It's OK Not To Be OK (But I Promise, I'm Trying)

Chapter 6

Disclaimer: not mine

When Minerva returned from seeing Poppy back to Hogwarts, she found a rather depressed Sirius waiting for her.

Not wanting to find another chair, she simply sat down on the edge of the bed, lightly resting her hand on top of Harry's free one, mindful of the healing process taking place under the skin. She allowed her stern mask to fall, showing the very real worry she felt for the son of two of her best friends.

"Poppy said he'll be all right," Sirius spoke first, his voice sounding slightly raspy, and mostly like he was trying to convince himself. Minerva just nodded, and Sirius cleared his throat, before speaking again. "She seemed rather calm, considering she was in the same room as a mass murderer."

Minerva shook her head. "She didn't require any persuasion to believe that you were innocent. Poppy was much fonder of you, Remus, and James than you may believe." Sirius snorted, and Minerva's smile widened slightly. "Since we are about to embark on a rather rough journey together, I feel I should let you know that I was too."

Now Sirius shook his head in disbelief. He was fairly certain that a majority of the gray hairs on the Transfiguration mistress' head were his fault.

Minerva gave him a slightly severe look, as if she knew what he was thinking about. Deciding to get to the matter at hand, she squared her shoulders to prepare herself. "Mr. Black, we should discuss what we plan to do from here. As things stand, you are in no position to take care of your godson. I have begun the process of getting your name cleared, but I do not think it will be a fast process." Sirius nodded. There was nothing surprising in that. "I would like to set up a meeting with Amelia Bones as quickly as possible, both to officially remove Harry from the care of his relatives, and to see about getting you a trial."

Sirius contemplated his former professor. "What did you have in mind?" he asked curiously, wanting to hear what her plans were.

Minerva bit her lip, suddenly nervous. Here's where her plan could fall apart. "I've already informed Amelia that I would like to become Harry's guardian. I was thinking - hoping, he would be willing. McGonagall Castle is rather lonely, and I thought Harry might like all the space. Particularly, the Quidditch pitch, though it hasn't been used in years. I would like to extend that invitation to you as well. I don't believe the Ministry would look for you, there, and you would be able to spend some time getting to know your godson."

Sirius was gob smacked. He had never imagined Minerva offering him such a great deal. He didn't even have to think about it before agreeing.

Minerva nodded, smiling gently at her former student. "As soon as Harry is awake, we'll talk with him, and hopefully see about moving him to his new home. Once we know if this plan is acceptable with him, I will contact Amelia again."

Sirius agreed with her outline, and the two settled down to watch over their charge, just waiting to see those brilliant green eyes once more.

As they waited, they spent some time getting reacquainted. Minerva learned just where it was they were staying for the time being, and Sirius learned more about Harry's first three years at Hogwarts. Minerva gave him her reasons for not doing more, and they both commiserated in their guilt over not being there for the young man who was so important to them.

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Harry awoke slowly, hearing voices before he could think clearly enough to put faces to them. McGonagall's Scottish brogue mixed in with the strict intonation he knew could only belong to Hogwarts' own mediwitch. He panicked for a moment, wondering what had happened and where he was, before a deeper baritone entered the conversation, and Harry recognized his godfather's voice. And then he panicked again, worrying that Poppy would tell the authorities about Sirius.