I own nothing, J K Rowling IS Harry Potter. All my 'ideas' are basically ripped from stuff I enjoy; Harry Potter (duh!), Lord Of The Rings, Star Wars, Star Trek, Dragonball, The Matrix, The Lion King, 24, and anything else that even remotely looks far too creative for me to just make up! Don't say I didn't warn you alright!

Thanks to those who've reviewed, it lets me know that I'm not just writing this story for the heck of it. I've changed some stuff in the previous 5 chapters (on some gentle advice given to me, thanks mate!), to make it (hopefully) a bit easier to read and understand (ie, like lines between 'new' sections. Oh and I changed the article from being in the Quibbler, to being a Daily Prophet one alright).

Before I forget, I'm going to try something a little different. Up until now, I've been writing the story, trying to make it flow. Where I'm at now (I've written roughly twice what I've actually posted) I'm kind of starting to run a little dry of what I can do (they've gotten back to Hogwarts, and describing lessons aren't my forte I've discovered).

So I've started to just write scenes as they come to me, then figure out where to put them, and how to link it together. Basically, what I'm saying is, I've already written the ending for this, but you won't see it for a while yet!

As for me updating, there's what…8 weeks until Xmas (AAAAARRRGGGHH! Where'd the year go!)! I'm not going to have access to my story for a while (I'm going home for 3 weeks), but I should have put up everything I've done thus far up before I go. I might try to just write the whole thing, then break it down. So if I haven't updated for a while, you'll know why!

Anyway, enough stalling, here's the next chapter, and a good dose of Sirius to boot.

Chapter 6 – Every Dog Has His Day

Harry awoke after having one of the best night's sleep he'd had in a good while. He was trying to work a crick out of his neck as he wandered into the kitchen and found Molly Weasley cooking up breakfast.

Harry looked around the kitchen of Grimmauld Place. Molly was standing over the hotplate in her customary robes, while the kettle was pouring tea and coffee by itself. The bread was being toasted by a flick of Molly's wand 'the wonders of cooking with magic' Harry thought. Molly didn't notice Harry was there until she turned around to check on the beverages.

"Harry dear, how are you this morning?" she said over a pan of sizzling sausages. "Remus told me your OWL results."

She smiled "I'm very proud of you, and I'm sure your parents and Sirius would be too."

"I was quite surprised myself actually" Harry said, sitting down at the kitchen table.

He looked about. "Has today's Daily Prophet arrived yet?" he said. "Trent told me and Remus that something about going back to the Dursleys after getting it."

"No, he didn't mention anything to me," said Mrs. Weasley, "but then again he is oddly quiet most of the time…well, when he's not after Remus of course."

Harry was reminded of the pranks the day before, and wondered what jokester would pick up the title of 'Hogwarts' Pranksters' now that the Weasley twins had retired.

Harry was bounced out of his thoughts when an overly excited Remus Lupin came bounding into the kitchen, beaming.

"Harry!" he exclaimed. "You have to see this! Rita kept her promise, and…well just read it. Morning Molly!"

Harry grabbed the Daily Prophet out of Remus' hands and stared at the title on the front page (SIRIUS BLACK – HERO, NOT VILLIAN) before flipping to the article and reading itself.

GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT – SIRIUS ORION BLACK 1959 – 1996

By Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent:-

In a dramatic announcement yesterday afternoon, Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, cleared Sirius Black of all charges he was imprisoned for on that unforgettable day nearly 15 years ago.

Minister Fudge spoke to an assembled group of onlookers in front of the Ministry of Magic today in an official press conference. He addressed the Black incident with sadness.

"After extenuating circumstances that took place in the Ministry of Magic in June, along with recent evidence, it is my pleasure to formally clear Sirius Black of all charges he was previously held accountable for" said Fudge, who was interrupted by spontaneous gasps and applause.

"It wasn't he who was the Potter's secret keeper, instead he was used as a decoy, knowing that You-Know-Who would most likely to come after him," Fudge said.

When pressed on the issue, the Minister replied in short fashion. "In actual fact, it was Pettigrew himself who was the Secret Keeper, and it was he who gave them away AND killed those muggles when Black confronted him. We have dealt with this issue however, and Pettigrew will pay for his crimes."

Fudge described that he was given evidence from Pettigrew himself, under the influence of Veritaserum, who confessed to the crimes. Pettigrew is currently imprisoned in an undisclosed, protected cell, the "most secure we have," said Fudge.

When asked if he meant Azkaban, the Minister smiled and said "ah, that would be telling wouldn't it, we can't risk anyone knowing exactly where."

Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, then stepped forward and told the gathered crowd that Sirius had broken out of Azkaban three years ago to pursue Pettigrew, not Harry Potter like previously reported. Dumbledore also told the amazed crowd that Pettigrew, Black and the late James Potter were all illegal animagi, with Black's form being that of a large black dog (which this correspondent has been told looked just like the Grim), Potter's being that of a stag and Pettigrew's being a rat .

Several witches and wizards in the crowd were heard to mutter phrases like "how appropriate."

Dumbledore described what actually transpired that night in the Ministry. He detailed how You-Know-Who (who Dumbledore called He-Whose-Name-Must-Be-Hyphenated -- amid a sea of laughter) was after an item that resided in the Department of Mysteries (DoM), and how a select group of people had come to defend against that from happening.

Sirius Black was one of those who was heavily involved in the ensuing fight, during which time several Death Eaters were captured. Unfortunately for Black, his cousin Bellatrix Lestrange, who had broken out of Azkaban earlier in the year, managed to hit Black who fell through the black veil located in the DoM. Black was never seen again.

Black was Harry Potter's Godfather, and it has become known to this correspondent that Black had risked his life numerous times for his best friend's son.

Remus Lupin, one of Black's closest friends, expressed his deep regret that Sirius will be unable to enjoy his new found freedom "he'd want us to look on the bright side though. He's probably laughing his head off up there, I mean he was like that when he was at Hogwarts. You can just imagine the carnage he's causing now."

When asked to explain, Lupin replied that he along with Black, Potter and Pettigrew were pranksters known as the Marauders during their time at Hogwarts.

For further details of Sirius Orion Black, turn to the Obituary section on page 24.

Harry looked up from the newspaper with tears streaming down his face. He saw the same look of shock, grief and pain on Remus' face before he was able to speak. "I...I can't believe it" he croaked.

"I know. Amazing isn't it!" said Remus. "At least everyone now knows the truth, even if it is a little late." He wiped tears of his own from his face with a ragged handkerchief.

Harry just nodded. He left the kitchen without eating and sat down in a squashy lounge chair in the living room, his mind a whirl of emotion. The rest of the morning went by in a blur. He couldn't remember much else apart from slaps on the back and people saying much the same thing Remus had said. It was late evening before Harry was actually pulled out from his stupor when Trent reminded him that he'd have to go back to the Dursleys, until the owl arrived.

Ron looked at Harry quizzically. Harry explained how that now Sirius' name is cleared, Gringotts would be sending his will to Harry. Because Grimmauld Place is unplottable, no owls can get to it, hence the need for Harry to go back to Privet Drive, at least until the will arrives. This satisfied Ron, who shrugged before helping himself to more sausages.

Harry was about to pack, but Trent stopped him telling him that he'd only be gone for a few hours at the most. Harry just waited for Trent to finish his breakfast, as he would accompany Harry, just in case Peter was able to tell anyone else where Harry normally spent his summers, before heading back to the Dursleys.

Harry got back via floo, and had managed to surprise Aunt Petunia in the process. They had no sooner arrived when the tapping of the kitchen window alerted Harry that a post owl arrived. Harry took the letter, which had the official Gringotts seal on it. Harry was about to open it, but Trent suggested going back, they'd got what they came for and there was no need to stay any longer than necessary.

Harry got the distinct feeling that something was bothering Trent, so he asked him. Trent shrugged and replied that he was merely tired, and didn't really like places that were too clean.

Harry grinned but agreed nevertheless. As Harry came tumbling out of the fireplace at Grimmauld Place he found Remus waiting for him. Harry immediately opened the letter from Gringotts. It was short and businesslike.

Mr. Harry J. Potter
4 Privet Drive
Little Whinging
Surrey

The Estate of Sirius Orion Black:

As executor of the Black estate it is my duty to inform you as to the disposition of the last will and testament of the late Sirius Black. Enclosed you will find two keys and one enchantment-sealed letter from Mr. Black.

The smaller of the two keys is to the Black family vault which has been willed to you, Harry James Potter. The contents, as of this date, will be transferred to your Gringotts vault with receipt of the key either via return owl or in person. The second key is to a, as yet to be disclosed residence, also know only as the Black Family Estate.

All deeds of ownership have been transferred to your name and the applicable paperwork will also be stored in your Gringotts vault. We regret that we are unable to give you the address to the aforementioned house as it appears to be unplottable. I hope you are aware of this residence and its current location.

If you have any questions please refer them to me personally via return owl.

Yours sincerely,

Gnog Snrub
Elder Executor
Gringotts Wizarding Bank

A slight smile spread slowly on Harry's face as he folded up the Senior Executor's letter and stashed it in his pocket. He stared at the letter from Sirius once again. On the front of the parchment envelope were instructions:

To be opened in the event of my death by Harry James Potter at no other place but my bedroom of the Black Family Estate.

Harry looked at Remus, who had been reading over his shoulder, and asked where Sirius' room was. Remus led Harry to it upstairs and opened the door. Neither went right inside the dark room.

"It just doesn't feel right Remus," said Harry. "I mean, this place will never feel like mine…too many bad memories." He thought for a moment. "By the way, what happened to Kreacher?"

"Moody made sure that Kreacher fulfilled his dream of having his head next to the portrait of Sirius' mother," said Remus. "But let's not wait any more…just go in and open the letter."

He moved past Harry into the room.

"Sirius never informed me that he had written something like this."

Harry nodded and walked into the room. The moment he crossed the threshold, the letter popped open. Harry pulled the parchment out of the envelope and began to read the last letter he was to ever get from his Godfather.

Dearest Harry,

First, I want to say I'm sorry. If you're reading this then I've gone and fulfilled the prediction that I'd do something stupid and wake up in my grave.

There is a lot that I wanted to tell you, Harry. About your mother and father...a lot. But I've missed my chance. So I will leave you and Moony with all that was mine: this house and the Black family fortune, such as it is. You will never want for anything again and always have a place to call home. It's all that I can give to you.

When I became your Godfather I promised your parents that I would always look out for you and keep you from harm. Well that's been taken away now, so I've done that next best thing. Here you will be safe. Upon my death I have made arrangements to have even more stringent wards around the house.

If both you and Moony request the Order to leave, only four people will be able to enter this house. Dumbledore knows this, since this means the role of secret keeper has been passed over to them. You and Remus, of course, and the two other people that would give their life for you, as you would for them. I'm speaking of Ron and Hermione. I know you trust them with everything you are and they in return.

Don't forget that friendship, Harry. Don't let it falter.

If Moony is there reading this over your shoulder, tell him not to make fun of the Black family jewels (the ones in your vault, get your mind out of the gutter Moony!), and that I expect him to now look out for you, and you have my permission to call him Uncle Remy.

Stay safe in the years to come and hopefully I will see you again, many, many years in the future.

My last bit of advice to you is to always listen to your heart. The brain doesn't know what the heck it's talking about half the time, but your heart always knows.

Love, your Godfather,

Sirius

"Dearest! I've never seen him write that before, even in letters to the numerous girls he was chasing at Hogwarts," Remus spluttered. Then he snorted.

"And you'd better not call me that, or I'll hex you so bad you won't recognise yourself!"

Harry smiled and said "well, that was…unexpected."

"What does he mean that he's leaving us everything, when he put it all in my vault?" Harry sighed. "It doesn't make sense."

"Maybe not," Remus said, "but I think he means that you get the Black fortune, and I get Grimmauld Place. After all, if only four people can enter it, and you're at school, it doesn't really leave much of a choice."

His voice took on a slight sarcastic edge. "Of course you're more than welcome to come and visit your house."

"Gee thanks Remy, nice to know you care," Harry said with a grin.

"Shut it, Harry. I warned you not to call me that!"

"No, you only said I can't put Uncle in front of it" Harry grinned again as Remus scowled. They let the matter drop.

Harry stared at the letter for a moment, his thoughts a whirl. "I don't mind if the Order uses this place for headquarters, so I guess we'd better go to Gringotts. I need to get Neville a present…his birthday's the day before mine. And since Sirius left everything to the two of us, you'd better take half the fortune as well."

"No Harry, I couldn't. You need it more than me," Remus objected.

Harry got a mischievous glint in his eye. He began to edge towards the door.

"If you're allowing me to use the house, you're getting half of the fortune," he said. "Trent was right, you ARE a stubborn old wolf boy."

"RIGHT, THAT'S IT HARRY! YOU'RE DEAD!" Remus yelled.

Harry stifled a laugh and ran from the room with a red faced former Professor hot on his heels.