Kingdom Come 4/?
By: PeachDancer82
Pairing: HP/DM, RL/SB others
Rating: R (This is done b/c the later chapters will definitely earn it).
Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and places belong to J.K. Rowling, Scholastic, Warner Bros, and all of that other legal jive. Please don't sue I'm broke, really I am, I'm just a college student! However if I could, I'd take Draco and lock him away so I could totally ravish him. However as it is I can't so…
Summary: The same day as chapters one through three. From Harry's POV. The Ministry, Diagon Alley and a fight with a little surprise in the middle!
A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers, I really appreciate it. I tried to use aspects of OOtP but seeing as how I started this before the fifth book a lot of aspects of this story are AU. But the Wizarding World as a whole I tried to keep the same.
****************************** Chapter 4: Family Firsts******************************
Meanwhile Harry and his godfathers made their way into Black manor. The house on the outside did nothing to convey the beauty that was inside. Although the house was luxurious in its stature, the atmosphere was one of a welcoming homeliness. With rich earth tones and light wood paneling through the foyer and front rooms, the dark hardwood floors made a pleasant contrast to its surroundings and were covered in thick Persian carpets. Directly in front of the trio was a grand staircase. At the top of one could just make out the beginnings of hallways. To say Harry was in awe would have been an understatement.
"Wow", the Gryffindor exclaimed, as he looked up at the ceiling that seemed to be about three stories high and adorned with a large prismatic crystal chandelier.
"Grimwald place was our summer home, but this," gesturing around them, "this was home. You like it? " Sirius asked feeling slightly apprehensive, he wanted Harry to feel at home, and more than anything, he wanted his godson to be happy.
"Sirius, I love it!"
Remus watched with a smile on his face. Sirius was fidgeting around nervously while Harry obliviously took in his new home. Remus clearing his throat, "Well, lets get your stuff up to your room. Dido." Suddenly Harry heard a 'pop' just to the right of him, turning swiftly he was greeted with two large green eyes
"Master Sirius, Master Remus," you're back, the house elf exclaimed as he eyed the newcomer with curiosity.
"Yes Dido," Sirius answered, "we've collected our charge. May I introduce Harry Potter."
"I is pleased to meet you sir," Dido said with a small bow.
Letting his backpack fall to he ground Harry replied with a nod of his head, "As am I."
Gesturing to Harry's trunk, owl cage and backpack Remus began, "please see that Harry's luggage is brought to the rooms that were prepared.
"Okays Master Remus," with a snap of is fingers Harry things levitated onto a nearby rug that was to the side of the wall. With a startled gasp, the Gryffindor watched as the seemingly normal rug levitated and flew off up the stairs.
"Thank you Dido," Sirius responded.
"Is Masters needin' somethin' else?
"We're fine, we'll be back a little after dark let the other house elves know."
"Alright, master Sirius," Dido eagerly nodding his head as his ears flopped on his head, "I is tellin' them." Then with a quick bow and a pop the house elf was gone.
"Well we'll have to give you a tour of the house when we get back," Remus said as Harry shook his head at the house elf. He would never get over seeing how dedicated they were.
"How many house elves do you have Sirius, and what about Krecter" Harry inquired, looking over at his godfather, who had gone to stand by a table that lined the hall and was rifling through some parchments.
"Hmm?" Sirius said distractedly, realizing that he was being asked a question he lifted his head and looked back toward Remus and his godson, "Oh, there are three Dido, who you just met, Hank, his son and Maureen his wife, they're really nice and helpful you'll like them. Krecter, Sirius said frowning, his voice reflecting how he felt about the elf, "is at Grimwald Place, and since he was more my mother's pesonal elf, and I know you remember how he felt about me, I decided to acquire some new elves. Ones that weren't as crazy." He then bent down and picked up a briefcase that was on the floor leaning against the wall.
"Oh," the boy-who -lived murmured just don't tell Mione.
Remus chuckled, "Considering how Krecter was I doubt even she'd be aggrieve."
"True," Harry agreed, looking around.
Remus walked over to a closet that was concealed behind a painting on the wall and pulled a robe out. Putting it on he pulled out another one and walked over to Sirius, "Here," handing the black cloak to him. Sirius took it and put it on distractedly while looking over a scroll he'd laid on the table. Remus began to gather some loose parchments and put them into a briefcase he'd bent down to pick up from the ground.
While his Godfathers were busily collecting what they need for their work, Harry began wander around the foyer looking at the paintings that lined the left wall. They were of landscapes so he couldn't tell if they were magical or not. As he walked along the wall he came upon a large oak door, Remus and Sirius were discussing something at the table when Harry turned around, so being the Gryffindor he was he decided to see where it led. Opening the door a crack Harry poked his head in. It was dark so he couldn't see anything. "Incendo" he whispered. The room came to life as about twenty scones on the wall lit up reviling what appeared to be a rather large library.
He was about to walk in and explore when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around he saw his godfather smiling behind him. "Hey buddy we're about to leave, Remus just to take a fire call in the."
Nodding in comprehension Harry turned back to look into the room he'd just discovered." "Wow Sirius, this place is huge," he exclaimed awe as he pushed up his glasses that were sliding down his nose, "Mione would die if she saw this, matter of fact she'd camp out until she'd devoured every last one of these books."
Glancing at the room, the animagus started to chuckle, "Yea well that's Hermione for you," shrugging his shoulders "I never really paid much attention to the library myself but my father would spend hours on end in here."
"Oh," Looking at the room once more. Suddenly remembering something he turned to his godfather, "I was meaning to ask you something, why did you give the Dursleys money, I mean they hardly deserved it?"
In repose Sirius just burst out laughing. Looking more than a little confused as to what was so funny Harry just stared at Sirius. Maybe his godfather was just losing it.
"Oh, Harry…"clutching his side as he laughed all the harder "I forgot to tell…" He was trying to catch his breath in-between laughs. "I charmed it."
"Charmed it?" Still a little lost on what his godfather was trying to say.
"Yea," trying to pull himself together Sirius continued, "Like Leprechaun's gold, only it was sort of an realistic allusion charm it was there only for as long as there was magic to sustain the charm. But…" he trailed off once again beside him self with laughter.
Harry for his part was not as slow on the uptake as some believed, began to get the gist of what had happened began to join his godfather's revelry. They laughed for about a minute with Sirius leaning on the doorframe for support and wiping the tears from his eyes. "Your relative's faces would have been priceless."
"I can just see Aunt Petunia crying to," Harry would have given anything to see the Dursleys reactions to Sirius's prank. He was sure his uncle had turned a new shade of purple at having had to grovel in apology to Harry and not had the money to show for it. Priceless, Harry thought as he took his glasses off to wipe the few tears from his eyes. It would have been priceless.
Still chuckling Sirius turned around and walked back to the hall table where he began summon papers from upstairs.
Putting his gasses back on Harry took one last look at the library, "Nox." he whispered as he made his way back to stand next to Sirius. Dodging a book that flew right over his head Harry looked over the mess on the table as Sirius began arranging them into a leather briefcase "Who's Remus talking to?"
"Hmm?" Sirius said distractedly as another book came whizzing through the air landing in his outstretched hand without looking up. He glanced briefly at Harry "Oh. His assistant from his office." He stuffed the last of the parchments into another file folder and put them into the briefcase. Which on its own snapped shut, burped then disappeared. Slightly taken aback Harry looked at his godfather quizzically. Sirius just smiled," it's a Trans-case, it automatically goes to my office." Harry shook his head, wizards always did things with a flare, he thought to himself.
"Anyway," Sirius continued, "He'll be right back." He gestured off to the right to a pair of wooden doors, "he just stepped into the parlor to take the call. "
As if on cue Remus slid the doors of said room open sticking his head out, "Alright, lets get going, that was Durham apparently the Veela ambassador, Lacy, needs some information. I need to get to the office right away to gather some reports," Remus then disappeared through the doors again. He had looked a little worried but Harry and Sirius decided to not pry. Sirius then turned to Harry and remembered the state of his godson's clothes "Dido," he called out. Instantly said house elf appeared.
"Yes Master Sirius?"
"Would you bring me one of my robes."
"Yes sir," with a pop the house elf disappeared.
Harry looked at Sirius, "You're changing your robe?"
"No, It's for you. You need a robe. Besides, I don't think you want to go to the ministry looking like that do you?"
"Oh yea," looking down at the grungy oversized clothes he had on, "forgot."
'Pop' Dido appeared with a black robe in his hand. "Here you are sirs."
"Thank you Dido," Sirius said as he took the garment and handed it to Harry.
Harry took it and put it on, it was a little long. "Uh, Sirius I think it's a little big." Sirius turned and started to chuckle. Being that Sirius was broader and fuller than Harry the robe was hanging off Harry everywhere.
"Well that doesn't look much better then what you're wearing now does it," Sirius said.
Harry rolled his eyes, "I'm glad the situation amuses you, Padfoot. I must remember to allow you to dress me more often," Harry commented dryly as he pushed a strand of hair behind his ear.
"You do that," Sirius stammered good-naturedly chuckling still, "No, no its alright I'll just shrink it" He took out his wand and pointed at he offending garment, "Vestis Decresco" The garment shrank instantly and Harry looked down at himself. "That's better" Taking Harry's arm Sirius then turned around and guided Harry in front of a mirror that was on the wall. "What do you think?"
"Yea definitely better, " Harry smiled
"Ok, I'm ready," Sirius replied as he stood fixing his hair over Harry "Let's go." Sirius then turned and with a warm smile guided Harry through the doors and across the threshold that Remus had previously stood. Harry couldn't believe his eyes when he walked into the parlor. It was breathtaking. It had dark wood paneling decorating the walls and a very expensive looking green Persian rug lying over the floor. The room had a large black lacquered grand piano in the corner. There were several queen ann style couches and high back leather chairs throughout the room all with occasional tables placed nearby.
The room had a luxurious air but like the rest of the house the room had a homey feel about it. There was floor to ceiling windows alongside the outer wall that overlooked the hillside. Squinting a little, Harry could just make out a grove of clustered trees in the distance. 'Must be the apple orchard Sirius mentioned earlier' Harry smiled inwardly, he was already falling in love with the place.
Remus was standing by a large fireplace that despite the summer heat was roaring brightly. He had a poker in hand and was stroking the fire. When he noticed Sirius and Harry approaching he set the poker down by the side of the opened grate. "What took so long?" He asked as he reached over and picked up a jar off of the mantel.
"I had to get a robe for Harry" Sirius answered, walking up to stand beside Remus.
"Hm," Remus nodded, "well let's get going then." He offered Sirius the jar, which Harry assumed contained the floo powder, and Sirius lifted the lid and grabbed a handful and placed the lid back.
"See you in a minute." With that Sirius through the powder into the flame then stepping into the green flames, "Ministry, grate fourteen" Sirius vanished with a whoosh.
"You next Harry," Remus said as he took off the lid and offered Harry some powder. Harry took a handful. "Say what Sirius said. We're going through to the ministry's public fireplaces."
"Ok, " Harry nodded and threw the powder into the fireplace. Stepping into the green flames Harry removed his glasses, not wanting them to get broken, clutched them tightly and loudly shouted his destination. The familiar swirl of the passing fireplaces was hazy as he spun rapidly through the network. Starting to get a little queasy, Harry found himself sprawled on his back in a hall that was paneled in shiny wood and had many guided fireplaces set into them. Staring up at the peacock blue ceiling that was inlaid with gleaming golden symbols that were continually moving and changing.
Standing up quickly, he heard Sirius laughing to his left and turned to through a glare at his godfather. Harry went about the task of dusting the soot off his clothes. "I'm going to remember this you know," Harry grumbled, "Revenge is sweeter Sirius, besides, it's not that funny." Giving his clothes one last shake Harry put on his glasses, "I hate traveling by floo."
"I know what you mean," Remus said stepping out of the grate behind Harry He then took out his wand and cleaned himself and Harry with a charm.
Chuckling still to himself he ruffled Harry's hair "Come on, " Sirius said as he led his godson and the werewolf through the dozens of people going and coming through the fireplaces. Walking down the hall they came upon a fountain with golden statues. Falling behind his godfathers, Harry glanced at the funny looking assortment and shook his head. The hiss of the falling water that was sprouting out of the statues was added to the pops and cracks of apparators and clatter of footsteps of the hundreds of witches and wizards that were going about their morning business. The trio was soon swept up in the throng as they strode towards a set of golden gates that was situated at the end of the hall.
Harry stopped looking around when he noticed that several people began to stare and glance at his forehead. Becoming slightly nervous he quickened his steps to catch up with his godfathers. He stepped in-between the two, who were having a conversation. Smiling up at his godfathers when they looked at him questioningly, "People are starting to stare," he said as he shrugged his shoulders.
Looking around, the animagus and werewolf noticed that indeed people were starting to stare. Some looking as of they were trying to get up enough nerve to approach. Glaring hard, Remus and Sirius started to walk faster knowing how Harry felt about the unwanted attention. Walking through the gates into a smaller hall beyond, Sirius turned to his godson. "I'll meet you for lunch Harry, Remus here is going to take you to his office because I have to be in a trail until about noon. Alright?"
"That's cool," Harry answered as they stopped in front of a lift that was among about twenty, all behind wrought-iron golden grilles. The lift grills opened and Harry was then jostled as a crowd pushed into it.
Taking care not to get separated, the trio made their way to one of the back corners of the lift. As the doors closed there was a lurch as the lift began its slow ascent, the chains rattling loudly all the while. A female voice was heard overhead announcing level seven, Department of Magical Games and Sports. The doors opened and several witches and a wizard with a broomstick exited the lift. With a crash the doors slid shut again. Once again the lift began to move, opening once again with the voice overhead announcing the level and department. Feeling a tap in his shoulder Harry turned to face a burley looking wizard. "Oi, you're Harry Potter?" the man said in awe in a thick Irish accent.
"Er, yea."
"Oh, wait until I tell me chums that I was in the lift with the great Harry Potter," The man excitedly exclaimed gathering attention from the rest of the occupants of the lift, "Could ya sign me parchment, I've gotta have proof. Would you mind terribly?"
"Umm." Harry was beginning to feel claustrophobic as the rest of the occupants began to mummer amongst themselves, pushing to get closer to the "savior of the wizarding world."
Noticing his discomfort Sirius and Remus stepped in front of him effectively hiding him from the view of the clamoring witches and wizards. "Listen folks, Harry here's just visiting he's not really up for giving autographs at the moment maybe next time, ok" Sirius said in with a mock politeness but the underlying menace could be detected. The group then backed off, recognizing Harry's guardians and not really wanting to on the bad side of the two. Remus and Sirius were well respected in the wizarding world, hailed as heroes in their own right.
The lift doors opened once again allowing several of the interoffice mail airplanes to fly in and out. "Level five, Department of International Magical Cooperation." The voice said overhead as several of the wizards and witches clambered out and a wizard climbed in. All the riders of the lift once again, to Harry's relief, left the trio alone as the lift once again lurched upward. Sighing Harry put his head down and fiddled with a stray thread on his robe trying not to garner anymore attention when Remus tapped him on the shoulder.
"Next is us Harry get ready," Remus said looking a little concerned at the slightly shorter wizard. Nodding his understanding Harry was relived to say the lest, it was starting to get rather hot.
"Level Four, Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."
"Alright Harry meet me upstairs at noon, and we'll go eat, Sirius called out as Remus and Harry made their way through a couple of the passengers with several other wizards who were exiting the lift.
"Yea that's fine, see ya" Harry waved at his godfather as the door to the lift closed with a crash taking Sirius up to level three, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
"It's this way," Remus called out as he began to walk down the hall pass several glass windows that displayed a sunny city landscape A little bit further they passed a door that was labeled "Pest Advisory Board." The next door they came upon Remus stopped at and waited for Harry to catch up. On the huge wooden double doors Harry read the sign "Division of Liaison"
"Welcome to my Office," Remus smiled as he grabbed the golden handle and pushed open the door.
Inside Harry eyes went wide. He had no idea Remus was in charge of so many people. The room was huge; it looked like it was half of the entire floor. It was open space with brick lined walls and hardwood floors. The ceiling overhead had industrial lights with paper airplanes zooming all around. There were about twenty desks scattered around the floor. There was also a large waiting area where there were all sorts of misshapen couches and chairs set up on a bright blue rug. There were encased in glass dividers along the back wall where Harry assumed some more offices were located. Harry recognized the different people milling around the office conducting business as various species of magical humans. He recognized a Daywalker and several elves and a goblin. There was a maniticore, a nymph and a plethora of other creatures busily hassling around the office doing various tasks. Harry knew they were the ambassadors that worked with Remus. As they began to stroll through the office Remus was almost immediately accosted by several people asking for help or his opinion in dealing with some matter.
"Alright, alright people I'll be with each of you in a moment. He turned to a pale blond woman who was strikingly beautiful, "Lacy I'll met you in your office in a few and we'll go through the reports. I just need to take care of Harry here."
"Alright sir, we just need to finish those reports before this afternoon there's a royal celebration tonight. I have to be gone before 3:00."
Nodding his understanding, Remus then turned to a lanky man who looked to be in his mid-twenties with gray streaked hair "Durham, could you escort Harry here to my office while I deal with this? Harry, Durham is my personal assistant, if you need anything just ask him, okay?"
"It's ok Remus, I'm good." Harry then looked at Remus's assistant and swinging his arm out said, "Lead the way."
Durham looked at Harry humorlessly and stalked off towards the back of the office. Lifting an eyebrow at Remus's assistant, Harry could just tell this was going to be a boring morning.
Durham, Harry noticed throughout that day, was a werewolf Percy. He had the same no nonsense attitude, as well as that annoying penchant for rule following that could just be seen just by watching him interact with the rest of the office personnel. Harry spent the whole morning riffling through old wizarding magazines, playing a ghost that had flown into Remus office, a game of wizard's chest. After which he'd played several games of one man exploding snap with an old deck of cards that he'd found in Remus's desk.
11:40 rolled around and Remus had yet to come back. Harry supposed he was still dealing with business. But needing to go and meet Sirius, he decided to go and find him. He walked out of Remus's large office and while passing Durham's desk that was situated outside the door he heard someone call out "Where are you going? Mr. Lupin clearly stated that you should stay inside his office."
"Um, I'm meeting my godfather for lunch," Harry really didn't see how his going and comings were any of Durham's business.
"I see and does Mr. Lupin know this?"
What was with this guy, he didn't need a babysitter. "Yes Remus is well aware of my appointment," Harry was really becoming annoyed. He ignored him the past few hours and now he was being overly intrusive. "Well, I'll just be going now." With that he hurried through the office all the while looking for Remus. He was halfway across the floor when he noticed Remus standing just the right of him in one of the ambassador's cubicle. Walking over he lightly knocked on the glass. The man he was talking to looked up and motioned to Remus. Remus who was leaning casually against a low bookshelf just in front of where Harry was standing with his back towards him, turned around and smiled. Saying something to the other man, Remus opened a door and walked out. Harry walked around the edge of the cubicle to meet the werewolf. "It's 11:45, I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving."
"Oh man, I wanted to show you around a little," Remus said running his hand through his hair. Harry could tell he was more than a little tired. "I'm sorry I didn't get to spend anytime with you. I've just been so swamped "
"Its aright Moony, we'll have plenty of time later. When were finished lunch maybe I can come and help you file or something," Harry offered shrugging his shoulders. He had a feeling Remus need more help running the division.
"No that's alright I think Sirius took the rest of the day off to take you shopping in London and Diagon Alley today"
"Oh really. I though I was going by myself."
"Yea…" Just then a woman with pointed ears and long brown hair came up to them.
"Excuse me Mr. Lupin?"
"Yes Dalia?"
"There's a fire call from the Mercheif in grate two. He says it's important."
"Oh, alright I'll be there in a minute I've got to finish up a meeting with David first" gesturing to the man who's office he had just left. "Or rather can you tell him I'll call him back in fifteen minutes?" The woman nodded and walked off. Looking at Harry he sighed heavily "It's crazy in here I'm sorry if it wasn't that thrilling, but work rarely is" Shrugging his shoulders he offered a smile to smooth over any disappointment Harry might feel.
On the contrary Harry was proud of his Godfather and knew he was really busy, "You have a lot of people counting on you Moony." Patting his godfather on the shoulder pacifying any guilt he might have, he continued sarcastically "Don't worry about me your lovely assistant was an absolute joy."
Chuckling at that, Remus led Harry to the front door, "Yeah Durham is a piece of work isn't he? Just a little too stuffy for someone his age though. But he's very, efficient."
"If you say so," not really seeing any appeal in Durham "I'll see you later ok?"
"Alright, I'll probably meet you later on this evening so we all can have an early dinner or I'll just meet you two at home really late tonight. Might have to make up the work I missed this morning, I'll send an owl if so." Remus said as he waved off Harry as he disappeared behind the shut door.
Shaking his head Harry hummed to himself as he made his way back down the hall to the lifts. Pressing the button to signal an upward moving lift Harry stood waiting. Looking up Harry noticed a paper airplane zooming overhead. With a great jangling and clanging that announced the lifts arrival the doors loudly opened up. A pair of goblins hobbled out along with a witch carrying a cage of pixies. With his head down so not to be recognized Harry stepped into the lift that had five other people on it already, two of which were aurors Harry recognized by the badges on the robes. The door banged closed and the lift started to move. "Level two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
Politely waiting for the aurors to exit, Harry walked behind them off the lift. Harry looked up on the wall just beside the lift and found a sign that said 'directory'. Looking closely Harry noticed the box had a button with the word push written above it. Reaching up and pushing the button the same voice that was heard on the lift answered "Ministry of Magic how may I help you?"
"Um, yes," Not sure if the person on the other line could hear him, Harry leaned in closer to the box," I would like to know where Sirius Black's office is?"
"In the Wizengamot Administration Services office suite 214, office six.
"Um, ok. Thanks" Harry then hurried down the hall looking at the office numbers as he passed doors. Coming upon suite 214, Harry opened the door to a posh looking waiting room. Done in rich antic looking décor, Harry walked up to the receptionist. The young witch turned out to be Angelina Johnson, his former quidditch captain and team mate. Surprised evident in his voice "Hey Angelina how are you?"
Looking up from the parchments on her desk, the former Gryffindor smiled. "Hello Harry, alright I guess. And you?
"Good, Just here to meet up with my godfather for lunch. I didn't know you worked here I thought you were going to be playing professional quidditch again?"
"Nah I decided the year before the war broke out was enough." Shrugging her shoulders, frowning a little at the memory. Angelina was one of the members of the Young Order that had formed. She had fought in the final battle alongside many of their peers "Besides," smiling openly once again, "after getting hit with that last curse I really couldn't play anyway. My right leg always goes stiff on me when it rains."
Feeling a little guilty for not knowing that, Harry stammered on what to say next. He had not really kept up correspondence with the Young Order as much as he should have considering he was their leader, but he wasn't really all that sociable afterwards. "Oh, well…"
"Hey don't worry about it, my parents wanted me at the ministry anyway. I'm training to be a prosecutor for the Wizengamot and I intern here some days," smiling proudly she went on "so all things considered, I did all right."
"Yea you did, being a prosecutor huh? So you work with Sirius?"
"Oh yea, he's great. I've shadowed him on a couple of trials. I learned a lot from him."
"Really?"
"Yeah he's great and a riot to boot. So you're meeting him for lunch?"
"Uh-huh is he in his office or still in session?"
"Oh they've been here all morning. They've cancelled all the day's trails. They've been in the conference room all morning, but I think they're going to break soon." As soon as Angelina finished, a rush of voices could be heard from in back as witches and wizards all dressed in formal robes strode passed them, some stopping to leave a message with Angelina concerning their whereabouts. As the throng of prosecutors and interrogators filing out began to thin, Sirius came into view apparently deep in conversation with a witch. Having spotted Harry standing to the side he smiled and bade the witch goodbye.
"Harry! I hope you weren't waiting long. Had a run-down with the Chief and Minister."
"No, just got here actually just chatting with Angelina here," smiling at the girl, "She's says you know your way around the court room."
Blushing a little at the complement, Sirius walked over to where Angelina was sitting. Patting her on the shoulder, "Well it takes one to know one." Smiling proudly at the former Gryffindor, "She'll be a force to reckon with when she passes her 'B.U.L.L.S'"
Shyly Angelina patted Sirius's hand "Thanks Mr. Black"
Walking back around to the front of the receptionist desk, Sirius threw his arm over Harry's shoulder "Now to eat." Looking sideways at Harry and remembering his clothing problem, "and shop" Calling goodbye over their shoulders to Angelina, they headed out. While they were walking down the halls, Sirius began talking about all of the stores they would visit. Namely mentioning one motorcycle shop.
Coming to a stop at the lifts. While waiting for the lift to appear, Sirius began to regale a particular crude story involving him and a muggle biker bar earning weird glances from his co-workers who were waiting along with them. When they entered the lift and began the descent to the hall were the fireplaces were, Sirius had been cut off right at a particularly crude part of his story with a stern look from one of the elder witches. Turning red and flinching from the look, Sirius was quiet the rest of the trip but looking closely one could tell he was just about to burst from laughter. They all exited the lift and began to walk towards the golden gates that signaled the exit from the ministry prime. As soon as they crossed the threshold, pops were heard around them as several of Sirius's colleagues apparated.
They came upon the fireplaces that were constantly green and walking over to one on the left side "Let's go to the Leaky Cauldron and grab something to go. We can go to Diagon Alley through there and get your robes. Then we can spend the rest of the time in London."
Nodding his agreement, Harry removed his glasses and stepped into the flames and called "The Leaky Cauldron."
The trip through the network was the usual spinning, hurling and occasional bumping that Harry had come to expect wasn't disappointing in the slightest. Finally he shot out of the grate and only just catching his footing, he replaced his glasses and steeped aside as Sirius came out behind him. Dusting their clothes the two wizards picked their way through the crowd towards the back of the bar. The Leaky Cauldron hadn't changed much and the patrons all turned their heads in the two's direction but Harry just ignored it. Sirius and Harry ordered sandwiches to go and made their way back to the magical wall without catching anyone's eye.
Sirius took out his wand and tapped the sequence on the stones and the two wizards watched as the wall became a doorway and sunlight spilled onto their faces. They exited quickly and were immediately caught up in the mid-afternoon hustle of the shopping district.
Walking down the alley the two wizards ate their sandwiches, and Harry kept his head down to avoid being recognized. However, Sirius being so long thought of being an escaped prisoner and having his face plastered everywhere on wanted posters, had a hard face to forget and he was immediately recognized. And everyone in the wizarding world knew of his relation to 'The Great Harry Potter' so they could guess to who his acquaintance was. The crowd parted respectfully for their hero and Harry shrank into himself more. He really hated all the doting, and his temper began to boil but he quickly reined it in. Every since the end of fifth year he'd had to learn to control it, especially since he'd almost lost Sirius because of it, and not wanting to cause any more of a scene, Harry merely quickened his steps.
Looking over at Harry, Sirius noticed his godson's sudden uneasiness and not really enjoying the sudden attention himself, Sirius matched his gait with the younger wizards and continued, offering a reassuring smile. The two walked the rest of the way in silence. Finally arriving at Madame Malkins Sirius and Harry tossed the wrappers from their sandwiches in a nearby bin, Harry then grabbed the door handle and opened the door, a bell announcing their arrival.
Three hours later Sirius and Harry emerged from the robe shop a little worse for ware. Harry was wearing a brand new outfit a black tailor fitted robe over a tight black shirt with low trousers that were definitely accenting his assets and were overlapping his dragon-hide boots. Having been poked, prodded and pinched in all ways imaginable by an over-enthusiastic robe maker, her annoyingly bubbly assistant, and his godfather, who to Harry's surprise knew a lot about the subject, the wizirding world's hero was glad he made it out relatively unscathed.
However, he was rather pleased with himself having accomplished removing from life the last remaining reminders of the Dursley's. He was also rather, although he would never admit it aloud, proud to come out of the ordeal with a whole new wardrobe that was complete with undergarments. Although Harry was a little sheepish to admit that he was sure his purchases could clothe a tiny nation. The two tired but happy wizards made their way to Floren Fortescue, pockets bulging with the shrunken attire.
After ordering two pumpkin sundaes with fudge Sirius and Harry found a table outside and were happily eating what they felt was their well deserved treat. "That should pacify Moony," Sirius said in-between mouthfuls of ice cream, "I swear lately that man's been a real stickler for these types of things," tipping the bowel upwards he drank the last of the melted ice cream. Putting the bowel down and wiping his face with a napkin Sirius grinned "Speaking of Moony…How was your day at the Ministry?"
Scraping the last of his ice cream with the spoon Harry put it in his mouth, thinking about his day. "Remus is really busy"
"Yea, he's got a lot on his plate right now," Sirius expression changed slightly to what Harry could discern as sadness but it passes so quickly that he couldn't be for sure. "What he really needs is an assistant director or something."
Harry nodded in agreement Remus did look like he needed some one to help run the office with him.
"Hey have you thought about what you want to do when you graduate?"
Shrugging his shoulders "Not really." In truth Harry wasn't really all that fond of thinking about the future after these last couple of years he'd learned to take one day at a time, not wanting to rush life. He felt now that he could he had to enjoy all life had to offer.
"We'll what about that career counseling you had in what was it…" furrowing his brow in thought, "um, fifth year I think, yea fifth. What did you pick then?"
"I told McGonagall I was thinking about being an Auror."
"Oh," nodding his head in agreement "your father was an Auror you know."
"Yea I know Moody told me last year." Harry watched as Sirius took out his wand and disposed of their dishes continuing, " but I'm not sure I want to chase after dark wizards and all that again. I pretty much had enough of that to last me a couple of life times. So I don't know."
Looking a little worried at his godson's somewhat saddened tone, he stood up and walked around the little table. Placing a hand on Harry's shoulder, " I understand and don't worry it'll come to you. Besides you could always help Remus until you figure what you want to do." Giving the younger wizard's shoulder a light squeeze, "You could take a couple of years off too.
Looking up, Harry smiled a small smile at his Godfather not wanting him to worry, "Yea I guess."
Sirius just sighed to himself. Harry was always trying to appease everyone feelings concerning him. He wished Harry would concentrate on himself for once. "Come on lets go to Gringotts and get some money changed over to pounds, so we can get some muggle shopping done too."
They were walking past Quality Quidditch Supplies when a little boy approached them. "Um, Mr. Potter?"
Harry, feeling the tap on his arm stopped and turned around somewhat startled. "Yes?"
"Um…I… w-we were wondering if…maybe we could h-have an autograph?" The last word was barely whispered and Harry had to stain to hear it as the boy looked over his shoulder at a group of four other boys were seemingly waiting for their friend.
Harry's eyebrows rose and he look to his left at Sirius, who thinking Harry was once again uncomfortable, made a move interrupted the exchange, but Harry placed a hand on his shoulder, "it's ok Padfoot." Turning to look at the kids and taking the piece of parchment from the boy, "What is your name then?"
Surprised that the Harry Potter, who was notorious for shying away from all types of celebrity advancements, was going to sign an autograph for him the boy beamed and turned around giving a thumbs up sign to his friends, who were standing in the doorway of the shop. "The names Karlcraft, Linus Karlcraft. But my friends call me Lemmy.
Harry smiled at Lemmy as he scratched his name on the parchment with a quill Sirius had handed him, "and who do you want me to make this out to Lemmy?"
"Could you make it out to the Lion Heart Gang, Mr. Potter? That the name of our club. We named it for you actually and we all are going to be Griffindors when we go to Hogwarts."
" Call me Harry and you are, are you?" Harry replied as his finished up addressing the parchment and handing it over to the kid. Highly amused "What makes you so sure?"
"Well we're all brave of course Harry." Lemmy answered as if it was totally obvious.
"Oh, well in that case. I hope you do. When will you be attending Hogwarts then?"
"In two years, we're all nine." Motioning to the group of boys who were smiling at their friend. "But my brother is going this year"
"Oh well maybe I'll see him."
"Oh, he'll be so jealous," Lemmy said as he gazed at the parchment in his hand.
"Well I guess I'll see you around,".
"Oh thanks Harry," The kid turned around and ran back to his friends who all gathered around Lemmy, peering enthusiastically over his shoulder trying to get a look at the autograph.
Sirius turned to Harry with an amused smirk on his face, "I though you didn't like all that hero worship?"
Shrugging, Harry just looked over his shoulder once again at the group still huddled in the doorway of the shop, "They're just kids." He caught the eyes of a couple of girls from school and being in the rare light mood that he was in decided to grant them an award winning smile Causing them to blush and hurry off. "Besides I can't help that I'm a role model."
Seeing where Harry line of sight had drifted Sirius punched Harry playfully in the arm and amusedly smirked "Alright 'Supernova ' lets get going I want to make sure we have enough time at the bike shop and pick up a part I've been needing. Maybe we could even get an old motorcycle for you so we could work on it together."
Surprised, Harry just did a double take as the two made their way through the crowd towards the bank, "Really? Could we enchant it to fly like yours?" Hagrid had returned the flying bike to Sirius, who had used it during the war when on espionage and Harry had been dying to try flying it, but having his own would be even more brilliant!
Happy that the suggestion went over well, "Yea we could try. I think I can dig up the book I used last time." Harry's face lit up even more. Harry was usually broody and Sirius took it as a good sign. It was really rare Harry was as excited as this and Sirius was glad he had been the cause of it. He really just wanted to see his godson happy and living a normal teenage life, maybe even in a relationship like other people his age. Giving Harry a pat on the back as they ascended the steps to the bank, "We just can't let Moony know, or he'll bust a vein."
The two Wizards spent the rest of the afternoon in Muggle London window-shopping and picking up various things, including buying Harry a new pair of silver, wire framed glasses. Much to their delight they found a 69 classic Harley that was working fairly well. Sirius had bought it in a heartbeat and they rode it, after purchasing helmets, to an alley where Sirius banished it to his house. Giddy with adrenaline after the quick ride and high off the excitement of the day they opted to get their tongues pierced. Harry having a strong threshold for pain merely grimaced when the small pole pierced his tongue where as Sirius, Harry was pleased to find out, had tears in his eyes after the procedure and Harry jovially reminded his godfather that things aren't as funny when the jokes on him.
Tired and overwhelmingly pleased at accomplishing so much, the two wizards made their way back to the leaky cauldron to meet Remus for a early supper. Overall the sense of happiness at their first day as a real family was off to a phenomenal start.
They found Remus sitting in the back of the Leaky Cauldron, nursing a butterbeer and chatting with a young wizard. Remus looked up and smiled as Sirius and Harry seated themselves next to and across from him. "Well was your day productive?"
"Yea, surprisingly Sirius has a good eye for fashion," Harry said as he leaned back tipping his chair onto its back legs.
"Well, He and your father were real sticklers for clothing back in school so its no surprise, oh where are my manners, Harry, Sirius, this is Arcamain, He's one of the werewolves that works over in the Development Department," Remus said as Sirius eyed the other wizard intensely.
"Nice to meet you" Harry answered flipping his head as his bangs fell into his eyes.
"Charmed, I'm sure," Sirius intoned warily. Remus gave him a look as Harry eyed his Godfather questionably.
Apparently Arcamain noticed the lack of enthusiasm on Sirius' part and decided to leave as he got up and downed his butterbeer, "Well Remus I'll see tomorrow."
Remus gave Sirius a withering look as he stood up and smiling at the man, "Yes, I still need to go over those numbers with you," and the two shook hands.
Arcamain turned towards Harry, "Ah, and it was nice meeting you Harry."
Putting his chair back down Harry stood up and shook hands, "You too sir."
Arcamain looked at Sirius and held out his hand. The amingangus to his credit was conveniently engrossed in a butterbeer. Remus gave a little smile at Arcamain, who ran his hand through his hair. "Well I'll be going then," Sirius grunted in response as the werewolf gave one last smile and left.
Remus rounded on Sirius, glaring hard "Sirius Antone Black, what in seven hells is your problem?"
"What do you mean Moony?" Innocently downing another gulp of his beer.
"Don't Moony me, how could you be so uncouth."
"Un-what?"
"Don't be coy with me, Black, you know exactly what I mean," Remus was glowering now. His fists curled in anger at his sides, "I've never been so embarrassed in my life."
Sirius started at Remus' tone, "I-I didn't m-mean to,,,"
"You didn't mean to?"
"I-I," at a loss for words Sirius tried to reach across the table to grab Remus's hand but the werewolf glowered and snatched it away like lightning. "I'm sorry Remus, I j-just..."
"Yes, Black you just."
Sirius was taken aback as if he'd been struck by Remus's use of his last name "I didn't mean, I…I," Sirius ran his hands down his face while Harry just watched wide-eyed. He'd never seen his godfathers argue, he wasn't even sure what was exactly going on.
"Wait, what about Arcamanny or whatever," Sirius started with a burst of self-righteous anger, "what about him, why was he even here?"
Remus narrowed his eyes, "I don't know what you're implying but you had better spit it out,"
"Well," Sirius said with a wild look in his eyes, "He was all over you, smiling and playing all nice. I mean he was practically drooling."
Harry eyebrows shot up to his hair line, he was watching Sirius like he'd completely lost his mind, looking from one to the other as a stunned Remus just stared at Sirius, "I…I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer." He stood up, throwing a couple of knuts down on the table looked over at the younger wizard, "I'll see you at home." He then apprarated.
Harry didn't know what to do, but it was clear something was going on that he must of missed, glancing at Sirius who was looking at the spot Remus had been in frowning, anger abated as suddenly as it appeared.
"Its ok Harry," Sirius ran a hand through his hair as he stood up. Throwing a couple of knuts on the table. Sirius then downed the rest of his butterbeer with Harry following his example. "Let's just order something to go." Nodding his head Harry followed Sirius to the bar and waited while Sirius placed their orders. After he was finished Sirius turned around and leaned against the counter closing his eyes. Harry watched his godfather from the corner of his eye as he waited in bated silence for their meal to be ready. Casually glancing at the other patrons, trying hard not to be noticed Harry started to count the ceiling tiles.
"Here you are Master Black," the bartender said as he laid down three covered plates next to Sirius's elbow.
Reaching into his pocket Sirius pulled out his money pouch, "What do I owe you Tom?"
"Just three gallons * and two knuts."
Sirius handed the man the money and gathered the plates, staking them on top of each other, "Let's go home, Harry." He took out his wand and readied it for apprication, "Use the portkey we gave you ok."
Nodding Harry pulled the chain out from under his shirt, "Prodo Domus"
Harry landed outside the wards just in time to see his godfather appear next to him. Sirius smiled slightly and beckoned Harry to follow. The two wizards made their way up the walkway in silence as they came upon the door. Sirius prodded the doorknob with his wand and unlocked it. Grasping the handle and pushing open Sirius gestured for his godson to go in front of him. Harry stepped into the manor and was immediately greeted by a house elf wearing a pink tearag. Sirius stepped in behind Harry noticing the elf, "Ah Maureen, this is Harry Potter, he the one that I was telling you about.."
Maureen curtsied, "Nice to meet you master Harry."
Harry nodded, "Nice to meet you too,"
"Maureen, is Remus back yet?" Sirius asked as he set the plates down on the side table.
"Yes he's arrived before you Master, "
"Good I'll just go and talk to him." He started walking towards the stairs, "Could you show Harry to the kitchen so he could eat?"
Maureen got a pained look as she started to shake her head, "Master Remus says to not let anyones bother him."
Stopping the amigangus sighed and ran a hand through his hair pushing it out of his face, "Alright I'll just talk to him later, could you tell him that I brought dinner at least?"
Sensing her master's anxiousness Maureen nodded, "I'll tells him master." With that said she disappeared with a 'pop'.
Slumping his shoulders in defeat he looked at Harry, "Let's go into the nook and eat, maybe Remus will come down." Summoning the plates, he started walking towards the stairs making a right into a long hallway.
"What's was up with you anyway, Sirius?" Harry asked as he followed his godfather looking at the portraits that were lining the hallway.
"I was being foolish," Sirius replied wearily, "Very very foolish. Just a little lover's spat though nothing to get too worked up about…I hope" he finished with another sigh.
Just after Sirius had returned from beyond the veil, Remus and him had told Harry that they were lovers, more specifically bond mates, seeing as how as a werewolf Remus pseudo identity chose Sirius as his life partner. To say that Harry had been surprised was an understatement. But thinking back Harry noticed that the signs were always there. His two godfathers had explained that they had waited to tell him when they felt he was old enough to understand. Which made sense in that respect, however it didn't take long for Harry to offer congratulations and give them both hugs, which surprised both of them.
Harry was more than glad to except the situation knowing that they each made the other happy. The fact that they were both males didn't even bother him, especially at that time, when they were in the midst of the war, one accepted true love in whatever form it came in. He himself really didn't have any specific preferences; he just felt when the time and person were right he'd accept it whole heartily.
The two wizards came to the end of the hallway, which through a high arched doorway was what looked to be the kitchen. It was very large and open with a large hearth and several devices that were magical substitutes for muggle appliances. It had a high ceiling and an island in the center with barstools on one side. There were hanging pots and pans over the island and what looked to be Spanish tile laid on the floor. All in all it was an impressive kitchen.
Sirius veered off to the left towards a spacious table that had six chairs around it putt the plates down. "Take a seat, I'll just get something for us to drink." Walking over to one of the many cabinets that were over the counters, that seemed to wrap around the kitchen, he retrieved three glasses. He then walked over to what could only be some type of refrigerator, which Harry assumed had cooling charms instead of electricity, and pulled out a glass pitcher of pumpkin juice.
Having sat down Harry gave the older man a small smile as Sirius came back over to the table. "Alright, what would you prefer," Sirius said as he opened the top of one of the plates, "Chicken or roast beef?"
"Ah…chicken sounds good." Sirius handed over a plate, but when Harry looked in it, it was empty. Confused Harry looked at his godfather who apparently was tucking in. "Um Sirius…?"
The amigangus looked over and noticing the look on the younger wizards face started to chuckle, "Opps forgot to tell you it's a spell you have to say specifically what it is you want and it'll appear, the main course is the only thing that is predetermined."
"Oh." Harry blushed a little, sometimes there were things in the magic world he still didn't know. Looking at the plate, "Roasted chicken with scallop potatoes and two rolls."
Sirius cleared his throat and Harry looked up from the appearing food to see Sirius looking pointedly at him.
Rolling his eyes, "and green beans." Sirius gave Harry a nod of his head and continued to eat. Harry just shook his head, sometimes Sirius really took his parental duties seriously. Picking up the fork that had appeared on the table, Harry began to eat when he heard a noise behind him. Turning Harry noticed a set of stairs as Remus descended into the kitchen. Giving Harry a nod of acknowledgement and a smile, Remus pointedly ignored Sirius and retrieved the last plate.
"I'm going to take this to my rooms, You can tell your godfather, Harry that he best make due with the den tonight." With that he swept upstairs, his robes flowing menacingly behind him. Sirius put his fork down and leaned back in his chair resting his head back.
"Man," he groaned, "locked out again."
"Again?"
"Yea, " Sighing Sirius lifted his head to look at Harry, "I seem to have a problem with sticking my foot in my mouth I've become quite aquatinted with the couch in the den," he said with a chuckle. "I really hope this blows over soon, so I can apologize for being the idiot I am and sleep in a bed. That couch makes my back hurt"
Harry couldn't help but snort in laughter, From what he'd seen the apparent punishment didn't exactly curtail Sirius's jealous antics one bit.
"Yea, its funny now," the older wizard said as he picked up his fork to continue eating, "but you'll see how hard it is to keep a lover happy."
They heard a door slam from upstairs causing Sirius to flinch, which just made Harry laugh all the harder.
That night after they'd finished eating and Harry had been physically removed from the kitchen by Marueen, for trying to clean up after himself, Sirius showed Harry to his room that was a couple of doors down from where Remus had locked Sirius out. Sirius had glanced at the door every few seconds while showing Harry the layout when Harry saw the anxious glances he felt sorry and told his godfather to just try and apologize. He watched the deflated man exit and hoped for the best and went exploring his room alone.
His room, as it turned out could best be described as a suite. Which contained a small sitting room with one whole the wall being a built-in bookshelf with about half filled with books, a large bedroom that had an equally impressive adjoining bath, and to his delight his own balcony that overlooked the back expansion of the grounds. Whistling at the lavishness of the room, he noticed his trunk and bookbag lying by a large dresser. Harry walked over and running his hand along the smooth wood grain he bent down and lifted his bag and placed it on top of the surface. Unzipping it Harry pulled out his most prized possession, his photo album. He walked over to the four poster bed that was situated in the center of the room and threw himself on top of the bed.
Harry sighed, reveling in the sensation of his body melding with the softness of the comforter. Turning over so he was on his stomach he opened to the first page. Smiling softly at the picture of his parents holding him as a baby he ran his finger across the face of his mother, "I'm finally home mum." Harry rubbed his eyes under his new glasses with a yawn and placed the photo album under one of the pillows. Staring at the wall for a second Harry realized just how tired he was, and not bothering to change out of his clothes Harry closed his eyes and spent his first night at home.
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A/N:
* I really not sure of the conversions from wizarding money to dollars/pounds but I suspect a gallon is about $3-3.50, a sickle about a $1-1.5, and a knut about $0.25. BTW have no clue as to how Pounds or even the Euro are converted from dollars…. Hey *shrugging* Americans are pretty sheltered. Sorry, if anyone could help or has any idea how the conversions are in the wizarding world I'd like to know.
The B.U.L.L.S. are a prosecutors exam.
I hope you enjoyed it!
[]Deace Love and Happiness
Ciao