Just to reorient time-wise: Harry was rescued in early August. They spent the rest of August and first half of September in Applewood. They've been at the beach penthouse for 8 weeks, so it is now mid November. I had to stop and think about it, so figured some of you may be wondering as well.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine, never has been, never will be. All characters you recognize belong to JKR, all that you don't and the plotline are mine.

Ch 12 Welcome to Potter Manor

Sirius leaned back on his palms in the sand, enjoying the warm weather one final morning. He grinned as he watched Harry sneak up to Remus with a bucket that he could see water splashing out of. He was positive Remus could sense the approach, and laughed when at the last moment, he turned and jumped at Harry, causing the now shrieking with laughter boy to drop the water over both of them. Severus and Molly were back at the house, preparing lunch for everyone. Arthur and Melanie had the younger girls digging in the wet sand, and Petunia and Remus were in the water with the rest of the children, while Sirius 'supervised', as he had told everyone.

He quickly stood to take the covered basket full of sandwiches from Molly, who'd just stepped out, and set them up on the nearby covered picnic area. At this time of year they had almost the entire beach to themselves. Just three days prior, they'd gone sailing and passed no one while going in or out of their cove. Molly had just turned to call for everyone to come in, when Ron sounded the alarm for her.

Everyone settled around and grabbed sandwiches and then drinks from the now present Severus.

"Well, Harry. You ready to leave?" Remus asked the boy. Harry nodded, his mouth full, and waited to swallow before speaking (so much more well behaved than her own heathens! Molly thought). "I'll miss the beach and water. And sun. But Sirius said I can have my own room!" Remus smiled and nodded back.

"You'll be surprised with how much you can do there. I think you will be very happy." Harry just beamed even more and continued eating. Remus turned to the other adults then. "Is everyone ready after this? Just a quick shower for all, and then we'll be on our way?"

The adults were even more excited than Harry and all chorused their agreement.


"Alright, the port key should take us onto the front lawn, so robes on!" Sirius glanced around to see all following his directions. He'd gone the day before while Arthur had waited at Gringotts with Harry, and had been taken aback by the temperature when he'd opened the front door to look outside- the warm Caribbean air had spoiled them all for the past two months.

Once everyone was appropriately bundled up, he set the medium sized kettle in the center of the group. "Alright, everyone. One hand on the kettle, one hand on your partner." The adults had made sure to alternate throughout the circle, and the younger children were paired up with one of themselves. Sirius waited for all to be in position before setting Harry's hand briefly on his own arm and swishing his wand to activate the port key. He quickly grabbed Harry's hand again, perhaps a bit tightly, and gave the boy a small grin. Harry just grinned back before they all felt the pull of the port key.


They landed on the snowy front lawn of the largest home almost any of them had ever seen. Sirius and Remus had been there in their school years of course, and Severus was familiar with the Malfoy Manor, but even that didn't quite prepare him for the sheer size of Potter Manor.

The light yellow brick, as well as several chimneys leant it a homey feel, but did not fully conceal the fact that it held over thirteen bedrooms, in addition to a ballroom and extensive library. Sirius gave everyone a moment to collect themselves, and for those who'd fallen, wipe the snow off, before beginning forward. "I don't know about you all, but I'm hungry again!" He winked at Harry, before offering his hand to the boy and the two stepped up to the tall double doors. Sirius took a large, old key from a small rope around his neck and inserted it into the lock. With a quick twist, and maybe a tiny flourish, he opened the doors and let everyone into their new home.

It was a grand entry room, the ceiling above them two stories tall. The group moved through, mouths agape in awe, and Sirius stopped to allow them to look around. Being home to witches and wizards, the entry doors were more for show. There were four large fireplaces around, each blazing and filling the room with warmth, as well as multiple coat hooks and benches to stow belongings. It was the only room in the entire manor that anyone could floo in or out of, and therefore also had multiple charms and curses to protect the Potter family from any intruder who dare get that far- though, Sirius had read, there had never been a need for the charms or curses to activate in the 350 year history of the manor, so strong was the protection on it.

"Welcome to the Cloak Room. As so named, feel free to hang your cloaks up and you can always leave outdoor boots or shoes in here," Sirius spoke as he helped Harry out of his heavy cloak and boots. He'd shrunk one of his own winter cloaks and boots down to fit the boy, but knew he would need to shop for winter clothes for him, and soon. Godfather and son waited while everyone did the same, and once all were standing around in sweaters and socks, he continued the tour.

"This is the ballroom. James had his sixteenth birthday here," Sirius smiled fondly at Remus as the two remembered the event. "We may have slid down the banister in front of his grandmother, which no one other than us, of course, thought to be funny." Harry laughed and the twins seemed to already be plotting the best way to copy the marauders. The banisters were on two staircases, one on each side of the room. "The staircase to our left goes to the West wing, which will be where the Weasley's will be staying. The staircase on the right goes to the East wing, which will be our own," Sirius gestured towards himself, Severus, Remus, Melanie, Petunia, Charlie, and Harry. "On the ground floor the West wing holds the kitchen, the dining hall and the elves' quarters. There's also stairs to the basement off of the kitchen, which has a potions lab as well as food storage. The East wing holds the library and the owner's study. If we keep going through that hall," Sirius pointed straight ahead, between the two staircases, there is an indoor pool, as well as a covered lanai." The Weasley's stood in awe at the opulent manor that would now be their home, at least for the foreseeable future.

They'd spoken to a few of Arthur's connections in the ministry and were fairly sure Dumbledore suspected that if push came to shove, their allegiance would not be to him. They did hope to return to their own home soon, but had no plans to until Dumbledore was brought down. Sirius and Remus had been insistent on them staying safe, and helping Harry to grow in his social skills with so many friends always around. Remus patted Molly on the shoulder, sure of where her thoughts were currently at. She sent him a quick smile back, aware that any arguing on her part would be sure to end with it being pointed out that her children were safe here.

Sirius continued speaking after giving them a chance to look around the large ballroom. It had hosted balls and parties with as many as two hundred guests in the past, and he hoped they would again be able to fill it at least partially, to bring more happiness and cheer to all of their lives. "Each wing has one master suite that has its own bathroom and sitting room. There are six additional rooms in each wing, and every two rooms shares one bathroom. We are hoping the children can share where appropriate as to leave rooms available for guests."

Molly nodded and turned to her brood. "Fred, George, you'll share a room, and Bill and Charlie, you'll be in the room with an attached bath." The four boys nodded, each used to sharing space with a sibling. "Ron and Percy, you'll be in one room, and Ginny dear, you will have the room attached to their bathroom."

"Aw, that's not fair! Gin gets her own room?" Percy spoke up, before abruptly closing his mouth and rubbing his arm where Charlie had punched him. He glared at his older brother, but didn't bring it up again. "Yes, well, the only other girl is Charlie, and we, as well as Petunia, don't want them that far from their mothers," Molly replied, knowing one of her boys was bound to have brought it up.

"Right well, before going to your rooms, I'd like to just introduce you to the house elf staff. Pippit!" Sirius called out, awaiting the small elf's arrival. He'd made sure to speak to all of the elves the day before, and knew they were excited for their young master's long awaited arrival.

A series of small pops announced the arrival of the Potter Manor staff, and there were now nine house elves standing in front of the new residents. The smallest stepped forward and bowed low in front of Harry. "I's Pippit, head house elf for Potter Manor. I's so happy to see you, young master!" Pippit stood back up with a quick bounce, tears blurring in her eyes, so happy was she to serve a Potter once again. Harry looked uncertainly at Remus and Sirius, and Sirius stepped forward to kneel closer the short elf's level. "Hello again, Pippit. This is Harry Potter, and these are all of the people I told you about yesterday. We'll all be living here now, and are so happy with how you set the home up." Pippit grinned and bounced again. She was young to be the head house elf, at only 25 years old, but had been groomed from day one to take over the duty from her uncle. She only vaguely remembered Sirius and Remus, as when they'd been around, she primarily took care of the needs of Madeline and Henry Potter, James' parents. Sirius stood and then introduced the elves to the new household. "This here is Pippit, or Pip," he winked at the young elf who grinned and giggled slightly. "Pip will assist myself with getting the household finances in order, as well as help run the household in general. Next," Sirius pointed at an older looking elf, who's eyes hadn't left Harry, " is Greterg. He was the personal house elf to Harry's great-grandfather, almost one hundred years ago." Greterg puffed out his chest a bit, before bowing down. "Greterg takes care of all of the animals outside. Marta here," Sirius pointed to the next elf, who wouldn't make eye contact with anyone and was almost blushing, "is in charge of the kitchens. She cooks as needed, as well as stores all of the food grown here."

Molly took the pause in Sirius' speech to address her children. "I know I don't need to say this, but just so it's firm in your minds- under no circumstances are you to treat these elves as anything other than members of our family. They aren't here to clean your rooms, or fetch you snacks or drinks, you hear?" All seven children gulped and nodded at their mother's fierce expression; none had been planning too much, but Charlie made sure to quickly throw thoughts of never needing to clean his room again out of his mind. "Sorry, Sirius, carry on." Sirius nodded before looking at Harry for a moment. He was sure his Godson didn't need any such speech, but was relieved when Harry nodded that he understood the same applied to him.

Sirius looked back at the elves and made to continue on. "After Marta, are Sam, Nandi, and Jax. These three are in charge of all of the agricultural needs. Potter Manor is self-sustaining; there are cattle, sheep and pigs, as well as dairy cows and goats, along with small fields of produce. Once it is spring again, you can see the orchards as well. The manor doesn't make enough to sell, only to sustain its residents, except in rare cases like the past eight years, when it's been empty." The three elves wore dark red uniforms with leather patches on the knees and elbows, which was in stark contrast to Pip, Marta and the three yet to be introduced elves, who wore crisp white uniforms with red piping on the hemline. Greterg wore a uniform more similar to the three in charge of the fields, though his was green instead of red. "Lastly, are the triplets. These three are the youngest, and are still apprenticing with the others. This is Chloe, Hilly and Kit. Severus, Kit is interested and shows a promise towards the potions, and was hoping to be apprenticed with you, if that's alright?" Severus raised an eyebrow, but nodded quickly, always glad to have assistance in his lab. He was rewarded with squeal, and found a small elf wrapped around his legs. He looked up in surprise, but smiled at the enthusiasm.

"Kit!" Pip hissed, ashamed at her young cousin. "We's not to hug our people!" She reached to pull Kit away, but Severus held out a hand. "It's really quite alright. I think I speak for all of us when I say we intend to have you as our family, not servants." The humans all nodded, while the elves looked on in shock, waiting for Pip to respond. "Oh's, we's heard the new Potter family was special, but not like this!" She clapped her hands together and bounced up and down. "You's all will be the happiest wizards around!" She clapped her hands three times, and just as suddenly as they'd all appeared, they were gone.

Harry blinked owlishly behind his glasses, still in slight disbelief as to the elves presence at all. Sirius had mentioned something before, but he didn't think they would be like this! He turned to ask Sirius more about them, but before he could speak his stomach gave a great growl, which made Remus laugh aloud. "What do you say we have an early dinner before we all get settled in our rooms?" He lifted Harry onto his shoulders, and turned and led the familiar way to the kitchen.


"You get your own room again, Harry, but you will share your bathroom with Charlie, alright?" Remus was sure neither child would mind this, but waited for an answer nonetheless. Harry quickly nodded, and looked at his adored cousin. Remus led Harry into his new bedroom, while Petunia took Charlie to hers. Harry looked around in wonder and disbelief. He'd thought his bedroom in Applewood had been amazing, but this put it to shame, even with none of his previous toys. There was a large four-poster bed in the middle of the room, a dresser with a mirror on it, end tables, and against one wall sat a large fireplace. On either side of the fireplace were built in bookshelves, and on the opposite wall, the doors to his closet and the shared bathroom. "All of the bedrooms are the same, but we'll be sure to get some new things to make it your own." Harry just stared, before running to his uncle and hugging his legs. "Thank you for saving me." Remus just knelt down to hug Harry for a long moment, before answering. "No, Harry, it is you who saved me." Harry pulled back and looked questioningly at the werewolf, who just hugged the boy again. "You'll understand when you're older."

Sirius and Severus walked in on the hugging pair, who both straightened up when they noticed they had visitors. "So Harry, I know it's your first night tonight here in the manor, but Remus and I have to leave, it's the full moon." Sirius finished and wiped a hand through his hair. He loved that Harry was so sweet and young that he just accepted his friend's status as a werewolf, but it still made him nervous to speak so openly. He still cringed when he thought of how he used to make comments about the situation when they were in school, let alone the whole episode he'd finagled Severus in to! They'd had a long talk about it in Applewood, and had both been able to air their feelings about it, and each other, out. He glanced at the subject of his most recent thoughts before wrapping his young charge in a hug. "We'll be back tomorrow afternoon though, alright?" Harry looked seriously at Sirius, "will you have dinner with me tonight first?" Sirius frowned even more. "No, Harry. Now that we're in Scotland, the sun sets differently. It will be dark before supper. But Severus is here! He wanted some help with some potions, do you think you'd be able to do that?" Harry frowned back at his Godfather. He knew he was being coddled, but an evening with Uncle Severus in his new lab did sound pretty interesting…."Supper with me tomorrow?" He tipped his head sideways a bit, and all three men had to hide their smile at how much he resembled his mother trying to talk one of them into some idea or another. "It's a deal. Now, give me a hug, and your Uncle Remus, and we will see you for supper tomorrow!" Harry clung to the man for a minute before running back to Remus to do the same. All of the adults had remarked on what a snuggly boy Harry was, especially with his past with his former uncle (though Petunia had had to walk out of that particular conversation in tears). "Well, Harry, what do you say you and I see these gentlemen off, then we'll go to our lab for a bit before supper?" Severus asked the young boy, who smiled and held out his hand for the Potions Master to take. The two escorted the travelers to the cloak room and saw them off before heading down to the potions lab.


Harry had his head down, trying desperately to find his glasses. He knew he'd lost them somewhere around here, but where could they have gone?! He tried to calm himself down and remember where he'd set them down last, but it was much too dark now to see anywhere to jog his memory. Just then, he heard his cousin's soft voice, "Harry? Harry! Help me, Harry!" It sounded like Charlie was crying, and Harry jumped to his feet to follow her voice. He ran, tripping over unseen objects, falling numerous times. He thought he was finally getting close to where he'd heard her voice coming from, when a light flashed from the corner of his eye. He turned, trying to focus his blurry vision, when a bright light shone on his face. "You, you tiny little shrimp of a boy, dare defy me? The greatest wizard of our time, the defeator of Grindelwald, the head of the greatest wizarding school known to wizard-kind?" Harry shrunk away from the tall, bearded man, whose eyes blazed underneath his glasses. He couldn't even open his mouth to respond, he was so scared! Where was Charlie? And where were Sirius and Severus? They were supposed to be here! Harry could hardly catch his breath from panic, and tripped over another object in his haste to back away from the scary man. He fell flat on his back, the wind knocked out of his, but from the light projecting from the wizard, could finally make out what he had tripped over; Severus was laying on his side, eyes wide and unseeing, mouth slightly agape with a small trickle of blood coming from it. Harry shut his eyes tight before opening them again. Nothing had changed. "Uncle Sev? Severus! You need to get up…we need to LEAVE!" Harry desperately tried to wake his uncle, trying to deny what his eyes were showing him. He turned his head, seeing something else from the corner of his eye. It was Sirius! He crawled to the man who'd saved him, his Godfather and pushed him over to his back, before gasping and recoiling back. Sirius' eyes held the same vacant expression as Severus', and Harry knew he was dead. "You see? You see what happens when you try to defy me?" The old man was speaking again, his booming voice landing on all sides of Harry. "This is what you can expect if you follow the path you are on, my young Harry. This is who will die if you continue your decisions you and these men have been making. But come to me, come stay with me in my castle, and this shall never come to pass." Harry tried scrunching his eyes close, but opened them in haste when the man boomed again, "look at ME WHEN I AM TALKING TO YOU!" Tears began falling from Harry's eyes, as he looked around as the light filled the room, showing everyone he cared for, even the Potter Manor house-elves, dead. "Come with me, come with Grandfather Dumbledore, and I will protect you. We will protect your family." Harry shook his head, lips pressed close, and tried to hide behind his Godfather. "THEN YOU WILL DIE TOO!" Harry couldn't take it anymore, and the poor boy finally let out a scream.

Severus didn't remember falling asleep; he still had his book open on his chest and his bedside lamp on. He wasn't sure what had awoken him so suddenly at first, until he heard the next terrified scream. He tore out of bed, hitting his shin against the nightstand and ran down the hall towards the screaming, his heart leaping into his throat as he realized it was coming from Harry's room. He threw the door open and grabbed at the small boy, trying to wake him from his dream. Harry just kept screaming, and shaking his head, even after Severus doused him with cold water. Petunia had joined him in trying to wake Harry, and both adults had tears streaming down their faces unchecked as they kept trying to wake the dreaming boy. Severus finally laid the boy down, and pointed his wand at his forehead. "Legilimens!"

Harry continued to scream, "no!", rocking back and forth while shaking his head. He just needed to keep his eyes closed, he chanted in his head, keep his eyes closed and no one could hurt him. He continued to rock faster as he sensed movement close by, and screamed even louder as a warm hand touched his own.

"Harry! It's Severus, it's Uncle Severus!" Harry finally opened his eyes, verifying it really was him before turning to where he'd seen Severus' body. Harry scrambled back as he took is two versions of his uncle, one alive and in front of him, and one dead. Severus reached out a hand to Harry. "Harry, it's a dream. It's just a dream. I'm alive, I'm here. You assisted me earlier; we made some more bruise balm. You said you should learn how with all of the Weasley's around." Harry choked back a sob, and threw himself into his uncle's arms, who gathered him close before standing and facing the cruel wizard who'd forced the boy into such a dream. "How dare you!" He seethed, not even cowering from the glower of the man he used to look up to it. "He's just a boy, you could have permanently injured his mind!" Albus just stared for a moment, irritated the only man who could have broken Harry from his nightmare had arrived in such a short time. "His mind is already injured from Voldemort. See you soon, Severus," he hissed the last word, and the nightmare ended.

Petunia stared down at the two in front of her. Severus has shouted a spell, and was now staring slightly blankly, focusing on something she could not see. Harry abruptly stopped screaming, and whimpered for a moment, before relaxing, finally. She shoved a hand against his chest, making sure she could feel him breathing, and tried to not think of how much she had failed the boy. She had barely begun that train of thought, when Severus straightened and Harry awoke. He opened his bleary eyes before sitting up and touching Severus' face. He grabbed tight to Harry, and began rocking him, trying to soothe away the fear he knew the boy had faced. Harry broke down into soft sobs, and let himself be comforted by his uncle. Petunia looked questioningly at Severus, who whispered, "I'll explain in the morning. I'm going to stay in here tonight." Petunia nodded, forcing herself to accept the dismissal for what it was. She started out of the room, before turning and kissed both Harry and Severus' cheek.

Severus stared after her for a moment, before repositioning himself and Harry. "It's alright Harry. I'm going to stay in here with you tonight, if that's alright with you?" Harry nodded, not even moving his face from his uncle's chest. Severus continued stroking his back, even long after Harry had fallen asleep. He knew he was going to have to teach the boy Occlumency, but didn't know if such a practice could be done in someone so young. He mentally reviewed other practioners of the art in one half of his mind, while the other kept up the wall around himself and Harry. He stayed like that the rest of the night, only sleeping for an hour before his eyes would open again, making sure Harry was sleeping soundly.


"That bastard what?!" Remus roared; he was more animalistic in his rage than Severus has expected, and he looked at Sirius for help. "Remus, you need to let go of the wolf. Your cub needs you, not Moony." Sirius put a hand on his friend's shoulder, trying to calm him. The night before had been rough. Both dog and wolf had known their cub was in danger, but were aware that he would only be in more if they tried to go to him. Moony had thrown himself mercilessly against the wall, and Remus had the scratches and bruises everywhere to prove it. Said man tried to rein himself in, breathing in through his nose and out through his mouth, just like Lily had taught him so many years ago.

"What do we do? You can't just stay with him whenever he sleeps." Sirius was trying to be rational, but was struggling with how much Harry must have suffered at Dumbledore's hands the night before. Thank Merlin Severus had been there!

Severus paused for a moment, trying to find the right words. "You know I am both a Legilimens as well as an Occlumens, correct?" He waited as the other two men nodded. "I spent most of the morning in the library, trying to find any evidence of teaching a wizard so young the skill. I found these three," he pushed forward three books, "that were successful. I want to teach Harry to Occlude his mind." Sirius recoiled, remembering his lessons with his great aunt from when he was a young boy. Severus noticed, and expecting the reaction, broke in before Sirius could speak. "I realize most lessons hurt the student, having their brain battered." Sirius nodded, while Remus looked on in question, never having experienced it himself. "These books cover teaching a loved one the skill, not just another generation. I've found theories on how best to make the child feel safe, even when their memories are brought up." Sirius began nodding, while Remus still looked pensively at the books. He cleared his throat. "Perhaps, before you teach Harry, you could practice on myself and Sirius? Just to be sure you have the ability to teach Harry without hurting him." He tried to look apologetic at Severus, not wanting his friend to think he was doubting him. Severus nodded, "I was already thinking that. Sirius, I figure you know how to Occlude, at least to some degree?" Sirius affirmed his thought. "Well, I thought not only could I hone my skills on both of you, but it would allow further protection for Harry in case his shields fall at some point." Now both men nodded eagerly, wanting to protect their young charge as much as they were able.

Remus drug his gaze from the books, eager to read them as he was, to face the other two. "We haven't really spoken about how to prepare Harry for the prophecy. And Albus' comment to you last night, Severus, worries me about how much we do not know."

Severus nodded. He'd twisted and turned the prophecy and it's wording around ever since Lily had told him all of those years ago. Thank Merlin she had, he thought, or they wouldn't be prepared for what they, and most of all, Harry, had to face in the future. Hopefully the far future, he thought to himself with a grimace, remembering the scared, tearful young boy from last night. "I know we all have our thoughts and ideas on how to prepare. I am almost positive Lily charmed him with something before she died, and it would be helpful to find out what." Remus and Sirius nodded, knowing Lily like they did, there was no way she wouldn't have protected her only son with more than her own life.

"We need to find out about McGonagall." Remus looked absently at all of the books around him as he spoke. "We know we have Filius, and Sirius is going to go to the Longbottom's after Christmas to speak with Augustus. Having those two women on our side will go a long ways on not only finding what charms Lily placed on Harry, but preparing him, both for Voldemort and even worse for now, Dumbledore." Severus nodded steepling his fingers in front of him, before looking at Sirius. "The Malfoy's," they said in unison.

Sirius began pacing, knowing their time was up soon, before they would be overrun with the children who were outside playing in the snow with the other adults. "If we can get those few people together, and alert them to the prophecy, I think we can have our first shield up around Harry." He stopped suddenly, sitting in the nearest chair and putting his head in his hands. "It seems so unfair. Losing Lily and James. Harry being targeted." To all of their surprise, Sirius let out a slight sob. Severus sat next to his friend, Remus on the other side. "Sirius, if you need to take some time, it's alright. We at least got to accept this over the past four years. You were shut away, not able to face it on your own." Sirius shook his head, and took a few steadying breaths. "No. No, I'm not going to be the weak link, and I'm staying here, for Harry, and for our family. You two have been there for me, even if only recently," he smiled slightly at Severus. "You've been there for me, more than my own family ever was. I want Harry to have that. Acceptance regardless of his decisions, his skills, his attitudes. I know we're just three men, but I think with Melanie and Petunia, and the Weasleys, we can do this." He poured three small shots of fire whiskey, and handed one each to Remus and Severus, before lifting his glass. "To Harry?" Remus joined in, "to happiness." Severus added his, "and family." They clinked and had just finished when they heard the telltale sounds of the children inside.

I'm not positive legilimency/occlumency works how I plan on using it (because it totally works in real life, right?) but for story purposes, go with it.

That last part seemed a bit corny, even to me, but I wanted to show the friendship and understanding between the three men. Severus isn't taking James' place, but they are all in the same boat, and Severus and Remus have been good friends for the past four years Sirius was in Azkaban.

I decided my Potter Manor is located near Inverness, Scotland.

I read somewhere that house elves can live 200 years, which I'm going with as far as this story goes.