Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 118: Tired
Sirius ran through the empty streets like a madman, his breath ragged, his heart pounding. The words Snape had spat still echoed in his mind Harry Potter is most likely dead.
He had gone to the Order of the Phoenix headquarters first, slamming through the old door of Grimmauld Place, shouting for help. But the house was silent and no one was there. Desperation clawed at his chest and with no other choice, he had apparated straight to the Ministry of Magic, hoping that the news wasn't true, wishing that Harry is still alive.
The moment he entered, the bustling crowd of aurors and clerks stopped what they were doing. Some whispered, recognizing him instantly, Sirius Black, once a wanted man, now standing in the heart of the Ministry.
He asked nearby auror, "Do you know where is Harry Potter?"
"He's inside Madam Bones office," the auror replied.
Without wasting another second, Sirius dashed through the corridors, ignoring the startled stares that followed him. He skidded to a halt in front of Amelia Bones office, only to be stopped by a line of five aurors.
"Stop! No one is allowed beyond this point," barked one of them.
"I need to see my son, Harry potter is my godson," shouted Sirius but Dudley had enchanted the room so no sound could escape from the room or entering the room.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Black, but we're under orders. Madam Bones said no one is to enter at this time," said Edgar Flintcroft firmly.
"James Potter is my friend and Harry is the only son he had left, please I need to see him safe and alive," beg Sirius.
One of the auror who named Callum Redford, feel pity to Sirius and they know exactly what is Sirius relationship with Harry Potter after his trial last time. Unconsciously had loosened his grip, at this moment he got a chance to sneak into the office.
"Stop him," shouted Edgar but it was too late, Sirius had opened the door.
When he manage to open the door, the sight before him made his knees weak.
Harry was there, sitting alive and well beside Dudley.
For a moment, Sirius couldn't breathe. His throat tightened painfully. Then Harry turned, his eyes widening in disbelief before rushing over.
"Sirius!" Harry called out, his voice full of relief.
"Harry…" Sirius barely managed to say before wrapping his godson in a tight embrace. He felt Harry heartbeat, fast but steady. He was alive.
"Are you okay? What happened? Why didn't anyone tell me? Were you hurt? Did—" Sirius bombarded him with questions without pause, his voice trembling with both anger and worry.
Edgar looked panics and grab Sirius before apologize to Madam Amelia.
"I am sorry Madam, this man is so sneaky," said Edgar.
Amelia just frowned but before he could say anything Dudley suddenly cut off.
"Sit down, Sirius. We're getting to the exciting part," interrupted Dudley calmly, though his lips twitched in amusement.
Sirius blinked, looking between them. "Exciting part?"
"Make sure after this no one would come here," ordered Amelia.
Hearing this the five auror who had guarded the door can finally sigh of relief. They closed the door and continue guarding the door.
Sirius finally found a chair and sat down, though his leg kept bouncing restlessly.
"How did you even get in here?" asked Dudley, crossing his arms. "There are at least a dozen aurors guarding the door."
That caught the others' attention too. Amelia Bones, Dumbledore, Kingsley, and Moody all looked up, curious, they had heard that he was sneaky.
"Because," Sirius said, grinning proudly, "I'm Harry's godfather. Once I showed them my credentials, they let me in. A little persuasion helped, of course."
"You are lying," replied Dudley.
"Hahaha caught that, my body as a quidditch player make me very nimble and manage to sneak inside, impressive isn't it?" asked Sirius with half grin.
"A little?" muttered Dudleyunder his breath. "You probably scared them half to death."
"So," Sirius leaned forward eagerly, "tell me everything. What happened out there?"
Harry and Dudley exchanged glances before Dudley sighed and started recounting the story. From the moment they left for Bones Manor to the confrontation with the Death Eaters, every duel, every explosion until Dumbledore come with reinforcement.
The room was silent, even seasoned aurors like Moody and Kingsley listened without interrupting.
It took nearly half an hour for Dudley to finish. When he did, the room still silent with breathing could be heard from the adult.
Even Professor McGonagall had lost her words to say more.
Amelia Bones had her hand on her chin, deep in thought. Dumbledore merely looked at Dudley and Harry, pride mixed with worry in his eyes.
The questioning continued for hours. By the time interrogation ended, the clock struck one in the morning. Both boys were clearly exhausted, Harry eyelids were drooping, and Dudley looked like he could fall asleep sitting upright.
***
As they were preparing to leave, Professor Dumbledore and the others had waited outside the office. Preparing to bring them to Hogwarts and Professor Dumbledore wanted to ask about what does Dudley mean by his earlier words but someone was faster.
Amelia stopped Dudley and Harry. "Dudley, you said earlier you'd tell me something important later. What did you mean by that?"
Dudley blinked sleepily. "Madam, how about tomorrow? It's already 1 a.m., and I think both of us are about to collapse."
Amelia looked at them and sighed. Her heart softened. These two boys had risked their lives to save her, the least she could give them was rest.
"All right," she said gently. "Tomorrow. You can explain it then."
Dudley smiled faintly. "Thank you."
As they turned to go, he suddenly asked, "Aunt, where will you sleep tonight?"
Amelia froze mid-step. Her home, the Bones Manor was gone, reduced to rubble. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
"How about staying at my house?" offered Dudley. "We're all tired and it's safer there for now."
Harry raised his brows. He had expected they'd go straight back to Hogwarts, but seeing Amelia uncertain expression, he realized Dudley was right. With her house destroyed, the best option was to rest somewhere safe.
After some hesitation, Amelia nodded. "That would be… appreciated. Thank you, Dudley."
"I will follow too," said Sirius raising his hand.
"Ok," nodded Dudley.
But then outside of the office, he was stopped by Professor Dumbledore.
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