The Black Dog froze, utterly astonished—yet his body remained rooted to the spot. He couldn't move.
Dana strolled over, a composed smile on his face, and opened the door.
"Two of you, take this dog to my room."
The guards, both men and women, nodded. "Yes, Mr. Emrys! Right away!"
One guard spoke up hesitantly: "Uh, Mr. Emrys… my daughter is a big fan. Could you sign an autograph later?"
Dana offered a warm nod. "No problem."
The Chudley Cannons… or rather, the Merlin City Cannons now, were the Earl's beloved team. It wasn't unusual for their star player to drop by the Earl's properties—especially since Dana Emrys was known to be the Earl's close friend. Wherever the Earl's word went, Dana's did too.
The guards from the Fire Serpent Party—the Earl's faction—showed utmost respect. One even asked, "Mr. Emrys… do you, like the Earl, eat dog meat?"
Dana shook his head. "This isn't an ordinary dog. It's an Animagus."
"Animagus?" the guard repeated. "Is this the one who snuck onto our island earlier?"
Dana nodded. "It is—but he's not an enemy. No need to worry. Just take him to my room."
They needed no more instruction; they had already started moving the Black Dog.
Inside the Black Old House, Dana entered his temporary quarters. The Earl had reserved this room especially for Dana about two weeks ago. Rumor had it that perhaps soon the Earl might gift the entire mansion to his star player.
With a flick of his wand, Dana cast Petrificus Totalus. The Black Dog stiffened, then briefly shook… and transformed back into Sirius Black.
"Welcome home, Mr. Black," Dana greeted him.
Sirius blinked in surprise, giving a wry, bitter smile. "Home, huh? This place—this house—was probably sold by Narcissa or Lucius, right? It's no longer Black property… I haven't been a part of the Black family for a long time."
Dana smiled back in silence. Instead of replying, he reached into a hidden compartment in his necklace and pulled out a stack of still-warm food, placing it before Sirius.
"You've got the power to leave Azkaban anytime," Dana said quietly. "Why wait until now? You endured so much."
Sirius's eyes glowed green as he dug into the meal, wolfing it down in large bites. He murmured between mouthfuls, "I had my reasons!"
Dana gave a simple shrug. "Alright. Suit yourself. You're welcome to stay here. If you need anything, just say the word. Once school starts, you can even send letters to Hogwarts."
Sirius barely paused as he ate, sprinkles of crumbs falling everywhere, giving Dana cause to wonder if the Animagus transformation had really been lifted at all.
When Sirius had eaten most of the food, he looked up. "The Earl's men found me on the Hebrides—but I saw no sign of the Ministry of Magic chasing. So… he didn't report me?"
Dana nodded. "He didn't. The Earl considers me a close friend, and when he heard about an Animagus who looked like a large black dog, he suspected it was you. So I told him you were with me and asked him not to report you."
Sirius didn't ask how Dana had known about his Animagus form—even though Sirius had used it many times secretly during his years in Azkaban to stay warm in the cold bleakness, even in memories. Dana must've seen Sirius transform more than once.
"Why are you protecting me like this?" Sirius finally asked.
Dana stretched out his hands. "Must it be asked? I haven't forgotten that you saved me—you taught me the warming charm. And later, you taught me so much more. I owe you."
Sirius softened. Feeling full—and comforted—he realized that there were still kind souls like Dana who remembered what mattered.
"By the way," Sirius began hesitantly, "aren't you an Avery? Why Emrys?"
Dana's face darkened. "Emrys is my mother's surname. When I was released from prison, I discovered she'd been… gone for four years. You know my story. Under those circumstances, would I still go by Avery?"
Sirius frowned. "I'm sorry—I didn't know… Can I help? Anything."
Dana sighed and forced a small smile. "No need right now. Just focus on yourself. I'll manage mine."
"You want revenge on the Averys?" Sirius pressed. "It's not simple—they're one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. It's a big deal—and you'll need help!"
Dana shook his head as though rebuffing a foolish notion. "Come on—you're still wanted. You can hardly protect yourself. How would you help me? 'Crucio' them yourself? That's revenge for kids. Let's drop it. I have the Earl backing me—you don't need to worry."
Sirius realized Dana had grown more powerful—backed by one of Britain's wealthiest aristocrats. "I didn't expect—you've become a Quidditch superstar?"
Dana shrugged modestly. "It was how I told my story to the public. Not something to boast about. If not for the Earl's kindness, I might've quit long ago."
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Every wizard dreams of playing Quidditch."
Dana laughed. "Right? Anyway—get some rest and sleep this off. Regain your strength. You don't look too good—worse than in the old Black House pictures. You're not eight degrees uglier…but maybe six."
Sirius smirked back, tossing the last of the food in. Dana stood and tossed Sirius a wand.
"Be careful. Don't do anything foolish. I'll find a way to clear your name. The Black family—you'll be part of it again."
Sirius managed a bitter smile. "Black family… hahaha. That home was bought by the Earl. What Black family? I've been disowned—no inheritance. All I have is some Galleons in a private vault. I'd look like a fool asking Narcissa for proceeds from selling Black property."
Dana shook his head thoughtfully. He saw how little Sirius understood: his name had never truly been erased from the family tree. Moreover, Dana had bought every bit of Black property—so that one day, he could give it all back.
He really thought Black family property was rare!
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