Burning Love

•Listening•

The winter air was crisp as I walked through Hogsmeade, the snow crunching under my boots. Students were out in droves, laughter and joy filling the streets as they enjoyed the weekend. But amidst their merriment, a sense of duty weighed heavily on my shoulders. I had to pretend, to keep up the façade of hunting for Sirius Black, even as my heart ached at the thought of him.

As I strolled past the Three Broomsticks, something caught my eye—a flicker of light that danced in the cold air. My heart raced as I recognized it; it was a familiar glow, one I hadn't seen in years. James had used his invisibility cloak all the time, and for a moment, the sight sent a wave of nostalgia crashing over me.

Curiosity piqued, I followed the footprints in the snow leading to the bar. The door creaked open, seemingly of its own accord, and I slipped inside, my heart pounding with anticipation and dread. I positioned myself near the entrance, the warmth of the pub wrapping around me, but my focus remained on the door.

As I leaned against the wall, I strained to hear the hushed conversation taking place just beyond my line of sight. The air buzzed with the chatter of students, but the voices I was listening for were quieter, more urgent.

"Come on then. Let's hear it," says Madame Rosemerta.

"Years ago, when Harry Potter's parents were marked for death, they went into hiding. Few knew where they were. One who did was black. And he told..." starts McGonagall

"You-Know-Who. I've heard this rot. It was all over The Daily Prophet back in the day. And I'll say now what I said then: Of all the boys I ran out of here, Black's the last who would've gone over to the dark side. Hearsay. That's all the Ministry had. Hearsay."

"Ha! Tell that to Peter Pettigrew!" Fudge laughs.

"Peter Pettigrew?"

"Little lump of a boy? Always tagging after Black and..."

"I remember him. What's he got to do with it?"

"After the Potters were killed, Pettigrew went looking for Black. And, unfortunately... found him."

"Black was vicious. He didn't kill Pettigrew. He destroyed him. A finger. That's all that was left. A finger -- there's your hearsay."

"Sirius Black may not have put his hands to the Potters, but he's the reason they're dead. And now he wants to finish what he started."

"What about Grace?"

"What about her?'

"Won't Black be after her as well?"

"Black wouldn't stand a chance! She's the best Auror I have have!"

"Yes but you didn't see it Fudge. Those two were attached at the hip. Caused more trouble than her brother."

"Her brother?"

"Oh yes, Grace Potter. James Potters twin. Harry's Aunt."

I hold my breath waiting for what comes next.

"But that's not the worst of it."

"What could be worse?"

"Sirius Black was and remains today... Harry Potter's godfather."

I hold in my breath as the door opens abruptly. I see nothing but can hear the footsteps leaving the room. I freeze in understanding. Harry has the cloak. He knows now. I rush off towards the castle as fast as I can to find Remus.

"Remus!" I called out, hurrying down the corridor, dodging students who were laughing and chatting. I finally spotted him in a quiet corner of the hallway, poring over some papers. His expression shifted from concentration to alarm as he noticed me approaching.