, while you, Mr. Weasley are to do as I have instructed and allow Harry to rest. I believe Nurse Pomfrey is here anyway," Dumbledore said as there was another knock on the door and Ron stood up to leave.

"I'll see you after lunch then, Harry. I'll bring my chess set and we can have a couple of good games together."

"Sounds good," she smiled as he left with Dumbledore and Professor Snape as the nurse entered.

"Miss Potter, you certainly know how to keep me on my toes. You should be up in the infirmary, but the Headmaster refused to put you there. Heaven knows why. You certainly won't get any rest down here, and that dog will spread germs everywhere. You're liable to get an infection on top of everything else," Madam Pomfrey complained good naturedly as she laid out her salves and sterile gauze to treat the wounds on Harry's back.

"I'll just go and grade some papers while Poppy works on your wounds, Harry," Sirius said going over to sit at Harry's desk and pulling out a sheaf of papers. His back was towards her, and she knew this was actually an attempt to provide her some privacy while the nurse helped her to remove her pajama top.

"You're healing well, Miss Potter. This salve works quite well and there will be no scars. The wounds should all be healed by tomorrow evening. It would have been sooner, but due to the number and the amount of abrasion around them, it is taking a bit longer than usual."

"Ouch," Harry winced as Poppy applied the salve. Her skin was still very sensitive to touch and the wounds were painful, but the salve had a pleasant numbing effect as it was absorbed and Harry began to relax.

Madam Pomfrey did a quick scan and checked her vital signs, before nodding with a satisfied smile. "You mend quickly, Harry, but I'm going to insist that you stay in bed until tomorrow. You are still recovering from the injuries created by the Cruciatus curses."

"Madam Pomfrey, Professor Dumbledore said I might be able to go downstairs for dinner tonight."

"Absolutely not, it's out of the question. Professor Black, I expect you to see that she follows orders," Poppy remarked as Harry buttoned her pajama top and Sirius turned to face them.

"I'll inform the Headmaster, Poppy," he agreed as Harry mouthed 'traitor' behind the nurse's back to Sirius.

"Then I'll be back late this evening since this salve needs to be applied every twelve hours," she informed them both as she gathered her supplies and left the room.

"Sirius, you're not mad at me for reminding Professor Dumbledore that he could have expelled you for that prank, are you?"

"If I were mad, you would know about it. I will say this though; you put up one hell of an argument in Hermione's behalf. I know I wouldn't have."

"I'll bet my dad put up the same kind of argument for you after what happened with Snape."

"He never told me what happened that night after he spoke with Dumbledore," Sirius frowned thoughtfully. "I just knew that Snape had poked his nose into my business one time too many. He would have told the whole school about Remus being a werewolf if Dumbledore hadn't stopped him."

"Speaking of our resident werewolf where is he? He hasn't been up to visit me yet."

"He's resting and will be up this afternoon. He is leaving Severus a lesson plan for tomorrow since tonight he will be out howling at the moon."

"I forgot tonight is the first night of the full moon. Professor Snape will be in his glory tomorrow, but I sure won't. I have Remus class tomorrow," Harry groaned.

"I don't think Snape will be too hard on you. He was more than a little upset when he saw what McNair and Voldemort had done to you. We all were," Sirius replied hugging her gently to avoid causing her any pain. "I'm just grateful you're alive."

"Well I'm grateful that I made it back before you all came to rescue me," Harry looked at him, resting her head on his shoulder, her green eyes wide with wonder. "What actually happened when I disappeared after I caught the snitch?"

"It was almost mass bedlam, but Severus had Dean announce that all students were to return to their common rooms."

"Who found out it was Hermione that turned the snitch into a portkey?"

"Dumbledore. He had Severus, Remus, Ron and me go up to his office. He met us up there with Hermione. He had been watching the game and the students with his Omnioculars and saw the wand flash. Ron told us Ginny did too. They were sitting together."

"I still can't believe it was her. We are all so close. I think that's what hurts the most. It will be a long time before I can trust her again."

"I know. I was furious with her when I found out. I told her that if you died, I would find her and make her suffer the same way you did."

"Oh Sirius, you didn't. You probably scared her half to death. You are so impulsive. That is the same kind of behavior that landed you in Azkaban."

"I'm sorry, Harry, but that is how I felt. I'm still angry with her, but I understand why she did it. It just bothers me that such an intelligent young woman could not find a way out of her situation with Lord Voldemort."

"Sirius, she was scared to death. Hell, Voldemort scares the crap out of me, and I've had to face off with him," Harry shuddered remembering some of her encounters with the Dark Lord. "Hermione never even saw him before this happened to her, and you have to remember she's Muggle born. Her parents would have been playthings in Voldemort's hands." Harry snuggled closer to Sirius as she thought about how Voldemort would have toyed with his Muggle victims, the thought sickening her.

"Sh...try not to think about Voldemort any more for a while," Sirius comforted her. "There are much more interesting topics of conversation we could be discussing."

"Like what?"

"Like my goddaughter is one hell of a Quidditch player."

"I think Dumbledore said something to that effect before."

"Well, I'm saying it again. I wouldn't mind finishing the games myself. There are only three more."

"Actually," Harry smiled wickedly, her green eyes laughing, "there are only two more since the teachers aren't going to win again."

"My dear, we were just toying with you kids. Now is where we'll separate the men from the boys."

"Uh...Sirius...just in case you haven't noticed half the players on both teams are female."

"So we'll separate the women from the girls," he smirked.

"Yeah, well I think the three female teachers would much prefer to be thought of as girls, especially given their ages," Harry countered playfully, "although I have to say that McGonagall and Sinestra surprised me; Madam Hooch's performance was expected. I knew she would play well, being the usual referee and the flying teacher."

"What about me and Remus, did you think we played well?"

"You're both rusty, and you tried to hit me with a bludger. That wasn't very nice of you. Picking on your goddaughter...you should be ashamed."

"My dear," he laughed, "that is the nature of the game. All's fair in love, war, and Quidditch!"

"Yeah, like Professor Snape having the same broom as me!"

"He plays to win, and he always has."

"Yeah, well you try and stay ahead of him. He has long arms and can catch the snitch from further back. I haven't enjoyed the competition in a long time like I did yesterday."

"You should tell him then. I'm sure he will be glad to know it, even if we did lose. I will say this though; he will be tougher to beat a second time, honey. If Albus lets us finish the matches, be prepared for Snape to get down and dirty."

"What about you? Are you going to play sneaky too?"

"Ah...I'll never tell, but I promise not to hurt you too much," Sirius replied looking down at her affectionately, arching his brow. "Now I do have to finish grading these papers. Would you like something to read for a little while?"

"Actually, I'm feeling a little tired and sore. I think I'll try to go back to sleep. It was a long night last night, and transforming took a lot out of me."

"I know. Ordinarily you could have just rested before turning back, but you were so badly injured we had to get you back into human form to determine the extent of the injuries."

"I know, and I was happy you and Professor McGonagall knew what to do, but it still seemed like forever," Harry yawned as she snuggled back down into the bed and Sirius tucked her in.

"I'll wake you in time for lunch."

"Okay, and can you take Snuffles out for a quick run later? I'm sure she'll enjoy it."

"Sure thing, honey, now try and rest. I'll be here if you need me," Sirius kissed her forehead and she closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of the bed and his comforting presence.

Harry slept soundly for over two hours, and Sirius hesitated to disturb her, but Remus came up to join them for lunch. He was sitting with Sirius having a cup of tea, when she opened her eyes and looked at the two of them. They were relaxing in two chairs by her fire, since the day was chilly, and talking about old times.

"I wish James and Lily could see her now," Sirius remarked unaware that Harry was listening, "she inherited the best of both of them. I know James would have loved to see her play Quidditch. She looks like him so much, but then you see Lily's eyes and they have her spark."

"I know what you mean. Lily always was playful and stubborn, just like Harry," Remus smiled at the memory. "She could see the good in everyone, even Snape."

"I don't know about Snape, but he does seem to have changed somewhat. At least we haven't tried to kill one another yet."

"I really think Harry's right; the two of you have more in common than you care to admit."

"Don't be ridiculous. Severus Snape and I have absolutely nothing in common," Sirius argued with his friend.

"Oh no, well you're both stubborn for one thing, plus you both hold grudges for a long time."

"I'm not holding a grudge against him; he's holding one against me."

"Sirius did you ever think that maybe all he wants is to hear you admit that what you did all those years ago was wrong. Sometimes saying I'm sorry can go a long way."

"Apologize...now...after all this time? Are you mad? He would think I was totally daft."

"I always thought you were exceptionally sane for someone who had been in Azkaban Prison for twelve years," Harry said casually from the bed, and grinned when both men jumped.

"Harry! It isn't polite to eavesdrop," Sirius glared red faced.

"It is when you're talking about me."

"For your information we were not talking about you. We were discussing Snape."

"Remus will you please refresh Sirius memory. I seem to have heard something about my father and Quidditch and my mother's eyes," Harry said sitting up in bed, her lips twitching into a smile.

"She's got you now. I want to see how you're going to get out of this."

"I'm going to tell my sneaky little goddaughter that if she doesn't behave I will just have to tickle her."

"You can't. My back is still all torn up, "she smirked.

"You're right, it is," Sirius grinned wickedly coming over to sit on the bed beside her, "but your feet aren't!"

Harry tried to squirm away as Sirius grabbed her feet from under the cover and began to tickle them. "Remus, help me. I can't get away. Make him stop...please."

"I'm staying out of this one, Princess. You're on your own," Remus grinned as Harry laughed so hard tears were streaming down her face.

"If you want me to stop, you will have to say you're sorry you listened to our conversation."

"Not a prayer," Harry cried, attempting to pull away, falling back onto the bed. She immediately stiffened as her raw flesh rubbed against the sheets, and the tears of laughter turned into a grimace of pain "Sirius..." she sobbed her lip quivering.

"Harry, honey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to get hurt," He eased her back up into his arms, embracing her tenderly.

"Harry, are you okay?" Remus asked with concern as he came over to where Sirius sat holding her.

She shook her head affirmatively, and scrutinized him carefully. "You need to sit back down. I can feel the pain in your body. Between you and me, we could open a hospital ward."

"I wish it were that simple," Remus smiled easing himself back into his chair by the fire. "I wish my transformation were as easy as yours."

"If your transformation is anything like what I went through to change back last night...well..."she shrugged unable to find a way to tell him she understood.

"Some months are worse than others. This is just one of them."

"Sirius move over," Harry nudged him out of the way. "Remus come and sit with me. Maybe I can help you feel a little better."

"No Harry, you are not yet healed yourself. I don't want you to waste your energy on me."

"Sirius, yell at him. Make him get over here or he'll get to see the temper I inherited from my mother in full force," she tossed her head stubbornly, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Remus is right, honey, you need to heal. He will be all right; after all, he has been a werewolf for over thirty years. Next month you can try to help him so it isn't so painful."

"Oh, you're both being ridiculous," Harry said throwing aside the covers and attempting to get out of bed. She was immediately overcome by a wave of weakness and her knees buckled. Sirius leaped up to support her to prevent her falling onto the floor.

"Now do you understand why we said you needed to heal? It isn't just your back. You had some pretty serious internal injuries from the Cruciatus curses. You're too weak to help Remus."

"It's not fair," Harry pouted as Remus came over again to make sure she was okay.

"Princess, how about if I come and sit with you and Sirius tonight? That is, if you don't mind a little howling?"

"Just don't get Snuffles started howling. You'll have half of Hogwarts awake all night."

"Well, I could take her and Padfoot out for a run in the forest. I'm sure they would both enjoy it."

"Absolutely not! You will get my sweet puppy into trouble. You will just have to visit here with me to chaperone."

"How come you're not worried about me getting into trouble?" Sirius pursed his lips pretending to pout.

"Don't be silly, you were corrupted years ago. I heard all those old Hogwarts stories about you. You were the Casanova of Hogwarts. It's a wonder you didn't leave a trail of baby Blacks behind you," Harry blushed, her cheeks bright red.

Remus chortled with laughter as Sirius looked down at Harry arching his brows.

"I seem to remember that on Halloween you mentioned something about having my animagus self neutered?" Sirius quipped, reminding her about what she had said prior to the costume party last October.

"Why Sirius, I would never even think of such a thing!" Harry exclaimed pretending to be shocked.

"You better not. Someday I just might like a few little baby Blacks running around."

"Oh..." Remus moaned jokingly, "we're all doomed."

"Only if they're boys. On the other hand, if he has daughters..." Harry grinned laughing, as Remus nodded in agreement.

"I already have a goddaughter who is causing me to turn gray with worry."

"There isn't a gray hair on your head, Sirius Black, and that's after being in Azkaban for twelve years!" she retorted, giving him a hug.

"Speaking of Azkaban, the food was terrible. I could go for a nice Hogwarts meal."

"I'll ring for the house elf," Remus offered getting up and pulling on the bell pull. Dobby appeared almost instantly.

"Professor Lupin, Professor Black, what can Dobby get for you?"

"Hey, Dobby, what about me?"

"Dobby already has your lunch ready. Nurse Pomfrey left Dobby a list of food for you until tomorrow. She said you need time to finish healing on the inside. The healer only wants you to have things that are easy to digest."

"Dobby, what if I want something else?"

"Dobby can only give you things the nurse ordered. Professor Dumbledore told Dobby you can't have anything else," The elf informed her stubbornly as Sirius and Remus grinned.

"Dobby I'll have the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans," Sirius told him. "I'd also like a butter beer."

"What would Professor Lupin like to eat?"

"I'll just have a chicken salad sandwich and a glass of milk."

"And what am I getting?" Harry demanded glaring at the house elf.

"Cottage cheese and fruit with jello, for Miss Harry with a glass of apple juice," Dobby replied as he snapped his fingers and disappeared, the food appearing on the table.

Harry looked at her lunch in dismay, pouting with disappointment. She was hungry and cottage cheese and fruit was just not going to satisfy her.

"Harry don't look so miserable," Sirius consoled her, "it's only until tomorrow."

"Princess, I know you happen to like fruit plates, so what's the problem?"

"Remus, I had hardly any lunch before the Quidditch match yesterday, and no dinner. All I got this morning for breakfast was a croissant and some strawberries. I'm hungry. I want some real food!"

"I'll tell you what," Sirius looked at her thoughtfully, "if you eat your prescribed diet I'll take us all out for dinner Friday evening in Hogsmeade. My treat."

"Who's all?" Harry queried with interest.

"Me, you, Remus, and Dumbledore."

"That's all?"

"Okay, I'll include Snape; not that I want to spend an evening out with the greasy git."

"Sirius, be nice," Harry rebuked him.

"He better be. It was Severus who was going to get him into the Riddle Mansion to rescue you."

"Tell me about it," she asked eagerly.

"We will tell you about it while you eat your lunch," Remus reasoned with her.

"Not good enough, he forgot to include Ron and Hermione for Friday evening."

"All right, Ron can come too, but Hermione may no longer be here," Sirius immediately realized that he said the wrong thing, as a look of horror spread over Harry's face.

"What aren't the two of you telling me," she cried shrilly, unable to hide her anxiety.

"Honey, calm down. It's nothing really."

"What's nothing? Remus, what is going on?" Harry asked looking from one to the other.

"Sirius we have to tell her. She will only find out later on anyway."

Harry immediately let her guard down and began to scan their emotions. The two men were definitely keeping something from her, and she concluded it had to do with Hermione.

"You're right, of course," Sirius sighed looking at his friend before turning back to Harry. "Honey, we had a staff meeting late last night about what happened with Hermione. While it isn't binding we voted six to three in favor of expulsion, but Albus abstained and will make the final decision based on his inquiries, he's already told you that."

"Who voted against expelling her?"

"Remus, Minerva McGonagall, and Hagrid," he replied.

"I see," she replied flatly, her green eyes alight with worry. 'Sirius voted to expel her,' she thought, 'didn't he realize I would forgive her knowing the circumstances?' Harry could not voice her thoughts to him. She merely turned her back, curling up into a fetal position, sobbing into her pillow.

"Harry, it's not a binding vote. Dumbledore will make the final decision," Sirius placed a gentle hand on her shoulder in an attempt to placate her, but she merely pulled away from him. "Remus..." he began, a lump in his throat, I didn't mean..."

"Go and get Albus." Remus rose from his chair and came over to sit with Harry. "Tell him what happened. I'll try and calm her until you get back."

Sirius nodded numbly, unable to disguise the stricken look in his eyes. He had hurt Harry and did not know how to fix it.

"Princess," Remus said as the door closed behind his friend, "Sirius voted with the majority because he wants so badly to protect you. He doesn't know Hermione the way you do. Snape voted to expel her too."

"Snape would, he has to keep up the pretense of hating me," she cried miserably. Snuffles sensed her mistress distress and came over to the bed. She nudged Harry gently with her nose, whining softly. "Go away, puppy, leave me alone."

"She's worried about you. She knows something is wrong."

"How would you know?"

"I'm part canine remember? I can sense her feelings. I bet as an empath you might be able to also," Remus told her in an effort to distract her.

"Dogs don't have feelings like people."

"I beg to differ," Remus argued, as Snuffles whimpered again. "Why don't you try and scan her to see what happens?"

"Why should I?" she sniffed impatiently.

"Wouldn't you like to know how an animal really feels? You can get some sense of it as an animagus, but you may get a deeper sense if you use your power."

Harry stared at Remus for a few minutes, and then looked down at the gangly pup. Reaching out to pet the dog, she allowed herself to try to scan the animal. "Remus," she looked at him with shock, "Snuffles is worried. I'm getting a sense of fear and confusion."

"Didn't I tell you animals have feelings? I consider myself an expert in that area."

"At least she really cares how I feel. Snuffles doesn't look after me simply out of a feeling of responsibility."

"If you are suggesting that Sirius watches out for you simply out of his obligation as your godfather, you are mistaken," Dumbledore's solemn voice came from the door. "If that were the case he never would have escaped from Azkaban. You know that he loves you, and his biggest fear is that he will let you down. He still blames himself for the death of your parents," Dumbledore explained sadly, as he sat down beside her.

"Where is he now?"

"I asked him to wait out in the hall for a moment. He told me what happened."

"He wants to get rid of my friend."

"No, Child, he considered her a threat to your safety. Remember, it was a trusted friend who betrayed your parents. He merely saw the parallel, and wanted to protect you. In any case, Hermione's fate rests with me. I thought I made that clear to you this morning. I will make my decision this afternoon."

Harry just looked at Dumbledore sadly, and curled up again. 'Why doesn't any one ever listen to me? Hermione was only trying to protect her family. Just like Sirius wants to protect me.' She wanted to scan the Headmaster, but felt it would be rude to invade his privacy. She adored the old man, and wanted him to understand that to expel Hermione would be wrong. She just stared at him, letting him see how she was hurting inside.

"Professor, if you and Remus don't mind, I think I'd prefer to be alone for a while."

"What about your lunch. I thought you were starving?" Remus asked.

"I've lost my appetite. I just want to go back to sleep."

"Child, you need to eat something."

"Why bother. I can't have what I want anyway. Just take Sirius and Remus and go down to the Great Hall. I don't need a baby sitter."

"Very well," Dumbledore replied studying her closely, "if that is what you want." He got up and motioned to Remus to follow. They left the room and found Sirius in the hall waiting for them. "She's as stubborn as Lily was, and she's hurting right now. Sirius, she feels like you have let her down."

"Albus, I was angry and upset. I already went through this once with Peter," he said, remembering how he asked Peter to be James and Lily's secret keeper, only to find out he had betrayed them to Voldemort.

"I reminded her of that, but she doesn't understand what you went through. Hermione is her friend, and she still cares about her. She doesn't believe she did it for personal gain, only to protect her family."

"What do you believe? Is Hermione leading us all on a wild goose chase? Or is she telling us the truth?"

"I will reserve that judgment for later. I will be speaking with her again after lunch. In the meantime, I think we should just let Harry alone as she requests. She needs to work out her feelings about what happened. She is not being objective."

"All right, Albus, if you say so, but I don't like letting her sulk. I feel like I should be trying to make her understand that I did it because I care about her. I need to make her understand that I have a responsibility to keep her safe and a responsibility to the school."

"I think she knows that, Sirius," Remus looked at him, his hazel eyes filled with compassion. "She's just feels that you should be supportive and trust Hermione too. She knows what happened with James and Lily, but can't conceive that it really could happen a second time."

"I distinctly heard her say that if the Prophecy held true, history would be repeating itself."

"But don't you see, it has repeated itself. She was betrayed by her friend, but the circumstances were different. Hermione did it to try to prevent her parents from being killed, and not for personal gain, like Peter. Fortunately this time nobody was killed."

"Remus you always were able to make me see the practical side of things," Sirius smiled at his friend.

"Perhaps you would both like to be present this afternoon when I speak with Hermione, Harry, and Ron together? I plan to bring my Sneakoscope, this way I can be sure of Hermione's true loyalty," Dumbledore informed them seriously, as they reached the Great Hall.

"I do. If it turns out that Hermione is telling the absolute truth I will apologize to Harry. I also think we should have some kind of lesson in Defense class to teach the students how to get help in a similar situation."

"That is a wonderful idea, Sirius!" Dumbledore beamed with interest. "Remus do you think you could schedule it for sometime next week. I think we should do it regardless of whether Hermione is guilty or innocent."

"I will see to it as soon as I am feeling better, Headmaster."

"Ah...Remus...I apologize. I forgot this is the full moon. Well let's eat," Dumbledore smiled as he took his place in the center of the table. "Would either of you object if I ask Severus to join us this afternoon?"

Sirius scowled, but put on a polite front for Dumbledore," I think Snape would be very helpful."

"Severus may just be able to find out some additional information," Remus added thoughtfully, as he took a bite of his sandwich.

They all settled down to a leisurely lunch, and talk turned to whether they should continue with the Quidditch matches.

In the end, it was decided they would do them, but the students would not be permitted to carry their wands into the stands. Snape was delighted with the decision, and talked animatedly about how to plan their strategy for the next game. He had not been disappointed in Harry's performance during the game; indeed, he would have congratulated her immediately, if she hadn't disappeared. On the other hand, he was now prepared to win the next match, and would not make the same mistakes twice. She was a worthy adversary, and the Quidditch games could be used as a teaching tool for her to avoid being taken unawares during altercations with Voldemort.

Harry lay on her bed during lunch, hoping Sirius would come back. She wanted Sirius to come and say he was sorry, but when he didn't appear, she just stared at the ceiling, tears running silently down her cheeks. Snuffles sat beside her, trying to comfort her mistress, but was unable to do so.

She also needed to get to the bathroom, and was not sure if she could walk by herself. When she had tried to stand earlier, her knees had buckled. The Cruciatus curses had left her weak and she felt vulnerable. Finally, in desperation she sat up and held onto Snuffles collar. Moving slowly she made it to the bathroom. After relieving herself, she stood up, and holding onto the sink, surveying herself in the mirror. Her eyes were red and swollen, and her face was pale. She would have liked to take a hot bath to relax, but decided to wait until later when the nurse was there.

Turning back into her room, she was holding onto Snuffles collar, when the door opened, startling her. She immediately let go and collapsed onto her knees.

"Harry, honey, I'm sorry! I didn't expect to find you up," Sirius cried in dismay, rushing over to pick her up. "What were you doing out of bed?"

"I had to use the bathroom," she whimpered, happy to have him back.

Dumbledore, Snape, and Remus were with him, and they all gathered around protectively as Sirius carried her back to bed, before seating themselves in the various chairs through out her room. Remus and Snape were sitting by the fire, while Dumbledore and Sirius were sitting beside her on either side of the bed.

"Did you eat anything?" Sirius asked anxiously, looking over to where her lunch tray still sat untouched.

"I wasn't hungry."

"Miss Potter, if you expect to recover from all those Cruciatus curses and be back in class tomorrow you need to eat something," Snape eyed her down his long nose.

"I don't want cottage cheese and fruit."

"Child, Severus is right. You need to regain your strength. Especially if you want to beat these three at Quidditch again."

"Did he say Quidditch?"

"Yes, Princess, the Headmaster has decided to let us finish the Quidditch matches."

"Oh, I knew there was a reason I loved this old man," Harry grinned tweaking his beard affectionately and they all laughed.

"Now how about having something to eat?" Sirius coaxed giving her the full effect of his brown eyes and boyish smile.

"Can I have a sandwich at least?"

"No!" The four men said in unison.

"Miss Potter, Harry...You were seriously injured. I know from experience it can take time to come back from repeated curses such as you just went through. If you try to eat too much too soon, you will be hanging over the toilet."

"Child, how about if I get you some soup. Would that be better?"

"Can I have some hot chocolate too?" Harry begged turning her green eyes on the Headmaster.

"You are as stubborn as your mother was, but yes, I'll get you some hot chocolate," Dumbledore sighed, his blue eyes twinkling, as he rang for the house elf.

"Miss Harry, can Dobby get you something? Wasn't the food to your liking?" He asked spying the untouched tray. "Dobby has failed to please Miss Harry, bad Dobby!" Dobby cried slapping himself in the head.

"Dobby stop!" Harry yelled sharply. "I was simply resting, and the fruit plate is now quite limp. I'm chilly and would like some soup."

"Miss Harry, yes, I'll bring your favorite soup, and some crackers."

"Bring her some hot chocolate too, Dobby. You may use my private store," Dumbledore instructed.

"Hot chocolate from the Headmaster's private stores. Can Dobby bring anything else?"

"A piece of cake would be nice," Harry winked at Dobby playfully, hoping he might concede just a little.

"Dobby cannot bring Miss Harry a piece of cake. Dumbledore will be mad at Dobby and Dobby won't get paid." The elf's ears flattened unable to do as Harry asked.

"Dobby, I believe Nurse Pomfrey put custard on the list of foods Harry may have. If so, she can give her that for dessert," Dumbledore told the elf looking at Harry shrewdly.

"Yes, yes, soup and custard," Dobby laughed, and snapping his fingers, disappeared.

A moment later, the uneaten lunch tray disappeared. This was replaced with a fresh one containing a steaming bowl of chicken soup, crackers, a banana, and a small bowl of vanilla custard and a cup of hot chocolate. There was also a glass of pumpkin juice.

"Now will you eat, Child?"

"Do we still get to go out on Friday night?" Harry asked Sirius ignoring Dumbledore's question.

"Yes," he grinned shaking his head, "and if everything goes well with Hermione, she can come too, along with Ron and the five of us."

"Then I'll eat," she replied looking at them all suspiciously.

"Sirius, you are planning a night out? I will be delighted to attend," Dumbledore beamed with pleasure.

"Unfortunately, I have other plans," Snape quietly expressed his regrets.

"Knock it off, Professor. We both know your Friday plans are merely to enslave some poor student into doing detention and cleaning the dungeon," Harry smiled gleefully, meeting the Potion Master's dark gaze with her green eyes. "I think it will be good for you and Sirius to spend the evening out together. Besides, if I recall you will have to do just that depending on who wins the bet about my mixing the Wolfsbane Potion for Professor Lupin. You can both consider it a lesson in endurance."

"Bravo, my dear. You have just maneuvered them both into a corner. I shall of course expect us all to be there. By the way, where are we going?"

"Nothing fancy, Headmaster. We are only going to have dinner in Hogsmeade at The Three Broomsticks. It'll be my treat, of course."

"It will do us all good to have a night out."

"I know I could use one," Harry relaxed as she allowed Sirius to spoon some of the soup into her mouth, "it will be nice to go into Hogsmeade. I haven't been there in a while."

"We're only going out for dinner, Miss Wings, so don't go getting any ideas."

"Sirius, you act like you think I'm up to something," she replied batting her eyelashes at him.

"Let's just say I'm not going to take any chances."

"Professor Lupin, did you get your potion yet?" Harry queried, changing the subject. She could feel his pain despite her ability to block it, and was worried about him.

"Severus gave it to me right after lunch. Why do you ask?"

"I told you before I could feel your pain. I'm blocking it as much as possible, but since I'm not in the best of shape myself..."

"Princess, would you like me to go? I won't transform with you present anyway since I don't want you to see what I go through."

"No, I don't want you to go. I was just concerned for you, and as for transforming...well...I have on occasion seen you change," she reminded him calmly. "I'm sure Professor Snape may find it rather interesting though."

"Miss Potter, that is not funny."

"Forgive me, Professor; I am merely practicing getting you annoyed. This way by Friday you will be so pissed off, I'll be the one on detention, and you won't have any excuse to try to back out of dinner. How am I doing so far?" she asked grinning wickedly at Snape.

"Exceedingly well, Miss Potter," he replied arching his brows, while Dumbledore laughed aloud.

Harry finished her meal, and then leaned back comfortably, resting quietly, while the men talked among themselves. She was dozing contentedly holding onto Sirius' hand, when Dumbledore gently nudged her.

"Child, I need to speak with you. Ron and Hermione will be here in a little while, and Remus and Severus have agreed to stay with us while I talk with the three of you. I want you to be aware of what I am going to do."

"Professor?" Harry questioned, her green eyes worried.

"Do you know what this is?" Dumbledore reached into his pocket and pulled out a small sphere.

"Yes, it's a Sneakoscope. It is supposed to tell when someone can't be trusted."

"That is correct. I am going to use this when I speak with Hermione again. This way there will be no doubt that she is telling us the truth. It will help to determine the kind of disciplinary action I will give her."

"You don't believe her story?"

"We need to be absolutely certain, Child. It is entirely possible that Voldemort lied to you to make us believe she was an innocent victim. He is unscrupulous."

"What happens if she has been telling the truth?"

"Then I will not expel her, but she will be severely disciplined. I can't let such behavior go unpunished. Too many people were jeopardized."

"And if she has been lying the whole time?"

"Expulsion and the Aurors will wipe her memory of Hogwarts. She will have to live as a Muggle for the remainder of her life. Alastar Moody is aware of what has happened and has agreed to this. We both felt that in view of her age we would not have her sent to Azkaban."

"I see," Harry replied, meeting his somber expression, as a knock sounded on her door, and Sirius got up to answer it. Harry knew it was Ron and Hermione.

"Professor Black, may we come in?" Ron queried from the hall.

"Come on, Harry has been waiting for the two of you."

"I brought the Wizard's chess, Harry, like I promised," Ron said entering the room, looking around at the other Professors curiously. He knew Dumbledore wanted to talk with them all again, but did not expect to see Snape and Lupin.

Hermione looked frightened, but walked in and went directly over to Harry's bed, and then burst into tears. "They kept saying...you...were dead," she sobbed sitting down and taking Harry's hand. "I really...made a...mess...of things."

Harry was quietly scanning Hermione, and knew that her fear and remorse were genuine. "You sure did. How could you get yourself into such a situation?"

"He used an Imperious Curse with a mind charm to make me believe you didn't really want me around because I was Muggle born. He made me tell him what was happening here in Hogwarts. I tried to fight him, but at first I couldn't," Hermione explained, tears running down her cheeks. "Then when I continued to try and resist he laughed and threatened my parents. He had my mother's wedding ring and told me all about our house. He even knew their daily routines. Harry...I'm sorry...he told me...," she choked on her tears, "that he...would...kill them if...I didn't...cooperate."

"Why didn't you tell someone?"

"He said if I said anything he would know...Harry...he finds things out...I don't know how...but I think...he has...spies watching."

"What makes you say that, Hermione?" Dumbledore asked gently, trying not to unnerve the frightened teen any further.

"Professor Dumbledore, he knew about the first Quidditch match, and that Harry would not be allowed to play. I didn't tell him...he just ...knew. He made me send the note to Harry telling her you thought she was a burden."

"Hermione, why didn't you just send an owl to Dumbledore? You could have used Hedwig or Pigwidgeon and explained everything in a confidential letter."

"Voldemort anticipated I might do that. He told me that if I tried my parents would be dead before Dumbledore ever finished reading it. I didn't know Dumbledore was having my parents protected ever since we got Pettigrew to confess. Harry, I was such a fool. He would have killed you. I kept trying to find a way out. I was supposed to go to him at the Riddle Mansion after you caught the snitch. I was going to try and find a way to help you escape once I knew my folks were safe."

Harry looked over at Dumbledore, who nodded knowing what she was going to tell Hermione.

"Hermione, Voldemort had no intention of keeping his word and sparing your parents. He planned on killing all of you and making me watch. Then he was going to have me tortured to death just for the fun of it."

Hermione gasped in shock, "Oh, Harry, how could I have been so stupid?"

"Miss Granger, stronger persons than you have been taken in by the Dark Lord. He can be extremely persuasive," Professor Snape remarked quietly.

"Professor Snape is right, Hermione," Ron put his arm around her; "you were being manipulated by an extremely powerful wizard."

"Please, Professor Black, I never meant for anybody to be hurt, especially Harry. I wanted to tell, I just didn't know how. You have every right to be angry with me." Hermione glanced over at Sirius unable to meet his gaze.

"It's all right, Hermione. I know you aren't lying," Harry reassured her calmly. "After all I am an empath. I can sense your emotions, and you aren't hiding anything."

"Harry is right, Hermione. I have been monitoring our conversation with a Sneakoscope. You can still be trusted and have told us all the truth," Dumbledore informed her with authority. "I am relieved and want to tell you that both Harry and Ron spoke up for you today. Neither of them ever had any doubts."

"What is going to happen to me, Professor?"

"I have given this much thought, and Harry will tell you that depending on what happened here this afternoon helped to determine whether you would be expelled. Fortunately, that is not going to be the case. First, you were going to be named a Prefect next year but that will no longer be the case. Second, I can't let your actions go entirely unpunished. What you did resulted in Harry's kidnapping, jeopardized the security of this school, and very nearly got four people killed. So I have decided you will be suspended following the Easter Recess, which starts in ten days," Dumbledore said sternly. "The suspension will be for the rest of the term, and you will be required to keep up with your studies. You are a bright girl, and I'm sure you will have no trouble catching up next year. I will retain your wand until you return in the fall."

"Yes Sir," Hermione answered solemnly.

"In the mean time you may attend your regular classes. You are not to go into Hogsmeade with the exception of next Friday evening," Dumbledore winked at Harry, "when Professor Black will be taking us all out for dinner. I will inform the other teachers of my decision and will let them know to give you the required reading for the rest of the year to take home with you. Your parents will be notified of my decision. They are already aware of what has occurred. See that your trunk is packed and ready as you will be leaving on the train with the rest of the students who will be going home for the holiday."

"I understand, Professor. I promise if anything ever happens again I won't be afraid to tell you," Hermione said visibly relieved that she was not going to be expelled.

"Now, I have one more thing to say to the three of you, and that is to enjoy each other's company. You are all good and loyal friends, and I'm glad to say that you will all be here together next year."

Dumbledore rose, and motioned the others to go with him as he knew the three friends wanted to talk about his decision and spend some time alone together.

"Harry, I'll be in with Remus. We'll be back later in time for dinner," Sirius said kissing her forehead before following the other professors from the room.

The three friends spent the afternoon talking about what had happened. Hermione was relieved that Harry was still her friend but knew it would be quite a while before she would confide in and trust her again. All of them were glad she was not expelled and felt bad that she would not be made a Prefect. Harry hoped she would not be asked, as she had too many worries with Voldemort. She did not tell them but she was hoping to be named Quidditch captain.

Harry and Ron both promised Hermione that they would send her news of the events going on at school. Dumbledore had wanted to have an end of year dance, but due to the situation with Voldemort and his being needed at the Ministry of Magic so frequently, it had been cancelled. However, they would make sure she knew who won the rest of the Quidditch matches and anything else of interest.

Hermione and Ron left to go to the Great Hall for dinner and Sirius returned a few minutes later with Remus, who had transformed into his werewolf form. Snuffles was a bit confused by this new canine and they touched noses and sniffed each other gingerly. Harry used her newfound sense of animal empathy to determine how they felt about each other; and discovered that Snuffles knew this wolf was also Remus. She also found that Remus recognized Snuffles. Sirius was intrigued by this new discovery, and transformed to see if it worked with his animagus form too. After he returned to human form he was pleased to discover that Harry could read his feelings as well.

They then settled down to have dinner. The two canines each got a nice piece of steak. Snuffles was the promised reward from Harry, and Remus always had a piece of meat when he was in his wolf form. This was usually sent up to him ahead of time, or Sirius and Dumbledore would bring it to him. Sirius had roast chicken while Harry pouted miserably over another bowl of soup and some Italian bread without butter. The bright spot was that she was allowed some lemon meringue pie for dessert.

Following dinner, she and Sirius played a few games of Wizard's Chess before Nurse Pomfrey arrived to treat Harry's wounds and help her to bathe. Sirius took Snuffles and Remus out for a run so that Poppy would not feel uncomfortable around the werewolf. Harry had a sneaking suspicion that Sirius transformed while they were out, but she didn't question him. She just smiled and curled up in bed, exhausted from the stress of the day, and fell asleep while Sirius sat by the fire reading a book. He slept in the chair most of the night, leaving just before the moon set, when Remus woke him to bring him to their room for his transformation.