A/N: This is my first Harry Potter fic, so I hope you all enjoy. The story is AU after the third task in GoF, but will mention bits that happen in canon in the other books. It's a Sirius as Harry's guardian fic.

Disclaimer: Not mine. The very first paragraph is taken directly from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, page 618.

A Summer To Remember

Chapter 1

'That will do to be going on with,' said Dumbledore, stepping between them once more. 'Now I have work for each of you. Fudge's attitude, though not unexpected, changes everything. Sirius, I need you to set off at once. You are to alert Remus Lupin, Arabella Figg, Mundungus Fletcher – the old crowd. Lie low at Lupin's for a while, I will contact you there.'

'No,' Sirius replied, eyes wavering over his godson, a slight frown on his face, 'I'm staying.'

Dumbledore turned his gaze towards Sirius momentarily before quickly fixing his attention on Snape. Murmuring voices filled the room until Snape acknowledged his orders and went on his way.

Sirius gave Harry's hand a gentle squeeze then stood to address Dumbledore. 'A word, if you would.'

'Certainly,' he replied, nodding at Madame Pomfrey's vacant office.

The door clicked shut. Silence briefly engulfed the room.

'Your plans for Harry?' Sirius demanded.

Dumbledore eyed him for a second before answering. 'He will remain in the hospital wing until the end of term, then return to his aunt and uncle as usual.'

'I don't think that will be suitable.' His tone was pleasant, but his stance defined anything but.

'I'm surprised at you, Sirius. It is imperative the Order reforms, and quickly. Lives will be at stake. You know this. There is another time for this discussion.'

'Really?' Sirius challenged.

'Yes,' Dumbledore said sharply.

'There is no reason for me to recruit the former members. I'm a convicted murder with a ten thousand galleon price tag on my head. While some may relish the idea of my innocence it will take convincing, and the likes of Mundungus Fletcher would be more likely to barter for my soul with the Ministry than rejoin the Order.' Sirius paused, breathing deeply; he growled 'believe me, this is the perfect time for this discussion. Harry can't go back there. Not after he's just seen. ..'

'He has to return to his aunt and uncle,' Dumbledore replied softy.

'Why is this your decision?' Sirius countered, taking effort to keep his voice in check, 'do you forget what James and Lily named me in the event of their deaths?'

'I don't forget, but Sirius, you are a convicted criminal. You cannot simply take Harry on the run with you!'

'I have no intention of taking him on the run with me, Albus.'

'Then what do you propose?'

'You are aware that I'm the last Black?'

A nod.

'My inheritance is a house in London. I would be happy to offer it as has headquarters for the Order. It already has a number of security spells in place, with a few more, I think you would find it more than suitable.' He continued stiffly, 'contrary to what you think, I am aware of what it at stake here. My time could be used more productively,' he glanced towards Harry's bed, 'on something I'm sure both you and the order will come to value most highly.'

'Nevertheless, you are still a convicted –'

'-But as you know of my innocence surely you will not allow a conviction to impede your judgement? Or more precisely James and Lily's judgment?'

The words rang through the room.

Dumbledore looked slightly taken aback, but he sighed in defeat. 'Very well, he can leave Hogwarts with you but Harry must return to the Dursley's for at least two weeks during this summer. There is an iron clad reason which I would be happy to discuss later. I can, however, tell you his safety depends on it.'

It was more of a truce than a win but Sirius conceited. 'I would say he will probably spend the last two weeks at his aunt and uncle's since you insist.'

'Now the house...'

'Grimmauld Place. I will be able to take you there once Harry has drunk his potion. It has been uninhabited for decades now and will need a handful of house elves to tidy up a few rooms before Harry and I, and the rest of the order will be able to use it.'

'Thank you, Sirius.'

Sirius looked at the elder man scathingly. 'I understand how vital the Order is, Albus, but I have priorities. I know that you think Harry's presence will be critical in the second war. I don't know in what way, but there is no point sending a broken boy to try to save the world. He'll need help. And right now he needs more than his friends.'

Without another word Sirius spun on his heel and returned to his godson's bedside.

Harry lay, white as the sheets, eyes closed, surrounded by Mrs Weasley, Ron and Hermione. The dreamless sleep potion sat untouched on the bedside cabinet. Sirius moved forwards and was grateful when they dispersed slightly, giving him more space with his godson.

He took Harry's hand gingerly and began stroking it with the soft pad of his thumb. 'It'll be alright, Harry,' he whispered hoarsely.

Harry turned towards his voice slowly opening his eyes. Brilliant green sought out Sirius' own. It was unnerving to see the hollowness they encompassed. He looked completely devastated.

'I told him to take the cup with me,' he said.

'It wasn't your fault, Harry,' Sirius replied, surprised at the gruffness in his voice.

Harry struggled to maintain his composure. A lone tear slowly worked its way down the boy's cheek. Sirius cupped his face and absently brushed the tear away. He didn't miss the way Harry tentatively leaned into his touch. With his free hand Sirius grasped the potion and moved it towards Harry.

They remained that way for several minutes.

Sirius finally broke the silence. 'You should take your potion; everything will be a bit easier when you wake up. Okay?'

Harry nodded his response and took the cup out of his godfather's hand, draining it. The effect was instantaneous. Sirius watched as Harry's eyes drooped slowly, and then finally closed. He stood abruptly and turned towards Dumbledore.

'I will take you to Grimmauld Place now. I want to be back here when Harry wakes.'

Dumbledore nodded. Together they left the room, leaving behind a bewildered Ron, Hermione and Mrs Weasley.

There was something heavy and warm on his feet. It wasn't very uncomfortable, but his toes were starting to go numb. Groggily, he tried to move it off; when it didn't budge he gave it a solid kick.

A high pitched yelp sounded through the air and a massive black dog looked at him reproachfully.

Harry resisted the urge to laugh. 'Sorry Snuffles, didn't realize it was you.'

Padfoot sprung back onto the bed and started nuzzling Harry's neck.

'I'm fine, you know,' Harry whispered, his eyes barely meeting Padfoot's, 'you don't have to do this.'

Padfoot scanned the room. Seeing it empty he immediately return to his human form. He drew a chair and sat down next to the bed. His hand found Harry's. He gave it a gentle squeeze.

'It's alright if you're not fine, Harry. You don't have to pretend to be for me.' His voice was equally as soft.

Harry merely bobbed his head up and down.

Sirius didn't press the issue. Instead he asked, 'what is all "this"?'

'You got into a fight with Dumbledore over me. And I know you're not doing something important because of me as well.' He absently plucked at a lose string on the bedspread.

'How did you know about Dumbledore?' He asked, cocking his head to one side.

Harry smiled weakly. 'You should have put a silencing charm on the office. I didn't hear exactly what you said, but you sounded pretty angry...'

'Don't worry about Dumbledore. I convinced him my talents would be more useful elsewhere. His plan wasn't really that great to begin with, to be honest.' He lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. 'For the greatest wizard of our age, sometimes he lacks common sense.'

Harry feigned amusement. Something else was nagging at him. 'But you were meant to go do something important?'

'My new job is more important, believe me.'

Harry felt a surge of joy in his chest but he kept his face void of emotion. 'You're sure?' he asked somewhat sheepishly .

Sirius smiled warmly. 'Yes I'm sure,' he said firmly.

Harry face broke into his first real smile in weeks.

Harry stayed in the hospital wing until the last day of term. Sirius was with him for the better part of his stint as Padfoot, often curling up on the end of his bed to help him sleep or just for company. He left mysterious a few times with Dumbledore, but this was generally when Ron and Hermione were visiting so his presence was not missed. Sirius had briefly explained that Harry would be staying with him for most of the holidays but he had to return to the Dursley's for two weeks towards the end of summer. Harry was more than happy to delay his return to his relatives. Two weeks out of fifty-two sounded worlds better than an entire summer. He wasn't nearly as fazed as usual with his eventual return. He had interrogated Sirius a few times for more details, but Sirius, himself, wasn't too sure but reassured him it was under control.

Dusk was falling. Sirius had just left Hogwarts, and Harry was returning to Gryffindor tower for the first time in days to pack his trunk. It was decided he would catch the train to Kings Cross and meet Lupin at the barrier who would take him to Sirius's hideout. Sirius said that this it was a necessary precaution. He needed to be seen on the train, as no doubt some of the death eater children would be watching him to report back to their parents. This summer had to appear like any other.

Harry hurried out of the hospital wing, glad to be finally rid of the place. He was just about to set foot in the corridor, when he quite literally ran into Dumbledore.

'Sorry, sir, didn't see you there.'

Dumbledore waved at him dismissively. 'I'm glad I caught you,' he said serenely. 'This won't make sense until tomorrow, but it is important you remember what I say. Understood?'

'Yes, sir.'

'The headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve Grimmauld Place.'

TBC