A/N: Thanks for all of the votes so far on the Patronus form. I've had a couple of suggestions I'd not heard of before, so I'm taking that one into consideration as well. Also, I've fixed the error in the storyline where I said Harry was not in the Black bloodline since his grandmother, Dorea Potter, was a Black.

54. Aftermath

The headlines in the Daily Prophet were huge the next day:

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE DEAD!

CONVICTED, ORDERED STRIPPED OF HIS MAGIC.

LIFE SENTENCE IN AZKABAN, PAY RESTITUTION!

By Rita Skeeter

Albus Dumbledore, former Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, was placed on trial yesterday for various offences committed over a period of years. Mr. Dumbledore was ordered to be stripped of his magic and sent to Azkaban for the remainder of his life as well as paying restitution for his misdeeds. A ministry spokeswizard stated that after Mr. Dumbledore was stripped of his magic, he expired as a result of his advanced age. He was 112 years old.*

Mr. Dumbledore surprised everyone by pleading guilty to all charges before the full Wizengamot court (A full list of charges can be found on page 2). The charges against him in his conduct of the affairs of Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, were long and extremely serious. These charges include binding the young wizard's magic after he arrived at Hogwarts, placing other charms on him, stealing from his inheritance and leaving him in an abusive and neglectful situation during his formative years.

Additional charges against him for his conduct at Hogwarts included two instances of putting the entire student body, professors and staff into extreme danger. In one instance he lured the spirit of He Who Must Not Be Named into the school by placing Nicholas and Perenell Flamel's famous Philosopher's Stone in the castle. In the other, he allowed a basilisk to roam freely throughout the castle resulting in the petrification of four students, one ghost and one cat. From the testimony presented, Harry Potter was responsible for defeating both the spirit of He Who Must Not Be Named and the basilisk. We assume that the basilisk parts currently up for auction by Gringotts are from the very same basilisk.

Mr. Dumbledore also plead guilty to placing illegal charms on three members of the Hogwarts staff as well as Mr. Potter's Muggle guardians. He also plead guilty to his role in the illegal incarceration of Lord Sirius Black.

Attempts to contact all parties for statements were unsuccessful. Gerald Howe, solicitor for both Lord Sirius Black and Harry Potter, said that his clients have not decided on whether they will offer a statement or not. Mr. Potter's statement to the court was quite moving and heartfelt and can be found elsewhere on this page. Related stories are included throughout today's Daily Prophet.

Hermione read the headlines with sadness for what could have been for many of the people affected by Dumbledore's actions. Professor McGonagall had announced the former Headmaster's death at dinner last night. She was aware of many of the charges against the former Headmaster, but when laid out as the Prophet had, it was a bit overwhelming. She then came upon the statement made by Harry to the court. As she read it, tears slowly slid down her cheeks. She looked over at Ron, but he was too busy eating to have noticed what was going on but Ginny had.

"What's the matter, Hermione?" she asked.

"Poor Harry. I know he told us about the Dursleys this summer, but when you put that along with all of the things they say Professor Dumbledore did as well, it's amazing he's such a kind and gentle soul."

"I know. I think Dad went to the trial as well. I saw Errol come in and drop something off with Percy, but I don't know if it's related to what happened yesterday or not."

Neville added to the conversation, "I got a letter from Gran. She was horrified with the way Harry's been treated. She told me if she ever heard I was mean to him; she'd shut down my greenhouses. I think she really means it too."

Hermione asked, "Has anyone heard from Harry today?"

"I didn't see Hedwig this morning, so evidently not," replied Ginny.

Professor McGonagall stood up and tapped her glass, "Attention students. Those of you who are scheduled for Defense Against the Dark Arts today will have a study period instead. Professor Lupin has been detained by other business. Those of you who are scheduled Monday and Tuesday have already been provided with the topic for those classes. Any issues pertaining to Gryffindor will be referred to me in the meantime. I don't expect there to be any," she looked pointedly at the Gryffindor table and specifically at the twins. "I'm sure many of you have questions about yesterday's events. Please refer those question to your Heads of House or myself. I'm quite aware of how the gossip mill in this school operates and it will do no one good for it to get out of hand. Enjoy your Friday." What she had not revealed to the anyone yet was that a new portrait had joined the other former headmasters in her office.

The students took that statement as their dismissal and headed off to their first class of the day.

OoOoOoOoOo

The occupants of Black Hall took their time getting up. It had been an emotion-filled evening for them all. They had returned from Potter Hall after finishing their tea. Harry and Sirius had gone to change before gathering in the sitting room. The three still had a numb feeling and were all lost in their thoughts. They were surprised when Kreacher announced that dinner was ready. Once they finished, they'd spent the rest of the evening discussing the day's events with James and Lily. Harry had once again fallen asleep while they were talking and Remus had taken him upstairs to bed.

Sirius, with Remus' approval, had set an owl redirect for all of his mail to go to Potter Hall with the exception of correspondence from Harry, Remus, Gerald and Gringotts. He was reading the paper when Dobby popped in with a huge pile of mail. He'd already gotten an owl from Gerald wanting to set up a press conference for both Harry and himself to dispel any rumors flying around. Dobby told them he'd had to destroy about a half dozen howlers. Apparently the owls with mail for Harry had also taken their bounty to Potter Hall as well. Dobby suggested they might want him to take the mail to another room first. That's when they realized Dobby had shrunk the mail into a more manageable size. Sirius had Dobby take it into the library and they would deal with it there. However, there was one letter he gave directly to Sirius. It was from the Interim Minister for Magic.

"Amelia would like us to come to the Ministry today, pup. She's got a final letter from Albus for you as well as his wand. She asked if we could come by about eleven this morning. I'll send a message to her that we'll be there. I think Gerald is right, though. We probably should hold a press conference. I know you had your say yesterday, but I know there are still a lot of questions."

"Why can't they leave us alone now and let us be a normal family?" he fumed.

"Harry," said Remus, "when are you going to understand there is nothing normal about you?"

"I know it isn't fun, but if we get it over with, we can have the rest of the weekend free, well, after you've finished your homework."

Harry gave Sirius a glare.

"Don't look at me like that! You're still in school and you still have homework."

"I know I've already given you your assignment for next week when I'm out because of the full moon. Luckily, Minerva is just assigning a study period for today's classes."

"OK. I guess it's got to be done. But can we go to Potter Manor later so I can fly?"

Both men knew that was Harry's way of blowing off steam and relaxing.

"Sure, I might even join you," said Sirius.

Sirius sent an owl back to Gerald and asked him to set up a time and place and they would give one, and only one, press conference. After that, they were done for a very long time. The three went into the library where Sirius waved his wand and the pile of mail divided itself into two piles; one for Sirius and one for Harry. Harry's was by far the largest of the group as Sirius had received the bulk of his once he'd been acquitted. Remus showed Harry the spell to open the letters in bulk so he could save time. He sat down with Harry to help him go through his stack. They quickly developed a system for categorizing the letters: those that required a reply, those that just offered their support, those that Gerald might need to look at for they were offers of different sorts, and those that should be binned. Once Sirius had gone through his stack, he also helped Harry out. When they were all finished, they sat back with a sigh. Gerald's owl returned with a suggested time of nine the next morning, giving them a day to relax. Sirius sent it back with an OK.

Just before eleven, the party made their way to the Minister for Magic's office. Emily was expecting them and showed them in as soon as they arrived.

"Good to see you all again. I'm sure you were as surprised as I was about the final end of Albus," said Amelia.

"I assume that without his magic, his body wasn't able to maintain itself," said Sirius.

"That is what everyone else has said."

"What about his body?" asked Harry.

"We've been in contact with his brother, Aberforth. I believe he plans to have him buried quietly in the family plot in Godric's Hollow."

Harry remembered seeing the Dumbledore plot when they'd visited his parents last month. Still, would that be a safe place to bury the man?

"Well, I'm sure you all have better things to do so let me make this short. Harry, here is the wand that Albus wanted you to have." She reached into her desk and picked up the wand and handed it to Harry. When Harry touched it, he felt a warm sensation flood through his body even more intense than that when he'd put on the Potter Heir ring. A fountain of sparks of all different colors shot out of the end.

"Wow! That's even more than my wand when I first got it at Ollivander's."

"That is quite unusual for two wands to be so compatible with a wizard, Harry," said Remus.

Harry rolled his eyes and said, "Well, when have I ever been normal?" The three adults laughed.

Amelia handed him the letter from Dumbledore and they took their leave.

After lunch they proceeded to Potter Manor. Harry had his broom while the other two would get one of the brooms there. Sirius told him he'd let him fly for two hours if he did two hours' worth of homework satisfactorily. Harry rolled his eyes at him and suddenly found his eyeballs rolling around and around in his head.

"Sirius! Stop it!"

"What did I tell you about rolling your eyes at me young man? Don't think I didn't see you at the Ministry this morning either."

"Ok! I get it! Now make it stop unless you want me to toss my lunch up so soon."

After their flying, the three settled into the library. Harry pulled out the letter from Dumbledore to read.

Dear Harry,

Once again, I must apologize for the damage I have done to you in your life. While I knew that Petunia might not welcome you into her home as she would her own child, I never imagined she would be such a hateful woman. I owe Sirius a similar apology as well. Despite my meddling, the two of you are now together as it should have been and I am confident you will be good for each other.

I know that sending you on the hunt for the various artifacts without any further guidance will be difficult but I believe you all are up to the task. The more you are able to find, the less likely it will be for Voldemort to return. You are an amazing young man with a bright future; one you should be able to enjoy without the threat of a dark wizard hanging over you or a meddling old man. I trust that you will do what you must to ensure the eventual end.

Trust yourself, Harry. When the time is right, remember that while things may be at their worst, happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.

Your humble servant,

Albus Dumbledore

OoOoOoOoOo

Gerald's office was a hub of activity. Between owls from his regular clients and owls regarding Sirius and Harry, he spent his whole day fighting fires. He was relieved when he got the owl from Sirius agreeing to the press conference, now he just had to find a location large enough to host it. There was an unoccupied building that Harry had inherited from someone along the way at 93 Diagon Alley that would probably work, but he'd need to get it cleaned up. It was just down the street from his office so he took a quick walk over. He'd gotten the key from the Goblins when he'd become Harry's solicitor. It would do quite well for what they needed with just a bit of work. Well, Sirius had said to call Dobby if he needed some assistance or needed to contact him quickly.

OoOoOoOoOo

At the offices of the International Confederation of Wizards, the news of their Supreme Mugwump's guilt and death spread like wildfire throughout the member countries. The current deputy was from Australia, so it took a while to get correspondence between the headquarters and Olivia Whetstone. While the meeting was still a bit over two weeks away, she knew she would need to rearrange her travel plans to arrive a few days early to try to make sense of the items on the agenda as well as any other issues pending before the ICW. She knew England would be briefing about the next Quidditch World Cup and had expected a discussion about the possibility of reviving the TriWizard Tournament. That had been something Dumbledore had been forcing through. Without his sponsorship, its likelihood of survival was slim.

OoOoOoOoOo

Igor Karkaroff read the article about Dumbledore with great interest. So the old man had some bollocks after all. He wasn't as pure as he tried to make everyone believe. Well, he'd always thought there was something more to the story of him and Grindelwald that wasn't being told as well. The Bulgarian Ministry had told him that they were hesitant to agree to Durmstrang's competition in the TriWizard Tournament. Plus, he hadn't been looking forward to running into Severus Snape or Mad-Eye Moody any time soon. With Lucius Malfoy currently in prison, and possibly for quite a while longer, most of the so-called friends he'd had from the previous war were no longer "available." Well, he'd have to tell Viktor to concentrate on Quidditch and forget preparing for the tournament.

OoOoOoOoOo

In France, Olympe Maxime was thinking similar thoughts. She'd already been talking regularly to the director of the French Office of International Magical Cooperation since Dumbledore's arrest and knew that France no longer supported the Tournament. It was idiotic anyway to remove so many students from their last year of education all for one of them to participate. It had already been decided to send a representative contingent who would remain at the school for the duration. They just hadn't decided whether to request their admittance into the similar classes at Hogwarts or to have Beauxbatons professors rotate through and teach them in increments. This made it much easier on them all to not have to disrupt their normal school year.

OoOoOoOoOo

In the wilds of Albania, all hope for his followers to find him was almost lost. If he couldn't find an appropriate host soon, he wouldn't be strong enough to possess them. There had been several severe shocks to his spirit over the past few months. They couldn't have discovered his secret, could they?

OoOoOoOoOo

Saturday morning the trio found themselves in Gerald's office. He'd asked them to meet him there rather than at the site of the press conference. That would give them a bit of time to go over anything that might come up. Sirius was pretty sure most all of the questions would be directed to Harry as most of the questions regarding his false imprisonment had been hashed and rehashed already.

"The place we're going to is actually one of your properties, Harry. I hope you don't mind I asked Dobby to clean it for you."

"No. He doesn't have much work to keep him busy, so I'm sure he was more than happy to help. I hope you checked it after he finished, though. He's been known to go a bit crazy at times."

"This will also give you a chance to look at it too. This would make a good location for a business. It has space for living above it as well."

"Well, I know a business possibility, but it's still two years away," Harry said slyly.

"Don't tell me you're already thinking of putting the twins in there, pup!" said Sirius.

"You know they'll do great!"

"Twins?" asked Gerald.

"Arthur Weasley's twin boys Fred and George. Their goal in life is to open a joke shop. From what I hear, they're good enough to make it work. I've already talked to them about it, but I've warned them they'd have to get enough OWLs and NEWTs before I'd underwrite it," said Sirius.

Gerald led them in a roundabout way so they could enter from the rear and avoid the crowd he'd heard was forming. Apparently all of the media people who'd been at the trial, even the foreign press, had planned to attend. Dobby had done a great job on the place. It was clean and well lit. He'd put a small stage up front with comfortable chairs for them to sit while the audience area was strictly standing room; hoping that by making them stand, they would keep their questions short.

Gerald led them onto the stage, then stepped up front. The crowd quieted immediately.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming today. Lord Black and Mr. Potter have agreed to answer your questions, however, this is not a free for all. If they do not desire to answer a particular question, restating it three different times to try and trip them into answering will only get you removed from the building."

At that comment, Harry looked off to the side and saw a pair of tennis ball sized eyes peeking out from the corner next to Remus. So if Gerald didn't like the way someone was behaving, he was going to have Dobby "eject" them. Wicked!

"So as to avoid the usual pushing and shoving to ask the first question, I'll begin with Miss Skeeter."

"Harry, how do you feel about Albus Dumbledore's betrayal of you?"

"Well, I think I answered that yesterday. I'll never understand how he could treat a kid like that, even if it was for his so-called 'greater good'."

"Mr. Potter, can you tell us what happened to your relatives?" asked Madam Abbott.

Gerald fielded that question, "They were referred to the Muggle authorities and have been appropriately tried and punished."

Xeno Lovegood was next, "Can you tell us more about the basilisk? Is that the one the Goblins are auctioning off?"

"Yes, it's the same one," said Harry, "what would you like to know?"

"How did you manage to slay it given that it had been petrifying students and a basilisk's glare is known to kill."

"Fawkes, Professor Dumble…, er the phoenix managed to scratch its eyes out. He also brought me something that I used to retrieve a sword. I got lucky and managed to shove the sword up through its head."

"Mr. Potter, was that a special sword or something lying about the castle?" asked another person.

Sirius jumped in, "It was a particular sword, however, we have agreed to keep its identity secret."

Another wizard asked, "We heard it was the Sword of Gryffindor. Can you confirm this?"

So much for secrecy. Harry looked at Sirius, who nodded, then said, "Yes, it was the Sword of Gryffindor."

A gasp went through those assembled. Even outside of England, the Sword of Gryffindor was legend.

"Do you still have the sword, Mr. Potter?"

"No, I returned it to the Headmaster. It belongs to Hogwarts."

"Mr. Potter, at the trial, it said your magic had been bound. Have you had it released and when?" asked a witch with an American accent.

"Yes, it was released in August."

""What about the charms placed on you? Did you ever think something wasn't quite right?"

"I always wondered what I did to make my aunt and uncle hate me. I thought it was just because I was different. Then when I learned I was a wizard, they hated me even more. Now I don't know whether that was true hatred or the result of Dumbledore's interference."

"Have you spoken to your relatives since you discovered all of this?"

"No."

"Do you plan to?"

Sirius interrupted, "I think that's enough questions about Harry's relatives."

"Lord Black, how do you feel about all of the events regarding Dumbledore's treatment of both yourself and your godson?"

Sirius had to think for a few moments, even though he had anticipated a question such as that to be asked, "I have so many emotions regarding all that has happened that it's difficult to pin it down. I am angry with Dumbledore for keeping me from Harry and for placing him in a situation where he wasn't cared for, much less loved. If it had just been me being thrown into Azkaban and forgotten, I think I could accept it. I will never forgive him for what he has done to Harry. I will do everything in my power to help him heal from his losses. While it does neither of us any good to dwell on the past, we must understand it as we look to the future."

"Is it true that you've been named to the Hogwarts Board of Governors?"

"Yes. I look forward to adding my contributions to that august body."

"Mr. Potter, what do you plan to do with the proceeds from the basilisk?"

"I don't know completely at the moment. There are several possibilities. My parents set up a fund to help muggleborn witches and wizards attend Hogwarts. I'd like to donate some of it to that fund. I'd really like to see a school set up for them as soon as they are identified. There's so much to learn about the magical world that being thrown in it when you're eleven just isn't right, especially when everyone else knows all of the ins and outs about it. I'll be working with Sirius, Remus and Mr. Howe on the best way to make use of the money."

"What do you think your parents would say about all that has happened to you, Mr. Potter?"

Harry wanted to laugh at that question. He knew exactly how his parents felt and was sure Dumbledore would be glad his mother couldn't have gotten her wand on him first.

"I think they'd be disappointed. They trusted Dumbledore. He helped with the Fidelius Charm to protect them."

"What are your plans for the future, Mr. Potter?"

"I just want to be a normal Hogwarts student. Well, and play some Quidditch."

That got a laugh from everyone there.

"And what about you, Lord Black?"

"As I said after I was acquitted, my first priority is Harry. I want to make sure he is properly taken care of and he has the guidance he needs to succeed in our world. Oh, and I want to make sure he plays a few pranks along the way. I have responsibilities to the members of my House, the Wizengamot and now, Hogwarts. I think that will keep me quite busy for now."

Sirius sent a nod to Gerald to wrap it up.

"I believe that is enough for today. Any other specific questions that you may have may be sent in care of my office. Good day."

OoOoOoOoOo

"Now that that's over with, pup, what do you want to do for the rest of the day?" asked Sirius once they were back in Gerald's office.

"You said I could decorate my room the way I wanted to?"

"Of course."

"Can we go look at stuff? I know Kreacher did his best, but I think I'd like a few other things."

"Sure! Magical or Muggle?"

"I don't know exactly what the magical world has. I know a few things I think I might like."

"Well, we can go over to Fabulous Furnishings to start with. I don't know about Muggle things."

"We can go back to that store the Grangers took us to," said Remus, "but I think you'll find most everything you want here in Diagon Alley."

Fabulous Furnishings was across from the Magical Menagerie. Harry hadn't paid much notice to it before as it was one of those things he hadn't had any use for. When he walked in, he opened his mouth in awe. Anything someone would want for a house was there. It even had house additions that could be designed and furnished then brought out to your property and set up with just a few steps. Sirius guided him over to the general home furnishings section. Harry started with bed furnishings. He looked through the comforters first. Trying to keep with his blue and yellow theme, he found one that was blue with a yellow sun that followed the day, rising in the morning and setting in the evening. At night it showed the moon phases and the constellations. The sheets he found were blue with puffy clouds with a quidditch game going on. Then he found a comforter with magical animals on it: hippogriffs, unicorns, phoenix, nifflers, fairies, a Welsh Green dragon, mermaids and grindylows. If he looked really close, he could see garden gnomes hiding in the grass. He was debating between the two when Sirius told him to get both. He found a set of sheets that showed what appeared to be the bottom of a lake with all sorts of water creatures swimming around what looked like the ruins of Atlantis.

Satisfied with his choices, they moved over to the furniture areas. Harry really wanted a desk chair that was more comfortable than what was in there now. Plus, the furniture in the sitting area was much more formal than he liked. He wanted to be able to bring his friends in there and lounge around. The desk was perfect, though. He looked at chairs first. After trying several of them, he found one that was multi-purpose; it provided a stout desk chair for studying, transformed into a comfortable chair for reading, and then could become an extra bed if necessary. All he had to do was tell the shopkeeper the color he wanted.

While looking at the chairs, he found one that would be a more formal chair for the sitting area, but would also turn into a comfortable reading chair if needed. He could see Hermione curled up in one. The sofa he found was also more casual than what was currently in there. He thought he was done until he found a game table. It was suitable for a wizard's chess match as well as other board games, both wizard and muggle as the chess board could do double-duty for checkers. There was a drawer in it that held the game pieces. He decided to get that as well as some chairs specifically for it. He could see spending time with Ron playing chess while Hermione curled up with a good book. Satisfied with his purchases, Sirius made arrangements for Kreacher to pick them up.

They decided that lunch was in order. Harry, in an imitation of Ron, asked to go to Fortescue's. He was ready for a sugary confection to top off his week. Once this had been done, they went back to Black Hall.

"Harry, I know you've said there were quite a few things you wanted to do over the Christmas holidays, so I think we need to sit down and make out a plan. We've both been invited to several holiday parties. I wanted to discuss them with you first. I have accepted the invitation to Lord Greengrass' Boxing Day reception. I believe you know his daughters."

"Yeah, Daphne is in my year. I haven't met her sister."

"Well this is one of those functions that is almost mandatory for those of polite society. There are also invitations for both of us to a Christmas Eve tea at Amelia's house. I felt obligated to accept for us with all she has done."

"Oh, that's fine! I don't mind that. I just don't want to feel like I'm being put on display. I've had enough of that to last a lifetime."

"I won't let that happen. Now the Goblins are having the basilisk auction on the 27th that you said you wanted to attend, correct?"

"Yeah. I can't believe it's worth as much as Snape said it was."

"The Goblins have also said they would be able to meet with you to try and remove that thing in your scar sometime during the holiday. Would you like to schedule that for the Monday after you get home to get it out of the way? Oh, and traditionally the Blacks have hosted a New Year's Day reception. I haven't thought about that yet as it would require me to open up the house further to outsiders. I've wanted to keep this location private as much as possible."

"I'd like to go ahead and get the horcrux removed as soon as possible. And couldn't we use Potter Manor for the reception?"

"That is an option, but then it would actually be a Potter function. I suppose we could bill it as a Potter-Black reception for correctness."

"That's OK with me. I bet the elves would be happy to have something to do."

"Perhaps we should clear this with Cassie to see if she is ready for something like that?"

"Sure. Dobby can help too."

Remus laughed, "Are you sure you want him near your guests?"

"Well, he was the Malfoy's elf so I'm sure he knows what would be expected of him in something like that."

"That's a very good point, Harry," Remus conceded.

"It would be expected to ask the members of the Wizengamot to attend. Do you have anybody you'd particularly like to invite?"

"Well, the Weasleys. And Hermione and her parents. I guess Neville would automatically come with his Gran."

"Yes."

"What about Professor McGonagall?"

"That would be appropriate as she is now the Headmistress."

"I don't think he'd come, but Professor Snape since he's been a help to me this year?"

Both men laughed at that, "Yes, it would be appropriate, however I doubt Severus would accept," said Remus.

"Oh, and Mr. Howe and his family."

"Absolutely," said Sirius.

"Before we get into the details further, one other item on our schedule is that I've scheduled a Black Family Meeting for the Sunday after you come home. This would allow both you and Draco to attend without missing school."

Harry made a face, but understood.

"So what does that mean?"

"I'll have you and me, Narcissa and Draco, and the Tonks here. That's when I'll officially welcome the Tonks back into the Family. I've already cast out Bellatrix but I haven't made a formal announcement. While I've offered protection to the Weasleys and Hermione, it's not appropriate for them to attend. This is only for those who carry the Black blood. Since your grandmother Dorea Potter was a Black, you are also a member. Which leads me to another item."

Harry looked at him quizzically.

"I am more than overdue to make out a new will. While my last will named you as my beneficiary, that was before I was Lord Black. I plan to officially name you as my Heir. There typically is a formal ceremony related to the naming of an Heir in all pureblood families. However, since you are not my son, it's a bit more complicated."

Harry looked at him confused, "What's complicated? The Muggles do it all the time."

"Again, it is the pureblood aristocracy that make it complicated. What I would like to propose to you is for me to adopt you."

"Adopt me?" Harry's eyes flew open wide.

"Yes, pup. I'd like you to be mine permanently as it always should have been."

Harry flew out of his chair over to Sirius and wrapped him in a hug. It was then that Sirius felt the sobs coming from the teen. Remus left the room to give the pair a bit of privacy. Once Harry had calmed down, Sirius had Kreacher bring them a couple of butterbeers.

"So what would this ceremony look like?"

"I'm not exactly sure myself. I know there is an exchange of blood, but the exact process I've still got to research. I've got an appointment Monday to speak with Augusta Longbottom. She should know it. As for the Heir naming ceremony, I went through that with Arcturus when I turned eleven. There is a ceremonial seal for each of the Ancient and Noble Houses. There is a specific litany for the naming of an Heir and the presentation of the Heir ring. I'll send it to you so you'll have a chance to see it ahead of time. Once I know more about the adoption ceremony I'll send that as well."

"OK. That seems simple enough."

"You also said you wanted to spend some time at the Potter house in Italy with your friends. With everything we have going on right now, I'd like to suggest we hold off until Easter break. We'll have a lot more time to relax then. We don't know exactly how you are going to react to the removal of the horcrux either."

Harry was disappointed, but he had to agree. There was just too much going on. He'd still plan to spend some time with his friends, "Well, I'd still like to at least visit the other two properties to make sure everything is being taken care of. Can we at least do that?"

"I think so. Maybe one before Christmas and the other afterwards? I know there's a Hogsmeade weekend before you leave, but do you need to do any shopping for your friends?"

"I think I know of what I'm going to get most of them. Have you got any ideas for Remus?"

"I've been wondering myself. Perhaps we can see if there's something in one of our vaults. I'm sure there's some rare books he might not have."

"That's a good idea."

"Once I know more about what's going on, I'll send you a tentative schedule for the holidays. Then we can see what else we may need to do. Remus and I will work on the invitations to the New Year's reception."

"So what's happening with Malfoy's father?"

"The Ministry is trying to decide when to have his trial. The way it's looking, it will probably be during the next Wizengamot meeting right after Christmas. How is Draco behaving?"

"He's left me alone. His buddies Crabbe and Goyle have looked like they wanted to start something but without Malfoy leading them, they don't know what to do with themselves."

"Well, that's good. Just make sure you aren't the one starting anything. While you are not yet a member of the House of Black, we don't want to be seen fighting amongst ourselves. We're going to the Burrow for dinner tonight. Did you finish your homework yesterday?"

"I still need to finish the essay for Snape. Do you think you or Remus could show me the Patronus charm?"

"We might have some time to start working with you on it. It's a very advanced spell that not even some grown wizards can master. Don't be disappointed if you don't get it right away."

"OK. I've just heard you both talking about it, and I'd like to be able to fight off a Dementor if it ever comes near me again."

Harry settled into his room with his homework. He was right; the new chair was great for reading and was even better for spending time at his desk writing essays. Harry had wandered down into the Black library to find some books to use, but Sirius felt better taking him over to Potter Hall and the library there. Once he'd gotten the books he needed they floo'd right back, but not before Dobby made sure he had some fresh biscuits.

Dinner at the Burrow was different. Without the dull roar of the other members of the family, it was much too quiet for Harry's liking. Mrs. Weasley had gathered him into a smothering hug when they had arrived. Harry helped her set the table even though she tried to shoo him away. Dinner was the usual sumptuous meal. Afterwards, while the adults were talking, Harry's eyes started drooping. It had been another busy day. Sometime later, Remus woke him up to head back to Black Hall.

Sunday morning Harry did something he hadn't done in a long time; he slept in. Sometime after ten o'clock he finally stumbled out of bed for a late brunch. Remus was also late arriving. As it was so close to the full moon, he was feeling the early effects. Once everyone had eaten, they adjourned to the training room in the cellar. Remus switched into teacher mode to explain the charm to him.

"The Patronus charm is used to repel Dementors and lethifolds as you learned earlier this month. It requires quite a bit of magical power, but it also requires the caster to think of a happy memory to power it. As you are aware, the spell is 'Expecto Patronum' with an accompanying wand movement. Here, let me show you."

Remus came up beside Harry and helped him with the wand movement until he was satisfied Harry had it right.

"Now, think of your happiest thought, then try the charm."

Harry thought of several happy moments but settled on the one where Sirius had asked him to let him adopt him. Keeping that memory at the forefront, he said the incantation and waved his wand. All he got was some silvery mist.

"Very good, Harry. Some people never even get that far. Try it again."

Harry tried a half dozen more times, but all he got was the mist. He was getting dejected.

"Oh, pup, don't expect to get this one right away. It took me several months before I was able to master it and I was a sixth year. I'm not even sure I can cast one anymore after spending so much time with the Dementors," said Sirius.

"So what was your Patronus, Sirius?"

"It was a Grim, just like my animagus form."

"Does that mean whatever my Patronus is will be my animagus form?"

"Not necessarily. Peter's animagus was a rat, but he couldn't produce a Patronus."

"Perhaps I can see if there's another boggart in the castle for you to practice against, Harry." said Remus, "sometimes it helps to perform the charm against a real enemy."

"Can we? I'd like to keep trying it."

Shortly after lunch, Remus and Harry went back to Hogwarts. The first thing they did when they got there was to take Harry up to the Hospital Wing to have Madam Pomfrey recheck him. She was quite pleased with the progress Harry had made and, while she'd really prefer him to keep taking the potion a bit longer, she agreed that he could stop it if he absolutely had to. Harry gave a whoop of joy before flying out of the Hospital Wing and back to Gryffindor Tower. Remus and Madam Pomfrey both had a laugh at the antics of a thirteen-year-old boy rather than the so-called Savior of the Wizarding World.

* According to the Harry Potter Lexicon, Dumbledore was born sometime in the summer of 1881