Unfortunately, I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters in this work. That is a right only J.K. Rowling holds. This story will be AU, as in Sirius doesn't die. But the rest of the story I hope to keep similar with a few changes here and there. Please review and follow! The more reviews, the faster I update, although they are not totally necessary.
The night was clear and bright as Remus hurried along the side of the road toward Surrey. He had been sent by Dumbledore with the best news imaginable. The Ministry, after witnessing the events that transpired at the Department of Mysteries, had ruled in favor of Sirius gaining freedom. And with that, came custody of Harry.
Dumbledore had been in good spirits as the adoption and custody papers had been placed into Sirius's hands. Sirius's smile had seemed to light the room, as he signed his name and took responsibility for Harry. Dumbledore could not help but be incredibly happy for young Harry, who had lost his parents so young and been abused by his relatives for so long. Tonight, was the beginning of a new chapter in Harry's life. A much happier chapter, Dumbledore hoped.
Sirius had immediately set out to set up the house and get a room ready for Harry and had contacted Remus with the good news. Remus let out a sigh of relief. No longer did he need to worry about his old school friend getting himself caught and arrested out of boredom. On the other hand, he was now going to be worried about the main influence on Harry's life. Oh well, he figured he would just need to check on Harry and Sirius and give advice if it was needed.
And so Sirius sent Remus to go and fetch Harry as soon as possible. Remus figured night was the best time. Perhaps his relatives were asleep and Harry could sneak out and there would be no need of a confrontation. He was sorely disappointed though, when the lights of Number 4 Privet Drive came into view.
Remus approached the house with caution but decided against it when he heard yelling inside that sounded like Harry and a woman. Remus quickly walked up to the door and rang the bell as if he had heard nothing and was not about to steal away Harry away permanently. The door was flung open by a whale of a man that matched the whale of a boy. This must be Vernon, Remus pondered, as the man and woman suddenly became silent. Remus proceeded to introduce himself only to be interrupted half way through his name by Petunia.
"Vernon, he's one of them." Petunia, who now looked sick, turned to her nephew. Her gaze gave Remus the distinct impression there was no love lost between the Aunt and nephew. "Did you know he was coming? Did you know there would be another of your kind showing their face in my house?"
Harry looked tired and very wary, but immensely happy to see Remus. Remus smiled at the tired boy across the room, and took a seat in the living room. "Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, I come with some rather life changing news. Your nephew, who usually spends the summer with you, no longer needs to seek lodging with you. A verdict was given today in favor of Harry's godfather, and the adoption papers have been signed. Your nephew will now go to live with his godfather, Sirius Black." The shock and awe in the room was palpable, and everyone reacted differently. Petunia and Vernon were stunned and speechless. Harry on the other hand, looked as though he could not have been made happier.
"Are you sure? I can go and live with him? He really wants me to come live with him? He really meant it?" Harry looked so hopeful, but also slightly skeptical. Remus smiled at Harry with all the reassurance he could muster into a facial expression. "Of course he does, he has been hoping you would come to live with him from the beginning. You are what has kept him going Harry."Remus felt now more than ever, that Harry had the most right to be happy. Even now, he was slightly unsure if Sirius wanted him. He had obviously never known what being wanted felt like.
"Harry, go pack your bags and trunks and we'll be on our way. I just need to speak for a moment with your Aunt and Uncle." Harry bounded up the stairs out of sight, and Remus could hear a faint mumble coming from behind the couch as a fat blonde poked out and looked at him. Remus looked up and the smile disappeared. His glare was focused on Vernon and Petunia.
"I will have you know that I am aware of the treatment Harry has received while living with you. I know what you have done. I know that you never loved him like he was one of your own, like you promised Albus Dumbledore. And I will part with you tonight with a warning. He may not have biological family in the wizarding world, but he has family. He has me and he has his godfather and we will allow no more harm to come to him. Not by you and not by anyone else. I am a very reasonable man, but you don't want me for an enemy but as the status quo stands, you are very close to calling me one. Goodnight, Mr. and Mrs. Dursley. Dudley."
Just then, Harry came back down the stairs and stared at the scene in front of him. Obviously, Remus had said something that shook them all. But Remus showed no signs of issuing an ultimatum. He smiled at Harry like always, and helped him load him belongings onto a trolley. "How are you Harry, really?" Harry looked up at Remus and smiled sadly. "As well as I ever do I suppose. I'm alright. Mrs. Weasley would say I'm too thin, but she's not exactly subjective either." Remus smiled at the boy. He really had missed Harry these last few months. He was easy company to keep.
Remus held out his arm and nudged Harry to take it. "Hold on tight, Harry. Side-along apparition is a nasty business." "What about my belongings", he asked as he pointed to the cart behind him. "Oh, don't worry about those. I have already charmed them to appear in your room soon. All that's left is for us to apparate to Grimmauld Place."
Harry took Remus's arm and was quickly pulled through a void that felt both freeing and suffocating at the same time. Harry hit the ground sputtering. Remus knelt down beside him, patting him on the back. "The first time is always the hardest. I'm rather impressed you didn't vomit. Most people vomit." Harry chuckled as he stood back up. His glasses were knocked askew on his nose but even without his glasses, he would know Grimmauld Place anywhere. He quickly righted his glasses and looked at Remus.
"Come on, I have a key here somewhere in my pocket. Aha! Here it is. He should be upstairs. I need to go and write Professor Dumbledore a letter letting him know we have retrieved you successfully. Go on and find Sirius. He should be upstairs." and with that, Remus ducked out of the alcove and left Harry to his own search for his godfather. It didn't long though, since Sirius was singing at the top of his lungs. Harry had never heard the song before, but suspected it was a muggle hit. Harry knocked on the door frame of the room her had found Sirius in. Sirius looked up and smiled a wide and beatific smile. "I take it Remus told you the good news?" Harry and Sirius embraced, both too happy to put into words.
No one I the house noticed a new name being formed on the Black family tapestry and no one noticed an owl hooting at the window. Both were omens of what was to come.
Please review and add to your favorites! Tell me what you all think. This is going to be AU, but not to over board. I am going to try to stay true to the story, except Sirius doesn't die in the fight at the Department of Mysteries and he adopts Harry. So Harry is going to have more moral support for the challenges to come. Please review!