Chapter 74: return to school
"If you don't have a wand, just stay in the manor. If anything happens, you can contact me through Floo. The fireplace in my office is already connected to the fireplace at home," Ciaran said, emphasizing once more, "But Sirius, you must remember that you are still a wanted criminal by the Ministry of Magic and the Muggle world. Do not go out without authorization. It is easy for others to see through your disguise. If the Auror catches you, it's all bad."
"I understand," Sirius nodded, fully aware of the risks. He wasn't foolishly reckless; he understood the gravity of the situation.
Despite his often impulsive nature, Ciaran's persuasion helped him rein in the boiling urge for revenge against Peter Pettigrew.
"Your wand..." Ciaran furrowed her brow.
Sirius shrugged with a wry smile. "When I was arrested more than ten years ago, my wand was destroyed by the Ministry of Magic. Prisoners don't get to keep wands. Otherwise, where would I end up after escaping from prison?"
"We're wizards after all. Without a wand, we're handicapped. Even facing a young wizard who hasn't graduated yet, Sirius, you're in great danger," Ciaran warned, her concern evident. "I'll think of another way to get you an old wand."
Thinking of the Room of Requirement in Hogwarts, Ciaran considered it might hold some old wands. Even if they were awkward to use, having any wand would be advantageous for Sirius in this situation.
"Okay, please, Ciaran," Sirius agreed gratefully.
In the entire magical world, Ciaran was the only one who believed in him, for which Sirius was immensely grateful. Without her support, he might have faced the Dementor's Kiss, becoming effectively a dead man.
In the past, his comrades-in-arms, including Dumbledore, Moody, Auror Kingsley, and the Weasleys, all believed him to be a despicable traitor who betrayed the Order of the Phoenix, responsible for the deaths of Harry's parents, and a willing servant of Voldemort. Openly appearing before them would likely result in his death.
Ciaran handed Sirius a key to the manor, and they both retired for the night. Early the next morning, Ciaran packed her belongings and prepared to return to Hogwarts. After ensuring everything was in order, she proceeded to the Floo Network, bypassing the need for the Hogwarts Express.
Upon her return, she was met with an unexpected sight outside Dumbledore's office.
"Dementors!" Professor McGonagall exclaimed angrily, voicing her disdain for their presence at Hogwarts. "How can the Ministry of Magic allow dark creatures like dementors to come to Hogwarts?"
"Because of Sirius?" Ciaran recalled the Ministry's justification for stationing Dementors at Hogwarts in the original timeline. Despite purportedly protecting students from Sirius, more harm was inflicted by the Dementors themselves.
"We have plenty of professors and teachers; are we still afraid of one Sirius?" Professor McGonagall huffed, storming off to voice her concerns to Madam Pomfrey.
Ciaran entered Dumbledore's office, where he was busy writing a letter.
"Ah, Ciaran, have you returned the book?" Dumbledore inquired, gesturing for her to place it on the table. "Do you need to borrow another?"
As she browsed the shelves, Ciaran couldn't help but ask, "Dumbledore, what are your thoughts on Sirius?"
Dumbledore paused, his expression reflecting a mixture of disappointment and resignation. "I once thought highly of Sirius—a remarkable wizard. However, recent events have proven otherwise."
With a heavy heart, Ciaran bid Dumbledore farewell and returned to her office, awaiting the commencement of the new term at Hogwarts.
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