Harry's week passed by in a blur of annoyance and hostility. Smith had been furious to learn that she would be forced to house Harry for another week. To make matters worse he had no one at Cherish Home to talk to confide in any longer. Remus had also given Seamus a chance to go to Hogwarts Boys Home and surprisingly enough the teen had agreed.
Harry was left at Cherish Home to await the release of his godfather. Smith forced him to attend all of his lessons plus some he hadn't even signed up for. After his lessons she shipped him off with one of the workers to a Rehab clinic.
He had a different meeting to attend everyday that week. Harry remained impassive in the meetings, down right refusing to participate in any of the discussion. By Friday Harry was about to go mental and cause a scene that would have Smith regretting the day she had admitted him.
Thankfully his fit was deterred by the appearance of his social worker. Remus came Friday evening to inform Harry that Sirius' court date would be Saturday morning and custody would be handled there.
Harry had been so happy about the news that he didn't notice the sad look on the adults face nor did he pay much attention when Remus left saying he would be back in the morning. That night seemed to drag on longer than any other evening in his life.
He could hardly eat a thing at dinner because his nerves were shooting through the roof. Sleeping was impossible, so Harry chose to pack the few belongings he did have. Smith and her cohorts had gotten rid of more than just his stash. The had also felt it necessary to get rid of some of his more beat up clothing. They hadn't bothered to get him anything to replace what they had gotten rid of.
Once he was completely packed Harry paced around the room. He couldn't help but think about where he and Sirius would live or if his godfather would force him to attend school and that such nonsense.
Finally at three in the morning the teen fell into a restless sleep. Despite his late night he had little trouble waking up at six. He rushed through his shower and dragged his small bag to the waiting room of Cherish Home. There he sat, anxiously awaiting Remus's arrival.
It seemed like hours he waited for Remus's Volvo to pull into the lot. It took even longer for the social worker to sign him out and get Harry's bag in the car. Harry was ecstatic by the time they were on their way to the court house.
Remus didn't bother to try and distract the teen with conversation. He could tell that Harry was miles away, his thoughts revolving solely around his godfather.
While it had seemed to take forever for the night to go by, the time before they would enter the court seemed to fly. Harry found himself unable to sit still in his seat as two guards led Sirius in. Harry smiled brightly at the man who meant so much to him, yet Sirius barely met his eyes. Confused Harry looked to Remus, yet he too seemed to be avoiding his eyes.
Harry was stopped from questioning by the judges voice.
"We are hear to discuss the release of Sirius Black and his custodial rights in regards to, Minor Harry James Potter. Mr. Black if you would stand." Harry watched as Sirius stood.
"Mr. Black the court has deemed you eligible for early release due to good behavior. You have served the minimum time for the crime in which you were found guilty. Do you understand Mr. Black that should you be found in possession of any narcotics you will be returned to jail and force to serve full time."
"Yes sir."
"Mr. Black, do you understand that upon conclusion of this hearing you will have a parole officer which you will meet and discuss any provisions on your freedom?"
"Yes sir."
"Mr. Black do you understand that violation of your parole will be punished by returning to prison?"
"Yes sir."
"Then this court pronounces Mr. Sirius Black free and on parole for two years time. Now I understand that there is a custody issue." At this Sirius' lawyer stood and Harry watched as his godfather's head lowered.
"Your honor, my client has decided that it would be within the minor's best interest for him to relinquish custody completely." Harry's heart stopped.
"Is this true Mr. Black?" Harry stared at Sirius, silently begging him to contradict his stupid lawyer. The man honestly had no idea what he was talking about.
"Yes." Remus grabbed his arm but he hardly noticed.
"Then it is the decision of this court that Harry James Potter is now a ward of the state and Sirius Black no longer holds any custodial rights. Court Dismissed." The sound of the gavel falling broke Harry out of his daze. He was out of his seat before Remus could even stop him.
"Sirius!" Harry yelled, yet the man didn't turn. "Damn it Sirius!"
Finally his godfather turned to face him. Harry had pushed his way through the people that stood between him and his godfather.
"What are you doing! Why are you doing this!" Harry hardly recognized the desperation in his voice. It seemed to have the affect he wanted, as Sirius finally looked at him.
"Harry you need to calm down," Sirius began.
"NO I WON'T!" Harry's yelling had caused most in the court room to stop and watch.
"Listen to me Harry, this is for the best." The teen couldn't understand how Sirius could act so calm. Didn't he understand what had just happened. Didn't he know that he was about to loose him.
"No..."
"I need to get better Harry and I can't do that while I take care of you." The comment hurt worse than any slap ever had.
"I can help you! Remember we can help each other!" Harry could hear the terror joining the desperation in his voice but he didn't care at the moment. He had to get Sirius to remember his promise.
"I can't take care of you, Harry you deserve so much better than I can give you." It sounded like Sirius truly believed that.
"I don't need anyone to take care of me!" Sirius kneeled down in front of him placing his hands gently on his face. One look at his eyes and Harry was certain that Sirius was about to take back everything he had just said. He would tell the judge this was all a misunderstanding and he would take Harry home.
"Harry, you know I love you more than anything else in this world. Your parents were my best friends and I am so blessed that I have had you. I don't know where I would be if it weren't for you." Harry nodded at this and Sirius's eyes got watery. Harry was surprised that his godfather like him was fighting off tears.
Sirius never cried. He hadn't cried when Harry's parents had died. He hadn't cried when he was taken to jail. Harry had never seen the man cry.
"That's why I have to do this Harry. I want you to have everything in life, but I can't give it to you. I'm not even sure if I can take care of myself."
"Sirius...please...stop" His voice was sounded choked.
"Remus is going to take you to a new place, where you can really start over."
"Don't leave me! I need you." Harry gave up fighting back his tears and allowed them to fall freely down his face.
"Mr. Black, we need you to finish signing the paperwork." The lawyer sounded quiet and hesitant.
"Go away! He doesn't need any of that shit!"
"Come on Harry, It's time to go." Remus was beginning to pull him away. He was pulling him away from Sirius.
"Don't let them take me! Sirius, please!" Harry's voice shook with broken sobs. He tried to fight against Remus but he was to weak. His broken sobs seemed to echo in the all to quiet court room.
"I'm so sorry." With that Sirius Black turned and left his godson's life.