'Why haven't you spoken to me.'

'I'm mad at you. And you can read my thoughts so I don't see the point in explaining.'

'I'd like to hear it in your words.'

'You listen to my words.'

'Fair, but it always helps to express oneself.'

'Fine, mum, for the sake of argument I'll explain. I'm pissed because you nearly got me and Liz killed. Moreso Liz. You encouraged me to take those keys. You did nothing to stop me. You practically begged me to misbehave. I mean, I know that you're not yourself around the full moon, and quite frankly, neither am I; but I'm still pissed.'

'And what makes you think that it is my responsibility to keep you in line?'

'You're my fucking mum! You're supposed to do that sort of thing.'

'Was it really me who encouraged you to take those keys? Was it really me who made the decision? No, Harry, it wasn't. Am I at fault? One hundred percent. But you are too.'

'I just feel like you could have… I don't know. You could have pointed out how stupid I was being.'

'My presence here is fantastic. It's a dream come true and I know we both feel that way. But that does not mean that I am going to interfere in your time as a teenage boy.'

'What does that mean?'

'It means, that no matter how difficult it may be for me to witness, you need to make mistakes and learn and LIVE. You're young, and therefore impressionable. I am not going to stop you from doing simple childhood activities for the basic principle of them being dangerous. I couldn't.'

Harry paused and thought. He was sitting outside of courtroom ten on his fourteenth birthday, shaking with nerves at the upcoming trial. He had so many thoughts swirling around his shared brain that he had yet to truly process loads of information but over the past few days he had been valiantly ignoring his mother. Now he felt like a bit of a prat.

'You just wanted me to be a kid. To have fun and learn from my mistakes.'

'Yes. I knew you could handle it either way, and I wasn't myself when I encouraged you. The full moon was literally less than twenty-four hours away.'

'I know. You're right… as per usual.' Harry sighed and ran a hand down his face. He heard the noise level in the courtroom die down and he stood up. Any minute now.

A few minutes earlier…

Ginny Weasley sat on a bench with the rest of her family in courtroom ten, eagerly awaiting Harry's arrival. The full Wizengamot was here. As was a ridiculous amount of press members. Sirius Black had arrived and was casually leaning back in a chair situated in the center of the room. He was wearing clean robes and had his hair sorted. He was clean-shaven and grinning like an idiot despite the fact that his forearms were chained to a chair. Compared to the pictures of him in the prophet, he was unrecognizable. He'd already tried talking to the auror with spiky pink hair that had escorted him in, and she was doing a poor job at hiding her amusement. But where the hell was Harry?

'Where the hell is Harry?' Ron asked, voicing Ginny's thoughts.

'I'm not sure, but if he doesn't show up soon, he's going to miss the trial.' said Hermione. She was dressed in very fashionable feminine dress robes. Her hair was, for once, not bushy. Hermione had confided in Ginny that she was using a potion that was, coincidentally, owned by Harry. 'Oh well his grandparents or… one of his ancestors made it for his wife and they began to sell it worldwide. Yes, it's quite fascinating. I wonder if Harry knows that?' Ginny, for her part, wondered if Harry's messy hair was inherited from this past relative.

The courtroom suddenly became quiet and every head turned to Fudge, who for some reason was leading this trial.

'Sirius Orion Black you have been summoned here on Sunday the thirty-first of July 1994 to conduct your long overdue, but entirely unnecessary, trial.' Ginny wrinkled her nose at the way Fudge said Sunday, not to mention brushing off Sirius's lack of trial like it was nothing.

Suddenly, the doors to the courtroom burst open and a young man strode through with a confident strut. He was wearing a pair of worn muggle jeans, a simple white t-shirt, and a pair of Converse. He was dressed most offensively for a magical court of law. He had a crooked grin plastered on his face and his eyes were sparkling with mischief. A gasp from her right caught Ginny off guard. Focusing more intently on the young man, she realized with a start that this was Harry.

'Evening Fudge.' Said Harry with a polite wave to the minister. Ginny couldn't help the snort that escaped her. It was nine in the morning, most definitely not the evening.

'Who are you. Identify yourself.' Fudge's voice rang loud and clear as the two aurors aimed their wands at Harry. Harry just smiled and put his arms up in surrender.

'I'm Harry James Potter, and I'm here to claim victim rights.'

Silence.

'Victim rights? What on earth are you talking about?' said a small woman sat to Fudge's right. She had a strangely girlish voice for her toad-like face. Ginny instantly had a dislike for the woman.

'Well, Madam Umbridge, I must say that the fact that you don't know what I'm talking about does not bode well for your position here in a court of law.' Said Harry as he gazed at her in what must have been taken as sincere confusion from the occupants of the seats. 'Do any of you know what I'm speaking of when I say Victim rights?'

Fudge seemed completely lost as he sank, deep in thought. A woman with a monocle to Fudge's left, however, did. 'Yes, Mr. Potter. Victim rights enable the witch or wizard who claims the rights to take control of the courtroom in a temporary capacity. They may ask questions, bring evidence forward, summon potions and members of the Wizengamot to stand and take part in the trial.'

'Excellent, so someone here knows what they're doing. Now, I'd say that I, Harry Potter have suffered the most from Sirius Black's supposed crimes. Are we in agreement on that front?' Harry asked the question but made no move to pay attention to the results. Though if he had been paying attention, he'd noticed that the majority of the court were nodding their heads. 'Brilliant. Let's get started then.'

Harry pulled out his wand and waved it around and a small armchair appeared. It was a bit low to the ground and Harry frowned at it. Ginny heard Hermione mumble something about impossibilities and underaged magic, but the court didn't seem to care. They were far too fascinated by what Harry would do next. 'Alright, Fudge, Umbridge, out. You shouldn't be here anyways. Why the Minister for Magic is leading a trial that should be conducted by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is beyond me, but I really don't care at the moment. You have no jurisdiction to be here and remaining in your seats is breaking your sacred laws. Out.' Harry spoke in a strong confident voice.

'look at his eyes.' whispered Ron. 'Watch the muscle spasms around his face. He's nervous. Probably terrified.'

'What are you implying?' Hermione asked.

'That this is an act. This is a game, and Harry is the pawn.' said Ginny, piecing together what her youngest brother was trying to say. Ron nodded in agreement and all three of them paid more attention to Harry.

Fudge just stared at Harry before rising to his feet. He motioned for the Toad-faced woman, who Ginny now realized must be Umbridge, to follow. She gave Harry an odd look that sent a shiver down Ginny's spine before turning and leaving the hall. Ginny could have sworn she'd seen Madam Bones smirk.

Harry clapped his hands together and smiled at the hall. 'Right then! Let's get this underway. Say, Sirius?'

Sirius looked up at his godson. 'Yeah?'

'I reckon you don't want a smidge of doubt in your story, right?'

'Right on the money, pup.'

'Don't call me that. I'm the one clearing your name. Do you consent to veritaserum?'

'I sure do.' Replied Sirius with a smile. Harry turned to the spiky-haired witch.

'What's your name miss?'

The auror in question was still staring at Harry in open-mouthed shock. She shook herself and smiled kindly at Harry. 'Tonks. Call me Tonks.'

Harry shot her an oddly charming smile. Ginny felt her face heat up. 'It's nice to meet you. Could you get us some truth serum for Mr. Disheveled over here? I think he wants to go home.'

Tonks chuckled and nodded. She left the room and Harry turned to the crowd. Because that's what this was at this point. Harry was putting on a show.

'He doesn't look like Harry. He doesn't sound like Harry. He's not wearing glasses. What the hell is going on?' said Ron quietly. The rest of the Weasley family nodded in agreement.

'I think he's wearing contacts.' said Ginny. 'I mean, I wouldn't want to put up with glasses. Especially with Quidditch. Remember last year? That game with the dementors?'

Fred laughed. 'Oh yeah. The one where Oliver nearly killed himself and you gave him that singing get well soon card?'

Ginny blushed. 'Right, that one. His glasses really messed him up there.'

'Still. He's acting very… out of character.' said Hermione. She had that look in her eyes. The way she looks at her Arithmancy homework.

'Well, he has been living with an escaped convict and a defense professor for a month. I reckon it'll make some changes. Especially compared to his barmy uncle.' said George. 'Besides, if this is the new Harry, I like it. He's a bit of a git.'

'Just how we like 'em.' said Fred.

Just then, Harry started to speak. 'Oh, and I forgot to mention. I'm claiming my family seats in the Wizengamot. Naturally, the eloquently named Fairness Laws of 1692 get in the way of me actually taking my seats, seeing as I'm leading the trial, but I feel it necessary to appoint my replacements.'

Everyone shifted in their seats uncomfortably as someone rose to their feet. 'Mr. Potter, you must know that only a noble Lord can take their family seats?' the familiar drawl of Lucius Malfoy rang clear through the still silence.

'Oh good. That makes things easier then. Mr. Malfoy, it's pronounced Lord Potter. Not Mr. Potter. I claimed my lordship a few weeks ago. Surely you would know that? Seeing as you put such high emphasis on nobility.'

Ron's jaw dropped, as did Ginny's mum and dad. The twins snickered and Hermione frowned.

Fred sighed. 'We should have brought popcorn, George.'

'I didn't realize Harry really meant this would be a party, Fred.'

'As I was saying, I'd like to appoint Mr. Arthur Weasley, Mrs. Andromeda Tonks, and Professor Minerva McGonagall to represent the three Potter seats. I know they are all present for this trial in some capacity. If you do not wish to participate that is alright, just let me know.' said Harry casually, as if he wasn't sharing an ancient seat of an ancient family. Harry stared pointedly at Arthur before turning to some other spot in the crowd to stare intently at the other two named participants.

'Erm, well I suppose that's me then.' said Arthur as he rose from his seat and walked around the courtroom to the three empty seats. A woman with heavily hooded eyes and dark curly hair sat beside him, and finally, Ginny's transfiguration professor sat next to the others. Harry smiled at them and then turned to the sound of Tonks coming back in with the truth serum.

'Excellent. Three drops is protocol but let's make it four to remove any doubt.' Harry said loudly to the hall so that everyone could hear him. Tonks gave Harry a questioning glance before uncorking the vial and pouring four, no she stumbled a bit, five droplets into Sirius's mouth. His eyes unfocused and he stared out to the wall opposite him.

What followed was a vigorous examination of the events of Halloween to November first, 1981. Every detail was explained. From the secret keeper swap to the Animagus sham. Unfortunately, influenced by the effects of the potion, Sirius revealed that Pettigrew had been taking shelter with the Weasley family, but Harry made sure to explain that they had no idea. He was rather frantic about that fact, actually. Sirius went into so much detail it was almost boring. Harry clearly felt the same way.

At some point, Harry brought up a deed to the Potter's house in Godric's Hollow which had recorded the change in secret keepers. And finally, he summoned (through Tonks) Sirius's old wand which showed quite clearly that Sirius had never fired anything off that fateful night.

Eventually, Harry called for a vote. It was pretty much unanimous, including Harry's summoned participants. All but a few voted for Sirius to be cleared of all charges. But Harry wasn't done yet.

'I hope the press is listening to this.' Harry paused and waited for the Press booth to focus in on him. 'Our Ministry overlooked many things following the war. It was a time driven by panic and a desire to do something. While I understand the need to accomplish things quickly, it only proves that our justice system has cracks. Big cracks. People could have slipped through them. Or, like Sirius here, fallen through them the wrong way. And it is for this reason that I summon Mr. Lucius Malfoy to stand trial for the suspected crimes against a minor from 1992 to 1993 at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I have evidence. I recommend you come to defend yourself.'

Harry said all of this while the chains released Sirius, who got up and walked up to Tonks and gave her a suffocating hug. 'I haven't seen you in aaaaages.' he said. This was ignored by Tonks who was focused on what Harry was saying, just like the rest of the courtroom.

Ginny gasped and stared at Harry in shock. As did the rest of the Weasleys.

Lucius sneered at Harry. 'You can't just summon me, Mr. Potter.'

'Lord.' Harry corrected. 'And actually, I can.' For the first time in that entire morning, Harry was actually confident. No, confidence wasn't the right word. Determined. Yes. Harry was angry, and he was showing a resolve well beyond his years. Ginny was transfixed as she watched Lucius stand, an arrogant smile plastered across his face as he sat in the chair. His sneer only grew when the chains didn't wrap around his wrists.

'Go ahead Mr. Potter.' said Lucius. He wreaked self-confidence and Ginny ached to see Harry tear him limb from limb.

Harry grabbed the vial of veritaserum from Tonks and downed the entire thing in one gulp. Ginny had no clue how many drops of Veritaserum that added up to but judging by the gasps heard from the crowd and the snapping of wizarding cameras, it was a lot. Harry began to speak in a carrying voice that lacked any tone. It was calm. The effects of the potion had most definitely settled in.

'Late August 1992 you, Lucius Malfoy, slipped an enchanted diary riddled with dark magic into Ginny Weasley's cauldron during an outing in Flourish and Blotts. Your motive was to discredit Arthur Weasley enough for him to back down on a muggle protection act. Ginny unknowingly began to write in the cursed diary and from that point forward became possessed by the forces within the dark artifact. This led to a series of events carried out by a possessed Ginny Weasley. She was not aware of her actions but was continuously mentally tortured throughout the year by the diary. Those scars will never truly heal. Whether directly or indirectly, you, by dark magical means, possessed Ginny Weasley and forced her to open the Chamber of Secrets. You forced her to attack multiple students and animals and eventually led her to die in a secret chamber. Your artifact was draining her life away and you did so willingly and knowingly.' Harry paused and looked around the courtroom. Noting the shocked disbelieving faces. 'Tonks, may I please have the antidote?' Harry asked calmly. His gaze was unfocused, just as Sirius's was. Only, Harry's eyes seemed blurred with the effects of the overdosed potion. Tonks hastily uncorked a vial and poured it down Harry's throat. He shook his head and turned to look down at Lucius who was decidedly pale. Ginny felt Harry's magic pool out of his body. It was powerful but controlled. 'So, if my count is correct… That leaves you with five counts of attempted murder, emotional torture of an underaged witch, and non-consensual possession of a minor.'

Lucius turned to the courtroom and tried to move his hands, only to realize that his hands had been magically chained. As though the courtroom itself had discovered Lucius's guilt. 'The boy is lying!' he finally said. 'As if anyone would believe such a cock and bull story.'

Madam Bones had stepped down from her seat high above the crowd and strode towards Harry, Tonks, and the dark-skinned auror. 'Actually, Lord Potter had just consumed a near paralyzing amount of Veritaserum. Everything he just said was fact.'

'Oh, is that it then? Where is this diary now, Potter?'

'In the possession of Albus Dumbledore, though I do believe he is going to hold onto it. As Headmaster of the school, he has every right to keep artifacts that shouldn't have made it through the castle's wards. He is most likely still learning from it. The reality is, Lucius, we don't need evidence. We could call Ginny Weasley down here to give her testimony, but I don't think that's fair. You've put her through enough as it is. So, let's talk about punishment.'

Ginny couldn't believe her ears. She couldn't comprehend the scene that lay before her. Why would he do this?

Madame Bones turned to Harry. 'Unfortunately, Mr. Potter, you are no longer under Victim's rights and therefore do not have control over this new trial.'

'I'm sorry Madame Bones, but I have perfect reason to claim it again.' Harry once again spoke loud enough for the whole hall to hear. 'You see, because of Mr. Malfoy's actions, I was put in danger by going down to the Chamber myself and aiding Ginny Weasley. His actions nearly led to my death. In all honesty, I have more right here than I did with Sirius.'

Ginny scoffed. "Aiding Ginny Weasley." More like saving my arse.

Madam Bones once again nearly smirked. She nodded and backed away. Casting a sonorous charm over the group. 'Mr. Potter will continue to lead this trial.' The shuffling of feet and documents was heard but everyone was focused on Malfoy and Potter.

'I've thought of two options that I think fit the punishment. Typically, for all of your crimes you'd serve nearly two hundred years in Azkaban. But in my humble opinion, Mr. Malfoy, Azkaban is too good for you. Trust me I've heard from first-hand experience.' Harry spoke in such a low menacing voice that even those who considered themselves close friends to Harry shivered slightly. 'Your first option is rather kind. House arrest for the rest of your life. You cannot leave your home; you cannot speak with anyone either. Your wife and son don't deserve to suffer at your hand, or under your verbal influence. We will set up enough wards to make sure that you cannot communicate with anyone. All of your gold and assets will be donated to Arthur Weasley, and by extension, Ginny Weasley for the suffering you have caused. The only vaults I am leaving to you would be Madam Narcissa Malfoy née Black's personal vault, and your son, Draco Malfoy's trust vault. I will personally refill Draco's trust vault on his birthday every year until he graduates from Hogwarts, or otherwise leaves the school. How does that sound?'

Silence rang through the courtroom as Malfoy gaped at Harry. 'You can't do any of that.'

'He can, actually.' said Sirius from the corner. 'Trust me, we planned this all out quite nicely. Madam Bones and the Goblins of Gringotts can confirm that every action Harry has just threatened you with can, and will, come to pass.'

Malfoy turned to Madam Bones and saw her sneering at him. Finally, the mask of indifference cracked, and Malfoy seemed worried. 'You said there were two options?' he said finally.

'Oh, well, the other one has all the same conditions except instead of house arrest, you get Azkaban.' Said Harry as he absently picked at his fingernails.

Malfoy seemed to ponder his options. Ginny was shocked and incredibly proud of Harry for breaking Lucius Malfoy. Judging by her father's shocked expression, the sentiment was shared. She turned to her friends and family and laughed at all of their reactions. The twins were grinning, and so was, surprisingly, Percy. There was something about his face that Ginny couldn't quite decipher. 'Percy what is it.' She asked in a hushed whisper. All her brothers and her mother turned to look at him.

'Harry told me exactly what he was planning and asked me to double check all the laws. He and Sirius have been in regular contact with me all summer. This is his birthday present to you.' said Percy. He looked down at his siter approvingly. 'They knew a lot, naturally with all their research, but they wanted a second pair of ears to bounce ideas off of.' Percy stuck his chest out as if supporting escaped convicts and meddling with ancient laws was the most amazing accomplishment.

And for once, the entire family felt like Percy totally deserved to puff out his chest.

It clicked then. All this fuss. The trial for Sirius was just the façade. Sure, it was important, but Harry didn't give a damn about politics. He would have stayed on the sidelines and let someone else take control of this dangerous trial. But he'd do anything for his friends. Harry was doing this entirely for her.

'How long in Azkaban.' Malfoy finally blurted out.

Harry smiled. 'Eleven years. But when you return, your son will keep his title as head of the family. If he is incapable of doing so, your wife will carry it. And if neither of them can, it will fall to Andromeda Tonks. Seeing as Bellatrix Lestrange is in Azkaban and is legally not permitted to continue the line.'

Malfoy's lips tightened into a straight line. 'I'll take Azkaban.'

For the first time in Malfoy's trial, Harry was genuinely shocked. He recovered quickly enough, however. 'Oh..kay. Can we get a vote?'

Once again, a unanimous vote exploded throughout the hall. Even those who had voted against Sirius were unnerved and raised their hands. 'Well, that settles it. The magic of this court has already begun the transfer of funds to the Weasleys. I am now in control of Draco's trust vault, though I hope to alleviate your concerns by saying that I will continue to fill it to the amount you have previously done so, and all the other things I mentioned are already happening as we speak.' Harry clapped his hands together and smiled kindly at Madam Bones. 'What do you think… are we done?'

Madame Bones let out a genuine smile. 'I believe that is up to you, Lord Potter.'

'Brilliant. Court adjourned.' Harry said with a smile. 'May I speak to Mrs. Malfoy briefly?'

Ginny stared at Harry. What more could he possibly do? Narcissa Malfoy seemed to agree with her, as she warily stepped down to face him. Harry talked to her softly, and from his facial expression, it seemed kind. Narcissa seemed taken aback but smiled all the same. She glared at her husband, which Ginny took note of, and strode out the hall.

Harry finally turned to face the Weasleys, and they watched as his mask of confidence and arrogance fell. He looked so drained. But his eyes shone with that characteristic Harry Potter glint, and they all understood that the performance was over.

Harry Potter looked up at the Weasleys, finally after the long act. He watched as they all rose and came towards him, but none came faster than Ginny. She had tears in her eyes, but Harry knew from her letters that she would vehemently refuse to let them fall. She jumped at Harry and wrapped her arms around him. Mumbling her thanks into his chest as their height difference was most definitely pronounced.

Harry just laughed and lifted her off her feet and spun her around. She giggled and he dropped her. 'I think you can afford that new broom you were writing about.' he said finally.

'Hang on. You mean to say that wasn't a joke?' said Ron. Fred and George seemed to share the same question.

'Everything I said is true. Except for the properties thing. I just told Narcissa that I'm going to leave her all of those, as well as any family heirlooms. I doubt any of you would want to strip someone of their home. And the Malfoy's aren't exactly a light family. I doubt you'd want to live in a gloomy manor.'

'That we most certainly would not.' said Arthur from behind him. Harry whirled around and smiled up at the man. 'I would like a word with you, young man.'

Harry looked sheepish but he knew this was coming. 'I'm not backing down. Take the damn money. Actually, you have no choice seeing as you already have the vault, and it only responds to Weasleys. If anyone deserves to become billionaires overnight, it's you lot.' Harry spoke firmly but there was a slight waver in his voice.

Molly turned Harry around and hugged him fiercely. 'I know you won't take my refusals but I'm still going to try. Harry James Potter, we cannot accept this… But thank you, dear, truly.'

Harry laughed and hugged her back. 'Glad you know I won't be swayed. Just promise me a few things.' Harry pulled back and looked… down at her.

'Merlin this height thing is weird.'

'Promise me that you'll buy Ginny a new broom. Scratch that, buy them all new brooms.'

'But Gin doesn't know how to fly!' said Fred.

'Oh, yes she does. From what she says she could go professional.' Said Harry, amused.

Ginny blushed and stuttered. 'I'm… well I'm pretty good.'

'Uh-uh. Anyways, the second favour I'd like to ask of you is to not change the burrow too much. I love that place and I want to see it again like I did before second year.'

Molly laughed. 'We'd never change the burrow. It's home.'

'So…' said George conspiratorially. 'Lord Potter, eh?'

Harry grimaced. 'If I hear any of you call me that I'll get Ginny to bat-bogey hex you into next week.'

'Oh… so does that mean I'm allowed to call you lord? Lord Potter?' said Ginny.

Harry turned to her. 'First of all, you're a traitor. And secondly, I'm not afraid to hex a girl.'

Arthur surprised Harry then by pulling him into a hug. Harry only tensed slightly under the contact and hugged him back. 'Thank you, Harry. I've always wanted to have the satisfaction of watching Lucius Malfoy being hauled off to Azkaban. I don't know how we can ever repay you.'

Harry pulled back. 'You already have. Mrs. Weasley made me a jumper in first year. That's enough for me.'

Molly smiled at Harry and ran her hand through his hair in a vain attempt at patting it down. 'Oh, it was nothing dear. Say, why are you dressed like this?' she asked, indicating his muggle attire.

Harry laughed. A loud, uncharacteristic easy-going laugh. 'Oh, I just thought it would piss off the most people possible. Especially after claiming a lordship I figured the muggle clothes would further cement me as a blood-traitor half-blood.'

'We couldn't be more proud!' Cried the twins in unison. Clutching eachother and miming the wiping of tears.

'I must say, Mr. Potter, that was quite an impressive display.'

Harry whirled around to face his transfiguration professor. 'Professor! Thank you so much for taking one of my seats. I know I should have written to you or something but… truly, thank you.' Harry offered his hand and McGonagall shook it firmly, appearing highly amused.

'It was my pleasure, Harry. Have you come to a decision on your electives next year?' she asked.

In truth, Harry knew he could complete all of his classes up until seventh year pretty easily thanks to his merging of magic with his werewolf/mother, but he liked the idea of starting in Ginny's year's classes and progressing with her. 'I'll drop divination and take up arithmancy and ancient runes with the third years, Professor. I've had a busy summer and I don't think I can catch up a whole year's worth in just a month.'

Hermione stared at Harry. 'You're taking arithmancy? Oh, Harry, this is wonderful! I wish we were in the same classes though.'

Harry chuckled. 'Yeah well, I'd be happy to be in some of Ginny's classes.' Harry smiled at Ginny and laughed when she obviously attempted to ignore her blushing. 'Oh, that reminds me. Would all of you care to have lunch at Potter Manor? I sort of hoped you'd like to be filled in on what I've been doing all summer.'

'Potter Manor?' the twins cried in surprise. 'Mum, can we go?'

Molly looked around. Taking in the sight of Lucius Malfoy being dragged out unconscious from the courtroom by the two aurors. Oh, that was satisfying, she thought to herself. 'What do you think Arthur? If it isn't any trouble, of course.'

'None at all Mrs. Weasley.' Everyone turned to see a smiling Remus Lupin walking towards them. 'Sirius has been dying to invite people over and so has Harry.'

'Professor!' cried Hermione. 'How are you?' Harry and Remus both understood the underlying subject of the freshly passed full moon, but none knew how Harry related to it.

'I'm fine, thank you, Hermione. More than fine, in fact.'

Hermione beamed at him. 'I know my parents cleared me for the rest of the day so I can come over.'

Harry nodded and turned expectantly at Arthur. 'I'd say we'd all love to know everything that's been going on.' he said kindly. Harry chuckled and started counting heads.

'Alright, so that's Andromeda, Professor McGonagall, Remus, Sirius, me, Ginny, Twins, Percy, Mr and Mrs, Ron, Hermione. Am I missing anyone?'

'I won't be joining you today, I'm afraid.' said Andromeda to Sirius. 'I've got to go talk to Ted about the fact that you're actually innocent. He had a personal vendetta against you when you broke out. I was the only sane Black left.'

'Sirius let out a bark of laughter and hugged his cousin. 'It's good to see you, Andi.'

'I really missed you Sirius.' she said, muffled by Sirius's shirt. 'It's good to have you back.' they pulled back from each other and Sirius laughed at the tears in her eyes.

'Oh, sometimes it really is completely barmy to imagine you being Bella's sister. Look at you... crying. Who knew.'

'Prat' she said as she slapped him on the arm. 'It was nice to meet all of you. Harry, I haven't seen you since you were a few months old but I'd say you filled out quite nicely.'

Harry blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. 'Yeah, I grew a bit since then.'

Andromeda laughed and waved goodbye after congratulating Sirius one last time. She walked away from the group.'

'Is everyone ready?' asked Sirius, clapping his hands together in excitement.

Everyone nodded their heads. 'Great, follow me.' The group paraded out of the courtroom through camera flashes and eager reporters.

'Lord Potter! Lord Potter! Any comment on today's events?'

'I'd say they speak for themselves.' Harry replied.

Every question aimed at Sirius were batted away with 'No comment.'

'We'll head to a secluded spot so we can make an illegal portkey.' Harry whispered to Arthur who laughed and nodded.

The group walked into a small corridor that supposedly led to the ominous Department of Mysteries. Harry felt an odd pull to the door at the end of the hall but shook his head to clear it and motioned for Sirius.

Sirius took out a small pepper shaker and taped it with his wand. He put it in the center of the circle of people and turned around to make sure no one was nearby. 'Everyone put a finger on it.' He said quietly. Everyone lightly touched the shaker and felt a tug behind their navel as they spun through space and colour before landing hard on a dirt road.

The group got to their feet and brushed themselves off before…

'FUCKING HELL, POTTER! A LITTLE WARNING NEXT TIME!' came a feminine voice from behind Harry.

Harry sighed and dragged a hand down his face and turned around. 'Sorry Liz, but I felt like making an entrance. Why are you here?'

Elizabeth snorted. 'Ever so tactful. Clearly, you forgot that you sent me a note by owl I might add, remind me to ask you how you trained her, for me to meet you here at the gates to your home and hour after noon. Well, it's one in the afternoon and you're three minutes late.'

Harry sighed again. 'Sort of forgot about that.'

'Too bad. You said you'd explain all the funky wizard shite you did on the boat and now you've appeared out of thin air with… what is this group anyway?'

'Friends and family.' responded Harry.

'Mate, your parents are dead. You've got no family.' quipped Elizabeth. Everyone was shocked at how rude this girl was when Harry just started laughing. 'Isn't that the serial killer bloke on the telly?' she added, as she pointed towards Sirius.

Harry sobered and looked to Sirius. 'Yeah, but he's not really a serial killer.' was all explanation Harry gave.

Elizabeth nodded and turned to the rest. 'So, who are the rest of you?'

'Alright, family in all but blood then. From left to right we've got Andromeda Tonks, Professor McGonagall, she's the best professor, sorry Remus.' McGonagall gave Harry a rare smile. 'Remus Lupin, good bloke, single too.' Elizabeth nodded to each name. 'Next is Sirius Black but you already know that. Then there's Hermione Granger, she's too smart for her own good.' This earned Harry a glare from Hermione and snorts from the twins. 'Alright the rest of this lot are Weasleys so I'm not gonna say their last names. Ginny may be the best Weasley, still up for debate though. Ron. Don't play chess against him, you'll lose. Fred or maybe George. George or maybe Fred. Don't trust anything they give you.' a shared 'Hey!' of indignation came from both twins. 'Percy, he's smart too. Mr. Weasley, and Mrs. Weasley. Best parents around.'

Elizabeth smiled at them all and waved. 'Pleasure. My name's Elizabeth and you have to earn the right to call me Liz. So, are you all magic then?' she asked, cautiously looking at Harry. 'Am I supposed to ask that to people you introduce me to or…'

Harry laughed again. It was strange to see Harry so carefree. 'Yeah, they're all magical.'

'Hang on,' said Fred. 'Is she not a witch?'

'A witch? Fuck no. I'm no good at science neither so I don't know where that's coming from.' all of the Weasley's seemed confused, as did Sirius. But Remus, Hermione and Harry all chuckled.

'Mr. Potter,' McGonagall started in a stern voice. 'I hope that you are well aware of the legalities of sharing the wizarding world with non-magical people? This is a serious break in the International Statute of Secrecy.'

Harry paled a bit but recovered quickly. 'I'm pretty sure she's a squib. Actually, I'm certain.'

'What did you call me Potter? Sounds offensive as hell.'

'Yeah, come to think of it, it does sound like an insult. It just means that you come from magical blood but aren't magic yourself.' explained Harry.

'No offense to my dad or anything, but he's definitely not magical. And my mum isn't around enough for me to get a good reading.' Elizabeth said as she eyed Harry nervously.

'I'm willing to bet that it's your mum's side but we don't need to get into that. You saw the moving pictures on our newspaper, which means you've got some magic in you. So, I figured I'd get some more wizards and witches around to explain it all to you.' Harry smiled down at her and she looked up at him in a startlingly passionate gaze.

She smiled at him and raised her hand to cup his cheek. 'Thanks, Potter.' She said quietly. She dropped her hand and turned to the somewhat confused group. 'I met this idiot in the village a few weeks back. We're just friends.'

Sirius snorted and she glared at him. 'Oi, I could still turn you in.' she said, pointing a finger at Sirius.

'Unfortunately… er, Elizabeth, was it? Unfortunately, we have just come back from a trial in which Harry here cleared his name.' said George.

Elizabeth huffed in annoyance and turned to Harry. 'You said your house was down this path. No offence Potter but unless your directional skills are as pathetic as your swimming abilities, I'd say there is no house.'

Harry laughed and motioned everyone over. 'It's under this spell called the fidelius. Basically hides anything under it through a magical secret. Only I can divulge the secret. Makes sense?' Harry said as he explained a charm that he was sure all his friends understood. This was more so for Elizabeth.

She nodded and cocked her head to the side, inviting Harry to continue. 'Harry Potter lives at Potter Manor, near Crail, Fife, Scotland.' he watched as everyone nodded their heads and Harry turned to the once empty lane, only to find a wrought iron gate guarding a beautiful manor home.

'Welcome to Potter Manor.' said Harry, lamely.

The Weasleys continued to eye the house through the gates in shock. Harry walked up to the gate and placed a hand over it. The gate swung forward, and he gestured for them to follow. The group made their way through. Remus and Sirius ran ahead under the excuse of getting lunch ready while Harry toured them around the grounds. Elizabeth seemed confused at Quidditch, but Fred and George seemed keen to try and teach her how to ride a broom. Which, if she had any magic at all, should be possible. Elizabeth didn't seem to mind the Twins' company whatsoever. Ron was amazed at the professional sized Quidditch pitch that sat in what was essentially Harry's backyard.

Harry showed them the topiaries and walked them to the beach cliffs at the edge of the property. 'Yeah, don't fall down there.' Harry warned as he caught sight of the Twins' mischievous smiles. 'You'll die guys. No way around it.' Harry turned and continued the tour.

Eventually, they made their way inside and Harry deliberately avoided the library so as to keep Hermione with the main group for as long as possible. Ron and Ginny were fascinated by the indoor pool. The half wizard-half muggle appliances of the kitchen were a favourite of Arthur's.

Harry was correct in his assumption of Hermione's desire to remain in the library. Making sure she knew that she could take any book she wanted home as long as she eventually returned it.

The group finally made it into the kitchen which was much too small for the large group present. Remus invited them all into the formal dining room which was lit beautifully by the many floor to ceiling windows that lined the long room. Once everyone was seated, they turned to Harry.

'Erm, right, so I decided not to go back to my relatives' place.' He figured this was a good place to start.

'Clearly.' said Hermione.

'Right, and well…'

Elizabeth leaned in to whisper to Ginny, who sat to her left. 'Sometimes he does this. He just stumbles over his words and gets all quiet like he's talking to himself in his head. Makes him seem as dim as an ape.' Ginny snorted and threw a spoon at Harry.

Harry looked up at Ginny and shook his head. 'What?'

'Well do you think we should explain the wizarding world to Elizabeth or should we just jump right in to your runaway summer.'

'I'd like to know about magic, personally.' Said Elizabeth, eyeing every member at the table apprehensively.

Harry nodded. 'Professor,' he indicated McGonagall. 'I know you introduce muggleborns to the wizarding world so you can help me out a bit here. I'll start with Hogwarts, and we can move on from there.'

Professor McGonagall nodded in agreement and the other occupants of the dining room leaned in, ready to give their tidbits of information.