A Change of Heart

Chapter Twenty

Sirius did not take it as well as Ron and Hermione, objecting angrily to Harry having any contact with Tom.  Harry pointed out to him that Dumbledore knew and that he didn't object which made Sirius snap that Dumbledore was neither Harry's father nor godfather. But soon he calmed down enough to think and talk logically.

"I don't like it, Harry," he muttered. "I really don't like it."

Harry sighed. "I know. And I understand. I really do. But," he shrugged. "I can't explain this. I don't understand this, but... he has changed, Sirius, and he seems to care..." he did not add that having someone who cared about him was such a rare thing for him. In fact till he started Hogwarts, he could not remember a single person who might have done so.

Sirius shook his head. "I trust Dumbledore with my life and with yours too. That is the only reason I am not going berserk here."

Harry chuckled. "There is really no need, Sirius. I can take care of myself."
I hope, thought he, his insides growing cold at the thought of the night Tom came back. Harry had never felt so helpless in his life. And that was saying something, considering the kind of situations he'd been getting into since he started Hogwarts.

"I have no doubt about that," muttered Sirius. "But that's not going to stop me from worrying."

Harry felt his eyes prickle. "Sirius," said he. "I'm fine, really."

Sirius nodded. "I know." He put an arm on Harry's shoulder. "I can't tell you how proud I am of you. All I want is for you to be safe and happy."

"I will be," said Harry.

They sat there in silence for a while. Harry asked Sirius something about his parents and Sirius answered. Soon, Sirius was telling him about his parents' school days. He did not know Harry's mother very well till their seventh year, but he'd known James Potter from their first year. From the Hogwarts Express in fact, which reminded Harry of how he'd first met Ron in the Hogwarts Express too.

"Did my mom have any friends who I can talk to, now?" Harry asked. He wanted to know more about his mom's school days too.

Sirius pulled a face. "I've never paid much attention to girls. So, I've never noticed. Sorry. But you could ask Remus. He might be knowing."

"I will," Harry nodded.

As he went to his own room, Harry was far from tired. He was feeling too buoyant to sleep. The first thing he saw on entering the room was Hedwig. She hooted at seeing him, bringing his attention to a note lying on the table.

"Have you been back long, girl?" He murmured, stroking her and feeding her an owl treat. "You found him so soon?"

She hooted again and went off to her cage. Harry picked up the note and opened it. It was very short.

"Harry,
I'll meet you at platform Nine-and-three-quarters. 
Tom."

Harry's mind was in turmoil. Tom was coming to Platform Nine-and-three-quarters to meet him. He was not certain how safe it was. How could they talk about the prophecy on a crowded platform? The noise itself would be deafening.

But he was too glad at the prospect of seeing Tom again that he did not write back, voicing his concerns.