Disclaimer: No. Not Rowling's. Nothing belongs to me. Just playing in her universe

Okay guys, this is a longer chapter then what I've been posting, and I think it'll answer a lot of your questions. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

Midnight Star 25

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Unity Foundation Doors Open

The next morning, Harry was still asleep when Remus left for his first day of work. He left Harry a note, saying there was food in the fridge, and that he'd bring home supper that evening.

As soon as Harry heard Remus apparate out, he quickly opened his eyes and threw off the blanket. He summoned his trunk, and quickly donned his disguise. He would have to make sure he was back before Remus came home, but being the boss did have it's advantages.

He flooed to his private office, and grabbed several folders off his desk, before making his way across the hall, and knocking on Fabian's office door.

"Come in." came the reply

"Good Morning." Harry greeted.

Fabian looked up. "Hey. You seem happy. I take it yesterday went well?"

Harry grinned. "It went great! Harry Potter is now currently under the protection of his Uncle Mooney."

Fabian smiled. "That's great, Harry."

Harry grinned mischievously. "Now we just need to get you reunited with your family."

Fabian frowned. "I…am seriously considering it."

"Good. Now, are we ready for today?"

Fabian sighed. "I think so. All the employees were told to report to the auditorium on the 8th floor."

"Alright, uh, did we manage to secure all the properties for the safe houses?"

"Griphook dropped off the final paperwork for the farm, and we've already closed on the first three homes. We're still waiting to hear about one, and the other one has just about flat out refused to sell."

Harry groaned. "The one out in Greenwich?"

Fabian nodded.

"Well, we may just have to find another location for that area."

"Oh, I need your signature on this." Handing Harry a thick folder.

Harry rolled his eyes. "If I never see another piece of paperwork again, I'd be happy. I can't believe I have to go through another 7 years of school."

Fabian chuckled. "At least you know you'll do well this time around."

"Uh, I hope so. I haven't been in school in over 12 years. I know the advanced stuff because of the war, but re-learning all the basic theory…"

"I don't know. You seemed to know your stuff about ward theory. You've done all of them yourself."

"Like I said, advanced, plus necessity. During the war, if you didn't have strong wards, you were as good as dead."

"Well, I'm sure you'll figure it out. Have you figured out a way to get out of the castle without Dumbledore's knowledge?"

Harry nodded. "I finally figured it out. I can use the Room of Requirements to floo in and out. I'll just make sure the room seals itself before I leave. That way, it appears I'm still within the castle."

"Ingenious. I wish I'd known about that room when I was at Hogwarts."

"Anyway, shall we go? It's almost 9."

Fabian nodded. The two of them made their way to the auditorium. All staff was assembled, and quietly chatting. Harry and Fabian made their way to the stage. Harry went to the microphone, while Fabian stood to the side.

Harry tapped the microphone. "Hello." All conversation ceased.

"Thank you. Good morning. How is everyone?" He got a few 'goods', and nods.

Harry chuckled. "Not a morning bunch, huh? I completely understand. Anyway, let me start off by saying 'welcome' to each and everyone of you. For those of you who don't know me, or those of you who were smart enough to try and block my face from your memory…" laughter rippled around the room "…my name is Jacob Myers. I'm the CEO and president of this company, and seriously, if I haven't gotten around to meeting you personally, I sincerely apologize. I want to get to know each and every one of you. Unfortunately, my position requires me to travel quite a bit, so Mr. Richard Lawson, here is Vice President, and he'll be running the daily operations." A light applause followed as Fabian slightly waved.

"When my boss approached me last month, and presented me with the plans for this company, I thought it was a great idea. Then he told me I only have a month to do it. Well, that stopped me in my tracks. I was looking at this guy, and thinking that he'd gone off the deep end." more laughter. "Seriously, I didn't believe all this could be done in a month, but thanks to Mr. Lawson, and the Head of our Finance Department, Griphook, as well as several others, we pulled it off. Also, a lot of thanks goes to you guys. I know that many of you had to had to leave jobs very quickly, among other things, so I just want to say 'thank you' for working with us so efficiently, so that we were able to meet our deadlines"

"Each and everyone of you was hand selected. You are the best of the best in your fields. You wouldn't be here if you weren't. You all have remarkable talents and skills. Many of you have just entered the work force, and still have a great deal to learn, but honestly, I believe that applies to each and every one of us. I believe that we never stop learning, and it is my hope that this company can provide an effective environment for you to advance and fine-tune your skills and talents, as well as provide you with valuable life experience."

"I'll be honest with you. None of you, and I'm talking to every department, none of you have an easy job. It'll require a lot of hard work, a lot of hours, and a lot of dedication, but I hope that you'll, at least, enjoy your work here. This company's goal is to be a bridge between the wizarding world and the muggle world. It's meant to help provide a better future for our children and grandchildren, for future generations. It will be a lot of work, but we can't just sit back and hope for things to change.We have to be united, and I want us to start within these walls. I don't want you to just be co-workers. I want you to become a family, to look out for each other, to help each other."

"I knew, from the start, when I started putting together this staff, that my…judgment…would be brought into question. I've already fielded several concerns, although I'm afraid the worst is yet to come. But let me assure you that I will handle all problems as they arise."

"What I hope to accomplish here…may…bring about retaliation. If anyone, and I do mean anyone, tries to threaten or intimidate you, or your family, I beseech you to please report it directly to Mr. Lawson, and he will get the message back to me. Everything will be kept completely confidential. One or both of us will sit down with you personally, and figure out the best course of action. Trust me, when I say that we both have experience in dealing with these types of problems, and neither of us will tolerate tyranny or threats from anyone."

"As I said, I want this company to become a family, and families look out for each other. Now, on the subject of family; personally, I believe that family is the most important thing in this world. People are the only things that make this life worth living, and there are all kinds of families. So, on that note, I don't want this job to cause a strain on your family time. Many of you have young children, and those first years are so important in the nurturing department. Others of you have older children, and I know that many of them will be starting school within a few days, so in honor of that, work will not start until 10:30 on September 1st. I want you to take them to the train station, and see them off. It's the little things in life that count. The small gestures. Enjoy your children while you can. The time with them is so precious."

"Well, I think I've taken up more then enough of your time for today. You've all been told where to report. Your Heads will go over everything else. If you have any questions or need to discuss anything with me, personally, I will be here today and tomorrow. Unfortunately, I have to fly out on another job tomorrow night, but if I can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Now, that I've talked your heads off…" light laughter "…I'll let you go to your Heads, and let them talk your heads off. Once again, welcome, and I truly hope you enjoy it here."

As he finished speaking, people slowly rose, and started making their ways to their respective audience.

Fabian came up behind him. "Nice speech." He commented

"I meant every word of it."

"I know. That's the scary part."

"Don't give me that. You'd do the same thing."

"I know, but I'm not sure I'd succeed. You will. Not would, will."

Harry grinned. "Thanks, I appreciate that."

At that moment, a cough interrupted them The two men turned around.

"Remus, how are you?"

"Oh, pretty good actually. I enjoyed your speech. You don't hear stuff like that very often."

"Well, I meant it."

"Yes, well, I'd actually like to discuss something with you."

"Okay."

"Well, actually it may take a bit of explanation, and I need…"

"Of course. How about lunch time? Around 11:30 or 12?"

Remus nodded.

"Just come to my office."

"Thank you. I really appreciate it. Now, if you'll excuse me. Mr. Lawson." he greeted respectfully.

As soon as he was out of ear shot, Fabian spoke up. "What was that all about?"

"My guess, it's probably about me, well my 11-year-old self. I was actually hoping Remus might come to me on this."

Fabian gave him an incredulous look. "You actually hoped Remus would come see you about you?!"

"Well, where do you think part of my speech was directed?"

Fabian shook his head. "Ever since I met you, my life has been anything but dull."

Harry laughed. "Thanks…I think. Well, I'm gonna go finish up this paperwork, then make rounds."

"Alright, well I've got a few things to finish up before you 'leave' tomorrow."

Ask and ye shall receive

Harry made his rounds, greeting the people he'd hired mere weeks ago, and introduced himself to the few employees he had yet to meet with. He was now back in his office, when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." The door opened.

"Ah, Remus, please come in. How did your first morning as Head go?"

Remus shrugged. "Okay, I guess. It's different being in charge."

Harry nodded. "Indeed it is The burden of leadership. Very trying, but rewarding at times, but I have complete confidence in your ability to handle it."

Remus slightly blushed at the praise.

"Now, what can I do for you?"

Remus fidgeted. "Well, about what you said this morning…"

"Yes?"

"Well, I was just presented with some information, and I'm not sure how to proceed."

"Okay."

"It's about my nephew, well, he's not my blood nephew, but he was the son of my best friend."

Harry nodded, but didn't interrupt. Remus proceeded to tell him everything he knew, without mentioning any names. At the end of the story, Harry frowned.

"Well, I completely agree with your decision not to allow the boy to return to those relatives. This is the type of situation our safe house division is designed for. So what exactly would you like us to do? We can take him in…"

Remus shook his head. "No, that's not where I was going. I want guardianship. Sirius and I swore to James that we would protect Harry should anything happen. I'm sorry to say that I miserably failed him."

Harry put on a pretend look of surprise. "Sirius? Harry? James? Who is your nephew, Remus?"

Remus could have kicked himself. "Therein lies the problem. My nephew is Harry Potter."

Harry raised a curious eyebrow. "Really? And you said 'you and Sirius'; Sirius Black? I thought he betrayed the Potters?"

Remus shook his head. "I thought so too. It turns out it was another friend of ours." He pulled out the letter, and handed it over.

Harry quickly read over it, before setting it down. "Well, everyone knows the Potter's story, but this is certainly a different take on it. This indicates that Mr. Black was the named guardian. Whose decision was it to place him with his muggle relatives?"

"That's the other problem. Albus Dumbledore made that decision, then kept everyone away from him all these years. I've begged Dumbledore to let me see him so many times over the years, but every time, he's insisted that Harry was safest, and that it would be better to wait until he started Hogwarts. Well, like an idiot, I listened to him. He had to have known what was going on in that house, yet he did nothing! And I know that if I don't do something drastic, he'll insist that Harry go back to those horrid people."

Harry nodded. "I only know Albus Dumbledore by reputation, but I know how he operates. Frankly, I don't think the grandfatherly façade suits him. Alright Mr. Lupin, we will help you gain guardianship…" Remus looked up, surprise on his face. "It shouldn't be too hard. You meet all of the qualifications for guardianship. We had to be screened for the same thing in order to open the safe houses. From what you said, his legal guardian is his aunt. The main step will be getting her to relinquish her rights as guardian. After that, I don't think it should be too difficult."

Remus was shocked. "It's that simple?"

"It's that simple. There's a lot of paperwork and legalities, but once you get past that, it's not too bad. Now, aside from your nephew, would you like us to help you prove Mr. Black's innocence?"

Remus' head jerked. "You can do that?!"

Harry smirked. "All we can do is try, but…our lawyers are the best, and they're not afraid to raise hell, nor do they lie back and take any crap from the Ministry."

Remus was shell shocked. For the millionth time this month, he asked himself if this was real.

Remus shook his head. "That would be…great. My nephew believes we'd have to find Peter, if he's really alive, before we could prove Sirius' innocence."

"Well, it would probably help. We can put out feelers for him. Is there anything else?"

Remus shook his head 'no'.

"Alright, well I'll contact one of our lawyers by the name of Karin McAlistor. She knows the Magical and Muggle laws backwards and forwards."

Remus looked surprised. "I've heard that name. Wasn't her maiden name Parkinson?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, she's the sister to Caleb Parkinson. I believe he has a child starting at Hogwarts this year. If anyone can help you, she can."

Remus was still shell shocked, but stuck out his hand. "I don't know how to thank you."

Harry smiled and shook it. "You don't have to. I told you, this company is a family. These are the kind of problems we're here to help with."

The Lawyer

True to his word, Remus received a call from Karin McAlistor right before the end of the day. She requested that Remus stop by her office that evening, and to bring Harry along.

Harry cut out from work early, and made it home with just 30 minutes before Remus got home.

Remus found his nephew curled up on the couch, reading one of his school books.

Harry truly was studying. Even though he knew that he could take his NEWTS right now, and pass with some of the highest scores in the history of Hogwarts, not to mention, thanks to Voldemort, he had more Dark Arts knowledge than any person currently in existence, it had been years since he had studied first year theory, and he knew he needed a refresher course.

As his uncle popped in, Harry plopped down the book, and gave his uncle a big hug. "Hey, Uncle Mooney. How was work?"

Remus smiled. "It was fine. How was your day?"

Harry shrugged. "I started reading my Hogwarts books. I can't wait to get sorted! I really hope I get into Gryffindor!"

Remus grinned, and ruffled his nephew's naturally messy hair. "I doubt you could be anywhere else."

'You'd be surprised.' Harry thought, but didn't say anything.

"Uh, Harry, I need to talk with you about something."

Harry nodded. "Okay."

"Take a seat." Harry did, and Remus proceeded to tell him part of what he had in mind.

"So, I could come live with you?!" he asked excitedly.

Remus nodded. "When you're not at Hogwarts."

"And I wouldn't have to go back to the Dursleys?"

"No, but first we have to go see this lawyer, and she has to make everything legal."

"Alright, let's go now!" he said excitedly

Remus chuckled. "How about you get some shoes on, then we'll go."

Remus apparated them to the address he'd been given. They were greeted by a secretary, and were told that Ms. McAlistor was expecting them. As they entered a large comfortable office, the woman behind the desk stood up, and greeted them.

"Mr. Lupin, I presume. Please come in. And this must be Harry." Bending down to the child's level.

Harry shook her hand. "It's very nice to meet you."

"You too." She responded.

She smiled. "Please, take a seat. Now, I've started looking into the issue of custody. Your boss has informed me of your 'condition', Mr. Lupin, but he has also provided proof that they are providing you with the necessary materials to control that condition, therefore you should pose no threat to the boy while he's under your care. In addition, Mr. Myers has already provided proof of your job status as well as your financial income. Now, I will need proof of a permanent address. Can you provide that?"

Remus nodded. "I just started renting a three bedroom flat in magical London."

"Excellent. Now, I understand there was some neglect in the case of the last relatives."

Remus nodded.

"Well, I'm afraid I'm going to need some documented proof. I'd like Harry to talk with one of our child psychologists, if you have no objections."

Remus shook his head, but Harry frowned. This is not what he had expected. His acting was really going to be put to the test.

She talked a bit more about the legalities of transferring guardianship, before she moved on to the second subject.

"Now, Mr. Myers briefly touched on the subject of one Mr. Sirius Black, and his possible innocence."

Harry decided to play the hurt/ignored child. "MY GODFATHER IS INNOCENT!"

Karin looked up, surprised. "Really Mr. Potter? And what makes you say that if the Ministry believes he's guilty?"

"This!" he said, thrusting a letter onto her desk. "And the Ministry's a bunch of idiots!" he huffed, folding his arms across his chest

The two adults laughed at the child's theatrics.

"I can't say I entirely disagree with you, Mr. Potter."

"I have a similar letter, Mrs. McAlistor."

Remus handed over his letter as well.

"Karin, please. And it's Ms. My husband died several years ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Thank you. I truly miss him, but…life goes on, and my work takes up a great deal of my time."

Harry and Remus kept quiet for a minute, while she read over the letters. She finished the second one, and set it down.

"Well, this is interesting. This type of information should have light when he was questioned under veritaserem."

"That's just it. I don't believe he ever was. As far as I know, he never even received a fair trial. Everyone believed he was guilty, myself included, and they chucked him straight into Azkaban."

"Well, I can certainly look into the court's records on that, but what about the incident with the muggles?"

Remus went on to explain Harry's theory about Peter framing Sirius. "So you think he escaped?"

Remus nodded. "Yes, you see…he, uh…he was an unregistered animagus, a rat. We believe he cut off his own finger, transformed, and escaped into the sewers."

She raised an eyebrow. "Well, that is interesting. I can see why you believe it would be valuable to find Mr. Pettigrew. Okay, Mr. Lupin. I can get you started on these papers, and I'd like Harry to come with me. I called in a favor to a friend of mine. She's an excellent child psychologist, and she can provide us with the necessary report to transfer guardianship. I realize that Harry will be starting Hogwarts in a few days, and I'd like to give you the security of guardianship before he leaves. Mr. Myers alluded to the fact that Professor Dumbledore might try to interfere in proceedings, so I will make sure that everything is ironclad."

"That would be most appreciated, Ms. McAlistor. Karin."

She smiled at him, and handed him a pen. She walked around the desk, and held out a hand.

"Could you come with me, Harry?" He nodded.

Harry spent the next three hours being asked every question known to mankind. They covered his life, his relatives, relationship with other kids, and so on. The psychologist, Mrs. Willis, was a distinguished woman in her early 40's was nice enough, but Harry thought she was a bit abrupt. Perhaps it was just her directness that he noticed.

Much like Karin, she didn't beat around the bush. She got right to the heart of the matter, which Harry liked. This was in one reason he and the 'Unity Foundation' had had become clients of Malcom, Mayes, and McAlistor. One of the most prestigious and most expensive law firms in Greater Britain. They had one of the highest success rates, and had expert lawyers in every field of law, both magical and muggle.

Anyway, by the time Mrs. Willis got through interrogating him, Harry felt like doing two things. The first was hiring her for the safe house division as one of his psychologists, or perhaps for the security division as a professional interrogator. The second thing he felt like doing was writing a book, entitled 'How to fool a child psychologist in three really difficult steps'.

His acting skills were becoming forcibly honed, and he knew they would be put to an even bigger test, once at Hogwarts. He and Remus didn't leave until 10 o'clock that night, with Ms. McAlistor's promise to be in touch within the next 48 hours.

Flying Out

The next morning was very similar to the previous one. Harry pretended to be asleep 'till Remus left then quickly followed. Today was his 'last day' before he 'flew out'. He would be back in a couple of weeks, unless otherwise necessary. The day passed quickly. Harry dealt with several matters that had come up since yesterday, and Fabian would be owling him with anything else that needed his attention.

Harry had also provided Fabian and Griphook with a very special piece of parchment. If there was ever an emergency, all they had to do was write a message on the parchment. The message would immediately disappear and reappear on Harry's parchment, or vice versa. He also provided them with a set of communication mirrors.

He hadn't been in business long enough to attract the Ministry's or Malfoy's attention, but he knew that it was just a matter of time, and he would need to know about it as soon as it happened.

Harry said an official 'goodbye' to all of his Heads and Directors, reminding each of them, that if they had any problems, that Mr. Lawson could always get a hold of him. He took a bit of time with Remus, wishing him the best of luck, and saying that Ms. McAlistor would be in contact with him if there were any problems.

Harry's final goodbyes were to Griphook and Fabian, even though he knew he would be receiving owls from each of them several times a week.

"Enjoy being a kid again, Harry." Fabian said.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Yeah, and everything that goes with it."

Fabian just smirked.

Horcruxes

Harry spent the next few days on a very important mission. While Remus was at work, Harry was left to his own devices. Now was the time to focus on his main reason he had come back. To destroy Voldemort. To prevent the breakout of war. To save everyone he loved. And the first step to that began with one word. 'Horcruxes'.

He already had one, and he knew the other 4 were. Dumbledore had been right about one thing,. Tom had planned on using Harry's murder to make his 6th Horcrux.

He now found himself in the ruins of the Gaunt house. He pulled out an enchanted dagger, and slid it across his palm, allowing several drops to fall on the shields that protected Slytherin's ring.

Harry had learned from Voldemort's memories, that Tom had put in a backup system, incase he ever needed to retrieve his precious Horcruxes. A few drops of Voldemort's own blood, drawn by a specially enchanted dagger would nullify all the protection charms. It turned out that Harry's blood worked the worked the same way, thanks to the night Voldemort had initially tried to kill him.

Now that the horcrux was released from its protection spells, Harry slowly poured the 'soul killing' potion over it, then drew his wand, and began chanting. The horcrux started to smoke and hiss. All of a sudden, a loud cry was omitted from the object, before all fell silent. The ring was no longer a horcrux.

Harry had already performed this ritual on the locket at Grimmauld Place, as well as Hufflepuff's cup that had been hidden in the graveyard where Tom's father and grandparents were buried. While there, he had also taken the liberty of completely disintegrating the bones of Tom's father, and replacing them with mere sticks, transfigured to simply look like bones.

Now, he only had two to deal with. One, he would have to wait until he got to Hogwarts to deal with. He couldn't understand why he hadn't realized the location of that particular horcrux any sooner then he had in his original timeline. The Chamber of Secrets was a perfect hiding place, and it was a cruel irony that it held Gryffindor's wand.

The second one would be a problem, or would it? It was currently in the possession of Malfoy Sr. He couldn't just walk up to Lucius, and say 'Hey, you have a horcrux in your possession. Could I have it, please.' Uh, no. That wouldn't work. So how could he get it?

He sat brainstorming for a minute. He couldn't just apparate in. Those wards were some of the strongest ones around; a few of them, even stronger then the ones protecting Hogwarts. How, how, how? Then it hit him!

"Dobby." He called out.

Nothing.

He called out again. "Dobby."

For a moment, there was nothing but silence, then a small pop echoed in the air.

"Who summons Dobby?" the house elf asked quietly, a hint of fear in his voice

"That would be me, Dobby." Harry answered evenly

The house elf spun around. "Who is yous sir? And why does Dobby feel drawn to you?"

"My name is Harry Potter, Dobby."

The house elves eyes went big. "Harry Potter, sir. Dobby has heard of your greatness, but how does sir know me?"

"That's a long story, Dobby. Let's just say we've met before, but you wouldn't remember. I need your help Dobby. I know you are bound to the Malfoy family."

Dobby squeaked in fear. "Ye…yes sir. What does sir need?"

"I know you don't like Voldemort…"

The elf gasped. "Please don't say that name, sir."

Harry sighed. "Okay, I know you don't like the Dark Lord. I need your help to stop him."

Dobby burst into tears. Harry just let him. He was used to Dobby's theatrics.

When he finally calmed down, he finally managed to get out, "But Dobby is just a house elf sir. No wizard has ever asked for Dobby's help. Dobby can't fight against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

Harry shook his head. "I don't want you to fight Dobby. I just need you to get something for me. Your master is a follower of the Dark Lord. He left an object in your master's possession. I need you to get it for me. It's a small black diary with the name, T. M. Riddle on the front of it. Do you know where it is?

"How does sir know this? My master hasn't looked at it in years."

The house elf quickly clamped a hand over his mouth, and started beating himself with a stick.

Harry quickly snatched the stick away, and grabbed Dobby by the collar.

His voice remained calm. "Good, then your master won't miss it. Can you get it for me? It's important, Dobby."

Dobby started to sob, but nodded. "Good, Dobby. Now look, if you'll do this for me, I'll make you this promise. I will do everything within my power to free you from Lucius Malfoy."

Dobby's eyes went big. "But Dobby is bound to the Malfoy family…"

"I know, Dobby, but you don't deserve to be treated like that. I will free you from Lucius, it just may take some time, but I really need that diary!"

Dobby burst into tears again, so Harry just waited. The tears finally subsided, and Dobby looked up.

"Dobby will get it for Harry Potter, if he believes it will truly help."

"I assure you, it will."

"Then Dobby will be right back." And with that, he popped out

Now? He was getting it now? Harry hadn't expected this. He figured that it would at least take some time before he could work out a plan for Dobby to snatch it. But maybe…?

Without warning, the little elf popped back in, holding the sinister, yet innocent looking object.

"Is this what Harry Potter wants?" Dobby asked, holding up the book.

Harry could've kissed Dobby at that moment. This had just made his job a lot easier.

"Yes, Dobby. Thank you." He answered, taking the book. He felt the dark magic radiating off it.

"Does young sir need anything else?"

"Just one thing. I need to place a spell on you that won't allow you to tell anyone of what you've done today or even that you've seen me."

"Dobby would never tell sir."

"I know Dobby, and I believe that, but this spell will prevent you from telling, even if you're ordered by your master. And if you're ever asked where the diary is, you'll be able to answer that you don't know. You'll still remember everything, you just won't be able to tell anyone, but I need your permission. The spell requires your consent in order to work properly."

"Then Harry Potter has it."

"Thank you, Dobby. Now just hold still for a moment." Harry drew his wand, and quietly started chanting. The magic swirled around the house elf, lifting him several feet into the air, before gently setting him back down.

"It's done. Now Dobby, I know I can't order you to do anything, but please don't punish yourself for this. You did the right thing, and you've helped to prevent a lot of deaths. And I will keep my promise to you."

Once again Dobby started wailing. "Harry Potter is a truly great wizard. Dobby will never forget his kindness."

"And I shall never forget your bravery. Now go before you get into any trouble."

The house elf bowed low, before leaving with a pop.

Harry relished in the silence, before turning his attention back to the diary.

A potion and ritual later, the silence was broken by the loud cry of a dying soul.

As the scream ceased, Harry let out a sigh of relief. That particular horcrux could never hurt him or his friends again.

Now he just had the last one to deal with, and he knew he could get to that one.

Lawyers and Love?

The day before Harry was supposed to go to Hogwarts, Harry and Remus received final confirmation from Karin McAlistor that Remus had official, ironclad guardianship. Petunia Dursley had gladly signed away all of her rights to 'the boy', and Remus was now his legal guardian in both the magic and muggle worlds. Every thing was perfectly legal, and Karin assured both of them, that there was nothing Albus could do to change that. Karin had also made sure that the records were sealed from everyone else, until Harry came of age. Karin also confided that once she had filed her report with the muggle authorities, charges had immediately been filed against the Dursleys.

The night Karin brought them the news, Remus invited her to go out with them to celebrate. Surprisingly, she accepted. The three of them went to a local seafood restaurant, and had a nice sit down dinner. The conversation was light and pleasant. Harry watched the two adults as they talked. Unless Harry was very much mistaken, there was quite a bit of subtle flirting from both parties. Harry was surprised that this was coming from Remus, who had usually been the quiet type, but he hoped that the last few weeks had given him more confidence in himself.

He truly hoped Remus found someone special this early in the game, and Karin, he thought, would be good for him. She had only been two years behind him in Hogwarts, she was a successful lawyer, and as a big plus, she already knew Remus' condition. Plus, she was HOT. She was about 5' 8", tall and slender, had shoulder length, light brown hair with blond highlights running through it that fell into loose curls around her shoulders, framing her face. She had some of the bluest eyes Harry had ever seen, and very delicate facial features. At first glance, no one would suspect that she was a kick-ass lawyer.

Yes, things were definitely looking up for both Harry and Remus, and Karin was working hard on Sirius' case. Harry hoped for something major to happen, at least by Christmas.

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I know this chapter is longer then my others, but I really didn't think you'd mind. Anyway, the next chapter may take a few days, but Harry will finally get to go to Hogwarts. Thanks for reading, and let me know what you think.

Midnight Star 25