"You've been here the whole time you son of a bitch?!" Amelia was pissed. Oh, she was extremely happy but also pissed that something as simple as an Invisibility cloak and a couple of Hogwarts level spells had not only allowed him to bypass all the security at the ministry, but also allowed him to hide right under her nose in her own office.

"Yup along with this fine gentleman, Mr. Vernon Dursley. He is Harry's muggle uncle so please don't start throwing curses snookums or you might get it for muggle baiting if it hits him." Sirius said as he stepped behind Vernon.

"Oh no, don't be hiding behind me when you purposely egged on Madam Bones," Vernon stepped away as he held up his hands and walked over to Harry and Remus, "You got yourself into this mess. Harry remember the one thing you should never do is work a woman up. They are very vindictive."

"You slimy sack of shit! Twelve years I believed that you had joined Him! Twelve years I've cried thinking I had unknowingly betrayed my sister and brother-in-law!" She screamed as she slapped Sirius' chest, "Why did you go after him?! Why did you keep saying you killed them?! Why didn't you tell me the Potter's had switched Secret Keepers?! Why?" She sobbed and she grabbed the front of Sirius' robes.

"Oh Amy," Sirius whispered as he held her tight, "I couldn't tell you, it was safer because He was already after your family. I didn't want to put you in any more danger than you were already in. Remus didn't even know about the switch. We knew that there was a spy in the Order but we couldn't figure out who it was. Every time Lily, James and Harry moved the Death Eaters were right behind them. When they went under the Fidelius Charm I convinced James to use Peter instead of me because let's face it no one would have thought he would have been the Secret Keeper. But to add an extra layer of protection James and I let it out into the open that I was instead.

"When I went after Peter I was so angry. How could he have joined up with the snake faced bastard? We were like brothers. James, Remus and I would have done anything for him. But before I could confront him he set me up to take the fall. I had a mental breakdown because I knew that I had killed them and left little Harry an orphan. I might not have given up the Secret, but I did tell James to use Peter instead when his first choice was me."

"Padfoot, you didn't kill them Voldemort did. And I'll take it one step further, if Peter wouldn't have revealed the Secret then they would still be here right now." Remus tried to comfort him. Harry though was shocked and surprised.

"Hang on, were you two together?"

"Yes, we were. We were engaged, we had the wedding set for a week after You-Know-Who attacked your home in Godric's Hollow." Sirius replied, "As soon as you wrote that you were going to the head of the DMLE I knew that I had to come."

With a reluctant sigh Amelia walked away from Sirius and to her desk to get out some unbreakable vials for Harry to give his pensive memories of everything. This day had been a real eye opener for her. There was no denying that she was extremely happy, but she was also angry and disappointed in herself. She should have known that Sirius hadn't, and would have never, betrayed the Potters. She could remember how disappointed he was that he couldn't make it to Harry's first birthday but made sure that Harry got his broom. There was no denying that to Sirius Harry was his son in all but blood.

"Alright Harry, just think of the memory. Don't think of anything but what happened that night and I'll do the rest." Remus said resting his hand on Harry's shoulder. Closing his eyes, Harry concentrated. He had to get this right to get Sirius released. Feeling a gentle squeeze from Remus' hand he blinked open his eyes just in time to see the tip of his wand guiding a misty white weightless string into a vial.

"I will call for an emergency meeting. Mr. Dursley, sense you are Harry's guardian at the moment you will be allowed to attend the trial. I'm so sorry Sirius, but until we can have you cleared I have to take you into custody. You will not go back to Azkaban, but you will have to stay in the Aurors holding cells." Amelia raised her wand and cast a silent incarcerous. "For now I will have you under Auror protection at all times. There will not be a moment that at least three of my top Aurors will not be with you."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, you just want to tie me up. Don't think I forgot about that little fettish of yours!" Sirius grinned as Amelia's cheeks turned pink and Harry choked out a laugh.

Harry sat in between Vernon and Remus as he nervously tapped his foot on the floor. The last two hours had been hell between seeing the mind healer that Amelia had him see to strengthen the case and waiting for the meeting to begin. She had to pull so many strings to set up the meeting, get the mind healer from St. Mungos and have his memories verified by the aurors that specializes in spotting false or tampered with memories. If he was being honest with himself he was surprised that she was able to get it all done in such a relatively short period of time. He watched as the members came in, some in groups and others by themselves. His anxiety was slowly rising along with his hope.

"Harry!" Was the only warning he got before he felt himself being squeezed in a tight hug and his vision was obscured by red hair. Laughing Harry hugged Ron back for all he was worth.

"Dad went to get Hermione, we were both summoned for the trial. Mate how did you pull this off?" Ron asked as he pulled away from Harry.

"It's a pretty long story and one I don't want to tell here." he answered with a shrug leaning into the red head with obvious affection. "I'll tell you once everything is over and we are away from prying ears." Hearing Vernon cough Harry turned with a smile, "Ron I would like you to meet my Uncle, Vernon Dursley. We found out a lot of lies that Aunt Petunia had been telling including that magic is a dangerous freakish thing to have." Vernon smiled as he stuck his hand out.

"Hello Mr. Weasley, it's nice to finally meet you after hearing so many things about you."

"It's Ron, Mr. Weasley makes me sound like my dad or I'm in trouble."

"Ron it is, please call me Vernon." He chucked as Ron gave him a firm shake.

"Now seeing as you are here, I'm taking it that Harry is being treated better than he was?"

"Bloody hell Ron!" Harry couldn't help but whisper shout as pink dusted his cheeks, "He can't help all the lies that were told to him. Aunt Petunia had been shoving it in his head for years before he ever met me!"

"I will admit that I met James on a double date that Petunia and I had with Lily before my marriage. When he started talking about having vaults full of gold I didn't believe him. You have to understand in my world solid gold is very rare to come by and considered a rare metal. Then Petunia started telling me that it was freaky and dangerous and after what happened with her parents then Lily and James I believed her." Vernon shook his head, 'I figured if she didn't lie about the magic then why would she lie about Harry? He is her nephew after all. But now I know better and things have been rectified. Now don't get me wrong the only reason I'm explaining myself to you is because you're Harry's best friend and I know that I was wrong. Don't think for a moment that I would explain myself to you otherwise young man." He finished while pointing a finger at Ron.

Looking sheepish Ron started to open his mouth when the sound of a gavel was heard through the courtroom.

"On this day August 22, 1994 we the Wizengamot have gathered for an emergency meeting called forth by Madam Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Madam Bones you have the floor."

"Thank you Chief Warlock. It has come to my attention that a Lord and a member of this great body has been thrown into Azkaban prison without a trial."

Chaos erupted. Harry watched with wide eyes as members yelled out in denial. Feeling a tap on his shoulder he gave a fleeting smile as Mr. Weasley and Hermione sat down.

"Order! Order!" Dumbledore's voice boomed out, bringing the members under control. "Madam Bones please continue."

"Thank you. Today I had some very interesting visitors. Imagine my surprise when Remus Lupin accompanied by Harry Potter came to my office saying they had information regarding Sirius Black." Pausing she looked around the gathered assembly, "Mr. Lupin informed me that there was a story to be told surrounding the case of Lord Black."

"Hem, hem. Madam Bones, Mr. Black is a convicted murderer. Surely you wouldn't take the words of a child and a known werewolf into account." Came a surprisingly sweet voice that held undertones of disbelief and disgust.

"Normally no I would not believe the story I had been told, yet imagine the disbelief when I went through the archives and there were no transcripts for the trial of Sirius Black, Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Lord Black was thrown into Azkaban without a trial. Tell me, if he can be thrown into prison without a proper trial then what's to stop any of us having the same fate as him?" Amelia glanced over every member, seeing some squearm in slight fear, "I motion for an immediate trial for Lord Black."

"I second that motion." Lucius said as he rose from his own seat, "Lord Black must be given a trial, it is one of our most basic laws. The thought that someone has sat in prison with the dementors for 12 years without a trial is frightening."

"Motion granted, the order for Kiss on Sight shall be reversed. When Lord Black is captured he will be brought to trial." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he looked at Amelia over his half-moon glasses, "Is there anything further that you wish to inform us on?"

"Actually yes. We can proceed with the trial, Sirius Black turned himself in after I interviewed Harry Potter and Remus Lupin." Amelia smirked like the cat that got the Canary, "Bring in Lord Black."

Harry bit his bottom lip in an attempt to stop his laugh as Amelia played them all like a well tuned violin. There was no denying that she knew how to pull the right strings to sway them to her side when needed. Hearing doors bang open he watched as Sirius was led inside and towards a chair sitting in the middle of the room. As soon as he sat Harry's eyes widened as chains automatically wrapped around Sirius, preventing him from fleeing.

"We can't have his trial yet! We need to gather evidence and information! For the time being Black will need to be confined to Azkaban." Fudge nervously fiddled with the lip of his bowler hat.

"I think you forget Minister, Lord Black is to have an immediate trial as was just granted. We must hold the trial now." Dumbledore easily put a stop to what he was up to. He knew Fudge wanted to sweep this under the rug. A spark of hidden glee entered his twinkling blue eyes as he watched Cornelius silently fume. After all, even the Minister of Magic couldn't overturn a motion passed by the Wizengamot.

"Yes, yes of course. Instead of a delay for the trial, we should go for recess to gather up what evidence we have of his crimes."

"That sounds reasonable, what say you Madam Bones?

"I will accept a hour recess before we start under the condition that Lord Black stays where he is with aurors of my choice to stand guard."

"Of course. Let us adjourn and we shall proceed in an hour."

"Come on let's go get something to eat." Remus stood looking down at Harry, "There's no telling how long the trial will last once it gets started." Nodding Harry stood and glanced back at the smiling Sirius. Vernon, Ron, Hermione and Arthur followed after them. Walking through the ministry was a quiet affair, though he could have done without the odd looks. Arriving at the Atrium Harry couldn't help but notice how busy it was compared to when they had snuck in Vernon and Sirius two hours three hours ago.

"Alright Harry, do you know how to use the floo?"

"Yeah, I used it before my second year though I ended up in Knockturn Alley instead of Diagon Alley." Harry said with a sheepish smile, "I sneezed halfway through saying Diagon Alley." Remus chuckled at Harry's luck, or lack rather thereof.

"Alright, everyone here knows how to floo except for Hermione and Vernon. Vernon you'll travel with me and which leaves Hermione with you Arthur. We'll head to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch if that's agreeable with everyone." Pausing Remus grinned at the nods of agreement, "Alright Vernon me and you first, Harry I want you to follow after us. Let me grab a pinch of floo powder and we can get going!"

Watching Vernon squeeze into the fireplace with Remus was comical, especially when he started grumbling about starting a diet soon. Holding onto Vernon's shoulder Remus grinned as he shouted for the Leaky Cauldron. Traveling by Floo was almost as bad as the first time, with the only difference being that Harry ended up at the correct place instead of Knockturn Alley. Getting spit out onto the Leaky Cauldron floor, Harry looked up in a daze into the laughing faces of Vernon and Remus.

"You're just as bad as your mum when it comes to the floo. No matter how long she had used the floo Lily would always end up on the floor."

"She did?" Vernon got his laughter down to a light chuckle as Arthur and Hermione stepped out of the fireplace, "Petunia always went on and on about how perfect everyone thought Lily was whenever she was brought up."

"Oh no, Lily was far from perfect. Brightest witch of our year? Yes. One of the kindest people you could ever meet? Again yes. Perfect? No. And her temper was legendary." Remus couldn't help but reminisce about the days when Lily and James were with them. A sad smile tugged at the corner of lips as he looked at Harry as they made their way to an empty table large enough to seat everyone but that would also provide privacy.

"I know everyone goes on about how your mum and dad were perfect, but to be honest with you they were far from it. But they were incredibly kind and understanding. Not many, if anyone, would allow someone with my problem around their newborn baby but Lily and James didn't even think twice about it. They actually demanded that I was to be there at your birth. That I was to be the third person to hold you. Lily told me that she wished that the ministry would allow someone with my condition to be a godfather because I would have been your second after Sirius. They actually attempted to fight the ministry on their ban against my kind to have any legal standing with children. But with the war going on there wasn't much that they could do."

"Bloody hell, they were going to go up against the ministry?!"

"Ronald watch your language young man, your mum would scrungify your mouth if she heard you talk like that."

"Sorry dad, but you have to admit that it's amazing that they would do that. Going against the ministry is no simple task."

"No, no it's not but Lily and James were dead set on it. Harry is my cub, they knew that there is no possible way that I would ever harm him in either form." The conversation paused as Tom grabbed their orders, Vernon grinning when he caught sight of the floating butterbeer bottles heading their way. Harry laughed at the glee Vernon showed at the simple display of magic. If Vernon accepted the job offer at Hogwarts, Harry couldn't wait to see his face at the opening feast!

"Professor Lupin, didn't Harry's parents see the dangers of the full moon? I mean absolutely no disrespect but when everything happened with Scabbers, Moony tried to kill us." Hermione nervously fiddled with the neck of her butterbeer. Lookin around the table she saw the disbelief on Aruther and Vernons face. "The ministry put that ban into place to protect children because when the disease takes control it causes the infected person to kill anyone in their blind rage. I read about it in A Ministry's Guide on Dangerous Beasts."

"I am no longer your professor, it's either Mr. Lupin or Remus whichever you prefer and I also used to believe that. That is until James decided to apparite to the place I was using to transform at right before the change took over with Harry in his arms. You wouldn't understand how scared and absolutely furious I was. Now one thing you have to understand is that when you change, you remember everything that happens. Everything you do no matter how disgusting or monstrous you will remember. It has caused even the most moral man to become a monster in human skin." Pausing to gather his thoughts Remus glanced around his captivated audience as he took a sip to wet his parched mouth.

"What causes the blind rage is that when you transform you are stripped of all humanity. You are nothing more than a wolf with all of its instincts. I'm sure that all of you have heard that when a wild animal is caught in a trap, it will chew off its own leg to get free. But if a person was to attempt to come close to help the animal will lash out from fear, pain and anger. Now imagine each and every one of your bones and organs shifting, growing larger and becoming more animal than human. Fur growing all over your body, your nails thickening and growing into claws. All of this happening in under a minute. It is excruciating. Of course with only having your animal instincts, you don't understand that the pain is caused by the change your body goes through."

"It's like rabies." Harry murmured as he got lost in his thoughts, "The infected person goes through behavior changes, and becomes very aggressive because the virus attacks the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system. Rabies can incubate itself between four and twelve weeks just like the werewolf disease because that's what it is, a magical disease. When the infected person is overran by the virus is when they start biting which is what allows it to be spread to others. It's not the actual bite that causes the infection to spread though, the infection is in the saliva and if the bite breaks the skin then it allows the virus into a new host body." Looking up Harry met Remus' eyes as he nodded in agreement.

"I don't know much about muggle diseases or viruses but that sounds about right. But we are getting a bit off track. Back then there wasn't Wolfsbane, so I would have to barricade myself in somewhere the wolf wouldn't be able to get out and infect anyone else or worse. At the time Padfoot was with me and James was supposed to be at home with Lily and Harry. I can remember feeling the moon rise, and then James was there with little Harry in his arms. I was devastated that James was willing to put Harry's life in danger."

Remus stood in the middle of the basement staring up through a small window at the cloudy night sky. He could feel the tug of the moon calling for the wolf. Remus knew that as soon as the clouds parted to allow the moon light to touch his skin for the first time this night he would transform. Feeling a furry head bump against his hand Remus glanced down at Padfoot.

"It won't be long now, I can feel the rays of the moon getting stronger." Hearing the crack of apparition behind him he turned with a small frown wondering what was going on. James was supposed to be with Lily and Harry tonight. His eyes widened in horror as he saw Harry wrapped in a blanket and tucked in his arms. Opening his mouth to yell at James a scream escaped instead. Jerking his head back to the window he panicked at the sight of the full moon gleaming in all its glory. The pain was just as unbearable as every other full moon, but this time instead of accepting the change he fought it with everything he had. He could feel his magic rising up as it fought just as hard as he mentally did. He knew that there was no possible way that he would win, but maybe just maybe he would be able to slow the change just long enough for James to get the hell out to save Harry. What felt like a lifetime was nothing more than a few moments and the conscious thought of Remus Lupin was replaced by a pain ridden wolf. It shook its head at the pain that still lingered in every single inch of its body.

The scent and overwhelming feeling of pack that the black animal gave off was comforting, it knew that it was safe with the pack. And then the smell of something that wasn't pack filled its senses. Letting out a growl it rose to its feet and cracked open its amber eyes for the first time to catch sight of an abnormal animal in front of it. Its blood boiled in hatred for it knew that this was what had caused the unspeakable pain. Letting out a roar it lunged for the offending creature only to be knocked off course and end up slamming against a wall. Jumping to its feet it spun expecting to see another furrless animal only to be faced down by its pack member. Didn't its packmate see the danger the thing posed to them? The pain that it had already caused itself? It was alpha and it would be damned if it would allow the abomination to escape it. Making a run towards its packmate it dodged to the left at the last second and grabbed it by the nap of its neck and with all the strength it could muster sent its upstart packmate slamming into the same wall that it had just come from.

Turning towards the danger again it lunged with its maul open and ready to tear its throat out, only for it to move out of the way at the last second. It landed with its claws digging into the hard ground of the cave, it used its body weight to skid to a stop facing the intruder. It bared its teeth as it moved a paw slowly, reaching for something in its awkward legs. As it filed its lungs with the intent to make its displeasure known it stopped. The new scent that overwhelmed its senses and screamed at its instincts CUB. Laying its ears flat against its head, it let out a whine. There was no way that it could attack, not when it had its cub. Laying flat against the ground, it slowly crawled towards the beast. When it was only a foot away the creature knelt and it knew what was in its awkward legs was its cub. It lifted its massive head as it peared down at the cub. It was the same type of creature that knelt before it. Lowering its head to get a better catch of the cub's scent, it could tell that the creature that was holding its cub must be the cub's sire.

Remus couldn't help but smile down at Harry as he finished his tale, the memory just as fresh as the night it happened.

"So Moony automatically saw me as his cub just from my smell? But what about last year when you forgot your potion?" Harry asked.

"Moony wasn't attempting to attack you, he was trying to protect you. What he saw was creatures that looked like you grabbing at you and he smelt your distress. So he did what any other animal would do when their offspring, or in your case adopted offspring, is threatened and attacked. He planned to get you as far away from the danger as possible and holding up somewhere in the forest."

"Merlin's saggy balls," Arther muttered under his breath, "So all this time, werewolves have been separated from their children with the Ministry saying that if they didn't the children would be killed. Yet a child that you didn't have but viewed as your own the wolf claimed as his own."

"That's right. After that night both Lily and James could be in the same room with the wolf and the wolf would do nothing more than search for Harry. He knew by scent that they were our cubs parents and to him it meant they were to be protected at all cost. And that Miss. Granger is why you don't believe everything that you read. I learned first hand that it's not always true."

The conversation lulled to nothing as the group thought over the new information as they ate. But Harry couldn't shake the thought of rabies. His gut told him that there was something to it but for the life of him he couldn't figure out what. Feeling a hand rest on his shoulder Harry smiled at the concerned look Vernon was giving him.

"I'm alright Uncle Vernon, for some reason I can't stop thinking about how alike rabies and the werewolf disease is. My gut keeps telling me that there's more to it but I can't figure out what."

"Then there most definitely is. Whenever James had a gut feeling about something, it was always right. We found out it was his instincts from his inheritance rearing up." Remus said as he stood, "Come on you guys, we have to get back to the courtroom before the trial starts without us."

The trip back to the Ministry was more sober, thoughts of what Harry's instincts could be trying to say swirled in their minds. As they settled into the benches Harry stared up at the faces that were gathering. Sirius was still held to that Merlin be damned chair, grinning like a loon back at everyone.

"We, the Wizengamot, are gathered this day August 22, 1994 for the trial of one Sirius Black. The charges are as followed, breaking the Fildius Charm by revealing the secret to You-Know-Who, aiding in the murder of Lord James Potter and Lady Lily Potter, aiding in the attempted murder of Heir Harry Potter, the murder of Peter Petigrew, and last but not least the murder of the twelve innocent muggles that was killed in the cross fire. How do you plead?" Albus' voice boomed out, a sullen look on his face while his eye twinkled in happiness.

"Not guilty!"

"So be it."

"I am stepping down from my post for this trial. I will have a biased opinion because of my past history with Lord Black." Amilea announced as she stood, her face a stoney mask, "I come before the Wizengamot as witness for the defence." She stated as she walked down the stairs away from the gathering to stand beside Sirius' chair.

"Duly noted. Let us proceed." Fudge started, the gleam in his eye sending a shiver down Harry's back. "Did Lord Potter not say that you were his Secret Keeper?"

"Yes, b-"

"And was you not found at the scene of the crime for the murder of Peter Petigrew saying that you killed them?"

"Yes, but-"

"And there you have it Lords and Ladies. In his own words he has stated that yes, Lord Potter did say that Black was his Secret Keeper and that yes, he did admit that he was guilty of murder!" Fudge gave a vicious, smug grin. Clearing his throat he picked up a roll of parchment, "In this statement it is stated that 'When Black was found, he was laughing as if he had heard the funniest joke while saying over and over that he killed James and Lily.' Now I-"

"Objection Chief Warlock. Minister Fudge led the accused to get the answers he wanted while not allowing Lord Black to finish answering the questions put forth." Amelia gave a shark-like grin at being able to snub the minister in front of all his 'important friends'.

"Granted. Lord Black finish answering the questions that Minister Fudge asked." Albus said as he gave a disapproving look at Cornelius over his half moon glasses.

"Yes, James and I let it circulate that I was the Potters Secret Keeper because that was the obvious choice and it added an extra layer of protection. But I was in fact never their Secret Keeper, Peter Petigrew was. And yes I was laughing and saying that I killed them because I might as well have, it was me that suggested that they used Peter as their secret keeper. When Petigrew got the upper hand on me and blew up the street I had a mental breakdown." Once again the courtroom erupted as members of the Wizengamot yelled out that he was lying. Harry snorted to himself as he glanced at Ron and caught him rolling his eyes at the members. Seeing Harry looking at him he leaned over.

"These are supposed to be our governors? The people who make our laws? They sound like a bunch of bloody toddlers throwing a fit!" Slapping a hand to his mouth, Harry was hard pressed to stop his laughter. Even more so when Ron pulled away from his ear and he caught the annoyed and down right exasperated look Ron threw in their general direction.

"You have to admit, it is fascinating seeing an actual wizarding trial." Hermione said as she kept her gaze towards the Wizegamot, not hearing the comment Ron just made.

"Yeah, as fascinating as watching toddlers fight over a toy." At Ron's comment Harry buried his head in his arms as he folded himself down into his legs to hide from the sight of the Lords and Ladies as he could no longer hold in his laughter, the only thing he could attempt to do was muffle it as his shoulders shook from the force of it.

"Come on Harry, you got to get control over yourself. Amelia is going to start calling up witnesses soon and the Wizegamot is not going to be happy if you go up there still giggling. What made you start laughing to begin with?" Vernon asked as he reached over Ron to tap Harry's shoulder. Waving his hand in Vernon's general direction, Harry sat up as he wiped his eyes and wheezed.

"I'll tell you once the trial is over Uncle Vernon."

"Alright, I'm holding you to that Harry."

"Order! Order!" Albus shouted and let off a bang. The Wizengmat silenced themselves but it was obvious that many of them were angry and didn't believe Sirius, while others wore a contemplating look. "If you can not be reasonable adults able to keep your doubts to yourselves then you will be asked to dismiss yourself from this gathered body and to leave the courtroom. I understand that this is a very sensitive case that tugs at our heart strings, but on that end it also requires us to hold back our biased opinions so we may be able to get to the truth of the matter. We must find justice for the late Lord and Lady Potter. along with their son Heir Potter who sits among us right this very moment!"

"I couldn't have said it any better myself Chief Warlock. And to that end I would like to call Mr. Arther Weasley to the stand." Amelia said as she cleaned her monocle. Harry watched as Arther gave them a bewildered look as he got up and went to the witness seat.

"Tell me Mr. Weasley, do your children have any pets?"

"Objection! What could Mr. Weasley's children's pets have to do with this case?" Fudge sputtered out.

"Trust me, it has a substantial amount to do with this case."

"I'll allow it, don't make me regret it."

"Thank you, Chief Warlock. Please answer the question."

Glancing around in confusion Arthur nodded his head as he licked his lips, "Yes, my son Percy has an owl that the Mrs. and I bought for him when he made Perfect at Hogwarts right before Ronald's first year. Percy also had a pet rat that he gave to Ronald when we bought him the owl, but it went missing last school year." Amelia strolled forward as he was talking and casually leaned against the chair that Arther sat in.

"Can you tell me how old the pet rat was before it went missing last year? Was there anything that was different or unique about the rat?"

"Well last year he turned twelve, and now that you mentioned it yes there was. When Percy found Scabbers in the garden he was missing a toe on one of its front legs which is why Percy named it Scabbers."

"No further questions. If Minister Fudge has no questions then you may step down." she said as she walked away.

"No questions. Though I have yet to see what a rat has to do with any of this."

"Next, I call Heir Harry Potter to the stand." The murmuring in the room grew as Harry stood and started to walk towards the witness chair.

"I object! You can't seriously mean to have Heir Potter testify! He was just a babe when Black carried out these horrendous acts against his parents and the late Mr. Pettigrew!"Cornilius yelled out with wide eyes.

"Chief Warlock, Heir Potter has new information that he discovered last year that is detrimental to this case."

"I'll allow it under the stipulation that if at any time the witness feels overwhelmed he is allowed to step down." Nodding her head in agreement she gave a smug smile. If she didn't know any better she would have thought that Dumbledore was paving the way for Sirius' freedom, but that was preposterous. Glancing at him she changed her mind as soon as she caught his twinkling gaze, there was a very high possibility that he was doing exactly that.

"Heir Potter, do you understand that what you say today can and will be held against you in the event that you are caught lying at a trail?"

"Yes Madam Bones."

"And do you also understand that the offence is punishable by serving upto five years in Azkaban prison?"

"Yes Madam Bones." 'At least I do now' he thought to himself as he settled into the chair, steadfastly ignoring all the people looking at him.

"Tell me Heir Potter, when was the first time that you heard of Sirius Black?"

"It was the summer before my third year on the Knight Bus, so about a year ago now."

"So before then you had never heard of him at all? You never knew that you had a godfather?" she questioned as she cocked an eyebrow as she paced in front of the wizengamot.

"No I had never heard of him, I believed that the only family I had left was my Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and their son Dudley." Harry answered, crossing his legs at the ankle as he leaned back and propped an arm against the armrest. "Though before I boarded the Hogwarts Express Mr. Weasley made it a point to take me aside and have me promise him that I wouldn't go after Sirius. At the time I didn't understand why because I certainly wasn't going to go after what I believed to be a mass murderer and Vold-" Hearing shrieks and gasps from around the courtroom Harry turned wide innocent eyes up towards the gathered body, "Sorry I mean You-Know-Who's right hand man."

"So from your answer at the time you did believe that he was guilty of the crimes he was accused of, but you no longer do. Is that correct?"

"Yes Madam, that is correct." Harry held himself still and relaxed in what he hoped looked like calm confidence because he was feeling anything but. He never thought about how nerve wracking it would be to have so many eyes on him at one time, and with his reputation that was saying something.

"Can you tell me what changed your mind?"

"Meeting the man that actually did the deed and having him admit his guilt is what changed my mind."

"I object, Dumbledore! Severus Snape, the potions professor and Head of Slytherin House, verified to me when he caught the accused on Hogwarts grounds after saving Heir Potter from the Dementors that Black confounded the young Heir along with his two friends muggle born Hermione Granger and pureblood Ronald Weasley! Heir Potter is a tampered witness, he will only be able to speak what he believes is the truth, only a mind healer would be able to work past the confoundment and that could take years. " Fudge spat out as he practically foamed at the mouth. He had to get a guilty vertice, if Black was found innocent of the crimes then his ratings and the Ministry's reputation went down the toilet! "And as was voted, we must come to a decision today whether or not Black is guilty of the crimes he is accused of."

"Oh is that so? And this is the very same Severus Snape that is known to hate both Sirius Black and James Potter? The same Severus Snape that let confidential information of his colleague slip to his house?" She asked as she stared down the minister with a stone mask.

"The hatred was from the time when they were children! I'm sure that he has let bygones be bygones."

"Chief Warlock, I would like to submit example A, the memory of Heir Potter's very first potions lesson showing how Mr. Snape treats Heir Potter with disdain for the simple fact that he is James Potter's son. I would also like to submit example B the certified record of Mind Healer Weatherspoon that Heir Potter is not now nor is there any traces of him ever being confounded and example C the Auror verified memory of the night that Heir Potter met Sirius Black for the first time after so many years apart and meeting the true mass murderer."

"I am also willing, no actually I demand to be questioned under Veritaserum." Sirius piped up. Silence was met with his demand, he knew that it was the only way that he could prove his innocence without a shadow of a doubt.

"Lord Black, are you sure that is what you want?" Albus said as he looked over the paperwork that came with the evidence that verified the memories and Weatherspoon's report.

"Yes Chief Warlock, I do want to be questioned under Veritaserum to prove my innocence."

"The medical report of Heir Potter that was provided by Mind Healer Weatherspoon verifies that Heir Potter was not confounded and that indeed there were no traces of him ever being confounded. Also the Auror reports verifies that these are true memories, with absolutely no signs of any type of alteration or being tampered with. We shall watch the memories before we question Lord Black. Heir Potter you may return to your seat with your company." As Harry made his way back to his seat he smiled as Vernon gave him two thumbs up. He was so happy that Vernon had believed him on that fateful day. Catching Remus' gesture to sit between himself and Vernon, Harry nodded in agreement as he shuffled between everyone and the bench in front of them. Sitting down he looked at Remus when he wrapped his arm around his shoulder.

"They are going to raise a Time Bubble in a moment before they watch the memories. When someone views a memory they will use a pensive, the only downfall to it is that however long the memory is the amount of time that passes on the outside. When they use memories in a trial they will activate a Time Bubble so they can watch the memories at their leisure but it is only at most five seconds in real time." He whispered in Harry's ear. "After that all that would be left to do is question Sirius and then he will be free."

"How long do you think it will take before news breaks to everyone else?" Harry asked.

"At most twenty minutes. I'm sure you have seen first hand how fast gossip travels at Hogwarts."

"Yeah, this is the first time that I'm going to hope that the gossip travels fast." He said as he watched a blue bubble encase the members of the wizengamot. Well that answered his unspoken question about why it was called a time bubble.

"Knowing Padfoot, he's going to want to either go to Hogsmead or Diagon Alley as soon as this is over with." Remus smiled as Vernon ruffled his hair.

"Do you think we can convince him to go to Diagon Alley? I want to try out that ice cream parlour you were telling me about the other day Harry."

"Oh you mean Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour? I'm sure that we could easily convince him to go, what do you think Remus?"

"Sirius is a sucker for ice cream, all you have to do is mention Florean's and he'll be dragging us there!" Remus chuckled. Seeing the time bubble fash out of existence Harry sat up straight as Remus cut off his chuckles.

"We have reviewed both memories and both have shed light on this case. Under normal circumstances we would hold a vote now as to whether or not Lord Black is innocent, but Minister Fudge with the backing of Madam Umbridge the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister wishes to continue with questioning the accused under veritaserum as per Lord Black's demands. As the Minister stated, we need to have no doubts about whether or not Lord Black is guilty or innocent." Albus said, his usual twinkle missing as his face became a stoney mask. "Auror Proudfoot, please administer three drops of veritaserum." Harry watched as the auror retrieved the potion from its secured spot hidden beneath the ministry's insigma with clear displeasure. As he walked towards Sirius, Harry saw the reassuring smile the auror gave him. 'Did the auror know Sirius?' he pondered. It was possible that he had gone to Hogwarts with the Marauders.

"The accused will be ready for questioning in a few seconds." The auror walked back to his spot and Harry watched in silent fascination as the auror looked as if he had become a statue, the only thing that gave him away was the rise and fall of his chest. Turning his attention back to Sirius, he noticed how Sirius' face started to become slack and his eyes got a glaze sheen to them.

"It seems as though Lord Black is ready to be questioned." Albus said while smoothing his beard. "But just to be sure I will ask a few standard questions. Sirius Black, what was your Hogwarts House?"

"Gryffindor."

"What was the name of your brother?"

"Regulus Arcturus Black."

"What house was he in?"

"Slytherin."

"What was the name of your sister?"

"I don't have a sister." Albus nodded as he leaned back in his seat.

"Lord Black is under the full effects of the Veritaserum. Madam Bones, I have a list of questions that I approved. As acting witness for the defence, it is within your rights to ensure the accused is asked nothing personal that doesn't relate to the charges held against him."

"Thank you Chief Warlock." She said simply as she stepped forward to grab the offered parchment.

"Sirius Black, was you the Secret Keeper to the late Lord and Lady Potter?"

"No, Peter Pettigrew was."

"And did you in any way, shape or form attempt or make Mr. Pettigrew reveal the secret to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?"

"No."

"And are you not in fact a dog animagus?" Amilea asked with a raised eyebrow and gave a quick glance towards Cornelius. He was up to something, she just knew it. She smirked as she turned around. Let him attempt to do what she believed he was going to do. She was ready to make him look like a fumbling idiot in front of the whole wizengamot.

"Yes." Sirius answered just as the potion was wearing off. Veritaserum may be the best of the best when it came to truth potions, but it's two downfalls was how quickly it wore off and the fact that it could only be used once every three days just because of how potent the potion was. If used twice before the 72 hours was up would mean certain death for the user.

"Now that certain facts have come to light, I am adding being an illegal animagus to the accused list of crimes. There has been no dogs registered since 1830." Fudge's voice held a solom note, but his eyes showed his malice joy at the fact that he won. There was no possible way that Black could wiggle his way out of this, and his reputation along with the ministry's wouldn't take a complete nose dive.

"Oh, I seem to have forgotten I have one last piece of evidence. I am now submitting example D, the registration of one Lord Sirius Black's dog animagus form. The previous Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Bartemius Crouch, sealed his animagus registration and kept it under wards that only the Head of the Magical Law Enforcement would be able to pass. When Lord Black became an auror, he was tasked by Mr. Crouch to spy on any and all dark witches and wizards as a dog. And with Lord Blacks Dog form looking so much like a grimm many death eaters were caught and brought to justice." She smirked as she handed over the paperwork at Fudge's pale complection.

"Everything seems to be in order. Now I call for a vote. All in favor of clearing Lord Sirius Black of all charges?" One by one hands rose until all but the two votes of Cornelius and Dolores were in agreement. "It is in agreement then. Lord Black, I, Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot here by clear you of all charges. And as per the wills of Lord and Lady Potter, I grant to you full custody of Heir Harry James Potter. You are free to go."

"Actually Chief Warlock, I wish to share joint custody of Harry with Vernon Dursley." Sirius said with a smile.

"Oh?" Albus said as he querched an eyebrow, "Can you please explain the reason you would want joint custody instead of full custody? Especially when the man in question is a muggle and has no ties to our world?"

"I beg to differ on the point of him having no ties to our world. Vernon Dursley is Heir Potter's uncle by his marriage to Petunia Dursley nee Evens, sister of the late Lady Potter. I will be the very first to admit that Petunia is a down right bitch and should have never had custody of Harry. She is a very vindictive woman and jealous of anyone that has magic. She can be very cruel with her words and will spread lies to bring down the reputation of those with magic, I know this for a fact because she did this to Lady Potter in the muggle world. If it wasn't for Lady Potter's muggle parents stepping in and revealing Mrs. Dursley's cruel lies Lady Potter's reputation would have taken a huge blow in the muggle world. But despite his wifes temperament towards witches and wizards Vernon has shown himself to be a fine upstanding man. He always tried to do right by Harry and they formed a bond that I am loath to sever. So what I want is for Mrs. Dursley's custody rights to be terminated and replace it with joint custody between myself and Mr. Dursley." Pausing to look up at he caught many faces showing their disbelief and disgust at the thought of a muggle man with no blood ties being granted custody of a minor wizard.

"Then there is also the fact that the night Lily died she activated a very powerful blood protection, using her life as a sacrifice to protect Harry. To this day that blood protection is still active and strong, as long as Harry calls the place of his mother's blood family home he is protected from anyone that carries the dark mark, even the dark lord himself can not touch Harry until his seventeenth birthday when the blood wards fall."

"Hem, hem.,He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is dead. He died the night that he killed Lord and Lady Potter. How dare you even attempt to say otherwise Lord Black!" Dolorues said with a sickly sweet smile, her eyes though was hard enough to crack diamonds.

"He dares because I have already fought Voldemort twice and managed to prevent his return to a body sense I began my schooling at Hogwarts!" Harry shouted as he stood up, "Both times my friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger had been by my side until there was no possible way for them to continue on with me and I had to fight him on my own!" Harry stared defiantly up at the woman that had spoken, taking an instant dislike to her. There was something wrong with her, she seemed sweet but he knew in his gut she was like a coiled snake just waiting for the right time to strike.

"And do you have any proof of your statements Heir Potter?" An older lady in the center asked, "Everyone knows that You-Know-Who was killed that Halloween night almost thirteen years ago."

"Just like everyone knew that Sirius was the Secret Keeper and His right hand man? I have the proof of my memories and I am willing to testify under Veritaserum that what I say is the truth. Voldemort is not dead, he's just too weak to continue his war. I know that he will come back one day and the traitor Pettigrew will be the one that will help him restore his body. And I know that is a fact because of the prophecy told to me right before I met Sirius Black for the first time and saw Pettigrew with my own eyes."

"Heir Potter you are close to being charged with treason for causing fear by spreading a lie that You-Know-Who is alive when it is a known fact that he is dead! There wasn't even a body left, just his robes! I suggest you recant your statement before you end up in a cell in Azkaban!" Fudge growled as his eyes practically bulged out of their sockets.

"I will not now nor will I ever take back what I said when I know that it's true." Harry stared at the red faced minister. To Harry it looked as if he had taken a dose of Pepper Up, the only thing missing was the steam coming out of his ears.

"Minister, I would watch what you say," The same lady that asked for proof of his statement spoke up, "It is abundantly clear that Heir Potter speaks the truth if he is willing to provide memories and be subjected to veritaserum. What I am concerned about is this prophecy he speaks of."

"Lady Longbottom, you must see reason. There is no possible way that what he says is true. If it was He would have returned by now and our world would have been in a war again!"

"Not if he is too weak as Heir Potter says." she replied as she turned her gaze back to Harry, "Heir Potter, please tell us about the times that you have encountered You-Know-Who, and then I wish to hear the prophecy and the name of whom gave it to you."

"Of course Lady Longbottom. The first time that I went up against Him was in my first year. At that time my friends and I figured out that He was after the philosopher's stone that was being guarded at Hogwarts for Nicholas Flamel and he was going to use one of his followers to steal it. We attempted to alert a professor about what we figured out but we were ignored and told to leave the matter alone, that it was safe. But we knew better because Headmaster Dumbledore was called away from the school to the ministry. Because the professor didn't believe us we went after the stone ourselves.

"We went through each trial, one of them Ronald Weasley sacrificed himself to, knowing that he could be killed but it was the only way. Before he sacrificed himself, he told me what move to use to beat the strategic trial. We checked Ron before we went on to the next trial and was beyond relieved that even though he was knocked out he was alive and so we continued on to the next trial. It was a logical trial that would either have us drinking juice, poison that would cause instant death or a potion to allow us to walk through the fire in front of us unharmed. Hermione being the brightest witch of our year figured out which vial contained the potion we needed. But there was one problem, there was only enough left of it for one person to continue on. I told Hermione to go back to Ronald and try to get help while I went through. She agreed and I went through the fire.

"When I went through I found Professor Quirrell in front of the Mirror of Erised muttering about seeing himself holding the stone but not knowing how to get it. He noticed me and drew his wand while taunting me. Then I heard a second voice telling him to 'use the boy', so Quirrell grabbed me and forced me to stand in front of the Mirror asking me what I saw.

"I already knew what the Mirror was as I had already seen it. Headmaster Dumbledore found me around Christmas that year sitting in front of it one night. He told me what it was and then asked me what I see, I told him what I see is my parents. It was the first time I had ever seen them. The Headmaster was very understanding but also told me that no magic could bring back the dead, not even the powerful magic of the Mirror of Erised could do it. He also told me that the mirror would be moved after that night and cautioned me not to go looking for it again because many had wasted away before it, gazing at their hearts desires. So that is what I told Quirrel I saw. But in actuality I saw my mirror self show me the stone and then the moment I saw the mirror me place it in my pocket I felt the lump that formed there and knew I had the stone.

"Quirrel pushed me out of the way and I attempted to leave without him noticing me, but I heard the second voice again saying 'stop him, he has the stone'. Quirrel rounded on me and told me to give him the stone and I told him no. The second voice told Quirrel to reveal him, but Quirrel first pleaded with it saying that it wasn't strong enough yet and he called it master. The voice demanded that Quirrel reveal him so he turned around and took off his turban. There was a face on the back of Quirrell's head that I found out was Voldemort. He asked me to join him, that I could be great, that he would bring back my parents. The only thing he wanted was the stone. But the headmaster had already told me that there was no magic that could bring back the dead and I didn't want to be great in such a way that would bring harm to people. I called him on his lie and told him I wanted nothing to do with dark magic. He once again attempted to get me to join him and told me there was no such thing as light and dark, there was only power and those too weak to seek it. Again I told him no.

"He was done trying to get me to join him, knowing I never would and told Quirrel to kill me and take the stone. Quirrel attempted to strangle me, but then the most peculiar thing happened. When I grabbed his hand in an attempt to pull his hands off of me, his hand started to disintegrate as if he was being burned alive but where I touched him caused me pain as well. When I saw what my touch did to him and by extension Voldemort, I jumped on Quirrel and grabbed his face. Voldemort knew that I was killing his host body with my touch, so he broke his connection with Quirrel and took off back into hiding. At that point I passed out. When I woke up in the hospital wing Headmaster Dumbledore was there and he asked me what happened and I told him. He told me what caused my touch to burn Quirrel was the blood protection my mum had placed on me, that no one that wished me harm that was in league with Voldemort would be able to touch me because of my mum's love. And that was the end of my first year."

"Dear Merlin, you were forced to kill and defeat the most powerful dark lord of our age at eleven years old?!"

"Yes Lady Longbottom. It was either kill or die at the hands of Quirrell and allow Voldemort to return with an immortal body and to be honest I wasn't about to let my parents murderer to return without a fight." Harry said as he looked at her shaken face, unknowingly making her freeze in her seat because of the fire in his gaze, the unspoken determination that filled his emerald eyes and caused her to feel a shiver of fear. Those were the eyes of a young man ready and willing to do what it took to protect this world. It lasted for only a second but it was enough to know that Harry James Potter meant business and those that stood in his way were in deep shit.

"I can confirm that what Heir Potter has spoken is the truth," Albus entered the conversation. "I received a letter stating that my presence was needed immediately. I had walked down to Hogsmeade and apparited here. When I approached the sender of the letter, I was told that they had sent no such letter and I knew then that it was just a ploy to get myself out of Hogwarts and away from the stone. When I got back to Hogwarts I was informed that Voldemort had made a move on the stone but young Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger had protected it, in fact they protected both our world and the muggle world along with the peace we both have, when the adult they went to had ignored their warning believing that eleven year old children couldn't possibly know better than an adult."

"Tell me Chief Warlock, why wasn't we made aware of the danger that had passed inside of Hogwarts walls? That You-Know-Who is alive and working to regain a body?" Agusta looked down at Albus from her seat clearly unimpressed.

"Would you have believed me? Or at the time eleven year olds Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger when they were too young to take veritaserum or give memories as proof? One a half blood, another considered a blood traitor in some circles and then a muggle born, two of which had just entered our world that school year? No, I knew that I wouldn't be believed and that I would risk ruining their reputations so I said nothing. But while I may have said nothing, I kept my eyes open and have done what I can to protect this world from the return of Voldemort. Yet it seems as though we are running out of time if I am understanding Heir Potter correctly." Albus finished as he tuned soulful blue eyes towards Harry.

"Yes we are Headmaster." Harry answered, and almost regretted it as Albus seemed to sag in his chair. "Now onto my second year. That year dangerous things started happening again. The Heir of Slytherin was attacking students, ghosts and even pets. The very first to fall victim to the Heir was Mrs. Norris, the caretaker of Hogwarts cat. She had been petrified and was strung up in a hallway. Just before she had been found, I heard a voice saying and I quote 'Rip, Tare, Kill'. At the time Ronald was with me, but he didn't hear the voice that I did. And that is when we found Mrs. Norris how she was.

"Seconds after we found Mrs. Norris other students left from dinner and found us there. Written on the wall behind Mrs. Norris in blood was 'The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir Beware'. Of course it was speculated that the heir was me because I was found at the scene of the crime, then it was all but set in stone that I was the heir when it was found out that I am a Parselmouth.

"That year because of what was going on with people being petrified I was set as an out cast, I was ignored and targeted because of a gift that magic saw fit to give to me. Towards the end of the year Hagrid was arrested and sent to Azkaban so, as the minister said, 'The Ministry can be seen doing something about this problem'. The next night Ronald and I went into the forest and talked with the Acromantula known as Aragog and found out that what was hidden in the chamber of secrets was something all spiders feared. After that Hermione started searching the Hogwarts library for anything that would scare spiders enough to make them leave en mass from Hogwarts.

"After one of my quidditch games, Professor McGonagall took Ronald and I aside and escorted us to the hospital wing. Hermione had been petrified and was found in a hallway with a mirror in her hand. Suddenly the other students didn't think that I was the heir of Slytherin anymore. They had conveniently forgot that one of my best friends was a muggle born, as well as my mum, until Hermione was targeted. By that point Headmaster Dumbledore had been kicked out of Hogwarts by the school board for not keeping the students safe. Ronald and I visited Hermione everyday. Personally I wondered why she was found with that mirror because Hermione isn't the sort that will carry a mirror around with her, she is the most Ravenclaw-ish Gryffindor you could ever meet and I never would have given it another thought if she would have been found with a book instead.

"One day I went to see Hermione alone because Ronald was looking for his, at the time, first year sister Ginevra Weasley that he hadn't seen all day. Well instead of just sitting at her bedside, I held her hand hoping that maybe she would be able to feel the human contact even with her being petrified. Imagine my surprise when I felt a crumbled up bit of parchment in her curled up hand. After a bit of wiggling and prying I managed to get it out. I knew that it was important information when I saw that it was a ripped out page from a book. I read over it and Hermione being the absolutely brilliant witch that she is, figured out that it was a basilisk that was petrifying the students, ghosts and pets. It was traveling through the pipes which is why no one ever saw it and I could hear it when it was going to attack. She also noted that the only known thing that could kill it was the crowing of a rooster which explained why earlier in the year all of Hagrid's chickens and roosters were slaughtered one night.

"I left the hospital wing and was on my way to tell a professor of what Hermione had found when I ran into Ronald. He was distraught because they were closing Hogwarts and he still couldn't find Ginevra. We went to the staffroom to alert the adults about the basilisk when we overheard that Professor Lockhart, the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor that year, was going to go into the Chamber of Secrets to save Ginevra. We of course ran to Professor Lockhart, but instead of finding him preparing himself for whatever was in the chamber he was packing and preparing to leave.

"Lockhart ended up admitting to us that everything he said he did in his books was utter nonsense, that he had obliterated each and every one of the people that had actually done them so he could steal their stories with none the wiser. And then he attempted to pull his wand on us but I was quicker and casted expelliarmus. We forced him to go with us to the second floor girls restroom where I used my ability as a parselmouth to open a sink that led down into the Chamber of Secrets.

"Of course not knowing what we would find we pushed Lockhart down the pipe first before we jumped ourselves. As soon as we got down, Lockhart ended up taking Ronalds wand and tried to cast the memory charm on us, but what he didn't know was that Ronalds wand had accidentally snapped at the beginning of the year and the only thing that was holding it together was spell-o-tape. Every spell he would try to cast either just wouldn't work or would backfire, many members of both Slytherin and Gryffindor seen that first hand when a member of Slytherin house called Hermione a mudblood and Ronald attempted to curse the member and he ended up on the receiving end of the curse.

"So when Lockhart attempted to wipe our memories, the wand instead sent the spell back at him. But when Lockhart slammed into the side of the already unstable cave it created a rock slide that left Ronald on one side of the rubble and myself on the other. I sent Ronald to go get help if he could and I continued forward. When I got to the chamber, I found Ginevra laying on the floor with a boy that was turning more solid by the second while Ginevra became paler.

"The boy revealed that he was Voldemort and that he had been using the basilisk to get rid of the filthy mudbloods that roamed his ancestors' great school as he had done fifty years ago. He also stated that he was the greatest wizard of this time. I do believe I pissed the great wanker off when I told him that no he wasn't, Headmaster Dumbledore is. Shortly after that the phoenix known as Fawkes flew in with the sorting hat, and just after words Voldemort set the basilisk on me. Fawkes attacked it and managed to blind the great beast as I ran behind some pillars while putting on the sorting hat hoping that it would be able to tell me something that would be able to kill it because talking to it didn't work. As soon as I put the hat on my head I felt something heavy fall on my head and when I took the hat off I pulled out the sword of Gryffindor. I ended up managing to thrust the sword up through the roof of its mouth instantly killing it, but in the process I had impaled my arm on one of its many large teeth."

"You honestly expect us to believe a story like that?!" Cornilius shouted, interrupting Harry and breaking the astonished silence, "If you would have been bitten by a thousand year old basilisk you would be dead! There is no cure to basilisk venom!"

"Yes I would have been." Harry answered as he moved away from the bench and rolled up the left sleeve of his robe leaving the scar that could have been made by nothing else other than a large tooth bare for all to see, "Except there is one cure, that of the freely given tears of a phoenix. At that time I didn't know that, all I knew was that I had defeated Voldemort once again, killed the basilisk and saved my best friend's sister. Lucky for me Fawkes took a liking to me and cried on the wound, curing not only the basilisk venom but the wound that the tooth left behind as well. I was left with this scar because it was made by a dark magical creature. That was the end of my second year." Harry was met with shocked silence as the eyes of every member was staring at the arm he held out as proof.

"Heir Potter," Agusta managed to croak out, "I just wish to confirm that this happened in your second year and that you were only twelve at the time."

"Yes Lady Longbottom, that is correct."

"What is a rough estimate you would give for the size of the basilisk?"

"I would have to say between 60 and 70 feet at most, which isn't bad considering how long it had been alive for." Harry casually answered after thinking it over for a moment.

"Why hasn't this reached any of us? Many of us have children that attend, or had attended, Hogwarts when this occurred." Amelia spoke up for the first time since he began telling his adventures.

"Because I don't really talk about it."

"But surely you would have wanted to brag about your accomplishments?! It's no small feat to be able to say that you defeated a dark lord three times and killed a basilisk by the time you were twelve!" An unnamed lord shouted above the chattering.

"Why would I? I didn't do any of what I did for praise, recognition or glory, I did it because it was the right thing to do. I was there, able and willing to fight even though I pretty much believed that I was signing my death warrant for doing what I believed to be right." Harry jumped as he felt a pair of arms wrap around his shoulders.

"Your mum and dad would be so proud of you pup, though I don't think Hogwats would have been left standing once Lily was done." Sirius chucked, though he could still feel the terror that coursed through his veins at the very thought that twice he had come so very close losing Harry too without even knowing it.

"Heir Potter, please tell us the prophecy that was told to you and by whom." Agusta gently prodded him, "Afterwards we will discuss the issue of your custody."

"It was 'It will happen tonight. The Dark Lord lies alone and friendless, abandoned by his followers. His servant has been chained these twelve years. Tonight, before midnight, the servant will break free and set out to rejoin his master. The Dark Lord will rise again with his servant's aid, greater and more terrible than ever before. Tonight before midnight the servant will set out to rejoin his master'. Professor Trelawney gave the prophecy on June 6th after our divination exam. In the memory you viewed and saw Pettigrew escape was the night of June 6th. It is how I know for a fact that Voldemort will return and he will make the last war look like child's play."

"Professor Sybill Trelawney is the great-great-granddaughter of the famous seer Cassandra Trelawney. She has given one other prophecy to me that has partially come true already and many correct predictions over the years." Albus explained.

"This is a lot of information we need to process and start preparing for at a later date in the very near future." Agusta said as she brushed her fingers through her grey hair, "For now we must settle the custody of Heir Potter. From earlier statements it seems as though we must leave custody of Heir Potter to Mrs. Petunia Dursley for his protection, no matter how despicable she may be."

"Actually," Vernon said as he nervously stood up, "You don't need to."

"Please step forward and state your name.' Vernon nodded as he shuffled out of the bench isles and walked to stand beside Harry and Sirius.

"My name is Vernon Dursley Lady Longbottom, I am Harry Potter's uncle."

"And tell me, how is it you would know that we don't need to leave the custody of your nephew with your wife? Do you not wish for him to be safe and under such powerful protections?"

"Well yes, of course I do. But Sirius said that Harry only needs to call the place of his mother's blood family home for it to work. He didn't say that the protection specifies that it had to be with Petunia or that she had to have custody of him." He said as he nervously wet his lips.

"So there are more people that share a blood relation to Lily Potter?"

"Yes ma'am, my son Dudley Dursley shares blood relation with Lily and Harry. As long as Harry calls the place Dudley lives at home for the next three years, I don't see why the blood protection wouldn't work the same as it would with Petunia."

"And you are correct Mr. Dursley," Albus said as the twinkle returned to his eyes, "It would work the same. I say we allow the joint custody of Heir Potter between Lord Sirius Black and Vernon Dursley."

"I second that." Agusta said with a small smile.

"Then it seems as if the motion carries. We shall be owling the both of you the custody papers to sign and return at your earliest convenience. If there is nothing further I believe we shall adjourn for the day." At the silence of the room combined with the shaking of heads, Albus smiled "Then I call this meeting to a close."

"Alright pup, we need to get you to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. We need to get your inheritance registered with me as your family dominate." Sirius whispered into Harry's ear as the others joined them.

"How about we head over to Florean's to celebrate your freedom?" Remus asked as he grinned from ear to ear and slung an arm over Sirius' shoulders.

"Actually Moony you, Vernon, Harry and I have some where we have to go first. Arther could you take the kids there and we will meet up with you in say about an hour max?"

"Of course Lord Black. Let me be one of the first to congratulate you on your new found freedom." Hearing the formality with a touch of distrust aimed towards him Sirius started laughing.

"No need to be so formal, I'm anything but to be honest with you. I know the reputation my name brings with it but trust me I'm not like my family at all, if I was James never would have accepted me."

"Can't we come with you?" Ron asked.

"Sorry Ron, but this is a private family matter. If Harry wishes to tell you later on then that is up to him, but right now I am saying it needs to be kept between us."

"But Mr. Black we are like family," "Hermione protested, "We have been there for him through thick and thin for the last three years now!"

"I can understand your feelings, I was there once upon a time, but my answer is still no. It is a private family affair and if Harry feels you are trustworthy and wishes to tell you later in private then that is up to him. You will see Harry in a little while I promise. Come on, we got to get going you guys." Harry instantly saw the angry flush starting to creep across Hermione's cheeks and the stubborn set of her jaw at being so easily dismissed as he turned to leave with Sirius and the others. Obviously so did Ron and tried to put a stamper on it before Mount Hermione erupted.

"Hermione, let it go. I'm sure Harry will tell us when he's ready. Plus it's a family matter involving the Heir of an Ancient and Noble Family, it would be extremely rude to pry into it."

"So? I don't see any reason for it to be rude, we've been friends since we were eleven! Don't we deserve to know if something is going on with him?" Was the last thing Harry heard as he followed after the others.

"Don't worry about her cub, she's just worried. I'm sure everything will calm over once you're able to explain things to her."

"I know Remus, I just don't like to leave them in the dark especially with everything that we have gone through together. And Hermione is the type that wants to know everything now, which is why she always carries 'a bit of light reading'."

"Pup, I know that she's your friend and like family to you but she needs to learn some restraint. I honestly don't care that she tried to get answers after I said it was a family matter but if it was another family, her reputation would have instantly gone out the window today. Things are very different in the wizarding world compared to the muggle world. Here in the wizarding world under no circumstances are you to pry into family matters, especially when it involves a Noble and Ancient House. For all she could know it could involve something at the bank, the Family Magics, or even a family secret." Sirius explained.

"But why would it damage her reputation?"

"Because, some Family Magics can cause even the strongest minds to spill their secrets. So now it's taboo to keep families, especially the sacred twenty-eight, safe."

"That seems kind of stupid if you ask me."

"Ah, but what if someone with the family magics of suggestion was to ask you about any creature bloodlines? Or say asked about anything they could hold against your House?" Sirius raised an eyebrow and seen when it clicked into place for Harry and just nodded his head, "No matter how good her intentions are, she must learn the ways of the wizarding world if she wants to make it here. She can be the smartest witch of your year, but if her reputation is shot then she will never be hired for a high ranking job. In this world it takes but one fuck up for your life to be forever comprimised, and add onto it her muggleborn status she is already fighting a uphill battle."

"Is that the reason why purebloods treat muggleborns the way that they do?"

"Partially. Muggleborns was raised in a completely different world with different traditions, holidays and religions. When they come here they see things that they automatically assume are dark and evil, so the ministry in an attempt to appease them have cast away many of our traditions and replaced our holidays with muggle holidays and have made many of them illegal to practice. Vernon, how would you feel if people came and told you that Christmas or Halloween was wrong, so your government replaced them with something else then on top of it made it illegal for you to celebrate the holiday that you have always known it to be?"

"I would be bloody pissed and hate the bastards that caused it."

"That is the reason behind the hatred of muggleborns. Personally I believe that it should be a mix of the two, not just one or the other. Being raised in a Pureblood family, I know many of the old ways and the old holidays and many of them are very meaningful and beautiful. But I've also celebrated the new holidays and I love them as well. People should be able to pick and choose what they wish to celebrate."

"I couldn't have said it any better myself Lord Black." Turning around in the empty hallway, Remus and Sirius pushed Harry and Veron back and stood protectively in front of them.

"Is there something I could help you with Lord Malfoy?" Sirius asked with forced politeness.

"No, but there is something I can do for you." Lucius said as he leisurely walked forward, "I rushed the custody papers for you and Mr. Vernon Dursley to sign." Holding out the rolled up parchment, Lucius waited patiently as he was viewed with distrust and suspicion.

"What's the catch?" Sirius asked.

"I don't think there is one." Harry said as he eyed Lucius. There was something that drew him in, something about the Malfoy Lord that screamed out to him. There was something different about him, as if the blinds were torn from his eyes and he was seeing him for the first time.

"You are correct Heir Potter, there is no catch. Just think of it as a congratulations gift."

"You expect me to believe that? You must want something otherwise you would never have helped a Gryffindor, let alone a muggle." Sirius snarled.

"Stop Sirius," Harry murmured as he stepped around Remus and placed a hand on Sirius' chest as he tilted his head to the side, "What are you?"

"Like calls to like Heir Potter and not everything is as it seems." Harry watched as a soft smile graced his lips and seemed to transform Lucius' face. Reaching out to grab the parchment he let out a gasp when Lucius grabbed his wrist in a vice like grip and jerked him forward. Leaning down Lucius was only inches from his face, his silver eyes shining brightly with determination.

"Be careful Heir Potter, I know what you are. Do not accept anything from anyone and always and I mean ALWAYS trust your instincts. Listen to what your gut tells you because it will never lead you wrong. Don't allow anyone to trap you and clip your wings little angel or else they will be able to control you for the rest of your days." Letting him go, Lucius straightened as he placed the parchment in Harry's hand and looked at Sirius, "Sign that immediately before you go to the department, it will file itself with MCPS and leave a copy that you will need when you file the inheritance so the ministry doesn't attempt to step in and challenge your rights." Turning on his heel Lucius left without a backwards glance.

"Who was that and what did he say to you Harry?"

"That was Lucius Malfoy, Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy. He knew what I was and gave me a warning along with advice." Harry answered as he handed the parchment to Sirius who immediately unrolled and began reading it.

"Isn't he the same fellow that was being a bloody wanker when you almost bumped into him?" Vernon questioned.

"Yes, it is. Something isn't right with him, almost as if every time I have encountered him in the past he was wearing a glamor and I can finally see the real him now." Harry glanced at Remus and saw the gold receding from his eyes.

"This is legit, the parchment has the seal of the MCPS."

"What's MCPS?" Vernon wondered out loud as he scrunched his eyebrows in confusion.

"It's short for Magical Child Protective Services. They deal with custody papers and anything to do with children." Sirius answered as he signed his name with a conjured quill. Handing it over to Vernon he pointed at the line Vernon needed to sign and held it in place against the wall.

"We need to hurry, Lucius somehow knows what Harry is. We can't risk waiting and the Ministry comes down on our heads for not filing sooner." Remus' voice was clouded with worry as he gripped Harry's shoulder, "They could attempt to take him, knowing Lucius he will find some obscure law that could grant the ministry rights over Harry until his mate is found even though you two were just granted custody."

"The department is right around the corner if I'm remembering right." Sirius muttered, snatching the copy out of the air as the original disappeared to the MCPS. Their earlier leisurely pace was replaced with hurried footsteps and Vernons heavy breaths as they rushed towards the DRCMC. Entering the department, Harry was shocked to see that it was mostly empty, with the exception being the secretary. Sirius took the lead, walking towards her with a winning smile.

"Hello miss, my charge has come into a level Ten LB inheritance, we need to see the Head of the department to get him registered."

"Oh my, a level Ten LB? I'll get her right away!" She said as she scurried away from her desk to the door behind her. "Madam Prickle will see you now." She held the door open as she stepped out of the way. Stepping into the room Harry looked over the woman behind the impressive desk, taking in the steely look that she gave then from behind her glasses.

"I am Madam Gethsemane Prickle, my secretary has told me that you need to register a level Ten Light Being inheritance."

"Yes that's right. I am Lord Sirius Black and this is my charge Heir Harry James Potter. He came into an angel inheritance on his fourteenth birthday." Sirius said as he sat down.

"And who is to be his family dominant until he turns 17?" She asked as she started filing in the registration form.

"I will be his family dominant until he has found his dominant mate." Jerking her head up she looked at Harry with surprise.

"Are you telling me he is a submissive?" She questioned in disbelief, "I will need proof of his submissive nature before we go any further." Nodding, Harry stood up and turned his back to her and disrobed. Unfurling his large wings, he let out a content sigh as they fluttered and stretched to their maximum wing-spand. Glancing over his shoulder, he just barely caught a glimpse of her astonishment and wonder before her steely mask fell back in place.

"I will need a copy of the file from the MCPS as proof of your custody claim. Heir Potter must remain with me during that time. You will have one hour to provide proof before we, the ministry, claim custody of the submissive angel Heir Potter until his dominant mate can be found. Any aggression or an attempt to flee with Heir Potter without a copy of your claim of custody will be met with deadly force."

"Actually I have a copy with me." Sirius said as he slid the parchment over her desk. Picking it up she inspected the parchment for any falsehoods or forgeries. Finding none, she gingerly gave it back with a nod of her head.

"Everything seems to be in order there, but I must see Mr. Vernon Dursley and confirm that he is aware of both Heir Potters inheritance and you taking up the active role as Heir Potters family dominant."

"I am Vernon Dursley, I am fully aware of both and agree with it."

"Then let us proceed. Heir Potter, I will need a sample of your blood along with one feather. The feather will be dipped in magical ink created to stain the feathers of angels so no one can attempt to use it against you but leave your magical signature and placed in your file. The blood sample will be used to key the wards on your file to only open to you. When your mate is found and the bond is completed you must return with your family dominant along with your mate to update your file." As she explained she moved from her seat behind her desk to the cabinet behind her and pulled out a black jar. Walking around her desk she gave a soft reassuring smile.

"I am sorry to say that your wings are magic resistant so no numbing charms will work, but you should only feel a slight pinch."

Nodding his approval he instantly regretted it. Her hands felt so wrong against his wings. Holding himself stiff as a board, he fought the instinct to jerk away from her soft touch. Feeling a tug that was accompanied by the pinching pain that she said he would feel, he instantly relaxed and felt relief that she was no longer touching his wings. He watched as she unscrewed the jar and completely submerged his feather, leaving no part uncovered.

"While that soaks in the ink, I would like you to prick your finger and place it over the center of this folder. It will activate the blood ward."

"Alright." Harry murmured as he held his robe to his chest wondering how in the hell he would prick his finger on the knife while he kept himself covered.

"Here pup, let me help you." Sirius said as he gently held his hand and picked up the knife. Harry sucked in a breath at the sharp pain on his finger. Sirius guided his finger over the folder and gently squeezed just enough for only a drop of blood to land on it. Glancing at Madam Prickle he watched as she placed a seal on the parchment and it automatically doubled.

"Heir Potter, I need you to open the folder so I can place the feather and your registration inside." Nodding his head, Harry opened it and watched as she pulled the now completely black feather out of the jar and placed it in the folder along with the parchment. Shutting the folder Harry watched as she placed the folder into a side drawer of her desk.

"You are all set, here is your copy of the registration. Have a nice day."

"Thank you." Sirius simply said. Turning his back to the department head again, he retracted his wings and threw a smile at Sirius.

"Does that mean we can go get some ice cream now?" He asked in a teasing voice.

"Yes it does!" Sirius laughed and ruffled Harry's hair just as he slipped his robe over his head.

Arriving at the Leaky Cauldron Harry opened his car door. Vernon had made a good point about taking the car instead of the floo, why travel to save on extra trips. And honestly Harry didn't want to step foot back in the ministry after leaving.

"Lord Sirius Black, welcome back to the Leaky Cauldron! Would you like a firewhiskey or butterbeer to celebrate your freedom and return to society, on the house?"

"Not right now, we have plans to meet up with some friends at Florean's. But I will happily take up your offer at another time."

"Any time Lord Black." Tom said with his normal crooked smile. Giving Tom a little wave and smile back, Harry followed after the others with a skip to his steps. Remus was right, the news did travel fast. Stepping into the wizarding world, Harry smothered a chuckle as people started to shout out congratulations on his release and how it seemed to put a swagger to Sirius' walk.

"Harry, over here!" He heard Ron shout as he waved from a table outside the ice cream parlor. Harry frowned in confusion when he noticed only Ron was at the table.

"Where's your dad and Hermione at?" He asked when they got closer.

"Hermione wanted to get back to her vacation with her parents, she didn't want to miss anything. She told me to tell you she would see you later when we meet up at my house for the Quidditch World Cup and dad had to get back to work. He was only excused long enough to get us, be at the trial and then take us back home. Dad left me with just enough to get back home on the Knight Bus and get a small ice cream."

"Oh, I thought that she would want to spend a little bit of time with us before heading back."

"Well, I think that she wanted to take off like she did because we had a few words and I don't think that she liked what I had to say."

"What do you mean?"

"I know that you don't know much about wizarding customs but what Hermione did by trying to pry after Sirius said it was a family matter was taboo. It's even worse than saying You-Know-Who's name. She didn't understand or like it so she went back to her parents." Ron gave a awkward smile as he rubbed the back of his head, "I was trying to teach her something but well you know how Mione gets, believing that she knows everything."

"Well she's going to have to learn sooner or later that she doesn't." Sirius said as he rested his hand on Harry's shoulder, "Why don't you kids sit down while Vernon, Remus and I go get the ice cream. What flavor do you guys want?"

"Surprise me." Harry said with a twinkle in eye.

"I'll have whatever you get Harry in a small."

"Coming right up!" Sirius grinned grabbing Remus and Vernon by their arms and practically dragged them inside.

"So mate, how has your summer been?"

"Well at first it was shit, but then Uncle Vernon figured out that Aunt Petunia has been lying to him about a lot of things. Sense then it's been amazing. Uncle Vernon took me to see a movie called The Little Rascals. It was so funny, and I got new furniture and my bedroom painted."

"What's a movie?" Ron asked, confused.

"Oh, it's kind of like a moving picture except it can last for hours and everyone in it are actors. It also has sound and all the lines the actors say is rehearsed." Harry tried to explain. "How about your summer?"

"The twins have been right terrors, so their usual antics except their pranks are mostly aimed at me because they are too afraid of Ginny to do too much to her." Ron rolled his eyes, "Mums had us degnome the garden a few times so far, which is a total pain in the arse. Then the ghoul in the attic is still as loud as ever, so it's been a pretty normal summer for me."

"Two butterbeer ice creams on the house because of the famously handsome Sirius Black!" Sirius said, sitting down the large ice cream dishes down in front of them.

"Don't you mean the famously crazy Sirius Black?" Remus countered with a sly grin.

"Ouch Moony, you wound me!" Sirius said dramatically as he held a hand to his chest, "How could my best mate say something so cruel? Well you know what, who needs ya you bloody traitor when I got Vernon!"

"Actually I agree with Remus, if it wasn't for him you would have bought out the whole parlour."

"Vernon, you too?! How could you turn your back on me in this way? I thought you were a man of ice cream like myself. But I see how it is, I guess I'll just sit with my wonderful godson and his noble knight in shining armor!"

"Knight in shining armor? When did I become that?" Ron asked in bewilderment.

"When you stood on a broken leg to defend Harry against what you believed to be a mass murderer." Sirius said right before he shoved a spoon full of what looked like chocolate and peanut butter ice cream in his mouth. Dramatically rolling his eyes up and letting out a sinful moan, Harry laughed at the playful mood he was in.

"That reminds me, what made you laugh during the trial Harry?" Vernon asked as he pointed his spoon towards him.

"Ron was comparing the Wizengamot to toddlers which was funny on its own, but then Mione started saying that it was fascinating to watch. Ron replied that it was as fascinating as watching toddlers fighting over a toy." Harry started smacking Sirius' back when he started choking. Heaving in a deep breath Sirius started laughing with tears in his eyes.

"Merlin's saggy bollocks, that is not only a good one but a completely accurate description of them!" He wheezed out, wiping the tear tracks off his face.

"Well, it was. Every time something was said that they didn't believe they went off. You would think that they would have a bit more dignity but no."

"In the muggle world, they would have automatically been escorted out and held in contempt of court. Especially since it was such a high profile case."

"Too bad it wasn't like that here. Alright boys are you about ready to go?" Remus said as he stood up with his empty bowl.

"Yeah, I'll miss you mate." Ron said as he gave Harry a one arm hug, "I'll see you in a couple of days at my house, yeah?"

"Ron, how would you like to stay with us for the couple of days before you guys go to the quidditch game?" Vernon asked with a grin.

"Really Uncle Vernon?!"

"Of course, I don't see a problem with it. I'll be keeping a close eye on Petunia so she doesn't start in on you guys."

"That sounds like a brilliant plan! Ron, Harry I'll apparate us over to the burrow to have a talk with Molly and for you to pack." Sirius said with a smile.

"I'll take your ice cream, when you're done meet us at the car." Vernon held out his hands, "How long do you think you'll be Sirius?"

"Give us maybe fifteen minutes at most. I'm sure that Molly will let him stay for a couple of days. If not I'll pop over and grab his ice cream"

"Good." Vernon said and rubbed his hands in glee, "Hey Remus is there any way that you can exchange some pounds into wizard currency for me and do that thingamajig to get us to that candy shop by the school?"

"You mean HoneyDukes? I don't see why not, I'm running low on their chocolate bars anyways."

Dropping to his knees outside the burrow, Harry dry heaved. There was no way in hell he was going to travel by apparition again. He felt hands rubbing his back and holding his long hair out of the way as his stomach churned, the knot slowly unravelling from what felt like being shoved through a tube.

"Well it looks like apparition is out for you." Sirius said.

"You think?" Harry managed to get out just before another dry heave hit.

"I should have thought to use the floo, James reacted the same way after his inheritance to apparition." Feeling slightly better, Harry got to his feet.

"Lets get inside, I want to get back to the house soon." Harry said, rubbing his stomach with a grimince.

"Maybe mum can get a pot of tea going to help soothe it." Ron said as he opened the door, "Mum, I'm home!"

"Ron, how did the trial go dear?" Molly said with a smile as she left the kitchen. Eyes widening, she clutched her wand a bit tighter at the sight of Sirius and her smile became a bit forced rather than the easy going it was just a second again.

"Hello, Mrs. Weasley. I'd like to introduce you to one of my guardians and my godfather, Sirius Black. He's sharing joint custody of me with my muggle uncle, Vernon Dursley, at his own request." Harry said with a small smile.

"Oh Harry dear that's wonderful to hear!" Molly relaxed and gave him a hug, "So I'm taking it that the trial went well?"

"You should have seen it mum ,except for a couple of members, they acted like a bunch of children every time that something was said that they didn't agree with!" Ron shook his head, "Harry though was bloody brilliant! He took them by the horns and made them see reason!"

"Ronald Weasley, you watch that mouth of yours or you'll be in big trouble mister!" She said with a stern look, "Harry dear, I'm very proud of you and happy that things were sorted out. Oh where are my manners, would you and Lord Black like any tea and scones?"

"Just tea for me please, Harry will take tea with some ginger snaps if you have any. Apparition does not agree with him if you catch my meaning." Sirius said as they followed Molly into the kitchen.

"Oh you poor dear, I'm sure that I have some. Let me pour the tea and I will look for them."

"Harry!" Ginny said in delight, "I didn't know you would be coming over today."

"I'm just dropping by before we head home."

"Which reminds me of the reason behind our visit. Molly would you mind if Ron stays the next few days with Harry until the Quidditch World Cup? Vernon has already agreed to it, actually he suggested it. Give the boys a few days to spend together to catch up before all the excitement happens."

"That is an excellent idea! Go and pack Ron, I'm sure Harry is ready to get home and rest for a bit." Molly said as she set the tea cups down in front of Harry and Sirius along with a small bowl with cubes of sugar, "And here is those ginger snaps for you to nibble on."

"Thank you Mrs. Weasley."

"Now how many times must I tell you to call me Molly, dear?"

"At least twenty more." Harry answered with a cheeky smile. Molly laughed and ruffled his hair and then frowned in confusion.

"Harry, what happened to your hair? I just saw you in June and it was nowhere near being this long."

"That is a family matter, Mrs. Weasley." Sirius said casually, though a hint of steel was heard underneath his light tone. Molly pressed her lips together firmly and then sighed in resignation.

"Well I think it looks lovely. And just look at those gorgeous curls, now I can understand why your hair was such a birds nest." Harry blushed, not knowing what to say so instead he changed the subject.

"Where are the twins and Percy?"

"The twins went over to Lee Jordan's house and Percy moved out to an apartment, thank Merlin. He was driving all of us nuts with him always going on about stuff from work."

"Ronald! If he were here I would make you apologise! I have half a mind to make you write a letter explaining what you said and apologise for it anyways."

"Mum just ask the twins when they get back and Ginny, he was acting the right nutter obsessing over everything."

"Be that as it may, your brother is proud of his work. The first child out of seven to follow his father's footsteps and get a respectable job at the ministry and under Bartimus Crouch no less."

"Yeah I guess. Are you ready to go, Harry?"

"Yeah lets get this over with."

"Well if Lord Black doesn't mind, why don't you use the floo instead?" Molly asked in concern as she glanced back and forth between Sirius and Harry.

"That sounds perfect, we can floo to the Leaky Cauldron and meet the others outside. Hopefully Vernon was able to drag Moony out of HoneyDukes without too much problems."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, standing up from the table to go to the living room.

"Well Moony is practically addicted to chocolate. Remember telling me about him giving you and every other student on the Hogwarts Express after the dementor's attack? Well Moony has a bottomless pocket in that tweed jacket of his that he jams full of chocolate. It's also how we found out that the bottomless spell isn't actually bottomless, it just gives a lot of extra space."

"Well now I know who to go to if I get the urge for some chocolate." Harry laughed.

"Oh yes, and he always carries HoneyDukes finest. Well, it was nice to meet you Mrs. Weasley. I'll make sure the boys get here safely for the Quidditch game."

"It was nice to meet you to Lord Black. Now you keep on your best behaviour Ron, and absolutely no magic! Harry lives in a muggle neighborhood." Molly said as she hugged him.

"I know mum, I'll behave. See you in a couple of days."

Getting out of the car Harry stretched and headed for the front door with Ron trailing behind him. Remus and Sirius had decided to come back to the house with them at Vernon's invitation. Plopping down on the couch, Harry threw an arm over his eyes and sighed.

"You alright Harry?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, it's just been a very long day between the trial and then going to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."

"Well just think, you got the next couple of days to relax before the game." Vernon said as he ruffled Harry's hair as he walked past the couch towards the kitchen, "I'm getting a pop, anyone else want one?"

"I'll take one." Harry said, "Ron will take one too, don't worry you'll love it!"

"Make that one for all of us." Sirius said with a lazy grin, "Want some help carrying them back?"

"No, I got it." He waved a hand in dismissal as he disappeared into the kitchen.

"What the.. Boy, what are all these freaks doing in my house?!" Petunia screeched from the stairs, "It's bad enough that I have to deal with you! Out, out! Each and every single one of you freaks get out of my house now!" She said as she stormed to the door getting ready to open the door.

"What in the bloody hell is going on out here?!" Vernon bellowed as he marched out of the kitchen with the pop.

"What's going on?! What's going on is that the boy brought more freaks into our home!" Petunia said, her eyes wide in fury.

"He didn't do a damn thing Petunia! I invited these good people here."

"No, no, no! I won't stand for this Vernon! Get them out of this house right this instant!" She screamed as she pointed towards the door.

"No I will not. You are going to have to deal with having more magical people in the house. It isn't right that Dudley can have friends over or I have Marge come stay for a visit but Harry isn't! I told you when I found out your lies things would change and I meant every word!"

"It's either get them out of this house or I'm leaving until they are gone." Petunia said with arrogance, absolutely no doubt in her mind that Vernon would finally kick them out. Vernon nodded his head while sitting down the pop and got out his wallet.

"Here is four houndred pounds and the keys to the car, it should pay for a nice hotel room for the next few nights and food. Oh and by the way your custody rights to Harry was terminated today, his godfather Sirius Black and I share joint custody." Vernon said casually as he held out the money and keychain to her, "The house will be empty in a couple of days, then you can come back home. Of course if you change your mind you can always come home. Or you can just apologize to our guests and stay here" Vernon raised an eyebrow. Petunia snatched the money in a fit of rage and stormed up stairs, slamming the bedroom door.

"I'm sorry you had to see that. Nowadays, Pet and I haven't been seeing eye to eye about things. Especially when it comes to anything magical or Harry." Vernon explained as he sat down in his recliner with a weary sigh.

"Vernon, we can always leave. There's no reason for us to cause stress to your marriage by just being here." Remus said as he opened his Pepsi.

"No, I invited all of you here and I'm not taking that back. And if you try to leave out of misplaced guilt I'll show you the wonders of duct tape." Vernon grinned when Harry started laughing.

"What's duct tape?" Ron asked in confusion.

"Duct tape is the muggle version of spell-o-tape." Remus said with a weary look towards Vernon, "The only exception is that muggles have found an almost endless use for duct tape including tying someone up as Vernon here just casually pointed out." Everyone winced as they heard the bedroom door slam open and then the sound of stomping feet. Petunia came to a stop in front of the front door, suitcase in hand.

"This is your last chance Vernon, me or them."

"I told you Pet, I am not kicking out the guests that I invited here. You don't have to leave this is our home. But you need to get over your dislike of people that are different." Turning on her heel, Petunia opened the door only to find Albus Dumbledore standing there with a raised hand ready to knock. Pushing past him with no courtesy at all, she threw her suitcase into the back seat. Slamming the door after she got in, Petunia peeled out of the driveway that would feed the gossip chain for weeks to come.

"May I come in gentlemen?" Albus asked from the doorway.

"Of course!" Vernon said as he got up with a smile, "Is there anything I can get for you?"

"No, I dropped by for a few moments of your time Mr. Dursley. Is there somewhere we can talk in private?" Albus asked with a smile and twinkle in his eye, shutting the door behind him.

"Yes, let's step into the kitchen." Vernon gestured for Albus to follow him and turned.

"What was that about?" Ron asked once the door to the kitchen closed in total bewilderment.

"I bet you it's about the job to teach as the muggle studies professor at Hogwarts!" Harry said with a grin, turning from the kitchen door to Ron.

"He was offered a job at Hogwarts?! But he's a muggle!" Ron replied in disbelief.

"And that's what would make him perfect for the job." Remus popped in, "He would be able to teach the kids how to properly blend into the muggle world and use it's technology."

"That's true. But what about the slytherins? I don't see them accepting the fact that a muggle will be able to tell them what to do, give out detentions and take away points. They might try to get their parents together to get him thrown out." Ron said darkly, taking a sip of his own Pepsi only to choke on it. Seeing the pop squirted out of Ron's nose sent Harry into peals of laughter. Clapping Ron on the back a couple of good times, Harry managed to choke out a 'sorry' through the laughter.

"What in the bloody hell was that?! You said I would like it Harry, instead it about killed me!" Ron exclaimed.

"It's a carbonated drink that only the muggle world has." Remus said with a grin, "I think that's the first time I've ever seen someone choke on a liquid, how about you Sirius?"

"No, remember the first time James had a Coke? I can remember him ending up in the same position as Ron. Ironic really that Coke became his favorite drink, I still say he had a kink for anything red that had the ability to kill him." Sirius said as he raised the can to his mouth. Harry waited until he could see him swallowing to make his move.

"You know I wonder if dad had a kink for Voldemort. The memory of him did have red hair and he's obviously dangerous." Harry said with a straight face, rubbing his chin for extra effect. The result was instantaneous, and had the bonus effect of both Remus and Sirius banging on their chests as they choked on their drinks. Taking a look at Ron out of the corner of his eye, Harry lost his cool and started laughing at the dumbfounded look on his face.

"Why you little!" Sirius said with a raspy voice standing up.

"What seems to be going on here?" Albus said with a knowing twinkle to his eyes, "Sirius Black I do believe we at Hogwarts taught you that you are supposed to drink what you have, not spill it down your front. And you Remus, I thought better of you." He tisked with fake disappointment.

"Well I have to say that I am happy that I am coming to Hogwarts. We can't let children like Sirius here teaching our Harry poor table manners." Vernon shook his head and gave a dramatic sigh as he leaned against the couch.

"Right you are Mr. Dursley."

"Wait, you're definitely coming to Hogwarts with me?" Harry asked with bright eyes.

"Yup, you are looking at the new Muggle studies professor. I was also given a start of the year bonus to buy anything I might need for my classroom, anything that's left over is mine to keep so I will be leaving Grunnings early."

"My business here is done, I'll see myself out." Albus said with a smile.

"Wait Headmaster." Harry said, "There is something that I need to tell you because it might affect me in school." His face showed his nervousness.

"Pup, are you sure about this?"

"Yeah, plus I would rather get this out now and have to explain one less time with having both Ron and the Headmaster here." Harry said as he nodded his head, "On my birthday this year, I came into a creature inheritance from my dad. I'm a submissive angel. Sirius already got me registered and is set as my family dominant. Uncle Vernon and I have been researching all we can from books that we have bought from the bookstore in Diagon Alley, but they don't really have much to go on. Though I did find out the hard way that I can't use apparition unless I want to be violently sick afterwards." He sighed as he rubbed his neck.

"That is amazing my boy!" Albus said with a happy smile, "Congratulations! I believe I might have some rare books on male submissive angels. I would be willing to owl you if you want to take a look at them?"

"Really? That would be brilliant, thank you Headmaster!"

"Also on the first night back to school, you and Mr. Weasley stop by my office with Miss Granger. I'll have a pass for you to be out after curfew, so that you can stretch your wings without the prying eyes of the school. If that is all I'll take my leave. Mr. Dursley, do you mind if I apparate from your kitchen?"

"No I don't mind at all." Nodding, Albus went to the kitchen with a noticeable skip to his step.

"That's what your family matter was at the ministry?! Do you know how rare this inheritence is?"

"I'm taking it's almost as rare as surviving the killing curse?" Harry responded with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah pretty much!"

"Come on up to my room and I'll show you the notes Uncle Vernon and I managed to get together." Harry said as he stood up.

"Before you head up, does pizza sound good to you for dinner?" Vernon asked as he grabbed the phone.

"Yeah, it sounds great to me! Give us a yell when it gets here." He said as they started up the stairs, Ron's barely touched pop still sitting on the coffee table.