Do You Believe in Miracles?

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Officially a Free Man

Harry clenched his fists nervously, the heavy stares of his classmates settling on him as he entered the Great Hall with Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna, and Neville. He self-consciously made his way to the Gryffindor table after saying goodbye to Luna, and tried to ignore the mutterings of his classmates around him. Harry took his seat and looked toward the High Table as the Sorting Ceremony began. Snape glared at the students as usual; Dumbledore smiled widely at the Sorting taking place before him. Further down the table sat an older man with short white hair and strikingly familiar blue eyes, who Harry took to be the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.

Anyone has got to be better than Umbridge, he assumed darkly. Harry continued his scan of the table as he distantly heard, “Rogers, Adelaide… Ravenclaw!” His eyes fell on the familiar dark form of Kingsley Shacklebolt. Harry had last seen the man his first night at the Weasleys, when he had learned Kingsley had been made the official Minister of Magic after Fudge’s removal. While Harry did not know the man terribly well, he was at least in the Order and seemed honest enough to make a dramatic improvement from Fudge.

“Oi, why do you reckon Kingsley’s here?” Harry asked quietly.

“I don’t know, mate,” answered Ron. “Maybe he wants to actually work with Hogwarts instead of against it?”

“Boys, shush!” Hermione glared at them.

Harry waited anxiously for the Sorting to finish. He clapped enthusiastically when the final first year, Thomas Zeckler, was sorted into Gryffindor. He turned his attention to the Headmaster as the older man stood up to make his annual Welcoming Feast speech.

“Good evening, everyone! I’d like to welcome you all to another fine year. To our first years, welcome, and please note the Forbidden Forrest is simply that, forbidden, as are as any products from the ever popular Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes. To our older students, I would like to remind you that the same rules apply, as well.” Dumbledore glanced a knowing eye at the Gryffindor table, and Harry could not help but return a little grin.

“I know many of you simply cannot wait to begin our wondrous feast, but I must ask that you wait a few moments longer,” Dumbledore continued. “I would like to introduce a good friend of mine, and our new Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt!”

Applause filled the Great Hall as Kingsley made his way to the podium. The dark man seemed to command the attention of the room as he began to fill the space with his deep, soothing voice.

“Thank you. It is truly an honour to be here tonight. As I’m sure you all remember, last week, the Ministry of Magic declared war against Tom Marvolo Riddle, more commonly known as Lord Voldemort.”

Harry rolled his eyes at the gasps and little shrieks escaping his classmates. Ron’s freckles stuck out vividly against his now pale face, and Hermione’s eyes were just a little too wide to be normal.

“There is no need to fear a name. We must come together like never before and stand united in the face of evil. Hard decisions lay ahead for many of us, but there is light beyond the darkness. For even in the darkest of rooms, the smallest spark sheds much light.”

The room settled slowly, but visibly. Harry listened with rapt attention to the Minister’s speech. His words struck Harry and he believed in them. Voldemort and his followers were the darkness in Harry’s life, but every one of his friends and mentors gave Harry great light and strength to keep fighting the darkness every year: Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, the Weasleys, Luna, Neville, Remus, Sirius…Harry began to feel his skin crawl as he thought of how one of his sparks was so suddenly put out. Harry sighed and pushed his troubling thoughts of Sirius away as the Minister resumed his speech.

“However, tonight is not a night for politics and misery. Tonight, I am here to honour and recognize a great man, who held on to light in spite of unimaginable darkness. Sirius Black was a man of true strength of character. A man who was wrongly imprisoned for more than a decade and was forced to spend the last two years of his life hiding from the Ministry who’d wronged him so greatly.”

Harry heard the confused whispers spread the through Great Hall like a wildfire. His heart constricted, and his mouth flushed dry. Why was the Minister speaking about Sirius now? He hardly noticed Ron and Hermione’s expressions of concern as Harry refused to take his eyes off the Minister, fearing they might betray his façade.

“Sirius Black was framed and falsely incriminated by someone he once called a best friend. He was betrayed by Peter Pettigrew, the man who faked his death to lead to Black’s incarceration, while he himself was a supporter of Lord Voldemort.”

Harry felt detached from his body. The chatter had become loud enough to warrant a break in the Minster’s speech. Even the ghosts were gliding overhead in proud fascination. The Great Hall became a room full of shock at these new revelations. Harry could only think that the revelation came too late…

“Black lost his life tragically this past June fighting for the light and goodness he believed in. It is extremely regrettable that such a great man lost his life while the world still viewed him as a traitor and a murderer. However, we must now honour and celebrate him in death, for while we can never make up for our mistakes, we can still remember Sirius Black as the brave, honest man he was, and remember his undying strength when we find ourselves faced with a decision that seems impossible.

“I am here today to present what is long overdue: a full pardon on all charges and an Order of Merlin, third class, is awarded to Harry Potter, on behalf of his godfather, Sirius Black. Mr. Potter, would you please join us up here?”

Every head in the room looked at Harry. The room shrank around Harry as he stared in shock at Kingsley Shacklebolt, his eyes darting anxiously to the Headmaster. A twinge of anger shot through him as Dumbledore sat at the High Table, eyes twinkling, as he waited silently for Harry to make the impossible journey across the Great Hall.

“Harry, come on, you have to go up there!” Hermione chided.

Harry sighed and looked at her. “I can’t….” He hated the small and defeated tone issuing from his mouth.

“Yes you can, mate. Sirius deserves this and he would want you to be happy for him.” Ron put a reassuring hand on Harry’s shoulder.

Harry swallowed thickly and stood up. He could feel the stares piercing his back as he forced his body across the Great Hall. Dragging his unbelievably heavy feet up the stairs, he covered the last few steps towards the Minster.

Kingsley Shacklebolt extended his hand and Harry shook it with his clammy one. The Minster gave him the pardon and Order of Merlin and the room erupted into applause. Harry could tell much of it was polite and uninterestedly given, but he knew there were also those with genuine happiness within the applause. Harry’s heavy heart lightened marginally as he gave a small smile. Everyone finally knew that Sirius was innocent and no one could ever take that away.

Kingsley Shacklebolt’s deep resounding voice brought Harry back to reality. “I am pleased to present these to you, Mr. Potter, and I couldn’t be more sorry for your loss. Your godfather was a great man, and we would all be honoured if you would say something on his behalf.”

Harry did a double take. They wanted him to do what? Receiving an award for Sirius was one thing, making a public speech was another.

“Kingsley,” he began so quietly that no one else could hear them, “I-I can’t do this. I mean - I really don’t think that’s necessary….”

“Harry,” he continued, equally as quiet. “Just say a few words about him. You don’t have to talk about that night, just something so everyone knows you support him, too.”

Harry sighed and gave a tiny nod as he nervously approached the podium. What could he say about Sirius? How could he possibly tell everyone who Sirius really was and what he’d meant to Harry? Could he even string together a coherent sentence?

He stared blankly out at the room full of his classmates looking up expectantly at him. He sought out Hermione and Ron and kept his eyes on them for support.

“Er, um…well, I-” Harry sighed and gathered his Gryffindor courage before he began again.

“I’d like to thank the Minister for what he’s done tonight.” Harry was shocked that he’d gotten through a coherent sentence without messing up.

“Sirius Black was my godfather. He had faults and made mistakes like any other person, but he cared strongly for the people he loved and fought for what was right. He was murdered this past June by Bellatrix Lestrange.“

Small gasps and whispered questions floated across the Great Hall. Harry hardly noticed them, as he continued his speech, heart pounding in his ears. He looked down at the official pardon before he began again.

“I shouldn’t be the one standing up here to receive this; he should. However, I know he’d appreciate it all the same, and would be happy to know he’s officially a free man. Thank you.”

Harry walked clumsily from the platform, clutching the award and papers at his side. He ignored Ron and Hermione as he passed them and made his way out of the Great Hall. His eyes burned with the strain of controlling his emotions, and he refused to let his tears fall in front of the entire school.

No longer hungry, Harry trekked his way up the Gryffindor Tower. He was grateful that he had already asked Hermione the new password as he muttered, “Fortis,” to the Fat Lady. Making his way to the sixth year dormitory, he threw Sirius’s award on his bed and sat down at his bedside window. Staring out blankly at the stars, Harry let out a long sigh before allowing his emotions to take hold.

Hedwig flew through the window, and sat beside Harry. Harry stroked her feathers lightly as he felt the tears run silently down his cheeks.

“Why him, Hedwig?”

His bird lovingly nipped his fingers as rain drops began to fall and the last signs of sunlight faded from view. Harry pulled his knees to his chest and began to sob quietly.

“I miss him so much….” said Harry, his voice soft and tired. He lost track of time as he let his emotions run their course. Voices begin to sound from the common room as Harry wiped at his eyes. Figuring Ron must have asked his dorm mates to give Harry some space, no one entered the room, and Harry remained by the window, unmoving in the increasingly cool air.

Harry made to grab a sweater as a burst of light caused him to spin around, his wand drawn. His eyes were wide as he spotted Fawkes, sitting contentedly in his recently-vacated spot. Harry walked over quietly and made to pat the gorgeous red phoenix. Fawkes let himself be patted for several moments, trilling softly at Harry’s movements. As Harry began to sit, he finally noticed the small scroll tied to Fawkes’ leg.

“Do you have a letter for me?” he asked redundantly. The bird let out a coo of agreement as he extended his leg. Harry removed the scroll and began to open it as the phoenix disappeared once more into the night.

He let out a disappointed sigh and sat on his bed to read the letter. Apprehension washed over him as he realized the letter was from Dumbledore. How could he have anything good to say after Harry’s abrupt exit from the Welcoming Feast?

Harry,

I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to ask you to
join me for tea this evening. I ask you to meet me in
my office at eight p.m.

Yours truly,
Albus Wulfric Percival Brian Dumbledore

P.S. I find Ice Mice to be a great treat this time of year.

Harry gave a grin at the reference to the man’s office password. Wondering exactly what Dumbledore wanted to speak with him about, he reread the letter and figured the man’s message did not seem angry. He made his way down to the common room and ignored his house-mates questions, searching for Ron and Hermione. He found them sitting in their usual corner.

“ -he must be a good teacher, he’s Dumbledore’s brother!”

“I sure hope so, although I have to admit, he’s bound to be a huge improvement over Umbridge.”

“Hermione, anyone is an improvement over Umbridge.”

“Yes, Ronald, but I still say the brother of Dumbledore will be a good Defence teacher.”

“Dumbledore’s brother’s teaching Defence?” asked Harry, surprising his friends as he sat down.

“Goodness, Harry, you scared me!” Hermione said. “Yes, Aberforth Dumbledore is teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts this year.”

“The bloke that runs the Hog’s Head?” Harry asked.

Hermione nodded. “Yes, Dumbledore mentioned it shortly after the feast, but you were already gone. Speaking of leaving, why did you go?”

Harry averted his gaze as he answered. “I just came up here…you know I don’t like that sort of stuff.”

Hermione stared at him knowingly. “Did you at least get something to eat? You didn’t eat on the train either, and you’re already really thin, Harry. I’m worried.”

“Hermione, I’m fine. Besides, I-I asked Dobby for a sandwich before I came up here,” Harry quickly lied. Hermione raised her eyebrows, but let it drop. Harry knew she’d interrogate him again in private.

“So, mate, up for a game of chess?” asked Ron, successfully changing the subject.

“Oh, um, I can’t actually,” responded Harry. “Dumbledore wants to see me at eight, and I’d better get going or I’m going to be late.”

Harry bade them goodbye and made his way silently to the Headmaster’s office.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry stood before the office’s gargoyle as he gathered his courage to enter.

“Ice Mice…,” he whispered.

The gargoyle nodded in affirmation and sprung to life. Harry made his way up the revealed stairs and towards the large oak door. He raised his hand to knock just as the door was opened before him.

“ - couldn’t be merrier, and I will see you both tomorrow,” came the Headmaster’s joyous tones.

“Yes, Headmaster.”

Harry took a small step back at the menacing voice of his dreaded Potions professor. The man came billowing out of the room, robes flowing menacingly around him, dragging a tired looking Draco Malfoy in his mist.

“Potter!”

Harry raised his head defiantly to meet Snape’s eye. “Yes, sir?”

“Eavesdropping on the Headmaster? Twenty points from Gryffin-“

“Come, now, Severus,” interjected Dumbledore. “I merely invited the boy up here after our meeting. I’m sure he was doing nothing wrong.”

Harry concealed a grin as Snape scowled. But… why is Dumbledore thrilled about Snape and Malfoy? Harry wondered. This day had just been too strange for his tired mind.

“Yes, Headmaster.” Snape gave a sharp pull to the frail boy behind him and Harry watched as they descended the spiralling stairs.

“Harry, my boy!” exclaimed Dumbledore, startling Harry. “Please, do come in. We have much to discuss!”

Harry made his way into the familiar office, feeling a pang of guilt as he noticed the office restored to its usual cleanliness. He had destroyed many of the Headmaster’s possessions the previous June in his rage after Sirius’ death. Feeling his cheeks flame with shame, he sat nervously in the plush armchair in front of the Headmaster’s desk. Dumbledore must have sensed Harry’s embarrassment as he took his respective seat.

“Harry, please do not feel uncomfortable on my behalf. You caused no lasting damage that night and I do believe the benefits far outweighed my own losses.”

Harry nodded and felt a small amount of tension leave his body. He played with a loose thread on his robes as he waited for the rest of Dumbledore’s questions.

“How was your summer?” the older man inquired, as if on cue.

Harry shrugged, still plucking the free string. Harry knew Dumbledore was waiting to reveal the true reason he summoned Harry. Sometimes he can be truly irritating…, Harry thought.

“It-it was o-okay, I guess,” he answered quietly, looking anywhere but at the intense blue of the Headmaster’s eyes.

“Come now, Harry. I’ve heard you respond that ‘you’re fine’ when you’re laid up in the hospital wing for a week!” Dumbledore let out a hearty chuckle. “You are welcome to tell me anything, Harry,” he added. “Have you dealt well with the loss of Sirius, my boy?”

Harry’s eyes widened, and his body tensed as he took in Dumbledore’s question.

“I’ve been dealing with it just fine, thanks.” Harry answered, a little too quickly to be believable.

“Harry, I know this is hard for you,” Dumbledore started seriously. “However, you cannot ignore it, and I only want you to work through this positively.”

Harry stared at his hands in his lap and sighed. Why didn’t anybody realize he did not want to talk about Sirius today, or ever?

“Professor, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I’d really rather not talk about this right now,” Harry said, his voice low and shaky.

Dumbledore gave him a sad smile and nodded his head. “Alright, Harry. We’ll speak no more of it tonight, but I do wish you to know my door is always open.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Dumbledore stood and went to a nearby table, returning with a platter of tea and biscuits. Harry watched in silence as the older man began to prepare tea for both of them.

“Milk and sugar?”

“Yes, please.”

The Headmaster returned to his chair, handing Harry a gorgeous ice blue cup filled with warm tea. They drank in silence for several minutes before either man spoke.

“I was wondering if you would consent to continuing your lovely defence lessons this year?”

Harry nearly choked on his tea as he registered the Headmaster’s request.

“Sorry, sir?” he asked, hoping to confirm that what he had heard was indeed what was spoken.

“I would like you to continue your student defence lessons, in the form of a Defence Club.” His eyes began to twinkle. “Of course, this time it would be with teacher permission and supervision.”

Harry’s mouth opened and closed silently for several seconds. After all the trouble the D.A. had caused last year, Dumbledore wanted him to start the D.A. again?! Harry had a nagging worry that something might happen again. However, he knew he had to trust Dumbledore, and he had truly loved teaching his classmates.

“I - I’d love to, Professor, I just… I just didn’t think you’d want that. After, you know, last year….” Harry’s voice trailed off.

“Come now, Harry. What has happened is in the past. And if I remember correctly, that training might have saved your friends’ lives last June. You have a great amount of influence over your classmates, and put in the right direction, you could teach them a great deal. As much as I regret it, we are in the middle of a war that knows no age limits and simple training may save many lives.”

Harry nodded solemnly and finished his tea.

“You said it would be supervised. Who would supervise it?”

Dumbledore smiled warmly. “I think you’ll be glad to know that Remus Lupin has consented to supervise your club.”

Harry’s eyes widened in surprise. “Lupin?! Really?”

“Yes, my boy, I think he will do quite well. He is scheduled to work with you every Tuesday and Sunday from six to eight, and will meet you an hour early next Tuesday in the Room of Requirement to talk with you.”

Harry’s smile reached his eyes for the first time in a while. Maybe this year would be okay after all….

“After your early departure from the Feast this evening, I’m sure you’d like to be brought up to speed on what may be going on at Hogwarts this year?” the man asked lightly.

Harry ducked his head and felt himself blush. “Sorry, sir.”

“Nothing to be sorry for, Harry, you caused no harm, and for having had all that put on you quite abruptly, you did very well this evening. I am proud of you.”

Harry flushed harder. “Thank you, sir. I-I guess I don’t really have any questions…Ron and Hermione told me your brother’s teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts, and I don’t really know what else to ask.”

Dumbledore smiled and leaned back. “Ah, yes, my dear old brother. I do believe you’ll find the man quite enjoyable company. Alas, you have not asked about your OWL results yet, my boy.”

Harry did a double take. How had he completely forgotten his OWLs? He looked up at Dumbledore with nervousness and anticipation. Had he gotten enough OWLs? What about Potions? Would he still be able to follow his ambition to become an Auror?

“I…forgot about them, sir.”

“Quite alright, Harry. I chose not to send them to your residence, as the information is not the kind we would like to fall into the wrong hands. Some may judge your abilities on your test scores, no matter how unwise it may be to do so.”

Dumbledore silently passed him an envelope, the official Ministry seal clearly visible on the opening. Harry took it with slightly trembling hands. Unwise to do so? Did he really do that poorly? Harry furrowed his brow in confusion, as Dumbledore handed him a small package, the man's eyes twinkling mischievously.

“Open these when you return to your dormitory. There is no need to do so in my presence.”

Tucking the package and letter into his robes, he looked back up at the Headmaster, eager to see if their conversation was over. Almost as if he sensed Harry’s mood, Dumbledore continued their conversation.

“We are almost through here, my boy, as it is indeed getting close to curfew. I would like you to resume Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape this year.”

Harry’s jaw dropped. Occlumency lessons? With Snape? After last year?

“Sir, I-I really don’t think that’s a good idea-”

“I assure you, Harry, it is. I have spoken with Severus, and he has agreed to continue your lessons, and we have made arrangements to make sure the rather… unpleasant aspects of last years lessons do not repeat themselves. You will not be alone with Severus for the lessons, Harry.”

Harry swallowed thickly. He could not have imagined Snape ever wanting to continue Occlumency after their fiasco last year. But hadn’t Dumbledore just told Harry he’d be accompanying him? And Harry really did come to appreciate the value of Occlumency, but could it honestly be done? He sighed and resigned himself to make it work.

“Yes, sir, I’ll try it again.”

Dumbledore smiled at him. “Thank you, Harry. You’ve put an old man’s mind at ease. I will not ignore you this year, Harry. I thought it was for the best last year, and I was sorely mistaken. If you have any concerns or troubles at all, I want you to feel free to come to me.”

Harry smiled back at him, realizing the end of their conversation.

“I promise, sir. And thank you again.”

To Be Continued…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Author’s Note: Anddd here’s chapter two. I’m planning on weekly updates, every Thursday from now on.

Thanks again to my wonder betas, ShadowSamurai and Kit. They are the lifesavers to my drowning ship.

Comments and such are highly appreciated!