Title: Harry Potter and The Power of Thirteen

Chapter 4: Visitation and the Master Marauder

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any characters or places from the series they all belong to J. K Rowling. Any similarities with other fanfiction is not intentional, there's just too many pieces of work for any idea not to exist out there somewhere.

AN: thanks to narurgirl2003 for writing Hermione's letter and beta'ing this chapter

Recommendation

Title: Letters - Author: TheEndless7 - Link: s/6535391

Opening his eyes, Harry was shocked to find himself back in Lilith's office. Noticing he was beginning to panic, Lilith cut his worrying short. "Don't worry, Harry, you're not dead again; this is merely a check-up and review session in which we talk and you find out how things are working out, etc."

Seeing the relieved look on his face, she continued, "Now so far, you have been doing ok. The only changes seem to be on the old goat's part; he instructed your relatives to ensure you have as little free time as possible. Though I'm sure you worked that out. I called in a favour from Jannet over in III (Insect Infestation Incorporated) on that one. And finally we get to one Lord Sirius Black; you do realise changing the timeline could cause further problems later on? Yes, I know as long as he's free and the Rat's not in jail, everything's roughly the same. Just remember to plan ahead. Otherwise, everything's looking good for an improved ride into the future. However, the next time we meet, it won't be in your dreams. I had to do it this way because you have a bed guest. Now, any questions or events you'd like some comments on?"

"Yes, actually, why are we having a meeting now and not in a week or so? Doesn't this violate the contract? Why did the old goat, as you put it, decide to destroy any free time I might have had during the holidays?"

"I will answer your questions in the order you asked. Beginning with the first one, we're having this meeting now, since it's been over thirteen days since your return, and less than a month. It is explicitly stated within the contract that reviews will occur at any length between thirteen days and seven years of their return, as in your case, or for more lengthy eventualities it's thirteen years. As of the goat, he's decided you've learned something about his use of Legilimency on you. You must be discouraged from avoiding eye contact with him; a few other petty things which make him seem like another Snape."

"Great, now I've got two petty idiots on my case, oh-well. You win some and you lose some. Is that everything?"

"Yup, now enjoy the rest of your REM cycle," and with a cheerful wave everything faded back to black.

At twenty minutes to eight, Harry was startled out of a very enjoyable dream about a certain bushy haired girl, by a loud tapping at the window. Seeing the panicked look on Padfoot's face, he begrudgingly got up and proceeded to open the window allowing Hedwig entry. "What you got there for me girl?" gently stroking her soft plumage. Taking the letter from her, he was surprised to see it came from Hermione. "Thanks girl, so I take it that's where you were when I left the Dursleys?" Bobbing her head in affirmative, she flew off to the corner where there was a perch, quietly settling down before tucking her head under her wing, and taking a much deserved rest.

Harry placed the letter on the desk before moving away to begin his morning ritual's. After a nice long hot shower, he pulled on the most presentable set of clothing he had available. He made his way back to the desk to read the letter.

Dear Harry,

How are you? Well, that was a stupid question because you are with the most horrid people who ever walked this planet! I have been pretty busy since I've gotten home from Hogwarts. I have already written three essays and three research papers. Let's just say that I'm ready for a break now. Did you get a chance to look at the material for school? Of course not, you and Ron never look at your course work until the start of term. You need to start ahead of time so you can be prepared and be ahead.

Oh, did you see the Daily Prophet? The Weasleys went to Egypt! They went to see Bill and of course, Ron will be rubbing it in when he gets back.

Speaking of vacations, my parents and I will be leaving to go to France in a couple of weeks. They said that I can bring a friend along. Well, I guess I'll just go on ahead and ask. Would you like to come with me and my parents to France? No pressure, but I need to know your answer by the end of this week. I hope you can come! We will have so much fun, and you will get to go on your first vacation!

Time for me to close. Can't wait for your response!

Your friend,

Hermione

"Common Padfoot, time for a bath."

Harry couldn't help but laugh at the whining and pleading eyes he got in response to his statement. "Are you saying you enjoy smelling like you just came out of the estuary? Besides, I'd like to be able to keep my breakfast down when we get a chance to talk. Don't worry it's not a flee bath, just a normal one. Well, only if you get in that bathroom in the next nineteen seconds, will the offer of no flea treatment stand. One… two… three… four… five…"

Seeing the indecisive look on his face, Harry finally resorted to his final card, "I'll drag you in there kicking and screaming if you don't do it yourself."

Finally, after half an hour of scrubbing, Padfoot was in a more presentable state. At nine o'clock, there was a knock at his door. After opening it to find Tom delivering his breakfast, Harry let him in. Placing it on the table, Tom turned back to Harry, "Is there anything else I can get you Mr Potter?" "No, thank you, Tom; this will be fine," He replied. Just as Tom got to the door, a thought occurred to him, "Actually, could I also get lunch up here as well? I would be most grateful."

"That can be arranged, Mr Potter. Is there anything in particular you would like?" After thinking on it for a moment, he decided, "If it's possible, I'd like to get a Muggle creation called Fish and Chips. Two Scoops of chips with three filets of fish if you can." "Yes, Mr Potter, we can do that. I'm glad I hired that Muggle-born! He brought all these new foods to my tavern that many purebloods seem to enjoy, not that I tell them where they came from of course." Winking at Harry, he turned and left closing the door behind him.

Laughing loudly, Harry walked back to the table and sat down, "Are you going to join me, Sirius?" He gestured to the second plate of breakfast. Quickly eating their breakfast in silence, the two moved over to the chairs setup in front of a fireplace. "Now we're rested, cleaned, and feed. I suppose it's time to talk." Harry intoned. Taking a deep breath, he was about to begin; however, looking at Sirius's face, he couldn't help but crack up. "Take it easy Padfoot; nothing serious is going to be discussed here except you of course." Seeing the spark of mischief in his eyes as he released a raspy laugh, he moved forward.

"Well as you can guess, I know you didn't betray my parents, and know that it was a certain rat. Let's just leave it at that. Now I'm limited as to what I can tell you; however, I will try to answer any questions you may have."

"How did you know it was me in the park?"

"I didn't until your doggy face displayed a shocked look. You then incriminated yourself further by coming over. Responding to complex instructions didn't help hide it either, though you didn't seem to follow all of them; especially the one concerning the minister. I must say nice aim by the way." At recalling the memory, they both began laughing again.

"How did you know I was an unregistered Animagus, specifically a grim?"

"Now here's where it gets more complicated… I am under a binding contract on certain things. I know because . . . . . . . . . . . . And that's how I know of your Animagus form"

"Um... you were speaking without making a sound."

"Damn, guess it's as I feared. Don't worry, I'll work it out and fill you in someday."

After several hours of talking mostly about inconsequential things, such as what he got up to during his first 2 years, it was almost noon. Grabbing his school books out of his trunk, he sat down at the desk to get started on his homework, while Padfoot curled up on the rug in front of the hearth. Half an hour later after completing his two transfiguration essays there was a knock at the door. Opening it to reveal Tom with lunch, Harry allowed him in, and thanked him as he was leaving. Harry closed and relocked the door before moving back to the table. While eating lunch, Harry discussed buying an apartment for Sirius to live in while he hid out near Hogwarts during the school year.

After lunch, Harry went to continue his homework; however, he was interrupted by Sirius. "Harry, there's a vault at Gringotts I want you to access tomorrow, and remove a few items. It's the Marauder vault, vault number 1971. Now to access this vault, you don't need a key, rather a phrase."

"Let me guess, it is 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good'."

"You have to spoil my fun," said a pouting Sirius.

"I didn't know that there was a marauder vault, but I do know how to work your map," said Harry trying to placate Sirius.

"You know where the map is? Last I remember was its confiscation off the Rat by Filch in our seventh year. Stupid idiot got caught with it on the way back from the kitchen with it activated, good thing it doesn't work for squibs."

"Yes I do, I've currently got it; however, a pair of up-and-coming pranksters have been using it to cause mayhem at the moment. So, I've borrowed it to try to either improve it, or perhaps make a new version. I could either return the current one, or give one of the new ones to them; not that they know that yet. Anyhow, you wouldn't know how to make another one would you?" asked a hopeful Harry.

"Sorry pup but I don't, and wouldn't be able to what with not having a want nor being able to get there. I also don't know how Prongs tied it into the wards of the castle, only the headmaster has that kind of access and I doubt he would've helped us plan pranks." Seeing Harry's disappointed face, he decided he'd help him out a little.

"The spells are listed in Mooney's journal in the trunk in the vault. It was Prongs that made the final touch to complete the map and get it to show us where everyone was. I know he didn't tell us or write down how he did that to prevent the wrong people from ever being able to do the same." Seeing his godson smiling, he couldn't help but be happy before realisation hit him.

"You know how to tie it into the wards don't you."

"Well I have an idea how it was done. I'll need to read up about wards a bit before I know whether or not my theory is correct. I suppose I could go now to get the trunk out of the vault and make an appointment with the Potter account manager for tomorrow."

"That could work, could you also make arrangements for the Black account manager to be present as well I'd be grateful. You could order a two bedroom apartment trunk on the way back and grab some nice robes for the both of us, size 76 for me. Oh and don't forget those ward books. I really want to know how Prongs did it."

"I hope you aren't going to expose yourself to go to the bank. I've only just got you back into my life; I don't want to lose you again." Harry's voice got quieter and quieter as he spoke. Remembering Bellatrix's spell hitting Sirius and pushing him back through the veil.

"Don't worry pup, I'm not going to expose myself. You'll just be taking your roguish dog with you into the bank. Just don't forget to ask and pay the extra fee so I can use a spell during the meeting." Seeing the smile appear back across Harry's face made Sirius the happiest he's been in 13 years.

"Now be gone with you, so this old dog can get a beauty nap."

"You had better be a dog." With that Harry departed the room and headed into the Alley.

Slowly walking down the Alley, Harry saw the upmarket robe shop coming up on the left, deciding it would be better to be dressed befitting his houses stature, he made his way towards Twilfitt and Tatting's to get the dress robes.

Walking up to the counter, Harry spoke in his most authoritative voice, "Excuse me, I need two robes; one in black with a forest green lining with the Potter house crest to fit me, and a size 78WIZ robe in black with the Black house crest."

"Certainly Mr Potter, what material would you like them made out of?"

"Acromantula silk please."

"That will be one hundred Galleons for the robes, another twenty-five Galleons per house crest, so it will be one hundred fifty Galleons all together."

"Here's one hundred sixty Galleons to have them complete within the day."

"Excellent, we'll get right on that. Will you pick them up or would you like them delivered?"

"Delivered, please; can you get them to Tom at the Leaky Cauldron? I will pick them up from him on the way to my room."

Leaving the shop, Harry continued the journey towards the bank. Deciding he would stop at the book store on the way back, Harry continued onto the bank.

Walking into the bank, Harry headed over to the teller with the shortest cue. After a five minute wait, Harry was finally at the head of the cue. "Greetings Teller StrongFist, may your vaults overflow with your enemies' gold."

"Greetings Heir Potter, may your sword strike down your foe's and their wealth be added to your own. Might I inquire where you learned our greetings?"

"So I got it right then?"

"Yes, you did quite well. Was that your first try?"

"Yes, I read about them in a book I recently acquired, and decided it would be most profitable to work on improving my relations with our bank. Now onto business, I would like to make an appointment for tomorrow at a time convenient with both account managers of the Potter Family and the Black family. I would also like to gain permission to use magic in the meeting room. I am willing to pay the required fees to do so. Lastly, I would like to make a trip down to two vaults, number 1971 and number 687."

The teller wrote out a quick note, and slipped it into a slot on his desk. "I've just sent the request of the meeting with the managers, and will have a reply shortly. Could I please see your key for Vault number 687?" Harry gave the vault key, and StrongFist continued, "according to our records, I require a phrase before I can arrange for you to be taken to 1971."

"That's fine, it's 'I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good.'"

Just then a small tray on the desk glowed gold. "Both account managers have agreed on a meeting at ten o'clock tomorrow morning. Your request for using magic during the meeting has been accepted. It is a two hundred fifty galleon fee that has already been taken from your vault. GripClaw, take Mr Potter down to vaults 1971 and 687. May your enemies' quake long after your passing."

"May your vaults require expanding."

Following GripClaw to the tracks, before getting into the cart, Harry just had to ask, "Can't these go any faster?" "Of cause they can, you are the most interesting human; most would want the cart to go slower." Was the cart goblin's reply.

Getting in, Harry let out a whoop of joy as the cart took off at breakneck speeds heading towards the depth of the 600's vaults; in no time at all they were standing out front of Harry's trust vault 687. Stepping inside, Harry grabbed one of the coin sacks off the wall of the vault beside the door making his way over to the pile of gold coins. Collecting a full sack-o- gold, which was roughly 2000 Galleons, he stepped out as the goblin closed the door locking it.

Getting back in the cart, Harry and the goblin shared a brief grin as the brakes were released. The trip to the Marauders vault took longer than the one to his trust vault, only because they had to stop at several junctions to allow other carts to leave the trunk line they were traveling.

Watching the GripClaw swipe his finger down the door filled Harry with anticipation, having the door open releasing a green cloud of smoke, once it had dissipated the sight left him somewhat disappointed believing there would be more in here than just an aged trunk with an odd crest on the end. Stepping in, Harry failed to notice the floor was about 6 inches higher than it should be, nor the light glow that emanated from the edges of the slabs that made up the floor.

Taking a step forward, Harry found himself hoisted up by his ankle before having himself coated in, from what he could guess, Padfoot's slobber. Without bothering to check below him, he cast the counter curse, dropping himself into a large pile of black fur that wasn't there moments ago. Standing up as the pile vanished, Harry was left looking like a human sized Grimm without a tail. Seconds later, the tail appeared attached to his behind.

Waiting a few moments, Harry let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, and took another step forward. Pausing for a few seconds, Harry waited on bated breath. When nothing happened, he took another step forward harry was unprepared for a sudden squeezing sensation. Looking down at himself, he was shocked to discover a bright purple leotard and a dark purple corset covering the now hot pink fur. Sighing, Harry took the next step, resigned to the fact he was going to become the laughing stock of the Alley once his business was complete.

Thankfully nothing happened! Seeing how he was now closer to the trunk than the door and not wanting to leave without what he came for, Harry took the second to last step only to find himself upside down yet again, this time with his wand on the floor and what appeared to be slime slowly creeping down his legs from the roof, glad for the tips Remus gave him in third year, Harry preformed a wandless summoning charm. What surprised him though was the moment he summoned his wand, the spell holding him to the roof released; thankfully onto a cushioning charm, he really would've hated to break his neck and piss off Lilith.

Finally reaching the trunk, Harry was scared to reach out and touch it. With a slight hesitation, Harry reached out the last few inches to touch the trunk. Releasing the breath he didn't know he was holding when nothing happened, he took out his wand, tapped the trunk twice, and saw it shrank down to the size of a matchbox. Reaching out to place it into his pocket, as he was picking it up, he noticed the razed platform that the trunk was sitting on was absolutely brimming with active runes. Remembering he had yet to owl McGonagall about changing electives, he began the tedious journey back towards the door where he could swear GripClaw was slamming his fist down on the pathway outside the door while rolling from side to side slightly confused at the lack of sound coming from out the door.

Stepping out the door, Harry felt a wave of magic pass over him. Looking down at himself, he was surprised to see that everything had been returned to normal; glad he wasn't going to attract more attention when he returned to the Alley. Clearing his throat loudly, "Are you quite finished?" he said to the now roaring with laughter goblin.

"That was the funniest thing I've seen in years," GripClaw replied while getting into the cart. The trip to the surface was relatively quick, though the silence seemed more strained than before. "Mr Potter, may I share that memory with my fellow goblins tonight?" GripClaw asked.

"As long as it stays within Gringotts, if I catch any sign on it having passed into the hands of wizards, I will be moving the Potter accounts and any other's that I own to the dwarves."

GripClaw readily agreed to that, as Harry re-entered the main floor of the bank, passing out the main doors.

Once outside the bank, Harry made his way inside Flourish and Blotts, and walked up to the counter. "Excuse me I need some help to find a couple of books." He spoke to the young lady behind the counter, who appeared to have just graduated from Hogwarts.

"What books are those, Mr Potter?"

"I don't actually know the titles; however, I know what I want them to be about. What books do you have on Occlumency and warding? Oh, do you have anything on magic sensing?"

"Those are rather advance areas are you sure you need them? As for the sensing...there's not much out there, most resources have stopped being printed due to the skill dying out, or becoming a restricted art."

"Yes, I do need them. Do you have any or will I have to take my business elsewhere?"

"I believe we can help you with all of those titles, if you'll just give me a moment, I will return with the manager."

After a two minute wait, Harry saw the young lady returning with an elderly gentleman.

"Ah Mr Potter, Miss Briggs says you need some help finding some books. My name is Alfred Blott the third. Is there any reason why you want to purchase those particular topics, not that I'm questioning your ability, rather helping to quell the fears of this old man."

Generally liking Mr Blott, Harry decided to be honest with him.

"Yes sir, there is, I suspect someone has been probing my mind because I've been getting headaches whenever they look at me. As for the warding, I'm more interested in identifying what there is and any feedback the wards would give the Ward Master. Guess I'll have to ask some friends about the magic sensing then."

"Who would do such a thing… to a child no less." mumbled Mr Blott before he replied to a patiently waiting Harry.

"Right, well we have 'Occluding the Mind, A Beginners Guide,' 'Meditation and How to Master the Mind,' 'Mind Magic and You,' and 'Wards and How to Read Them.' We do have a book on the magic sensing, but I'd recommend talking to your friends if you don't want to spend an exorbitant sum on something that's likely already in your family library. It's called 'Magic Manifesto and Talents Unbound' it was last printed in 1895."

"Thanks for the advice, can I please get 'Wards and How to Read Them', 'Mind Magic and You', 'Meditation and How to Master Your Mind,' and could I get that rare book, too, please?"

"That will be eleven Galleons, three Sickles, five Knuts for the warding book, twenty-two Galleons, eleven Sickles for the two mind magic books, and seventy-three Galleons, six Sickles, two Knuts for the rare one; coming to a total of one hundred seven Galleons, three Sickles, and seven Knuts."

On his way back to the Cauldron, Harry remembered he hadn't gotten a trunk for Sirius yet, so he made his way over to Porters Wizard Trunks. Upon entering the store he sighed, this could take a while. Making his way up to the counter he rang the bell placed on the edge. "I'll be with you in a minute" came out from the back door.

Within a couple of minutes the door was pushed open as the young craftsman came out of his workshop. "Welcome to Porters Wizard Trunks how can I help you today."

"Could I please have a new apartment trunk made please?"

"Certainly Mr Potter, could I please have the specifications you'd like it made to?"

"Um what is there to choose from?"

"Well there's material, compartment size, number of compartments, type of compartments, furnishings. Then there's spells that can be added, such as permanent feather light charms, self-shrinking/expanding charms, maybe even invisibility charms."

"Ok, how about a four room trunk, with one bedroom, one bath and a kitchen/lounge room and a walk in pantry. Could it please be furnished moderately, and I'll take all the charms except the invisibility. If it's possible could I also have it spelled so it can't be moved while it's in use. I'd like a rosewood finish with brass fittings."

"Is there anything else?" seeing Harry shake his head, the craftsman continued, "Okay that will be two hundred fifty Galleons total for the trunk. One hundred Galleons now and another one hundred fifty Galleons once it's done; it will take about five days to make and enchant it."

"Thank you, I will see you in five days then" Harry replied as he was counting out one hundred Galleons. Leaving the store, he managed to make it the rest of the way to the cauldron only stopping at Fortescue's ice-cream parlour for a hot fudge sundae.

Leaving the alley behind as he traversed through the gateway back into the pub, known as The Leaky Cauldron, Harry made his way towards Tom. "Good afternoon Tom, have you been busy today?"

"Not too bad Mr Potter, not the busiest but not quiet either. Oh, this arrived for you about half an hour ago; I've scanned it and its nothing harmful, just a package of robes." Tom said as he handed over the still wrapped package.

"Thanks for holding it for me." Harry spoke before waving and making his way back up to his room.

Arriving back in the suite, Harry was surprised to see his Dogfather still curled up in front of a smouldering fire on the rug, which was bisected by a wide beam of light streaming through the window. Being as quiet as he possibly could, Harry made his way over to the perch placed next to the desk.

"Hey girl, are you up for a flight to Hermione's and Hogwarts?" Harry asked quietly so as not to disturb the resting Sirius.

"Hoot," Hedwig softly agreed, bobbing her head up and down.

"Ok, give me a couple of minutes to write the letters," Harry said while stroking her soft chest plumage.

Dear Professor McGonagall,

After heavy thought and consideration about my choices of electives, I've come to the conclusion I have chosen unwisely. I would like to remove myself from Divination and would rather take Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Care of Magical Creatures. I realise I should've spoken to you about this before we finished last year; however with the circumstances, my mind was on other issues than what classes I'd be taking next year.

Thank you for your consideration on this matter.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

Dear Hermione,

I'm alright. I escaped from Privet Prison, and currently staying at The Leaky Cauldron; though I've only spent one night so far. Have you heard about the escape of Sirius Black? Hopefully, he will get caught soon. I can't shake the feeling that something big is going to be revealed this year. So, which subjects have you done your homework for? I bet you won't believe me, but I've done all of the work McGonagall has assigned us! I wasn't able to get any done at my 'relatives' due to them locking my trunk up in the cupboard under the stairs the entire time I was there. You, take a break before you've finished all of your homework, who are you and what have you done with Hermione?

Maybe you could come visit me in the alley?

How am I supposed to study the material before going to Hogwarts if I haven't gotten my book list yet? That's presuming you have yours and didn't just ask the third years what books they needed; though don't forget Defense Against the Dark Arts changes every year due to our variable selection of teachers.

Yea, isn't it great for the Weasleys to go to Egypt! But, don't you think they could've spent the money better? I mean Ron needs a new wand, Ginny could really use a mind healer, not to forget the state of their school supplies, but no they go overseas.

I would love to, but wouldn't I just be a burden on your trip? Another thing, how are we supposed to get permission from my relatives? It's not like they'll let me do anything fun.

Hope to see you soon.

Forever yours,
Harry

After tying the two letters to Hedwig's leg and letting her out the window, Harry made his way to the other armchair in front of the fire and sat down quietly. After getting himself comfortable, Harry tried to open the trunk. Unfortunately, it was locked. On physical contact, he received a light electric shock. 'Guess it must be a pass phrase,' he thought to himself. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." Poof! Coughing away the cloud of purple smoke, Harry shrugged his shoulders in defeat and went back to the desk to continue his school work.

After completing another two essays for Charms, Harry looked at the clock. Seeing it was four in the afternoon, he decided he had better wake Padfoot up, maybe he could get a look in that trunk. If he was honest with himself, it wasn't just because there was a journal written by his father, it was because there was going to be some ultimate pranking material in there to help him cause mayhem at school this year. After all, where's the fun in doing things again if you can't have a bit of fun on the side as well; besides, he had a certain pair of pranksters to outdo.

Slowly opening his eyes, Padfoot couldn't help but release a barking laugh that lasted for a full five minutes before he could calm down enough to phase back into his human form only to collapse onto the floor to continue laughing. During this episode, Harry was trying to figure out what was wrong. Hearing a knock at the door, Harry quickly looked at Sirius only to see Padfoot in his place still with his barking laugh. Opening the door, he saw Tom looking at him quizzically until he noticed Harry's hair then he too began laughing. "I was coming to see what was causing all that noise. Guess it was just your dog disagreeing with your hair style! I'll see you later downstairs for dinner," Tom managed to get out between his chuckles as his laughing subsided.

Harry closed the door, re-applied the silencing charms on the room, and headed to the bathroom; he too couldn't help but release a laugh. His hair was sticking straight up vertically. It was now red with golden bolts of static electricity continuously pulsing up his spikey hair. Deciding it didn't hurt to leave it like that, he returned to the main room of the suite.

"Alright spill," he demanded upon returning to the room.

"Awe, please, let me have my fun," Sirius begged.

"Fine," sighed Harry then shook his finger at him, "But I'll get you back, just you wait."

Approaching the trunk tentively, hesitating for a moment, Harry briefly considered not trying again. However, he realised this was a test of his fortitude by both the trunk and Sirius. Taking a deep breath, he decided he might as well attempt it with something of a legacy phrase.

"I, the son of Prongs, do hereby request aid in the name of the Marauders to uphold the tradition of mischief, with Padfoot as my witness, so mote it be." With a great hiss of rushing air, the lid of the trunk popped open slightly, with the latch freeing its self from the lock.

Turning around Harry couldn't help but smile at Sirius's look of disappointment, "What's the matter Padfoot, I thought you wanted me to get into the trunk?" Harry questioned with a smirk.

"That's not fair; I was looking forward to you getting it wrong again so I could enjoy the next prank spell," Sirius disappointingly stated at the end of a sigh.

"Maybe later. I'd rather explore this treasure trove of ultimate pranking awesomeness before I go get pranked anymore this evening," Harry calmly spoke as he moved the last two feet to open the trunk.

"Maybe if someone else tries to open it, do you think we spoke to it every time we wanted to enter it? No… Didn't think so. The lock registers your magical signature. It was all Mooney's doing," said a disappointed Sirius.

"Guess you still might then. I'm sure my magical signature's going to change once I take care of a few things with the goblins. So, I guess you'll still get that entertainment after all; though no guarantees as to when," Harry anxiously spoke.

"Do I even want to know what you need them to do that's going to affect your core?" Sirius asked solemnly.

"Possibly, but for now, it will just be me that knows at least until the meeting tomorrow. Though I will tell you it's nothing illegal on my or the goblin's part. If anything, it's closer to correcting something illegal, though I will probably have to get a certified document to take to DMLE," Harry's voice echoed out of the trunk.

Joining his godson down in the trunk, Sirius had to supress a shudder at remembering the good ol' days and the things they did to poor old Hogwarts when he was but a student. He couldn't wait to hear about the mischief his godson was planning on using from the resources the trunk provided. Looking into the only open door, he was surprised to see Harry sitting in one of the chair's in the library/study clutching a book with unshed tears shining in the corners of his eyes.

Realising it was one of Prong's Journals, Sirius moved over to embrace Harry. Hesitating at remembering the conditions he had been subjected to at the hands of the Dursley's, he decided to start with something less enclosing. Gently resting a hand on Harry's shoulder and giving a gentle squeeze, he looked down to see Harry smiling a sad smile back up at him.

"Which one's that?" Sirius asked after a minute of silence.

"There's more than one?!" exclaimed Harry.

Sirius was bemused and questioned, "Of course, did you think we only wrote one each?"

Harry turned to Sirius and excitedly answered his question, "Well yes, you could have written one and have it charmed to where it was never ending or perhaps merging each journal written into one big one; unless you each wanted to keep a journal for each year of Hogwarts to help future pranksters who discovered the secret of the map and trunk by letting them guess at the difficulty of the spell work based on the year you pulled that prank!"

"That and if one was removed and lost, you can still gather further pranking knowledge from the other years that is until the trunk returns to the vault and the lost books are magically returned." Sirius smiled.

"Guess we had better head up and have something for tea, before making our way to bed. It's getting late, and we both have appointments tomorrow. How would I lockout someone from the trunk, since it open based on magical signature?" Harry inquired then let a yawn escape him.

Sirius scratched his head, "Anything to do with locking such as: arm, lock, protect. It's always locked to others unless you invite them in."

"Yes, but I was thinking of a certain rat, might find I hiding spot within the trunk if he manages to find it," said a concerned Harry.

"Aah, then I would recommend reading Mooney's sixth year journal," Sirius suggested before morphing back into a dog.

AN: Thanks for reading