"Harry Potter!" The 16-year-old boy cringed and quickly dropped the saddle he had been holding. The boy left the stables at a run and skidded to a stop in front of his uncle. He bowed his head and stood straighter then seemed humanly possible. "Harry Potter, what have I told you about letting the town people know who you are. Your Aunt nearly had a stroke when Mrs. Clack asked why the great Harry Potter was carrying her bags. You are to hide that scar better do you understand?" Harry nodded mutely. Vernon Dursely growled at the movement. Before Harry knew what was happening a fist rained down on his temple. The blow to the head knocked his glasses off, and made the slim boy stumble. "You will do better, or it will be the dungeons for you." The whale like man turned and was out of sight before Harry could find his glasses.
Rubbing his head the boy went back to his work. Someone important must be coming, he uncle would usually be sure to leave several reminders of his punishment any other time. With another sigh, Harry Potter went back to his endless amount of work. Yes someone important was definitely coming; Harry's workload had increased in the past few days. It was more than likely another business associate of his uncles. Though Harry had no idea why anyone would want to do business with the great pig of a man, he could barely even keep up with the manor as it was. With a snort Harry, finished brushing Nimbus' deep brown mane, and quickly put his supplies away. With any luck he would have time for a shower before Vernon decided to give the boy more work.
After quickly scrubbing himself clean, well as clean as can be expected given he was a servant, and putting on the clothes with the least number of rips and tears, Harry made his way down to the kitchens of Potter Manor. To his relief his aunt Petunia was not in sight, she was forever standing over the cook and making suggestions. He plopped down in a chair and smiled at the cook. "You missed lunch Mr. Potter! How many times do I have to tell you that skipping meals is bad for you? You are far too thin as it is. And those supposed relatives of yours aren't helping matter giving you all those blasted chore
Harry smiled to himself; leave it Molly Weasley mother of 7 to be one of the few to show concern for his well-being. "Really Mrs. Weasley I had just forgotten about lunch, I was working. Extra chores this week, someone important must be coming. And the horse made me go to town with her. She needed someone to carry the endless amount of hats she purchased."
"Stop calling her that young man, you'll slip once and say it to her face and then where will you be? And how many times have I told you to call me Molly? Really now Arthur and I think of you as our own, there's no need for such formalities." The woman said stirring a large pot of soup. She was plump, but who wouldn't be after 7 children, with curly red hair tucked neatly in a bun. Molly was always pestering Harry to take care of himself. Not that the boy minded, there were so few people who cared if was around or not. He smiled fondly at the woman who had been raising him for the last few years.
"Yes, Mrs.… I mean Molly. Would it be too much trouble to get something to eat before dinner? I really am starving." Harry pouted in her direction. "Oh all right, now get before your aunt comes back." Harry accepted the bread; cheese and fruit wrapped in cloth from a grinning Molly and wandered out of the kitchens. He walked slowly savoring the quiet around him. Between his Uncle and cousin always yelling insults and the like at him and the red headed Weasley brood that were louder than loud, it seemed like there were very few moments of peace. Knowing that if he went some place other than his room his cousin would likely begin a game of Harry hunting, the young man went to his rooms.
For some reason his uncle had left him in the room he had grown up in, though he had taken anything of real value out of the room. Leaving the bed, a desk and a simple wardrobe for the meager amount of clothing he owed. Harry still had no idea where the rest of his belongings had gone. His books, journals, art supplies, and trinkets had disappeared and he feared that after 10 long years he would never be getting them back. With a heavy sigh he sat down in his favorite spot, the window seat.
His emerald green eyes looked down upon Potter Manor gardens. The roses were in bloom, and Harry loved looking at them. The gardens were his favorite part of his home. Before his parent died in a strange accident down by the lake, they were always taking him for walks and picnics. Harry remembered watching his mother, Lilly Potter, caring for the flowers and talking to them. She had taught her only son that for something to grow all it needs it a bit a love and care. Harry kept those words close to his heart.
He smiled at the thought of his parents. His father, James Potter, was always teasing Lilly about her love for the plants. In fact James was always teasing someone, every memory he had was of his father laughing or smiling. He was glad that the only memories he had left of his parents were happy ones. The young man frowned and drew his legs up to his chin, wrapping his arms around them. If only the memories of the rest of his childhood had been happy. Harry shuddered, he wouldn't think about that now. There was no use in wishing things were different, though oh how he wished they were.
The boy didn't want toys, trinkets or any other material possession. He only wanted his family and to feel loved and cared for. Sure Molly was motherly towards him and loved him but it wasn't the same as having a family of his own. He wanted people who were for him, who loved him, and wanted him around. Not just for the chores he could do but because he was simply Harry. With a frown and eyes glistening with tears Harry went back to looking out the window, trying to push all his thoughts out of his head for once.
The next morning Harry groaned as his back protested against him moving. He had fallen asleep in the window seat again. He was going to be stiff and sore all day and he had a million things to get done. With another groan he got up slowly and stretched as much as his body would allow. With a sigh he changed into his work clothes and looked out the window. Sun wasn't up yet perhaps his morning chores would get done before breakfast this time, he really didn't want another lecture from Molly on his eating habits.
Once outside Harry saw he was not the only one with a list of things to get done. It seemed the whole staff was busy today. Some one important was definitely coming to the manor. He side moved out of the way of a group a women carrying fresh linens into the house and headed towards the stables. The horses always calmed him when he was on edge and guest coming always set him on edge. Sometimes they were at the manor to see the great Lord Harry Potter for some favor, others merely wanted to see the boy, and yet others only wanted to see how they could use him. He hated when he had to attend one of those dinners. With a silent prayer that this visitor wouldn't want to see him the boy went about getting his chores done.
Hours later found Harry done with his work. The list he was given was back breaking work but not nearly as much as he had yesterday. That only meant one thing; he was going to have to dine with his Uncle and whatever business partner he was trying to schmooze this time. With a frown he headed up to his room, his uncle would be coming to tell him of his plans soon.
Once Harry was back in his private haven, he picked up a book and sat down in his favorite seat. Harry was used to being alone. Sure he went and spent time with Molly and Arthur at their home, but the large group while welcoming was to much for him. Being alone seemed to be his lot in life and really Harry was okay with that as long as it meant he wouldn't have to suffer the company of his Uncle on a regular basis
Just as he went to open the book where he had left of there was a heavy pounding on his door. . With a heavy sigh the 16 year old stood and made his way to the door. His Uncle was standing there blocking the entire door way. The man was glaring at Harry again making the boy think the look was etched into his uncle's face the moment the man looked his way.
"Now listen here boy, there is a very important man coming in tonight. I don't want you underfoot, mucking everything up. He has asked that you be present when he arrives. I swear boy if even think of causing any trouble, there will be hell to pay when this man leaves. You will meet us at the front entrance hall at 6 p.m. and not a moment later. You are to be seen and not heard. I don't need you running off at the mouth and making this man see me in a bad light. Do I make myself clear?" Vernon asked.
"Yes, Uncle, I will be waiting in the hall at 6 and not a moment later." Vernon glared at the boy again. "Very well, you are excused from your evening chores, and look presentable this evening. Don't want this man thinking we don't care for you, now do we?" Without another word, Vernon Dursely waddled his way down the hallway.
Harry closed his door and frowned. A whole dinner with his 'Family' oh what a wonderful event this would be. Throwing his book on to the bed and went to look through his wardrobe for something acceptable to wear. And there wasn't much to look through. Maybe Arthur's sons would have something to fit him. No. probably not Ron was much larger then he was and all of the Weasley boys were taller than him. Oh well if he embarrassed his Uncle it would be the man's own fault. Slamming the wardrobes doors shut he stalked off to the bathroom to clean himself, mumbling about whales and stupid dinners on his way.
Time passed much too quickly for teen and before he knew it 6 p.m. was upon him. He quickly put on his dinner coat, and dress shoes before rushing down to the entrance hall. He slid into place just as the grandfather clock chimed 6 and his uncle sneered at him. Straightening his coat back into place, Harry tried to tame his hair when he caught the look from his aunt. Harry had barely moved his hands from his hear when the front doors bust open and a man stepped into the entrance hall of Potter Manor.
"It has been to long my dear friends much too long. Though I must say that you have kept this manor in top shape from what I can see of it at the moment. Very nicely done I must say. I do hope nothing else has changed. I rather enjoyed Lily's rose gardens, we romantic if you know what I mean." The man said winking at Harry. Harry watched the familiar man slide his black gloves off. "Hello there Dursely you great prune still as large as ever I see."
"Sir, if I may inquire as to who you are?" Vernon's voice rang out with a hint of anger and confusion.
"Oh yes, please forgive me. I was rather vague when I wrote to you." The man took his top hat off. "My name is Sirius Black. I am heir to the Black fortune, Godfather, and guardian to one Harry James Potter." Harry looked up at his name, and looked at the man carefully. Sirius Black was just as Harry remembered him to be, shaggy black hair, and bright blue eyes, tall and muscular, and still as handsome as ever. Harry Smiled as their eyes meet. His Godfather had been away for so long Harry had almost thought the man was a dream he had made up. But that wasn't the case; the man was standing there right in front him real as ever.
"Harry my boy, come here a moment so I can get a good look at you." Harry stepped up his godfather. The older man quickly took the young man in. Harry was now around 5 feet 9 inches tall; his raven colored hair was short and messy as his father's always was. And he looked painfully thin for a boy of his stature. Bright emerald eyes looked back at him, Harry was a mini version of James which made Sirius laugh. "You my dear child look much to like your father. Though I am sure you are not as devious as he was. Let us all pray that you haven't inherited your mother's violent temper." A shudder ran through the man at the memory. "It has been much too long."
Harry was surprised when Sirius drew him into a hug. "I am sorry I have been away for so long, business never seemed to stop. I have missed so much with you. But do not fret, I have come home and we will make up for lost time. Your Godfather has come to set things right again. Come now I have some gentlemen for you to meet."
Sirius let go of Harry and moved so he was no longer blocking the door. "I must say Black that you made quite the entrance, however it was highly inappropriate. Have you lost all your manners? What would your mother say if she saw you now?" A pale blonde man stepped into the door way. Sirius sneered at his words.
"Really Lucius, this is my home. I can enter it any way I please. Perhaps it is you who has forgotten your manners. And who cares what my mother would say, you would be more concerned with my manor of dress then my speaking." Lucius sneered at Sirius and stepped further into the room.
"Both of you have forgotten your manners. This is not the time to be arguing we are in mixed company; they shall think you are both uncouth. You can settle things later, although I would suggest you not use the last method it was rather messy." Said a third man with light brown hair and amber eyes who looked rather regal. "Sirius come now introduce us."
"May I present you with Lord Lucius Draconian Malfoy the III and Sir Remus Lupin? Remus, your father and I were great friends when we were young lads. We meet Lucius when we all went to University. They've come to live with us. Well Remus has at any rate. Lucius has come to see you and the manor. He has someone obscene notion that Malfoy Manor is much nicer then Potter Manor. He is surely mistaken."
Lucius tapped his cane on the floor and moved to Harry. "Good evening Lord Potter. Thank you for graciously allowing us into your home. I must say from what I have seen it is not what I was expecting. Nor are you what I was expecting." The blonde man said with a wink and a shake of the teen's hand. Harry nodded, slightly over whelmed by everything that was happening.
"I'll say Lucius you are a great prat. Rather ridiculous way to great the boy. You have never once greeted me with such regard and I am much prettier then Harry. No offense of course." Sirius said winking at Harry.
"Sirius leave the poor boy alone. I knew it was not a good idea to allow you to enter the house without someone supervising. Harry you look like your mother. She was a wonderful woman. I was sad to hear of her passing. Thank you for inviting us to stay here with you." Remus said holding his hand out to the teen.
"Thank you sir." Harry said shyly. Sirius let out a bark like laugh. "Such manners." the man said. "Yes so different from you, you mutt." Lucius said under his breath so Sirius couldn't hear him, he caught Harry's eye and winked.
"Shall we sit down for dinner then?" Remus asked the others in the room. Harry looked to his aunt and uncle who were simply staring at the intruders. Harry nodded and lead the men into the dining room, the Dursely's followed close behind having come out of their stupor at the mention of food.
Once they were all seated, Lucius was the first to speak. "Dear god, what is that monstrosity sitting there at the end of the table?" Vernon's face turned a unique shade of violet. "That is my son you are speaking about." Lucius gave the man an incredulous look. "Surely you jest, that whale of a boy cannot be your son. Though I can see the family resemblance in the chins of course."
Remus snorted, surprising himself and Harry who was seated next to him. Harry and never seen someone speak to Vernon in such a manner. He was eager to see if these men would continue with their antics. He was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of his aunt's nasally voice.
"Dudley is a special boy. He eats a lot because he is still growing. He is perfectly healthy, and looks just like the other boys his age." Petunia said with an adoring look at her son. Dudley might have smiled back, no one could tell.
"I assure you Madame that he is growing wider as we speak. If he becomes any larger, I dare say he will be unable to sit at the table or walk through door ways. I am repulsed just looking at him. Harry change seats with me, I don't think I could eat while looking … well looking at the whale." Lucius stated in all seriousness.
Harry tried to control his laughter as he changed seats with Lucius. "Really, Lucius hold your tongue. It is not polite to criticize someone in their home." Remus said winking at Harry, who was sitting between him and Sirius Now.
"Remus this is my home and I give Lucius permission to speak as he pleases." Sirius said waving his hand dismissingly. The man snapped his fingers a servants entered baring trays of food. Harry's mouth watered at all the food he was never allowed to eat. Remus and Lucius did not miss the look on the boy's face or the look of wonder in his eyes. "Now what have you been up to Harry?" Just as Harry opened his mouth to speak, Vernon who was a darker shade of violet stood up and pointed at Sirius.
"This is my house thank you, and I want you out. How dare you come to my house and speak ill of my family. I want you out now; you are no longer welcome in my home. How dare you do such a thing, it is unheard of. I am one of the most profitable business men in this town. I demand respect and I won't take anything less from the likes of you." When Vernon was done talking he had turned an interesting shade of puce much to the delight of Harry who had never seen his Uncle so out of place.
"I knew Lilly detested her family I didn't know why, but now it is clear. I'm afraid Mr. Dursley that this is my home. See as Harry's guardian I lay claim on his inheritance until such time as he can legally claim it. You have simply been watching the boy for me until I was able to return to care for him. Really am sorry about that Harry."
"It's alright Sirius." Harry said softly ignoring the look on his Uncle's face for speaking. Sirius smiled warmly at his godson. "Now if you would kindly sit down, we can discuss arrangements after dinner. Let us enjoy the feast in my honor." Sirius waved his hand and wine was poored.
Remus snorted at his longtime friend and turned to Harry. "All the attention has gone to his head. The man thinks himself royalty or something." Harry laughed loudly making Lucius smile softly. As dinner progressed Vernon seemed to be turning a darker shade of violet, Harry was sure that if not calmed soon Vernon's head would pop off. The color was not natural that was for sure.
"Now that I'm home, it's time we give you a proper education. Every young gentleman must have one you understand. Perhaps Lucius would be so kind as to bring his son out for a short visit to help push things along. It's always more fun to learn with a mate." The blonde nodded his agreement setting his wine glass down in obvious distaste.
"I saw the stables when we arrived and they could use some work. I say Vernon you didn't keep the things running smoothly did you. No mind, things will start coming together. I see you have the exceptional talents of a great cook. I can see why Dudley would become the whale that he is." Sirius said waving his glass around like a mad man. Petunia looked positively murderous as wine splashed onto the carpets.
Remus snorted again, and Harry tried desperately to keep his laughter in. "HOW DARE YOU! You enter my house and say nasty things about my family. I will not stand for this. Out now, I want you out." Vernon yelled rising from his chair again.
"Vernon must I remind you this is my house. We can look at the papers if we must, though it is no use for I am right, I always am. Sit down this instant, you are disrupting out dinner and I will not stand for it. The nerve of some people, the come as guests and act like they own the place."
Sirius glared at the man until he took his seat once more. "Now Harry what have you been doing since I've been away? Hmmm? How are you lessons progressing? Any young ladies you have your eyes one? Come on speak up tell me everything. Have you been staying out of trouble? James, Remus and I were always mucking something up, even as adults drove your mom positively batty."
Harry bit his lip, and looked to his uncle who was giving him a murderous look, and then back to Sirius who was frowning at his lack of speech. Harry was torn; he knew the punishment for disobeying his Uncle. Although Sirius claimed he was staying, there was no way of knowing for how long. His Uncle would remember and the longer he waited to punish Harry the worse that punishment would be.
"No need to be afraid you can tell me what you have been doing. It can't be all that bad can it?" Sirius said not even looking at his Godson. Remus was watching however and knew that Harry was confused on what to do. "Go on Harry tell your Godfather everything. No one will be mad at you and I promise you won't be punished." Remus said gently touching Harry's arm.
Surprised at the contact Harry blurted out "I haven't been to lessons. Uncle Vernon said there was no use in me taking them if I was to be a servant boy. I did take riding lessons though. And I don't really have friends. Not much free time when you have a ton of chores to get done every day." After he had spoken the boy slapped a hand over his mouth and began to shake with fear of what his words would bring down upon him.
A murderous look settled on Sirius' face. "A SERVANT Boy, surely you must be joking?" When Harry shook his head no, Sirius Stood up, "Vernon Dursely I ought to kill you right now for this travesty."