At The Heart Of The Matter

Authors Note: Thanks again to ALL my wonderful reviewers! You guys are the BEST!!! Harry Potter is still not mine!


Solving A Sirius Problem

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Walking quickly through the halls of Hogwarts, Harry and Alicia had every intention on getting back to their suite to celebrate, in a very personal and private way, the good news regarding the sex of the twins. When the deliriously happy newlyweds returned to the Founder’s Hall, Paole was waiting for them in the main reception area.

“Hey, Paole. We weren’t expecting you to show up today.” Alicia said, her disappointment showing slightly at having a visitor.

“Sorry, Alicia, but I need to take Harry with me for a few hours.” said Paole.

“Uh, Paole….we kind of have plans right now…could this wait?” asked Alicia.

“I’m afraid it can’t. If it wasn’t important, you know I’d never dream of asking you two to cancel plans.” Paole said, looking very apologetic.

“What’s going on?” asked Harry

“Harry, the Unspeakables think they’ve found a way to bring Sirius back entirely…not just his spirit. Bianca and Blaise are meeting us there per request of the research team.” Paole finished.

Looking into the stunned face of her husband, Alicia said, “Harry, this great news….you need to go. This is far more important than any plans we had.”

Snapping out of his stupor, Harry gave his wife a kiss, with Alicia wishing them good luck, they left for the Department of Mysteries, Harry never speaking a single word after receiving the news. Once at the Ministry, they met up with Blaise and Bianca, and the four headed down the many floors to the Death Chamber, where the Veil was located.

“Good evening, Mr. Potter, Paole, Mr. Zabini, Ms. Zabini. I’m Luther Gumboil, head researcher on this project. Please call me Luther. We’ve asked the four of you here because you all have experience with Blood/Runic Magic…much more than the rest of us. Plus, with your connection to Sirius Black, Mr. Potter, we’re hoping that this will go much faster and with greater success. What I need you four to do first, is to look over the list of eight runes to be used, and decided which two you will cast. Mr. Potter, the rune of Ingwaz, must be cast by you, but the others can be divided whichever way you feel best. According to our research, only six runes are required, but up to three additional runes can be added. We decided the regenerative and healing runes would be beneficial, and hopefully bring Sirius back in a better state, considering the length of time he’s been behind the Veil. Also, you’ll need to decide the order of the castings….this is why we needed you four, we have no idea how to put these in order.” instructed Luther.

“Thanks Luther, and please call me Harry. We’ll get these runes sorted out shortly.” said Harry.

“Oh, Harry, just a moment. Do you happen to have with you anything that belonged to Sirius? We think if you cast the rune Ingwaz on a personal item, it will call out to him faster and specifically single him out. We don’t know if this ritual will allow for any other lost souls to come back through the Veil, but this should eliminate the possibility. Just know, the item will most likely be destroyed by the process.” said Luther.

“I do have a penknife that he gave me for Christmas a few years ago that belonged to him…I carry it everywhere.” said Harry as he pulled it from his long, leather trench coat.

“That should work. I’ll leave you four alone to figure out the runic work.” finished Luther.

Sitting down at a small table provided, they looked over the list of runes that read:
Ansuz - for communication
Uraz - for strength, speed, freedom
Raidho - for travel
Algiz - for awakening
Kenaz - for energy and regeneration
Laguz - for the healing power of renewal
Ehwaz - for teamwork
Ingwaz - for family love and the home

“I have to take Ingwaz, but I’ll also take Raidho, as it’s the next hardest magically to cast. Paole, you take Kenaz and Laguz, knowing any regenerating or healing runes are the trickiest, you’re the one who has the most experience. Bianca, since you tend to handle the easier runes the best, take Algiz and Ehwaz, and Blaise, considering you magical strength, you take the last two runes of Ansuz and Uraz.” said Harry, then grabbing a piece of parchment, quickly jotted the casting order.

When he was finished, Harry said, “This is how I feel the order should go:
Ehwaz - Bianca
Uraz - Blaise
Algiz - Bianca
Kenaz - Paole
Ansuz - Blaise
Laguz - Paole
Ingwaz - Me
Raidho - Me

Does this look and sound agreeable?” Getting the affirmative from everyone involved, Harry informed Luther how the runes had been divided up and what order they were to be cast.

After conferring with the other two hooded Unspeakables, Luther said, “Harry, when your casting, I need you in front of the Veil, as you’ll be the one actually calling out to Sirius. Paole, you’re to be on Harry’s right, Blaise, his left, and Bianca, behind the Veil. When you each cast your runes, you’ll need to be touching the arch of the Veil and don’t break contact until I tell you. Harry, we need to make a small incision in your wrist, and as each of your partners cast their rune, you’ll need to activate them with your blood. We figure since your the closest thing to family that Sirius has, your blood will be the most powerful to use during the ritual. Once you’ve cast the runes, I can’t tell you how important it is that you do not let go of the arch….any of you, until Sirius comes out of the Veil. With any Blood Magic, you know this takes some time to work. Are there any questions?”

“What will happen after the castings are complete, and the Veil takes in the magic?” asked Blaise.

“To be honest, we’re just not 100% sure. That’s one of the reasons we used the healing and regenerative runes….hoping it would help Sirius make the journey back intact. We do know that it could take upwards of an hour of you four holding the arch, and if after that hour, nothing has happened, we may need to cast a few of the runes again. The magic in the room will gently swirl around you four, but when the magic around the Veil begins to swirl more aggressively, forming a column, that’s our indication that the Blood Magic has been successful. Sirius should come through shortly after that. I’ll forewarn you, we have no idea what condition he’ll be in, so we have our private team from St. Mungo’s waiting just outside the door.” finished Luther.

Receiving no further questions, they all took their positions. Harry took out his Blood Magic ceremonial knife, which he always carried, and cut his wrist. As soon as this was done, Bianca cast the first rune, while touching the arch, and after a couple of minutes, Harry added his blood. When Harry’s blood hit the rune, it glowed slightly when it activated, then wrapped around the bottom part of the arch, pulsing to an unheard beat. Next, Harry moved on to Blaise. As each rune was activated and they each wrapped the arch, the pulsing intensified.

When Harry cast Ingwaz on the penknife, after the rune activated, the most surprising and unusual thing happened. The knife melted down to form a puddle, then it slowly began twisting and threading itself into a long, liquid like string, weaving itself amongst the other runes that were hugging the arch, forming a very complex pattern. It took the better part of five minutes for the thread to stop weaving, leaving an end undone in order to twist with the last rune Harry was to cast. The entire runic casting took over half an hour to complete.

Harry, Paole, Blaise, and Bianca never released the arch, feeling the magic around them begin to gently swirl, creating a slight breeze. After 45 minutes, there was a sudden shift to the slow swirling, and as it began forming a column, the magic in the room became heavy and thick.

The runes around the arch stopped pulsing, maintaining a brilliant golden glow, and when the column was complete, spinning violently above their heads, the thin thread of the penknife undid itself from the runes, only to then wrap around the harsh, whirling magic, spinning in the opposite direction. The noise this created sounded like a tornado going through the room, and the gentle breeze of earlier was now that of a raging hurricane. The four found it very difficult to keep hold of the Veil, but a few moments later, the column and threading instantly stopped their violent twisting, and shot into the Veil, through the curtain, disappearing behind it.

“Was that supposed to happen, Luther?” asked a concerned Harry.

“I don’t know, but the arch is beginning to glow, so that’s a good sign. Just don’t let go until Sirius comes out.” said Luther.

Nearly five long, agonizing, minutes later, the arch of the Veil was glowing so brightly that it made it near impossible to look at, and the four holding the arch had to turn their heads away from it. A humming sound interrupted the nearly silent room, and then with a massive wave of magic, Sirius was thrown out of the Veil to land at Harry’s feet.

Instantly dropping to his knees, and feeling a faint pulse, Harry yelled, “OH, GOD! SIRIUS! Someone get some help…he’s breathing, but it’s weak!”

“The team is here, Harry….move back and let them work.” said Paole, gently pulling Harry away from his godfather.

After what felt like an eternity, but was actually only 10 minutes, one of the healer’s stood up, and said, “Mr. Potter, I’m Healer Thompson. We’ve run every medical scan on Mr. Black, and though he’s weak right now, he’ll be okay. I’d like to say, whatever regenerative rune you cast is actually the cause of him not being up and around at the moment. Don’t get me wrong, this is actually a good thing, as it seems his body is temporarily shutting down, to compensate for the magic needed as he de-ages some. Mr. Black should be up and moving about within the next couple of hours, looking about 10 years younger, by my estimations. This is a very impressive bit of magic, and I commend you on it.”

“He’s de-aging? Well, that certainly wasn’t planned…bet he’ll love that! Will there be any mental or physical side effects later on that we’ll need to look out for?” asked a concerned Harry.

“Your use of the regenerative and healing runes should counter act any negative effects we’d otherwise see in a case like this, but considering this is the first time anyone has actually been brought back from behind the Veil, we’ll just have to wait and see. I really think he’ll be fine, though.” said Healer Thompson.

“Thank you, Healer Thompson. Can I take him straight back to Hogwarts, or does he need to go to St. Mungo’s?” asked Harry.

“As long as Madame Pomphrey will be there, I see no need to have him go with us. I’ll fire-call ahead, and let her know what care he needs, and that you’re on your way.” said Mr. Thompson.

“Again, I thank you Healer Thompson, and you too, Luther…you have no idea how much all your hard work and effort to bring Sirius back means to me. Since they seem to have left, be sure to thank the other research team members for me.” said Harry, shaking the hands of both the men standing before him.

Looking at his friends, Harry asked, “Will you three be coming back with Sirius and me? I’d like it if you did.” Receiving a nod from Paole and Bianca, confirming they’d be coming, Harry turned to look at Blaise, and barely kept in the smirk that was wanting out. Blaise looked like a kid who’d just been given the whole candy store.

“Sure thing, Harry. I wouldn’t miss any of this for the world!” said a very excited Blaise, having just performed is first real Blood Magic outside of practicing.

“Good. I’m going to ‘Glide’ with Sirius, so I’ll meet you all there. Let’s get Sirius home.” said Harry, picking up his godfather and leaving for Hogwarts.

Moments later, Harry and Sirius were in the reception room of the Founder’s Hall, where Poppy, Alicia, Neville, Hermione, Minerva, Filius, and Remus were waiting for them. Making his way into the Gryffindor Suite, to one of the guest rooms, Harry laid Sirius on the bed, and Poppy got to work, rescanning and administering several potions with the help of Remus.

“Remus….how’d you know to be here?” asked Harry

“Alicia informed all of us after you left, then Poppy arrived about an hour later, letting us know that you’d be coming back here with Sirius. I can’t believe he’s back….this is incredible….” Remus trailed off, overwhelmed at having one of his best friends back.

Letting Remus and Poppy tend to his godfather, Harry moved over to the side of the room where Alicia was, and taking her in his arms, he said, “Thanks, Baby, for getting everyone here….I didn’t even think about contacting anyone else.”

“Harry, that’s why you have me….to do the thinking.” Alicia teased, then hugging her husband close, continued, “I’m so happy for you, Harry. I bet it hasn’t even sunk in yet that he’s back?”

“No, it hasn’t, and I don’t think it will until he wakes up. I was to afraid to hope all those months ago when Paole first told me about the possibility of having Sirius back with us, but to actually see him lying here….I feel like I‘ll wake up any moment, and he’ll be gone….that it was all a dream.” said an emotional Harry.

“It’s no dream, Love. He’s really here with you. Will you tell us about what happened?” asked Alicia.

Harry spent the next 15 minutes recounting the events, with the help of Blaise, Paole, and Bianca, who’d shown up just after bringing Sirius into the guest room. A pin drop could be heard in the stunned silence that followed his explanation about the de-aging Sirius was currently going through. Finally, after a few moments, Remus said, “He’ll be about ten years younger, you say? Bet you Sirius will love that!”

Chuckling, Harry said, “That’s exactly what I said after Healer Thompson told me. The ladies better take cover!”

As the group sat and watched over Sirius, they were astounded by the changes occurring. The harsh lines about his face, from years of suffering Azkaban, began to fade, and a healthy, youthful glow overtook his face. A little over an hour later, Sirius began to move about the bed. Poppy, Harry, and Remus were at his side instantly, waiting for him to fully wake up.

“Sirius? Can you hear me? Come on….wake up.” said Harry quietly, gently tapping at his cheek.

“Ha...Harry? Remus?” Sirius said in a hoarse voice that was suffering from its lack of use, as he opened his eyes to look upon his godson and best friend.

“Someone, get us a glass of water, please. Sirius, it‘s good to have you back!” said Remus, followed up by Poppy doing another scan on her patient.

“Sirius, don’t talk yet…I can’t believe you’re here….I’ve missed you.” said Harry with tears cascading silently down his face.

Reaching up to wipe the tears away, Sirius smiled at his godson, and after taking in several sips of water, pulled himself up to a seated position, never breaking eye contact with Harry. “Harry, what happened? The last thing I remember is falling through the Veil of Death, after Bellatrix cursed me….and why do you look so much older?” asked Sirius.

Smiling back at his godfather, Harry said, “It’s been 10 months since you went into the Veil, and we just got you out tonight. Sirius, so much has happened, I don’t know where to start.”

“How about you start from when we last saw each other?” asked Sirius, and nearly two hours later, not leaving any detail out with the exception of the twins, Harry finished, ending with, “Sirius, I’d like you to meet my wife, Alicia. Alicia, this is my infamous godfather, Sirius Black.”

“It’s so great to meet you, Sirius. It’s been very hard on Harry these last six years…taking into account the time warp, but now you’re back, and that’s all that matters.” said a smiling Alicia.

“Thank you, Alicia. It’s very nice to meet you. Harry, I can’t believe you’re a married man….and your almost 22! And Dumbledore! He’s lucky I can’t get my hands on him or Snape!” said an angry Sirius, then looking around the room, at all the people gathered, he continued, “I’m sorry I haven’t been here to help, but it looks like you‘ve had some great people around, looking after you. Paole, Bianca, and Blaise, thank you for helping Harry bring me back….I’ll never be able to repay the debt.”

Paole said, “Sirius, there’s no debt to repay. We did it all for Harry, and as he’s been so great to all of us, it was the least we could do. We’re just glad we could help and that you’re back safe and sound.”

“I don’t know about the sound bit, as that still remains to be seen, but it is good to have you back, Sirius.” teased Poppy.

“HEY! No picking on the invalid…jeese, I just got here, and she’s already insulting the wonderful, talented, and great Sirius Black. No rest for the weary, I suppose….I’d have at least thought you’d wait till tomorrow, Poppy.” Sirius teased, putting a dramatic flare to his words.

“Just speaking the truth, Sirius. Now, I want you to stay in that bed until tomorrow, no exceptions, and I’ll be back in the morning to re-check you.” Poppy said, then left after giving Sirius, Remus, Alicia, and Harry hugs.

“We’ll leave you now, too….and Sirius, welcome home. We all need to get some rest, as we’re liable to be called to battle tomorrow.” said Hermione.

As the eleven o’clock hour struck, it was just Harry, Alicia, and Sirius left. Sirius said, “Harry, I’d like to go with you tomorrow….I was an Auror, you know.”

“NO! I’m mean…no, Sirius. I just got you back, and I’m not willing to risk your life again, and as it is, someone needs to stay here with Alicia and protect her if something should go wrong.” said Harry.

“Why isn’t she going with you? You said she’d been trained, so why is she staying behind?” asked a curious Sirius.

Giving each other a look and at Alicia’s nod, Harry got a huge smile on his face and said, “Sirius…you’re going to be a Grandfather. Alicia is pregnant, with twins no less!”

“WHAT! That’s GREAT! Alicia, pregnant with twins….wow! When are you due? Do you know what sex they are? Congratulations!” Sirius said excitedly, giving them both huge hugs.

“Actually, we just found out this afternoon that we’re having a boy and a girl. Poppy says it’s really rare for magical people to have fraternal twins….leave it to me to do the impossible! Alicia’s due late September, but with twins, Poppy said they’d more than likely come early.” said Harry.

“This is incredible. Harry, I’ll stay here with Alicia….you have my guarantee that nothing will happen to her or the babies as long as I’m breathing.” Sirius said seriously, then yawning, he continued, “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll go to sleep now? I’m wiped out.”

“We don’t mind, Sirius. We’ll see you in the morning. Sirius? I’m glad you’re here…and….I love you.” Harry said just before leaving the room.

“I love you, too, kiddo. Goodnight.” said Sirius, both exchanging smiles.

Tomorrow might turn out to be brutal, but at that moment, all was right in the world and the future was indeed looking up for all of them.

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Bet you all thought that I’d forget about Sirius….Nope! Just saving the best stuff for last. Thanks again to all the reviews! Haymak/Volleygirl