As the courtroom emptied, Harry noticed Madame Bones talking rather heatedly with Dumbledore on their way out. Harry wondered if the headmaster had a reason for sealing his parents' will, but that would have to wait. There were more pressing concerns to deal with, like meeting his godfather. Remus jumped down into the witness area. Sirius looked at him with a smile. Soon the two old friends were hugging each other.
"I've missed you, Padfoot," Remus said.
"I missed you, too, Moony," Sirius said, pulling back to look Remus in the eye. "And I forgive you. Please forgive me for ever doubting you."
"Forgiven, old friend," Remus smiled. "It was terrible times, and we had lost so many good friends. And more. But I think there is a thirteen-year-old over there who wants to say hello."
They made their way over to the gathering by the stairs. Harry watched as Sirius approached. Flashes of memory flew through his mind, just like when he had seen Remus. Ginny gently nudged Harry in the direction of his godfather. Once Harry had taken a few steps, he jogged the rest of the way as Sirius opened his arms to him. They hugged for several moments before Sirius knelt in front of Harry with a smile.
"Hello, Prongslet," Sirius said. "Do you remember me?"
"Flashes, but not totally."
"Well, we'll work on that," Sirius said with a wink. "Now, I believe some introductions are in order."
"Oh, right," Harry said, just remembering they were not alone. "I believe from what Remus told me, you know Arthur and Molly Weasley," Harry said pointing them out.
"Yes, we've met a few times, briefly," Sirius said shaking hands with the Weasley parents. "I take it these are some of your kids?"
"Yes, they are. Well, the redheads at least," Mrs. Weasley answered.
"That's Percy, Fred, George...or is it, George and Fred?" Harry began. Sirius laughed a great barking laugh. "Anyway, those two are my best friends, Ron and Hermione Granger."
"Granger? I don't think I know that family," Sirius said.
"I'm a muggleborn," Hermione answered, shaking his hand.
"That explains it. Harry's mother was, too, you know?" Sirius nodded. "Be proud of it." Hermione grinned, blushing slightly.
"And this is my girlfriend, Ginny," Harry said, taking Ginny's hand, smiling at her.
"Potters and their redheads," Sirius said shaking his head. Ginny just giggled. "Is she the one?" Sirius whispered to Remus. He only nodded. "Have they started the bonding?"
"Oh, yes," Remus said looking a little uncomfortable. "Much to the displeasure of many male Weasleys."
"Oh," Sirius said. "Been caught a few times snogging, have we, Harry?" he laughed as Harry and Ginny blushed.
Sirius joined the Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione staying at the Leaky Cauldron. Remus had gone back to his apartment to finish his packing and turn in his key. He joined the rest for dinner in the pub to celebrate Sirius' pardon. Harry sat between Ginny and Sirius. They each took turns telling stories about the time Sirius missed while in Azkaban. Sirius had paled as Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had told him of their first two years at Hogwarts. Then, Remus and Sirius regaled the group with a few stories from there time at Hogwarts. Fred and George sat wide eyed when they had called each other by their nicknames.
Mrs. Weasley soon sent most of the group to bed, so Harry could get to know his godfather a little. Ginny insisted on joining them. They sat in the lounge by the stairs as they talked. Fred and George made one last appearance before turning in for the night.
