Gloom's Hound

Chapter I

Deep inside the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, two figures were caught in deep conversation while sitting on a cliff, looking at the full moon. Such sounds like a bird chirping or even a werewolf howling, would not disturb them. These two figures were Sirius Black and Harry Potter. Yes, quite the odd pair.

"Why did you choose to discuss now?! It's frigid!" complained the younger of the two.

"I told you it would be wise to wear an extra garment. I did also say it would be long" said Sirius, while also searching for something in his bag. "Ah, here it is. Here, so you'll stop making a fuss." Sirius handed Harry a blanket. The blanket itself was quite torn, worn out, and wouldn't cover much, but Harry decided to take it.

"Thank you," Harry said as he situated himself. "So what was it you wanted to tell me that was so urgent, you had to drag me out here in the cold?" the boy dragged out with a smug smile, obviously trying to irritate his godfather.

"And I thought the blanket would shut you up." The young boy couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh, it had been who knows how long since he had been able to enjoy himself around family.

He looks happy. I'm sure James would've loved him. No, he does love him, just never spent time with him. The godfather thought with a smile.

Sirius Black knew what his relationship with his godson entailed, and he was happy to look after him. He was the closest thing to a father figure to Harry. Sirius enjoyed spending time with Harry, especially after his time in Azkaban. Speaking of which, that was what this conversation would revolve around. Sirius's time in the horrible place they call Azkaban.

After Harry settled down, Sirius asked with his face fully turned to him, "Harry, have you ever wondered what it was like to be inside of Azkaban?" Suddenly, the look on Sirius's face went dark. His eyes lost shine and his lips quivered. When he spoke those words, there was a hint of sadness and grief. Harry quickly noticed and became concerned. His godfather was just smiling moments ago, but just the mention of the prison he was trapped in was enough to turn him cold.

"Godfather, are you alright?" Harry spoke with concern. Sirius quickly returned his face to how it was before, almost like the expression he had previously was a facade. Almost.

"Yes, I am. Sorry. Did I ruin the mood?"

"No, no. It was just your face..." Harry became hesitant, he wasn't sure what to say.

"My face?" The man looked confused at what the child was saying.

It seemed as if Sirius hadn't even noticed the expression he made. The switch between appearances made it seem like Harry imagined the whole thing.

"Nevermind, I might've just seen things. It's nothing." Harry reassured. The godfather was not fully convinced however, Harry was messing with the strings of the blanket and looked deep in thought.

Still, it was his cue to change the subject. "If you say so," Sirius turned to the full moon and took a deep breath to steady his heart. He brought this upon himself, yet Sirius couldn't help but feel uncomfortable at the thought of the place he was incapable of leaving for 12 years. The view helped at least. Once he and his thoughts were collected, he continued. "I wanted to tell you of the time I spent in Azkaban. Every detail of what I view is most important, I will share it with you. Including how I escaped, the different people that were there with me, and what I had endured during my stay."

He looked at Harry once again to make sure he was paying attention. Harry had quite an expression on his face. It was filled with all different sorts of emotions. Curiosity, fear, excitement, guilt, etc. You name it, he had it written on his face. He was sitting with his blanket-covered legs to the chest, arms on the knees, and his face on top of his arms.

"Are you comfortable? It'll be a long story to tell, it would be better if you were more comfortable." Sirius remarked.

Harry straightened himself, "I'm fine, but enough about me. What about you?"

"Me? What about me?"

"If you were to tell me about what you went through in Azkaban, wouldn't you be reliving those memories? Are you comfortable with that?" said the concerned godson.

"A man such as myself already thought of that, Harry. I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine with this. I wouldn't have brought this up if I wasn't sure." Sirius said with a reassuring smile, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"What if we did a spell so that I could see your memories? That way you wouldn't have to trouble yourself to-"

"No!" The sudden outburst from his own godfather surprised Harry, and his eyes widened. Sirius's face softened, "I apologize for the outburst, but I really did think it through, Harry. Besides, would you think it would be wise for me to let you see what I saw, what I had gone through? I would never wish, not for even my worst enemy, to see what I had to live through." Sirius said with a serious expression, placing his other hand on Harry's other shoulder.

"I...understand." Harry had a sad look on his face. He felt pity for his godfather, he had to live with so much pain.

"Now, can I tell my godson and dear friend about my experience in Azkaban?" Sirius queried with a small smile. No wonder he was placed in Gryffindor. He possesses all the qualities. James would be so proud.

"Yes, you can tell me. I was just concerned about how it must be to relive painful memories." Harry returned the smile.

"I know, and it shows how much of a kind, caring heart you have. Cherish that quality, it's never a burden." Sirius gave his godson a warm hug.

Pulling away, Sirius spoke.

"Now I will tell you...how it all began."