Disappointment Chapter Two
Harry used the key to his new home the way Griphook had told him, and it brought him to a secluded home that was bigger than he really needed. Not one to decline a good place to live, Harry went to the front door and used the key to unlock it. He twisted the handle and once it was open, Harry looked in to see splendor. The likes of which he never saw before. It was like a palace, it was so big and rich and luxurious.
He entered the home not wishing to touch anything, thinking he may break it. How could he own something so special. He toured the home to find a library, a game room with a snooker table, several bedrooms, lavs and closets. It had a large kitchen with more cabinet space than he would ever need. It had a basement that had some old furniture and other stored items in it. He went back up the stairs and looked for a bedroom he would claim as his. He called for all his packages and they came flying into his room. He then stored all his equipment where he could find it if he needed it.
He then took out the letter left him by his parents:
Dear Harry:
I know this must seem weird to you, but we knew this was going to happen to us because of what Albus Dumbledore told us. He is the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You will be attending there when you reach the age of eleven. We won't go into what he told us, just know that it told us our future.
Another thing you need to know is, that Sirius Black is the one we named to be your godfather. There was another that I, your mother, preferred, but he was not available. Don't get me wrong, as Sirius is a good man, but a bit childish. Remus, my choice, is much more mature, but he has an affliction that precludes him from taking over the duties of being a father. A third member of our circle is Peter Pettigrew. We mentioned this to you in our will. He has shown signs of being untrustworthy when we made him our secrets keeper. I fear we made a grave mistake in doing so.
Should something happen and we don't make it out alive and either Sirius or Remus ends up in jail. You must report to Amelia Bones and give her this letter to save who ever is in trouble. Knowing them both, I would say it was Sirius who was the one in trouble. He has anger control problems. Please help whoever it is and try to contact the other for help. For Sirius, use the floo and call out, Pads Pound. For Remus, again use the floo and call out Moony's Lair.
We will end this now son, but before we do, you must know that we loved you very much and knowing you are reading this means we didn't make it, we love you very much. Always remember this, Harry. We still love you very much and always will.
Loving you always.
Lily and James Potter
Mum and dad.
Harry saw tear stains all over the letter, like mum was crying as she wrote it. He wondered why it wasn't his dad who wrote it or why he didn't add to it, but whatever the reason, at least he got the message and would try to follow through on their wishes. He was told by Griphook that Sirius Black was in jail for betraying mum and dad, but this letter proves him innocent, he hoped.
The only starting place he knew was Griphook, so the next day he would be making a return trip to see him and ask for his help. For now, he used his common money and went out to find an Inn where he could eat.
When he returned from eating, he decided to look in the library for something to read before going to bed. What he found would keep him up most of the night. A book on wandless and wordless magic. It told Harry how to use this ability to it's full capabilities. It was all he needed as he already knew how to use this magic. He practiced it for most of the night, until he became too tired to continue.
The next morning he returned to the Inn that was the entry into Diagon Alley. He had breakfast before he entered the Alley and since he saw the lady open the entry with her magic, using a wand, Harry tried it using his finger. His first touch was all that was needed as it opened right up. Harry smiled at what he accomplished. He then walked to the bank and asked for Griphook. Griphook came out to greet him and then took him back to his office. When Harry handed him the letter and asked for his help with freeing Sirius and contacting Remus, he showed Harry how to use the floo and then he went out to contact Amelia Bones and ask her to meet him in the bank.
Harry's floo call went through and a face appeared in the flames when it was answered. "Who is this that knows my connection?"
"Are you Remus Lupin?"
"What if I am?"
"My name is Harry Potter, and you knew my parents, James and Lily Potter. My mum asked me to get hold of you and ask for your help."
"And I'm suppose to believe you are who you say you are? The last I heard you, or Harry had gone missing 6 years ago."
"That's right, except I didn't go missing, I ran away. They were terrible people and I took the first chance I ever had to make my escape. I haven't got time to tell you it all, but I promise I will when we get time. Right now, Griphook from the bank is helping me with Sirius Black, to set him free."
"Now I know you're lying, as Black turned traitor on the Potters and reported to Voldemort their address. Who are you really?"
Before Harry could respond, Griphook returned with Amelia Bones. Remus saw her and called out to her. She went to the floo and confirmed Harry's story was the truth. Remus then backed out of the flames and walked through to Griphooks office. He looked down on Harry and saw both his friends in his face, and tears formed in his eyes. He then picked Harry up and hugged him, telling him how sorry he was for doubting him. He then put him back down and took a seat to listen to what Amelia had to say.
Instead of speaking, she handed Remus the letter and had him read it. The tears were now flowing freely for knowing the truth of what happened with his best friends.
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The Weasley household had become different since Harry's talk with Ginny and Luna. They still didn't know his true name, but the act that he made with Ginny turned into something astonishing for them. Arthur was given a tip on investing in something called computers and he took the money and bought some stock. Shares were selling at five pounds per share and he bought twenty shares. Within five months, the shares were selling at twenty five pounds per share. Arthur had been smart and bought five shares a month each of those five months. And many more in each of the months thereafter. He sat with Molly and explained what was happening, and she almost exploded on him.
"Arthur, that was not our money to spend. That was Ginny's. Well really it is James', but since we don't know how to find him, then by rights it's Ginny's. What happens when she goes to Hogwarts and sees James and he asks for the money back?"
"Well then, all we have to do is sell enough shares to get him the money. At the way it's going, it should take two or three shares to get him his money. Molly, this is our first real chance to have something good happen in our life. We have over one hundred shares of a stock that has grown over seven times what I originally paid for it."
"And just where is all this money we have? I don't see it in the bank, or in our sugar bowl. Is it being kept in a secret place where the kids can't find it?"
"It's kept in a trust fund with the company building the computers. We can sell shares when ever we need money. All we need to do is call a broker. That is a person who buys and sells stock for a living."
"I find all this hard to believe. What does this computer thing do?"
"From what I understand, it does our thinking for us."
"Well, from what I understand, it has done all the thinking for you and took Ginny's money. Now, I want you to get it back. What ever else you spent is our money and we will have to live with it."
"Can we talk to Ginny about it, before I sell her stock? She may want to keep it going?"
When they asked Ginny what she wanted to do, she looked at them like they were crazy, "What money are you talking about? I don't have any money?"
"The hundred pounds James gave you Ginny dear? Remember when you gave me the hundred pound in the station?"
"But I gave that to you to help with Christmas. How do you still have it?"
Arthur stepped forward and told Ginny about what he did and what the stock was worth now. Ginny's response was just like her mums, "What's a computer? What's it suppose to do?"
Molly hurrumphed, "According to your father, it's suppose to do your thinking for you. That's all Ron has to hear, as if he isn't lazy enough already. According to the twins, he is now trying to get Hermione to do his homework for him. She'll check it for him and tells him what's wrong and to fix it himself. Does that make Hermione a computer?" Arthur didn't know how to answer that one. The twins did say she was smarter than almost every other student in school, not just her year.
BREAK IN STORY}}}}}}}}
Amelia came through with her promise and Sirius was brought before the Wizengamut to hear his story of what happened that night.
Amelia had to remain impartial with Sirius' hearing, even though she knew him personally. He and James both worked for her in the Auror Dept.. She didn't want to believe he had done what was reported about the Potters, but through his own testimony she had no other alternative than to have him sent to Azkaban. She wanted to set a trial date, but the Minister pushed it through without one because of his own confession. Now she wanted to know the truth about what happened.
"Mr. Black, we brought you to hear why you confessed to the murder of James and Lily Potter, or your part in it. Do you wish to take this under the influence of Veritaserum?"
"I would please. I want the truth to be known."
Amelia ordered the administration of the serum and waited 10 minutes for it to take affect. Her first question was, "Please state your full name."
"Sirius Orion Black."
"Were you friends with the deceased?"
"More than that, really. They were my true family."
"Then why did you confess to being apart of their murder?"
"It was because of me that they died. I was supposed to be the secret keeper for their protection. I noticed that I was being followed by what appeared shady characters, and thought it was because of my association with the Potters. I told James and Lily of this and James and I decided to change keepers. Remus was our first choice, but he was off on a mission with Albus Dumbledore. I can't tell you what that was and it doesn't really matter in this case. We used Peter Pettigrew as the secret keeper, under a violent protestation by Lily. She hadn't trusted Peter since we left school. He was always making excuses about missed gatherings or leaving early when he was there. James and I should have listened to her. She was always the brilliant one of the group. Peter turned the information of their address over to Voldemort. I got there too late to save them. They had both been killed by the killing curse. However, Harry was in his crib, with blood dripping from a cut on his forhead. He was alive and Voldemort was dead, lying beside Lily. The back of Harry's room had been blasted away from whatever Voldemort tried using on Harry. I met Hagrid outside their home and turned Harry over to him so he could bring him to Albus Dumbledore. From there, I went in search of Peter to confront him. He ran from me and I chased him to that alley where we exchanged spells. He hit some drums behind me and they leaked fluid all over the ground. He fired a second shot into the drums and they exploded, killing all the muggles there watching us fight. He then cut off his left pinky finger and changed into his form of a rat and escaped down a sewage drain."
"That doesn't tell me why you confessed to their murders. Why did you yell out it was your fault for James and Lily Potter being dead?"
"Because if we hadn't changed keepers, they would still be alive today, and we wouldn't be here now. Of course we wouldn't know of Peter's treachery, either. I would rather not know of it then the results of finding out about it. I lost my family that night. Harry lost his parents that night and I lost another friend that night because he probably still believes me to be guilty."
"So, Pettigrew was an animagus, were you one also?"
"Yes, both James and I were. We were going to report ourselves to the Ministry when Dumbledore put James and Lily under protection. I am a black Russian Wolfhound."
"What was Mr. Potter?"
"Does it really matter? I mean he is dead now. But, since you asked, he was stag."
"Why did you leave Harry with Hagrid and leave to chase Pettigrew? You must have known what Dumbledore was going to do with him?"
"I wasn't thinking clearly that night and I only thought of Harry's protection and capturing Pettigrew. I screwed up on both parts that night. Harry should have gone home with me that night."
"Yes, he should have. We have been in talks with young Harry and he told of us of where Dumbledore left him. He was left with Lily Potter's sister and her husband. He also told us of the will his parents left and it specifically said he was not to be left with her. Others were named as care keepers, but the Longbottoms were attacked that night as well and are in the incurable ward of St. Mungos. Selena Lovegood was also named but, she was not capable to handle him due to her just giving birth to her daughter. Professor McGonagall was named as well, but Dumbledore didn't think the school was a fit place to raise a child. You know why Lupin could not take the child."
"So Harry is living in that hell hole with people who hate everything he stands for?"
"No. Harry ran away from them when he was five and lived on his own for six years. It is because of this we are here today. He is very resourceful and found his way to Gringotts where he learned what happened on that night. He came to me through the bank."
"Oh my God, how did he survive?"
"I just told you he is very resourceful. He used his situation to get what he needed from sources, like the church, trash, and anything else available. He found food everywhere, if you knew where to look. Clothes he got from the church. Housing he found in abandoned homes. Now do you see why he lived? Because he used his imagination and his knowledge to get by."
"Could you tell me where he is now?"
"Not yet we can't. You have not been freed of the charges. Harry also has to accept you as family before you know anything about him. He is doing fine though, just to ease your mind. Now, to get back to your case. You have shown the court that though you did not take part in the murder of the Potters, but showed poor judgment in what you did after it was over. You left a child in your care with someone not on the list for his care, and he was taking Harry to another that was not on the list. He was left with someone that could care less for his safety. You have not shown the court where Harry should be left in your care. What do you have to say for yourself, Mr. Black?"
"Everything you have said is true. Harry should have been first on my mind that night and instead I let my feelings side track my obligations and seek justice instead. But, I will not have Harry put in some foster home or an orphanage. I may not be everything Harry needs, but I can get help with that. Remus Lupin may not be able to care for him on his own, but between the two of us, we should be able to take care of him."
"Before I do anything else, your case must be heard before our members. After hearing Mr. Black's testimony, how do you all vote. All in favor of releasing him, raise your hands." Almost the entire attendance raised their hands. "All oppose." Lucius Malfoy was one of the five to raise their hands for his continued sentence. He was going to gather the other followers of Lord Voldemort and tell them how he feels about this. Sirius was released of his sentence and compensation was to be given for his incarceration, minus one year for his not registering as an animagus.
Outside the courtroom, Lucius joined the other followers and was about to complain when, "What the hell is the matter with you five. Don't you realize that because you showed yourselves against releasing Black, that you are now the focus of Bones and her Aurors. This was more than just the release of Black, it was to see who would be against it. You put yourself in jeopardy by bringing your feelings forward. Now there is going to be an investigation as to why you were against freeing a person testifying under the truth serum. He could not lie to Bones." and Parkinson and the rest left after his rant. Lucius and the other four just stood there, wondering what just happened.
Back in the courtroom, Amelia continued her talk with Sirius. "Mr. Black, you now have to convince me why Harry should be placed in your and Mr. Lupin's care."
The serum was no longer working on Sirius and his feelings were beginning to get to him. "I have to become the guardian for Harry. Remus has to help me with it. James and Lily didn't just expect it, they demanded it. There was no way she wanted Harry to go to her sister for his upbringing. I failed them in so many ways, I need to find a way to correct my mistakes. Remus has to be there to ensure I do right in this. After Lily, he was the one with the most common sense. He was also the smart one of the group and James and I never thanked him enough for how much he saved our arses. Please don't take this away from us."
Amelia then got Kingsley to bring in Remus so she could tell them both her decision. Remus and Sirius met as soon as they saw each other and were still hugging when she got their attention, "Gentlemen, please sit down. Now, since there is no one on the Potters list of choices to raise Harry, except you two and Minerva, you wish is granted, with one stipulation. Minerva will be visiting you twice a month whenever Harry is staying with you. During the school year, you will be allowed to talk him via the floo, once a month. You will take residence in Harry's home, and not Black Manor. I have been there and it is not a fit place for bringing up a child. Even though Harry is well off, it is your responsibility to provide for him clothing, food, health services and all other needs. Is all this understood.
Remus had to answer for them as Sirius was crying over what he was just told. He was going to do what was asked of him ten years back.
Amelia then had Kingsley take the two to Harry's home where Harry waited for them. He knew Sirius was going to be freed and that Remus would be with him. Amelia had already set it up, but she had to make sure that Sirius knew the ground rules before he took over guardian ship.
Kingsley knocked on the door and it opened on it's own. Sirius stood there wondering what was going on. Ghosts couldn't turn handles and Elves were to present themselves when answering a door. They walked in and followed Kingsley into the sitting room. "Harry, they are here."
"Thank you Mr. Shacklebolt. Were they much trouble?"
"Not after Miss Bones got through with them. I will leave you all to get to know each other." and Kingsley left. Sirius looked at James Potter when they first met. Harry was almost the spitting image of him. Remus then got a closer look at Harry and saw where he followed his mother more than James. His eyes were hers, as was his nose and forehead. The mouth and hair were James.
Sirius couldn't wait any longer and he rushed to Harry to pick him and hug him, however, Harry didn't show any affection towards Sirius. He let him hug him, but his arms stayed at his side. Remus saw this and didn't like the implications. It was going to take some time to win Harry over.
Sirius didn't think anything of Harry's lack of returning his embrace. He put him down and then they talked about Harry. How he survived living alone. Feeding himself. His way of getting clothing. Remus was listening to an adult brain in an eleven year old body. It got worse when Harry told them of his abilities with magic. How it was unnecessary for him to use a wand and what he could do with his magic. Remus saw where Harry was beyond sixth year in magic and his knowledge was not far behind it. He must have read all seven years of books for all this knowledge.
Harry had four months with them before his schooling started, and Remus and Sirius found it very hard to teach Harry anything he already didn't know. He could already change into a eagle if he needed to. He traveled by some strange method that neither of them knew. Harry taught them how he did it, and it was the smoothest way to travel they ever tried. There was no pulling or stretching, just moving. Harry called it thought travel.
They had their talks, but they didn't last long. Harry still didn't trust adults, except for Kingsley and Amelia. He didn't look forward to meeting Dumbledore, since he was the one to leave him with those muggles, or as he liked to think of them, human animals. Since neither of these two tried to make contact with Harry in those ten years, he didn't know how to react around them.
Sirius wanted to take Harry to Diagon Alley for his shopping but Harry didn't need anything. On Harry's birthday he did agree to go on the weekend following it. It was to buy him his birthday gift.
Once they arrived to the Leaky Cauldron, Harry amazed them again when the wall just parted when Harry waved his hand over it. Remus was looking at something he never thought he would ever see. Magic that would rival Albus Dumbledore. Harry was much stronger than anyone could imagine.
The Alley was much busier than usual and they soon found out the reason. There was a book signing going on at Florish and Blotts book store. Gilderoy Lockhart was signing his newest book and the line outside the store was too long to want to try and get in ti. Harry was ready to walk past it, when he saw two figures he knew. He went inside the store and called out, "Luna, Ginny, how are you both?"
They looked around to see who called them and when they saw James, they went right to him, fighting the crowd all the way. They hugged briefly and then Ginny hit him in the arm.
"Alright James, why did you give me that money at Christmas? Mum and dad could not believe me that you just gave it to me."
Harry turned bright red when she asked this, "I'm sorry Ginny, if I got you in trouble, but I heard your talk with Luna about your money problem and thought I could help. It wasn't that much."
"It was more the thought of you giving it to a stranger. And by the way, dad got a tip from a friend and turned that hundred quid in thousands. He then added our own money and now we have more money than we could imagine. All because you cared to help out someone in need. Thank you, not only from me but..."
"Me as well James." came from behind Ginny. It was her father Arthur, and he was smiling as he approached the kids.
Sirius and Remus were wondering where the James came from. Sirius was about to say something when Remus stopped him, "Pads, Harry told them that for some reason and we need to back him on this until they know the truth from him."
"But why would he lie to them?"
"He didn't lie to them, Pads, he just used his middle name. I think I know why too. Let it go for now."
Then there was a commotion behind them and Harry saw where a blond haired boy and a Weasley were arguing. The youngest one, Ron, Harry thought. He didn't much like him because of the way he treated Ginny. Now Ginny left them and went to protect Ron, "Leave him alone Malfoy. He hasn't done anything to you."
"He didn't have to. He has set his own image as being a prat with the school. He embarrassed his own housemate, and then he uses her to do his homework. Right nice piece of work if you ask me."
Ginny turned to Ron and he had huge smile on his face as if he knew what Draco was talking about was the truth. Ginny just shook her head and started to leave, when she bumped into Mr. Malfoy, knocking her books to the ground. Lucius stopped her from picking them up and did it for her and placed them in her cauldron. "I'm sorry for that. Now come Draco, we have more shopping to do."
Things cooled off after that and Arthur joined his wife in line and Ginny and Luna talked for a bit longer before Sirius told him it was time to leave, using James as his name.
They went looking for a gift for Harry and they found it when Harry saw the familiar he wanted in a Snowy Owl sitting in the window of Eylops Owl Emporium. He named her Hedwig after a few other tries to get her to accept a name.
Harry was now ready to begin his schooling knowing he had two friends before he even got there. He didn't think he could ever be friends with Ron, and wondered about this brilliant girl Ron used for his homework. She sounded like she didn't have any friends and he thought maybe he would try to make friends with her as well as Ginny and Luna.
It finally arrived and Harry was ready to make the trip to Kings Cross Station and begin his schooling.
