Harry Potter and Hilltop Fortress - Chapter - 17 (Patreon)

Sirius Black woke up in an unfamiliar room, the soft light filtering through the curtains casting a gentle glow on the surroundings. The bed was far too comfortable to be Azkaban, and the room had a warmth that Azkaban could never possess. For a brief moment, he felt disoriented. The past nine years had been spent in a cold, dark cell, where time seemed to stretch endlessly, blurring the lines between day and night, reality and nightmares. But this was different. The room smelled of fresh linens and wood polish, and the blankets were thick and comforting, not the thin rags he had grown used to.

As his mind slowly cleared, the events of the previous day began to come back to him. He had been at the Lovegoods' house, where he'd met Xenophilius Lovegood and his peculiar yet kind daughter, Luna. They had talked for a while, but the real surprise had been when Harry Potter had appeared. Harry had invited him to stay at his place instead of a lonely inn or a cold Black family home. Sirius had hesitated at first, not wanting to impose, but Harry had insisted. "I live alone most of the time," Harry had said with a laugh, and Sirius remembered that. The boy had grown up, but the loneliness in his voice was unmistakable. So Sirius had agreed, and now here he was in Harry's house—Highgarden, a place that felt more like home than Grimmauld Place ever had.

The memory made him smile faintly, though it quickly faded as a wave of exhaustion washed over him. Nine years in Azkaban had taken a toll on his body, and even with the care he had received at St. Mungo's, he was far from fully recovered. His muscles ached, and his bones felt heavier than they should. The Healers had told him it would take time—months, maybe even years—to fully regain his strength. But for now, he was content just to be free and to have the chance to rebuild his life.

As he lay in bed, his thoughts drifted to Harry. The last time he had seen the boy, Harry had been just a baby. Now, Harry was a young man—strong, determined, and far more independent than Sirius had expected. It pained him to think of how much time they had lost, how much he had missed of Harry's life. But there was no changing the past. All Sirius could do now was make the most of the time they had left.

He turned his head towards the window, noticing that the early morning sun was now shining more brightly. It was a clear day, the kind of day that would have been wasted in Azkaban, but here, it felt like a gift. He could hear the faint sounds of birds chirping outside and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was peaceful, almost too peaceful, as if he were in a dream he didn't want to wake from.

Pulling himself out of bed, Sirius swung his legs over the side and sat up, taking a moment to steady himself. He noticed a soft robe draped over the chair beside the bed and wrapped it around himself. The floor was cool beneath his feet as he made his way to the window and drew back the curtains. The view outside was stunning—rolling green hills, a well-tended garden, and a sprawling backyard that seemed to stretch on forever. This wasn't just any house; it was a sanctuary, a place of beauty and solitude. Highgarden indeed, Sirius thought with a small smile.

As he stood there, lost in thought, he caught a glimpse of movement in the garden below. It was Harry, already awake and going through a series of exercises in the backyard. He moved with the grace of someone who had practiced these motions countless times, his body strong and agile despite his youth. Sirius watched him for a moment, feeling a swell of pride. Despite everything, Harry had grown into a fine young man.

After a few minutes, Sirius decided to join him. He made his way downstairs, following the delicious smell of food that was coming from the kitchen. When he entered, he found a small house-elf busy at the stove, stirring a pot of something that smelled heavenly.

The house-elf turned as he entered, bowing low. "Good morning, Master Black. I is Norky, Master Harry's house-elf. Would Master Black like some tea?"

Sirius smiled at the little creature's politeness. "Yes, Norky, tea would be wonderful. And please, call me Sirius."

Norky nodded and quickly set about preparing a cup of tea, which he handed to Sirius with a small bow. "Breakfast will be ready soon, Master Sirius. Master Harry is almost finished with his exercises."

"Thank you, Norky," Sirius said, taking a sip of the tea. It was hot and strong, just what he needed to start the day. He sat down at the kitchen table, feeling the warmth of the cup seep into his hands. He looked around the kitchen, taking in the homely atmosphere. The walls were lined with shelves filled with jars of spices and ingredients, and there was a cozy fireplace in the corner with a kettle hanging above it. It was the kind of kitchen where one could imagine spending hours cooking and chatting, surrounded by the smells of good food and the warmth of the hearth.

Soon enough, Harry came in from the backyard, wiping sweat from his forehead. He smiled when he saw Sirius at the table. "Good morning, Sirius. Did you sleep well?"

Sirius nodded. "Better than I have in a long time, Harry. This place... it's wonderful."

"I'm glad you like it," Harry said as he sat down at the table. Norky brought over plates of food—eggs, bacon, toast, and sausages—setting them down with a flourish. "I figured we could both use a good meal."

Sirius dug in, savoring the taste of real food after so long. They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes before Harry spoke up again."

Several owls came this morning," Harry said, nodding toward a stack of letters on the counter. "Mostly for you, I think."

Sirius glanced at the pile but made no move to pick them up. "I'll deal with them later," he said, his tone dismissive.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you curious about what they say?"

Sirius shook his head. "I know what most of them will say. Apologies, offers to help, maybe even some attempts to recruit me back into the fold. And then, of course, there's Dumbledore."

"Dumbledore?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.

Sirius sighed, pushing his plate aside. "Yes, Dumbledore. He's been trying to talk to me ever since I got out of Azkaban. He even came to St. Mungo's, but I told the nurses I didn't want to see anyone. Now he's been sending letters, asking to meet. But honestly, Harry, I'm not ready for that. Not yet."

Harry frowned. "Why not? I mean, I understand if you're still angry about what happened, but wouldn't it be better to hear him out?"

Sirius shook his head, his expression hardening. "I'm not just angry, Harry. I'm hurt. Dumbledore was someone I trusted, someone who led the fight against Voldemort. I fought against my own family, turned my back on the Blacks and everything they stood for because I believed in what we were doing. And then, when it was all over, when Voldemort was defeated, Dumbledore didn't even bother to give me a trial. He could have done something—he was the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, after all. But he didn't. He just let them lock me away in Azkaban, and for nine years, I was left to rot. So no, I'm not ready to forgive him. Not yet."

Harry nodded slowly, understanding Sirius' pain. "I get it. I wouldn't want to talk to him either if I were in your shoes."

Sirius looked at Harry, seeing the empathy in his eyes. He felt a rush of gratitude for this boy—this young man—who had been through so much himself yet still had room in his heart for others. "Thank you, Harry. It means a lot to hear you say that."

Harry smiled faintly. "You know, those friends who abandon you when it's not convenient for them to be around... they're not really friends. You don't have to go back to the old ones just because they're familiar. You can make new friends, build a new life. You're free now, Sirius. You don't have to live in the past."

Sirius considered Harry's words, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "You're right, Harry. I've spent too much time thinking about what I've lost. Maybe it's time to focus on what I still have."

Harry's grin widened. "Exactly. And besides, you've got plenty of time to figure things out. You don't need to rush into anything. Take your time, enjoy life, and don't worry about getting a job or anything like that. You've got more than enough money now, with the compensation from the Ministry and all."

Sirius chuckled, a sound that felt unfamiliar after so long. "True. I guess I should start thinking about how to spend it."

Harry's grin widened. "Well, I can think of a few ideas. Travel, good food, maybe even a bit of adventure—without the dangers"

After a comfortable breakfast, Sirius and Harry sat quietly for a moment, enjoying the warmth of the kitchen. Sirius noticed Harry's curious glances and realized that his young godson likely had many questions.

Sirius decided to address one of those lingering questions. "Harry, there's someone I want you to meet someday. A friend of mine, someone who was very close to your parents."

Harry looked up, intrigued. "Who is it?"

"His name is Remus Lupin," Sirius said. "He was one of my best friends at Hogwarts, along with your dad. We called ourselves the Marauders. We were quite the troublemakers back in the day."

Harry's eyes lit up with interest. "Marauders? What kind of trouble did you get into?"

Sirius grinned. "Oh, all kinds. We had a secret map of Hogwarts that showed us where everyone was at any given time. We used it to sneak around and play pranks on people."

Harry chuckled, his curiosity growing. "That sounds amazing! Did you all stay friends after Hogwarts?"

Sirius' smile faltered slightly, but he kept his tone light. "We did, for a while. But then… well, things changed when Voldemort came to power. Your parents went into hiding, and we were all scattered. Remus… he went through a lot, and after I was sent to Azkaban, we lost touch."

Harry frowned slightly. "So, he doesn't know you're out?"

Sirius shook his head. "Not yet. But I plan to find him soon and make things right."

Harry looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. "You should. It sounds like he was a good friend."

"He was," Sirius agreed. "And I think you'd like him, Harry. He's kind, smart, and he cared about your parents a lot."

Harry smiled. "I'd like to meet him someday."

"You will," Sirius promised. "But for now, let's focus on today. What do you say we explore a bit more?"

Harry agreed, and they both left the kitchen to continue their walk around the grounds. As they strolled through the garden and beyond, Sirius felt a sense of peace. He was starting to rebuild the connections he had lost, starting with Harry. And when the time was right, he would reach out to Remus too.

For now, though, he was content to enjoy the moment, knowing that he had a future ahead of him—a future that included Harry and, hopefully, the friends he had left behind.

Sirius Black woke up in the comfortable bed at Highgarden as usual, a cozy and well-maintained house in York that Harry had generously offered him. The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. As he stretched his limbs, Sirius felt a strange mix of peace and uncertainty. After spending so many years in Azkaban, the quiet and comfort of Highgarden was almost unnerving. Yet, there was something deeply soothing about being in Harry's company, a feeling that reminded him of the family he once had.

Sirius rolled out of bed and glanced at the clock on the wall. It was early, but Harry was already up. Sirius could hear the faint sounds of movement from the backyard, where Harry had established his morning routine. With a groan, Sirius pushed himself to his feet, slipped into some comfortable clothes, and made his way downstairs.

As he stepped out into the backyard, Sirius found Harry engaged in a series of exercises. The boy, despite being only ten years old, moved with surprising speed and agility. His small frame was lean and strong, his movements precise and controlled. Sirius watched in admiration as Harry executed a set of jumping jacks followed by push-ups. The boy's discipline and determination were impressive, especially for someone so young.

"Morning, Sirius!" Harry called out cheerfully as he noticed his godfather approaching. "You're just in time. Ready to join me?"

Sirius chuckled and shook his head, but he couldn't resist the invitation. "Alright, alright," he said, stepping onto the grass. "But don't expect me to keep up with you, Harry. I'm not as young as I used to be."

Harry grinned, his green eyes twinkling with mischief. "We'll see about that."The two of them began working through a routine together, but it quickly became evident that Harry was in far better shape than Sirius. The boy's speed and stamina were remarkable, and Sirius found himself struggling to keep up. His years in Azkaban had taken a toll on his body, and he was still regaining his strength. But despite the challenge, Sirius pushed himself, determined not to let Harry down.

After a particularly grueling set of exercises, Sirius collapsed onto the grass, breathing heavily. "Merlin's beard, Harry," he panted, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Where did you learn all this? You're faster than a Comet!"

Harry laughed as he sat down beside Sirius, looking fresh despite the intense workout. "I've just been practicing on my own," he said casually. "It helps clear my mind."

Sirius raised an eyebrow, impressed by Harry's maturity. "I'm starting to believe you, Harry. You're something else."

As they caught their breath, Sirius decided to probe a little deeper into Harry's life. "So, Harry," he began, leaning back on his elbows, "you never really told me much about how you ended up living on your own like this. What happened with your aunt and uncle?"

Harry hesitated for a moment, then offered a carefully crafted story. He had rehearsed this version many times, knowing that the truth about Runestone Castle had to remain a secret. "Well," Harry started, looking thoughtful, "when I was eight, my aunt and uncle told me about the Wizarding World. They said they didn't want anything to do with it, but they thought I should know where I came from. So, they took me to Diagon Alley."

Sirius nodded, listening intently. He didn't know much about the Dursleys, but from what little he had heard, they didn't seem like the type to do anything remotely kind. Harry continued, his tone casual but careful. "When we were at Diagon Alley, I went to Gringotts, and that's when I found out that my parents had left me some properties. Since then, I've been living in those houses. I still visit my aunt and uncle sometimes, but I mostly stay on my own."

Sirius frowned slightly, sensing that there was more to the story, but he didn't press further. "I see," he said slowly. "And you're okay with living on your own?"

Harry nodded confidently. "I like it. It gives me a chance to figure things out on my own, you know? And I've got everything I need."

Sirius smiled at the boy's resilience and independence. "You remind me of your father, Harry. James always knew how to take care of himself. But if you ever need anything, you know you can always count on me."

"Thanks, Sirius," Harry said, his smile genuine. "I know."

As the days went by, Sirius and Harry settled into a comfortable routine at Highgarden. Each morning, they trained together, pushing each other to become stronger and faster. Sirius quickly realized that Harry had an innate talent for physical combat. He was quick, agile, and had an instinctive understanding of tactics that belied his age.

During their sparring sessions, Harry would surprise Sirius with his creativity and resourcefulness. One morning, they were dueling and Harry managed to disarm Sirius with a clever feint. Sirius laughed as his wand flew out of his hand, landing a few feet away. "Blimey, Harry, you're getting too good at this!" he exclaimed.

Harry grinned, clearly enjoying the praise. "You're not too bad yourself, Sirius."

Despite his playful tone, Sirius could see that Harry took their training seriously. The boy was determined to improve, to become stronger, and Sirius admired that. He was also glad to have someone to train with. After all, it had been years since he'd had a proper duel, and Harry was proving to be a worthy opponent.

When they weren't training, Harry would pepper Sirius with questions about the Wizarding World, Hogwarts, and his parents. Sirius was more than happy to share stories from his past, recounting tales of mischief and adventure with James, Remus, and Peter.

One evening, as they sat by the fire, Sirius told Harry about one of their infamous pranks. "So, there we were, James and I, hiding behind a statue of a knight, waiting for Filch to pass by. We had enchanted the armor to start singing whenever someone walked past it. And wouldn't you know it, Snape was the first one to trigger it!"

Harry laughed, his eyes shining with amusement. "What happened next?"

"Well," Sirius continued with a grin, "the armor started belting out a very loud rendition of 'Odo the Hero,' and Snape nearly jumped out of his skin. He was so furious, he tried to hex the armor, but we had made it so that any spells cast on it would bounce back. So Snape ended up with a pair of donkey ears for the rest of the day!"

Harry's laughter echoed through the room, and Sirius felt a warm sense of satisfaction. It was moments like these that made him feel connected to James and Lily again, even though they were gone. And it made him all the more determined to protect Harry and ensure he had the life he deserved.

One day, as they were sitting in the living room, Sirius mentioned something that piqued Harry's interest. "You know, Harry, I've got a house in London, and it's filled with all sorts of old books and artifacts. The Black family was always big on collecting things. If you're interested, you're welcome to take a look and keep anything you like."

Harry's eyes lit up at the mention of books. "Really? That would be amazing, Sirius. I've been looking for more books to study."

"Of course," Sirius replied with a smile. "The Black family manor in Leeds also has a large library. It's all yours if you want it."

The very next day, Harry and Sirius decided to visit the Black family townhouse in London. They used the Floo Network to travel, and as they stepped out of the fireplace, they were greeted by the gloomy interior of 12 Grimmauld Place. The house was dark, dusty, and filled with an oppressive atmosphere. But despite its uninviting appearance, Harry was excited to explore the library.

As they made their way through the house, they encountered Kreacher, the Black family's house-elf. The old elf was muttering to himself, his large eyes filled with resentment as he shuffled around. Sirius sighed and shook his head. "Kreacher's not exactly the friendliest, but he's loyal in his own twisted way."

Kreacher shot Sirius a venomous look but didn't say anything as he continued his chores. Sirius led Harry to the library, a vast room filled with towering shelves of books. The collection was impressive, with volumes on everything from ancient magic to dark arts. Harry's eyes widened as he took in the sight.

"You can have anything you like," Sirius said, gesturing to the shelves. "Most of these books haven't been touched in years."

Harry wasted no time in calling Norky and Rosalie, his house-elves, to help transport the books to Runestone Castle. As they worked, Harry came across a particularly interesting book that caught his attention. It was an old, leather-bound volume with the title Enchanting Brooms of the Quidditch inscribed on the cover. The author was Cassiopeia Black, and from a quick glance, Harry could tell that the book was filled with valuable information.

He carefully tucked the book under his arm, excited by the prospect of learning new enchantments that could aid him in his broomstick production. Sirius watched with amusement as Harry enthusiastically gathered books, clearly pleased that his godson had inherited his love for knowledge.

They spent the next few days transforming the Black townhouse. Gone were the dark, oppressive colors and cursed objects. They painted the walls white, letting light fill the space, and replaced old, worn furniture with new, comfortable pieces. It became a place of warmth and light, a stark contrast to the grim, old house it once was.

Sirius, despite his initial reluctance, found himself enjoying the process. It was cathartic, a way to cleanse the memories of his past and make way for a brighter future. He even began to envision a life in this new home, a place where he could live on his own terms, without the shadows of his family's legacy hanging over him.

"Harry," Sirius said one evening as they stood in the newly renovated living room, admiring their handiwork, "I want to thank you. For helping me through this. I didn't realize how much I needed this… a fresh start."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "You've helped me a lot too, Sirius. I guess we make a good team."

Sirius nodded, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "That we do."

But beneath the surface, Sirius knew that Harry didn't need a guardian. The boy was far too independent, far too self-sufficient. He could offer guidance and support, but Harry was already making his own way in the world. And that was a bittersweet realization.

The next day, they made a trip to Gringotts. Sirius needed to sort out his accounts, both the Black family fortune and the compensation he had received from the Ministry for his wrongful imprisonment. He also had some matters to attend to regarding the inheritance from his uncle Alphard.

As they entered the grand marble halls of the bank, Sirius couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. This was the final step in securing his freedom—financial independence. With Harry by his side, they approached the goblin at the counter, and after some formalities, they were led to the Black family vault.

The vault was vast, filled with gold, jewels, and other treasures accumulated over centuries. But Sirius's attention was focused on something else—his will. Quietly, without Harry's knowledge, he made arrangements to ensure that if anything were to happen to him, everything—the money, the titles, the properties—would go to Harry. It was a small gesture, but it gave him peace of mind, knowing that Harry would be taken care of, no matter what.

When they returned to the townhouse, Sirius felt lighter, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He was ready to start anew, to build a life that was his own. And though Harry had offered him a place at Highgarden, Sirius declined. He needed his own space, a place where he could live his life on his own terms, where he could entertain the idea of bringing someone special into his life.

Harry understood. He was independent too, after all. And so, they parted ways that evening with a newfound sense of purpose and determination. Sirius in his newly renovated townhouse, and Harry back to his own mysterious life, filled with secrets and plans that only he knew.

But even as they went their separate ways, the bond between them remained strong. A bond forged not just by blood, but by friendship, trust, and the knowledge that no matter where life took them, they would always have each other's back.

Sirius Black had settled into his newly renovated townhouse in London, which had been transformed into a bright and welcoming space. The renovations had been a significant undertaking, but the results were worth it. The townhouse was now a modern, comfortable home that Sirius was proud of, a stark contrast to its former grim state.

Every morning, Sirius made the journey to Highgarden, where Harry Potter lived. Despite his new home being in London, Sirius was dedicated to maintaining their training routine and spent his days at Highgarden for that purpose. The morning routine was the highlight of his day. Harry, at just ten years old, had already developed a rigorous exercise regimen that included running, stretching, and various physical drills. Sirius found it challenging to keep pace with Harry's boundless energy and agility, but he relished the opportunity to stay fit and sharp.

Sirius would arrive at Highgarden each morning before the sun was fully up. The garden, a haven of tranquility, was transformed into their makeshift training ground. As they practiced together, Sirius noticed how Harry's speed and skill seemed almost effortless. Harry's focus and determination were palpable, and Sirius admired how the young boy handled the exercises with such dedication.

One morning, after an intense workout, Sirius and Harry were sprawled out on the grass, catching their breath. Sirius glanced over at Harry, who was grinning from ear to ear. "You're fast, Harry. I have to really push myself to keep up with you."

Harry laughed, still breathing heavily. "I've had a lot of practice. Besides, it's good to have a challenge. It makes the training more effective."

Sirius nodded, his expression serious. "That's the spirit. It's important to stay sharp. The world you're stepping into is full of dangers, and you'll need to be prepared. I want you to be able to defend yourself, no matter what comes your way."

Harry's expression grew thoughtful. "I understand. I want to be ready, not just for Hogwarts but for whatever might come after."

Their sparring sessions were a particular highlight. The dueling matches were not just about testing Harry's magical abilities but also about honing his skills in a practical, real-world setting. Sirius would challenge Harry with various spells and strategies, encouraging him to think creatively and adapt quickly.

"Nice block with the Shield Charm," Sirius said one morning after a particularly challenging duel. "You're improving rapidly."

Harry beamed with pride. "Thanks. I've been working on it a lot. It's been helpful having access to so many books."

Sirius nodded, intrigued. "I'm glad to hear that. I've got a lot of books at my place, too. The Black family manor in Leeds has an extensive library, and I've no real use for all those books now. If you want them, you can have them."

Harry's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? That would be amazing!"

Sirius smiled. "Absolutely. I'll arrange for them to be brought over. It's better if you have them, where they'll be useful."

In the evenings, after a full day of training and renovations, Sirius would return to his townhouse in London. He enjoyed the quiet evenings, reflecting on his day and planning for the future. He had decided to take some time off once Harry went to Hogwarts, intending to travel and explore the world. It was a long-awaited opportunity for him to indulge in his wanderlust and see new places.

Despite his plans to travel, Sirius was committed to staying involved in Harry's life. He made it a point to visit Highgarden every morning, where he continued their training sessions and enjoyed breakfast with Harry. These visits had become a routine that Sirius cherished. They provided a sense of normalcy and purpose, even amidst the changes and challenges of his new life.

One morning, as they finished their training and prepared for breakfast, Sirius shared his plans with Harry. "Once you're at Hogwarts, I'm going to take some time off. I've got a lot of money and time on my hands, and I want to travel and see the world."

Harry's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds incredible! Where do you plan to go?"

Sirius grinned. "I haven't decided yet. Maybe I'll explore some magical communities or visit hidden corners of the world. It's an adventure I've been looking forward to for a long time."

Harry's enthusiasm was evident. "I wish I could join you. It sounds like an amazing journey."

Sirius chuckled. "You'll have your own adventures at Hogwarts. And who knows, maybe I'll find some interesting places for you to visit when you're older."

As the summer drew to a close, both Sirius and Harry were filled with anticipation for what lay ahead. Sirius's life had taken a positive turn with his new home and plans for the future, while Harry was eager to start his journey at Hogwarts. Their time together at Highgarden had solidified their bond and prepared them both for the challenges and opportunities that awaited.