While everyone in the castle seemed to be enjoying the final days before the end of term by lounging outside and basking in the sun, Rigel remained burdened. He'd found out, courtesy of Hagrid, that Remus Lupin had resigned. While Snape hadn't spilled about his furry little problem, Remus was apparently so overcome with guilt for his attack on Rigel, that he no longer felt it was safe to stay in the castle.
Rigel had tried his best to get his godfather to stay, he was after all that best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher they'd ever had, but Remus was adamant about his decision. He promised to stay in touch, and Rigel was certain that he'd see the man pop in to check in on him over the summer.
The Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station the next morning. The five of them hopped into an empty compartment together and headed to Kings Cross.
"Oh, cheer up, Harry!" said Hermione sadly to a sulking Rigel.
"I'm just thinking about the holidays," Rigel answered. nobody believed him but they didn't argue.
"Yeah, I've been thinking about them too," said Ron. "Listen you lot got to come and stay withus. I'll fix it up with Mum and Dad, then I'll call you. I know how to use a fellytone now —"
"A telephone, Ron," said Hermione. "Honestly, you should take Muggle Studies next year..."
Ron ignored her.
"It's the Quidditch World Cup this summer! How about it, Harry? Come and stay, and we'll goand see it! Dad can usually get tickets from work."
Near the end of the train ride, a tiny, gray owl appeared outside the window, carrying three letters. Rigel rushed over to the window, pulling it open. With Eliza's help, they brought the owl inside. All three of them were addressed to Harry, Eliza, and Rigel.
Dear Rigel,
I hope this finds you before you reach King's cross. I shouldn't have used the Scops owl.
Buckbeak and I are in hiding. I won't tell you where in case this owl falls into the wrong hands but I'm not in the country.
The DMLE is still searching for me but it'll be impossible. Iam planning to allow some Muggles to glimpse me soon, a long way from Hogwarts so that thesecurity on the castle will be lifted. There is something I never got around to telling you during our brief meeting. It was I who sentyou, Harry, and Eliza the Firebolts. You won't have noticed because I used my personal vault. Please consider it as thirteen birthdays' worth of presentsfrom your father.
I would also like to apologize for not approaching you at the leaky cauldron. I had only hoped to get a glimpse of you before starting my journey north,but I... was too scared.
If ever you need me, send word. Hedwig will find me. I'll write again soon.
Sirius Black
P.S. I thought your friend Ron might like to keep the owl, as it's my fault he no longer has a rat.
Ron's eyes widened. The minute owl was still hooting excitedly. "Keep him?" he said uncertainly. Then he held the owl to Crookshanks to sniff, surprising every single one of them.
"What do you reckon?" Ron asked the cat. "Definitely an owl?"
Crookshanks purred.
"That's good enough for me," said Ron happily. "He's mine."
Rigel read and reread the letter from Sirius all the way back into King's Cross station. It was stillclutched tightly in his hand as he, Ron, Eliza, harry and Hermione stepped back through the barrier of platform nine and three quarters, he spotted his favorite aunt Andromeda wearing casual day robes.
"Rigel good to see you." Andromeda smiled hugging Rigel. "And you must be his friends."
"Hello Mrs. Tonks." Eliza grinned shaking Andromeda's hand. "I'm Eliza Potter, this is my brother Harry-"
"Hello."
"And these are Ron and Hermione." Eliza finished. "You're Rigel's aunt?"
"Yes," Andromeda said with a smile. "that's me, what has Rigel told you about me?" She asked.
"Aunt Andi-"
"Oh, a lot," Harry said a mischievous glint in his eyes that made Rigel worried. "He even-"
"Who the ruddy hell are you lot!?" someone snarled and they all turned to see Mr. Dursley
"I'm Eliza's best friend," Rigel said wrapping an arm around Eliza waist. Mr. Durseley looked horrified by the fact that a witch can have a friend. "And I'm going to visit them. Every three-four days?"
"I- I won't allow this, no-" he spluttered.
"Well I should also add that I'm Rigel Black," Rigel emphasized the last word. It took Mr. Dursley fifteen seconds to realize he was related to Sirius Black.
"You're-"
"Sirius Black's son." Rigel grinned shaking Mr. Dursley rather forcibly. The man didn't hide his flinch. "You see this is my aunt Andromeda Black." the man turned white as a sheet as Andromeda glared at the muggle. "You see my father is also the Potter twin's godfather. He's on the run. He likes to keep in touch with them, though... keep up with my news... check if they're happy..."
Mr. Dursley paled even more in horror.
"See you a flower." Rigel pecked Eliza on the cheek. "World cup?"
"Oh definitely." Eliza giggled. Linking Harry's arms, the twins happily skipped away