Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine! I had you fooled didn't I? (Just kidding of course! As if I am anywhere near Ms. Rowling's brilliance)

Marauder Cottage

"Harry, could you come downstairs a moment?" Sirius shouted up the staircase of the cozy home.

"What's up?" Harry asked a few moments later as he descended the stairs.

"Remus and I are both going to be out for a few hours. I have some things I need to see about at the Ministry and he has to see Dumbledore. You are going to stay here and rest. By rest I mean continue to do nothing that involves you doing anything more strenuous than sitting on the sofa or lying in bed," Sirius said sternly. He made certain that there was warmth in his eyes to reassure the boy. After the incident a few nights ago he wasn't taking any chances with Harry knowing exactly how much he was loved.

"But Sirius, I'm fine," Harry protested. He was mostly fine and he figured that the occasional twinges in his side were not sufficient reason for keeping him shut up in bed or on the couch all day.

"You're getting there," Sirius corrected gently. His eyes could still see the slight pallor to his godson's face, the stiffness in the way he moved, and the occasional winces that marred his expression.

"Come on kiddo, it's not every day that you are tortured and have your side gashed open. Humor me and rest a bit longer. I'm not losing you," Sirius said pulling Harry in close.

Harry sighed and nodded against his godfather's chest. When Sirius put it like that Harry was helpless to resist.

Remus came down the stairs and smiled at the sight of Harry and Sirius hugging. He brushed a hand over Harry's head as he passed by into the kitchen.

"Hey Remus," Harry greeted, breaking out of Sirius's embrace.

"How are you Cub?" Remus asked as he gathered up his things from the side table in the kitchen.

"Fine," Harry answered.

"I left a few sandwiches in the icebox for later if you're hungry," Remus said. He pulled Harry into a one armed hug and hurried through the floo to Hogwarts.

Sirius entered the room pulling his best cloak on over his formal robes. He gave Harry a pointed look and the boy embraced him before hurrying off to bed.

Sirius smiled and stepped through the floo into the Ministry to see about adopting his godson.

Harry lay about in bed for about an hour, but soon grew unbearably bored. He talked to Hedwig for a bit when she delivered him a letter from Ron, but she soon drifted off to sleep. He had completed all of his summer work over the past three days of doing nothing. He was searching his mind for something to do when he remembered the journal of his mother's that Remus had given him—his baby journal.

Harry figured that Remus had put it on Harry's shelf in the library and he hurried downstairs to check. The purple leather-bound book sat on the shelf and Harry curled up on the library sofa that faced out the back windows and began to read.

He found it harder than he had imagined reading about how happy his family had been. He couldn't believe all the little things his mother had felt she needed to record, the first time Harry had thrown his bottle at his father's head, the first time he had pulled the cat's tail, everything. Every so often there were entries in his father's bold strokes, rather than his mother's curvy script. The insights into the love his parents had for him exhausted Harry and he drifted off to sleep with tears streaming down his face, curled into a ball on the sofa.

Sirius and Remus arrived home within seconds of each other. Inconveniently, Sirius arrived first and no sooner had he stepped out of the fireplace than Remus came hurtling out and knocked them both to the floor.

"Get off Moony, you're getting me all dirty," Sirius grumbled as he shoved his friend off and pulled himself to his feet.

"Sorry, I really do hate floo," Remus answered also hauling himself to his feet.

Judging from the fact that Harry had not run into the room to see what the commotion was, Sirius assumed the boy was in his bed rather than the living room. A quick glance confirmed the boy was not on the sofa and Sirius and Remus went upstairs to change before seeking him out. When Sirius opened the door to Harry's room he expected to find the boy asleep in his bed or laying there reading, however the bed was empty.

Sirius looked in the bathrooms and checked the living room again; he even glanced in the library and all the upstairs bedrooms. Harry was nowhere to be found.

"Moony, I can't find Harry," Sirius called slightly panicked.

"What? He promised to stay on the sofa or in bed didn't he?" Remus asked with a worried frown.

"Yes! He is going to be in so much trouble when I find out where he's gone to," Sirius said pacing angrily.

"Calm down Sirius, let's check everywhere one more time before you start panicking," Remus said reasonably and Sirius nodded.

The two men started upstairs and worked their way down. The last room they reached was the library. At first glance it appeared empty, but since Sirius had last been in here the sun had set. The windows leading to the backyard now reflected the library. The small sleeping form of his godson was visible curled up on the couch in such a way that he was hidden from view from the doorway. Sirius sighed in relief and the two men made their way to the boy. Sirius frowned when he noticed the dried tear tracks on Harry's face.

"Moony, do think he's been in pain? He's been crying. Maybe his side is hurting him," Sirius said tensely.

"Not that kind of pain Padfoot," Remus said leaning down and retrieving the journal from its place on the floor.

"Oh Harry," Sirius said sadly as he brushed his godson's fringe away from his face so he could place a kiss on the forehead. He gathered the boy in his arms to carry him up the stairs.

Harry slowly opened his eyes and Sirius smiled gently at him.

"What happened?" Harry asked groggily.

"You fell asleep in the library. I'm just bringing you upstairs," Sirius said.

He lay Harry in his bed and moved towards the door.

"Stay, please," Harry said softly.

"Of course," Sirius said sitting on the edge of the bed.

Harry swallowed. He wanted to talk to Sirius about what he was feeling, he needed to.

"I read Mum's journal," he began weakly; he hated how much his voice was shaking. "She was so happy, Dad wrote in it too. They didn't deserve to die. They deserved to have a normal life, with a normal kid who didn't get them killed," Harry finished with a sob.

"Oh Harry, no. You didn't get them killed. None of that was your fault. It was Voldemort, Voldemort and Wormtail, and to an extent, me," Sirius said hugging the boy.

"How was it your fault? You didn't know that Peter was a spy. You were trying to keep us safe! You are always trying to keep me safe and you died for it. Just like they died for it," Harry said brokenly.

"Harry you've read the journal. You know exactly how much they loved you. Do you honestly think that they would regret for one second what happened that night? They would be sorry they had to leave you, but Lily and James would die a hundred times over to keep you safe. They loved you more than anything. You made their lives so much better. You make all of our lives better," Sirius said gently rubbing circles on the boy's back.

"It wasn't your fault," Harry said to Sirius softly.

"How about I stop blaming myself if you do?" Sirius replied.

For a moment no one moved and then Harry nodded and returned his godfather's hug full force. After a bit they both calmed down and Harry was a bit embarrassed by his emotional outburst.

"How did things go at the Ministry?" Harry asked to change the subject.

"Wonderfully, I actually have something I want to talk to you about," Sirius said. His face was alight with excitement and a hint of nervousness. "How would you feel about me adopting you? You would officially become my son, you already are in my opinion, but this would make it legal."

Harry looked at him in shock. Adopt me? He's already my guardian and if he adopts me he can't change his mind. Is he crazy? What if he decides he doesn't want this? The thoughts raced through Harry's head before he was struck with a sudden realization.

He isn't going to change his mind. He wants to be my father as much as I want to be his son.

Harry cleared his throat, "I would love that," he answered sincerely.

"Really?" Sirius asked excitedly.

Harry nodded his throat too tight to speak. Sirius waved his wand and a set of official looking documents and a quill flew into the room.

"I got all the paperwork at the Ministry today. Since I am already your legal guardian the adoption is simple. We both sign here and prick our fingers and drip some blood on it. It will make you my blood heir as well that way," he chattered setting the documents up on Harry's desk.

Harry walked over and signed where he needed too, and once Sirius had signed the two dropped their blood onto the seal. The documents glowed brightly and vanished.

Harry looked quizzically at Sirius.

"Filed in the Hall of Records at the Ministry," Sirius explained with a grin. "I think this calls for a special dinner to celebrate. What do you say to pizza, son?"

"Sounds good to me," Harry said a huge grin stretching across his face.

Sirius left the room to go and ask Remus what he wanted on the pizza he was going to go and pick up. Remus smiled as his best friend all but skipped into his bedroom.

"I take it he liked the idea then?" Remus asked with a smirk.

"He's mine Moony. My son," Sirius said happily. He seized the wolf in a hug and began to waltz them around the room.

"Hey, that's my werewolf you're dancing with," a teasing voice called from the doorway.

Remus blushed as Sirius took a step back, and both men turned to face Tonks.

"Tonks, lovely day isn't it? We are ordering pizza. What will you have on yours? It's a celebration," Sirius said giddily as he seized his cousin in a bear hug.

"What on earth has gotten into you," Tonks asked looking concerned for her cousin's sanity. "It's Azkaban isn't it? Has it finally caught up with him?" she asked Remus teasingly.

"Harry is mine," Sirius said with the air of someone declaring earth shattering news.

"I know, he has been for a few weeks now," Tonks said slowly as if she were speaking to a child.

"No I mean really mine—my son. I've adopted him!" Sirius declared excitedly.

"That's wonderful! Congratulations," Tonks said beaming as she realized the reason behind her cousin's attitude.

Sirius beamed back and hurried off to pick up some pizza. Remus smiled at Tonks and the two shared a deep kiss that was interrupted by a gasp and muttered apology from a very embarrassed teenager.

"Harry! I've just heard from Sirius about the adoption. It's wonderful. You must be thrilled," Tonks said giving the boy a squeeze.

Harry nodded and couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. It dimmed slightly when he looked at Remus.

"Could you give us a minute?" Remus asked Tonks quietly. She nodded and hurried out of the room, only tripping twice over the edge of the rug.

"What's up Cub?" Remus asked kindly.

"Are you upset about the adoption? I'm Sirius's son now and…" Harry began nervously.

He was silenced by a fierce hug from Remus.

"I am so happy for the both of you Harry. You will always be my cub, and you and Padfoot deserve this. I couldn't be more excited," Remus assured the boy.

Harry smiled and sighed in relief as he hugged his honorary uncle back. Remus marveled at the depth of the boy's kindness. He has just been given what he wants more than anything else and he his worrying about me, Remus thought.

The two of them wandered downstairs just in time to rescue the pitcher of lemonade Tonks had set precariously on the edge of the table.

"I was thinking that we can't have a real celebration without cake, so I thought I would whip one up," she said bustling about the kitchen.

Remus and Harry exchanged an alarmed look. Being a menace in the kitchen was a trait shared by many members of the Black family.

"Why don't I help you with that?" Remus said. He grabbed the measuring cups and bowls out of the cupboard.

When Sirius got home with the three pizzas the kitchen looked like a war zone. There was flour and sugar everywhere. Chocolate batter had somehow been splattered across much of the ceiling. Broken eggs dripped down his cupboards. He opened his mouth to yell, but paused when he saw his godson—his son, he corrected himself, laughing in the midst of the mess.

Harry and Tonks flung the flour back and forth at each other. A halfhearted protest on Moony's part earned him another coating of flour himself. Sirius felt his anger melt away at the image of his laughing family. He set the pizzas carefully on the side table and scooped up a glob of chocolate batter. No one had noticed him enter and with careful precision the thick glob of chocolate landed smack in the center of Remus's face.

They all whirled around and Sirius burst into laughter. They all joined in and soon the kitchen was even more of a mess than before. When they had burnt out their energy they all collapsed at the table and dug into the pizza.

"You know I do believe we are going to have to go without cake for this celebration?" Remus teased Tonks. She stuck her tongue out at him, but giggled all the same.

"Without lemonade too," Harry added as he lifted the pitcher. There were large brown globs floating amidst the lemon slices.

With a wave of his wand Sirius had the lemonade fresh again and Harry grinned at him.

The small family enjoyed their dinner and when they had finished they passed a quiet evening in each other's company. Harry could not remember ever having a better time.

The rest of the summer passed in much the same manner. Harry's letters that Hedwig delivered to Ron and Hermione were full of fun stories and happiness. Harry fully recovered from the attack on Diagon Alley and spent many hours flying through the cottages vast gardens. Often times Ron would join him. It was the best summer Harry could ever remember having.

Soon the end of the summer came and with it came the arrival of Hogwarts letters and O.W.L. grades.

"I've been made Quidditch captain," Harry said shocked as he read through the letter.

Sirius beamed and hugged the boy.

"James would be so proud," he assured him. Harry had noticed that Sirius rarely referred to James as 'your dad' anymore and Harry suspected it was to make certain Harry knew that Sirius considered himself Harry's father.

Remus smiled and congratulated the boy, but reminded him that the O.W.L. results were of slightly more importance.

Harry took out the sheet of paper and felt his jaw drop.

"That bad?" Sirius asked with a wince. He didn't fancy having to scold the boy.

Harry just shook his head and handed his results over.

Dear Mr. Potter,

Enclosed you will find your O.W.L. results. Please note that a student must achieve at least an Acceptable (A) to pass the subject.

Astronomy- A

Care of Magical Creatures- E

Transfiguration- O

Defense Against the Dark Arts- O+

Charms-E

History of Magic- D

Potions- O

Divination- A

*Please note that an O+ means you have received the highest score in your year and demonstrated exemplary performance in that subject.

"Harry these are wonderful!" Sirius cried. "You've only failed History of Magic and you've received the highest score in your year for Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Remus smiled and congratulated Harry. He was quite proud of the boy.

"I say Harry, how did you manage to get an 'O' in Potions?" Sirius asked with a smirk.

"No idea," Harry responded smiling. He had done well on all his exams, except for History of Magic and he had had no chance with that one.

"How did you manage to pass Divination and not History?" Remus inquired studying the grades.

"It was during the History of Magic exam that I passed out and had the vision," Harry said suddenly sobering and looking down at his shoes.

Remus immediately felt terrible and Sirius shot him a glare as he placed a calming hand on his godson's shoulder.

"It's okay Harry. We are both here and safe," Sirius assured the boy.

Harry perked up considerably and waved off Remus's apologies.

"Well I suppose we will have to get your school supplies now," Sirius began. He wasn't sure how he was going to be able to bring himself to take Harry back to Diagon Alley after the attack.

Harry could see the conflicted nature of his father's face. He really wanted to go to Diagon Alley, but at the same time he understood that things were dangerous and that Sirius was scared of losing him. He made a difficult decision and took a deep breath.

"I can stay here if you prefer. I trust you to get my things for me. Perhaps Ron could come and spend the day tomorrow and you could go then," Harry offered quietly.

Remus and Sirius both stared at the boy in shock. Remus smiled when he realized that Harry understood Sirius's dilemma and was taking the worry out of his hands. Sirius felt glorious relief seep over him at the realization he didn't have to take Harry back to Diagon Alley so soon.

"Thank you," he said hugging his son.

Harry nodded and smiled at Sirius. Any disappointment he felt over not being able to go to Diagon Alley faded at the sight of how much happier this plan made Sirius. Thus it was decided that Harry would spend the following day at the Burrow with his friends while Remus and Sirius went to Diagon Alley.

A few weeks later Harry stood with Sirius and Remus on Platform 9 ¾ preparing to board the Hogwarts Express. For the first time the summer had gone too fast for Harry. He was going to miss Sirius immensely.

"You'll be home before you know it. Christmas is only a few months away," Sirius said. He wasn't sure if he was reassuring Harry or himself.

Harry nodded and hugged Remus. Remus smiled at the boy and promised to write and send him some chocolate.

Harry turned to his godfather and seized him in a tight hug. He didn't care that he was sixteen and too old for such behavior. He just needed that one last bit of love before he got on the train.

"Love you," he whispered quietly.

"I love you too Pup," Sirius answered blinking rapidly.

Harry waved and jumped on the train to join his friends. The scarlet engine pulled out of the station. Sirius watched until it was out of sight and then turned to his best friend.

"So now that Harry is off to Hogwarts I can focus on you and your relationship with my cousin," Sirius said grinning madly.

Remus groaned and shook his head.

"What? It's not my fault I think a Christmas wedding might be something for Harry to look forward to," Sirius said innocently.

"Padfoot!"

"What? You know you want to marry her Moony. You two are just as disgustingly in love as Lily and James were," Sirius teased.

Remus sighed, but smiled all the same. His friend did have a point. Christmas was a lovely time for a wedding...Remus shook his head.

"Hush Sirius. Let's talk about something more realistic. Are you going to Harry's first match?" Remus asked ginning.

"Of course! I wouldn't miss a chance to see him play! Have you seen him on a broom?" with that Sirius was off on a tangent and Remus merely nodded along and looked happy, pleased he had successfully distracted his friend.

A.N. Hi everybody! So what did you think? I know it jumps ahead quite a bit during the end of the chapter, but I realized I needed to start moving faster if I was going to get any of Harry's sixth year into this story. I think this one will end up going until the Christmas holidays and then the sequel will pick up back at Hogwarts. I know I changed Harry's O.W.L. grades, but I figured since the main point in this story was bringing someone back to life, changing a few grades wouldn't really bother anyone. I really enjoyed writing this chapter! Let me know your thoughts about what Remus should do with Sirius's winter wedding plans ;). You are all awesome! Lots of love!