With the Love of Family

Prologue: 4 Years Later

He strode quickly down the empty halls of Hogwarts Castle, his dragon-hide boots, a recent gift, thudding softly on the worn stone. His cloak swished around his feet, rustling softly. His eyes were narrowed determinedly, his feet moved with purpose, and he twirled his wand in his fingers with an idle menace.

A soft scrabbling came from around the next corner. There was the distinct sound of paws and teeth scrabbling against metal and loud, distressed squeaking. Whimpers of desperation worked their way in as well.

He grinned maliciously-Severus Snape had caught himself a rat.
XoXoXoXo

Peter Pettigrew Alive!

Found Roaming Hogwarts in Animagus Form!

Late yesterday evening, one Peter Pettigrew was discovered in Hogwarts in his (illegal) Animagus form by an unnamed Professor. Pettigrew, you'll remember, was believed to have been killed 16 years ago by mass murderer Sirius Black

Black was also accused of the murders of thirteen innocent Muggles, as well as blamed for the death of Aurors James and Lily Potter. Thought, also, to be the second in command to You-Know-Who, Black was sentenced to life in Azkaban.

Black was also the first wizard in history to ever escape the prison fortress. He, as well as the woman to believed to be his wife, is also the man responsible for the kidnapping and disappearance of Boy-Who-Lived, Harry Potter, Malfoy heir, Draco Malfoy and two other Muggle born children.

However, with the discovery of Peter Pettigrew, how sure can we be of Black's guilt?...

Black's Guilt Questioned!

Head of Magical Law Enforcement Reopens Case!

...Despite Minister Fudge's protests, Amelia Bones has launched a new investigation...

Minister Fudge Questioned!

Black Never Received a Trial!

Questions Answered-Black Declared Innocent!

Inquest Proves A Useful Action!

...Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones, announced today that, with the new evidence brought to light (namely the capture of Peter Pettigrew) Sirius Black has been declared innocent of all charges laid against him by Minister Fudge.

"I only hope the man can forgive the magical community for what happened to him." Bones announced grimly at a press conference early this morning, "Black spent his childhood fighting the Dark Arts, going against his entire family to help the Light side, and kept up the fight into his early adulthood.

"This man has in his care our own Boy-Who-Lived, as well as several other children. We can only hope he has not turned on the Ministry and the wizarding world and taught that to these children..."

...Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, looked grave beside the Ministry officials as he said, "I must beg forgiveness from a man who I turned my back on. Sirius Black was a bright, talented young man who was loyal to a fault-I can only say that I, as many others, reeling from my grief at James and Lily's deaths, needed someone to blame and he was presented to me.

"I would like him, as well as his wife and all the children, to know that Hogwarts is open to them. I wish Sirius to know how sorry I am, and how happy I would be to see him again..."

XoXoXoXo

Thousands of miles away, a young girl screamed in delight as she opened the first paper on the stack that had been sent to her by her uncle. Laughing hysterically, she raced through the house to her family, dragging the stack with her as she tumbled into the living room. More than half a dozen faces looked up in surprise, but, as the papers were thrust beneath their noses, the looks soon changed to wonder and delight. The girl's gleeful cries were quickly joined by those of her family's.

They could, finally, go home.
XoXoXoXo

Despite the announcements in the papers, Ministry officials were still shocked when Sirius Black and his family entered the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic. Though, to be honest, it might have had something to do with the size and contents of the family rather than Black himself.

There were 6 adults in the group, all told, as well as 3 toddlers, 2 younger children and 4 teenagers. There were also, surprisingly, 2 cats, a dog, a raven, a snake and a snowy owl that accompanied them.

The first couple was surprising- it was one Professor Severus Septimus Snape and a Weasley. Snape, the most feared Professor in all of Hogwarts, had a grin on his face and an arm wrapped around the woman. His hair, usually greasy from the potions' fumes, was clean and tied in a low ponytail, his obsidian eyes crinkling at the corners. A raven, black but for the one white feather on either wing, rested comfortably on his free shoulder. The woman, who seemed quite content to be in the man's arms, had the bright shock of Weasley red hair and brown eyes. The freckles that trailed across her face were another Weasley trait.

The second couple was shocking- Remus Lupin was a well respected man who everyone liked and his counterpart, Nymphadora (though never let her hear you call her that) Tonks was the young clumsy Auror who had been making her way through the ranks with flair before her abrupt leave 4 years ago. Lupin was older than Tonks, with sandy blonde hair that was greying at the temples and gentle amber eyes that held many crow's feet from laughter. There were many scars on his body, scars that touched almost every bare piece of skin, but they were old and seemed of no consequence to anyone. Tonks, today, was sporting her favoured pink hair, with eyes that matched her husband's. Her face was round today, and she was the picture of a mischievous imp.

Seated on Lupin's shoulders was one of the toddlers, a little girl no older than 2. She was the twin of her father, with his hair and eyes. Her hair, however, was pulled into two perky pigtails and she gazed about the Atrium in wonder. Her brother, however, seemed to be his mother's child. Settled firmly on said woman's hip, he had bright, teal coloured hair and yellow eyes watched with interest. No older than 3, he was still quieter than the older children.

The last couple was famous- Sirius Black and his wife, Jenna. He was much healthier than the last time his picture was in the papers, standing a good 6'2, with a filled out and muscular frame. Black hair hung to his shoulders, but was kept, like Severus', in a restrained ponytail. Grey eyes were no longer haunted, instead filled with the light of life and love. Jenna, however, was still much the same as she'd been the day she'd rescued young Harry Potter. Blonde hair still fell to her shoulders though the copper streaks were now joined by the occasional grey (don't tell her that though). The green eyes with flecks of golden brown still held the same sharp intelligence, but also held the knowing love of a mother.

In Black's-Sirius'- arms was the third and last toddler. Brown hair fell softly into grey eyes and the broad grin on his face was Sirius'. He wiggled and squirmed in his father's arms until he was placed, like his cousin, upon his father's shoulders, where he could see all. In Jenna's arms was a small orange and white kitten, whose gentle purring echoed in the quieted room.

One of the teenagers, a girl, was looking about with both interest and curiosity in her chocolate eyes. She had brown hair that was a veritable tangle of waves and curls, trapped into a messy bun atop her head. A scar, shaped like a lightning bolt, which she'd gotten from a group of bullies a long time ago, was visible on her left temple. She was 5"7, slim and tanned, and her body had the build of a dancer. Another cat, older than the first though not much bigger, rested in her arms, his black and grey body blending slightly with her cloak.

Beside her was another famous face-the lost Heir, Draco Malfoy. White-blonde hair was tousled, with a lot of gel and effort, and grey eyes were alight with laughter. His aristocratic nose gave a hint of snobbery, but a look at the smile that played at his lips dispensed the notion quickly. A good 6'1, he had a muscular body built for sports and was tanned from hours outdoors. Another lightning scar decorated his face, touching his right cheek visibly. The dog walked by his side, a golden brown mix of...something, that came to the boy's knees.

Holding tight to his hand was one of the younger girl's, despite the fact that she looked ready to run and explore. She had Jenna's hair, but Sirius' face and eyes. The last younger child was her twin, identical but for the eyes-Jenna's this time. She too, was held by the hand, by the last girl of the group.

This girl was stunning, with a natural beauty that had nothing to do with cosmetics, spells or potions. Red hair, with a touch of a pink tint, fell in big curls to her shoulders, and violet eyes were gentle and caring. She was only 5"4, the shortest of the teens, and, like her siblings, she was slim and fit. Another lightning bolt graced her face, along her jaw, just before her left ear. A blue black snake was wrapped twice around her neck, it's head resting on her shoulder.

The final boy of the group of was the most famous, even more so than the Black couple- Harry Potter. He was tall, like his father had been, almost 6"2. He had his father's hair, also, with the natural messy look his brother had had to work for. Stunning emerald eyes looked about the place with careful scrutiny and wonder, unhindered by glasses thanks to Muggle technology. He, too, was tanned and fit, and the snowy owl rested on his shoulder. The famous scar was prominent on his forehead.

The Atrium had gone quiet with their entrance and it remained that way for several minutes. The "Black group" stood in the entrance, laughter in their eyes as the Ministry officials gaped dumbly at them.

Finally, grinning, Sirius mock-whispered, "It's a good thing we're not terrorists, ain't it mate?"

Remus snorted, Severus' grin widened and everyone else chuckled at the frozen officials. Shaking his head at the lack of response, Sirius gestured his family forward. The room was still quiet as they passed through the crowd, which parted easily for them. Stifling their laughter, the Blacks squeezed themselves into the elevator and travelled down to the courtroom levels.

Stepping out of the elevator caused yet another silence and this time Sirius simply rolled his eyes before pulling his large family along with him. As one, they walked confidently through the crowd and into the court room. The silence in here only lasted a moment, however, before a voice cried out.

"Sirius!"

Albus Dumbledore had never been so happy to see a former student in his life.

XoXoXoXo

Harry idly stroked his owl Hedwig's feathers as he listened to his parents, aunts and uncles talk to the Headmaster and other members of the court. They'd come here today, knowing that it was the day for the courts to decide Fudge's fate. They'd been travelling for almost a month to get back to England and they'd finally arrived early that morning. They'd dropped their things off at Snape manor, where they were staying for now, and then come here, only to find the trial was over and they'd walked into the sentencing. The Wizengamot had given Fudge life in prison (regular) for false imprisonment and abuse of power and appointed Madame Amelia Bones as the new Ministress of Magic.

Harry's siblings were spread out on the bench beside and behind him, listening idly as he was. Ryan, as always, was beside him, his shadow as always. Addie and Pia claimed his and Ryan's laps respectively. Sarah rested around Ryan's neck and the raven, Callie, on her shoulder. Beside Ryan was their newest brother, Matthew.

In the bench behind him was Hermione and Draco. Emily and Theodore, their "cousins" were seated with the two cats, Stu and Joanna, on Draco's free side. Boomer lay at Draco's feet. Cooper, who'd started it all, had passed two years ago, breaking Harry's heart, but Hedwig had already been part of the family then, an addition Cooper himself had caused when he saved her from another hound.

Harry sighed in boredom as he their parents' talk turned to old friends who Harry didn't know. His eyes, which had been wandering idly over the people who were trailing in and out of the room (mostly for a look at the Blacks), were caught, suddenly, as a group came rushing into the room.

There were three teens, trailed by a large redheaded family. They were 2 boys and a girl, and familiar to Harry.

The first boy, the one not a Weasley, was Neville Longbottom. He was taller, now, and no longer chubby- life with his parents had done him good. He was muscular, with the thick arms of a beater, and his blue eyes held laughter and hope. Black hair flopped carelessly across his head, as if he didn't notice it other than to brush it. His shoulders had a determined set to them that had been missing when he was younger.

The other young man was a Weasley-from his hair to his freckles. Blue eyes were warm and gentle and, though he was tall and a little gangly, he held a very welcoming air. He, too, was fit, and his big hands held several scars. He, too, had a set to his shoulders that had been missing the last time Harry had seen him, when his sister had been "asleep".

Said sister was the last of the group. She was almost as tall as her brother, her head as high as his nose. She had the Weasley hair as well, that fell to her shoulders, and the same brown eyes as Maria. She was shifting about anxiously and her eyes searched the room desperately before they met and caught Harry's. She gasped, her eyes widening before she gave a shout.

"Harry!" she cried, before racing across the room.

Harry stood, sliding his sister onto the bench and taking a few steps before Ginny collided with him. He caught her easily, his arms wrapping tightly around her as hers slipped around his neck. They were both laughing, and tears were on Ginny's cheeks.

Gazing up at him, she whispered happily, "Harry."

"Ah, my Roen," Harry cupped her face gently in his hands as he dropped his forehead to rest gently on hers, "Finally, I'm home."
XoXoXoXo

A/N Well? Good, bad? Yes, I know, I'm horrible, I need to update more, but I've hit a busy spot with the fire, night school, etc. Plus, my brothers been home the last couple weeks from school and has hogged my computer. I'll do what I can, but I hardly have time to think let alone type!
Love Always

Red