A/N: Alright, heres chapter two for y'all. I received a question about the O.C.'s, and hopefully any confusion anyone had will be cleared up in this chapter as there are several interactions with the main O.C.'s for this story. Not much has deviated in this chapter from the original post aside from new material. Big thanks to my beta and good friend for proof reading and listening to late night brainstorming. Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think :].

-C.

Sirius Black sat in the Black family manor with his house elf Kreacher. As of late, Sirius had become quite fond of him. How could he not when the little elf had saved his life not even a month previous?

"Would master like Kreacher to prepare some supper? Perhaps Steak and Kidney pie?" asked the elf in a cheery hopeful manner.

"That would be lovely, Kreacher. Make enough for the both of us and a guest if you don't mind. We're having company over tonight." Sirius answered, smiling at the prospect of having company that would be arriving soon.

"I shall, master, and perhaps a nice apple tart for dessert?" Kreacher added, his mouth watering slightly. He had put on a small, yet significant about of weight since saving Sirius, his master now allowed him to share meals with him at the kitchen table, something the little elf had never imagined doing before. Other improvements included a soft, very clean, small white sheet he wore slung around himself like a toga, and new blankets and a pillow for his cubby. Sirius has offered him a small room, but Kreacher had spent most of his life sleeping in his cubby, and found it homey.

"Sounds great," Sirius said with a grunt as he stood, and began to follow him to the kitchen. "I'll help cut apples while I await Dumblerdore's arrival."'

"Master Sirius doesn't have to help. Kreacher can manage." voiced the elf with concern, were his apple slices not up to Sirius's liking?

"No, I want to, Kreacher. I enjoy working with you in the kitchen, it keeps me occupied and you're pleasant company," Sirius reassured him, with a smile. Then sitting at the table with a knife and several large green apples he began to work. He peeled and sliced them in silence, watching as Kreacher bustled about the kitchen, waving this or that here and there with snaps of his fingers. He smiled to himself and chuckled, Kreacher really looked a different, happier elf. It was hard for him to believe he had once hated this funny little fellow, but then again things had been different. He thought back to the shock he had felt when the elf had saved him, one moment he had been dueling with his deranged cousin Bellatrix, just barely dodging the stream of green light she sent at him, when he tripped and had begun to fall backward toward the veil. He had felt death looming as he got closer to falling into its surface. He could hear the whispers of the dead and even of death himself. Just when thought he should have passed through it and been banished to the World of the Dead forever, he felt a small hand almost yank him from reality, and with the familiar crushing feeling of Apparition, he found himself sprawled out on the very table he now sat at. And with him came a bawling elf crying out, "Kreacher has failed! Kreacher has not done his duty to the noble family of Black!". In a confused half gasp, Sirius had said, "Kreacher! What are you carrying on about!?... how am I.. not dead?... I felt it coming..." The little elf had flung his skinny arms around Sirius's neck and called out, "Kreacher did not fail his mistress! Master Sirius lives! He lives!" Sirius had later learned, once Kreacher settled down enough to speak properly, his mother ordered Kreacher to make sure if either of her sons returned, that he would keep them safe. He had found this difficult to believe, but couldn't think of any other reason Kreacher would have saved him, at that time at least, so he believed it. A sort of final request before death took her he assumed. At this moment there was one loud knock on the door that interrupted Sirius's train of thought, but he smiled anyways, looking forward to dinner conversation. It, he hoped, would be good news. He stood from his seat, and told Kreacher he'd get the door, and the elf could whip up the apple tart and get it in the oven.

Sirius opened the door and smiled into the kindly bearded face and crinkling eyes of Albus Dumbledore who greeted him, "Ahhh, Sirius, so pleasant to see you, even still, after your close brush with death. May I ask, what that lovely smell is?"

"Kreacher has prepared steak and kidney pie for us, and an apple tart for desert. We've made you a portion, I assumed you'd like to eat after being on business all day," Sirius told him as he escorted him to the dinner table that the elf had set hastily for two. He motioned for Dumbledore to sit and turned to his elf. "Kreacher, don't be silly now, you're joining us. I'm sure Albus will find your company pleasant just as I do." The elf smiled and with a snap of his thin fingers a third plate appeared on the table.

"So, how'd it all go?" Sirius said, leaning in across the table as he spoke, extremely interested with what Dumbledore had to say, as anyone would be if the news had to do with their well being. Kreacher had just served out three portions of pie, and sat down himself next to Sirius.

"Well, all in all, it went quite as I had expected. Although we have some more ground work to do," Dumbledore said, and the shuffled a steaming bite of pie into his mouth and chewed happily, giving a nod to Kreacher and smiling at him.

"Please, tell me all about the conversation! I've waited so long for this, I want to know every detail! If you don't mind that is, sir," Sirius spoke with so much enthusiasm Dumbledore couldn't help but chuckle.

"Of course Sirius, I understand. Before my arrival, the Minster had no inkling of why I was coming, only that I was coming to discuss an important matter. When I arrived and announced the matter was Sirius Black, he about toppled over backwards, it was quite humorous in any case. I proceeded to tell him I had proof you were innocent. At this, he practically gaped at me and reminded me that you had been convicted, and he thoroughly thought you guilty. I told him he could see for himself that you did not murder Peter Pettigrew, and that Peter himself was loyal to Voldemort, so you, of course, would have had no motivation in killing those muggles." Dumbledore paused to take a sip of the small glass of brandy Kreacher had brought him, and to take a few more bites of his pie before continuing. Sirius was sitting on the edge of his seat, hanging on every word. "And then I showed him the memory Severus provided, of course I didn't say specifically whose memory it was, of Pettigrew talking with Voldemort recently. He could not dispute visual proof and said he would love to speak to you personally, assuming I knew where you were and that a trial will have to be had. He also mentioned, offhandedly that he'd like to keep it out of the news for a bit, what will all the news of Death Eater attacks recently. I went ahead and spoke for you and told him that would be fine. Keep in mind, it staying away from the news is better for our purposes, at least for now. He then mentioned that when he sees you, he'll be happy to set up some form of reparation for your false imprisonment. And with that, I told him I would send him an owl with when we could all meet, and went about my way," Dumbledore finished with a smile, having paused through out to take bites of his pie, he was now done with his portion and looking satisfied.

Sirius also looked quite satisfied. He would finally be a free man and after nearly 16 long years, most of that spent in prison, he would be free! "The sooner the better for the meeting. I cannot wait to be able to go about my business, and not be cooped up anymore! Ah! Harry will be so excited!" Sirius said, feeling more alive than he had in since Harry knew of his innocence.

"Now, Sirius, he mustn't know yet. Things are still far too complicated. I believe I'm going to have a mission for you soon, as well. But in a few months he will and everything will be peachy! Ah! Speaking of peaches, Kreacher, may I have a slice of that heavenly smelling apple tart you have prepared? " Dumbledore asked as he placed a hand on his stomach, and smiled at the small elf.

At being complimented and spoken to so kindly by such a wonderful wizard, Kreacher's heart swelled with pride and he said, "Of course, sir! Kreacher will fetch you and Master Sirius dessert, and thank you sir!" He then scurried off to serve up the tart.

Sirius has drooped slightly at the thought of having to wait to share not only the fact that he was alive, but also free, with Harry. But the relatively short amount of time he had to wait perked him up again. He could live a life! A real life, and things had never been better, or not since James and Lily passed at least. "How soon should we meet, then? I'd like to get this done. I'd like to be free, even if I still have to stay here for awhile, just knowing I'm really free will help." He said in an earnest voice.

"We'll meet soon. I was thinking perhaps this coming Thursday. I've always liked Thursdays myself, good feeling and all," Dumbledore said before diving into his tart.

"It's settled then. Only four days to wait, wow." Sirius smiled, and looked over at Kreacher who was beaming at him as well. Sirius had told the elf when he was free, he could come with him wherever he went if he'd like, and that Kreacher could relax some. This seemed to have made the elf even more cheerful at the prospect of his master's freedom.

After returning to his small, untidy room from breakfast, which had left Harry still hungry, he noticed a small owl sitting outside of his window. He immediately recognized it as Pigwidgeon, Ron's small fluff ball of an owl. "Ah, he must be writing about my stay" Harry thought as he crossed to the window and let Pig in. After removing the parchment, he sat at his desk to read it, and Pig swooped down onto the desk as well. "He must want a quick reply" Harry thought, and then he opened the letter. It was short, and looked even more like scribbles than Ron's normal hand writing. Why was he in such a hurry? Harry quickly read over it. And again. And a third time.

"WHAT?" he finally exclaimed, before reading the note again. Hermione did what? Hermione was quiet, sweet, a bit nerdy, but he could not wrap his mind around Hermione doing something as sexy as sending a picture like that to Ron! Whoa! Harry finally laughed out loud, and sat down the letter. Pig tilted his head and chirped at Harry. "Wha-hahaha-what do you-hahaha- waant?" Harry managed to choke out, catching the owl's gaze. After he sobered from what was the largest amount of laughing he had had in quite some time, he grabbed his quill, ink, and parchment to reply. He had to think it over awhile, but finally managed to write something.

Ron,

Whoa! Where did that come from?! I mean, from Hermione of all people?! But as for what to say.. You fancy her, right? I mean, I know you've never said... and she irritates you sometimes, but you do fancy her. So just write something nice, I guess. Because she must fancy you. Oh! and add a heart. Like she did, you know. And maybe not talk about the picture so much. I mean by all means mention it, but don't just talk about that.

Yeah...

Well on another note, I'm coming to your place soon- July 17th, that was what Dumbledore said at least. I guess you all probably know. Can't wait to see you, its bloody dull here, and I nearly cursed my Uncle Vernon the other day.

Harry.

Harry chuckled once again as he secured his letter to Pig's tiny leg, as he hopped around, and sent him off. "Wow... Hermione.." he thought. And as he laid back on his bed with some of his summer homework, he thought "I wonder what Ginny is doing..."

Benjamin was excited for this new journey, and for new opportunities. Going to Hogwarts would definitely give him a better challenge in the subjects he excelled in, something his parents couldn't always offer. They were brilliant but he knew he had odd strengths, not quite what his father's were, and his mother was often busy with her diplomatic duties.

He would definitely miss his family, and the adventures they had so often. But it wasn't goodbye for good, he knew they'd be coming to England as well, once they had their affairs in order and his mother could relocate to the English Ministry. For now, as he often had been in the past, he was with the Forests, his family's dearest friends. He had known Emma and Indy Forest since he was a child, and of course their daughter, Olive, as well. They had been fast friends from the time they could walk.

For now they were readying to leave their camp in Egypt, he'd been disapparated over the previous day by his father who was also dropping off a sample of a new core the Forest's were currently starting research on. Olive was nervous, though she tried to hide it. Benjamin was pumped.

"Olive, think of all the new butts we're going to see! I can work on my catologue," Benjamin said to her while they were packing away from Emma and Indy.

With a laugh, and a smile that broke through the tension in her forehead, Olive responded, "Benj, you are too much! Probably don't just bust out with your Butt Book to the first people you meet."

"Olive, I got this! You know I'm not just gonna go up to a witch and be like, 'Can I put your butt in my book?' You gotta be smooth!" He bantered.

A nice butt was something outside his studies Benjamin could really appreciate. He couldn't help but notice all the butts around him. Olive had a nice round booty, her thin waist accentuated it, though he rarely stared at it. Emma's behind however was excellent. He could see why Indy would marry her for sure. Damn that woman! It was wide and round and pleasantly plump, perfect for a great squeeze! But he was getting away from himself, back to the task at hand; talking about Hogwarts and easing Olive's mind.

"What do you think its going to be like?" Ben asked

"Well, my mom's told me loads of stories from when she went and has mentioned a few people. Dumbledore was Headmaster in her day as well, and she says he's a kind man.. so there's that. But there is so much! The school is HUGE and there are all kinds of secret pathways. Its going to be a change for sure.." Olive replied.

That's was excited Benjamin. He was always up for a new adventure, so was Olive really, but she liked having the comfort of home to look forward to at the end of the day. He had the wanderlust spirit of his father, and the need to seek out more knowledge that Olive's parents had. He would often sit up late with them when his father was away on a particularly dangerous hunt and left him there for his "safety" and talk about legends of the origins of magic, or theories on this or that. It was something he looked forward to, something he would probably miss. But Hogwarts held the potential for professors to have such conversations with.

"Okay, kiddo's, are you ready? Its about time we head out, we actually have a schedule to keep to this time. Let's see how well that works out, haha!" Indy called to them from outside.

"Yeah, dad, we're coming," Olive replied, turning to Benjamin. "Alright, this is it, let's do this!"

Outside the tent, with a wave of his wand Indy dismantled and packed it into his very full and magically extended rucksack. "Okay, got a bit of a walk ahead of us, and then a few apparitions. Better start now."

Emma levitated a stack of 3 trunks they couldn't fit in any of their bags and had them float behind them as they walked, each of them with a rucksack on their back, the Egyptian sun just beginning to set.

Indy and Emma ended up walking ahead of Benjamin and Olive, chatting no doubt about a new theory they had for work, or perhaps what lay ahead of them in England.

Olive and he chatted over the usual topics, new books, shared interests, and, then of course, some favorite memories.

"Remember when they made your wand, Benji? Wasn't that day great? It was the first time I'd seen them repurpose a core like that."

"Yeah, I do. It was great.." Benjamin patted his wand through the fabric of his jeans. It was a unique wand for sure, and he didn't particularly like telling people he didn't know well about it. They might get the wrong idea. The core that now resided in his 8" ebony wand was once part of a wand that belonged to his great grandfather. It was a scale from a basilisk he had killed on a journey, searching for some other creature no doubt, his father wasn't the first in the family to hunt magical creatures for a living. His great grandfather had so much pride in killing that basilisk he had a new wand crafted for himself with the scale, and it had served him well. When Benjamin reached 11 and it was time for him to get a wand, he told his father he'd like his great grandfather's. It was beyond use now, years of sitting in a trunk, and years of hard work before that had all but rotted the wood. But Indy and Emma said they could salvage the core. And so they did. Basilisk cores had the reputation of being dark, very dark, and for good reason. They were usually drawn to dark wizards. But Indy and Emma always said it wasn't the wand, but what the wielder did with it that truly decided its allegiances.

He, and all that mattered to him, knew that he would never succumb to dark magic, it just wasn't who he was. But those who didn't know the story, or know him might come to the wrong conclusions. It was just better off not to discuss this at school, he thought.

"Olive.. probably don't mention that story to other people.." he said quitely

"Why?"

"Because they might think.. they might not understand. You know how people are, with that they think they know. With their associations. I know who I am, but I'd rather not get the snot dueled out of me because someone thinks I'm in allegiance with some dark ass magic using mother fucker."

"Hah, yeah okay. But I don't really give a bloody dragon testicle what they say about me. Come on, lets catch up, I think its about time we finally stop walking, and apparate somewhere"

"Damn!" he thought "how long was I sitting here thinking about that shit!" the moon was in the center of the sky and the stars were in full shine.

"Okay guys! Come on, come on, I think we're clear to apparate now. Far enough away from anyone else that we wont disturb wards or Ministry establishments. Olive, you'll side along with your mother and good ol' Benji with me. Lets go, hup hup." And with that, they began in earnest their journey to England.

Snape sat waiting in a chair before the headmaster's desk. He had received an owl to come and meet with Dumbledore, and had immediately flooed over. He couldn't remember a time Dumbledore had kept him waiting, but it didn't bother him much. Just as he had been thinking this, Dumbledore entered his study.

"Ah, good, Severus, you're here!" spoke Dumbledore as he closed the gap between the two of them, and taking Snape's hand into his. "There are a few things we need to discuss, but before we begin, I believe you have a question for me," he said, with a smile, as he seated himself behind his desk, and leaned forward.

Snape, even after being a student with Dumbledore as headmaster, and working under him for many years, still had never become quite use to the way Dumbledore seemed to be able to read one's mind with one glance of his sharp blue eyes. "Uh, yes, Headmaster, I had hoped you summoned me with news of your meeting with the Minister." Snape said, not feeling the need to actually ask how it all went, no doubt Dumbledore would tell him.

"Marvelous, he cannot dispute Sirius's innocents. We have a court date set up in just a matter of days, and he wants to keep it out of the news for at least a little while. And rest assured, Severus, he had no idea whose memory it was. Lucky you saw this from behind that door, or I would have had to answer why one of my professors was in the room.," Dumbledore recounted, and then popped a lemon drop from the bowl on his desk into his whiskery mouth.

Snape's face had pinched uncomfortably at the mention of Sirius's name. He could not believe he had agreed to help prove his innocence. That arrogant show off had caused many problems in his life, and he wasn't keen on forgetting them. "Headmaster, I wondered... you said that it was absolutely necessary to prove Black's innocence? There was no way to avoid- well to accomplish your goals with out him?" he said in an uneven voice.

"Ah, Severus, still that grudge, even now? Well, yes, it was quite important, to Harry as well."

"Headmaster, some things are not forgotten as easily as one would think.. With out apology, I cannot forgive Black, and I doubt he'll ever give me one. I will tolerate myself being the cause of his freedom if it has a greater cause, but that is all," Snape said in a stone cold voice, looking slightly to the left of Dumbledore at the shelf behind him, unwilling to make eye contact.

"Very well, Severus. As we are somewhat on the subject of Harry, I will go ahead and address my next topic of discussion. I am aware that you only accept students who have made an outstanding on their O.W.L.'s but, I would like you to accept Harry in as well. You'll understand, he had quite a difficult time last year with Voldemort rising. He made an Exceeds Expectations, and only a few points from reaching an O. If he fails to have outstanding work in your class you may kick him out, but he has an aspiration to become an Auror and he'll need N.E.W.T potions."

During Dumbledore's pitch, Snape's insides had boiled slightly. "But headmaster, I've had the boy for five years. For five years I've had to listen to the voice of James and watch all his arrogant ways from this boy! For five years I've had to stair into the ey-"

"Severus, if you find yourself incapable of teaching a student, no matter who his parents are, or rather where, then I will have to find a replacement. I will not tolerate this. I do not wish to replace you, my dear friend, you are the best potions teacher Hogwarts has seen in many years, and a good man, but I must think of my students..." Dumbledore had started with a slightly raised voice, but ended in something near a whisper.

Snape glanced out the window, collecting his emotions, stowing them away. He clasped and unclasped his hands in his lap for a minute or so, and after inhaling deeply, he turned to look Dumbledore in the eye. "I will not allow a child to dislodge me from what is the closest to a home I have ever had. So, I will do as you ask, only I wonder... the Defense Against the Dark Arts post is still open, is it not?.."

"I'm sorry, Severus, but I have plans for that position," Dumbledore said kindly. The moment it had taken Snape to collect himself had touched Dumbledore, as had him calling Hogwarts home. He wished he could do more for this unhappy, yet brave man.

"Ah, well that is truly too bad, I believe I could make a wonderful Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, having had first hand experience with them... On another note, Headmaster, as I assume, you do not want me to lose the trust of the Dark Lord. I assume I will need to be out periodically through out the year, and the students no doubt will need someone who is trained well in potions to fill in for me while I'm away," Snape said in his usual cold drawling voice.

"Yes, Severus, I will take that into account and find someone... perhaps Horace Slughorn..." Dumbledore trailed off.

"...Yes.. Well, I'd better be on my way, if there is nothing more." Snape said, once again glancing out the window.

"There are two more matters to discuss, Severus, and then I will allow you to go and enjoy the rest of your vacation. The first is in regards to the letter you sent me. The second matter related to... well we will get there."

"Ah, I had nearly forgotten. I assume you would like me to keep an eye on Draco, then?" Snape said, glancing into Dumbledore's eyes, and then down, as he considered the full extent of the Unbreakable Vow he had made.

"Yes, that will do. And we mustn't let the boy do what has been ordered of him. I am afraid I will have to ask far too much of you this year Severus. What we wont allow Draco to do, you must..." Dumbledore starred at the top of Snape's head as he was looking down.

" I understand, Headmaster. I would like to discuss that further, some other time though, perhaps. I am rather tired.. The second matter you would like to discuss?" Snape glanced up at this last sentence, hoping to leave as soon as he could, his mind was wandering back to the past.

Taking in the look behind Severus's dark eyes, Dumbledore softened. With a yawn, he spoke, with a small smile on his lips. "Ah, that... well it can wait. I'm tired myself, I have been on business a lot recently and could use a good rest. I'll contact you soon, I'm sure, and we can work through some start of term things, and discuss this last matter then."

Snape looked directly at Dumbledore and gave him a relieved look. "Yes, that will work nicely. I'll be on my way then, Headmaster." With that, Snape stood and walked to the fireplace, grabbed a handful of floo powder, threw it into the fire, and left in a flash of green flames. He had had too much for one day.

Harry's letter had arrived at the Weasley's around noon. Ron had read it, and sighed. It helped very little and he couldn't think about Harry visiting at the moment. He needed to write something to Hermione before she thought he didn't like her. Did he like her? "Of course I like her!" he thought to himself. "How can I not? She's perfect! But why would she like me?" he pondered.

After the Department of Mysteries and not being sure of Hermione's recovery at first, he'd cursed himself for never letting her know she was very dear to him. I mean, blimey, not only was she one of his absolute best friends, but he fancied her! And what had he done in the past? Argued and picked on her. He was just used to that. That's how he and his siblings acted and they all knew they loved one another. But he would have to try. She had opened the door that he'd been too afraid to open since their second year, and he would have to do his best to keep it open.

He decided to just write something. Get it over and done with, send it, and it would be over with. "Writing is the hard part really," he thought. "It'll be easier just to say stuff when I'm with her. It'll just come out better than writing it down."

"Just be honest and make sure she knows you feel the same.. yeah.. that'll work.. probably"

With this, he picked up the parchment he had written Hermione's name on earlier, and began to scribble out a message, pausing here or there to read over what he had written, or to think of what to say next. He ended up with this

Hermione,

Your, erm, message came as a bit of a shock. But I can't pull my eyes away from that saucy look on your beautiful face. It more or less took my breath away. You know I've always fancied you, and I.. I didn't know you felt the same. I'm sorry if this is short, but I'm bloody well unsure what to write, definitely never thought I'd say this stuff in a letter. Figured it'd be in person. But blimey, hadda' say it now, didn't I? Not like I could act all cool and nonchalant after you made the move... Glad you did though, if I tell the truth, doubt I'da ever gotten the courage up to tell you on my own.

On a different note, Harry's coming down on the 17th, you should come around that time too. I'd really like to see you, you know.. face to face.

-Ron

He added a heart at the end, and quickly tied it to Pigs leg and before he could change his mind, sent him on his way. "Blimey" he thought. He stood and walked in a circle. He then took a deep breath and said out loud, "You sent it, you told her, its over. Just relax, not much to do now." And with this, he exhaled, and vacated his room, in the hopes that someone would want a game of Quidditch.

Finally. Traveling long distances with ALL of their stuff, plus all of Benjamin's was definitely not what Olive thought of as a good time. Hopefully there would be some food where they were staying. Olive looked around. "Mum, are you sure this is right? Looks like a muggle street to me..." They were standing in the middle of a little park across the street from some old, run down looking apartments. She had learned that looks often deceived in her life, but she really hoped that if this was right, it was better on the inside..

"Hmm, lets see.." her mother rummaged in her pockets, and pulled out a scrap of parchment "Grimmauld Place, yeah this is it. Number 12"

"Whoa," muttered Olive as the building seemed to expand, and Number 12 emerged from between 11 and 13.

"That's pretty sweet!" said Benji walking forward, her parents following.

"Ah.. yeah.. They're expecting us, right? Because... That'd be awkward.. " Olive said

"Yeah, Dumbledore told us to come here. Haven't seen him since the old days, it'll be nice to see some old Order members for sure!" her mother said happily.

Olive had heard very few stories about her mother's days in the rebel group fighting against Voldemort's power back 16 years ago. Longer than that really. But she could tell she was excited. Her father, who had heard more, but who was from America and had never really been an Order member looked excited and mildly anxious.

With a knock on the aged black door they waited on a cracked stoop. After a few moments the door opened. At first Olive didn't see anyone, but after glancing down she noticed an aged House elf looking up at them all.

"Masters Sirius and Dumbledore have been expecting you. Kreacher will show you the way, please." And with that he backed away from the door and started walking down a dark hallway.

"Weird," muttered Benji next to her

"Hush!" Olive said, although she had to agree.

"What, I'm just saying, I've never met a house elf before. I didn't think most people kept them anymore. Guess maybe I was wrong."

They followed the little elf, Kreacher was it?, down a set of stairs and into a bright cozy kitchen that seemed to ease a bit of the tension they all felt. It smelled pleasantly of coffee and cinnamon buns. At a long scrubbed wooden table sat two men. One was decidedly younger than the other, with shoulder length dark hair and a kind, handsome face. The other had sharp blue eyes behind half moon spectacles that sat on his long crooked nose, and even longer white hair and a matching beard. This man she recognized a Albus Dumbledore. As she took this in the elf spoke.

"Please Misses and Misters, sit. Kreacher will bring a spot of breakfast." And so, laying aside their bags they joined the two men at the table, all awkwardly saying hello as they went.

"I trust you had a swift and safe journey?" said Albus in a somewhat dry, yet somehow lively voice.

"Swift enough once we stopped walking through that desert! I still have sand in my shoes," said Benjamin before anyone else answered.

Dumbledore laughed, and the rest of them chuckled. "I'm Albus Dumbledore, soon to be your headmaster at school," he said.

"Benjamin Crosely, nice to meet you sir," said Ben with out missing a step, sticking out his hand.

"Ah, yes, Mister Crosely. If I do recall properly you have quite the impressive scores in Arthimacy and Runes, enough to rival even the brightest at our school," Dumbledore said. "And you, dear?"

"Olive, I'm Olive Forest, sir, nice to meet you," Olive extended her hand to shake her future headmaster's. Finally feeling calm as she usually did.

"Of course, of course. I think you'll enjoy our potions courses, you will be pursuing that N.E.W.T. I'm right in thinking, yes?"

"Yes, sir, definitely," Olive replied confidently.

"Albus, its been years, so excellent to see you!" her mother said, smiling warmly and stretching out her arms to hug Dumbledore. "This is my husband, Indigo."

He father laughed gruffly at his full name and said "Indy, please, my parents were a bit.. how should I say, into the crowd at Woodstock. A pleasure to meet you sir, I've heard so many stories from dear Emma about you."

"Haha! Of course, Indy, lovely to meet you, and wonderful to see you again, Emma! I've missed you. Now, let me introduce my friend and we can delve into breakfast and catching up. This is Sirius Black, whom you no doubt heard a decent amount about back in the original Order of the Phoenix, but I think I'm correct in saying you never met face to face. He has so graciously decided to play host to you all as you look for a more permanent home here."

"Hello, lovely to meet you all, I'm sure we'll be fast friends," said Sirius with a smile. "And this is my elf, and dear friend, Kreacher. You'll no doubt get to know him as well. He'll be around, joining us for meals and the like."

Everyone said hello to them both again and the group relaxed into a more normal conversation. Olive and Benji chatted, and dug into some cinnamon buns which, Olive had to say, were excellent.

"So, Emma, do tell, what have you been doing abroad for these last years? I think I'm right in saying you didn't linger in England after the Potters death?" Dumbledore inquired.

"Ah no, sure didn't. Indy and I wanted to be together of course, me working with the Order and being away was difficult, Olive being so little. So we decided to pursue our shared interest of wandlore, mostly living throughout Africa. Over the years, we've perfected our wand making process and have been making headway into discovering new cores, and stabilizing those once thought too volatile to be used. Exploring the bounds of what is possible in wand making has been our main focus," mom said

"And of course a few things on the side," her father added with a chuckle. "But really we have made tremendous progress. There is so much more out there than just Phoenix feather, Unicorn hair, and Dragon heartstring cores! No offense to Olivander, then man is brilliant, but if we stay stagnant and content with the mundane or easily obtainable, then we will never know what could be possible from our magic," he finished passionately

"Hmm yes, very intriguing. I'd like to hear more for sure. It's nice to hear there are always those of us curious in pushing the bounds of what is known, in search of more." Dumbledore said with an inquisitive smile.

"Exactly! For example..." her mother began launching into an explanation of a new process they had been working on for making a new type of wood. Olive stopped listening, having heard this multiple times.

"Already talking about work," she said with a chuckle to Benjamin.

"Of course, of course," he laughed with her.

"So, you two will be attending Hogwarts this year?" asked Sirius from across the table from them.

"Sure will!" Benjamin said "Any words of advice?"

"Haha, work hard on your studies, but keep in mind, there is always time for mischief with friends. You'll meet my godson while you're there. He knows a thing or two about mischief, learned it from the best," he said with a sort of sad smile.

Olive thought she might like this man, as she watched him join animatedly into her parents' conversation, asking a question here or there. This would definitely be an interesting year.

At a quarter to four an exhausted looking Pigwidgeon arrived at Hermione's bedroom window. She had been sitting at her desk, her fingers knotted in her hair, tapping her foot rapidly, trying so hard to focus on the book in front of her. That had been her entire day, books lay open on her bed, the floor, and at her desk. She hadn't been able to focus on any of them for long. She had even taken a jog. What was taking him so long!

As soon as she heard the tap of a beak against her window, she had shot up from her desk, nearly knocking the chair over, and sprinted to the window. Pig barely got inside before she hastily snatched the letter from his leg. He gave an irritated chirp and at this she paused and apologized to the owl, giving him a few treats.

After Pig was satisfied, she plopped down on her bed to read the letter. She opened it and then paused. "What if I don't like what it says" she thought, but the suspense was killing her. She pulled it up to her face and read.

Crookshanks had hopped up on the bed, and sat purring as he watched her. When she pulled the letter away from her face after reading it through maybe six times, she had a large, goofy grin on her face. Crookshanks tilted his head and meowed at her. She grabbed him suddenly and held his face up to hers. "Oh! Crookshanks! He said my face was beautiful! Me! Beautiful! and he said he fancied me! Look he drew a heart! and he wants me to come visit! Not that I don't normally, but oh, can you believe it!" Crookshanks gave a disdainful meow at being held up by his armpits, so close to Hermione's face, but she pulled him into a crushing hug anyways. After she relaxed her arms he ran off to his bed on the other side of the room. She laughed.

"He didn't think it was weird. He likes me.. " she thought to herself over and over. She had been cursing herself for almost 24 hours for no reason.

She wasn't used to being so... out of her head. So emotional. With the peace at mind that all was well, and that she had indeed made the right choice, she felt herself again. And relaxed.

With a renewed sense of joy, she stood up and stretched. Thinking she should probably tidy up her room. But then a thought struck her to write Harry and see how he was. Pig could drop it by on his way back to Ron tomorrow. She sat down at her desk to write him, smiling and humming to herself. What a wonderful day.

"Having laughter and guests to liven up this old place sure was nice" thought Sirius. When Dumbledore approached him with the idea of letting the Forests stay until they could set up shop somewhere, he had hesitated slightly. He'd been solitary for so many years that having strangers around seemed somewhat daunting, but in the end he decided it would be for the best.

The kids, Olive and Benjamin, did make him think of Harry even more than usual. He missed him. But the semester would start soon enough.. and Dumbledore insisted he had some important matters for Sirius to take care of, and it would be best if Harry didn't yet know he was still among the living.

Having them all around definitely took his mind off the trial, which he had to admit made him nervous to some degree. He knew he should definitely be found innocent, but some part of him couldn't help but think this was all a trick.

Emma and Indy were definitely an interesting sort. He hoped to get to know them better. To have more friends again would be nice, especially those who sought to better the future for magical kind in any way. It had been a rough couple of decades for the magical world for sure.

"Best I get some sleep.. So much to do tomorrow," thought Sirius