Sirius led the couple back downstairs and had a quiet word with Tom. The man nodded and said, "It's the way he is."

After Sirius rejoined them, Shannon asked, "If he's from … where he said … than how does can that man know how he is?"

Sirius gave a quick bark-like laugh as he led the two toward the Diagon Alley entrance. "There is a legend in the wizarding world about him. Most kids grow up hearing the story. Tom's family has a history – helped them out a couple of centuries ago. The goblins have records of him too." Sirius' face took on a much more solemn look. "The legend doesn't paint a pretty picture for him, but every witch and wizard knows that he's a good man."

Jethro and Shannon looked at each other and could see that both wanted more information when there was a chance.

Sirius became much more cheerful as he led the two to a blank wall. Sirius paused for dramatic effect and then tapped his wand in a particular pattern. "Welcome to Diagon Alley!"

The couple was in a bit of overload upon viewing the obviously magical shopping district. Neither acted like country hicks visiting the city for the first time but both were quietly amazed at some of the things they saw.

Sirius kept up a constant chatter explaining the various shops and related magical subjects. Finally Sirius pointed to a large white building. "And that's Gringotts Bank. They handle the gold as well as providing several legal services having to do with inheritance." Sirius stopped and looked at the two who had stopped with him. "A word of warning: Goblins are efficient, ruthless, utterly without mercy to thieves, very mercenary, and absolutely not to be trifled with. Don't assign human values to them – they would be insulted. They have no compunction about taking advantage of idiots and are sticklers about exactly following contracts. Don't sign anything without reading it in full."

The two Gibbs' nodded and Sirius moved to lead the two inside.

Jethro noticed that the door was guarded by armed guards. A goblin stood next to the doors wearing a uniform of scarlet and gold. Something about the goblin's stance screamed "soldier" to Gibbs – even if the goblin looked to be a doorman.

Disregarding Sirius' comment about not assigning human values, Jethro Gibbs was a Marine. He gave the one gesture of respect he felt would be recognized: As soon as he reached within six paces of the guard, Jethro gave a crisp salute and held it. The guard didn't even pause as he returned the salute and opened the door.

Sirius looked curiously at Jethro but didn't say anything. Once they had passed the hatch, the passageway they entered showed a much grander appearance. There were two guards protecting the inner doors. Jethro repeated his earlier gesture and received two return salutes from these guards as well. He took off his cover even as he walked through the door.

The inside of the bank was both familiar and alien. Instead of cubicles, there was a long counter which hosted about a hundred goblins doing various things. Some were weighing coins, some were filling in ledgers, and still others were inspecting gems and other items using loupes. Many doors were placed around the hall and various goblins led people in and out of the doors.

There were very few free tellers but Sirius led the couple to one of these. "Sirius Black regarding the Potters' Will. I have brought the last of those named."

The goblin looked piercingly at the man and woman with the wizard. The man was in a uniform that he was unfamiliar with but he recognized it from tomes he had studied. The man returned his look calmly and unflinchingly – a sure sign that his deduction was most likely correct. The woman looked somewhat nervous but not unduly so. Finally he said, "Wait here."

The goblin dropped down and disappeared into the back. The two non-magicals looked around. Gibbs noticed a blond man in obviously expensive clothes in front of a goblin who was making a few notes in a ledger. The man was looking at him and his wife with a noticeable sneer.

While he really wanted to walk over and punch the man, he knew that he was currently on foreign soil in more ways than one and he was certain that he'd cause an international incident doing such a thing while in uniform. Having been given permission to wear it even though this was a personal matter, he had been admonished by the State Department representative that he'd have to keep his cool.

British magicals were provincial and easily offended. Jethro had been warned that maintaining his bearing was vital – regardless of provocation.

So Gibbs did the only thing he could. He turned so that he was fully facing the man and gave him the Marine stare – one which caused most who faced it to increase their fight or flight response. In this case, the man's sneer disappeared into a mildly nervous look which quickly morphed into a blank look. The man turned back toward the counter, trying to look casual. Gibbs wanted to chuckle.

He heard his wife behind him quietly ask, "Who is that anyway?"

Sirius snorted contemptuously and replied, "A bigot I'm unfortunately related to through marriage. I'll tell you about him later."

Suddenly they were interrupted by a voice, "Follow me." Gibbs turned and saw that the teller had returned.

The three followed the goblin through a door and down a corridor. Jethro quietly remarked, "I hope I didn't waste your time."

The teller had a mildly amused look as he replied, "In this one instance those few moments were quite worth it. Some wizards," Jethro could hear the mild sneer in the goblin's voice, "would do well to learn that some dogs bite."

Sirius' bark-like laugh implied that there was no insult. His follow up statement increased the amusement on the goblin's face. "Well, Lucius Malfoy is notoriously thick when it comes to learning. Perhaps being bit would be a better lesson."

The goblin led them to a door and they were ushered inside. The teller left.

There was a different goblin in front of them looking through a few pieces of parchment. The goblin looked up. "You are Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Shannon Gibbs nee Evanston?"

"Yes, Sir."

The goblin gave him a look and then looked at Sirius. "You are Sirius Black?"

"Yes."

"Sit down, please." Neither Jethro nor Shannon took the brusque tone personally.

The goblin took out three sheets and placed them on the table. He placed a dagger on the table as well. "These will act as identification. Place a drop of blood on the parchment in front of you." He looked at Gibbs and said, "You may use your own knife if you wish."

Sirius looked at Jethro Gibbs with some surprise. He hadn't seen a knife. Shannon rolled her eyes. Jethro reached inside of his dress uniform and pulled a hidden knife while looking at the goblin in front of him. After using his knife to nick his finger, he placed a drop on the parchment and was surprised when the small cut disappeared. He also noticed that the blood on the knife also disappeared. "Neat trick."

The goblin said, "A function of this type of parchment. It removes the possibility of accidental contamination." Jethro nodded and handed the knife to his wife. While Shannon used the knife much more cautiously Gibbs asked curiously, "How did you know I had a knife?"

The goblin looked at him blankly and said, "Your uniform marks you as a warrior. Of course you had a knife." Gibbs nodded and took his knife back, noting that Sirius had also completed this step with the dagger the goblin provided.

The goblin looked at the three pieces of parchment even as names and lines appeared. Very soon the goblin nodded and pulled out a stack of parchments. "We have a number of things to cover and documents which must be signed and filed."

The next hour was spent in reading and signing various parchments having to do with taking custody of Harry James Jethro Potter. Shannon and Jethro agreed to represent him in the nonmagical world and Sirius agreed to represent him in the magical world.

Shannon adopted him as her son but Jethro was already recognized as a lineal ancestor. Magically, he wasn't Harry's father (the Blood Adoption negated that) but something more like a grandfather in status. Regardless, Jethro recognized Harry as his heir which was the magical equivalent of becoming his father (again).

Jethro was adamant about nonmagical adoption papers also being completed and filed.

Finally, all the legal steps had been taken. Jethro and Shannon had originally resisted the stipend for Harry's care – but Sirius' laugh and the explanation that the amount wouldn't even make a small dent in his inheritance finally quelled them.

Sirius had also gotten a magical passport and visa to go to the United States. He was planning on buying a house as close as possible to the Gibbs and helping keep an eye on him.

It helped that the State Department representative had approved Sirius to be hired on an as-needed basis to consult for the various government agencies when they had to research or deal with magical Britain. Sirius lack of loyalty toward the status quo due to his background and his illegal incarceration was viewed as a positive.

The magical portion of the United States Government had long wished for someone who truly understood Pureblood society but who also was willing to give accurate information instead of a whitewash when they truly needed perspective.

That Sirius was legally the Heir of a Noble House also meant they had an in when it was necessary. Arcturus had been apathetic enough to not forbid Sirius' new path.


Jethro, Shannon, and Sirius pulled up to 4 Privet Drive. They had called ahead and, according to Petunia, everything was fine. They all noticed the car that had parked in the drive.

The three knocked on the door and Petunia quickly opened it. "Come in. Vernon came home and helped get everything ready."

The group moved in and found Vernon Dursley holding Kelly, who was napping. He looked remarkably awkward for someone who had already had one child and raised another. Harry sat on the couch keeping a careful eye on his new sister. Next to him, two suitcases that appeared to be brand new sat.

Vernon looked up and saw the visitors. He helplessly looked at his wife because he couldn't get up without using his arms and his arms were currently full. Petunia rushed over and relieved him of the child.

Harry looked over and his face lit up when he saw who it was. He jumped up and stood in front of his new father and mother. "I watcheded her and keep her safe!"

"Good job, son." Harry beamed.

Vernon had stood and finally said, "Hello, Sergeant. My name is Vernon." Vernon reached out his hand.

Although Jethro didn't necessarily like the man – based on what he had been told – he respected that he had given his son a home. And so he returned the handshake. "It's Staff Sergeant. But as our wives are apparently cousins you can call me by name."

Vernon nodded. "So is everything taken care of?"

Sirius said, "Yes. By 5:00, legal custody will be passed over the Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs."

Vernon was awkward as he stood there. "Eh. Okay. Well – is there something for us to sign? I, er, need to look it over too."

Gibbs nodded. At least the man wasn't totally useless. "Let's sit down. I have it here." Gibbs raised a packet of parchment.

The Dursleys were soon sitting and reading the papers. Shannon had reclaimed her daughter, and Harry sat between his new father and Padfoot. Jethro reached over and gently pulled him against his side. A shy smile took over Harry's face.

Petunia soon began signing her name and passing each sheet over to Vernon for his signature as well. Shannon and Jethro then signed each one. Sirius gathered them.

Once the four parents had signed, Sirius took out a quill which looked quite different than the ones the Gibbs had seen in the bank. "Ignore the blood – it's temporary but necessary."

The four watched in fascination as Sirius signed as witness. All four could see the scratches forming on the back of his hand. Being the only magical present and the Heir of a major house, his witnessing signature in blood was deemed enough.

When he signed the last page, the sheaf glowed, rolled up, and disappeared with a pop. Petunia gasped. Vernon looked like he had been hit in the gut. Sirius said, "That's how it gets filed. We'll get something back …"

Just then a stack replaced the one that had disappeared. "Here it is! Signed, witnessed, and sealed!"

Sirius passed out two of the three copies to the couples and kept one himself. He shrunk it and put it in his pocket.

The adults all stood. "Let's get his things loaded up and then we'll finish it," Vernon said.

Vernon moved to grab the suitcases, waving Jethro off. Sirius said, "I could shrink those, you know."

Jethro looked at Sirius and said, "I think we can manage doing it the regular way."

Vernon nodded in approval. He already liked the man. He respected strength and a good work ethic. Whatever else could be said, America put out good soldiers.

Vernon refused to allow Sirius to help take the cases he was carrying. "By god, I'll not shirk my responsibilities. My job now is to get him properly set up with a proper family. Let me do this last part of my job."

Sirius almost believed that Vernon was somewhat emotional to see Harry go, as surprising as that seemed to him.

The two men returned inside and it was now time. Petunia called up the steps, "Duddikens! Come and say goodbye to your cousin!"

The large boy walked down the steps. Petunia took his shoulder. "Harry is going away to America. It's time to say goodbye."

Dudley looked at his mother in confusion and then shrugged. "Bye!" he said and waved.

"Bye, Dud." Dudley then moved back upstairs to watch his television.

Jethro REALLY didn't like Dudley and privately was thankful that Harry was getting away from this.

Vernon looked down at Harry and said, "Good luck, boy. Work hard. And watch your new sister." He had been very surprisingly impressed with his nephew when he had come home and saw how protective the boy was toward the girl Petunia was watching.

Harry once again took on his most determined look and said, "I keep her safe!" Jethro ruffled Harry's hair in affection. Harry looked both confused and happy all at once.

Petunia paused as she looked at the reminder of her dead sister. At the last, it was difficult to let go. "Goodbye, Harry. I hope you enjoy your new home and your new parents." She paused again. "Write to me sometime and let me know how you're doing."

Harry nodded. "K, Aunt Tuney."

Petunia almost embraced him but turned away to go back to the kitchen.

The three members of the Gibbs family and Sirius Black left 4 Privet Drive and made their way to the car. Shannon let her husband take care of Kelly as she led Harry by his hand to the car. Jethro strapped Kelly into the car seat that the rental company provided for toddlers.

Shannon looked at Sirius and said, "You ride in front with my husband. I'm sitting with Harry." Both men could see that she was upset – the lack of physical affection for such a small boy from his guardians had upset her. Sirius quietly agreed.

Harry looked at Shannon with some trepidation after she gently put him in the car next to Kelly's seat. She got in right after. As Jethro pulled away from the kerb, Shannon turned to Harry and said, "Well, if I'm now your Mom, let's get to know each other. What do you like to do for fun?"

By the time they got to their hotel, Harry was sitting fully ensconced in her lap sleeping as she held him as only a mother could.


The next few days were spent taking Harry and Kelly around London looking at the sights. Sirius had retrieved his friend Remus and Harry was overjoyed to see his first Dad's friend again.

Harry had also got to spend time with Kelly. She had started to learn how to walk better and took to getting up to move toward the fascinating person who was almost her size. After the first time he saw her fall (as most toddlers do when they start walking), Harry was terrified that she would hurt herself and so took to meeting her halfway when she would slowly stand and toddle toward him.

Kelly was having quite a lot of fun with her new brother. Harry was learning not to get too scared when Kelly would suddenly appear walking toward him.

Harry was also learning that it was okay to say his legs were tired. Unlike his Aunt Tuney and Uncle Vern'n, the parent who wasn't currently holding Kelly would easily pick him up and carry him. He spent most of the visit to the zoo happily being carried either in his Mum's arms or on his Dad's shoulders.

He really liked how high he got when he was on his Dad's shoulders. Sirius and Remus were almost as good but his Dad was taller.

Finally, it was time for the family to head back across the pond. Sirius and Remus would travel via the Ministry of Magic. Harry went with Shannon, Kelly, and Jethro on the plane.

He was remarkably excited about the idea of traveling through the air.

Halfway through the flight home, the stewardess had come through a second time for refreshments. She made a particular effort to treat the kids like young adults. With a smile she asked, "And what would you like, Sir?"

Harry, who had been watching the clouds move below them, looked up with his excited eyes and asked, "Can you make it go faster?"

Jethro Gibbs had a very hard time stifling his laugh. Shannon just looked at her son and said (under her breath), "Boys!"