A/N: This storyline is of my own creation, excluding it and any original characters, the world the story is portrayed in belongs to JK Rowling and no copyright infringement is intended.

Any similarities to other works on this site or any other are unintentional, but there is only so much you can do with fanfiction. I endeavour to keep story plots of my own creation.

Leave a review and let me know what you think.

Prologue:

Lord Sirius Black, head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black sat in the kitchen of his London flat. Of all the properties he owned he could not bring himself to live in any of them. He didn't want to have to sit alone in some empty mansion. Instead he and one of best friends, Remus Lupin rented a flat in London, choosing to be close to Ministry of Magic, making it easier for Sirius to get to work as an Auror.

Given that he was wealthy beyond the wishes of most people, he didn't need to work. Especially given the responsibilities he had as a Lord. While he may not need to work, given the state of affairs in Wizarding Britain he chose to become an Auror with his best friend and brother in all but blood, James Potter. James was another man rich beyond belief and also a Lord, as Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter.

The two of them chose to seek jobs in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement due to the threat of the Dark Lord – Voldemort. A man known to most as He-Who-Must-Not-Named, or You-Know-Who. He was known by these names as he stuck fear in the very bones of most of the magical race.

He was the Magical version of Adolf Hitler, and neither James nor Sirius could possibly sit back and do nothing while this man tried to take over the magical world and using his followers known as Death Eaters to spread his message of hatred all things non-magical. As poorbloods they both could have sworn allegiance to Voldemort as nearly all of Sirius' family had but neither agreed with the views of pure hatred and evil.

In fact, James had married a muggle born woman, Lily Evans to the surprise of nearly everyone they knew. Not because she wasn't a pureblood or even half-blood, but because all through their schooling at Hogwarts up until their seventh year, Lily mad it quite clear her impression of James was not flattering.

However, in their seventh year after the murder of his parents because of their views on Voldemort and his followers, James grew up and stopped being the "King of Mayhem" he had been for the previous six years. He wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become the head of the DMLE.

When he stopped being an egotistical ass, Lily realised who he actually was as a person and not just who he portrayed himself to be. Throughout their final year of schooling, working side by side as Head Boy and Girl, Lily fell for the newly titled Potter Lord.

Soon after leaving Hogwarts the two were married, and not long after that they had their first born, a son named Harry. Harry was not only the light of his parent's life but also that of his Godfather, Sirius.

It was Harry, Sirius was sitting at his kitchen table thinking about. As he opened a bottle of Butterbeer and took the first sip he reflected on the fact it had been weeks since he had seen him. Due to a damn prophecy predicting a boy born at the end of July being the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord, Voldemort had put a target on the Potters.

After a nearly successful attempt by some Death Eaters to kill them, James and Lily decided to go into hiding. Under the protection of a Fidilus Charm they would be safe. Only one person, known as the Secret Keeper could give away the location of the house.

Sirius asked to be Secret Keeper, but they said no. He would rather die than betray his friends, his family, but everyone knew how close James and Sirius were and he would be the obvious choice. God forbid Sirius was captured and tortured James and Lily would never forgive themselves if that happened and they refused to put a target on his back.

Instead they asked the fourth and final Marauder, Peter Pettigrew. While James, Sirius and Remus were as close as possible in school, Peter was also a part of their group if not as close as all the others. He was a very shy, timid man who scared easily. The exact opposite type of person you would expect to be a Secret Keeper. It was one of James' more genius ideas…or so they all thought.

As Sirius got up and made his way to his living room to join Remus in a game of Wizards Chess, thinking about his one-year old Godson and what Halloween pranks himself Prongs and Prongs Jr could be pulling on Lily if it wasn't for them being in hiding, a smile appeared on his tired face. It did not last long as the head of Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts and leader and founder of the Order of The Phoenix appeared in his fireplace.

"The Lion's Den has fallen". Just as quick as the head appeared it vanished. Sirius just stood there for a second, dropping his drink with a loud smashing to the ground. After a second his Auror instincts kicked in and him and Remus were rushing out the door past the anti-apparation wards to Apparate to Godric's Hollow.

The Lion's Den was the code name for James and Lily's cottage in Godric's Hollow, it was where they were hiding. If that had fallen it meant that the Fidelus charm had been broken. Sirius would worry about whether Peter was okay later. Right now, he needed to make sure the Potter's were okay.

As he appeared outside the Potter cottage his stomach dropped, not only was he able to see the house, he was able to see that where Harry's room was supposed to be, there was nothing but a giant hole and smoke.

He ran through the front door which was barely on its hinges and stopped dead in his tracks. Lying across the stairs was James' lifeless body. He didn't even have his wand with him, he tried to fight off the darkest wizard in history without even a wand.

He bent down and closed his brother's eyes and wasn't sure he had the strength to carry on upstairs. He was about to crumble to floor to join Remus in mourning when a cry pulled his attention up toward his Godson's room.

"HARRY"!

As fast as he could Sirius sprinted up the stairs and rushed down the landing until he came to a stop in Harry's room. Sitting on the mattress of what used be his cot staring at the motionless body of his mother. Scooping the boy up into his arms and turning him away from his mother Sirius tried through his own tears to comfort the boy who as of that moment wasn't just his Godson, but his ward.

Rubbing circles into Harry's back and trying to stop the tears that were streaming down his cheeks he whispered, "Its okay, Padfoot's here, everything will be okay, Padfoot's here". He wasn't sure who he was trying to convince, while he was busy comforting Harry, he desperately needed someone to do the same for him.

Sirius stood there for God knows how long just staring at the mangled body of the woman he loved like a sister before he was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard Harry speak.

"Mooy"

Turning around, but making sure Harry was still faced away from his mother, he saw Remus with a letter in his hand and looking more murderous than he had ever seen anyone look before, including his cousin Bellatrix Lestrange, one of the most brutal and vicious Death Eaters.

"What is it"? Remus handed over the letter, his hand shaking in pure rage that was threatening to burst at any moment but seemed to be slowly dissipating the more he looked at Harry. Sirius took the letter and read it before starting to shake himself.

James and Lily,

Happy Halloween. I do hope you have enjoyed the holiday with your precious "spawn" because it is the last one you will have with him. You should have gone with Black to be your Secret Keeper, you would probably be very safe right now if you had. My master was so happy when I came to him bearing the news that I knew where you were. I would apologise for what is going to happen to you tonight, but I'm not sorry. I only wanted to write this letter so you would know whats about to happen. I wanted you to know you were about to die, I wanted you to know it was too late and there was nothing you could do. Don't worry I'm sure you will be reunited with Harry soon.

Your "friend",

Peter

"Remus, take Harry, I have a rat to kill". Sirius tried to give Harry to Remus but, he refused to take him. While still furious and knowing how Sirius was feeling he knew Harry needed them, Peter would get what he deserved, but it wouldn't be tonight.

"No Sirius, Harry needs you, you can get Peter another time, but not right now, right now we need to get Harry away from here"

As much as he wanted revenge, and he would have it, Moony was right. Harry had to be his top priority at the moment, they didn't know where Voldemort was or what actually happened. "Fine, you're right, but, that rat bastard is a dead man walking. If it is the last thing I do, I will find him and make sure he dies painfully"

They heard a sob from downstairs followed by footsteps, not knowing who it was or trusting it was someone on their side the two men took out their wands and pointed it towards the door, Remus standing in front of Sirius, blocking Harry from view.

"Identify yourself"

Slowly a man who had to keep his head lowered so as not to hit the ceiling appeared in front of them, arms out in the open. "Rubeus Hagrid, here on orders from Professor Dumbledore" While the man looked like the half-giant gamekeeper of Hogwarts the two Marauder's knew from their schooldays, they weren't taking any chances and neither lowered their wands.

Remus was the first to speak and was testing Hagrid to make sure he was who he said. "May the flames of the phoenix always burn hot". Hagrid gave a slight nod and responded, in an emotional whisper "And let the light of a new day always shine bright"

Slowly the two men lowered their wands and nodded to the man in front of them. "Remus, Sirius how did this happen, they were supposed to be safe".

"Those rumours of a traitor in the Order were true Hagrid, it was Peter, he's apparently a Death Eater, he sent J-James and Lily this letter" Sirius said, stuttering over his best friend's name and handing Hagrid Peter's letter.

Now it was Hagrid's turn to feel the white-hot fury. "If I ever get my hands on him", Remus cut him off by saying, "Get in line Hagrid, Sirius and I will be the first ones to have a word with our "dear friend" he spat out the word friend in a poisonous tone that if the traitor were able to hear, would have him trembling in fear.

Harry was starting to get restless at the lack of attention Sirius was giving him and made it known he wasn't impressed with a pull of the hairs of his Godfather's beard. "Pafoo". Sirius looked down and for the first time noticed the lightning bolt shaped scar, just above Harry's right eyebrow. He knew a scar like that could only be caused by seriously dark magic and wanted to know what curse Voldemort had used.

Remus and Hagrid were having their own conversation, unaware of what Sirius had just noticed, or what he was thinking. "Hagrid, you said Dumbledore sent you here, why?". Hagrid looked down at his feet, he knew neither Remus or Sirius were going to be happy with what he was there to do.

"I'm here to collect Harry, Professor Dumbledore wants me to bring him to him, somewhere he will be safe". Sirius, who been vaguely aware of the conversation, mostly focusing on playing with Harry, heard what Hagrid had said and reacted before Remus could.

"Absolutely not, Harry stays with me"

This is what Hagrid was afraid of, he reached into his large moleskin coat and started rooting around in one of the pockets, pulling out a letter and tried handing it to Sirius. "This from Professor Dumbledore explaining everything".

Sirius took the letter with his free hand and scrunched it into a ball without even looking at it, and dropped it on the floor. "I don't care what that letter says, like I said Harry stays with me"

"Sirius please, Professor Dumbledore said…"

Before Hagrid could finish, Sirius interrupted him with a voice so low and serious even Remus was concerned. "I don't care what Albus Dumbledore wants, he told me he would keep James and Lily safe, now look at them. Dead. James tried fighting off the darkest Wizard of all time without even a wand on him, Lily's body shows she was clearly put under the Cruciartis curse before she was killed and Harry has a massive scar on his head that is evidence of some foul dark magic.

Listen to me very carefully Hagrid because I will only say this once. James and Lily asked me to take care of Harry should anything ever happen to them. I failed to protect them, I will not do the same with their son. Harry Potter is under my protection and believe me when I say, anyone, and I mean anyone who makes the mistake of trying to harm him or take him away from me won't live long enough to regret it. That includes Albus Dumbledore"

With that Sirius bent down to pick up the fluffy snitch Harry couldn't sleep without and made to leave the room, but stopped when Hagrid was blocking the exit. Without bashing an eyelash Sirius looked up to stare the half-giant in the eyes. "You can either step out of my way or be moved, your choice Hagrid".

Remus just stared on in shock, not expecting that outburst, but agreeing wholeheartedly. When Hagrid stepped out of Sirius' way, he took Harry and made his way downstairs. With a nod to Hagrid, Remus followed behind, hoping to God, Dumbledore didn't try taking Harry.

Remus had known Sirius for about ten years and had never seen him angrier than just now. The magical energy radiating off him was frightening. Albus Dumbledore may be the most powerful Wizard of his age, maybe even all time next to Merlin, but there was no shadow of a doubt in Remus's mind, the Headmaster would be in mortal danger if he came near Sirius to take Harry away.

With the sound of two cracks Harry was now in London with his two uncles and Sirius walked straight to his room where he still had a cot set up for Harry, from before the Potters were in hiding and put a now sleeping Harry to bed. How the child managed to fall asleep after all that happened that night Remus would never know.

"Remus what am I going to do? I don't know how to raise a kid". Remus patted his friends' shoulder. "Nobody ever does mate, you just have to take it one day at a time, and try not to kill him"

Sirius left out a barking laugh at that comment, if only for a moment. The two men stood there watching Harry sleep, lost in their own thoughts about his parents. "I meant what I said about Peter, I don't know when and I don't know how but I will make him suffer for what he has done".

Before Remus could respond there was another crack from outside their apartment and a couple seconds later a knock on the door. "Stay here with Harry Padfoot, I have a feeling I know who that is". Walking out of Sirius' room and across the hall Remus raised his wand before getting to the front door"

"Identify yourself"

"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore"

Remus rolled his eyes, if this was his old headmaster, which it probably was there was no need for his full name. "May the flames of the phoenix always burn hot". "And let the light of a new day always shine bright" came the reply. That was the second time in only a half hour that he had to use the identifying password for all members of the order.

He opened the door and stepped to the side to allow the Professor access to his home. "You have my condolences Remus", Dumbledore said, the weird twinkle that was always in his eye was noticeably absent. With a curt nod in thanks, and a gesture to the living room Remus followed behind the older man and the both took seats around the mahogany coffee table.

"I'm sure you are wondering why I am here"

"Honestly Professor I'm not, I just hope for all our sakes I'm wrong". Before he could elaborate any further Sirius walked in. "What the hell happened Albus, why was there that much damage to the house and why is Harry alive?".

"Hagrid told me about young Harry's scar so I looked into all the magic that had been performed in his room in the last hour. There were only two spells, the cruciartis and killing curses. I believe that before dear Lily died, she tried stopping Voldemort. In doing so she unknowingly left protection for Harry.

If I am not mistaken when Voldemort tried to kill poor Harry, he was unable and the curse rebounded with such force that not only did it blow the roof off the house it also seems to have rebounded on Voldemort himself"

After about a minute of staring at Dumbledore, Sirius spoke up. "You mean to tell me that Harry survived the killing curse, that's, that's not possible". Dumbledore gave a small smile. "Correction, it was impossible, it appears Harry Potter is now the first and only person to survive it"

"Voldemort's really gone, surely not? I mean Harry's just a baby. I know what the prophecy says but still". Sirius took a seat next to Dumbledore waiting for his explanation. "He is for the moment, gone. I would be foolish to think it will be permanent, I believe there are ways in which he can come back and that is probably when the prophecy will come in to play".

"You mean Harry is still in danger?"

"Not necessarily Remus, that is why I am here, I believe that as long as Harry were to live with a blood relative of Lily certain blood wards can be put in place to protect him until such a time, he is ready to fulfil his destiny".

That is exactly what Remus had feared would happen, Hagrid couldn't get Harry so Dumbledore was here to get himself. Sirius stood up and once more his anger was causing a lot of magical energy to radiate off him.

"I will tell you the same thing I told Hagrid. Harry Potter is my Godson and I will be the one to raise him like James and Lily wished. He stays with me and anyone who tries to take him away will wish they had never been born".

"Sirius please I implore you to see reason, Harry will be safer…" With a flick of his wrist Sirius was now holding his wand and began to raise it. For a moment Remus was worried about was going to happen and twisted his wrist to get his own wand from its holster on his arm. There was no need though as Sirius pointed his wand towards his room and with another flick of his wrist, he lowered his wand and waited. A second later a piece of parchment flew into his hand. He opened it and pointed to a lower end of the first page and handed it to Dumbledore who began to read it.

In the event of our deaths before our son Harry James Potter reaches the age of 17, we leave sole custody to his Godfather Sirius Orion Black.

We also leave sole control of all assets and vaults in Gringotts to Sirius Orion Black until Harry turns 17 and is able to claim it all back.

I Lord James Charlus Potter do herby leave my Lordship, seat on the Wizengamont and duties as head of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter to Sirius Orion Black until July 31st 1997 on which day Harry James Potter will turn 17 and will be of the legal age to claim it back.

Signed and Dated August 4th 1980

James Charlus Potter

Lily Rose Potter (née Evans)

Sirius Orion Black

At this point Dumbledore looked up at Sirius who took the Will back off him. "James and Lily wanted me to take Harry and I will. I have huge respect for you Dumbledore but I will not allow to take Harry, I don't care who you are, if you try, it will be the last thing you ever do".

At this point Albus knew he had lost, and accepted it. With a small nod he stood up. "Alright Sirius, Harry is yours. If you ever need any help you need only ask. Now I think I will take my leave of you both and leave you greave. Once more you both have my sympathies"

Remus led the Professor out and returned to the sitting room, sat down and summoned a bottle of Ogden's Firewhiskey and two glasses. He poured a measure into each and handed one to Sirius and held up his own.

"To James and Lily, two better friends you could never find, may their souls be at piece, until we meet again"

Both men swallowed their whiskey and Sirius bid Moony a goodnight and went to his room and got into bed after checking on Harry. That night was the first of many he would cry himself to sleep.

Two days later in the graveyard of Godric's Hollow the graves of James and Lily were surrounded by hundreds of people, and unfortunately the main reason for this was so they could get a look at Harry, or as he was now known to the Wizarding world. The Boy Who Lived.

Harry's Godmother and Lily's best friend Lady Alice Longbottom with her Husband Lord Frank Longbottom and their son Neville were in the seats in front of the grave, next to Sirius, Remus and Harry.

Reaching out and taking Harry, Alice gave Sirius a sympathetic look. "We'll take Harry back to ours, the last thing you need is to have to deal with everyone trying to get a look at or pictures of him"

"Are you sure"?

"Yeah, to be honest, I don't think I could sit here much longer without losing it".

The Longbottoms arrived a couple seconds later in the entrance to their Manor and their house elf Tweety was on the floor with a dagger in her chest.

Frank immediately took his wand out, just as two figures in black robes and skull masks appeared from around the corner.

"What do we have here Crouch? looks like Longbottom brought us a present. The boy who killed our Lord, killing them all won't bring him back, but it will help ease the pain. Don't you agree"?

Using his wand to wipe away his mask, Barty Crouch Jr. turned to face his friend.

"Most definitely Bellatrix, it is just a shame that Mongrel of a blood-traitor cousin of yours isn't with them, no worries though we can find him after we finish with these disgraces to magic"

Before any spell could be uttered, Frank used his free hand to preform wandless magic and sent his wife, son, and Harry flying into the fireplace just as green flames erupted out of nowhere, and thought "The Kennel".

As the flames disappeared along with his family, Frank fired off the first spell at the intruders in his home. While doing this he did the one thing he hoped he would never have to do. He shut off all access to anyone in or out to Longbottom Manor, to anyone including his wife. He made it so the only thing that could allow access again is his death or his command. He prayed it would be his command.

As Alice came out of the fireplace in Sirius' London flat, she immediately called Kreacher. He appeared immediately concerned with the tone of voice the Lady Longbottom was using.

"Lady Alice, I thought you were at the funeral of Lord James and Lady Lily"?

"Mind the boys Kreacher, I need to get back home to help Frank. She scooped up some floo powder and very clearly shouted "Longbottom Manor" as she threw it to the floor of the fireplace.

Nothing happened.

She tried once more, again nothing.

"Kreacher, get Sirius and tell him code red at Longbottom Manor, and that Frank has shut of access, then come straight back to watch the boys"

There was a time Kreacher would have scowled and cursed her for trying to give her an order and call her a blood-traitor, but that was before Lady Lily had made Master Sirius show him kindness unlike any wizard or witch to ever show a house elf.

Ever since Kreacher was proud to serve Master Sirius, and now Master Harry, and would happily do anything any of his Master's friends asked of him.

"It will be done Lady Alice"

With that Kreacher disappeared. Alice faced the small boys who had no idea what was going on, conjured them a play pin and with a wave of her wand made it so they could not get out of it until Kreacher returned.

She then left the flat, got passed the anti-apparation wards and apparated to her home just as Sirius, Remus and a couple other members of the order who were at the funeral arrived.

"Sirius, everyone knows that you're the best at breaking wards, you need to get through the one Frank set up, even I can't get in"

With a nod he took out his wand and checked to see what type of wards were erected. He immediately turned to face his friend with a grim look.

"Alice…there are no wards to take down"

Everyone knew that meant one of two things, and as they all twisted on the spot to enter the main entrance of the home, they were all praying they were going to find Frank grinning from ear to ear after beating two of Voldemort's best fighters.

That is not what they found, instead they found a body beyond recognition from a brutal murder and a message in blood on the wall.

"Potter is next"

Sirius was the only one to not here Alice's bloodcurdling scream. He was to busy staring at the message on the wall.

In that moment he decided he needed to move Harry to a more secure location. There was only one place he had in mind, it was more secure than possibly Hogwarts and Gringotts combined…Potter Manor.