Harry Potter and the Legend of the Twelve

The Mark

It was early in the morning on November first around six o'clock, that a solitary figure Apparated into Hogsmeade. It had been a long and ultimately fruitless trip, but Sirius wasn't thinking about that, he was too happy to be back home.

Home, mused Sirius. When had Hogwarts become his home, he wondered? He knew the answer. His family was there, and that was all that he needed to make anywhere home.

Sirius changed into Padfoot, and trotted toward the castle. As he reached the castle gates, they automatically opened to admit him. He resumed his human form, walked up the path to the castle, up the stairs, and through the doors. As soon as he entered, he saw Hermione walking out of the Great Hall.

"Hello, Hermione, I've returned...again," said Sirius with a chuckle. "A little less dramatic than last time though." His laughing stopped immediately. He could see that Hermione had been crying.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" asked Sirius as he quickly closed the distance between them.

Hermione could hardly speak. She put her arms around Sirius and hugged him. "It's Albus," she said, tearfully. "He was hurt last night."

"What happened, is he okay?" asked Sirius, putting his arms around her. "Did he have one of his episodes?"

"We don't know," said Hermione, as she tried to calm herself. "He's in the Hospital Wing with Harry and Ginny. There are healers from St. Mungo's with them. Ron is trying to figure out what happened.

"Are you all right, Hermione?" asked Sirius concernedly.

"Yes, Sirius," said Hermione smiling weakly. "I'm fine, but you better go. I'm really worried about Harry." Hermione shook her head. "Welcome back," laughed Hermione mirthlessly.

Sirius smiled. "Don't worry, Hermione. He'll be all right. They'll both be all right."

Sirius kissed her forehead, and headed toward the Hospital Wing. All along the way, he wondered what could have happened.

Sirius understood why Hermione was so worried about Harry. Whatever had happened, he knew that history had proven that Harry would blame himself. Hermione was right to worry.

When Sirius arrived at the Hospital Wing, he found a vigil going on outside in the hall. Neville was sitting, with Lily curled up on his lap, holding on to him as if her life depended on it. He was rocking her back and forth. Rose had her arms around Danny, who was rubbing her back soothingly. Hugo and Jason sat silently. James was pacing in front of the door. All of them, except James, had tear-streaked faces.

James appeared stoic, jaw set, but when James saw Sirius, he ran to him and threw his arms around him, burying his face in his shirt. Sirius knew he was trying not to let the others see him cry. He put his arms around him.

"It's all right, James," said Sirius quietly so no one else could hear. "Let it out."

James sobbed softly into his shirt. Sirius looked up to Neville. Neville just shrugged, and shook his head slowly. A moment later, Ron came down the hall. James heard him coming, and let go of Sirius, quickly drying his eyes and cheeks, went to sit on the bench and just stared at the floor.

"Hey, Sirius," Ron said quietly. "Did you just get back?"

Sirius nodded. Ron turned to Neville and walked over to the bench. "Any word?" asked Ron.

Neville shook his head. Lily looked at Ron with tears in her eyes. "Uncle Ron, is Albus going to be all right?" asked Lily through her sobs.

"I'm sure he'll be fine," said Ron softly. "Do any of you need anything? I can get the house elves to bring up some breakfast." All shook their heads. No one wanted to eat. "All right. Keep your chins up." Ron realized that someone was missing. "Where's Carly?"