Chapter 54: Chapter 54: “Meeting Sirius's Girlfriend”
The day after they began their work on the old Grimmauld Place was when the real transformation started. The first big job they had to tackle was the portrait of Sirius's mom, Walburga Black. She was none too pleased with the changes they were making, especially Harry's request to Kreacher to properly bury the severed heads of house elves that had been hung on the walls and remove the dark curses she had scattered throughout the house. But nobody paid much attention to her complaints.
Kreacher, the house elf, was able to quickly and quietly take down her portrait and put it away in the family vault, which made everyone feel a bit better. It was a big change for Kreacher, who had become much more loyal to Sirius after they fulfilled Regulus Black's last request. He took on his cleaning duties with more energy than before, which was quite the turnaround from the grumpy, cursing elf they were all used to.
The house itself was in pretty bad shape after being left alone for so long. It had become home to all sorts of pests and was full of old curses that needed to be dealt with. Cleaning it all out meant getting rid of these problems and sorting through a bunch of old, broken things. Some items that were still good were put away in a vault at Gringotts for safekeeping.
The cleanup was mostly Kreacher's job, but Sirius, Harry, and Mira helped out where they could. They weren't in a rush, taking their time to make sure they did everything right and got rid of all the dark magic hiding in the house.
During this time, the house began to feel different. It was slowly turning back into a home, a place that was safe and welcoming instead of dark and scary. This was a big step for Sirius, turning a place with so many bad memories into something new.
Over the next few weeks, everyone noticed a significant change in Sirius. After the Horcrux was destroyed and its power absorbed, Sirius seemed to have grown in confidence and strength. This new version of Sirius was more capable and determined, showing a remarkable improvement in his duties as an Auror. Tasks that used to be challenging for him now appeared to be much simpler, and he handled them with a newfound ease.
Harry was very happy to see this change in Sirius. The current Sirius was miles better than the Sirius Black in the books who while unhappy about being locked up in Grimmauld Place and Harry being placed at Dursleys, still listened to the orders of Dumbledore.
Amidst these developments, Sirius decided it was time for Harry to meet the special someone in his life—a secret he had managed to keep from Harry until now.
With this in mind, Sirius got to work, making sure the living room of Grimmauld Place was tidy and welcoming for the visit. The importance of this meeting was clear, and Sirius wanted everything to be just right for when Harry met this significant person in his life.
On this day, Harry found himself on one of the plush, new sofas that had replaced the old, worn-out ones in Grimmauld Place. The room had taken on a cozy feel, a testament to Sirius's efforts to make the house feel more like a home.
Moments later, Sirius came into the room, but he wasn't alone. With him was a woman whose mere presence seemed to fill the space with an air of authority and respect. She had short, neatly styled grey hair, and though Harry had expected the iconic monocle often mentioned alongside her name in the Daily Prophet, it was absent today.
This was none other than Amelia Bones, a well-known person in the Ministry of Magic. Amelia Bones was known for her rapid ascent through the Ministry's ranks, respected and admired by many for her integrity and skill. It was well-known that she had climbed from a clerical position to become the Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, an impressive feat, especially considering she had not started her career as an Auror.
"Harry, I'd like you to meet Amelia Bones," Sirius introduced her with evident pride. "She works with me at the department and is a very close friend."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bones. Sirius has often mentioned great things about his special someone. I must admit, I was skeptical, but it appears he wasn't exaggerating," Harry said, extending a handshake, his tone laden with respect.
"Please, call me Amelia," she responded, returning Harry's handshake with a firm grip. "And the pleasure is all mine, Harry. Sirius's determination to find you had been taking a toll on his health. I'm just glad to see his efforts come to fruition."
Harry thanked her for helping Sirius during that time and then couldn't help but ask "I'm really curious, how did the two of you end up together? Sirius, while many things, seems quite the mismatch for someone exceptional like you."
Amelia chuckled at this, but Sirius, ready to defend his charm, interjected, "Hey now, I'm not without my own merits. Top Auror, heir to the Black family... I'll have you know many witches at the ministry are quite taken with me."
However, Amelia's amused glance cut his boasting short, leading Sirius to trail off, much to Harry's amusement. It was clear to him that despite their differences, Sirius and Amelia shared a genuine connection.
As they all made themselves comfortable, the conversation turned to stories of Amelia's Hogwarts years and her encounters with a younger, troublemaking Sirius. Harry was drawn to Amelia's strength, her unwavering kindness, and her deep-seated sense of justice, so much so that she even expressed a willingness to hold Dumbledore accountable for past mistakes.
Harry reassured her that he had moved on, valuing the lessons learned more than dwelling on the past. He also did not want Amelia to jeopardize her growing career at the ministry by going after Dumbledore.
As Amelia prepared to leave, she warmly invited Harry and Sirius to come to Bones Manor. She mentioned that Harry could meet her niece, Susan, who was close to his age. Harry was immediately interested, looking forward to meeting someone from his brother Charles's peer group and a character he had read about in his previous life's books and fanfictions.
Throughout their conversation, Harry's admiration for Amelia had deepened. She wasn't just a high-ranking official at the Ministry; she was a person who stood firmly for what was right, fighting against injustices wherever she found them. Amelia shared stories of her battles, both within the Ministry and outside, showcasing her dedication not only to her duty but to the greater good.
Harry realized just how well Sirius had chosen his company. Amelia Bones was a powerful witch, certainly, but more importantly, she was a person of great integrity and kindness. Knowing Sirius had someone like Amelia in his life eased any concerns Harry might have had about his godfather's future. With Amelia by his side, Harry was confident that Sirius would be in good hands, capable of facing whatever came their way with strength and wisdom.
Chapter 55: Chapter 55: “A Visit to Bones Manor”
After a few more days packed with study sessions and disciplined routines, Harry was looking forward to a small break.
Under Arcturus's tutelage, Harry had made significant strides in spellcraft, with his abilities growing stronger each day. Additionally, Arcturus took it upon himself to test and improve Harry's Occlumency, ensuring that Harry's mental defenses were as robust as his magical ones.
The day of their visit to the Bones Manor finally arrived, promising a brief escape and an opportunity for Harry to experience a setting beyond his rigorous educational regimen.
As Harry and Sirius stepped into the grandeur of Bones Manor, they were warmly welcomed by Amelia Bones herself. The manor, rich with the history and achievements of the Bones family, was both impressive and inviting, filled with artifacts and portraits narrating the family's long-standing legacy.
It was a place that, while grand, felt more akin to the homely Potter Manor than the imposing Black Castle.
Walking through the halls, Amelia shared, "This manor has sheltered generations of our family. It's more than just a home; it's a repository of our history and a testament to our values."
Their tour brought them to the living room, where Harry was introduced to Susan Bones, Amelia's spirited five-year-old niece, whose vibrant energy immediately filled the room.
Upon noticing Sirius, Susan's excitement was palpable as she joyfully greeted him with a shout of "Padfoot!" before bounding over to him, eagerly requesting his transformation into his Animagus form.
Sirius, ever the entertainer, skillfully diverted Susan's attention with amusing tales and sleight-of-hand tricks, not keen on transforming at that moment.
Sirius's interaction with Susan showcased a different side of him, one that was more tender and familial. Harry couldn't help but smile, knowing that Sirius had a special knack for connecting with children.
Observing their interaction, Harry felt a surge of warmth. It was clear to him that Sirius and Amelia's relationship was on a solid footing, destined for a future intertwined with love and mutual respect.
Sirius, with a warm smile, made the introductions. "Susan, this is Harry Potter, my godson," he said, gesturing towards Harry.
Susan's eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement. "Hi, Harry! Are you really the brother of the Boy Who Lived?" she inquired, her voice filled with wonder.
Harry, momentarily taken aback by the title, glanced at Sirius for a brief explanation. Sirius's gesture suggested they would discuss it later, prompting Harry to confirm, "Yes, if you're talking about Charles Potter, he's my younger brother."
"That's so cool! Then you must have seen dragons, right? Can we go see one?" Susan's imagination seemed to run wild with possibilities.
Realizing the implications of Susan's words, Harry knew he needed to catch up on Charles's situation. He had been so engrossed in his studies and training that he'd lost track of what his past family and younger brother were up to. It was not too important but it was good to know.
"I'll tell you about dragons another time. For now, I've brought you a little gift," Harry said, diverting her attention with a small box he handed to her. The mystery of the gift quickly overshadowed her curiosity about dragons, her excitement visible as she opened it to see what was inside.
Harry noticed Susan carefully examining the brightly wrapped box, hesitating to open it. "Go on, see what's inside," he urged, curious to see her reaction.
With delicate hands, Susan unwrapped the box without tearing the paper, a methodical approach that had Harry chuckling. He was used to ripping open gifts in his excitement, but Susan's careful unwrapping was both amusing and impressive.
When she lifted the lid, a small, shiny silver whistle was revealed, drawing curious glances from the adults. They wondered why Harry had chosen such a simple item as a gift.
"Try it out," Harry encouraged, a twinkle in his eye. "Blow into the whistle."
Susan followed his suggestion, blowing into the whistle with all her might, but to her and Amelia's surprise, no sound seemed to emanate from it. "Is it broken?" Amelia asked, puzzled.
Harry simply smiled and gestured toward Sirius, who was noticeably uncomfortable, his hands over his ears. "Why is that noise so piercing?" Sirius complained, clearly in discomfort.
The room turned to Harry for an explanation, their curiosity piqued.
"This isn't just any whistle; it's a dog whistle from the non-magical world," Harry explained, his grin widening. "It produces a sound that's too high-pitched for humans to hear, but dogs and certain other animals can hear it clearly."
The revelation sparked a mix of laughter and astonishment. Susan held the whistle tightly, fascinated by its unique feature, while Amelia shook her head, amused by the cleverness of the gift.
"Imagine that, Susan," Harry grinned. "Now, if you need Sirius, just use the whistle. He'll be able to hear it from as far as 400 yards away. It's like your personal signal to summon him."
Amelia, finding the concept both amusing and practical, chimed in, "Well, I could use one of those myself. It would be quite useful during Ministry operations, or just to get Sirius's attention when he's being stubborn."
Without missing a beat, Harry reached into his pocket and presented another whistle to Amelia. "I thought you might say that," he said, revealing he had prepared for such a request. This was originally part of another plan to tease Sirius, but it fit perfectly into the moment.
Sirius, feeling a mix of annoyance and amusement at the turn of events, half-joked, "Is this your way of getting back at me for that pink clothing incident?"
With a mischievous smile, Harry confirmed, "Absolutely. Consider it a mix of revenge and a useful gift for Amelia and Susan. Practical, isn't it?"
The thought of future pranks involving the whistle made Sirius ponder his next moves carefully. He knew engaging in a prank war with Harry could escalate quickly, given Harry's cunning.
Harry watched Sirius, a knowing look on his face, fully aware of the dilemma he had placed his godfather in.
Amelia simply smiled, enjoying the light-hearted banter, while Susan, oblivious to the adults' plotting, was engrossed in her new whistle, blowing gently into it and wondering about the adventures it would bring.
The rest of their time at Bones Manor was filled with fun and laughter, creating memories that would last a lifetime. They found themselves caught up in a playful water balloon fight that soaked everyone, leaving them laughing and breathless.
Later, Harry took the opportunity to give Susan her first broom-flying lesson, soaring around the spacious grounds of the manor. It was an experience that left Susan wide-eyed with wonder and excitement, with Harry guiding her through the basics of flying with the patience and enthusiasm of a doting older brother.
"Are you going to come back and visit us again, Harry?" Susan asked, her eyes shining with the hope of more fun days like this one. Harry, touched by her earnestness, assured her, "Of course, Susan. I wouldn't miss it for the world. We'll have even more adventures together."
This bond that had blossomed between them was something special, a connection built on joy, laughter, and the promise of future visits. For Harry, spending time with Susan was like having a younger sister to share in the fun and excitement of childhood adventures he wanted to experience himself again.
As the day wound down, and the shadows grew longer, Harry took a moment to appreciate the warmth and happiness he had found at Bones Manor. The visit had been a welcome break from his rigorous schedule, a reminder of the simple joys that friendship and family could bring. It was a contrast to his usual days filled with spellwork and study, providing a much-needed balance to his life.
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