THE LOST DOG ' s. black

[7] he really is his father's son

    THE next evening, I felt a mix of anticipation and dread as I prepared for another attempt to keep Sirius hidden. With the Order members scattered throughout Grimmauld Place, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to slip away for a bit of privacy.

"Ready?" I whispered, glancing at the Invisibility Cloak draped over Sirius.

"Let's do this," he replied, his voice low and eager.

We tiptoed down the dimly lit hallway, my heart racing with each step. I led him to a small sitting room, the remnants of dust and age surrounding us like an unwelcoming embrace.

As I shut the door, I felt a momentary relief wash over me. "This should be fine for now. Just keep quiet."

Sirius slipped under the cloak, his presence a mix of warmth and excitement. "I'm getting anxious sitting around all day. It's a wonder I haven't lost my mind."

Before I could respond, I heard footsteps approaching. My stomach twisted with tension as I gestured for him to stay silent.

The door swung open, and in walked Harry, his expression puzzled. "Eloise? What are you doing in here?"

I plastered on a smile, my heart pounding. "Just... taking a break. What about you?"

Harry's brows knitted together, suspicion evident in his voice. "You seem off. Are you hiding something?"

I hesitated, feeling the walls of my secret closing in. "Hiding? No, of course not."

"Really?" Harry stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "Because I've seen you acting weird all day. Why would you want to hide something from me?"

"Honestly, Harry, I'm just-"

Suddenly, he turned his gaze to the room, his eyes scanning the corners. I felt a surge of panic as he continued, "You're not hiding something, are you? Because if you are-"

And just like that, he stepped forward and tugged at the edge of the Invisibility Cloak.

Time seemed to slow as I shouted, "Harry, wait!"

But it was too late. The cloak slipped away, revealing Sirius standing there, his expression a mixture of surprise and annoyance. "Well, this is awkward."

Harry's eyes widened in shock, taking a step back. "Sirius? But... you're here? How are you-"

"Harry, it's not what you think!" I said, panic rising in my voice. "Merlin, don't think brash about this-"

"Then what is it?" Harry demanded, glancing back and forth between me and Sirius, confusion etched on his face. "Why are you hiding him? Sirius is supposed to be in his room! And why does he look so much younger?"

"Uh, I can explain-" Sirius started, but Harry cut him off.

"What is going on? Are you both messing with me? This isn't funny, Eloise!" Harry's eyes were wide, and I could see his mind racing as he tried to piece it all together.

"It's complicated," I said, trying to remain calm despite the growing tension. "He's not the same Sirius you think he is. He... he time-traveled from.. 1977."

Harry's mouth fell open in disbelief. "Time-traveled? What? From 1977? How is that even possible?"

"I don't know all the details!" I shot back, frustration creeping into my voice. "But you can't tell anyone, Harry! Even Hermione or Ron, I know you tell them everything! We're trying to keep him safe from the Order and Voldemort's forces."

"You mean to tell me that I'm standing here with a younger version of Sirius Black, and you've been hiding him while his older self is right down the hall?" Harry's voice was incredulous, a mix of bewilderment and suspicion. "Why would you hide him?"