AN: Hey guys, so I hope you're having a good summer; or winter if you're in the lower hemisphere. I hope you like this chapter and will review. Thanks for reading!

SeanHicks4: Thanks for reading and enjoying the last chapter. I hope you like this one as well.

Scrappy8: Thanks for reading!

Guest: I'm so glad you like my story. Sorry it's taking so long to write. My life's been anything but smooth sailing lately, so I apologize in advance for the long wait between chapters. I hope you like this chapter!

Vicky: Thanks so much. I'm thrilled you like the story so far. I'm hoping you like this chapter as well. Thanks for reading!

Jayan Phoenix: Sorry you don't like the trunk. I know it's a little over done, I'll admit that. But I took the idea from the magical tents they had at the Quidditch World Cup and just ran with it. I love the idea that in the Harry Potter universe, unlike Charmed or something like that, more things are possible because of magic. And the trunk was important for this story as it allowed a place for Sirius to hide, so I'm okay with you not liking it. You can't please everyone, and I've accepted that. As for the portraits, they're not taking the place of real people. If you remember, when he first got them, he didn't really have any adults to look up to besides the Weasleys and his professors; now he has Sirius and Remus as well. So he'll be forming closer bonds with them in the future.

Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Harry Potter. There is text borrowed from the book.

Chapter 11: Winter Holidays

Ginny sighed quietly as she closed her door, having just arrived from the train station and already worn out. She loved her mother dearly, but the woman could drive a saint bonkers with her hovering; and it'd only been a little over an hour! The girl understood that the last time Molly had seen her she'd been sickly thin and haunted, but she was loads better now, so she hoped her mum would realize she was better, quickly.

Obviously there were the odd nightmares or whispered insults from the Slytherins, but she was really in a good place, both mentally and physically. Her new friendship with the trio had done wonders for her healing process, even when Ron was being a prat. Ginny wasn't sure if she'd ever completely get over what happened, but she was finally happy again; she was no longer weighed down with guilt and fear.

There was little doubt her first year had changed her, but the 12 year old was determined to make those changes into strengths, not weaknesses. She wasn't shy anymore and she wasn't afraid to speak her mind or stand up for herself; she'd cursed the last group of girls that'd insulted her and hadn't felt ashamed. Ginny Weasley was her own person and she wasn't going to let anyone forget just how strong she was. Especially not her mother.

The redhead opened her trunk and pulled out her notebook and the Charms text Harry'd loaned her. She wasn't the bookworm Hermione was, but she was competitive and ambitious; she wanted to reach their level so she wasn't left out. Okay, yes, she had her own friends in 2nd year, but that didn't mean she'd pass up the opportunity to get a jumpstart. And if she impressed Harry, then that was just a bonus.

As if conjured merely by her thoughts, the notebook warmed in her hand. Flipping it open, Ginny found a message from Harry.

Ginny! When you've got time, I've got loads to tell you. You won't believe what just happened! - Harry

Grinning, the girl sat the Charms book aside and got comfy on her bed. When she was situated, Ginny grabbed the pen she kept in the notebook and started writing.

Hmm…Filch declared his undying love for Snape…no wait! For his cat! I've always wondered why it's Mrs. Norris and not simply Ms. - Ginny

What? No. Though that would be funny. And gross. I showed Ron and Hermione the trunk and my parents! - Harry

Wow! How'd they take it? If Ron threw a fit, you have my permission to hit him. Hard. - Ginny

Ha, I'll keep that in mind. But he was pretty good about it, actually. So was Hermione. - Harry

Good. They have no right to be angry. - Ginny

Yeah. But that's not the crazy thing. - Harry

Well don't leave me in suspense, it's not polite. - Ginny

Peter Pettigrew is still alive! - Harry

WHAT? - Ginny

Yeah, that was our reaction too. It gets better. Sirius Black is innocent. Pettigrew betrayed my parents and then blamed Black before blowing up the street and killing all those people. - Harry

Wait…what? How do you know this? I thought your parents didn't know anything about that night. - Ginny

They don't. Sirius told us. - Harry

…

Ginny? - Harry

You spoke to a wanted criminal? Are you out of your mind? What if he'd tried to kill you? How'd he find you? Did he use the secret tunnels? What about Pettigrew? How'd you find out he was alive? - Ginny

It's crazy, like I said. I forgot that my dad and his friends were all unregistered animagi. You'll never guess what animals Black and Pettigrew are. - Harry

Harry, if you don't just spit it out, I'm gonna Bat-Boogey you the next time I see you! - Ginny

Okay, okay, take all the fun out of it. Pettigrew is a rat. One with a missing toe. - Harry

I guess if he sold out to the Dark Lord then his form suits him. Wait…doesn't Ron's rat have a missing toe? - Ginny

Yes. - Harry

What? You're trying to say Scabbers is really Peter Pettigrew? Harry…- Ginny

No, it's true, I swear! Ron didn't want to believe it either, but his name was on the Marauder's map and Sirius confirmed it. - Harry

Say I believe you, why'd he stay with us for so long? I mean, I'd hate living as a rat. - Ginny

I don't know. Maybe to make sure he was never discovered. There's no telling. - Harry

And what about Black? You still haven't told me how you even got anywhere near him. - Ginny

Ah, see, that's the really funny thing. The two ended up being in the tower without anyone even knowing. - Harry

I get Pettigrew, but how'd Black do it. Is he also a rat? Or maybe a snake or something that can easily hide? - Ginny

Nope. He's very noticeable, actually. He's a giant, black shaggy dog. - Harry

Ginny fell off her bed with a loud thump, as she'd been leaning forward to write too far and had toppled over. Rubbing at her side, she snatched the notebook closer and scribbled quickly.

Now you're really just pulling my leg, right? - Ginny

Nope! Snuffles is in fact Sirius Black and has been in my trunk for the last two months. - Harry

This is crazy! You know how crazy this all sounds, right? - Ginny

Ha, if you think this is bad, you should've been there. I nearly jumped outta my skin when he transformed. - Harry

Oh wow. Okay…so you believe his story? - Ginny

Well, Pettigrew is alive and, like you said, has been hiding as a rat for the last 12 years, so that definitely makes Sirius's story more believable. We've locked Pettigrew in a cage so he can't escape while we try and come up with a plan. - Harry

"Ginny! Supper!" Molly's voice echoed up to the second floor where her room was.

I've got to go to supper. But I want to know what's going on. Chat later? - Ginny

Sure. If I delay any longer Ron might start chewing on my arm. We'll all get on after dinner and come up with a plan. - Harry

Great. Bye. - Ginny

Bye. - Harry

Ginny shut the notebook with a snap, scurrying up and out of her room, not wanting her mum to call a second time.

Molly watched her only daughter closely throughout dinner, trying to see if she truly was better or if she was just putting on an act. The summer had been…difficult, to say the least, and the mother just wanted Ginny to be healing and happy, not plagued by demons a child should ever have to face.

The day Minerva had flooed them with news that Ginny was missing had been the scariest day for both Arthur and Molly. To receive news that your child was gone was absolutely terrifying, especially when there was nothing you could do to help find them. Molly never wanted to feel that horrid emotion ever again; she would never recover is something happened to her children.

Thank goodness for Ron and his friends, as without them, she knew she'd never have seen her baby again. Molly got on Ron's case about getting into messes, but she was so thankful this one time that his little group always seemed to find trouble. They were the only ones that figured out where the Chamber of Secrets was and Ron and Harry had put themselves in danger to save little Ginny.

That night she'd been so elated and thankful to have her daughter returned to her that she hadn't even really cared about what'd happened down there. All that'd mattered was that her baby was saved; everything else wasn't important. On how wrong she'd been.

The first night the children had returned home had made that perfectly clear, as they'd all been woken by Ginny's screams. The small girl had been absolutely terrified, locked in her own head and unable to get free. Molly'll never forget the sight of her baby thrashing on the bed, screaming for help until her voice was horse and her cheeks were wet with tears. Once Arthur'd managed to wake her, she'd sobbed against his chest for almost twenty minutes, repeating how sorry she was. It broke her parents' hearts.

Things didn't get easier; in fact, they seemed to get worse as the summer passed. They even had to put a silencing charm on Ginny's room so they could actually sleep, but that didn't help much. The entire family was exhausted and worn down by the time the trip to Egypt came around.

And if Molly'd hoped the time away in a new and exciting place and the presence of Bill would help, she was wrong. Nothing was working; Ginny refused to talk about her first year and she'd dropped weight drastically, turning into just a shell of the lively girl they all loved. She didn't laugh anymore or join in the twins' pranks; she just sat in silence, nearly disappearing all together.

The day they arrived in Diagon Alley was the first time that whole summer any of them had seen a smile on Ginny's face. Whatever Harry had said to her had sparked life back into her, bringing a little of the daughter Molly remembered back to the surface. The mother didn't know if it was because of the crush she'd had on the boy or if it was something else, but she was grateful whatever it was that brought out that light.

And now she got to actually see the progress Ginny'd made that the boys had only hinted at. Well, Ron had written only a few times to complain about her spending time with his friends, but the others had all mentioned the she was doing better. Molly hadn't been sure if she should believe them or not, but it appeared they'd spoken truth, much to her utter relief. The friendship Ginny'd made with the trio had done wonders for the 12 year old.

The youngest Weasley was distracted during the meal, getting elbowed in the side from Fred when she didn't respond to something he'd said. Her mind was preoccupied with the bombshells Harry'd unloaded on her though, so she'd just nodded and gone back to her plate, trying to come up with a plan to free Harry's godfather. She wasn't so distracted to not notice the looks her mum kept sending her however, but she ignored them as she ate, not really wanting to get her mother going.

Once dessert was done and the dishes had been cleared, Ginny headed upstairs to finish unpacking. Molly waited until she heard the door shut before rounding on the three boys.

"Tell me, is Ginny truly better?"

"She does seem in high spirits, if a bit unfocused." Arthur said, glad she was doing better. He'd been worried, but he'd known if anyone could survive what she did and grow from it, it'd be Ginny.

"Yes mother, Ginny is dong remarkably well, given what the summer holidays were like. She's doing well in her classes and even seems to be doing extra studying." Percy replied, getting eye rolls from the twins.

"More importantly, I saw her prank this nasty Slytherin last week. It was hilarious." George nodded in agreement.

"Yep. Turned the girl's hair slime green; it wouldn't wash out for days." Molly opened her moth before slowly closing it, breathing through her initial anger at any of her children doing something like that. While she'd never condone pranking or getting in trouble, this was a good sign that Ginny was getting back to herself.

"And the other students? Are they giving her a hard time?" Neither parent missed the looks the bothers exchanged.

There had been a little bit of trouble in the beginning of the year, but it'd died down after the twins had unleashed a torrent of pranks on those they heard saying nasty things; Percy had even given a few students detention and had taken house points. The message was clear: mess with Ginny and you mess with her brothers. Well, Ron hadn't helped, but that was because he was still jealous of Ginny spending time with his friends.

"We dealt with it." George muttered, earning a scowl from his mother.

"What George means is that we took appropriate measures to deter anyone from teasing Ginny." Percy spoke up, surprising his brothers, as he never tried to help them when their mother got that look in her eye. But this was about Ginny, one of the few topics they all agreed on.

"Truth be told, I expected more from Malfoy, since he's always insulting us. But, he's been rather quiet around her." Fred said to fill the silence, not wanting Molly to have time to get mad at any of them. She might be okay with Ginny pulling a prank, but that didn't transfer to them and he didn't want her to focus on it.

"Well…alright, if you're sure she's dealing with what happened—"

"Mother, she really does seem to have moved past it. I mean, I'm sure she still struggles sometimes, but from what I've seen, she's happy." Percy said firmly, wanting her to believe them.

"Good. Thank you for keeping an eye out for her." The boys all nodded before dispersing, the twins headed upstairs to do something that she was sure to have to yell at them for later, and Percy sat by the fire to start on the studying he'd outlined to have completed by the end of break. It was his NEWTs year, after all, and he couldn't let any opportunity for study slip by.

Molly sat next to Arthur on the couch, the two grateful to have their children home for the holidays. They would've liked to have Bill, Charlie and Ron there, but four out of seven was nice all the same. Bill and Charlie both couldn't make it, so they'd just enjoy the children they did get, as it was getting clearer just how fast the years passed. Before they knew it, Ginny would be graduating and they'd be left all alone, probably only seeing the children periodically, especially if they moved out of the country.

It was hard, but that was the life of a parent, and they enjoyed the time they did have. This would be a good Christmas even if they weren't all together. Maybe they could go to Romania over the summer. That'd be nice.

/*/

Ginny unpacked her trunk while she waited for the others to return from dinner, her notebook lying open on her bed so she could see it as she moved around her room. There wasn't that much to unpack, as she'd only be there a couple of weeks, so she was really just fidgeting after a few minutes, just waiting. It felt like an eternity before she saw their names pop up in the 'Online' box.

Ginny, are you there? We're all gathered in the library to avoid gaining suspicion. – Hermione

I still don't get why we had to come here. What's wrong with the common room? – Ron

I told you Ronald, it's best to be away from prying eyes. Not only are we coming up with a plan to prove Sirius Black's innocence, but we also mustn't let anyone see this feature of the notebook. – Hermione

You do realize that you're arguing on here when you're sitting together, right? – Ginny

Anyway, so I think contacting Madam Bones at the DMLE is our best option, since she's already looking into why Sirius wasn't given a trial. I think she'll give him a fair shot to prove he's not guilty. – Harry

You can't just hand Sirius over though. He'll be Kissed without question. – Ginny

No, we need to prove his innocence before we risk him coming out of hiding. I wouldn't be surprised if they threw him to the dementors instantly otherwise. – Hermione

Yeah, dad's mentioned how the escape and the article about the attacks have made Fudge nervous about reelection. He might try to get Sirius Kissed just to save face and be the 'hero'. – Ron

So whatever we do, it has to keep Sirius from going back to Azkaban or getting Kissed. – Ginny

I guess the first thing would be to write to Bones and see if she'd even hear us out. I mean, it does all sound a little farfetched. – Harry

You could request a special hearing. – Ginny

What do you mean? – Harry

I guess you haven't read any of those books about your family. There are only a few Noble families left, and you're from one of them. – Ginny

I still don't understand. I mean, my account manager mentioned that, but what does it have to do with freeing Sirius? – Harry

Mate, she's saying that you have special pull in the Ministry because you're a Potter. – Ron

Oh I've read about this. The Noble families are the oldest in Britain that helped set up the government. As the heir to such a family, not only will you have a seat on the Wizengamot when you come of age, but you have other responsibilities and special liberties. – Hermione

Meaning you can write Bones and request a hearing with an audience of your choosing to make your case. They used to use them to accuse people of wrong doing and the like. – Ginny

Wow, really? – Harry

Yep. It pays to have such an old family line. – Ron

Okay, good. I'll ask for a hearing with her and the Minister.– Harry

I would ask for more witnesses, Harry. You don't want Fudge to sweep this under the rug. – Ginny

She's right. Aurors should definitely be there, as well as a reporter with a camera man. The Minister can't deny any of it if it's caught on film. – Hermione

You mom said to bring in Dumbledore, so you could ask for the whole Wizengamot to be there. They are our highest court of law. – Ron

This is all a little much, don't you think? – Harry

No, Harry. You're trying to free Sirius of his charges, and the more people that're there to witness it, the better. – Ginny

You're right. I'll do anything to free him. – Harry

Good, so you'll write Madam Bones tomorrow about the hearing, asking for the Wizengamot, the Minister, Aurors, and at least one reporter to be present. – Hermione

One question. How're you gonna get the truth out? I mean, it's your word against the supposed 'evidence'. – Ginny

If I take Peter and they make him transform, won't that work? I mean, it's obvious he faked his own death. – Harry

But that doesn't make him guilty for the other murders. And he'll deny them without a doubt. – Ron

I know! Veritaserum can be administered in a trial to force someone to tell the truth. You can ask Madam Bones to have some on hand. – Hermione

Excellent! Sirius'll be free before New Year's! – Harry

Well, they might wait until after the holidays to schedule the hearing. – Hermione

But as long as you keep Peter locked away and alive, Sirius should definitely be freed. – Ginny

Thank you for all your help. I wouldn't have known where to even start without all of you. – Harry

No problem, mate. – Ron

Of course, Harry! – Hermione

You're welcome. That's what friends are for. – Ginny

Happy Christmas Ginny. – Harry

Happy Christmas Harry. – Ginny

Ginny smiled as she closed her notebook, her chest warm. She was delighted to be an integral part of the group now, despite Ron's continued protests. She knew her brother just didn't like to share, even though Harry and Hermione weren't possessions to be owned. He'd have to get over it, because she didn't plan on going anywhere.

/*/

Amelia Bones was surprised when a snowy white owl arrived at her home, a letter tied to her claw. It was Christmas after all, so she hadn't expected any mail; and the beautiful owl wasn't one she recognized from the Ministry or any of her friends.

Interest piqued, she took the letter into her home office, not wanting to disturb Susan, who was still sleeping. She cast a few detection spells on the envelope , not wanting to be caught unawares; things had been relatively calm since the war, but you could never be too careful, as the world was full of those with ill will towards others.

The envelope and letter didn't show any signs of being cursed, so she relaxed in her chair and finally opened it, her surprise growing as she read.

Dear Madam Bones,

I apologize for disturbing you during the holiday, but I've come across facts pertaining to Sirius Black and the death of Peter Pettigrew that needs to be made public knowledge. You'll understand my hesitance in revealing such information through a letter, of course, so I'm requesting a special hearing.

I've been informed that as a Potter I have a right to ask for a trial, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could arrange for one at your earliest convenience. You're the only one in the Ministry that seems to want the truth, so I'm hoping you'll be willing to help me. I can't risk any of this evidence being brushed aside or ignored.

If you are willing to help, I would request a hearing to be set up with an audience consisting of yourself, the Minister, Albus Dumbledore, the Wizengamot, Aurors and at least one reporter with a camera. I don't want there to be any way the information I bring forth to be refuted or misconstrued. And if you could have a vial of Veritaserum on hand, that would be even better.

I realize this is a strange request, but I hope you'll agree to it in the search for truth. I hope to hear from you soon and have a happy Christmas and New Year.

Sincerely, Harry James Potter

Amelia had to read through the letter twice to make sure she'd seen correctly. This was the second letter she'd received from Mr. Potter and it was just as startling as the first one. She never would've known he was only 13 if he hadn't been so well known; as it was, she was once again intrigued by what this young man brought to light.

Her research into why Black hadn't received a proper trial hadn't gotten very far. According to everyone who would even talk about it, the war had had a bad effect on the previous Minister and he must've just over looked it. Amelia didn't buy that for a second, but with so little to go on, she was stuck. Hopefully whatever evidence Potter had would clear things up, because she really hated mysteries.

/*/

Harry left the tower early Christmas morning to deliver the letter, forgoing his morning workout. When he returned, Ron was awake and excited, nearly bouncing around the common room. Hermione was in a chair, Crookshanks curled up in her lap, eyes still heavy with sleep.

"Harry! There you are! Look, presents!" The redhead pointed to the pile he'd brought down from the dormitory.

"Did you send Madam Bones the letter?" Hermione questioned with a yawn, fingers stroking the orange cat's fur.

"Yeah. Hopefully she'll help." Harry nodded, taking a seat next to his gifts.

"She's the Head of the DMLE, she should." Ron replied as he tore into his presents enthusiastically.

"Ron's right. If anyone would want to get to the bottom of this, it'd be her. I just hope we don't have to wait too long for a reply."

"Me too." Harry nodded before grabbing one of the presents in his pile. Ron was already halfway through his, having received a new quill and ink from Percy and a questionable package from the twins that he refused to open.

"Uhg, another maroon sweater from mum. I hate maroon." Ron grumbled, holding up the knitted jumper, which clashed horribly with his bright hair.

"At least she cares enough to make one for each of her children and Harry and I; there are kids out there that'd jump at the chance to be in your place. Besides, Christmas is supposed to be about giving, not receiving." Hermione reprimanded lightly, her own Molly Weasley sweater, which was a pretty blue, sitting next to her, as Crookshanks provided enough heat to keep her warm without it.

Ron rolled his eyes at her, wondering if she could go even an hour without getting snotty over something. He really didn't understand girls; being around Ginny and Hermione didn't clear that confusion up even a little. He'd never understand them, no matter how old or experienced he got.

Harry got a scarlet sweater with the Gryffindor lion knitted on the front, as well as a dozen home-baked mince pies, some Christmas cake, and a box of nut brittle. Molly'd sent similar packages to both Ron and Hermione, meaning they wouldn't be wanting to sweets during the rest of break.

"Oh Ron, I love it!" Hermione exclaimed, completely shocked at the pretty scarf he'd gotten her. His ears turned scarlet and he blushed, fidgeting with the gift in his hands.

"Uh—I wasn't sure what you'd want." He muttered, embarrassed. But he'd been thrilled at actually having the galleons to spend that he'd wanted to get something for his friends. He'd been planning on getting her a book, since they were her favorite things, but the scarf had caught his eye in the shop window.

"Thank you." She smiled, her early reprimand forgotten.

"Yeah." He ducked his head, ears still enflamed.

"Uh—I'm not sure I'll need this now." Harry said, holding the new broom grooming kit Ron'd gotten him.

"Sorry, mate. I got it before the match."

"Won't you need a new broom? You can use the kit then." Hermione murmured.

"Yeah, I guess I will." The raven haired boy sighed, not liking even thinking about what'd happened to his poor Nimbus 2000.

The trio finished opening their gifts before they headed downstairs for the Christmas lunch. Hermione got Harry a book on funny jinxes and hexes and Ron one about the history of Quidditch. Harry purchased Ron a new Wizarding chess set and Hermione a little charm bracelet, as he hadn't known what to get her and that'd seemed like a safe choice.

His favorite gift came from Ginny. She hadn't spent money and it was obviously from the heart, making it that much more meaningful. Ginny'd sent him a framed painting she'd obviously done herself, as it was of him standing with his parents. There'd never be any such picture, and it meant a lot to him that she'd take the time to give him such a gift. He'd treasure it always.

Even though there were only a few students remaining for the holidays, the entire castle had been beautifully decorated. Thick streamers of holly and mistletoe were strung along the corridors, mysterious lights shone from inside every suit of armor, and the Great Hall was filled with its usual twelve Christmas trees, glittering with golden stars. A powerful and delicious smell of cooking pervaded the corridors that had grown so strong that it made Ron's stomach rumble loudly at the first whiff.

When they reached the Great Hall for lunch, they were surprised to see the House tables had been moved against the walls and a single table, set for twelve, stood in the middle of the room. Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sprout and Flitwick were there, along with Filch. There were only three other students, two extremely nervous-looking first years and a sullen-faced Slytherin fifth year.

Harry was a little unsure of how he was supposed to feel about the Headmaster, knowing he'd kept his inheritance from him. But he'd moved past his initial anger and now just wanted to know why he was kept in the dark. Was it because Sirius had been imprisoned? Was that why he'd gone to the Dursleys, even though his parents hadn't wanted that? Did Dumbledore do it for Harry's best interest, or for his own?

He didn't have any answers to his questions; until he did, Harry decided to just act normally around the man. He was the Headmaster after all, and that position demanded respect; plus, he felt better about the man after they'd learned he'd gone against the Minister to remove the dementors. Besides, despite how his parents felt and the fear they had that Dumbledore planned to sacrifice him to defeat Voldemort, Harry still believed in the cheerful grandfatherly figure he'd met in first year. That didn't mean he'd blindly follow him, though. He wasn't that naïve.

They spent the whole afternoon at the small table, chatting informally with their professors and delighting in the continuous supply of delicious food the house elves provided. Things did get a little strange when Professor Trelawney came into the hall, quickly making the trio grateful they'd decided against Divination, as the woman was just plain kooky. And Hermione was shocked at the way Professor McGonagall spoke to the other woman, getting an 'I told you so' chuckle from Harry at their Head of House's apparent apathy towards the strange woman.

All in all, it was a nice day and they were completely stuffed to the brim once dinner ended. Ron and Hermione both declined Harry's invitation to the trunk, wanting to give him time alone with his parents and Sirius. Well, Hermione'd declined and had elbowed Ron sharply in the ribs when he'd started to accept, making the teen quickly change his mind. Harry just shrugged and went up to the dormitory and then down into the trunk.

"I wouldn't go in there, pup." The teen stopped at the words, turning to see Sirius leaning against the open archway. He looked much better now that he was clean shaven and actually smiling.

"Why?"

"I left when the flirting started, about an hour ago. I imagine they're still…busy." Sirius chuckled when Harry blanched, finding the whole thing highly amusing.

"Uhg, thanks for the warning." Harry quickly moved away from the office doors, heading back out of the archway, the older man falling into step with him.

"Thought I'd prevent permanent damage. Did you enjoy Christmas?" The two moved into the outdoor room, which was apparently their favorite, since they spent so much time there.

"It was good. I'm sorry you can't come out yet; I sent a letter to Madam Bones, so hopefully I'll hear back from her soon. If the trial is set up quickly, you might get out before New Year's."

"Hey, compared to Azkaban, this is heaven. It'd be nice to feel real air and sunlight, but this has been amazing, pup. And to have your parents' portraits and you knowing the truth, it's more than I deserve." The older man said seriously as he sat down in one of the lawn chairs. Harry took his own seat, the wooden box he'd been carrying going to his lap.

"It's still so strange. I mean, you being Snuffles and Peter being Scabbers. I'm still trying to get my head around it all." Harry said, opening the intricately carved box and taking the pictures from within.

"Are you sure you don't wanna just let me get rid of the traitor?" The animagus asked hopefully, making the teen shake his head.

"Killing him won't help, Sirius. You'll still be a wanted fugitive and I don't really want you living down here for the rest of your life." Sirius pouted like a child who didn't get his way.

"So…if we are able to clear my name, would you—d'you wanna come live with me? I mean, your parents appointed me your guardian." Sirius mumbled, fingers twitching in nervousness.

"Really? I could leave the Dursleys? Have you got a house?" Harry asked excitedly, making the older man relax some.

"You want to? You mean it?"

"Yeah, I mean it! Have you met the Dursleys? They're horrible." Sirius's face broke into a large smile, making him look much younger.

"Good, good. I'll, uh, have to do some cleaning first. Or maybe we'd just find a new place to live."

"If I get to leave the Dursleys, I'll move into a shoe box. Anything is better than that."

"So what ya got there?" He asked, changing the subject when he saw how uneasy his godson had gotten. The Dursley's were clearly a touchy subject.

"My parents left these for me in the Holding's Vault. They were taken before they went into hiding." Harry explained, showing him the stack of pictures. He didn't miss the way Sirius's eyes glistened as he thumbed through the past, but he didn't comment.

"These were good times. Your mum got so mad when James'd take you up on his broom. We never told her that he'd bring you over to my flat so you could fly." The man said with a watery smile, fingers tracing a picture of James and himself on either side of a tiny broom, the baby situated on top of it and giggling happily.

"I'm actually looking for one to give to Remus. I gave him an album with pictures of just the Marauders, but I thought he might like one with my parents."

"I wish I could talk to Moony, to explain everything."

"I could—I could take you to see him, if you want. Ginny gave me back the invisibility cloak for the holidays, so it wouldn't be hard to get you there; especially now that I've got the map." Sirius looked shocked at first, and then hopeful.

"D'you think he'd listen?" Harry shrugged, choosing the picture he wanted and putting the others back into the wooden box.

"There's only one way to find out."

"What if…he doesn't believe me?"

"We can wait until after the trial if you want." The escapee debated with himself before shaking his head and standing, hands going to the pockets of his borrowed trousers.

"No. I want to tell him myself." The young man nodded and motioned for Sirius to follow him. Harry led them into the master bedroom, where he stored the box and grabbed the cloak out of the wardrobe.

"You sure about this?" He asked again once they were in front of the ladder, noting the man was a little pale.

"Yeah…yeah I'm sure." Sirius swallowed, a lump of fear and uncertainty in his throat. Facing Remus was completely overwhelming, and he hadn't even gotten out of the trunk yet.

"Okay then." Harry climbed the rungs quickly and disappeared over the top, his godfather following.

"Put the cloak on and come downstairs. I'm gonna go tell Ron and Hermione."

The two were rightfully surprise about their plan; Hermione pointed out how this could go very wrong if Remus didn't believe them and Sirius was arrested. But the man was determined, so they all headed down to Professor Lupin's chambers.

Remus was very startled to see them at his door, especially given the hour. He looked worn out and tired, the full moon always taxing. But the three Gryffindors were insistent, so he felt compelled to invite them inside, something feeling off. He didn't know what it was, but there was definitely something going on, that he was sure of.

And when Harry asked for his wand, the older man raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Asking for someone's wand was just rude, but the teen just watched him and waited. Sighing, Remus handed over his wand once he was sure they weren't trying to trick him; you always needed to be on your guard.

There was no way he could've been prepared for his old friend, Sirius Black, to reveal himself from underneath James's invisibility cloak. The werewolf'd lunged towards Harry to grab his wand, but the boy'd jumped back and pleaded with him to just listen.

The group spent the next fifteen minutes explaining everything that'd happened in the last week, but it wasn't until Harry pulled out the Marauder's map that Remus was forced to realize they might actually be onto something. Because there was no way to trick the map; and right there, in black and white, was Peter Pettigrew's name. All be damned.

The trio left the two adults to catch up, with strict instructions that Sirius needed to return before he was discovered. It was a risk, but the castle was so empty that he should make it back to the common room without getting into trouble. Or at least they hoped so, as it really would be horrible if he was caught before the hearing.

Thankfully, Remus led Sirius back around midnight, both to make sure he returned to the tower and because he doubted the Fat Lady would let him in even with the password, as she would surely recognize him. The teens were sprawled in front of the dying fire, all asleep, so the animagus slept in Harry's bed, not wanting to disturb them.

The next morning, after returning Sirius to the trunk, Harry received a response from Madam Bones. They returned to the common room before opening it, not wanting anyone else to see it.

Dear Mr. Potter

I was very surprised to receive your latest letter and justifiably intrigued as to what the evidence you alluded to could be. While it is unusual for one so young to request a special hearing, I see no reason to not grant your appeal.

Unfortunately, the Ministry is operating on a skeleton crew at the moment, as most employees are on holiday, including the Minister. Therefore, I've set up the hearing to take place the Monday after New Year's, January 3rd. I've sent the requests out and have also arranged for additional witnesses, in cast some cannot attend.

You'll need to arrange for transportation and get permission to leave the grounds. Arrive at Court Room 1 by eleven o'clock; the trial will begin at eleven-thirty, and it would not do to be late. Make sure you bring your evidence and have planned out what you wish to present.

I look forward to meeting you next year. Have a happy holiday.

Madam Amelia Bones

Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement

"This is great! I wasn't sure if she'd really go for it." Harry said excitedly after they'd read through the letter.

"It's disappointing that the trial can't happen sooner, but I guess it's to be expected."

"Sirius'll be happy for sure." Ron nodded, eyes straying to his new chest set, which had been set up in the hopes he could convince one of them to play him.

"Yeah. I'm gonna tell Ginny." Harry moved away, grabbing his notebook and opening the connection. Hermione rolled her eyes at the pleading look Ron gave her and sat down across from him, getting a grin in response.

When Ginny's name appeared, Harry wasted no time in telling her about the letter and how Remus now knew. She was excited for him and Sirius and glad the DADA professor had taken the news so well. They then just chatted about the antics that were Christmas at the Burrow; how the twins drove their mum crazy with explosions while she was trying to cook Christmas dinner. It was really funny, according to Ginny.

They also talked about what they'd gotten, thanking each other for the thoughtful gifts, It was a little strange that Ginny had given him a painting, as he'd bought her a new set of charcoal pencils and sketch pads. Harry took it to mean they really had grown closer, for which he was grateful for. He hadn't expected to make such a good friend in her, but he was so glad he had.

He got a request to meet in Dumbledore's office that afternoon, as the Headmaster had received a letter from Madam Bones. Harry didn't reveal the facts he'd found out, not knowing how Dumbledore would reacted, but he did confirm that he'd asked for a hearing.

But he felt like the man might've known or had an idea, because his eyes were twinkling like mad. He didn't question Harry though; he just agreed that he'd attend and make sure the rest of the Wizengamot was there. Harry would travel with Remus to the Ministry at ten-fifty-five on the 3rd, using Dumbledore's personal fireplace to floo.

Plans were made and now all they had to do was to wait for the New Year.

AN: So I hope you guys enjoyed the story. I know not a lot happened, but I didn't want to cram so much into the chapter this time, as I thought keeping it separated was better. Thanks for reading and sorry for any errors I missed.