History and Truth

Dumbledore's Wisdom

Soon enough the sorting was over and the feast began. When everyone was full and the food disappeared the Headmaster called for attention.

"I have a few announcements if you will. All students should not that the Dark Forrest is out of bounds. Secondly, we have added a new artifact to the grounds. The large tree that stands alone on the North side of the grounds is a rare Whomping Willow. I must warn you to keep your distance for your own safety. Now, I need to see the following students for a moment: Sirius Black, James Potter and Remus Lupin. Everyone else off to bed with you."

Ron was the one to interrupt this time, "So not only were they into with Snape from the start but they were also set apart by Death Eaters and Dumbledore. The gravity of that is mind blowing, it is. And to think that's you guys parents and we knew some of them." 

Sirius, James and I looked at each other. They both looked as confused as I felt. We let everyone else make their way towards the door. Lily turned and looked at me. I smiled and motioned for her to go on.

"Gentlemen." We all turned to see the Headmaster had sat across from James and Sirius and next to me. He smiled kindly at me before he went on. "The three of you are sharing a dorm so I must ask you to help look after each other. Mr. Black, I fear there may be repercussions in store from your older cousins and their friends. I say this to warn you and your friends as well as to let you know that if you need assistance please do not hesitate to go to Professor McGonagall or myself. Now, Mr. Potter, I have been asked to tell you that your parents sent word to me after the train left this morning requesting attention for your safety. Threats have been made against your family. They are safe. They did not want to alarm you this morning but they do want you to be aware and to be careful. I will add to you as well, if you need assistance just let us know. Now, Mr. Lupin. As discussed prior to term, you will report to Madame Pomfrey in the morning to go over the schedule and she will be able to go over everything with you then. Now, if you gentlemen will follow me, I will show you to your common room."

I looked at my dorm mates. That had been a lot to take in. They looked stunned. Sirius was concerned about his family and how they would take the news of his sorting. James was worried about his parents. We all knew it was likely Sirius' family that had threatened the Potters and that mine were not far behind them on the list. I was worried about what to tell them about my meeting with the nurse. None of us had moved.

"Gentlemen. Please, this way."

We stood up and followed him up several flights of stairs including some that moved. After several minutes we stood in front of a picture at the end of a corridor. The lady in the portrait looked surprised to see Dumbledore. He said, "Quaffle" and she swung open revealing a chamber. We climbed through the opening and looked around in awe of the room we had entered.

"This is Gryffindor Tower. The Fat Lady," he said motioning to the portrait, "guards the entrance. You must give her the password to be allowed in. This is the common room. The boys dorms are up this staircase. Your things have already been brought up. Now, before bid you all goodnight, might I ask you to sit with me a moment."

We looked at each other and then at our Headmaster. He indicated the sofa and chairs by the fireplace. We walked over and sat on the sofa. He drew, literally drew a chair and sat in front of us. We were so close our knees almost touched. He looked each of us in the eye before he spoke again.

"Gentlemen, I know each of your parents and your families." Sirius looked at the floor at this statement. "I must impress on you the importance of your friends. Things that are beyond your control do not determine who you are. Rather, it is the choices you make along the way. The three of you are starting over today. You come from very different backgrounds and have much to offer, much you can learn from each other.

Tomorrow is the first day of your new life. Take the opportunity you have been given and choose your own path. Learn to rely on each other. The three of you have already bonded before you arrived. You had stood up for each other whether you are aware of it or not. The Sorting Hat put you together for a reason."

"I can remember Dumbledore saying something very similar to me at one point. I can see where those guys all would need to hear it," Harry commented.

"Sir," a light bulb went off in my head. 

"Yes, Remus."

"You know about Madame Malkins don't you?"

"Yes. I know things that happened before, leading up to that day. I also know things that happened after." The twinkle in his eye was evident as he smiled at me. He looked at Sirius who was staring at the floor.

"Sirius, is there something you want to ask?"

"No sir."

"Very well then."

"Yes sir! Can, can my parents MAKE me come home?"

"If you wish to stay on the grounds then you will stay on the grounds. However, at the end of the year you will have to return home."

"But I can stay for the holidays, that is if I want to."

"Yes."

"Sir."

"Yes, James."

"Will I be allowed to go home, if something happens I mean."

"I don't think you should be concerned about this now. Rest assured that if need be, arrangements can be made."

"Thank you sir."

"Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I have things I must attend to. Oh, by the way, tomorrow is Saturday so try and relax before classes start on Monday morning. And Remus, Hagrid mentioned he plans on fishing tomorrow. Goodnight."

We made our way up the stairs and found our dorm. Another boy was already asleep. We changed into our PJs and climbed into bed. No one said much other than goodnight. It had been a strange evening.