0336 The Funeral


    Kreacher''s wailing, which had previously been a mournful apaniment to the solemn proceedings, suddenly escted to a shrill and piercing climax, and it was at this moment that Harry and Hermione finally took notice of a peculiar lump concealed beneath the table.


    "Dobby, how could you...oh, you''re not!" Harry eximed inadvertently, his mind momentarily confusing the identity of the strange house-elf before him with that of the familiar house-elf, Dobby. However, he swiftly realized this house-elf was not Dobby, though he could not discern the subtle facial differences between them. At least, he could tell this house-elf appeared much older.


    "This is Kreacher, the loyal servant of the ck family," Sirius exined to Harry.


    Regardless of the circumstances, as thest remaining legitimate heir of the ancient and noble House of ck, Sirius''s approval held immense significance for Kreacher. Upon hearing the affirmation of his master''s words, Kreacher''s wails intensified, and he began pounding the floor nonstop.


    Hermione, who saw Kreacher''s tearful appearance, felt a sense of pity and seemed to have something to say after hearing the word "servant."


    "I think you stillck a proper understanding of the situation, Harry," Sirius said, his arm encircling Harry''s shoulder and smiled sadly.


    "Regulus ck was my younger brother. He... He made some regrettable choices in the past, but after realizing his mistakes, he decided to atone for his wrongdoings. And, ultimately, he sacrificed his life in pursuit of that noble cause. This did not happen recently - he has been gone for many years."


    Harry nodded, gaining a basic understanding bybining Sirius''s words with Dumbledore''s previous statements.


    "Before, I misunderstood, thinking he had always been a staunch follower of Voldemort. After I escaped from Azkaban and with Bryan''s help, I learned the truth about his death. Although it was toote, I still wanted to give Regulus a decent funeral."


    It was Professor Watson again.


    Hermione and Harry couldn''t help but steal nces at the somber figure of Professor Watson, recalling everything they knew about him since they met.


    He was an extraordinarily remarkable wizard, seemingly connected to every significant event while possessing the ability to ovee any obstacle.


    The funeral proceedingsmenced, each attendee forming a solemn circle around the unsung hero whose valiant deeds had been cloaked in obscurity for far too long.


    Everyone''s faces were solemn, starting with Dumbledore, One by one, each individual present expressed their deep admiration for the courage that Regulus ck had– to confront his own wrongdoings and resist Voldemort when he was at the height of his power. Those who had known Regulus ck also recalled some memories, even Snape, who regarded Sirius as his mortal enemy, dryly said a few words.


    Bryan waved his wand, and bright white mes burst out from Regulus''s body and the table around it. The mes grew higher and higher, obscuring the body. The white smoke rose into the air, and in a trance, it seemed that everyone saw a dashing young man with a rebellious smile standing in mid-air, waving to them.


    When the rites had concluded, the sunset had long since lost its vibrant hues, leaving only a mncholic crimson afterglow that stubbornly clung to the horizon, as though reluctant to bid the day farewell.


    Snape departed immediately, his difort with the proceedings evident in his haste to distance himself from the situation.


    "Potter, Granger, due to your brazen actions of tracking the professors," Professor McGonagall''s voice cut through the stillness like a de of ice, her tone devoid of warmth as they emerged from the Forbidden Forest and stood upon the banks of the shimmering ck Lake. "Upon our return to the castle, you will need to report to Filch and obey to his instructions without dy!"


    Professor McGonagall had ever been a paragon of fairness and impartiality, and Harry and Hermione had harbored an inkling that such a consequence might befall them.


    Professor McGonagall was always fair and impartial, and Harry and Hermione had anticipated this possibility, Nevertheless, Harry could not resist the pang of difort that arose at the prospect of being deducted points and assigned detention, particrly in the presence of so many people, including the Headmaster himself. Hermione, on the other hand, felt so ashamed that she wanted to cover her face and jump into the ck Lake a few steps away.


    "I personally think this punishment is quite appropriate–"


    Dumbledore said with a hint of humor, his silver beard fluttering in the wind. He had already noticed Harry secretly observing his expression and said this witty remark.


    Everyoneughed, even Sirius, who had a heavy expression, twitched his lips.


    "I don''t think it''s a big deal," Sirius said, patting the embarrassed Harry on the back.


    "When I have time, I''ll share some of the interesting things we did with James''s invisibility cloak!"


    "Please don''t make me regret my decision, Sirius," Dumbledore said helplessly. "You must understand a professor''s responsibilities extend far beyond imparting knowledge. Many times, you need to set a good example and guide the children in the right direction."


    "Professor?!" Harry''s mind froze for several seconds before he understood what Dumbledore and Sirius were talking about. He first showed an incredulous expression, but then, with a look of surprise, he looked at Sirius, who was smiling at him.


    "Just as you guessed, Harry," Sirius nodded in affirmation.


    "Some people," Bryan, already aware of this, shook his head in amusement, "Simplyck the ability to learn from the mistakes of their predecessors."


    <strong>...</strong>


    <strong>*Scenebreak*</strong>


    Those who have studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for a few years know that in this school, if more than one person is aware of something, it will spread throughout the entire school at varying speeds, depending on how sensational the matter is.


    The news that Sirius ck would be recing Professor Lupin as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher for the next few months had reached Harry and Hermione. Within an hour and a half until the start of the evening feast, over seventy percent of the young wizards had heard about it. The remaining thirty percent were mostly fifth and seventh-year students, who were about to face the two most important exams of their lives and were desperately trying to make the most of their study time!


    Just half a month ago, Sirius ck was still a notorious fugitive, the first wizard ever to sessfully escape from Azkaban.


    The previous school year had seen so many Dementors stationed at Hogsmeade and the school gates to guard against him. But in just half a month''s time, the roles of criminal and hero had been swapped. Peter, who had once received the Order of Merlin, First ss, became a criminal, while Sirius ck, who had spent twelve years in Azkaban, became a daring hero. And now, he had even be their Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.


    "Damn, what in the zes did I miss!"


    At the Gryffindor table, Ron threw his head back in a dramatic gesture and let out an agonized groan, filled with regret.


    On the night of the battle with the werewolf, He missed the miraculous time travel due to his severe injuries. And now, in the short time it took him to return to the dormitory to fetch the Firebolt, he had missed yet another momentous event.


    The other Gryffindor students were unaware of what Ron was upset about; their attention was focused on the handsome middle-aged wizard with a hint of mncholy in his eyes, who was conversing with Professor McGonagall at the staff table.


    "At Christmas, my grandmother was telling me that if I encountered Sirius, I should go and fight him with all my might, even at the cost of my own life, I must not bring disgrace upon my parents ---"


    Neville''s round face flushed red, and his voice, though lowered, could not conceal his excitement.


    "I really want to hear what she''ll say when she learns about this!"


    "You cannot duel a professor, Neville!"


    Ever since learning the news, Harry''s soared as if all the students at the school had cast a Cheering Charm on him!


    This was truly unbelievable. Sirius ck, his godfather, had be a professor at the school. Harry wished he could pry open Dumbledore''s head to see how he hade up with this idea.


    Before this, Harry thought Professor Watson would step up!


    This way, Snape wouldn''t be able to act as he pleased, right?


    Unless he wanted to see the Slytherin bunch of slimy gits receive the same treatment in Defense Against the Dark Arts that the Gryffindor students received in Potions!


    Although Harry hadn''t truly known Sirius before today, he was certain that Sirius would look out for the Gryffindor students.


    Shock, bewilderment, anger, and hatred!


    Snape had hurriedly left after attending the funeral of Sirius''s brother, Regulus ck. He was still unaware that Sirius had be the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. But from Snape''s expression when he saw Sirius enter the Great Hall and take a seat at the staff table, it was evident how much animosity existed between them!


    "What do you say--"


    Seamus, excited like Neville, interrupted,


    "He might tell us how he escaped from Azkaban. That would be so cool! If we could learn that trick, we''d never have to be afraid again. Of course, I''m not nning on going to Azkaban."


    The conversation then shifted to discussing how Sirius had escaped from Azkaban, though this had been a hot topic for nearly a year.


    "Maybe Professor ck, like Professor Watson, has an exceptionally powerful Patronus. He used that spell to drive away all the Dementors!"


    Lavender eximed in surprise.


    "But he''d need to get himself a wand first--"


    The previously empty tables were nowden with delicious-smelling food. Hermione finally closed the book Professor Watson had given her and, upon hearing her roommate''s unrealistic spection, said impatiently,


    "And, I don''t think there is any point in discussing this matter---"


    The surrounding students, including Harry and Ron, stared at Hermione in astonishment, as if she had said something unthinkable. Hermione noticed she had be the focus of everyone''s attention. She took a deep breath, pursed her lips, rolled her eyes, and shook her head, saying,


    "Think about it. No matter how Sirius escaped from Azkaban, the Ministry of Magic wouldn''t have released him unless they figured out what happened. They must have taken appropriate precautions, right? That loophole couldn''t possibly still exist, unless the Ministry wants to see Azkaban unable to hold anyone ever again!"


    Amid the bewildered gazes of students at the other three House tables, a sigh erupted from the middle of the Gryffindor table.


    "And I don''t understand why you''re so excited, Harry--"


    Hermione nced sideways at Harry, who seemed to be nning a future ''study trip'' to Azkaban, and said helplessly.


    "Have you gone mad, Hermione? That''s Sirius ck, Harry''s godfather!"


    Ron eximed in shock.


    "I''ll bet that whatever way Snape, that wanker treats Harry, he''ll treat Malfoy the same. We''ve been waiting all these years for the appearance of a ''hero'' like this. Even Professor Watson wouldn''t help us like that!"


    Harry nodded vigorously.


    "But don''t forget--"


    Hermione nced at Sirius at the staff table.


    "He''s the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, and we all know that for some reason, the professors of this subject are particrly prone to misfortunes!"


    The smile froze on Harry''s face, and now he was the one feeling regretful.


    "Damn, I forgot about that!"


    Harry pped his forehead and said,


    "Sirius was wrongfully imprisoned by the Ministry for so many years. He must not be aware of the situation. What do you think, should I go and warn him?"


    "Don''t worry, mate!" Ron frowned and said, "We all know that being the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor isn''t a walk in the park, but there have been exceptions, haven''t there?"


    "You mean like Professor Watson?" Harry''s eyes lit up.


    "Exactly!"


    Ron said thoughtfully, ncing at Professor Watson who was elegantly cutting hismb chops.


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