Sirius Black

Note: Before the In Your Absence flood begins

[Sirius had his room changed to his post-Hogwarts flat once he became a Warden, but today, he sits on a narrow bed that looks suspiciously like the one from the Potter house bedroom he once shared with James. The bed that was his original Inmate bed on the Barge. He sits indian-style with a moving photograph of himself, James, and Lily from the Potter wedding on his lap.]

I wasn't sure I'd ever have reason to announce this. Not because of my Inmate, but because of myself. I wasn't sure I had it in me to help someone. But I'm pleased to announce that Merope Gaunt has graduated. We've been working steadily on her magic for a month now. She's learned everything she needed to learn in order to leave this place. She's earned her second chance. And she's helped me to earn mine.

[He smiles a little, sadly.]

I know I officially earned my second chance when I graduated, when Severus Snape managed to put aside his feelings toward me and help me see the truth about myself. But the real truth is, nothing was ever going to feel right for me until I could save my best mate. Until I could save James and Lily Potter, I was never going to feel like I had succeeded here.

[He looks down at the photograph.]

I'm going back, now, to face the rest of my life. A life I know will be bloody terrible, but also bloody great, because in the end, the right side is going to win. My godson is going to defeat Voldemort. James and Lily are going to live again. I'm going to be with them. All of that is worth Azkaban, worth feigning death at the hands of my darling cousin, all of it. Even living at my dreaded family home. At least Moony will be there. I can't wait to see Moony again.

[He looks up at the camera again.]

The Barge has taught me so many things. I can only hope I remember even a fraction of the lessons learned here when I wake up in my cell in Azkaban. When I make my escape, when I fulfill my end of the storybook bargain. I hope I remember the people I've met, and the friends I've made, and even the fact that Severus bloody Snape and Merope Gaunt were the two people who gave me my second chance.

So, farewell, Barge. Don't let the floods and ports break you - they always end. Sometimes they even have a purpose. Believe in yourself - whether you're a Warden or an Inmate. Anything is possible. [He tips an invisible hat to the camera and the feed cuts out.]

[Private to Merope]

My offer will always stand, no matter how much time passes in any reality - you will always have a place with me. Granted, that place will most likely be in some secret hidey-hole whilst I pretend to be dead, but it will be a place nonetheless. I plan on eventually putting the family money to good use, so expect an enormous seaside resort filled with windows and light when all things are allowed to be revealed.

I know I've said this already, but I'm incredibly proud of you. Also, there's something I want to show you that I've never shown anyone...ever. It will require a bit of time travel, but I'm sure the Admiral won't mind.

[Private to Hoffman]

So, I've never spoken to you before, but my name is Sirius Black. Your new Warden is a dear friend of mine. Play nice and do what he tells you to do. He's a good man and he'll do right by you if you let him.

Bugger with him, and you'll answer to me.