I know that there aren't many changes in these chapters, but I have tried to correct spelling errors and grammer. I'm still looking for a beta, but I need someone who can offer ideas as well as corrections. If anyone is interested please email me at unexpected (underscore)freedom at hotmail dot com
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Upstairs...
Albus looked at the children in front of him. "Ron, Hermione, Ginny, did Harry give you any indication of the unexpected trip he went on with his family?
Hermione trying to get back in the old man's good graces shook her head before answering, "No Headmaster, we reported everything that Harry said on the train."
Ron shrugged before looking at the old Headmaster. "I don't see what the big deal, so Saint Potter went on vacation. Who cares?"
Albus frowned at the boy before him before shaking his head at the redhead's stupidity. "Ron, you don't understand. If Harry is away from those wards the damping and draining of his magic will no longer help our cause. He has to be there a month, if you hear from him let me know immediately."
Hermione nodded, " Of Course, sir."
On the third floor, Snape went to Lupin's room and knocked on the door. Remus opened the door, shocked to see Snape "Severus, what can I do for you?"
"Let me in first" Severus quietly said
"All right, come in." replied a confused Remus.
Once Remus closed the door, Severus locked the door and put silencing and anti-eavesdropping wards around the room.
"Severus, what's going on?" Remus asked, his voice calm.
"Well, you know that since I usually stay in a dark corner, people tend to forget about me being in the room." Remus nodded, "Amelia wanted to talk to Albus and he when didn't answer her question to her satisfaction; she threatened to investigate him. She wouldn't take an oath of silence that he demanded so he obliviated her." exclaimed Severus.
"What?!" whispered Remus in disbelief. That the Headmaster could do that to Amelia Bones, the Head of the Auror department and a high ranking Ministry Official chilled his blood.
"Yes, but she must of had some type protection, because it didn't work."
"The only thing that comes to mind is a piece of jewelry with a protection charm or spell or something that would prevent it from happening."
"I know of a potion and a spell, but maybe if we soaked a pendant in the potion and then used a protection spell, it would work for us."
"I'll do some research and see what I can find out, do you believe that he has obliviated you? I can check if you like and you can check me"
"Very well."
When Remus and Severus got comfortable on the couch Remus the cast the spell to check Severus for potions and spells. A long piece of paper appeared. "Now, you do me and then we will see if he has used any potions or spells on us."
"Alright" Severus cast the same spell on Remus and an even longer paper appeared. They examined the parchments and discovered other that medical spells they had loyalty, tracking, memory modifying, hatefulness, caged wolf, obliviate, magic damping, truthfulness, and controlling spells on both of them.
"Remus, we must get these spells off and get us some protection from them being replaced." exclaimed Severus. "I refuse to be used in this manner."
"I agree, but we can't do it here, he would know." agreed Remus.
"I want my memories back, Remus." sighed Severus
"I do to, my friend, I do to, wait here while I get a few books from the library." smirked Remus
"There are no books in the library"
Remus smiled "There is if you know where to look" Remus explained that Sirius' family had all but the general books moved to a private library that only the Blacks' or someone keyed in the wards could enter.
"Then I'm coming too" said an excited Severus, the Black library was said to be extensive.
"Fine, come on." Remus led him into Sirius' room.
"Why are we in Black's room?" Severus growled distastefully.
"He is dead Severus, please." pleaded Remus.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand, we made up, we were friends before James and Lilly died."
"Remember the spells on you, anyway this is the only way to the library."
"Brilliant." they went to the library to begin their research.
Back on the second floor...
The twins were furious, Fred growled "We need to talk to Harry"
George smirked "Yes, we do...
Back at the Flat...
"Oh my..." The flat was a lot larger on the inside then it appeared. The entry was marbled tile in emerald green and black. There was a small table under a mirror on the right. There was a bench on the left. It opened up to a large livingroom, diningroom and kitchen all open and airy. The walls were a cream color with soft blue accents and dark woods. The kitchen had soft green accents and the diningroom had dark wood accents.
A lady walked through the kitchen from a room behind it. Charles introduce Harry to Richelle McLender, she was the live in housekeeper. "Hello Ms McLender, It's nice to meet you" smiled Harry.
"Hello Mr Potter, it is nice to see you again" Richelle replied.
"Please call me Harry and what do you mean again?" questioned Harry
"Call me Richelle and I haven't seen you since you were a baby." smiled Richelle, as she remember the lovely little family she helped care for.
"Oh, you knew my parents." a surprised Harry stated.
"Yes, I took care of them, like I will take care of you, they gave me a place to live and a job, I hope you will keep me on." Richelle said, her voice suddenly cautiously.
"Of course. Its nice that I wont be alone and since you knew my parents you can tell me all about them." Harry smiled at her and she smiled back.
Charles laughed at the byplay before him. "Ok, Harry, I'm going to go, so you can get settled, remember I'm just across the hall if you need anything, my number is by the phone."
Harry asked quietly "Charles, since it is still early is there anyway we could get a few things tonight?"
Charles raised he eyebrow and asked"Like what?"
Harry smiled "A TV, VCR, DVD player, some movies maybe a couple of outfits, please."
Charles looked at his watch, it was 5pm "Ok Harry, let me tell my housekeeper and see if my nephew is home."
"Thanks Charles."
"Your welcome, why don't you put your things away and I'll be right back."
"All right."
Richelle smiled at Harry and asked "Harry, what would you like for dinner?"
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment and answered "I would really love some Chinese food, is it possible to get take away tonight, is there a delivery close by?"
"Yes there is, I'll order it, it takes a bit to get it and I will keep it hot until you return, would you like a snack? I made some ginger biscuits earlier."
"That would be great" exclaimed Harry. They walked into the kitchen and put away the things Harry had bought earlier, then Harry took his suitcase to his room and took out the box and jewelry box.
He laid his hand on the box and said "Prongs" the box resized. Harry then took out the other box, which automatically resized. He removed everything and ended up with twelve boxes and six large trunks and one every large trunk as well as his school trunk. He put the jewelry box on the night stand. He opened his trunk, taking out everything, he put all of Dudley's old clothes in a pile. He put all his books in the book case by the desk. He placed all his nick-knacks around the room, hanging his uniforms and invisibility cloak up in the huge walk-in closet.
When he returned to the kitchen, Richelle had made tea and had a plate of biscuits at the bar. Hedwig showed up coming through the owl entry-Harry hadn't know he had an owl entry, but Richelle explained the entry had wards on it to remove any tracking device or spells, portkey, howlers, anything dangerous and the owl can't come through and had to return to the owner. "Well, that is good to have." Harry said relieved that he wouldn't be found anytime soon. Harry got Hedwig settled in his room, then went back to the kitchen to wait for Charles. Charles and his nephew came back. Charles introduced his nephew.
"Harry, I would like you to meet my nephew Christopher, Christopher, I would like you to meet Harry."
Harry smiled and held out his hand, " It's nice to meet you."
Christopher shook his hand "Nice to meet you too, but please call me Chris."
Charles smiled. "Well let's go shopping, we don't have much time tonight before the shops close."
The boys answered together "ok".
"Charles would you and Chris like to join us for dinner? Richelle is getting Chinese take away." Harry asked.
Charles, who loved Chinese answered, "That would be great, Richelle would you tell Michelle?"
Harry looked over at Richelle "Invite her to dinner too, please"
Richelle smiled "Of course." She picked up the phone to call Michelle, before she had a chance to start dinner.
The trio left to shop. They went to the closest department store. Harry picked out two large plasma TVs, VCRs, and DVD players, Chris helped Harry pick out several movies and CDs as well as a CD player, Harry also got a laptop with wireless internet and mp3 player, which Chris told him were the best, a cell phone in the electronics department. Charles told the salesman, to hold everything and they would bring his SUV around after they shopped a little more.
In the Clothes department, Harry had only planned on getting a couple of outfits, but Chris had other ideas and had the saleswoman measure Harry and an hour later he had ten pairs of pants: 5 jeans, 2 khaki slacks, 2 black slacks and one navy blue, ten shirts: 2 blue, 2 white, 2 black, 2 emerald green and 2 dark navy blue, underclothes which Harry blushed when the saleslady asked boxers or briefs, he told her boxers, he got 10 pair 5 silk and 5 cotton in the same color as his shirts, socks, and 5 pj's all in silk and undershirts, muscle (wife beaters).
Then they moved on to the shoe department where he got 3 pair of trainers, 2 dress shoes, a pair of hiking boots, a fuzzy pair of slippers, three pairs of loafers, and a comfortable pair of Birken stocks and a pair of Doc Martins. A couple of belts and a trench coat, leather jacket, and a couple of light weight jackets as well as 2 heavy coats.
A tired Harry commented that if this was a quick shopping trip he would hate to think what tomorrow might bring. Charles and Chris laughed and told him to just wait and see.
Charles and Chris helped Harry get everything in the SUV and the salesman helped load the TVs. They were on their way home. Once again, parked in the underground parking garage, they went to the lift where Charles handed Harry a funny looking key. "You'll need it to get to our floor, I forgot to give it to you earlier." Charles explained.
"Ok, thanks." said Harry.
Charles and Chris helped Harry get everything upstairs, while Charles set up the TV, VCR and DVD player in the livingroom, Chris helped Harry get everything set up Harry bedroom. Charles ran the cable to the bedroom and livingroom telling Harry that the cable was available to all flats as a courtesy of the management.
Chris looked around "Wow, you have a great room."
Harry smiled. "Thanks, it was my parents."
Chris frowned. "Yeah, my parents died too, a few years back, that's why I live with Uncle Charles."
Harry gave Chris a small smile. "I'm sorry about your parents."
Chris smiled back. "Thanks, so after everything settles down you want to hang out and have some fun?"
"Yeah that sounds great."
"Cool" they put all Harry's clothes and shoes away in the walk-in. Chris also offered to help Harry go through his boxes and trunk to help get everything put a way as well. "Thanks, it may be a few days before I get to those, they were left to me by my parents, so I have no idea what's in them." replied Harry.
Chris understood, "Oh, well, you might want to go through them alone."
"How about if I let you know?" Harry asked.
"Sounds like a plan, we need to get Uncle Charles to plan a vacation and get out of town and have some fun." smirked Chris.
Harry looked sad and answered "Yeah, I've never had a vacation. My relatives didn't like me much and never took me anywhere."
About that time, Richelle was calling them to dinner. They went to the diningroom and had a good time talking and getting to know one another.
When everyone left, Harry went back to his room to unpack some of the boxes and trunks. He set down beside the largest trunk, pressing his hand on the Potter crest, a small prick of his finger and a glow and a click and the trunk opened. Inside was a letter and a set of keys.
October 31, 1981
Dear Harry
This trunk is a special one. Your mother and I made this just days ago, never thought I would build a trunk, but here it is.
There are 10 compartments, The first two are like a regular trunk. A place for books, paper, quills (or in your mother's case pens) ink your basic school stuff. The second a place for clothes, shoes, your broom, etc. The third, is a library, your mother filled it with all kinds of books, muggle and wizard. The fourth is a dueling/fitness room, with muggle exercise equipment and weights. There are also dueling dummies.
The fifth is a potions lab with books and ingredients that would make any potion master green with envy, your mother was very good at potions and had her masters, so you my son are set. The sixth has a small studio/office/small library, but is connected to the large one in the 3rd compartment. The seventh has a large kitchen, diningroom and common room (your mother loves to cook as do I, so the pantries are stocked. The eighth is the travel room, there is a floo to the flat (there are three Floos each to it's own destination) one to Godric's Hallow and one to Gringotts, these are all private floos and that no one can use unless they are keyed to them, which you are as are we. The ninth is the bedrooms, there is a master suite and 3 bedrooms (each has it's own bath). The tenth is a surprise.
We are planning on using the trunk soon, we are going to hide away in it along with Padfoot and Mooney. We haven't told them yet. If all goes well, we will live in this trunk for the next few years until it is safe once again to appear, but if you are reading this letter then our plans went sour and Peter betrayed us. Your mother is sure he is a traitor, she says he isn't a rat for nothing.
But I digress if we aren't here to teach you all you need to know, the trunk will help you on your way, we've made arrangements just in case. You can also activate a charm so that only you can see the trunk, kind of like the Fidius charm... it too is a creation of your mother's she also has a charms mastery. Where as I have a mastery in transfiguration. Use this trunk well, my son and remember your mother and I love you and are proud of you.
Love, Dad
Harry was in tears by the time he finished the letter. About that time Richelle was bringing towels for Harry's bathroom and heard him crying, she knocked on the door and Harry told her to come in. Richelle asked "Harry, are you alright?"
"No, I'm not, just one more day and my parents wouldn't have died!" cried Harry.
"What do you mean?" Harry handed her the letter. Shocked Richelle asked. "Harry are you sure you want me to read this, it is a personal letter from your father."
"Please, you'll understand once you read it because I don't think I can explain it to you right now."
"All right." Richelle read the letter and had tears in her eyes as she wrapped Harry in a hug and let him cry. "Would you like me to get Charles, this might be something he could use to clear Sirius' name."
"Please, but come back, I don't want to be alone right now."
"Alright, I be right back."
"Kay."
Richelle, went to the kitchen to the phone and called Charles. "Charles."
"Richelle, is everything all right?"
"No, I went to put towels in Harry's bath and found him crying on the floor in front of a trunk, I asked what was wrong and he handed me a letter, it was from James. I asked him if he was sure he wanted me to read the letter and he said yes, because he didn't think that he could explain, you need to come over here, I realize that neither of us know Harry very well, but there is info that could clear Sirius' name."
"I'll be right there, can I come through your room?"
"Yes, just hurry."
"On my way."
Charles come through and went straight to Harry's room where he found Richelle hugging Harry and rocking him, trying to calm him down.
"Harry, are you alright?"
"No." Harry once again held out the letter.
Charles read the letter and he too had tears running down his face. "Harry, I'm so sorry, but do you have any other information that Peter Pettigrew was the secret keeper for your parents?"
Harry got up and went to the desk and got out two more letters from his parent and let Charles read them. Deciding the first letter from James would be enough to clear Sirius' name without giving out too much information about Harry.
After a few more soothing hugs from Richelle and a long shower, Harry got into his silk pajamas and went to bed, he had a long day tomorrow.