AN: 1. English isn´t my mother tongue, so please expect some mistakes.

2. This is my first story ever, so please leave comments. I appreciate fair comments.

3. I don´t own Harry Potter or anything in the Wizarding World. I merely play in its sandpit.

Chapter I – Prologue

Late November 1981

It was a cold but clear night in the East of Yorkshire. On a large property by the sea, there proudly stood Potter Manor. Surrounded by a small forest on one and a brook on the other side, it was bathed in moonlight.

The manor itself was fairly large and in good shape for ist age, even though it hadn´t seen its owners in nearly six months. Responsible fort he manor´s good condition were the Potter´s house-elfs. Besides them, a small group of thestrals called the Potter´s land their home. Thestrals were generally misunderstood, horse like creatures, you´re only able to see, if you´ve seen death. That and their looks gave them their dark reputation.

Two of the thestrals were drinking water from the brook, when they were scared off, by two CRACKs in short succession.

After they arrived, Lord Charlus and Lady Dorea Potter strolled to the front door of their home. Over the past six months, they, together with Doreas brother Lord Arcturus Black, had checked the various properties and safe houses, belonging to either the Black, or the Potter family, all over Europe.

The three oft them thought it necessary, because the war they found themselves in. While Lord Black had family members on both fronts and therefore wanted to stay neutral, the Potters were in a different situation. James Potter, Charlus´ and Dorea´s son, and his wife Lily stood firmly against the rising Dark Lord Voldemort. Because oft that, the members of the small Potter family were big targets for Voldemort.

''I really hope, the warders will be able, to finish their work on Corvo Bianco before Sunday. I would hate to spend a forced vacation in the cold.'', smirked Charlus. He was a broad man in his late fifties with a kind face and the, in the Potter family common, unruly black hair. Charlus was a respected and feared fighter and duellist with a love for humour and pranks, which he passed on to his son.

''You know, you´ve been nagging about a stay in Sicily, since we visited our vineyard there. But don´t think for one second, you´ve fooled me to believe, it is because of the temperature. You only want easier access to your new favourite white wine.'', replied Dorea. Even though she, too, was in her late fifties, her beauty was still unquestionable. Born as a daughter of House Black, she had the Black´s signature dark hair, grey eyes and high cheekbones, which gave her an aristocratic look. She was a strong and loving woman without the prejudices, displayed by many other purebloods. But contrary to her son James and great-nephew Sirius Black, she didn´t condemn everything, considered as dark. So, only because of her there were the thestrals on the Potter´s grounds, even though her husband was sceptical.

''The Pinot Grigio is worth it, that you have to admit.'', Charlus said with a grin. ''But I´ll talk to James tomorrow. He´ll be more open to the idea.''

James, Lily and their little son Hadrian `Harry´ Potter have been in hiding since May. Albus Dumbledore urged them to move away from the heavily warded Potter Manor and into a small cottage under the Fidelius Charm. The old goat, how Charlus liked to call Dumbledore, told them of a prophecy concerning Voldemort and little Harry. That was enough to convince them to move, even against advice from Charlus and Arcturus.

As Dorea and her Husband entered the house, they were immediately cornered by their three house-elfs.

''Master, Mistress! Tibby bes so glad, yous is back!'', the oldest of the elfs screamed, while the other two nodded enthusiastically. ''Wes be very sorry and sad.'', he said while looking at his feet.

''Well, we are glad to be back, too. Only could it be a bit warmer.'', Charlus grinned.

Dorea swatted his shoulder. ''What do you mean, Tibby? Why are you sad?''

''Wes be sorry, Mistress Dorea. Didn´t yous hear? Wes wasn´t able to contact yous.'', Tibby explained.

''Didn´t hear what?'' Now Charlus appeared nervous, too.

Polly, the youngest elf handed Charlus a newspaper from November 1st 1981, while the other two wringed their hands nervously.

Boy-Who-Lived: Hadrian Potter vanquishes He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named

James and Lily Potter die defending their son

Sirius Black in Azkaban

.

.

.

The article described, how Sirius Black betrayed the Potters by giving Voldemort their location, how James and Lily died, defending Harry, how Harry survived the killing curse and killed Voldemort and how Sirius killed twelve muggles and his and James´ friend Peter Pattigrew.

''What is it, Charlus?'', Dorea pressed, after seeing her husband stumble backwards and leaning against the wall.

''James… Lily…'', he mumbled, getting pale.

''What is it?'' Dorea snatched the newspaper from his hand. ''Oh my… This can´t be… And Sirius. He is like a son to us. Why would he do such a thing?''

''Why weren´t we informed? That was three weeks ago.'', Charlus growled, getting angry in his grief.

Before Dorea was able to reply, they heard a CRACK from outside. Charlus immediately drew his wand, waiting, to hear spellfire.

As Dorea flicked her wand in her hand, too, they heard knocking from the door.

''It´s me, open the damned door!'', they heard the gruff voice of Dorea´s brother.

Willy, the third elf, obeyed and Arcturus entered the building. The Lord Black was a tall man in his sixties, fierce with a wand and his tongue, proud and with focus on his family, which wasn´t easy, as conflicted, as the Blacks were, thanks to the war.

''What? Did you forget your wards? I don´t think, even with the best ward breakers, anybody could enter this property without being keyed in.''

Charlus blinked in confusion, but ignored the question. ''So you´ve seen the newspaper, too?'', he asked in defeated tone.

After a curt nod from Arcturus, Charlus mumbled ''Why haven´t we heard?''

''That I don´t know.'' Arcturus replied. ''But I do know, that there are more important issues at the moment.''

Dorea snapped out of the trance, she´s been in and shot her brother a questioning look.

''I for one, have to go to Azkaban, to speak to my heir and check on Bellatrix and Narcissa, even though I don´t think, it will do much good, concerning their husbands.'', he explained. ''And you have a grandson to worry about.''

Charlus eyes grew wide. ''Harry.'', he breathed.

''Aye. Harry.''

''We have to go to the Ministry, first thing in the morning to find him!'', Dorea yelled.

[++++++++++]

Vernon Dursley sat on his couch, a pint of ale in his hand, watching, how his wife played with their son Dudley. What a nice Saturday. If not for the freak´s screaming.

He fancied himself as a good, fairly normal and hardworking man. Ever since Petunia had broken off relations with her damned sister and her freak of an husband, life had been even better. Until three weeks ago, that is.

When Petunia had found the freak while picking up the newspaper, they were confused at first. The letter, she found next to the boy didn´t improve the mood.

They, of course, weren´t disappointed, that the Potter bloke and his wife had managed, to blow themselves up. Nothing to be surprised of, considering their freakishness. It was bound to happen.

But the fact, that they were blackmailed into caring for their freak of a nephew was simply outrageous! The latter basically told them, their family was in danger because of their connections to the Potters and only the presence oft he boy would provide them with some kind of protection.

Vernon, at first, wanted to deliver the boy to an orphanage straight away, but Petunia agrued against it. She feared the threat and so, she convinced Vernon, that the freaks presence was necessary.

Another scream from the cupboard under the stairs pulled Vernon out of his musings.

''Petunia, can´t you shut the boy up? Give him today´s food and we can ignore him until tomorrow!'', Vernon exclaimed.

Petunia looked up, from where Dudley currently was sitting and nodded. ''Yes, Vernon. You are right.'' With that, she went to fetch the of small meal, they gave their nephew dayly.

[++++++++++]

The day after they returned home, the Lord Potter and his wife found themselves in the cold and nasty corridors of Azkaban. Charlus wrapped his arm around Dorea´s shoulders, as they were on their way to the high security part oft he wizarding prison. There, the Dementor´s presence was even worse.

They had spent their morning in the Ministry of Magic, with the goal to find out about their grandson, only to be told, he already had been taken care of, when the Aurors arrived in Godric´s Hollow. None of the present ministry workers were able, to tell them more.

When they reached Sirius Black´s cell, the Lord and Lady Potter were greeted with a familiar sight. Dorea´s brother was leaving the cell.

''How is the Traitor?'', Arcturus´ friend spat.

The Lord Black choose, to ignore the insult. ''Not good. There are more Dementors every year. Ever since those fuckers in the Wizengamot decided, to cut the DMLE´s budget, we have less and less Aurors. All those mollycoddled, so called Lords. If I only was younger, I´d stick their wands up their arses. Oh I know, why I don´t participate in the Wizengamot anymore.''

''You´re growing old and soft.'', Charlus mumbled with a wry grin. ''What did he have to say? Did he mention Harry?''

Arcturus shot him a dark look. ''He said he didn´t betray your family. Told me, Pettigrew was their secret keeper and he was being framed.''

''Do you believe him?'', his sister piped up.

''Aye.'', he said. ''He didn´t get a trial. Crouch straight away tossed him in his cell. I´m going to rip old Barty a new one.'' He turned back to Charlus. ''With your help, Sirius is out of here, before the end oft he month.''

Charlus nodded reluctantly. ''If he´s innocent, I´ll help you. So what about Harry?''

The Lord Black gave a appreciative nod. ''He said, he doesn´t remember. After arriving in Godric´s Hollow and finding James he remembers climbing up the stairs and the next thing he knows, is him chasing after Pettigrew.''

''Do you think, somebody obliviated him?'', Dorea wanted to know.

''Aye, that I believe. And it likely was the same person, which took young Hadrian.''

''So what do we do?''

''You two go and check Lily´s, your son´s and grandson´s files and I´m going remind the Minister, why it´s not smart, to mess with the Blacks. Let´s hope you´ll find something.''

[++++++++++]

Amelia Bones sat at her desk, groaning. Her life had become difficult, since her brother and sister-in-law were murdered. The young and ambitious Auror had big goals, she definitively had only lived for her career. That was until five months ago. The Bones Manor had been burned to the ground by the Death Eaters. Even Voldemort had been there. Her brother, the late Lord Bones and his wife died in the flames and left their daughter. Young Susan had been with her other godmother, Julie Abbot, because of her brother´s and Anna´s anniversary.

That left the adorable little toddler in her care. Not, that she minded, she loved her niece dearly. But with her career and the Bones Lordship, she held proxy, more than four hours sleep at night was luxury.

With a deep sigh, she stood, to return the late Potter´s files to the Residents´ Registration Office. She wasn´t convinced of Sirius Black´s guilt and didn´t want to let go oft he case. Black had been in her year at Hogwarts and he didn´t seem to follow the pureblood movement, like his cousin Bellatrix did. She even heard, he´d left his home, to live with the Potters, because his mothers bigotry. Not that she´d know him well, they never talked much, but in her opinion it simply didn´t add up. Her boss Barty Crouch Sr. on the other hand was persistent. After they´d found Black, Crouch had thrown him into Azkaban without a trial.

She exited the lift and opened the door to the one office, she dreaded to enter, only to be greeted by shouting.

''What do you mean, we can´t access our family´s files?!''

''Lord Potter, like I told you. James, Lily and Hadrian Potter´s files and the will of James and Lily Potter were sealed. There is nothing I can do. I´m not even allowed, to tell you, who sealed it.'', Amelia heard Ben Miller say. She didn´t mind the yelling. Ben was a slimy git, who since recently had the goal, to get into her knickers. He was bloody annoying.

She quickly approached his desk, to leave the files, as long, as Ben was distracted. When she turned, to leave, she couldn´t quite hold a sigh of relief. He was too terrified of Lord Potter to make his regular comment about her bits.

The last thing she heard, before she closed the door was Lord Potter. ''Mr. Miller, my son and his wife are dead and I have no clue, where my grandson is. So don´t believe, that I am not willing or able, to make your life much worse, than your boss could, even if you accidentally slip the information, who´s order it was to seal those documents. In fact, those lingering looks, you gave young Miss Bones´ rear, would suffice for a case of sexual harassment. I believe Lord Black could be interested, in joining such a case.''

Amelia smirked. She wasn´t particular keen, to be used as a pawn in some Lords´ games but in this case, she didn´t mind.

What was taking her aback, was that Lord Potter mentioned, he didn´t know his grandsons whereabouts. She had assumed, they were informed.

While deep in her thoughts, she hadn´t even entered the lift, when she heard the Potters approach.

''Dumbledore. You were right, not to trust him. If he´s interfering with our family, the problem is bigger, than we thought.'', Dorea Potter growled.

''I have to talk to your brother. We´ll have to find a way, to apply preasure on the old git, if we want to achieve anything.'', her husband replied.

''Ah Miss Bones, I hope you are well. How is Susan doing?'', Lady Potter greeted with a small smile, which didn´t quite reach her eyes.

''Lord Potter, Lady Potter. Thank you, I am well, as is Susan. She´s with our house-elf Mipsy, while I´m at work.''

Dorea nodded appreciatively.

''I am sorry, but I overheard your conversation with Mr. Miller. Your grandson is missing?''

Dorea´s face darkened, as she nodded once again.

''I believe, I can help you.'', the young Auror said. ''You see, I was working on the Potter case and had access to the files.''

Lord and Lady Potter´s eyes went wide.

''Has Lily ever mentioned her sister?'', Amelia asked.

[++++++++++]

Petunia Dursley slammed the door to her nephews room shut. It wasn´t quite a room. It was the cupboard under the stairs, but the little freak should be grateful, to have a roof over his head. Once a day, Petunia would take him out of there to feed him a small meal and every other day, she´d change his nappy. If she didn´t forget, that is.

It had been three weeks, since the freak was left on their doorstep and she already had enough of him. If not for their protection, she would have let Vernon dispose of the boy.

As she turned away from the stairs, to return to her son and husband, the doorbell rang. She straightened her dress and went to open the door.

What she saw, made her stumble backwards. There stood an older version oft he freaks father with an angry look on his face. With him were a tall man and a beautiful woman. Both with hard, grey eyes.

''Petunia, Darling! Who is it?'', they heard Vernon Dursley grunt.

Before Petunia could even bring her brain, to form words, the first man had spoken up. ''I am Lord Charlus Potter. I believe, you know of my grandson´s whereabouts.''

[++++++++++]

After they had found Harry and had noticed his condition, all that Dorea could do, was to stop her husband and brother from killing the muggles.

Instead Charlus had sent a messenger patronus to Auror Bones, who now was busy with collecting evidence, to build a case against the Dursleys and, in extend, Dumbledore.

As she and her team were done, Amelia was approached by Lord Black.

''So, Miss Bones, I understand, my grandson Sirius never had a trial.''

[++++++++++]

Albus Dumbledore was tired. After the Potter boy had vanquished Tom, he was far busier, than he would have liked. With his responsibilities as the Hogwarts Headmaster, the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW and his role as Chief Warlock oft he Wizengamot, his free time was rare. Things you do for power and influence.

He´d been productive this last month. First he had `loaned´ James Potter´s invisibility cloak with the excuse, to examine it further. He, of course knew, the Potters heirloom was one of the Deathly Hallows. With the death of James and Lily on Halloween and the disappearance of the Lord and Lady Potter, about five months earlier, he was sure, he now was one step closer, to being the Master of Death. This goal, initially his and Gellert´s, never had left his mind.

The Potters not only had owned the cloak. They had many secrets and access to magic, unknown to the public. So when Albus noticed, they were overheard, while he received the prophecy regarding Tom and young Harry, he did nothing to stop Severus from reporting to his master. The pieces were falling into place nicely and almost by themselves.

The fact, that the boy survived, was a setback, but it wasn´t all too bad. Oh he knew, Tom wasn´t dead, thanks to his horcruxes and that in fact, Harry was one of them. That only made accessing the Potters secrets and magic easier. With young Harry being an orphan, without another magical guardian, he´d be able to marry the boy off to a family loyal to him. Because he, as the Hogwarts Headmaster would be considered the magical guardian, as soon, as Harry attended Hogwarts.

He´d taken care of James´ and Lily´s will. That made sure, neither Sirius, nor the Longbottoms could claim the boy. Not that it was necessary. As the Longbottoms had been tortured into insanity and Sirius hat gotten himself locked up in Azkaban. Albus wouldn´t have been able to play it better.

Earlier this week, he´d made sure, Snape was not being bothered by the Ministry. He would need him in the future.

So, the Headmaster returned from a ICW meeting over the last couple of days, as he exited the floo in his office. He popped a lemon drop in his mouth. All he had to do now, was to let Harry live his life in misery, before marrying him off and convincing him, he had to die for the Greater Good.

While he mused, he nearly fell out of his chair, startled by the wail of a siren. His newly erected blood wards around Privet Drive have fallen. Where was Harry?