Sirius had been waiting all day. Pacing back and forth in the entrance hall of Malfoy manor, carving a groove in the stone floor.

It had been days since Dumbledore's death, and he had been trapped without Harry and barely any news. Already he had been doubting his decisions, unsure if Voldemort would hold true to his word and let Harry go.

Finally, after hours of waiting, his head snapped up as the front door creaked open.

"Special delivery," a voice sung, tauntingly.

Sirius' blood ran cold.

He at once locked eyes onto his Godson. If anything, Harry looked smaller and more fragile then before. Sirius' heart ached, his nerves shot to pieces as he took one longing step forwards.

Harry looked torn between amazement at his new location, and being hyper aware that Bellatrix was holding onto him.

"Let go of him!" Sirius snarled.

Bellatrix's grip tightened, vice like, on Harry's shoulder.

"But I haven't said goodbye yet," her eyes were shinning, daring him to act.

Sirius took a step forwards, hesitating slightly.

"Get out!" he hissed.

Bellatrix ignored him, jerking Harry closer as she knelt down.

"Can I come and visit you?" she asked, her grin wide and frightening.

"No, you cannot." Sirius spat, conflicted between taking another step forward and provoking Bellatrix.

Her grin widened, her eyes sparking with cruelty as she glanced over at Sirius. Her nails tightened into Harry's shoulder.

"I'm asking nicely," she said. "And Harry will miss me, won't you?"

Harry didn't even attempt to move away, he nodded obediently, face disturbingly expressionless.

Sirius couldn't take it anymore.

"Harry come here," Sirius instructed.

Harry looked hesitant, torn between Bellatrix's frightening embrace and Sirius' instruction.

"You're not allowed to harm him anymore," Sirius reminded.

Bellatrix sighed dramatically, finally letting go of Harry as she stood. Her whole demeanour changing, annoyed by her restrictions, that her favourite toy was being taken from her.

She stood, wand drawn with dark eyes.

"Just because you have control over the boy, don't think it changes anything," she hissed.

Amazingly, Bellatrix did nothing as Harry walked obediently towards Sirius. Although Voldemort had sworn Sirius would have authority over Harry, he never expected it to work so well. Particularly when it came to Bellatrix.

It hurt Sirius to the core when Harry came to a halt beside him, stony faced without saying a word. It only reminded him the cruelty that his Godson had been forced to endure.

Sirius didn't know what to expect, he was sort of hoping Harry would smile and to greet him, hug him even. It nearly wrenched him apart, but he had Bellatrix to deal with first.

Sirius positioned himself carefully, readying himself to transform, barely noticing when Harry stepped away from him.

"I haven't forgotten the incident with the mirror," Sirius stated coolly.

"Harry needed to be punished," Bellatrix laughed. "Isn't that right, Harry?"

"Yes," Harry answered automatically, eyes closing momentarily.

Sirius snarled, and now Harry flinched.

"I'd rather not see a blood bath in my own home," a sharp voice interrupted.

It had been a long time since Sirius had seen Narcissa, but she was still as elegantly dressed as ever. Stunning white hair, falling down the back of her deep green robes. She stepped across the entrance, boots clicking across the floor.

"Potter is now a guest in my home. Stop traumatising the boy, both of you," she scolded.

"But Cissy," Bellatrix pouted, sparks spitting from her wand.

Sirius froze at this, barely registering that Harry was just as afraid of him as he was Bellatrix. Sure enough, Harry had retreated.

"Draco," Narcissa called.

Harry's expression lifted in an instant.

Draco appeared behind his mother, looking curiously at Sirius before his own eyes shifted to Harry and he grinned.

"Yes, mother?"

"Take Harry to his room, I will have Dobby call you when dinner is ready."

Harry left without needing to be told twice and Sirius ran a hand through his hair.

Speaking to James had always been so natural, so why was he having such difficultly with knowing how to react around Harry.

"Bella," Narcissa greeted with a slight nod. "Lucius would like a word in the drawing room."

"You always have to spoil the fun, Cissy," Bellatrix pouted, before sauntering past Sirius with a sickening grin.

Sirius was still tempted to change into Padfoot and rip her limb to limb, and he would have done if Narcissa hadn't distracted him.

"You have no tact," she clipped, walking across to him.

Sirius glared at her, not appreciating her criticism the situation.

"Shut up."
"You need to be more encouraging with the boy. It'll hardly do Potter any good if you keep acting like a wild animal," Narcissa said.

Sirius clenched his fists, shaking. He knew he needed to balance his moments with Harry carefully, but Bellatrix made his blood boil. Narcissa seemed to read his mind as she expanded stiffly.

"You need to put aside your differences with Bellatrix when the boy is present. You'll only push him away otherwise."

"You don't need to tell me how to act," Sirius responded coldly.

Her eyes narrowed.
"Apparently I do, if you plan on getting yourself killed however, there is little I can do."

"I'm not going to get myself killed."

"Even so, I have no intention of raising your Godson if you are incapable."

"I am not incapable!"

Narcissa's gaze only sharpened. "All I'm saying is if you continue to pick fights with everyone when Potter is around, it'll do him no good. He only knows violence."

Sirius clenched his fists furiously, resisting the urge to pull out his wand.

"Don't you dare blame me for Harry's reactions. You're the ones that destroyed his childhood completely," he snarled.

"Harry is an abused boy, of course he is going to be wary of you. Particularly after that idiotic stunt with Pettigrew," she stated.

"He deserved what was coming to him," Sirius growled. "Harry deserved better."

"And yet Pettigrew was the one person who showed Potter the faintest glimpse of what it could be" Narcissa retorted coldly.

"What-?" Sirius felt ice consume him as rage filled his vision. "That rat took everything from him."

"True," She didn't even hesitate. "However, he also gave Potter everything he could, even if it was a minimum."

"It doesn't matter what Peter did," Sirius said coldly. "It'll never make up for what he did to Harry."

"Maybe not, but he mattered to Potter a lot more than he will ever admit, and you shouldn't forget that."

Sirius was grinding his teeth. He didn't feel cut out for this, he just wanted to make sure Harry was happy. That was his only priority.

XXXXXXXXXX

"This is my room," Draco said as Harry followed him into the huge bedroom.

Harry stared in awe. Leaning against Draco's cupboard was an expanse of books, while the cupboard itself was heavily laden with items Harry had never seen before.

Harry's jaw dropped. "But, it's got so many things in it?"

Draco smirked, chest puffing up.

"Father has promised me another broom for my birthday."

Harry couldn't understand how Draco could be so lucky.

"Do people normally get things on their birthday's?" Harry asked with a frown.

"You mean, you've never had a birthday present?" Draco was practically gaping at him now.

Harry shook his head feeling rather stupid. Thankfully, Draco didn't push any further.

"Come on, I'll show you your room."

Draco led him to a room down the corridor.

"It doesn't have as much in it as my own of course-"

"It's amazing!"

Harry ran forward, ignoring the smart bed and few pieces of furniture which occupied it.

"You do know you're looking out of the window, and not at your room?" Draco questioned, brow furrowed.
Harry just grinned madly, as he balanced on the window sill. "This is brilliant. Is this really mine?"

He had a real window in his room.

Draco raised an eyebrow.

"If you're that obsessed, why don't we just go outside?"

Harry tensed, heart racing as he turned away from the glass.

He bit his lip anxiously. "I'll have to ask Sirius."

Peter's bloodied corpse flashed before his eyes, Black's teeth squeezing into his neck as blood seeped forth.

Draco voice interrupted Harry's thoughts. "To be honest, I wouldn't even bother asking if I were you."

"I can't do that," Harry said, he wasn't quite ready to deal with Sirius yet.

Draco gave him a funny look. "We can just walk through the front door. No one will notice."

Harry shuffled on his feet. "You mean it isn't locked?"

"Why would it be locked, anyway, you said you've always wanted to fly, right?"

Harry's heart was racing with excitement. He'd never imagined he'd really be able to go outside whenever he wanted, let alone fly. He expected Draco to laugh at this, make fun of his misgivings, however what he got was the complete opposite.

"Well, why don't we make this more interesting?" Draco grinned. "I'm not supposed to fly unsupervised and sneaking out is always more fun, how about some night time Quidditch after dinner?"
Harry gaped. "You mean real flying?"

Draco just grinned.

XXXXXXXXXX

Sirius glanced nervously at the large grandfather clock.

"Harry hasn't come down for dinner."

Draco fidgeted at this, looking as if he wanted to say something, but thought otherwise when his father gave him a look.

Sirius glanced over to Narcissa.

"Maybe I should go and get him?" he asked tentatively.

"I thought you made it clear you didn't want our advice," Lucius Malfoy stated coldly.

Sirius glared at him, resisting the urge to throw his knife at the death eaters neck. Instead, he stood, fists slamming onto the tabletop, which caused the cutlery to rattle, before proceeding out of the room.

Sure enough, it didn't take Sirius long to find Harry. He was in his new room and had his nose buried in a book. Harry had also moved his pillows up onto his window sill and was perched precariously on its ledge, a dozen more books lay littered across the floor.

"Harry," Sirius called.

Harry jumped a mile, nearly falling off the window sill. He stood in an instant, face covered in guilt as he scrabbled around to tidy up the books. It was a face Sirius was painfully reminded of, James had used it often enough when either caught in the act, or trying to guilt trip someone himself.

"Are you going to come down and eat something?" Sirius asked.

Harry stood, looking totally lost at his question.

"Come on," Sirius gestured, when Harry didn't respond.

Fortunately, Harry followed him downstairs. It was unnerving how quiet his Godson was, and disturbing how Harry had tensed the moment he had seen Lucius Malfoy sitting at the dinner table.

Sirius immediately regretted his decision, but it didn't help that Harry was so thin. Sirius would have to find some other arrangement, but this would do for now.

"Harry," Sirius tried after five minutes of no success, "You have to eat something."

Harry ignored him, pushing his food around with his fork.

Instead of eating anything, Harry placed his cutlery down.

"Can I go?" he asked stiffly.

Sirius desperately wanted to make sure Harry ate something, but he hated how Harry looked so uncomfortable with the situation.

Sirius' own mother would have made him eat every last thing on his plate and he'd hated her for it.

Harry was nothing but skin and bones.

"Just have something," Sirius tried again.

Harry didn't reply to this.

"I will have the house elf bring you something for supper," Narcissa cut across him. "You may leave."

Harry looked relieved, as Draco squirmed.

"I want to go too!"

"No, finish your dinner," Lucius Malfoy said, narrow eyes locked on his wife, he didn't look impressed.

XXXXXXXXXX

"I do not appreciate you letting the boy get what he wants," Lucius said coldly when they were finally alone in the room.

Narcissa round on her husband furiously.

"He is only a boy. Beaten down by my darling sister and yourself. He is in my home now and regardless of Black's authority over him. I will not let you damage him any further."

"You expect me to treat him like a son?" Lucius hissed.

"I expect nothing of the sort," Narcissa responded coolly. "However, I ask that you remember he is only Draco's age."

"That is irrelevant," Lucius stated coolly.

"Then consider this," she said. "If your situation was reversed, and it had been your son at the mercy of the Dark Lord and Black had been one to punish him, what would you do?"

Lucius didn't reply at first, his fists clenched as he paused on the threshold to the hall.

"I would murder Black in cold blood."

Narcissa barely flinched. "Then I suggest you tread carefully, with both Black and the boy."

XXXXXXXXXX

Harry was lying in the grass. Sprawled out on his back, fingers covered in mud as he pulled out tufts of neat blades.

A shadow cast over him, blocking out the bright moon light.

"You're fifthly!"

Harry opened his eyes, squinting up at the pale face of Draco.

He grinned. "So?"

He knew Draco's father would be furious, but he just couldn't bring himself to care.

Draco wrinkled his nose.

"I'm not letting you ride my broom again if you're covered in mud,"

Harry sat up grinning, savouring the ground which lay beneath him. "That's okay, as long as we can fly again tomorrow night?"

Draco nodded enthusiastically.

"I've never known someone to be so natural at it, how did you manage to do that dive?"

Harry beamed at him. Flying had been beyond his wildest imaginations, he'd never been that high, nor felt as much wind throughout his hair, ever.

If life was going to be like this from now on, he would always be happy.

XXXXXXXXXX

Sirius stood by the window which overlooked the large expanse of nearly cut grass. It was dark and the stars were shinning.

A short distance away, lit up by moonlight, Harry sat talking happily with Draco, Draco's broom resting on the grass beside them. Sirius would have to get Harry his own broom.

Harry was grinning, which only caused Sirius' heart to ache painfully, things had never meant to turn out this way.

Harry looked so much like his father, despite the few scars that cut across his face.

There was a loud crack beside as a house elf appeared beside him.

"Master Black, sir," Dobby bowed down low, his long spindly fingers were heavily wrapped in bandages.

Sirius looked away from Harry, startled by the small elf as he held up a small sandwich.

"It's his favourite, sir." Dobby smiled encouragingly.

"It is?" Sirius asked suprised.

Dobby nodded enthusiastically. "We used to watch him, whenever he was in the kitchens."

Sirius turned to the elf, his stomach churning. "Did Harry have to feed himself?"

Dobby's face dropped instantly to look ashamed. No wonder Harry had refused to eat any dinner.

"Forgive me, Master Black," he stuttered, "But the Dark Lord forbid us from every interacting with Master Harry."

Sirius swore, staring back towards Harry, feeling even more guilty. Dobby shuffled anxiously by his side, which reminded Sirius of something.

"Thank you by the way," Sirius said softly. "For taking Harry the mirror."

Dobby squeaked, his eyes wide with praise as he bounced up and down.

"Anything for Master Potter," Dobby said excitedly. "When Kreacher asked Dobby what Master Black wanted, Dobby was all too happy to help, sir."

Sirius glanced at the elves bruised face and his ironed hands.

"I'm sorry you had to punish yourself for it."

However, Dobby grin only widened. "Master Potter is worth making happy, plus now Dobby is allowed to speak to Master Potter."

"You can call him Harry by the way, I think he'd prefer that," Sirius replied.

This seemed to set the elf into over excitement as he nearly fell over.

Sirius watched Dobby regain his balance, with a heavy sigh as he stared down at the sandwich. It was going to take a lot of work to make things right.

He turned back to where Harry and Draco were sitting, only to have his heart stop. They were gone.

There was a large bang from the main entrance.

Sirius swore, darting into the hall to find Lucius Malfoy pulling both his son and Harry inside.

"What are you doing?" Sirius demanded.

"Potter needs to be punished, severely," Lucius said coldly.

Sirius glanced down at Harry, who had his head hung down in shame, he was absolutely covered in mud.

"Why?" Sirius bit out, curling his fists in rage.

"Potter is not allowed outside," Lucius stated automatically, his voice cool. "This is my house, and he will obey my rules."

Harry didn't flinch at this, but his eyes betrayed his emotions as his head shot up. Draco looked annoyed, as he crossed his arms stubbornly.

"Did I ask your opinion?" Sirius snapped, "I have authority over Harry, and I don't care how much he goes outside."

Harry eyes lit up in confusion, as Draco shot his father a smirk.

"And you are in my house, Black," Lucius hissed. "If you won't obey my rules, I will have you chained up like the mutt that you are."

"Go on then," Sirius snarled. "That still doesn't change the conditions on Harry."

"Fine," Lucius narrowed his eyes, as his lips curled up cruelly.

"Draco, you are forbidden from leaving the house, your broomstick will also be confiscated until Potter will learn that this is my house, despite what Black thinks."

"What?" Draco protested. "You can't do that!"

"It's fine," Harry stated numbly, but his voice gave everything away. "I'll stay inside."

Sirius wanted to kill Lucius, how dare he manipulate Harry.

"It's alright," Sirius said, barely holding his temper still. "I'm pretty sure Narcissa won't agree."

Sirius hit gold as Lucius' eyes narrowed furiously.

"Come on Harry," he gestured to the door. "I'll show you which one is the dog star."

Harry looked torn, as he glanced back towards Draco anxiously.

Lucius Malfoy however had other ideas.

"Draco, go to bed at once," he snapped.

XXXXXXXXXX

Harry looked up at the moon, still reflecting its light across the grounds. It was amazing to still be outside, feeling the breeze of the wind on his face, the soft ground beneath his feet.

He'd never really realised how cold outside could be. He shivered, pulling his arms around himself tightly. It didn't bother him though, he'd rather be cold and outside then trapped indoors.

Sirius noticed.

"Here," he removed his cloak and swivelled it around Harry's shoulders.

Harry practically sagged from the weight of it, but he immediately stopped shivering. Sirius knelt down and placed both hands on either side of Harry's shoulders.

Harry would have flinched away, he didn't like the contact. But Bellatrix had long since taught him to remain still and obedient.

The man looked like he was struggling, chewing his tongue.

"I'm sorry Harry, I guess we're both new to this."

Harry blinked, not understanding what the man meant. Sirius was certainly odd, and Harry couldn't figure out what he was supposed to do. Bellatrix always loved to play games, anything to tease or taunt him would always cheer her up. Lucius Malfoy was always more subdued, but always in control, demanding that Harry do this or that.

Sirius was just unpredictable, he had torn Peter limb to limb one minute and then tried to protect Harry the next. It was unnerving and Harry didn't know which was his true face. At least with the Death Eaters they were standard, easy to predict.

Sirius sighed, watching Harry intently as he stared back, not sure whether he should make eye contact or look away.

"You never deserve to be punished," Sirius pressed. "No matter what anyone says, particularly Lucius Malfoy."

Harry knew that wasn't true. He pushed Sirius's hand off his shoulder, upset that Sirius was lying to him.

Peter had said he could trust Sirius, but how could he do this, when he couldn't trust Peter.

Sirius' arm fell to his side, almost like he had expected Harry's rejection.

"I'm so sorry, Harry. I've really let you down, this should never have happened to you. I promised your mother and father I'd look after you, if anything every happened to them," Sirius said quietly.

Harry really didn't want to do this, not now, but Sirius seemed adamant at continuing.

"I'm not sorry for what I did to that rat," Sirius said, it seemed like he was exhausting all of his effort to remain level headed. "I even wish I could be sorry that I've taken him from you, but I'm not."

Harry nodded his head, ever so slightly. He knew Peter was now the reason behind his imprisonment, but he still was torn between grief and a odd indifference.

"Why did you come back for me?" Harry asked.

Sirius remained kneeling down, and pure shock flicking across his face.

"You're my Godson, Harry. I'm meant to look after you, no matter what happens."

"But now you're trapped here with me?" Harry asked.

Sirius face was deadly calm. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

Harry looked away, not sure how to deal with this.

Fortunately, Sirius also looked away, staring up at the stars.

"That one is Sirius," he pointed upwards. Harry didn't look up, still trying to understand what Sirius wanted from him. Sirius' arm fell to his side, almost like he was disappointed with Harry's lack of interest.

"Your father was an amazing Quidditch player," Sirius tested.

Harry's head tilted up in surprise, before realising what he'd done and promptly turning back. Sirius however, noticed.

"I don't suppose Peter told you much about your parents?"

Harry was still for a moment, but he'd given his curiosity away, instead he gave up and shook his head very slightly. Although, he was still felt like he was going to be eaten at any second.

"Well, I guess the most interesting place to start is with Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs."

"Wormtail," Harry said. "That's Peter?"

Sirius nodded, "I'm Padfoot, Moony is the werewolf, which then leaves your father, he was a stag"

Harry bit his lip, a million questions juggling in his head at once.

"My dad was an animagis too?"

Sirius grinned.

"Your father was much more than an animagis, he was a Marauder."

Sirius settled down on the lawn, mud now speckling his own clothes. Harry stared wide eyed at him, no other grown-up he knew would ever dare get anything as filthy as mud on them.

Sirius pattered the ground beside him.

"Of course, I'll have to tell you about your mother too. Lily certainly gave James a run for his money."

Harry sat down, absolutely captivated. Peter was always so reserved, to see Sirius brimming with so much enthusiasm was just unreal.

"So what's a Marauder?" Harry asked tentatively.

XXXXXXXXXX

It had been several months since Harry had come to Malfoy Manor and he was buzzing with excitement. The day he'd only dreamed of was really happening. Even when he had received his Howarts letter on his birthday, Harry still hadn't quite believed it.

Sirius had apologised indefinitely that he hadn't been allowed to take him to Diagon Alley, but Harry didn't mind. Sirius had come back with dozens upon dozens of books for him, not to forget his very own copy of Hogwarts, A History. Sirius hadn't quite understood when Harry had been more excited about this then his wand.

It had been hard with Sirius at first, both Bellatrix and Voldemort's chilling words had long haunted Harry's nightmares, but it was astonishing how much someone Sirius could actually care for him. Harry had never thought their had ever been any good in the world, so to be bombarded by Sirius' over protectiveness had been quite astonishing and a little overwhelming.

Sirius would spend hours telling Harry such detailed amazing stories of his mother and fathers school days, although he had still not reintroduced Harry to Padfoot. Harry didn't think he could deal with that, not yet anyway.

Harry also hadn't seen Voldemort at all. Bellatrix had occasionally dropped in, but Sirius had always been by his side. Lucius Malfoy avoided and ignored him at every opportunity, which suited Harry just fine. Harry was just checking he'd packed everything into his oversized trunk when there was a sharp knock on his door.

XXXXXXXXXX

Voldemort paced softly back and forth as he waited in the large dinning room situated in Malfoy Manor. Dumbledore's death had been months ago, and his Death Eaters had done wonders at clearing out further traitors and mudbloods. However, there were still pockets of resistance, still those out to destroy him, untouchable and hidden in his very own society.

And then there was the boy. Potter was still potentially dangerous, and although he was certainly fearful of Lord Voldemort, that could so easily change as he grew older.

The Order, or what remained of the Order, would still seek to obtain the boy. They would have desires to use him in combat, force him into the weapon that Potter would never want to be.

No, this would not be acceptable either way, Potter would have to be controlled early, there was no other option, and he could not leave it up to Black to totally condition the boy.

Infiltrate and destroy, it was the perfect direction.

Voldemort paused as the door opened, a smirk crossing his lipless mouth, as the boy was bought before him.

Lucius bowed as he presented Potter, who dropped obediently to the floor.

"Lucius, you may leave us," Voldemort commanded.

Potter didn't respond as Lucius left. The boy remained on all fours, head ducked and deadly still.

Voldemort fingered his wand lightly. He was tempted to cast the Killing Curse one more time, just to see if Dumbledore was right, that he had indeed tied the boy to infinite life.

Instead he instructed for the boy to stand.

"I believe you have grown an attachment to Black?"

It was pitiful how the boy tensed, "Yes, my Lord."

Voldemort stared at the boy intently, "What would you do, to keep him alive?"

Potter stood deadly still, terror crossing his face, before he bowed his head and whispered.

"What would you have me do, My Lord?"

Voldemort stepped around him, eyes cold.

"You are starting at Hogwarts tomorrow." Voldemort stated. "And you're in an interesting position. The Order want to claim you for their own. To use you as a weapon in this war."

Potter looked stricken.

"Didn't they all die?"

Voldemort smiled coldly. "No, and they seek to obtain you."
"Why me?" Potter asked quietly.

"The matter is unimportant," Voldemort said. "However, there are a number of children you will befriend."

The boy could be a promising spy, if he managed this right. Particularly with the pathetic attachment the boy would continue to develop for Black.

"You want me to befriend children of potential Order members," Potter stated. "And infiltrate the Order as an extension of this, My Lord?"

Voldemort's smirk widened into a grin.

Potter ducked his head, realising the catch. "Sirius' life is forfeit otherwise?"

"Of course, Black cannot realise your actions, otherwise the consequences will be severe."

Potter shook his head hurriedly. "He won't know, I swear."

"You will do this then?" Voldemort pressed.

The boy nodded, so easily captured in his plan. "And Sirius will be safe?"

"He will," Voldemort hissed. "As long as you remember where your loyalties lie."

Potter's breath caught in his throat as he nodded.

"You warned me about this," he said quietly. "You said Sirius would get me to care, that I would want to do anything for him...that I would die for him."

"And will you?"

Potter looked up now, no hesitation in his green eyes.

"Yes."

Voldemort surveyed Potter carefully. If the boy hadn't been so valuable, and Voldemort hadn't been so determined to understand the protection behind Potter's blood, he could have used the boy to a much different effect.

"Then hold out your arm," Voldemort instructed.

XXXXXXXXXX

Harry sat on the grass, nursing his burning arm. Voldemort's broken mark was now replaced with a fully functioning black snake and skull. Harry would have to remember not to touch it, unlike his previous one.

"Sirius is tearing the manor apart looking for you," a voice called out.

Harry turned, tugging down his sleeve so that Draco wouldn't notice, unfortunately he wasn't quick enough.

Draco sat down on the grass beside him, raising his eyebrow.

"Does the Dark Lord own you now?"

Harry opened his mouth to reply instantly but words failed him.

He wished he could answer no, but he was still under the watchful eye of Voldemort's death eaters, and now he had what Dumbledore had said to mull over.

While Voldemort lived, then so would Harry. His mothers blood would ensure that.

Draco was still waiting for an answer patiently, his blonde head tilted to the side curiously.

"He has always owned me, and always will," Harry replied quietly, he had accepted this long ago, nothing had really changed since. "This is just in a different prison, only I'm allowed to visit the garden and go to school." Harry said quietly.

"Does that change anything?" Draco frowned.

Harry turned to grin at him suddenly, catching Draco off guard.

"It changes everything," he beamed.

Finally, Draco smiled too. "Well, even so, you better go and find Sirius, otherwise I doubt he'll let you out of his sight again."

Harry smiled back. "I'm sure he'd come to school with us if he had the chance."

XXXXXXXXXX

The Hogwarts express was larger and more impressive than Harry had ever imagined. It stood proudly with red engine and chimney puffing steam as the horn sounded throughout the station. Harry followed Sirius closely, stunned by the sheer number of people who bustled around the platform.

Harry was too fascinated to notice the number of curious glances directed at Sirius, nor the few students who seemed to be eyeing up his scars on his face.

Sirius walked right to the back of the train, pushing Harry's trunk along for him.

"This should be less crowded," Sirius said. "Hang on, let me get this on board."

Harry waited patiently as Sirius moved his school belongings on board. It was only when Sirius came back did Harry take a steady step forwards.

Harry's hand gripped the carriage door, his breathing quickening. Last time he had attempted to board the train, Peter had called him back, stopped him from leaving and dying.

Instead, Harry turned back slowly to see Sirius watching him carefully.

"Stay close to Draco," Sirius encouraged with a sad smile. "He'll look after you, and please stay out of trouble."

Harry nodded, he would behave, anything to keep Voldemort's attention off him.

He really couldn't believe this moment was happening, after all these years, he was finally going to have a normal life, he was going to school.

"Owl me as soon as you have a problem," Sirius stressed, nodding towards Harry's new owl. "And I'll be there as quick as I can."
Harry shuffled on his feet.

"I can look after myself," he mumbled.

Sirius just smiled, and ruffled Harry's hair. "I know you can, that doesn't change anything though okay?"

Harry looked up, absolutely beaming. He was still getting used to Sirius, and still hadn't quite gotten used to the man's odd responses.

The train whistle blew and despite his excitement, Harry was suddenly anxious to be away from Sirius. He had barely left his side over the past months.

"Is Hogwarts as good as the book?" Harry asked quietly. His own copy of Hogwarts, A History, and it was tucked away safely in his trunk. It was already his most treasured possession.

Sirius just smiled softly, brightly this time, looking more genuine then Harry had ever seen him. "It's better."

XXXXXXXXXX

I know this chapter might feel a bit rushed in terms of story pace, but if I wasn't going to update this now, I think I never would have finished it. For now though, I'm happy with how this story is concluded. I've left it sort of open, so that if inspiration ever finds me, I can pick it up again. Thanks for reading to the end!