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Learning to Cope

*Part 2*

Sirius Black- A Free Man

That's right, folks. Sirius Black, who was originally charged with murdering Peter Pettigrew, 12 muggles, and betraying James and Lily Potter, has been found innocent at his trial yesterday. Speakers included Remus Lupin, Albus Dumbledore of course, Blacks godson, and the Boy-Who-lived, Harry Potter.

Peter Pettigrew was found in the Forbidden Forest, and was handed over to the ministry. Pettigrew received the Kiss yesterday, and Sirius Black is currently remodeling his old home, or so he says.

"I plan to have Harry live with me, and of course his fiancée, Draco Malfoy is invited to visit, and stay as well." Sirius told us, just after he was announced 'innocent'

Potter and Malfoy plan to marry after finishing their last year at Hogwarts, in about a year's time.

Written By: Rita Skeeter.

Harry sat the paper down, and looked at his godfather. Sirius was smiling from ear to ear, as he read the exact same article.

"Well, what are we going to do now?' Both men asked, grinning. Remus Lupin, and his lover, Severus Snape sat with them, as did Harry's, Draco.

"Hmm, I can think of some ideas." Remus muttered, kissing Sev. "Ewww" Sirius and Harry said at the exact same time. "Moony, that's sick. I'm eating here."  Everyone snickered."Hey, Siri, can you teach me to be an animagus?" Harry wondered, as Sirius grinned widely. "Of course, Prongs Jr. Moony, shall we?" Moony pouted, but agreed. "Fine, Siri. Harry, meet us at Lucius's class room in an hour." With that, the 3 men disappeared, leaving Harry and Draco all alone in the small restaurant. They withdrew some money from their wallets, and paid for the bill.

"Lets go." with that, they left the restaurant, and looked around as they stepped outside. Outside of the restaurant was their carriage, which was supposed to take them to Hogwarts. Luckily, it was a rather quick ride, and they arrived in no time flat. Then, they went off to change clothes, and met back at Lucius's room. They arrived at the door, and were about to open it when they heard Lucius.

"So, Harry asks to become an animagus and you say yes? Are you insane?" Sirius nodded, knowing fully that he was. "Ok, when do we start?" Lucius asked excitedly. The door opened, and Sirius muttered, "Now."

Sirius took a seat, and Harry and Draco did as well, Harry on Draco's lap.

"First off, Harry, we need a little bit of your blood." Harry's face scrunched up, as Lucius inserted a needle, getting the amount of blood he needed. "Now, we need you to help with the potion."  So, they began the potion. Lucius explained how they needed it done, and slowly, Harry did what he was asked. "Alright, now it's going to take a few hours to simmer." So, they began to teach Harry the spell that he would need to know. "The spell is very simple. It's Redulo Animagi."

A few hours later, the potion was finished, and Harry was perfecting the spell. "Ok, now. I need you to concentrate after you drink this potion. First, repeat the spell 5 times, and then with your eyes shut, imagine all these different animals. The animal you become depends on the type of person you are."

Harry took the vial, and drank it, before shutting his eyes. "Remingo Animagi, Remingo Animagi, Remingo Animagi, Remingo Animagi, Remingo Animagi." Harry, with his eyes shut, thought of every animal he knew, before he felt this immense pain soar through his body. Slowly, he started to change, and eventually, a beautiful phoenix appeared in his spot. "Ok, Harry. Now, you need to think these words and you will transfer back. Reverse Animagi. Harry did so, and the next thing he knew, he was back.

"What am I?" he wondered. "A beautiful phoenix." Sirius said proudly, as Draco hugged him. "Now, to register." Lucius handed Harry some forms, and a pen. "Sign that line, Harry." Harry did so, and handed it back. He was a phoenix. A phoenix. Grinning, he turned into his form and looked at himself through a mirror. 'Amazing' he thought, as he turned back.

"Ok, now. You need to be careful when you turn into your form. If your not, some side effects could occur, but I don't think we need to go through that." Sirius explained.

All 4 adults thought the same exact thing: 'Your dad would be proud'

*

~*

The next week was very eventful for the young Potter. He receives an owl from Molly Weasley, with a neatly written note.

Dear Harry,

I'd be delighted to help to plan your wedding. Arthur was shocked when he heard who you were going to marry, but he says that if it makes you happy to be with Draco, its fine with him. I should be arriving at Hogwarts on Friday, expect me them. Tell Lucius that he doesn't need to worry about payment, you are my son.

With Love,

Molly.

The day was Friday, and Mrs. Weasley was about to arrive. Harry sat in the Great Hall, accompanied by Draco, Ron, Hermione and Ginny, who all wanted to see Mrs. Weasley. Lucius also joined them, a smile on his face as the doors opened, and Molly entered.

"Mum!" Ron and Ginny hugged their mother, and Hermione joined in.

"Hello." A beautiful smile appeared on the mother as she hugged her children. "Harry, come here." Harry obeyed, and hugged her. "Molly, I would like for you to meet my fiancée and the love of my life, Draco. Drake, this is Molly Weasley, Ron's mum. And this is Lucius, Draco's father and an old friend of my father." Molly gave both of them a smile. "It's a pleasure. Lucius, Draco, welcome to the family." She gave them both hugs.

"Where's Arthur?" Harry wondered, until the door opened again. Arthur Weasley appeared and hugged his children, including Harry before looking at the Malfoys. "Lucius" Arthur nodded at the man. "And you must be Draco, it's nice to meet you." Draco shook his hand, and Harry wrapped his arms around him.

"So, since we're here for the next few days, let's take a tour." Mrs. Weasley suggested kindly, inviting the Malfoys to come along. Lucius agreed, and the kids went ahead, as Lucius, Arthur and Molly talked.

"So, Arthur, I heard they want you as the new Minister. Are you going to accept?" Arthur looked at him confused, how did he know? "I nominated you, of course. With all that you've done for Harry, I knew that you and your family deserve it." Arthur was beginning to look at Lucius in a new way, with respect. "Thank you." He whispered, leaving Molly and Lucius alone.

"Molly, when would be the best time to start making the plans?" He wondered. Molly smiled, and offered to start whenever he could, and they caught up to the kids, who started to excitedly show Molly everything. They stopped at a door, and Harry pulled out his keys. Arthur Weasley looked curiously at the door, as Harry opened it with a key. Pushing the door open, he ushered everyone in. Ginny gasped, as Harry turned on the lights.

"Welcome, to my room." Harry said proudly, as everyone who hadn't seen the room looked around.

"Amazing" Arthur mumbled, touching the canopy bed. The room was decorated in baby blue and emerald green, although the reason for that was unknown. Well, at least Harry didn't want to tell them.

"How did he get it?" Ginny asked curiously.

"Because of what happened last year." Harry said softly, as Molly put a hand on his shoulder. Ginny nodded, and the subject was dropped.

"So, what are the plans so far?" And so they began to talk about what they wanted, and asked for some ideas. Lunch soon arrived, thanks to Dobby, who ran up to Harry happily.

"Harry Potter, Dobby's brought some lunch for Harry Potter and his friends!" The small house elf announced, as Harry gave him a smile and thanked him. "Master Lucius, Master Draco." Dobby bowed to them both, and ran off.

"Ah, so you know Dobby?" Draco asked, unaware. Harry shrugged. "I helped release him." "And I still don't forgive you for that." Lucius teased, as all three of them laughed.

"Dig In!" Harry announced, and sure enough, they did.

*~*

A few weeks later, Harry asked Draco to come to his room to plan some more. When Draco arrived, they sat down on Harry's couch, and began talking about what they wanted.

"Hmm, what flowers do we want?" Draco wondered. "Lilies." Harry said suddenly, as Draco raised an eyebrow. "With Red Roses? Darling, that doesn't quite match." Harry looked at him sadden, leaving Draco to wonder. Harry stood up, disappearing to another room. Draco got up sadly, and left, wondering what was up with Harry. He looked for his father, and asked him why Harry responded like that.

"Father, when Harry and I were discussing flowers, he said he wanted Lilies, but got mad when I said that didn't quite match with roses." Lucius tried not to laugh, as he looked at his son as if to say 'are you serious?'

"Dragon, Harry's mum was named Lily." Draco nearly choked, as he made the connection. "I'm such an idiot." He complained, as he ran off to try to talk to Harry. "I agree." Lucius yelled after him, snickering. They had a fight over flowers? What's next?  Fighting over who's going to wear the dress? Rolling his eyes, he yawned, and took a quick nap.

Draco ran the whole way to Harry's room, and pounded on the door.

"Harry, open up. I'm sorry, I'm an idiot. Please, open up. We can have lilies, if that's what you want. Please, just open the door. Harry appeared at the door, and looked at his lover.

"Well, one thing you said was correct." "What?" Draco said back, as Harry let him inside. "You are an idiot." Draco pretended to pout, which made Harry laugh even harder. "I love you too." Harry grinned. "I know you do." And the happy couple lay on Harry's bed, and held each other for awhile, until they finally fell asleep.

*~*

Harry would owl Molly every once in a while, to tell her of something else that they decided. They told her about the flowers (Lilies and Red Roses), the colors (Baby Blue and Pale Yellow), and now were trying to create their wedding party. Harry wanted Lucius, Sirius, Remus, Ron, Hermione and Ginny to be in their wedding party, since they weren't having a traditional wedding. Not traditional, even in wizard standards.

"Harry, what did you think of the chocolate cake?" Draco wondered, snapping Harry out of his thoughts. He looked at the cake, and nodded. Draco grinned, and began talking to the store owner once more, making plans. Harry walked off, without telling Draco where he was going. He walked over to the bookstore, Flourish and Blotts, and walked inside, heading towards the section. He picked up a book, and began to flip through it as the owner watched, curiously. He took it to the cashier, paid for it, and left as the cashier continued to watch him.

Harry met up with Draco, and acted like everything was ok, even though he knew that it wasn't.

*~*

When Harry and Draco returned to Hogwarts, they were told that Harry needed to go see Dumbledore. He did so, and was met with Mrs. Figg, Sirius, Remus, Lucius and a few other people.

"Harry, we need you to go somewhere for us." Harry looked at his elder. "Where?" Harry asked him, not prepared for the shocking news he was to hear.

"We need you to return to the Dursley's, and protect your family. All that they will know is that you have been suspended, and you cannot stay with your godfather, not just yet. " Harry sighed, but nodded. "I guess. When do I leave?"

"Well, we plan to send you the week before Easter, and keep you there for about 2 weeks. Is that ok?" Harry shrugged, showing that he didn't care. Dumbledore smiled. "Alright then." Lucius had no choice in the matter, and stayed silent as Harry agreed to do it.

"Is that all, Professor?" He wondered, as he gave Sirius and Remus hugs. Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, now get out boy." Sirius teased him, and Harry obeyed, grinning. "Bye."

*~*

A few days later, Harry waved bye to his friends, and kissed Draco before boarding his ride, Sirius's motorcycle. Sirius drove him to Privet Drive, and gave him a final hug. "See ya, Harry." Sirius let him go, and drove off, wishing he could have stayed with his godson, and protected him from his evil relatives.

Harry knocked on the door, and his aunt appeared. "Oh, its you. Come in before the neighbors see you." She yanked him inside, and slammed the door shut. "So, where should I place my things?" He asked softly. "We'll take that." Petunia replied, glaring at his trunk. Dudley appeared and they dragged the trunk to the cupboard. Throwing it inside, they walked off, leaving Harry alone. Harry trudged up the stairs to his room and lay down on his bed, wishing that Draco was with him right now. But no, here he was trying to be the good guy and save him so called family, and yet they still treat him like dirt. Annoyed, he fell asleep, and for the first time in years, had a dreamless sleep.

*~*

Harry was cleaning the kitchen one day, when Dudley came wobbling in, talking about moving pictures, and fire. Harry's head snapped up, and looked at his cousin.

"Burn, evil pictures." His cousin muttered. Harry glared at him. "What pictures?" He sneered.

"Moving pictures, dumbass." "What did you do to them?" Harry asked softly. "What did you think I did? I burned them. Stupid idiot. Pictures aren't supposed to move, and those were most defiantly freak pictures. Deserved to be burned, all of them. Especially of you and that guy, and that family. Rotting people, the lot of them." Harry glared at his cousin, and suddenly, he lost control. He slapped his cousin, took out his wand, and opened the cupboard, grabbing his trunk. He dragged his stuff, and after he called for Hedwig, turned his wand on his aunt, uncle and cousin, who were gathered around watching.

"An evil thing shall happen to you, and I won't be here to save you. And then again, you deserve it." Harry left, slamming the door after him. He walked a little ways, before holding out his wand. The Knight Bus appeared, and Harry stepped on, grinning. He road to Hogsmeade, and walked towards the castle. It was a longish walk, but he arrived at the castle just in time. Opening the rather large door, he headed straight for the headmasters office and room, and began to call out candies. Finally, he sighed, and said "Voldemort." Albus Dumbledore appeared, and frowned at Harry.

"Harry, my boy, why did you leave them?" He asked softly, Harry's eyes flashing in anger. "They burned it, all of them. Every single one." Harry cried, and Albus called for Sirius, Lucius and Draco, who arrived, and hugged the small boy. "Their dead, aren't they?" Harry asked softly, as the realization came. He killed them, and yet they deserved it. Albus nodded. "How?" 

"Death eaters." Someone said softly. "Why?"

"That, we don't know little one." Lucius said to his 'son', holding him tightly, before releasing him to Draco. Draco hugged him tightly, as his lover sobbed. "I killed them" He said softly, "I killed them. I'm a murderer." Sirius held his godson and Draco, wanting to protect both of them. "No, your not, my son." Sirius told him, wiping the tears from his eyes. "No, you're not." Harry cried for awhile longer, until he couldn't any more. And then, he was asleep.

"I'll stay with him." Draco told his father, and Sirius as the two left. "I love you, Harry." Kissing his forehead, he held the fragile body to him, and promptly fell asleep.

*~*

Harry awoke the next morning, and suddenly everything came back to him. He started to twitch. Draco felt him and snapped his eyes open, hugging him tighter.

"Shh..Harry, it's ok. You're safe." Harry continued to toss and turn. Harry began to mutter things, things that scared Draco. "Nooo, don't. They didn't do anything. Stop it. Those are mine." Draco couldn't take it anymore. He picked Harry up, and ran to Dumbledore's room. There, he said the password ("Starbursts"), and stepped inside. Albus awoke, and looked at Malfoy. "Yes?"

"It's Harry, sir. He keeps mumbling about something, but none of it makes sense."

"What is he saying, Mister Malfoy?" Draco repeated what Harry said, and Dumbledore realized. "The pictures. They burned the pictures."

"What pictures?" Albus sighed, the boy didn't know. "The only photos Harry has of his family." He said softly, and bowed his head. Draco suddenly understood why Harry was so upset. Draco held Harry tightly, as he sobbed and the professor looked on, a sad look upon his face. Albus watched the small boy sob, knowing that there was nothing he could do for him this time, nothing to help his great-grandson.

*~*

When Harry finally stopped sobbing, he looked at Draco. Draco hugged him tightly. "It's ok, Harry. Don't worry, every things fine." Harry believed him, and they stayed like that for awhile, Draco making sure that his lover was okay. Finally, Harry seemed alright, and spoke. "They burned them. I could hear my mum and dad yelling, as they were destroyed. Dudley, he did it. He found my album, and when he realized that they were moving, decided to burn them. Drac, their all I have left. I hate him, I hate them all." Draco hugged him tightly, and a knock was heard at the door.

"Come in." Draco said, still hugging Harry.

"Father." Lucius saw Harry, and immediately walked towards him, hugging him tightly. " I have brought little one a present." Lucius smiled at Harry, and revealed a rather large package. Harry looked at it sadly, and then looked back at Lucius. Lucius nodded sharply, and Harry stood up. He stepped toward the package, and opened it. It was a trunk. Lucius smiled softly, and revealed a key, which he handed to Harry. Harry entered the key, and opened it. Stacked high, were photo albums and photos and other possessions that could have only belonged to his father. He found a small ring box at the top, and looked at Lucius curiously. Lucius nodded, it was their engagement ring. James and Lily, that is. There was a small stag, and a flower carved on it, two identical rings. Harry caressed each one, a sad look on his face.

Draco slid next to him, looking inside of the trunk. "How?" Harry whispered, touching one of the photo albums. "James left them in my possession before they went into hiding. He knew, Harry, he knew. He knew he wouldn't live to see you grow up, and he wanted you to have these." Harry lifted the photo album on top, and blew the dust off. The very first picture was of his dad and Lucius, waving. Lucius smiled softly, it was their photo album. Harry looked up at Lucius.

"Thank you, dad." The two men were close to tears as they hugged. Draco stood on the 'sidelines', smiling. Harry was accepted, and Lucius loved Harry just as much as he did.

Harry flipped the page, and found a photo of Lucius and James kissing. A tear fell from Lucius' eye, as he watched the photo. Harry continued to flip, finding several pictures of James and Lucius together, and finally, a photo of Severus, Lucius and James.

"Professor Snape?" Lucius nodded. "He didn't always hate your father, only when he took Lily away from him." "He loved Lily, didn't he?" Lucius nodded sadly. "Yes, he did. He was furious when Lily left him." Harry nodded. Everything was coming together, why Snape used to hate him, why his father married his mother. Only one thing remained unsolved: Where did ol' Voldie fit into this.

"What about Voldemort?" Lucius looked at him in shock: Was he figuring it all out? "What about him?"

"Where does he fit in all this mess?" Voldemort, the man known as Tom Riddle, wasn't evil like everyone thought. "He was not related to James, but to Lily." Lucius said finally. "Very distant, though. Lily didn't even know that they were related, but Riddle did. When he found out about you, he needed to destroy you. That's why he was after you, and Lily. He didn't want James." Lucius lied smoothly, Harry didn't notice though. He fell for it. 'Good, hopefully he won't ever find out.' Lucius thought, as he watched Harry return to the photo albums.

Lucius was satisfied, he had kept James secret safe.

*~*

The wedding plans were going along well. Harry and Draco were nearly finished with their 6th year, and were ready to spend the summer with each other, and Lucius and Sirius, and Remus, and Severus and everyone else. During their last Potions class, Professor Snape actually smiled at everyone, including Neville. Everyone was surprised at this, since Snape went from being Mr. Cruel to being Mr. Cool. A few students even had the guts to say it to his face, which Snape didn't do anything but smile at them.

"Harry, Draco. Congratulations, you've made the highest scores in the class." They both grinned, and Professor Snape turned to Neville. "Neville, congratulations as well. You have the 3rd best score in here." Everyone cheered; the extra potions lessons paid off. They all celebrated their grades that night, at Hogsmeade before they boarded the train the next day, in high spirits. "Wow, for once I'm not going to the Dursleys." Harry said, shocked, and once the train finally arrived at the station, and everyone hugged each other, promising to write. Harry and Draco prepared for an amazing trip this summer: The U.S. of A.

After hugging everyone, and stepping off the train, Harry waved to the Weasleys, before he heard his name being yelled. "Harry James Lucius Potter, get over here this instant" Harry heard, and rushed over with Draco. They immediately hugged both people, smiles on their faces.

"You ready for a bit of fun?" Sirius asked excitedly. Everyone, including Lucius laughed. "Lets go, and may god be with all the poor Americans." They cheered, and headed off towards the airport, wanting a fun adventure, on a muggle airplane. They transformed their trunks into suitcases, and boarded the plane, prepared for a bit of fun. Harry and Draco sat together, both fighting over a window seat. "Har, please!" begged Draco, and finally Harry gave up. Draco took the window seat, and Harry sat down in his seat, as a small muggle girl sat next to them, and the plane took off.

*~*

Meanwhile, Sirius, Remus, Lucius and Severus took their seats, and spotted Harry and Draco a few seats ahead, all snuggled up. A few muggles watched in distaste, but neither boy nor the men were bothered by it, since most of them hadn't been on a plane before. The plane began to take off, and they all relaxed, prepared for an exciting adventure, one that would change their lives greatly.

A/N: a lil short, but the next is longer, I assure you. R.R!