First Vacation

By Phire Phoenix

Chapter Two

Mass Murderer on the Loose

"You should've seen Dudley sprawled over the carpet in the front hall" Harry laughed as he slipped into the front seat for a car Sirius had mysteriously managed to procure. Sirius called out a cheery goodbye to the Dursleys.

"Oh, your aunt and uncle's reactions more than make up for it." Sirius told him with a twinkle in his eyes. "After all, it's not everyday an escaped convict threatens them." He informed the astounded boy with a wink. The latter, unable to control his laughter, exploded.

Sirius just grinned as he tapped the steering wheel of the car twice with his wand. The engine ignited smoothly, and when Sirius whispered "Lion's Den" to the overhead mirror, it manoeuvred itself from the parallel parked position and headed for the highway.

Harry smirked. "Bet Uncle Vernon's happy. He got rid of me AND saved his own skin." Sirius reached over and ruffled his hair, to loud protestations. A driver in a blue Suzuki glanced at their car, his eyes turning the size of dinner plates when he noticed that Sirius didn't have a single hand anywhere near the steering wheel. Harry laughed - everything seemed to be funny, today.

"But on a more serious note, why are you here? I mean, isn't it dangerous???" Harry asked Sirius more than a little nervously.

"Well young Harry, I guess you don't get the Daily Prophet where you lived." Sirius chuckled. Harry's jaw dropped.

"Daily Prophet. You don't mean ... " He looked at Sirius incredulously, wondering if this is a joke.

"Yup! I've been cleared." Sirius laughed, seeing his stunned expression. "You should have seen Fudge. That imbecile of a minister won't last for long. The whole tribunal voted for my innocence, then he got up on the table and started ranting about how I was guilty. The council seemed pretty taken aback, and they were whispering like Fudge belonged in St. Mungus'."

"But, h-how..." Harry stuttered, still disbelieving. Sirius chuckled again.

"Let's just say that our favourite rat isn't nearly adept a spy as ours." Sirius grinned at that. "He was caught by animagus detection charms Arthur had set up around the Atrium at the Ministry."

Harry snorted. "Bet old Voldie isn't too happy about that!"

"Nope! Especially since there were complications with the rebirth potion, what with his servant owing a wizard's debt to his enemy and all that." Sirius waved away Harry's astounded look. "Veritaserum gets useful at times, you know. So word has it he's hiding out until a counter to the blood-bind can be found"

The car steered itself off the highway. Instead, they were now cruising along a country road, surrounded by large expanses of lush green fields. Harry was just thinking how perfect this location would be for quidditch when his thoughts were cut off by what felt like a strong gust of wind passing through his body. "Anti Muggle Wards. And...various others." was all Sirius gave by way of explanation.

The enchanted vehicle shuddered to a stop in front of a large mansion. A click met their ears when the boot sprung open and Harry's trunk was levitated slowly out of it.

"Nice service." Sirius grinned, while Harry gaped at the mansion. Or rather, the people lounging around on the front lawn of it.

"What are you doing here??" He shouted happily, running ahead to Ron, Ginny, Fred, George, Arthur, and Molly. Ron, hearing his voice, jumped up to meet him. A useless gesture, seeing how he was bowled over by Harry again the next second.

"The Daily Prophet announced the news three days ago," Ron laughed, pushing Harry off of him. "Yesterday, we got the owl from Sirius. He's inviting Ginny, twins, the Hermione and me over for the rest of the summer! My parents are here just to greet their new neighbour." At this point, he dropped his voice to a low whisper. "And Percy, well he says he's here to apologize on behalf of the Ministry. Whatever that's supposed to mean."

Harry beamed, before realizing what Ron said. "Neighbours?" He asked blankly. "You mean..."

"Yeah!" Ron grinned happily, pointing to the north. A small paddock raised on a hill, and surrounded by trees loomed into view.

"Bloody Hell! You guys live that close?" Ron nodded. They looked back at the adults. The twins were carrying Harry's trunk to the house. Arthur and Molly Weasley were shaking Sirius' hands and Percy observed them from a distance. Only now did Harry notice an 8th figure, standing near them. Dobby the house-elf was watching them shyly, and quickly turned away when he noticed Harry's stare. "What's Dobby doing here?" He muttered to Ron. His friend shrugged.

"I think Sirius let him stay with you guys after he heard that 'Great, Noble Harry Potter be in need of a House Elf'" Harry slapped Ron; he didn't have to stretch his imagination very far to see Sirius trying, and failing, to pry Dobby off of him.

"Hey Dobby. Nice to see you again!" He said cheerfully, turning to the aforementioned elf. "What are you going here?" Dobby scurried forward.

"Harry Potter!" He squeaked, seemingly unable to contain his excitement. "Dobby is ever so grateful to have this opportunity to work for Harry Potter, sir! Dobby could hardly believe his little ears when professor Dumbledore informed Dobby of Master Sirius' wishes, sir! Dobby is extremely honoured to have this opportunity...."

"Uh, um, that's great! Why don't you come in?" Harry cut him off before he gained momentum, unsure of how to react to Dobby's undying loyalty and untiring enthusiasm. Dobby nodded happily, his ears flapping. They walked in the house with Dobby listing all the virtues of Harry, Ron laughing his head off, and Harry trying - in vain - not to blush.

Sirius glanced around the living room twenty minutes later, smirking.

"Your parents sure are trusting!" He told Ron, with an mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "leaving you here, all alone with a murderer and all that!" Harry snorted, but was driven into the sofa by Sirius the next moment. "What, you doubt my prowess?" Ginny rolled her eyes, smiling.

"Come on." Sirius told them a moment later. "We have to go pick up Hermione. I told her I'd be there at 3 o'clock. It is now..." He glanced at his watch and yelped. "...five after three!!! Come on, Harry, HURRY!!" He laughed at his own joke, before holloring towards the kitchen. "Hold the snacks, would ya?" And without waiting for a response, he led them to the card. Before closing the door, he paused and yelled once again. "AND TELL THE TWINS WHERE WE ARE!!!" He shut the door, muttering nervously about making first impressions while Harry, Ron, and Ginny went ahead, laughing at Sirius' predicament.

"Don't worry." Harry quipped cheekily. "If Hermione's parents don't approve of you taking care of us for a couple of weeks, you can always threaten to off them." Sirius paled at that, and Ginny swatted at Harry's arm.

"If you send him into shock, Ron is not driving!"

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