Author Note: Harry's birthday, how the trip went, What Sirius has been up to and more. But not too much more.
===xxx===xx
During the week that Harry and the Grangers plus one had a fun and relaxing road trip others had a very busy week.
Severus Snape was sitting in his house in Spinner's End when the door knocker banged heavily. Looking through the window he saw Dumbledore and led the man in.
"Ahh Severus how have your visits to the lady Malfoy been going?"
"Narcissa has been her usual friendly self." He stated calmly. Settling himself into his comfortable wingback chair that was his grandfather's.
"And did you learn anything?" Albus settled into the only other chair in the room.
"Yes. Narcissa is still a stimulating conversationalist. She said somethings that aroused my curiosity so when I had the first opportunity I penetrated her mental defenses and learned a great many things to my satisfaction." He said that with a slight smile as he stared over the headmaster's shoulder.
Albus raised his eyebrow but said "And what pray tell did you learn? Is there a reason for Lucius to be away on business as they claim?"
"Lucius is currently residing in a private clinic in Guernsey. He is not expected to live." Snape said crossing his legs as he seemed satisfied with the news.
Dumbledore though looked surprised. "Not expected to live? What was the cause of that?"
"It would seem he recently discovered that one of his house elves had been helping Potter. Instead of giving him clothes he thought he would perform some sport and took the elf to an underground elf fighting ring that was formerly in Blackpool." Snape was actually becoming amused.
"An underground elf fighting ring? I was not aware there were such things."
"A few. They are by invite only." Snape shrugged, "Lucius was invited to a great many dark things."
"Yes well, what happened to place him in such dire circumstances that he is dying?" Albus hated it when others took a long time to give him information, even if he hated giving information out quickly himself.
"He entered the elf named Dobby into the fights and ordered him to fight. The elf apparently took him literally and managed to break free of the bond he was under with House Malfoy. Doing some research I discovered that the elf led a small rebellion and injured several members of the audience as well as killed the ones running the arena."
"So the elf escaped?" Dumbledore's voice carried an impressed tone.
"It would seem as such. Along with a few others that managed to break their bonds as well." Snape gave a brief chuckle.
"I am impressed and what does Narcissa plan to do now?"
"She has been working on joining her assets with Reginald Nott. As he is a widower, and well off she feels their merger should be quite profitable." Snape explained calmly.
"He is also 40 years her senior." Albus exclaimed.
"Actually 47."
Albus grunted in disgust, "Perhaps we should discus young Mr Potter."
"He is doing well. I have managed to push him to being able to handle third year potions and is moving into fourth year with aplomb. His associate Miss Granger is maintaining the pace as well."
"Good, good. And their understanding of how to defend against dark magic?"
"They are appalled at the depths of depravity and pain dark magic can induce. Both of them have a great deal of self-restraint and desire to perform acts of good. They are archetypal Gryffindors." Snape stated with a slight sneer.
Albus laughed, "Good. That is extremely good news. I am very pleased. Keep up the good work Severus." Albus said rising.
"Yes. Of course." Snape said with a slight shake of his head.
===xxx===xx
Sirius was coming out of Gringotts after having spent the morning talking to his accounts manager about Narcissa and Bellatrix. Narcissa had fulfilled all terms of her nuptial agreement. There was nothing Sirius could do about her. Bellatrix however had failed to provide any heirs so her dowry was forfeit and Sirius would be able to claim the contents of her personal vault.
Sirius saw Narcissa coming towards the bank so leaned against the railing. "Hey there cousin." he called out when she got close enough.
Narcissa stopped and glared at him for a moment before recognition dawned on her face. "Cousin Sirius. You are looking rather dapper. When were you released?"
"I'm out on parole until my trial." Sirius smirked at her.
Stepping closer she smiled, "Oh? And what are you doing at the bank?"
Running the hand with the Black family ring on it through his hair, "Oh nothing much. Just talking to Thurban about how the family investments and such are going. You know see how wealthy I am as head of the family."
She frowned, "I thought you were disowned."
"Apparently dear ol daddy never went through with it. So I'm still in charge. Now that's a kicker isn't it?"
"Yes it is." Narcissa had a curious expression, somewhere between intrigued and upset. "Perhaps we could go back to the estate and discus things a bit more."
"Oh and dear Lucius would not mind?"
Narcissa gave him a very winsome smile, "Lucius is indisposed dear cousin. And Draco is going to be at his friend's house until late."
"Well then I certainly don't have anything else pressing against me today." Sirius said with a grin and a wink.
Narcissa grinned back, "Well I don't have anything pressing on me yet either."
===xxx===xx
Minerva McGonnegal was sitting in the board meeting two days before Harry's birthday. She was looking forward to that enjoyable time as the current moment was far from it. The board was arguing with the Ministry over the preparations for the tri-wizard tournament. She was adamant though the school would not be participating.
Barty Crouch Sr was fuming, "Minerva be reasonable do you realize how much effort has already gone into this? Dumbledore had begun working with us in 1990 to make this happen. The plans, the negotiations, the compromises. The outright begging."
"I will not subject MY students whose LIVES and SAFETY I am in charge of to a gladiatorial combat. Which is all that the tri-wizard tournament is. Or have all of you forgotten your history?" She declared in the most strident tone of voice she usually reserved for the Weasley twins. Ludo Bagman sitting beside Barty Crouch immediately folded his hands in front of him and sat up straighter by reflex.
Augusta nodded with a resolute expression, "Headmistress McGonnegal is correct Mr Crouch. The last time the tournament was held all three contestants, plus 47 members of the public were killed when a cockatrice ran amuck before it was able to be destroyed. The time before that two contestants were killed, the third crippled for life and the village of Endorra was removed from the face of the Earth when the dragon that was being used as a challenge got loose. And according to these notes you were going to be using dragons again. Plural as in multiple dragons. What kind of asinine fool thought this up?"
Amos Diggory was looking over the papers as well, "Not only a fool but the king of the fools must have come up with this. I agree Hogwarts would be placing their students in a position of suicidal danger if we participated in this. And after the last year we suffered through. Four students dead. One that survived only thanks to some unknown reason. No. No we will not risk the lives of our students like this. Too many of us only have one child. Our families would be placed in far too much risk of having no heirs."
The other members of the board looked up and down the table nodding and harrumphing before Augusta used the gavel to restore order. "We will now vote unless there is any more comments?" She called out.
"All in favor of permitting the tournament to continue as it stands?" She asked. Not a single person raised their hand on the board. "All against?" This time the entire board raised their hands.
"Very well as it is by unanimous vote MR Crouch you will either come up with a non-hazardous form of contest or you will apologize to our fellow schools but we will not participate in ANY form of this tournament that involves deadly beasts, or tasks more dangerous than the average Quidditch game." Augusta declared firmly before gaveling the meeting closed.
Barty Crouch Sr left the room with an angry scowl causing Ludo Bagman to have to scurry to catch up. His bad suit and cloak rumpled and rustling.
"Thank you for your votes." Augusta said before leaving with Minerva.
"I cannot believe the temerity of the man." Minerva began before she saw a familiar bright purple smoking jacket and hat wearing man standing there with his hooked nose and half moon spectacles. "Speaking of temerity."
Augusta looked over and frowned, "Mr Dumbledore to what do we owe the pleasure?"
"I understand the board held a vote tonight on the tournament?" He politely asked.
"Yes that is true." Augusta replied non-commitally.
"Ahh and judging by Barty's glower I take it the board voted to not participate?"
"You may." Augusta agreed.
"Such a shame. The students would have enjoyed the thrills and challenges. The glory and riches that awaited."
"The death and crippling injuries. The risk to the crowds. No Albus. Your judgment is too suspect to support this. Besides according to the papers one of the tasks would have taken place entirely underwater. How thrilling." Minerva said sardonically.
"I understand Minerva. Besides you should be able to make your own mark on the school." Albus smiled, "Well I just wanted to find the results of the vote. So good night." He turned and started to walk away.
Before Minerva and Augusta could return to their conversation Albus stopped and looking back said, "Oh one more thing ladies. I noticed Lucius Malfoy was not in attendance. Could you tell me why?"
"He sent a note that he was indisposed on the continent. As we had a quorum it was not a problem." Augusta replied.
"Ah yes. I am sure. Well good night ladies."
"Now what was that all about?" Minerva scowled after the man.
===xxx===xx
Andromeda was going over the paperwork Minerva had sent her for the teaching position. She was also going to be head of Slytherin House which she was not sure how she felt about. She had not been a prototypical Slytherin as she did not hold with all of that blood purity malarkey. That she was ambitious was certain, cunning was probably accurate in that she was not above using her feminine wiles, and her position as a healer at Saint Mungo's required resourcefulness and leadership skills so she was proudly a Slytherin. She had ideas that reform would be coming to the house of snakes as they had fallen into the house of hate and she did not want that to be their legacy.
Her front door rang disrupting her reverie over the things that happened in school and her youth. Seeing who it was she shook her head in rueful surprise. She had been hearing some rumors this week that Sirius was back and seen at the bank, seen with her sister Narcissa, seen at the Ministry. He was definitely not acting like an escaped convict.
"Hello Sirius. I see they decided to let you out." Andromeda haughtily stated as she opened the door.
"How do you know I'm not an escaped convict here to wantonly threaten your virtues."
She smirked at him before opening the door, "Get in here in you scruffy looking scoundrel."
"Does that mean you don't mind having your virtue impugned?" He said sauntering in.
"Wasn't bedding Narcissa sufficient for the week?" She cheekily asked shutting the door behind them.
"Well I have been in solitary for twelve years you know. It gets mighty lonely in there." He gave her a sad puppy dog expression.
"Impugning my virtues aside what brings you here dear cousin?" She asked coldly leading the way to the lounge.
Giving a laugh Sirius followed her, "Ahh Dear Drommie I have missed you."
"I know. The outcasts from the Black family tree, although from what I have heard you seem to be not as outcast as we thought." She said heading for Edward's liquor cabinet.
"No. Apparently dear ol dad actually grew a pair and never went to the Heralds to have me disowned officially. Dear mumsie though had me blasted off the tapestry but that was it."
"Well congratulations to you. Lord Black." She said pouring them each a glass of port.
"Actually congratulations to you Andromeda Tonks, nee Black." He said accepting the glass with a sigh of pleasure, "Ahh. Fine vintage. Isla de Potter Vineyards. I remember old Fleamont brought several bottles of this out for James and Lily's wedding."
"Yes. One of the better years indeed. Edward appreciates the finer things in life." she gave her own sigh as she settled into her chair on the other side of the fireplace. "So. By referring to me as that I am back in the family now?"
Sirius gave her a salute with his glass, "Welcome back cousin. Your years of exile from the family are over."
She gave him a grim smile, "And what, pray tell, do you want in return for this magnanimous gesture?"
"I myself merely want to live out my days with wine, women and song." he paused to enjoy another sip, "once certain elements are purged from our society of course."
She swirled the contents of her glass slowly as if trying to divine a deeper meaning in them before replying, "I can agree with that. The Black family values were not something to be proud of. The meaning of our motto has been twisted into a dangerous evil."
Leaning forward intently Sirius grinned, "Exactly dear cousin. Exactly. Forces have been allowed to pervert and twist our society. To bring us to the brink of war with the muggles again. You can help stop that."
"Oh and how exactly am I going to help save our world?" She gave a brief derisive snort. "Assuming I even want to."
Sirius chuckled darkly, "Oh I know you dear cousin. You may look like your sister but your values are far more noble than she could ever hope to be. You hate the blood purity. You hate the darkness just as much as I do."
Andromeda gave him a small nod, "Be that as it is, there will be only so much I can do."
"You are teaching, watching over the young scions of the dark families. If you can reach them. If you can show them there is a better way we can end this. You take the long game and I guarantee you'll be remembered far more favorably than even good ol Slughorn."
She smiled, "I do like that idea. Although I will not play favorites. My students will learn equally and be treated equally. One reason I waited until that old dog Dumbledore left the school. His bias for Gryffindor was quite unhealthy."
"Good, good. I knew you'd have the right attitude. Plus he has a rather unhealthy interest in my godson."
"Harry Potter? Imagine that." She snarked.
"Yes well I know you hear things. You like to play that you're just a quite homemaker who works as a healer at the hospital. But you're just as much a spider in the web as Narcissa."
"It is a family trait." She admitted, "Although what I do with the information is much more useful than she does."
"Indeed. Did you know that Lucius is not expected to live through the weekend?" Sirius asked casually.
"Yes he is at the Phibes Institute on Guernsey. Dr Ambrose was called in to consult. It was rather complicated." She said with a disgusted expression.
"What exactly happened to him. Narcissa was less than clear just saying it was horrific."
"Well at the very least he had a cranio-rectus insertion with torsional inversion. Along with a few other lesser injuries." She said.
Sirius frowned as he translated that then he began to laugh great guffaws. "Oh. Serves the man right. So if that happened at the start of the month why is he still lingering on right now?"
"Narcissa has been ensuring she would be well taken care of, apparently some of his business associates felt they were entitled to a piece of his pie. So she has been taking measures to protect her and her son's interests."
Sirius leaned back thinking. "That explains it." he said as realization dawned on him.
"Oh dear cousin? Care to explain?"
Sirius chuckled, "Oh just some post-coital talk we had. Something I need to consider."
"Well well. Cissa's getting her hooks into you?"
Sirius shrugged, "I will need an heir and she is still young and fertile enough."
"Oh and Draco is not going to be your heir? What about Potter?" Andromeda asked honestly.
"Draco needs to get his head on straight." Sirius paused briefly to compose himself, "If he grows up a bit smarter he might be worth inheriting the Malfoy estate but not the Black's wealth. For that I need to have one of my own or one that's worthy. Harry right now is the closest thing but I need to get to know him better."
"Oh and how do you plan to do that?"
"Well tomorrow is his birthday. Let's just say I plan on reintroducing myself in supreme Sirius fashion."
Andromeda shook her head, "Than I'll pray for the boy and you both."
Sirius just grinned.
===xxx===xx
The Grangers plus two had arrived back in Little Whinging the night before Harry's birthday. Dropping Harry off and heading back for their own home after giving Harry a hug and agreeing they would come the next day for his party at tea time.
Harry was laying in bed staring at the ceiling with his hands behind his head. Ginny was hovering nearby with a smile.
"What're you so happy about?" Harry asked glancing at her.
"Oh just thinking that was a fun trip."
"Yeah it was nice."
"You and Hermione seemed to get along really well." Ginny cooed floating over into Harry's line of sight.
"Yeah we did." Harry agreed with a smile.
"And her parents sure seem to like you." Ginny continued.
Harry took a deep breath before chuckling, "Yeah they do."
"Why're you laughing Harry." Ginny pouted.
"You. You sound like you want her and I to get together." Harry said.
"Well why not?" Ginny said floating down to the bed as Harry sat up.
"Well. I mean. Because." Harry tilted his head as he thought about it. "Well would she want to would be the next question."
"You'll see her tomorrow. You could ask her then." Ginny suggested coyly.
Harry looked nervously happy, "Yeah I could, couldn't I."
Ginny gave a sad chuckle, "Yeah you could."
Harry looked at her suddenly, "Oh. Uh. Sorry. I guess you still kinda had er have a crush on me."
Ginny sighed, "Well yeah. But it's kinda pointless now."
Harry ran his hand through his hair awkwardly, "Oh uh. Well. Um. Still. I'm."
Ginny smiled, "Its okay Harry. I know what you mean."
Harry nodded in awkward relief, "You do? Right. Uh well I better get to sleep."
"Yeah you better. You livies have so many needs." She chuckled as she floated towards the window.
"Oh Ginny." She paused, "About the peeking in the shower."
She blushed her silvery glow. "I know. I'm sorry and won't do it again."
Harry blushed but clearing his through said, "Okay, thank you. I appreciate that. If I'm out here I don't mind I guess, but unless there is something important going on I'd like to shower alone please. Without an audience."
Ginny smiled, "Okay Harry. Thanks." She said then floated out the window.
Harry turned the light out and went to sleep.
===xxx===xx
Harry's birthday dawned bright and sunny. A very good sign he thought. Showering he came back into his room to change clothes.
"Forgot your clothes?" Ginny asked floating just above his bed cross legged.
"no. I just was thinking that you're anchored to me for some reason which means that we could be together for a very long time."
Ginny sighed, "Yeah until we figure out what caused it and why I can't cross over."
Harry nodded, "Right. So I might as well just relax and get along with you. Not be bashful in front of you."
Ginny giggled, "That and I've already peeked."
Rolling his eyes Harry confirmed, "That and you've already peeked."
"So you haven't asked if I've peeked on Hermione." Ginny teased.
"I know you haven't." Harry said dressing.
"Oh and how do you know that?" Ginny crossed her arms.
"Because if you had Hermione would ind a way to put you in a jar or something."
Ginny conceded that with a shake of her head and a grin. "Okay maybe you have a point."
Harry laughed, "C'mon they may be feeding me more but Dudley still eats like a pig."
"Really. I thought Ron had a big appetite."
The morning went well. Harry and Ginny went for a walk around the park helping to clean it up. Remus had gone with them ostensibly to take in the air he claimed. Harry felt like it was to be a guard or something, but given the snippets he had been learning about his history and the actions of the Death Eaters he did not mind.
Lunch was in the cafe at the train station not far from the housing development the Dursleys lived in. Ginny thought it was quite amazing and explored everything so she could tell her father. Harry and Remus spent some time watching trains go by so she could. Harry did not mind watching the trains either.
The afternoon before the party the Weasleys arrived. Minus Percy who sent his regards but had decided to remain at home. The Dursleys retreated to the kitchen to hide from them. Ginny floated over to each of her family greeting them happily. Harry followed along behind her. Molly handed Remus a large cake.
"I baked you a cake Harry. I hope you like it."
"I'm sure I will Mrs Weasley." Harry said submitting to her hugs happily.
Arthur was talking to Ginny about the cafe and the trains while the twins and Ron talked to Harry.
"So you had a good trip?" Ron asked.
"He was with Hermione so he must have had a very good trip."
"Though finding a way to get away from the parents was probably a bit rough,"
"Or our nosy sister could have been tough." The twins teased.
Harry laughed and shook his head, "No guys. It wasn't like that."
"Well they sure didn't want to seem to stay at the Burrow. Like they were ashamed to be there or something." Ron huffed.
"I doubt they were ashamed. The Grangers just like to stick with a planned schedule. They're very organized people." Harry explained.
"If you say so Harry. I didn't get invited to spend time with them." Ron huffed.
"Well I could see if you can join our tutoring." Harry offered.
"Yeah right like I'd want to. I'm doing just fine without it." Ron stated.
The twins shook their heads, "Yeah right. Ronniekins is happy being just average ol Ron."
Harry wasn't sure what to say to that but was saved by the arrival of the Grangers.
"Harry." Hermione happily exclaimed as she came in and gave him a hug.
"Hermione." Harry happily replied.
"You guys act like you didn't just see each other yesterday." Dan teased as the two blushed.
They got caught up in talking and dealing with the Weasley chaos. Luna and her father coming to visit as well just made things even worse from the Dursleys perspective. Xenophilus and his daughter were both wearing bright yellow tunics with green leggings, only Xenophilus had high brown boots while Luna wore Roman style sandals. Vernon's mustache looked like it was vibrating as his twitch grew worse.
Luna found it quite interesting to be in a muggle home and asked questions about everything. Ginny flitting about showing her around and chatting happily with Luna about everything that had been going on, including comparing their trips.
When Professor McGonnegal and Hagrid showed up Dudley ran upstairs screaming causing everyone to look at him before Hagrid looking sheepishly said, "Uh we met already." In explanation to Minerva. Vernon huddled in the back corner of the kitchen with a nervous grin on his face. Petunia had given up and was drinking cooking sherry direct from the bottle sitting beside him.
Dan was trying to explain to Xenophilus and Arthur exactly what a dentist did while Emma and Minerva held a quiet discussion in the living room.
The doorbell rang causing Remus who was acting as screener for all of the guests to look in surprise at Severus who was standing off to the side trying to refrain from smiling at Vernon and Petunia's discomfort. Especially as Arthur and Xenophilus began to discus the operations of the microwave oven with Petunia.
"Were you expecting anyone else?" Remus asked Snape.
"No, however I doubt it is a Death Eater as they would not ring the bell."
"Right true." Remus agreed with a mild abashment. Looking through the window he froze in shock seeing Sirius Black standing outside. He let the curtain fall closed as he stepped back.
Snape seeing Lupin react like that raised his eyebrow and peeked through the curtain. His reaction was more measured but more in the realm of displeasure. Sirius waved to him from the other side of the door before holding up a broom, tucked under his arm was a medium sized box.
Severus opened the door and stepped out to confront the man. "How did you arrive here?"
"I took the knight bus. Common form of transportation you know. So what're you doing here snivvy baby?" Sirius looked like he was ready to wrap the broom around Snape's throat.
"I am one of Potter's tutors and keepers assigned here by Albus Dumbledore himself."
Remus had joined them after composing himself. "Sirius? How did you get out?"
"Apparently our mutual benefactor. One Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore caused events to be set in motion that have resulted in my freedom. Temporary as it is until the wheels of bureaucracy turn and churn enough to arrange my trial." Sirius declared pulling the black sunglasses he was wearing down his nose to grin at the two men.
Snape frowned as Remus looked at him suspiciously. "I sincerely do not understand the reasoning of the man." Snape declared in a slow drawl.
"Look Remmie, Wormtail got himself caught. The old man told me himself. We're on the same side, always have been." Sirius declared firmly.
Remus took a deep breath then another to calm down. "You were not the one to betray them?"
"Hell no. Me and Jimmie cooked up a helluva plan. We'd let it slip I was the secret keeper and really make Petey be it. He was more than happy to do so. Now I know why?" Sirius was smugly explaining. "One helluva prank on the world that backfired."
"And why the blazes couldn't you have told me, or told someone? I've spent the last twelve years believing that you had betrayed our friends, our family. You. You." Remus ran out of words glaring at his friend before he threw his hands up in frustration.
"No Jimmie and Lils didn't trust anyone. You were keeping yourself all angsty and distant from us. You know how you were."
"What about Dumbledore he could be trusted." Remus declared as he crossed his arms with a frown.
Sirius snorted, "You've been sniffing too much brainweed Remmie. Trust Albus? That man makes Machiavelli look like an amateur."
Snape raised an eyebrow but did not defend Dumbledore.
"You've been around the Dementors too long Siri. I have never had a reason not to trust Albus." Remus growled.
"And that is why we didn't bring you in on the prank. That and it would help sell it. You know how its all in the delivery." Sirius stated, "Now I'm here for my godson's birthday. And you can either help introduce me or you can get knocked down and explain to dear old captain too-many-names how you got your tail kicked."
Remus stepped up to Sirius, "Try it and you'll be back in the ban by dark. Assuming they can find enough of you." he flared his teeth at him in a feral grin.
Snape sighed grumpily, "Gentlemen, as amusing as this is to me we are standing in a muggle neighborhood still. Further this is Harry Potter's birthday and any disruption of it will no doubt be reported back to our patron. I for one enjoy having a regular pay packet as I am not to the manor born."
"You know Sev I never thought I'd see the day when I agreed with you. So Rem?" Sirius tilted his head with a cocky grin, "Peace?"
"Very well. But you cause one problem I will personally see to it that you are hand delivered to the nearest auror." Remus promised and went inside.
"Well that was cheery." Sirius shrugged.
"I thought the two of you were friends?" Snape inquired with a smug amusement.
Sirius took a deep breath, "I thought so too."
===xxx===xx
The birthday boy and his friends had moved into the back garden to let the adults talk. Luna was sitting looking at a butterfly in the Hydrangea bushes while Ginny was laughing at the twins playing with the garden hose.
Remus walked outside having taken a moment to compose himself. "Harry. Some has come to see you."
The teens all looked at Remus in curiosity. "Who is it?" Harry asked in a happy quizzical tone.
"Your parents chose him to be your godfather. His name is Sirius Black. He has been away for some time." Remus carefully explained.
Luna stood up, "Oh. He was also impersonating Stubby Boardman for a time."
"No Miss Lovegood. He was not I assure you." Remus corrected her.
"Really? There were quite a few sightings as he astrally projected himself from Azkaban."
Remus frowned in frustration at Luna as Harry looked at her in more confusion than usual.
"Azkaban. I thought that was the wizard prison?"
Luna nodded, "It is. It is an ancient fortress that had been built in the days before the rise of civilization and has a doorway to the realms of Morgoth in its basement. That's why the Dementors live there."
Remus shook his head, "Not exactly. The history of the place is not relevant right now. But yes Sirius was in Azkaban."
"But now I'm out, and I'm here Harry. How ya doing?" Sirius said walking up to Harry.
"I'm confused. Why were you in prison?" Harry said taking a step back as Hermione stepped nearer to him.
Sirius nodded as he licked his lips briefly, "Well you see when your parents got killed I went after the one that helped the big V. Only problem was I got tricked and framed. Plus my own hot hotheadedness did not help matters." Sirius said at the disapproving look from Remus.
"You're my godfather?" Harry asked unsure of his feelings.
"Yep. Lily and I went through the ritual naming me as such and its on record in the Hall of Heralds. All official like and everything. Plus your father and I are blood brothers. Er were." Sirius sighed sadly as a cloud crossed his face before the grin reformed.
"Oh. So you can tell me about my parents?" Harry hopefully asked.
"Well for one thing I can tell you that, No I am your father." Sirius intoned in a deep slow voice. "And together we can rule the magical world!"
When Harry looked shocked at him Sirius broke into a grin and started laughing. "No. I'm not your father, I'm your godfather. That was from some muggle movie Lily dragged us all to just before you were born. Imagine that she was huge and pregnant and still wanted to go see this movie."
"That was from Empire Strikes Back." Hermione stated.
"Yeah I liked that line and have waited years to use it."
Harry started laughing, "That was a good joke. I was really thinking for a minute. So you and mum and dad used to do things together?"
"My young friend I can tell you things about Jimmie that would curl your hair. I knew him since the day we rode the train together for the first time. He saved my life."
Remus stepped forward, "Yes well let's not overwhelm the lad today. There is a lot to do plus there are the gifts and cake and ice cream."
"Right, yeah right. C'mon Harry you'll like mine I think." Sirius gave Remus a polite grin as they ushered the teens into the house.
Everyone except Snape was still looking at Sirius and muttering as they came back in. He was waving and smiling, working the room like he was going to be elected Minister based on the population of this house alone. When he got to Emma he kissed the back of her hand to her mild amusement, especially as he did the same to Minerva.
Harry looked at the pile of gifts on the table and saw the broom sitting on it. Ron gasped, "THATS A FIREBOLT! They just came out. You can't get your hands on one for Merlin's balls."
Molly smacked the back of Ron's head, "Language young man!" She admonished.
Sirius shrugged, "Yeah I had a few coins to spare so to make up for the birthdays and Christmases I missed I thought I'd go with one big gift and one medium gift. Not to over shadow anyone."
Harry admired the broom while being slightly annoyed for some reason by Ron's lustful appreciation of it. "Thank you Sirius."
"Hey no problem. I heard you were a seeker. Gotta have a fast and maneuverable broom for that. Especially to defeat Slytherin eh Minerva?"
She stiffened as she said, "As Headmistress I cannot take sides. Although I do approve of the students getting the best equipment possible."
"Oh yeah I was thinking about that and want to talk to you after the party. Can't mix business and pleasure."
"No lets not." Minerva agreed primly.
Harry opened the other package Sirius had brought to find a five pound jar of Bertie Botts Beans. Hermione's broom servicing kits was greatly appreciated by him. Ron's Quidditch teams of the UK book was appreciated as well. Minerva had given him a set of Quidditch Goggles that fit over his glasses. Luna and her father had given Harry a small clockwork canary. It sang and moved around flapping its wings. As well as a copy of the Quibbler, which begun his subscription to it.
"Thanks everyone I greatly appreciate it." He said to everyone.
"Now time for cake and ice cream." Molly declared. Ensuring everyone got some, even Dudley who refused to be coaxed back downstairs as long as Hagrid was there. Especially when the word cake was spoken as he backed into his closet.
Sirius told tales about James and how his birthdays had been. How Fleamont and Euphemia had been kind and wonderful people. Talking about them to Harry until it was quite late and all of the others had begun to leave, making Sirius break off the tales so Harry could say good night to his friends. The Weasleys had left in the same sort of breathless rush they had arrived in, although Ron had looked wistfully at the Firebolt once more. Minerva and Hagrid wished Harry well with Hagrid lifting him off the floor with his hug. Xenophilus and Luna had said good night and left quietly seeing the
Harry had walked Hermione to the Granger's Range Rover. "Uh could I have a moment?" He asked Dan and Emma.
Dan raised his eyebrow but said nothing, although a grin played at the corners of his lips. Emma smiled and said "we'll get in the car. Stay by the mirrors please."
"Yes ma'am." Harry agreed.
Once her parents had ensconced themselves in the car Hermione smiled and said, "I'm glad you appreciated the gift. I wasn't certain what to get you."
"Thanks. Although I wanted to ask you something."
Hermione raised her eyebrow at him, though she was smiling nervously. "Yes Harry?"
He looked into her eyes and then at the ground twice before asking quickly, "Iwaswonderingifyou'dliketobemygirlfriend."
Hermione gave a small laugh before saying, "Could you repeat that only a little bit below the speed of sound."
Harry grinned, "Yeah. Uh would you like to be my girlfriend?"
Hermione smiled widely at him, "Yeah I would."
Harry grinned goofily as they heard the power window sliding down and Emma say, "Congratulations. Now give your boyfriend a goodnight kiss as we have to get home."
Hermione blushed but leaned in and gave Harry a peck on the lips. A light gentle one that lasted only a brief moment before she made a high pitched squeak and awkwardly opened the car door before diving in.
"Good night Harry." Emma said with a smile as she put the window back up. Harry was staring at Hermione with a wide smile plastered on his face, as she waved to him. Her father backing carefully not to hit him and soon they were driving off into the night.
Sirius came up and put his arm around Harry's shoulder. "Congratulations. She seems nice."
"She's the best." Harry sighed.
Sirius laughed, "Oh yeah. You're your dad's son alright."
Harry looked up at Sirius with a smile. "Thanks Sirius."
"No problem. Now I better get back to the house before they send the royal guard out after me. But I'll see you again soon. Okay?"
"I'd like that."
===xxx===xx(Review Responses)
Dennisud: Harry meet Sirius, Sirius meet Harry. Now the fun begins.
Bookivore: Harry's family tree ends at the line founder because that's the one he paid for. My personal family tree we researched on goes back to the start of the mota family line. I suppose if we wanted to push back further there would be some caveman and cavewoman somewhere we could eventually point to as our anscestors but at some point it all gets kinda jumbled by the mists of time so might as well call it at that point. The Peverall brothers came from their mommy and daddy indeed but that is a tale for another day as they say.
Timekeeper: Why yes it was. Thank you for noticing.
Hippothestrowl: Thank you I think. Given how strange some of them I've read are I appreciate leading the pack now..
Jadesabrexiv: No Dobby is not dead. Dobby just went home. Lololol. Oh yes the hint was quite an interesting bit as someone is going to be doing some research and when we get a chance asking some very pointed questions. Ahh Limburger. I'm not sure which is worse Limburger or catfish chum. (Btw back in college a girl I knew caught her boyfriend cheating on her. She dumped catfish chum and Limburger into the heater intake, defrosters on the dash, and under the seats of his truck. It was not a very pretty smell. That was a stench that could make a skunk gag.)