Chapter 181: Departure
Although the Ministry of Magic ultimately bowed to pressure from the Black–Selwyn faction, infuriating the Rich–Lestrange alliance, it gained significant public support in the wizarding world. While the Ministry's reputation took a blow among pure-blood families, the outcome was widely praised by the general populace.
For Cornelius Fudge, it was a blessing in disguise. For Phineas, the affair felt less irritating than expected.
Sirius's release was no surprise to Phineas. He had anticipated it from the start and felt little emotional attachment to the outcome. But for Harry, the moment held deeper meaning—this was his godfather.
That day, Phineas found Harry.
"Harry."
"Phineas?" Harry looked up, puzzled. He and Ron were playing wizard chess in the Great Hall.
Phineas smiled. "Tomorrow, Sirius will be released. I thought you might want to be there to meet him."
Harry's eyes lit up. "Really? You mean—I can actually go?"
"Of course," said Phineas. "I think Sirius would rather see you than anyone else when he walks free."
Harry nodded eagerly. "I'll go!"
"Good. I'll find you at breakfast tomorrow," Phineas added. "Oh—and remember to dress warmly. The weather near Azkaban is... unpleasant."
It was important that Phineas go to retrieve Sirius. The Black family's ancestral home—Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place—was protected by a Fidelius Charm. If Phineas didn't accompany Sirius, the man might emerge from Azkaban only to find his home inaccessible.
Of course, Sirius had also purchased a place of his own after being disowned by the Black family. He had stayed with the Potters for a time, but it would've been uncomfortable to remain after James and Lily married.
The next morning, Harry rose early, bundled up, and went to wait in the Great Hall.
Breakfast hadn't started yet, and most students were still asleep. Harry sat alone at the Gryffindor table, reading from his Defence Against the Dark Arts textbook. He'd grown fond of the subject—though Professor Quirrell was jittery and distracted, the material was useful.
Unlike Harry, who had barely slept from excitement, Phineas was calm. He had no strong feelings about Sirius's return. That indifference puzzled many who followed the events closely.
After all, it was well known that Phineas and Sirius had met only a few times. With Sirius being the eldest Black and now a legal adult, his return meant Phineas would lose his control over the Black family estate for the foreseeable future.
Many pure-blood families couldn't understand why Phineas had gone to such lengths—capturing Pettigrew, pressuring the Ministry—all seemingly to free someone who might undermine him. Though their opposition failed, they continued to speculate about future infighting within the Black family.
Around seven o'clock, when a few pastries had appeared on the long tables, Phineas entered the hall.
"Phineas, you're here!" Harry stood up quickly. "When are we leaving? How are we getting there?"
"Don't rush. Eat something first," Phineas said, sitting casually at the Gryffindor table and biting into a pastry.
Harry, though impatient, sat back down and nibbled on a scone. But Phineas ate slowly, savoring each bite. Harry eventually couldn't sit still.
"Okay, I'm ready—let's go!"
As Harry got up and headed toward the entrance, Phineas reached out and caught his sleeve.
"No need to rush."
Harry looked confused. "Then how are we getting there?"
"This is the wizarding world, Harry. We're wizards. We can use magic."
As he spoke, Phineas snapped his fingers, and Puff appeared beside him with a respectful bow.
"Master."
Harry blinked. "Who's this?"
"This is Puff, my house-elf. House-elves are magical servants—most pure-blood families have a few. I bought Puff when I was young. She'll take us to the Ministry to meet Sirius."
Then, turning to Harry, Phineas said, "Hold onto me. No matter what happens, don't let go."
Still uncertain, Harry gripped Phineas's sleeve tightly. Phineas held Puff's hand, and with another snap of her fingers, the three vanished from Hogwarts.
They reappeared on a quiet, windswept path.
Phineas, accustomed to Apparition, remained unfazed. Harry, however, immediately crouched down and began to vomit.
Phineas chuckled and patted his back.
"You'll get used to it. It's always rough the first time. It's better when you learn to cast it yourself."
After a while, Harry stood up, pale but composed. "Is there no other way to travel in the magical world?"
"There are," Phineas said thoughtfully. "The two most common are Apparition and Floo Powder. The Black family even owns shares in the Floo Network, now that I think about it."