Chapter 44: Legendary Suit Salesman

Chapter 44: Legendary Suit Salesman

Hearing Harry's name, Sirius seemed momentarily lost, his gaze uncontrollably drawn to the newspaper in Leon's hand.

"Would you perhaps like to... change first?" Leon asked, feeling slightly awkward. "Frankly, I'm not accustomed to having conversations like this..."

With a ripple of movement, the ragged form of Sirius Black stood before Leon. He was even thinner than he'd appeared in Azkaban, his hair more matted and tangled. The only thing unchanged were his bright, intense eyes.

Facing Sirius's almost burning gaze, Leon remained unruffled. He calmly handed over the newspaper. "Potter has his mother's eyes, but he has his father's courage too. He's a fine lad, Mr. Black."

In the photograph, Harry, dressed in his neat black suit, blinked awkwardly at the camera, looking slightly uncomfortable.

Sirius took the paper, staring blankly at the image of his godson. The sharpness in his eyes softened unconsciously. He read the article slowly, almost greedily, savouring every word. By the time he finished, his eyes were glistening.

"I've had some clean clothes prepared for you," Leon said, waiting patiently for Sirius to compose himself. "If you wouldn't mind, you could have a bath first. If I don't treat you properly, Professor Lupin will surely scold me for neglecting his friend."

Sirius looked even more surprised. "Lupin?"

Leon smiled and nodded, pointing to a photograph hanging on the wall inside the shop. "The Professor is out on business today, otherwise you could have seen your old friend immediately. He'll be back tomorrow afternoon, however."

Following Leon's gesture, Sirius noticed the photograph, his face registering disbelief. It was a picture of two men. Lupin, wearing a black suit identical to the one Leon had given Sirius, was smiling warmly. Beside him stood Moody, dressed in the same attire, scowling fiercely at the camera.

Beneath the photo, a line of elegant script read:

"Shelby Arms Security Directors: Remus John Lupin, Alastor Moody."

Shaken yet again, Sirius whipped his head back towards Leon. "Moody too?"

Have I been locked away for so long that I've lost touch completely? he wondered. Has Voldemort returned? Why else would the old Order members be gathering again? But why have they all abandoned their wizard robes?

Seeing the picture of Lupin and Moody, however, finally eased the tension in Sirius's shoulders. His wariness towards Leon began to dissipate.

"Thank you," Sirius nodded gratefully, then followed Leon towards the back of the shop.

The area behind the shop front had been converted into a warehouse. Upstairs was a large living area with several rooms. Leon snapped his fingers, and one of his men appeared seemingly out of nowhere, politely guiding Sirius towards a bathroom. Leon sat down at a long table in the living room, waiting patiently to deliver his classic line. He had practiced it enough now to sound both sincere and effortless.

When Sirius reappeared, clean-shaven, dressed in a crisp white shirt, black suit, and polished black shoes, the legendary suit salesman, Leon Shelby, stood up.

"Mr. Black," he declared, "you were born to wear that suit!"

This time, Leon wasn't just saying it. The elegant suit perfectly accentuated Sirius's natural, roguish charm, erasing years of hardship.

Sirius sat down opposite Leon, about to speak, but Leon preempted him with another snap of his fingers. An associate appeared instantly, placing a large steaming pot on the table.

"It must have been a difficult journey," Leon said warmly. "Those Ministry Aurors aren't easy to evade. If I'm not mistaken, you probably haven't had a decent meal in days."

Sirius inwardly replied, Actually, that bone wasn't half bad.

"Let's eat while we talk," Leon gestured to the pot. "These bones have been stewing for hours. The meat just falls off."

Leon casually tossed another photograph onto the table – the same one he had sent to Lupin and Moody.

The moment Sirius saw the greasy rat lurking in the corner of the picture, his face contorted into a mask of pure fury. Ice-cold words escaped from between his clenched teeth.

"Pet... ti... grew!"

He began to tremble uncontrollably, his breathing harsh and ragged. He slammed his fists onto the table, his voice a low, broken snarl. "James... Lily... How dare he... How dare he go near Harry..."

"After Voldemort disappeared, the Death Eaters were hunted," Leon interjected quickly, trying to calm him. "That rat wouldn't dare show his face openly. Harry is safe. I will keep an eye on him. Harry will not be harmed."

Perhaps recalling Leon's ruthless efficiency in the alleyway earlier, Sirius took a long, shuddering breath, visibly relaxing. He had initially thought Leon's methods were overly brutal, his willingness to kill too quick. But now... now it seemed decisive. Resolute.

Lupin has found himself a fine student, Sirius thought, looking at Leon with newfound respect.

"All these years, Peter has been hiding with the Weasley family," Leon continued. "It was pure chance he was brought out by the youngest Weasley son this year. This is our opportunity. If we capture him, we can clear your name..."

"That doesn't matter!" Sirius interrupted fiercely. "What matters is avenging James and Lily! And protecting Harry! I can sneak into Hogwarts. I'll find that animal. I'll kill him!"

Leon shrugged noncommittally. He let Sirius rage for a moment, then spoke a single sentence that stopped him cold.

"Dumbledore sent Harry to live with his Muggle aunt. He was practically abused growing up. I think... he needs a godfather who can be there for him, openly. Someone who truly loves him."

Sirius fell silent, the fight draining out of him. After a long moment, he let out a heavy sigh. But Leon noticed the despair in his eyes had lessened slightly. Perhaps he now saw a reason to live.

"We could find a way to get you into Hogwarts," Leon conceded, "but I see no need to take unnecessary risks. We can wait until the end of the school year. On Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, in front of everyone, we expose the rat for what he is."

"Which means," Leon concluded, "until the end of term, you must remain hidden. Find somewhere safe to lie low."

Sirius considered Leon's analysis for a long time before finally giving a firm nod. "Alright. I can hide."

"As for where," Leon's smile held a hint of cunning, "you needn't worry about that either. My manor in Birmingham is heavily guarded. Professor Lupin and Mad-Eye have added several concealment charms. You can stay there for the time being. And if you get bored... I've taken in quite a few young wizards from orphanages. Perhaps you could teach them a thing or two."

Sirius blinked, then nodded without hesitation.

"Taking in orphans..." The admiration in his voice was unmistakable. "You're a good lad. A true Gryffindor. When I see Remus tomorrow, I'm sure he'll boast endlessly about having a student like you."

Surrounded by Gryffindors for so long, Black naturally assumed Leon was one too.

Leon just smiled. "Well, about that..."