Chapter Twenty-One: Meanwhile in England
"You could have told me that getting out of prison would mean so much paper-work!" Sirius groaned and his head hit the desk-table with a loud 'THUD'.
Remus who was sitting in an armchair in front of the fireplace closed his book and smiled. "Does that mean you'd rather go back to prison?" he asked innocently.
"No…but this is nearly as bad as reliving all your bad memories. Merlin, have you read this letter from this Lord McGill? A total suck up, who asks for an alliance of our Houses. Says he has a daughter who he'd like to marry off and thought I might be interested. For starters the poof girl is fourteen. I could never do that! Second the old slim-bag is only after my money because I had my account manager look into this guy and he is broke as hell!" Sirius complained and waved a letter through the air.
Remus pretended to gag.
"And that's not the first one I got! And probably won't be that last!" Sirius whined.
"You poor thing." Remus agreed but his mouth was twisted in a smile.
"Don't mock me." Sirius grumbled his head still on the table-top. "I can hear you smile. Traitor."
He sat back up and leaned back in his high-back desk-chair.
"And all that drilling and hammering is giving me a head-ache!" he continued complaining.
"That's your fault. You told the workers if they finished the job in three weeks instead of six you'd pay them a juicy bonus. Should have known it would mean they'd work day and night to get it done."
"But do they have to be so loud? I placed three silencing charms over the office and my room. And they don't keep out all the noises!"
"Look on the bright side" Remus said completely ignoring the dirty look Sirius shot him "When Harry gets back you can't only present him with your freed ugly face but also with a home."
Sirius seemed to contemplate whether to say something to the 'ugly face' comment but decided against it and instead said, while picking up a new envelope.
"And hopefully with his guardianship assigned to me." he whispered and showed the sealed envelope to Remus.
The werewolf sat up straight in his armchair and asked breathlessly: "They replied?"
Sirius nodded and with shaking hands he broke the Gringotts-Seal and took out the letter.
Remus watched his friend as his eyes flew over the lines.
Sirius brow creased, then he looked angry, then shocked and then he looked up and asked: "What day is it?"
Remus, taken aback by the question answered: "Sunday. Why? Sirius, what do they say? Will you be granted the guardianship?"
"I don't know." Sirius said hollowly and rubbed his eyes with his hands. "The letter said that they recognize me as a potential guardian but apparently there are other interested parties that would like a claim in this matter. They have set a hearing for Tuesday at Gringotts to determine the matter."
"Other interested parties?" Remus asked confused and slightly worried. "Who?"
Sirius shrugged. "The Weasleys maybe?" he suggested.
"They would have told us if." Remus said, shaking his head. "They know how much Harry means to you. And that Harry would love to live with you."
"Then who else?" Sirius challenged "Nobody but us, the Weasleys and Dumbledore should know about the change in Harry's legal status. I never told anyone my plans considering Harry. Most people don't even know he's my godson!"
"Pettigrew told them, remember? At the end of the trial." Remus said silently.
Sirius face turned red.
"I know. But that doesn't explain why suddenly someone would be so interested in taking Harry in."
Remus got up and took the letter, scanning the lines himself.
"I think we'll find that out Tuesday morning at eight." He said grimly.
.
Tuesday came faster than Sirius would have liked.
Dressed in his newest set of robes with the Black family crest sprouting from the left chest he strolled calmly down Diagon Alley with Remus at his side.
The early morning crowd parted like the red sea before him and he had to suppress the urge to roll his eyes.
Even after being announced innocent under eth sheer amount of prove the people still eyed him suspiciously.
'Go figure' he thought grimly 'Despite Poppy's potions and fast working diet and my visit at the barbers shop and Madam Malkin's I still look like a scare-crow, only dressed up now.'
It was true while he had gained a lot of weight in the short time since he'd gone into custody nearly a month ago; he was still thin, gaunt even. The bags under his eyes and the haunted look inside of them were slowly disappearing; his hair had been cut and his face shaven. The robes were meant to fit his skinny frame and he had a new wand.
He was still far from healthy.
He guessed it scared the people to see the actual effect Azkaban had.
The looming front of Gringotts appeared before him and he hurried the stairs up to the entrance.
This was the second time since his trial that he set foot in the bank and he still felt in awe of seeing it all again.
The polished stone floor and columns, the mahogany counters, the brass scales, the sound of quills scratching on paper, the giant chandelier hanging above, goblins everywhere, as well as customers and guards.
It was like seeing it again for the first time.
He stopped in the entrance and surveyed the entry hall.
"You ready?" Remus asked next to him.
"I think so. All I know is that I will fight with everything I have to get Harry to live with me. The kid needs and deserves it!"
"I'm just glad he is not here to witness this madness." Remus muttered agreeing with him.
Sirius nodded.
"It's been crazy these last weeks. The reporters are already suspecting his involvement in all of this. If they saw us together in public or got wind of the guardian ship thing he'd be targeted as well. We can't allow that." He said grimly.
Remus nodded mutely.
Swiftly Sirius approached the closest free goblin.
"Good day Master Goblin. I am here for a custody hearing with Master Frenjar. Could you tell me where I find him?" he asked as politely as possible. But truth be told, he didn't like goblins much. Most of them were to hell-bend on making profit for his liking and they were generally nasty to deal with.
Still, that didn't mean he had to provoke them unnecessarily.
The goblin hardly looked up from his book.
"Name?" he asked.
"Sirius Orion Black." Sirius said calmly.
He hoped it would get any reaction out of the creature but the goblin merely glanced up before taking the small bell that rested on his desk and shook it while calling: "Humboldt! Come here!"
A smaller, younger looking goblin appeared at his side.
"Yes Master Pinkry?" he asked with a bow.
"Take Lord Black and his friend to Master Frenjar on the sixth floor for the hearing." He said with a waving motion of his hand.
"Of course Master Pinkry." The younger goblin said and then addressed Sirius.
"If you'd follow me Lord Black, it's this way."
"Thank you Master Pinkry. Please, lead the way Master Humboldt." Sirius said and followed the goblin out of the foyer.
"It's just Humboldt sir. I am not a Master yet. I'm too young." The goblin said as he let them along.
"I apologize." Sirius said.
"No need. A common mistake. This way gentlemen."
They climbed many stairs, rode in an elevator and walked endlessly long corridors until they reached their destination.
Humboldt knocked on a door and waited until form inside a gruff voice asked: "What?"
"Master Frenjar, this is Humboldt. Master Pinkry sends me with Lord Black for a custody hearing, sir."
"Well, send them in already." The gruff voice said.
Humboldt opened the door and let them enter.
The office was fairly large with huge glass windows along one wall, overlooking Diagon Alley rather spectacularly.
There was a huge oak-desk behind which a goblin sat.
In front of the desk stood two separate tables with two chairs each.
In the back there was a fire-place with an assortment of armchairs around it as well as many cabinets and bookshelves.
The goblin in question had gotten up and held out his hand.
"Good morning Lord Black. Good morning Mr. Lupin. Please sit down. You are the first to arrive."
Sirius shook the goblins hand, careful to avoid the claw-like fingernails.
"Good morning Master Frenjar. Thank you for answering so quickly."
The goblin shrugged. "I just hope we have this cleared quickly."
"Me too." Sirius agreed.
.
They sat in silence for five minutes, then the door opened again and a goblin let in a familiar woman.
"Madam Bones." Sirius exclaimed surprised and bewildered.
He rose to shake the woman's hand.
"Lord Black, Mr. Lupin. A pleasure to see you again." she said.
"The pleasure is all ours but what are you doing here?" Sirius asked baffled.
"Madam Bones is here as a delegation from eth Ministry of Magic to aid in this matter." Master Frenjar said.
Sirius frowned but Madam Bones said: "It will be explained all in good time. My colleague should arrive any minute now."
She was right. Just moments after she had finished the door opened again and a pompous looking man with short oily hair and goatee entered.
"A good, Madam Bones you are here." He said in a voice just a pompous as his outer appearance.
All about his screamed 'Ministry Official that loves his job' and probably a pure-blood judging by his behavior.
To Sirius's delight he detected a scowl on the goblins face.
"Let's get this started then!" the man sat and sat down at the other table without a word of greeting.
"I'm afraid, Mr. Donavan, that we are still missing one member." Master Frenjar said with gritted teeth.
"It is almost eight. I do not like to be kept waiting." The newly baptized Mr. Donovan said irritated.
"Nearly eight means that my colleague has another two minutes to appear before he is late." The goblin said coolly.
Then he turned to Madam Bones and offered her a chair close to his desk.
Shortly after, the door opened and another goblin entered.
He was smaller than Master Frenjar but a lot more muscular and ha d a lot of scars ran over his face.
He was also not dressed in the finery of the bank officials but in goblin armor.
Sirius detected the sign of the Cure-Breakers on his breastplate.
He wondered what he was doing here.
"Good morning." He said gruffly.
"Good morning Master Raknok. Have a seat please." Master Frenjar said and pointed at a chair to his left.
The other goblin nodded curtly and sat down.
"Now that we are complete, we may begin." Frenjar said.
"We are here today to discuss the legal status of one Harry James Potter." he said calmly while scanning a few papers in front of him.
"He has been without a legal guardian for half a month now. Should this reach the one-month mark Mr. Potter will be made a ward to the Ministry of Magic. As potential candidates you have been gathered here today. Up until now Gringotts holds the guardianship over Mr. Potter."
"Why does Gringotts hold his guardianship in the first place?" Sirius asked.
"Gringotts is not only in charge of your finances Mr. Black. We handle successions, last wills, inheritances and other family businesses as such because they are keyed into the finances. As such the guardianship of underage customers also falls into our hands. The Ministry has never really bothered themselves with these matters and is quite happy to leave this up to us." The Goblin said briskly.
"When Mr. Potter's prior guardians forsake him his home and he cut his ties with them as well, his magical legal status changed and he became our ward. This cannot continue as such though, which is why Gringotts would have contacted you soon, had you not contacted us first." He continued explaining. Sirius nodded. It made some sort of sense.
"Because of potential money-claims Gringotts has a better overview over family-ties and relations and as thus can determine in cases like this any potential candidates for a guardianship. Until then the person in question is a ward to Gringotts Bank. Mr. Potter's current guardian is also his handler on the Curse-Breaking Program, Master Raknok here."
So that was why he was here.
Sirius studied the goblin closer.
"How is Harry?" he asked, hoping the Goblin had heard something from the mission.
The goblin shook his head. "I am not allowed to share any information with you. Should the guardianship be handed to you I will be able but for now I cannot tell you anything." He said.
But Sirius saw something in the creature's eyes.
Uneasiness.
He swallowed hardly.
But he was interrupted by Mr. Donovan who asked: "What are you talking about? What Curse-Breaking Program?"
"Mr. Potter has entered the Curse-Breaking Program for promising talents this summer that is sponsored by Gringotts." Master Frenjar explained shortly.
Donovan shook his head disapprovingly. "That will have to stop of course. We can't have a figure head like the Boy Who Lived running around with barbarians, raiding tombs and living like a lowlife servant." He stated.
All eyes were on him and not only Sirius was staring at him with disbelieve.
The goblins looked especially affronted.
Didn't the guy realize that he was shooting himself by stating such things in front of one of the creatures that would decided whether or not he would have custody of Harry?
But Frenjar collected himself and chose to ignore the man's comment for now.
"This" he continued "is this standard procedure. If Gringotts can't find a suitable guardian after a month the ward in question is given to the Ministry officials who take the case to their responsible department. Now, I, as Mr. Potter's case manger, have looked into this deeply and found Lord Black to be a potential candidate. I already explained my presence, Madam Bones is here to discuss and determine with me who will be granted the guardianship and Mr. Donovan is here as a represent of the Ministry of Magic who in turn have shown similar interests as Lord Black. Now, will that settle all questions for now?" he growled.
"I have one." Sirius said. "Why is the Ministry interested in my godson?"
He put the emphasis on 'my godson'.
Mr. Donovan lean back and said, with narrowed eyes:
"Not accounting the fact the Mr. Potter is the boy who lived and as such an important face of today's society? The boy is an heir of an ancient and noble family and one of great influence in the media and among the people. The boy has great potential. The Ministry would give him proper education and training early in life to ensure a great career with lots of profit and befitting someone of his standing. We can provide him with tutors and higher education after he has finished his studies at Hogwarts. We will be able to break him into his duties as the head of his house once he reaches majority and make him a fine member of our society." He explained though most it was more directed at Madam Bones and Frenjar than at Sirius.
Sirius snorted. "And what would you get from doing that? What do you demand in return?" he challenged.
"We want nothing in return! Harry Potter is a child to every wizard and witch in the magical world of Britain. It is the right thing to do in the eyes of the Ministry." Donovan said with a shrug but Sirius could see his true intentions. Or rather the Ministries true intentions. Donovan was just a pawn.
Twelve years in Azkaban hadn't made Sirius stupid. He knew politics and politicians. He knew they never did anything just 'because it was the right thing to do'. There was always a back-thought to everything they did and said.
"He'd be your puppet. Your puppet in the media, the Wizengamot and generally in our society." he growled back.
"We won't deny that havening the Boy-Who-Lived as an ally wouldn't hurt our image. But that's not what we're after." Donovan said.
Sirius turned to Madam Bones.
"Madam Bones! Do you hear that? They intend on using Harry!"
But Madam Bones stayed neutral, observing them all, making notes and not commenting.
Sirius turned back to the Ministry Official.
"What about his friends? Would he be able to grow up normally in your plan? Where would he live? And with whom?"
"All valid questions. To answer them: Of course will Mr. Potter be able to see his friends and to spend part of his holidays with them. Of course we will give him the necessary space and time he needs for himself. We will take care of him. As best as we can. As to answer your last two questions…Mr. Potter wouldn't be the only ward of the Ministry. We have a few more, one or two in his age and some older ones. He would live together with them under the supervision of someone who used to be a ward to us and is now bound in our services. He'd be surrounded by people in the same situation as he is and be able to learn what his future will look like. We are sure that he'd be very content."
Sirius snorted again. "Sound to me like you want to form him into your little pawn. Because I know for certain that one of Harrys fears is to be shipped off to an orphanage. What you describe sounds suspiciously like one."
"Well Mr. Black, what do you have to offer than?" the man asked in reply.
Where are you going with this you little bastard, Sirius thought.
"You may have been pardoned but you are still at the beginning of remerging with our society. You have no home to call your own or for Mr. Potter, you have no work, your name, although cleared, still attracts suspicion and your life will not settle in the next months. You must pick up your responsibilities as the Head of your own house. Much work is there for you to do and not much time of yours would be spend at home to look after your ward. Is that the right environment for a teenager?"
Sirius would have liked nothing more but to punch the slim-sacks smiling face.
A quick glance at Madam Bones showed him that she still wasn't giving any reactions.
Good, he thought.
He straightened up.
"You are wrong Mr. Donovan. I do have a house. I admit that we're still doing some final touches to the wallpapers but the company I hired assured my they'd be done within the next two weeks or so. Just in time when Harry gets home. As for the job problem you managed" here he scoffed "I do not mean to brag but even before the Ministry compensated me I was filthy rich. Money is not a problem and, as you so fitting mentioned, I already have a lot to do and sort out, a job just would take away my precious time. As for me being the head of my house I have to say that there isn't actually that much to do for me. My house nowadays mostly consists of me and an old house elf. My cousin Andromeda Black married and is as such no longer considered a primary member of the Black Family. My other cousin Narcissa Black is married as well, to Lucius Malfoy as you might very well know, so the same thing goes for her. Both of them are not my responsibility. Not at the moment at last and while their children could have a potential claim to enter my family should they not wish to be a member of theirs any longer, I sincerely doubt that will happen. As for my third cousin, well, Bellatrix is in Azkaban and hopefully will die there. But she too is married to that doesn't make her my responsibility either. My brother is dead, as are my parents and any other relation I might had once. I did my reading and research and came up quite empty handed. There are no people in my house that would need leading so I'm pretty free in that aspect. As to my responsibilities as a Head of House outside my family I must say that my seat in the Wizengamot has not been reinstated yet and won't be until the next election in six months. I am not on the board of Governors nor do I hold any other positions from prior my imprisonment. I was an Auror but on a junior one. Seeing that those are the major responsibilities of a Head of House, I don't see where you see the problems with my time. Also Harry will be returning to Hogwarts come fall so there wouldn't be need of me until Christmas. I dare say that, counting from today onwards, I will have dealt with all pressing matters by then, don't you agree?"
Sirius took a breath before continuing.
He quite liked how everybody was looking at him either angry of dumbfound.
"As for your comment about Harry's education and what you can offer him. Well, there is nothing money can't buy. I too can provide him with all the education he wants and needs. I am sure that Gringotts would love to keep Harry in their Junior-Program and could provide him with the necessary education in that aspect, as well as with a career should he decide for it. I think we'd be able to work out an agreement" he looked meaningfully at Master Raknok who smiled. Suddenly Sirius didn't mind Goblins as much as before. Turning back to Mr. Donovan he continued:
"Above all, I can offer him a loving home. I knew his parents; I grew up with his father. They made me his godfather for a reason. I can give Harry what he deserves. Living with me he will be able to find out what it feels like to be loved and wanted, he will be able to see his friends whenever he likes, I will take him on holidays and week-end-trips, I will help and be there for him like any parent. That is the environment a teenager needs! Harry wants to live with me that he's told me many times.
As for my name still attracting unwanted attention and anger…so what? I can protect Harry. I would lay down my life for him. And Harry can deal with that sort of thing. He got a lot of shit thrown at him last year! "
Sirius took deep breaths, trying to calm his heart down.
He'd gotten about more caught up in this than he'd wanted.
"And what about your metal stability Mr. Black?" Mr. Donovan asked innocently. "After all, twelve years in Azkaban are strenuous. Who can say that you are not damaged from your time. People have gone crazy after shorter amounts of time there. Who is to say that you won't snap some day? That you won't be a danger to Mr. Potter? That you are not just a ticking time-bomb waiting to get off? We think you might not be fit to raise a child."
It was a low blow to Sirius but a valid point.
He did have nightmares from his time there, of course. Yes, the years had taken its toll on him but he was fine.
Having Harry back gave him the purpose he needed to keep going, to get better.
"I'm fine." He growled.
He knew that wasn't very convincing.
"What do you say? Madam Bones? Mr. Frenjar?" Donavan asked.
The goblin scowled. "It's Master Frenjar to you wizard." He said.
Donavan looked as if he was going to make a comment but seeing the sharp weapons Raknok carried he decided against it.
Instead he turned to Madam Bones.
The woman considered both parties.
The eye behind her monocle twitched slightly.
"While you do mention an important point Aster" she said to Donavan "We had a psychological examination of Mr. Black ordered in the time he was in Ministry custody and while he does have a trauma from his experience at Azkaban as well as sleeping problems, his examination was surprisingly positive. I think" she looked at Frenjar "that the task of raising Mr. Potter would not be a problem for him. I think both parties could profit from it. Furthermore I knew James and Lily Potter, Mr. Potter's parents. Mr. Black was their first choice, together with Alice Longbottom. Since the latter is not able to perform her duties I don't think it is right to go against the Potters last will, don't you agree Aster?"
She gave him a sharp look.
"I only want what is the best for Mr. Potter and that is…" Donovan began but Frenjar interrupted him be continuing for him: "respecting his parent's, heroes to our world, last wish. Yes, I quite agree Madam Bones. I think there is no need to take this before the Ministry. I am the DMLF agrees with Gringotts decision if we hand Mr. Potters guardianship to Lord Black."
Sirius heart beat wildly.
Madam Bones smiled. "Though you don't need my approval, I will give it anyway." she said.
"Very well."
Frenjar dipped his Quill in the richly decorated inkpot and scribbled something on the papers in front of him.
"Lord Black, if you'd please come here and sign the papers to make it official." He asked Sirius, waving with the quill.
Sirius leapt to his feet and approached the desk but faltered mid-step when Donavan called out: "You cannot do this. Leaving the boy who lived with and ex-convict? The Minister will hear about this! And the media!"
"Of course I can do this." Frenjar said coolly. "This is Gringotts jurisdiction. We operate independently from the Ministry. The handling of guardianships and such things has been our field of work for hundreds of years now, not that of the Ministry. If you'd listened to what I said in the beginning then you'd know that we consult the Ministry after a month if there are no suitable matches. Since the month hasn't passed and we found a match, this is outside of the Ministers influence. So stop babbling like an inarticulate idiot." The goblins tone had grown icy cold.
"As you said, Lord Black is an ex-convict, meaning an innocent victim" Madam Bones piped up "I'm pretty sure the media would love the story of the caring godfather, who broke out of prison for his godson when he realized his godson was in danger and stopped caring for his own well-being. And now the two of them are reunited, just like it was the dead parents wish. With your consent I could owl the Prophet Sirius." She added.
He knew she didn't really mean it but he played along, rubbing his chin and saying: "I'll consider it. I'd need to talk to Harry first of course. It's his decision as well after all."
He pointedly looked at Donovan.
"Of course Sirius."
"Lord Black, your signature, if you please…" Frenjar said again.
Sirius quickly scribbled his name onto the dotted line that the goblin pointed at.
The ink glowed and Sirius felt the rush of magic go through as the magical binding contract activated itself.
"Congratulations Lord Black to your new member to the House of Black. I will give you a copy of the contract to read at home. Should there be any questions feel free to contact me. For now you are Mr. Potters Guardian until he reaches majority. Mr. Potter vaults will stay his and inaccessible by you unless the young heir wishes to change that. I think you can imagine your duties." The goblin said and gave him a slight predatory smile.
"I will leave you and Master Raknok to discuss whatever you want to discuss. I will bid my farewell, I have other matters to attend to."
"As do I. Good day gentlemen." Madam Bones said.
"Good day Madam Bones. And thank you." Sirius said, shaking her hand.
"I only did my job." she said and left the room.
"If you'd follow me Lord Black, I think my office will suffice for this meeting." Raknok said. Then with a side glance at Remus, who had sat through all this quietly, knowing he had no say in these things, the goblin added apologetic: "I'm afraid Mr. Lupin will have to wait outside. Though I know you will tell him everything I will tell you the house rules forbid him from attending."
Remus waved it aside. "It's no bother. I will wait at the Ice-Cream-Parlor for you Sirius." He said.
"Thank you Remus. It won't take long."
.
Raknok's office was littered with weapons, maps, scrolls and charts, books, treasures like amulets and gems and a lot of other stuff.
The desk nearly disappeared under all the papers.
From somewhere he produced a second chair for Sirius to sit in while he sat down behind his desk.
"Excuse the chaos but I'm afraid lately there has been so much going on with all the troops we have in the field that I'm a bit behind the paper-work."
Sirius nodded.
"Now…I can imagine that you have a lot of questions concerning your new ward." Raknok said.
"That's an understatement. When I got home from my trial I was expecting Harry to be there. Instead I learn he's halfway around the world on a Curse-Breaking-Mission with eth eldest Weasley-son. I've tried writing him but the birds always come back. The Weasleys as well haven't heard from their son. So we're all a bit worried." Sirius said.
"Well, I will tell you what I know. Mr. Potter has developed a sudden interest in Curse-Breaking and shown a great talent for it as well. Good enough for us to accept him as Mr. Weasleys novice and take him in on our summer-program for promising upstarts. When Mr. Dumbledore approached us if we could allow the boy to come with Weasley on the expedition we were skeptical at first but after Weasley sent in a report about the boy and we examined some of his work as well as school-records we deemed it acceptable to allow him to go along. We believe in learning on the job which is why we send many of our novices early out into the field to weed out those that can't deal with this job." The goblin explained matter-of-factly.
"Now…as for your godsons mission…He's left England with a big group of experienced Curse-Breakers and two other novices, though none of them are Gringotts apprentices. Anyway, a few months ago there was a massive earthquake in the deep jungle of Cambodia which resulted in a magical white-spot. That means that an entire area is shielded from powerful magic and that it doesn't allow us to pinpoint its source. We put a team together deal with this problem. Harry Potter among them."
Sirius shifted in his chair. "I sense a big 'But' coming." He said.
"But" the goblin said "because of this magical bubble they are cut off from the rest of the world. We have no way of contacting them and they have no way of reaching us. We monitor the area as bets as we can but the area is huge and we don' know where they are, what they found and how everything is going."
Sirius opened his mouth to protest but Raknok quickly continued.
"We do know though that they are alive. All of our people are submitted to monitor-charms. They are still intact."
He waved his hand and a holographic image appeared in front of Sirius.
In alphabetical order pictures and names together with medical information appeared in a neat table.
He quickly scanned the names and close to the bottom he found:
Potter; Harry James: Pulse: 60 b/min Blood-Pressure: 60/80 Body-Temperature: 37° Celsius Repertory: Normal Oxygen Levels: Stable Brain Activity: Low Current status: Asleep
There was more information, like age, height, weight, blood-type and allergy-information and there were diagrams and charts with each name.
Sirius stared at the picture that came with Harry's name.
Harrys hair was still messy but in a strange orderly sort of way.
His round classes were gone. Instead he had thicker square glasses that suited him much better.
He was smiling in the camera and since it was a magical picture he moved slightly, glanced beyond the camera before returning to smile again.
Sirius heart soared at the sight of the boy.
God, he missed the little prongslet.
"As you can see, the whole team is fine. None of them was majorly hurt or killed. I know this isn't much information but it is something." Raknok said, eyeing the table as well.
As they watched Sirius saw how Harrys pulse and blood-pressure, and not just his but those of the others too, slowly rose.
And suddenly the 'Current Status' switched from 'Asleep' to 'Awake'.
"Mr. Potter will be fine. He's in good company. There is nothing these men and woman haven't seen before."
Sirius nodded and sighed.
"Thank you. I appreciate it. Please keep me update if anything happens."
"I see what I can do."
Sirius nodded, stood up, shook the goblins hand and left.
.
Sirius met Remus in the back of the ice-Cream-Parlor.
Remus looked at him questioningly and Sirius told him what he'd learned from Raknok.
Remus frowned.
"Well at least he's fine so far. And Bill too, we can tell the Weasleys that, it will lessen their worry." He said though he sounded a bit distracted.
"What is it Remus?" Sirius asked.
"I…I don't know if I image to much or interpreted it all wrong but…the meeting we just had…I don't know Sirius but don't you think it was a bit…easy? Quick?"
"What do you mean?"
"I thought Harry's custody hearing would last longer and be far more complicated."
"Why?"
"I don't know. Maybe because with Harry things are always a bit more complicated."
"I am worried as well that the Ministry wanted him. But…we won…so…its okay now." Sirius said.
"If they really wanted Harry then why send someone as incompetent as Donavan to represent them?"
"Maybe they don't know how bad he is."
"Or this was never about the custody."
Sirius frowned.
"What are you saying Remus?"
"Nothing per se. But something doesn't seem right about all of this." Remus answered seriously.
.
.
.
.
"You were right, they boy is not there."
"Then where is he?"
"On a Curse-Breaking-Mission operated by Gringotts."
"Where Donavan?"
"I…I don't know. The wards on the Goblins office where to strong."
"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!"
"I know…but they wouldn't tell me!"
"They you are no longer of use to us!"
"No please…"
"AVADA KEDAVRA!"
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Sirius and Remus were back in the study of Sirius new house.
The sound of working people and machines was still there.
With a tub of ice-cream each they settled down in the armchairs in front of the fireplace but Sirius didn't even have two spoonfuls of the delicious frozen food when the fire turned green and with a small cloud of sooth and ash Albus Dumbledore stepped out of the fireplace.
Sirius regretted giving the headmaster access to the house but it had been unavoidable.
The man looked grim and Sirius dreaded the upcoming conversation already.
"Albus? What is it?" Remus asked, getting up.
"I heard about you being made Harrys guardian Sirius. Congratulations but I had hoped you'd talk to me about it first."
"I don't need your permission. Lily and James wanted me as his godfather. It's my duty to care for him if they cannot." Sirius said stiffly.
"That's not what I meant Sirius. I could have helped."
"Yeah well, your help wasn't needed. Thanks though." Sirius muttered.
"Though that is not why you are here, or?" he asked and with a flick of his wand he conjured a chair for the Headmaster to sit down in.
"I'm afraid that it's not." Dumbledore said. "I have bad news."
"What happened?" Remus asked worried.
"I was just told that Peter Pettigrew escaped."
Silence.
"WHAT?" Sirius asked sharply, fury already rising in his chest.
"How did he escape?" Remus ask, also red-faced.
"Well, he never really reached Azkaban. The boat that transported him was raided. The crew as well as half of the prisoners on board were killed. The rest were taken. Pettigrew among them." The professor said darkly.
"You mean to tell me the rat has been free for a week and we only learn about it now?" Sirius hissed.
"I am as angry about this as you are Sirius, believe me."
"And what will they do about it?" Remus asked.
"Well, a handful of Aurors have been put on the case but I don't expect much. They have no leads what so ever."
"What could they possible want with Pettigrew? He's a failure in all aspects."
"He still betrayed Lily and James and framed you and managed to stay undetected for twelve years. We don't know what he was to the Dark Lords old circle but what Sybil saw was true and if the Death Eaters do get active again, I fear for the worst."
"But Voldemort is dead." Remus said, swallowing when he said the name.
"I'm afraid Remus that we do not know that hundred percent. In fact I have reason to believe that he's still alive. Not a full power yet but alive nonetheless."
Remus and Sirius paled.
Sirius sat down heavily.
"I am really happy Harry is not here at the moment." he whispered.
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In the dark of the jungle four spots of light hovered through the air, moved down the side of a gorge and traveled over flat ground.
"Fools!" a voice growled. "No guards, no alarms, no protection at all. Fools the lot of them!"
Three more voices murmured their consent.
"Well, the better for us!" a second raspy sounding voice said with a light laugh.
"Could it be a trap?" another vice asked. He didn't sound overly concerned.
The first voice snorted. "I doubt it very much." He said.
"And it's in there? You're sure?" asked the fourth voice.
"Where else could it be?" snarled the second voice impatiently.
"Well if we are wrong all of this will be for nothing and we will risk the master wrath." said the third voice.
"This is the place don't you worry. Now come on." Growled the first voice.
The four bulbs of light approached the cave entrance.
"They'll never know what hit them. Fools, they are all fools for thinking they'd ever be save."