Chasing a Dream

Chapter 6

Adopted

"Sirius?!" Harry's mouth dropped open at the sight of his godfather. Sirius Black stood smiling and looking great. His hair and beard was washed and trimmed, he wasn't nearly as skinny as the last time Harry saw him, and his robes of black were clean and pressed.

"Hello, Harry!"

"What do you think you're doing?! Everyone can see you!"

"You haven't read the news, have you?"

His smile broadened as he dug around the inside of his robes and pulled out a copy of the wizarding newspaper, Witch Weekly, and handed it to Harry. Harry took it, puzzled. On the front page, two pictures winked up at him. One of Sirius and one of...

Peter Pettigrew!

         Wrongfully Accused

        Reported by: Abigail Delayney

    Five days ago, a shocking, life altering event took place. On the outskirts of Angleton, Scotland, a member of the Dark Lord's servant's was captured. Peter Pettigrew, once thought dead in an explosion caused by escaped convict Sirius Black, was caught torturing Muggles in his hotel room by Auror Mickey O'Donald. After O'Donald called in re-enforcements from the Ministry, a group of Aurors were able to corner, stun, and capture the illusive Pettigrew. After an interrogation, involving a strong Veritaserum, Ministry members were finally given the whole story. Pettigrew confessed to being the real cause of the explosion killing thirteen muggles fourteen years ago. Pettigrew also confessed that he had really been the Potter's secret-keeper and betrayed them to You-Know-Who, Sirius Black was convicted of both crimes. Sirius Black, who had been sent to the dreaded Azkaban wizard prison, was contacted by Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Black has been hiding out in a cave in the mountains by Hogsmead. Black, Harry Potter's godfather, who has been attending trial after trial since Pettigrew's capture, has been finally ruled innocent and is once again allowed to roam the wizarding world and be re-introduced to proper hygiene. Best regards to you, Sirius Black.

"You're free." Harry muttered, totally and utterly stunned. "You're free!" He jumped up, smiling. He ran over to Sirius and threw his arm around his middle. Sirius laughed heartily in a way Harry had never heard him do before.

"Not entirely. I still have some trials and interviews to attend."

Harry snapped back to reality and stepped back. He looked at him in confusion. "You're adopting Hermione?"

"Yes, I am. I've always admired her spirit, strength, and thirst for knowledge. I also know how much her friendship means to you and Ron."

Sirius placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry smiled. He felt his heavy heart lighten as he turned back to Hermione. She was staring at Harry with a look of confusion.

Harry walked back over to her and sat down, placing an arm around her shoulders. Sirius approached slowly and cautiously. He stopped in front of her, expression as gentle as he possible.

Hermione turned her head to Harry. Harry smiled broadly and nodded at Sirius. "It's ok, Hermione. He won't hurt you."

Hermione turned her vacant eyes back to Sirius, who took a step forward. Harry saw Hermione's jaws clench as he drew even nearer. Her fingers twitched and her hand slowly left her lap. Sirius stood as still as he could.

Her fingers stretched out slightly as they inched toward Sirius' cloak. Sirius lifted his had so that it was hovering by hers. She couldn't seem to bring herself to touch him, so Harry gently reached out and placed her hand in Sirius'.

Hermione shut her eyes and swallowed. Harry withdrew his hand and watched as Sirius grasped her hand in his. She opened her eyes again. Nothing had changed in them but at least she hadn't pulled away. Sirius, still holding her hand, dropped to his knees in a prostrative gesture. He looked up into those stone eyes of hers and spoke softly.

"Hermione. I know I can't take the place of the family you lost and I don't intend to. I will, however, try my best to be a good father and love you and keep you safe."

Hermione was staring at him strangely. Slowly, stood and then proceeded to kneel next to Sirius. She placed her arms around his neck and gave him a small hug like she had given Harry last night. Harry watched this from where he was perched on the examination table. It was strange. Harry suddenly felt like he shouldn't be there. Like he was intruding.

Hermione and Sirius straightened up and she sat back down on the table, taking Harry's hand. Harry noticed this gesture and smiled.

"So, Sirius, are you adopting me, too?"

"No, Harry, I'm not."

"Why not?"

"That would make you and Hermione brother and sister... Sort-of."

"So?"

"I won't do it, Harry. One day you'll thank me. I am, however, your official guardian and the three of us are going to be living in the Granger's old residence. I have some money, but I haven't had a job or my Gringotts vault in years. Hermione's parents left her a considerable amount of money. I plan to get a job at the Ministry. They want to make it up to me."

The three of us will be living together. At Hermione's old house, too. Harry thought. He smiled at the thought of it. No more Dursleys, ever again! I wonder why he won't adopt me, too? I suppose it doesn't matter.

The door to the room swung open and Dr. Carey and Margaret stepped in. Margaret wasn't wearing her uniform, but rather dark blue robes. She smiled and handed Dr. Carey the clipboard in her hand. Dr. Carey scanned through the papers, his brow furrowing and unfurrowing.

Finally, he looked up at the people in the room and cleared his throat. He glanced at Margaret and she closed the door.

"I'm sorry to say that we can not help Miss Granger. Not in the state she's in."

Harry felt the bottom of his stomach drop out. Sirius' hand gave Harry's shoulder a brief squeeze.

"You can't?"

"No, we can't, Harry. We can't, but you can..."