Chapter THREE

Researching Makes Progress

...

The following week passed by quickly for the residents of number 4 Privet Drive. Harrison's Aunt and Uncle kept their word, and left him alone, only acknowledging his existence when he sat at the table for meals with barely a glance. AS Predicted Dudley had thrown a tantrum over his second room being giving away and was now pouting that for the first time that his small mind could remember his 'tears' didn't achieve their usual results.

Harrison as one could expect was perfectly content with the way his life had changed. The peace and freedom to do as he pleased, made continuing his research into his new world much easier. His days were spent, organizing his belongings into his new bedroom, and reading more of his new books, trying to catch up on anything he thought he should already know by his age.

The books on the Wizarding war were both interesting and enlightening. He made a point to jot down anything he thought of up most importance into an old un-used journal he had found on one of the shelves in the room that were filled with old books Dudley had gotten as gifts and had been thrown into the room un-opened. While it is true that Harrison could have easily recalled any information back after reading one of his books, he liked the idea of having the things he thought needed made note of held in one place in case he needed to look things over at later date.

The next books that Harrison found useful were the ones on traditions and etiquette. Figuring it wouldn't hurt to work on his own mannerisms, he decided to make it a practice to get into the habit of acting a way becoming of a proper young wizard. He knew from his readings, that as the future Lord Potter, he would be expected to present himself a certain way and was determined to do his late Father proud.

Overall, Harrison was making great progress on his new tasks. He made it through over half of the Books on the Wizarding War, was just about finished reading his Hogwarts; A History and planned to begin reading the books on what it meant to be an Heir to a Noble and Ancient House next.

HPSBHP

It wasn't until the end of the first week since he had met with his account manager that Harrison finally got around to reading his book on the house of Lords and their expectations, when Harrison suddenly sat up in thought.

In all his excitement and eagerness to read his new books and learn as much about his new world as he could, he had completely forgotten about everything else he had learned that fateful day. For example, whatever happened to his Godmother Alice? Who were Remus Lupin, and Amelia Entwistle? But most important of all, how would he go about choosing a trusted Lord or Lady to teach him all he needed to know to comfortably take over his Lordship on his 15th birthday?

With these questions in mind Harrison pulled out a piece of paper and a pen -Making a note to buy Parchment and quill on his next trip into the Alley -and began to compose a letter to his Account Manager.

Mr. Sharpclaw,

I hope this letter finds you well, and your gold ever flowing, while your enemy's parish at the tip of your blade.

I am writing to you today, as I wish to know more about the others mentioned in my parents will as we didn't get a chance to touch upon that information during our meeting. I was wondering if you could give any information you might have on them and their whereabouts.

Also, if you could also tell me how I would go about finding the right Lord or Lady to begin my Lord apparent Lessons, as I wish to begin learning all that I can as soon as possible.

Yours respectfully,

Harrison Potter,

Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black,

Heir and Lord apparent of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter.

Finishing and double checking that he addressed and signed the letter appropriately based on the information he found in his book, Harrison stood from his desk and left his room heading out to the nearest post office to deliver the letter.

As he neared his destination, Harrison saw a couple owls hidden amongst the leaves of the big tree outside of the building. Raising his arm as was instructed of him, he waited for one of the owls to land, before attaching the letter to its leg and sending it on way. Satisfied that he had done all he could for the time being, Harrison headed off back home once more to continue his research.

HPSBHP

The following day Harrison had a visit at his bedroom window from two different owls. One was carrying a flat parcel, while the other just a plain looking letter. Taking both from the owls, he stood back and watched as they flew away before turning to his desk to read his mail.

Opening the letter first Harrison smiled excitedly when he saw that it was from Mr. Selwyn with his promised update on his Godfather's case.

Dear Mr. Potter,

As I am sure, you have been impatiently waiting for news on the case. I am happy to inform you that I received all the required information from your account manager and have gone over and reviewed it fully. With everything I have, I figured our best choice of action would be to set up a meeting with Amelia Bones as soon as possible. Figuring you would agree, I went ahead and set up the meeting for 9:15am this coming Monday in three days' time.

Madam Bones is un-aware of the exact contents of this meeting, only knowing that my client who as of now remains anonymous has a delicate matter in which needs to be addressed.

I am confident that by the end of said meeting, the Case of Lord Black's imprisonment and Framing will be re-opened, and we can get Lord Black removed from Azkaban by then end of next week and into a long-term holding cell at the ministry until his trial can be set.

If you have any question, please send a response back before my meeting on Monday. Otherwise, I will send you another letter later in the week with an update.

Respectfully,

Mr. Cadmus Selwyn,

Selwyn, Yaxley and Sons Law.

Setting aside the letter, Harrison grabbed the flat parcel and ripping it open, he pulled out a letter and a thin blank book.

Heir Potter,

This notebook has been enchanted with capabilities of sending and receiving correspondence with whoever holds its twin instantly.

Please use this, if you have any enquiries about you accounts, or Parents Will.

May your Gold ever flow,

Sharpclaw,

Potter Family Account Manager,

Gringotts Bank.

Eagerly Grabbing his pen and flipping open the book to the first page, Harrison began to write.

-Good Afternoon Sharpclaw, I hope your day so far has been nothing but prosperous.

-Good Afternoon Heir Potter, I have been expecting your prompt correspondents. Let us get right into things, what topic would you like to touch on first?

-Could you tell me what has become of My Godmother Alice?

Lady and Lord Longbottom were attacked by the Lestranges in November of 1981, around the same time that Lord Black was being imprisoned. Lady Longbottom and her Husband both suffered from a nasty curse by the name of the Cruciatus. This curse is known as one of the three unforgivables. Use of any one of them is a one-way ticket straight to Azkaban. Due to the attack, both the Lord and Lady have been patients of the Janus Thickey Ward at St Mungo's Hospital for magical Maladies and Injuries here in London. They suffer mentally and will never recover. They however left behind a son Neville Frank Longbottom who is your age and the sole Longbottom Heir, as well as his paternal grandmother Dowager Augusta Longbottom, who I'm sure would not mind a letter if you so choose to write one.

Thank you, for telling me. I will make a point to write them at a later time. What can you tell me about Remus Lupin or Amelia Entwistle?

Remus Lupin was a friend of your fathers and Lord Blacks. After the Will was opened last week, we were able to finalize on your parents last wishes. I contacted Mr. Lupin and informed him that he was to come to the bank at his convenience to collect what was bequeathed. Unfortunately, until he arrives, I cannot tell you anything else as Mr. Lupin disappeared shortly after the events in November of 81. As for Ms. Entwistle, she currently resides in Westport Ireland Cemetery with her husband, and youngest son. Ms. Entwistle was a friend of your mother's and would have been a year below your parents in school. As stated in the late Lady Potters files, Ms. Entwistle was a trusted friend of the family, and one of the recommended to take you in if other arrangements couldn't be made. However, she and her family with the exception of her two eldest sons were the last of the casualties of the Dark Lord's followers before they were finally captured in late March of 1992.

Now, onto the second piece of information you requested. I have compiled a list of approved Head of House for you to consider. All members listed have always been on good terms with the Potter family and will not let the Lord apparent down.

Lady Amelia Bones

Lord Maximus Patil

Lord Anton McMillan

Lady Victoria Zabini

I advise you to do some research on all the families mentioned above, possibly have your solicitor gather information on them for you if you feel more comfortable that way. Then when you have made your decision, contact me again through this notebook and I will send out an official request of tutelage.

Thank you again Sharpclaw, as soon as I have made my decision, I will contact you straight away. For now, I will let you get back to work.

HPSBHP

Setting down his pen, Harrison leaned back in his chair in thought. He was saddened to learn what had happened to his godmother and her husband. Thinking of her son and what he must be going through. To Have your parents alive, but not really there at the same time. It was something he couldn't really comprehend. As much as he wished to have his parents back with him. He didn't think he would be able to handle Neville Longbottom's situation.

As for Mr. Lupin, he decided to put the man into the back of his mind for another day. He would wait until he heard back from Sharpclaw about Mr. Lupin getting in contact with him first before making any decisions on whether he wished to send him a letter or not. First, he wanted to know, where the man had been hiding for the past 9 years. Harrison realized the man was probably grieving when he disappeared, but he couldn't understand why he wouldn't keep in touch with the child of his supposed best friends. Wouldn't he want to be there for their son if nothing else? Make sure Harrison was being raised the way his parents would have wanted? And if he were as close to them as he suspected the man was, then wouldn't he have been important member of the family? Uncle Remus to Harrison?

Harrison shook his head to dispel it of all thoughts on the man. He would get his answers when Mr. Lupin finally showed up, but he would not just let him stroll back into his life if he didn't have a legitimate excuse.

As he sat in his chair at his desk, Harrison let his gaze wander to the open window, to the clear sky outside. His thoughts went to Amelia Entwistle and her family. Saddened that they had been taken from the world before he could have met them, someone who his mother trusted to raise him in her stead if she were unable, was someone Harrison thought would have been worth meeting. He wondered if her eldest sons had children, and if he would meet them one day.

Sighing one last time, Harrison turned back to the books and papers in front of him. The next bout of business he had to get done right away was getting as much information on the list of names that Sharpclaw had provided so he could make his decision and begin his lessons. So, with that in mind, he wrote up a short letter to Mr. Selwyn, with a request for him to look into the families and send any information he could find legally. He made a point of adding a small note stating he was in search of someone to train him over the next five years in preparation of taking up the Potter Lordship.

He also tacked onto the bottom an enquiry, if he could set up a meeting between Harrison, himself, and Lord Black once the man had been moved into the holding cells, and his case was re-opened.

Feeling accomplished and making plans to send the letter off the next day, Harrison headed downstairs for dinner.

HPSBHP

The days seemed to have passed by quickly once again. Harrison had mailed off his letter the following morning before heading out on a morning jog, having made the decision to stay active. Knowing that he will most likely be spending a majority of the next few years studying- thus doing a lot of sitting behind a desk- and he didn't want to get pudgy. While he knew not everyone was slim, or lithe in appearance. A part of him was weary of turning out like his uncle and cousin.

Besides, something was telling Harrison that it would be in his best interest to keep fit. Instinct maybe? Whatever it was, Harrison had learned a long time ago to trust that feeling. So, he made it a point go look into a gym he could join in the near future and learn to defend himself as best he could. Even though he now had confirmation that Magic was real, he didn't want to depend on it for everything, as he suspected could potentially happen if he wasn't careful.

As one day turned into the next, Harrison kept reading and learning all that he could from his new books. Taking the knowledge, he was gaining and trying to incorporate it into his daily life. For some things that he could not do on his own, like learning self-defense, or even the art of dancing -as he learned that there would be plenty of Grand Balls, and parties that he would have the chance to attend as he got older where dancing was expected-He started a list of things he wished to begin within the year.

It was coming onto the end of his second week since learning about his inheritance when Harrison decided he had spent enough time doing his research and was starting to feel an itch to get out and do something else. After some thought, he decided that maybe another trip back to Diagon Alley to do a bit more shopping and exploring was in order. So, getting up from his desk and making his way downstairs sparing barely a glance at his aunt and a quick, "I will be home for dinner," he headed out the front door immediately after breakfast and got a cab to the muggle coffee shop two doors down from the leaky cauldron.

HPSBHP

Entering the building, that was significantly busier than his previous visit. Harrison said a quick Hello to Tom behind the bar and headed straight to the back entrance. Tapping his index finger onto the correct pattern of bricks, he stood back as the wall opened.

With his eyes widening, Harrison took in the busy streets of Diagon Alley. It was almost three times as busy as his last and only visit. The street was filled with laughter of numerous families running from shop to shop. Making quick work, Harrison slid past a large group of red heads and made his way into one of the buildings being careful to stay unnoticed.

It wasn't until he looked around that he realized he had entered a shop that he hadn't managed to get to on his previous visit to the Alley. All around him were cages and tanks filled with a multitude of different animals. All ranging from different breeds of owls, cats, and snakes, down to the mice he assumed was meant to feed them and any animal of mention in between. Making his way over to an area that caught his eye in the corner, Harrison stared at the Owl sat on the very top of a gold cage. While its feathers appeared to look like most of the other birds that were near it. Its eyes are what caught Harrison's attention. They were a striking green. The very shade of his own.

Hearing someone come up behind him, Harrison turned around as the man spoke.

"Hello there, lad. I see you've got an eye for detail on you. That there is a rare breed of eagle owl. Only distinctive different from its brothers and sisters, are the striking green eyes it was born with."

"He's beautiful, how much for him? I'd like to take him home with me, along with the cage he's perched on, and anything else I might need to take care of him."

"Well now, normally an Eagle owl runs for around 10 Galleons for the bird, but this one here is a rare breed of its kind, so it will be 15 Galleons for him, as well as 10 Galleons for the cage and our starter kit for feeding and general pet care is 6 Galleons and 5 knutts. Making your total out to be 31 Galleons and 5 Knutts." He said expectantly.

Nodding Harrison paid with his Magicard, before asking the clerk to shrink his purchase temporarily, before letting his new Owl take off knowing from his reading that he would find him when he got home.

Taking a breath, Harrison stepped back out into the busy streets, keeping his head high, no matter how much he wished he could tilt it forward to hide his face from the crowd. Once more he was thankful that his new haircut covered the scar on his forehead from any eyes that might look his way.

Carefully he made his way up the street and to his next stop at the Parchment supply shop. It was far busier inside there than the pet store. The building was filled with teenagers of all ages, loading up with rolls of parchment, quills, and ink pots. Harrison figured that it was back to school time for the wizarding community, so he stood back and watched the people he assumed he would be attending school with the following year. After reading through Hogwarts: A History, he knew that potential new students received their letter of acceptance during the summer of their 11th birthday. He was expecting to receive his letter the following year.

So, figuring it would be a good idea to begin practicing his writing on parchment with a quill, or quill like instrument, he was stocking up to get started as soon as possible.

Seeing an opportunity to squeeze in and grab his own collection of Parchment, Quills, and ink Harrison reached past a couple boys around his age. As he accidently bumped into the boy on his right, he apologized quickly and moved back and made his way to the front of the store to pay and head out.

After that, he made quick work of stopping at a few more shops he needed, before deciding it was probably best to save his exploring for another day.

So, thankful that he got everything he needed for the day, Harrison left the Alley as quick as he came and headed home. Relieved that no one had recognized him, and he was able to continue with his anonymity for the time being.

Once home, he would spend the weekend continue his reading, practicing his handwriting, finalize his lists. While back in London, Mr. Selwyn was making things move forward, ensuring his clients God Father would soon be on his way to freedom.

HPSBHP

On the Monday afternoon of August 13th, 1990, a tall Gentleman in his early 30s walked out of the Ministry of magic with a certain satisfaction to his stride.

Cadmus Selwyn had just come out of long meeting with Amelia Bones, where he had presented her with the case on behalf of his client involving the Illegal imprisonment of one Lord Sirius Orion Black. With a copy of the Potters Will in hand, and written statements from Gringotts bank, as well as all the information from 9 years ago that he was able to collect over the past week, they were able to begin the process of re-opening the case. Amelia had immediately begun looking into all who had been a part of the man's imprisonment. She was angry that the office she felt so much pride in had condemned an innocent man to a place like Azkaban for 9 years. The two had sat and planned out as much as could be dealt with at this time, and Cadmus was happy with the progress made thus far.

He had made sure to set up a meeting with Lord Black, as soon as the man was moved to the holding cells here at the ministry. He wanted to meet with the man and go over any details that he needed to know before finally bringing in Mr. Potter for their long overdue introductions. There were a few things he needed to get into motion before hand of course, but he had no doubt that the two will come face to face very soon, and it was a meeting he was looking most forward too.

With high hopes that they could get Lord Black the trial he should have had all those years ago scheduled before the end of September. Allowing for the man the opportunity to celebrate both Samhain and Yule with his godson this year. Though the year began the same as the last 9 have, it was looking to end on a very high note for the soon to be small family.

With these happy thoughts in mind, Cadmus, made his way back to his office, to compile all his notes. Where two days later, after hearing back from Madam Bones, he sent off a letter to Mr. Potter with his notes on the meeting and the good news. Lord Black was being moved into the holding cells as he was writing his letter, and his meeting with the man was set for the following day.

HPSBHP

On a small island of jagged rocks out in the middle of the ocean sat a tall imposing building that housed a colony of Dark cloaked creatures, a few ministry Aurors, and few dozen prisoners.

The skies above the island, were a constant dark cloud filled grey, with streaks of lightning flashing randomly along the vast blackness. A constant rumble could be heard in tandem with the crashing of the waves on the shore by those held withing the buildings walls.

Sirius Black was one the prisoners residing inside the walls, in a small 8ft by 8ft cell, where he sat staring out the window counting the lightning as he streaked above him as he had done almost daily since being tossed inside his new home almost a decade ago. He had long ago made a game of it, seeing how many streaks he counts before he passed out, either from exhaustion, or hunger.

There were times of course when the constant presence of the dementors would get to much for him and he would be forced to turn into his Dog Animagus and sleep away the cold feeling they brought with them. Because while, he might still feel something when he was a dog, he was lucky enough, that an animal's emotions were muted. Thus, while he slept the nights away curled up on his small bed in the corner, he was able to keep his sanity, and held onto the knowledge that he was innocent. For nearly a decade he had a mantra that he repeated silently to himself. Sort of as a comfort. "I am Innocent, I don't belong here...I am Innocent, I don't belong here….I am Innocent…"

Today however, was beginning to be quite different than the norm. It started out the same as every other day had. Sirius woke up, picked at the moldy bread, and dry meat -of which he refused to figure out WHAT it was supposed to be-and sipped he small cup of water that had allotted him as he always did. Then he once more sat against the wall and gazed out of his window to begin counting away at the lightning streaking above him, resigned to spend another day the same as the before, and the day before and the day before.

But only a couple hours into his little game, he sat up straighter his gaze moving to his cell door in interest. Because he heard a small commotion coming down the hall towards his cell.

Standing from his spot, the man moved himself back towards the back wall and waited. In no time, the lock on his door clicked and swung open for what felt like the first time that he can clearly remember. Standing before him was a man in Red robes signifying him as one of the elite Aurors. Those trained to deal with the most sensitive, and dangerous.

"Lord Black, my name is Kingsley Shakebolt," the man introduced himself. "I have come on behalf of Amelia Bones to bring you to the ministry holding cells."

"What for?" Sirius asked. His voice barely more than a whisper, having not spoken in years.

"Your case has been re-opened, Lord Black, I'm sorry but that's all I can say, more will be explained to you by your Lawyer Mr. Selwyn once you have been settled into Holding at the ministry."

Sirius followed the man out of the cell where he was chained and escorted out of the building. He was so stunned by the events taking place, that everything became a blur to him and before he knew it, he was being directed into a new cell inside the ministry and his chains were being removed once more. He didn't have any recollection of how he got there, to lost inside his own head, that the entire trip passed without his notice.

Once the Aurors left him alone once more, Sirius sat on the bed in his cell, running his fingers over the blanket laid upon it. While not the softest of materials, it was far softer than the scratchy blanket he had become used to during his stay in Azkaban. He stared blankly at the room around him, not truly taking anything in, unable to digest the absolute incredible knowledge that he was finally out of the cage he had been trapped in for so long. True he was moved from one cage and into another. But this one, allowed him to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Here he knew he would one day see the outside of its walls. But right at this moment he was unable to truly accept and focus on anything except the one thing that kept repeating itself. The one thing he wanted more than anything in the world. Harrison.

His pup, his little boy, who wouldn't be so little now he supposed. But he would still be his. The child he has loved since the first time he held him, had gazed upon that tiny face. The infant that he had claimed as his heir, had so adored enough to claim him in the only way he could. When James had asked him to be godfather to his only son, had honored him with that gift, he had gone straight to the goblins to ensure his godson would be his to spoil and carrefour as he wished. Harrison, His little pup whom he never thought he would ever see again, would have to content himself to reading about him in the papers, that he would sometimes be fortunate enough to get his hands on when the Minister made his scheduled visit to the prison twice a year. To learn about him through the Prophet along side the rest of the Magical world, never being able to experience tin person he events that would shape the boy into the man, the Potter Lord he would one day become.

AS he sat there thinking about his boy, he never noticed the silent tears that ran constantly down his face and into his unkempt beard. Never noticed when his body began to shake with silent sobs, never noticed when he slipped from the bed and sat on the floor leaned against its side. Never noticed as time passed, the room darkening, until a sound of his door being shut; having missed his evening meal being brought in startled him back into his new reality.

Wiping a rough hand across his face, and unable to stomach anything at the moment Sirius climbed into the bed, hugged the blanket to his chest and closed his eyes to sleep as a human for the first time in many years and all the while the most important thing that kept running through his mind as he drifted off were the same three sentences repeating over and over.

"I'm being given a trial. I will finally be free. I can find Harrison!"