The following events take place between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Sirius was settled directly across the street from the Leaky Cauldron entrance. He was sitting on a pile of cardboard a neighbor had thoughtfully left in the street. He'd managed to find a bone as well, and was occupying himself by chewing on it. It was perfectly plausible for Peter to exit in the other direction, out in to Diagon Alley, but Sirius was willing to bet all of the family fortune, not that it was his anyway, the Wormtail would exit out on to muggle street in front of him. Now, it was just time to wait and see if it would be as rat or wizard.

-------8:06

Minerva McGonagall was currently on a street called Magnolia Crescent. According to the map, it was very close to Privet Drive. She put the map away and continued on her walk.

------8:09

"Severus?" Remus asked, knocking on the wooden door leading to the potions master's office. He knew he was taking a chance coming to Snape, but all Remus wanted right now was two or three hours uninterrupted sleep, where he could forget about all the madness going on.

"What do you want, Lupin?" a voice snarled from behind him. Remus whirled to see Snape approaching from the right.

"I, I just, I was, " Remus stuttered. Snape came to a stop and sneered at him. Remus swallowed and cleared his throat. "I am having problems sleeping right now, Severus. I was wondering if it would be possible to purchase a sleeping draught from you."

Snape stared but said nothing. Silently, he waved open the locks on the door and motioned for Remus to follow him.

Once inside the office, Remus stood near the door, not knowing where to look. Snape had certainly made the office his own, Remus thought. The shelves were filled with green jars and floating things. When they'd been at school, Remus had only heard of the inside of the potions office from Sirius and James. They'd said it had been filled with books. Severus did have a few books, Remus noted, but seemed to prefer the company of pickled plants and animals.

Snape rummaged around in a small cabinet behind his desk. Withdrawing a small vial, filled with a crimson liquid, he handed it to Remus.

"How much do I owe you?" Remus asked.

Snape snorted. "Nothing, Lupin. As the potions professor here I am expected to provide basic concoctions to all at no charge. Assuming you are a guest of the headmaster, you are welcome to the draught."

Remus nodded and thanked Severus. He exited quickly and started the journey back to Minerva's rooms.

-------8:21

Dumbledore was back at the Ministry, overseeing the discussion of the Ministry as to what steps to take concerning Harry Potter. He had informed them of a living aunt, and they had reluctantly agreed it would be the best place for him.

They were now considering which spells, charms, and wards to construct around the residence. Most were being discounted simply because their presence in a muggle neighborhood could actually draw more attention than the wards could protect.

He was standing in the shadows, watching the proceeding, occasionally throwing in a comment, his mind constantly on the black haired-babe whose future they were deciding.

-----8:30

Minerva McGonagall, firmly in her feline animagus, was stopped at the corner of Privet Drive. She had her map out again, attempting to determine which direction Number 4 would be.

Looking up, she noticed a car approaching. The fat man in the car was driving towards her. She quickly put the map away. By the time he had a chance to take a second, look, the map had disappeared.

The fat man in the car blinked and stared.

Minerva stared back.

As the car pulled off of Privet Drive, Minerva could see the man checking his mirrors. She glanced up to make doubly sure this was Privet Drive and continued on her way.

-------8:37

Severus sat down, irritated. He rubbed a long hand over his face. The students had been tolerable at breakfast. Because classes had been cancelled, they were free to roam the grounds today, but no visits in to Hogsmeade. He was certain a few of the older students, Slytherins to be exact, would attempt to visit their homes and talk to their parents. He should be down by the gate to stop them.

A knock came on the door. "Come in," he said.

Filius stuck his tiny head around the door. "Severus, glad I caught you." he said in his high voice.

Severus waved for his companion to take the seat in front of his desk. "Have you spoken to Minerva?" Filius continued, his feet dangling from the edge of the seat.

Severus shook his head.

"She's gone to find the headmaster. She said not to expect her until late this evening. We're in charge of Hogwarts today, my boy." Filius said, both cheer and apprehension apparent in his voice.

Severus sat up and looked at him, "What does that mean Filius? That we are to try and keep the students under control? Not likely. Eleven years they've been under lock-down, unable to experience any true joy. Let them have today. Let the bonfires that should have risen high last night, lick the sky tonight."

Filius looked thoughtful for a moment and jumped back down, "Severus, we all have things to celebrate. Do come out and join us later today. I expect you have a late night, though. Get some rest first."

The tiny wizard exited. Funny, Severus mused. I never would have thought Flitwick the consoling type. Agreeing with the punitive wizard, Severus stepped back in his private rooms and settled for a quick kip on the sofa.

-----8:49

Sirius was bored. He still had the anger bubbling in him, but all this sitting around had made him restless. Peter would come this way, of that, Sirius was sure. He sat back down. The man at the muggle pub had said Peter usually stopped by for lunch.

Assuming he would stick to his usual pattern, Sirius need only wait a few more hours until he appeared.

------8:54

Remus was settled comfortably on the guest bed in Minerva's room, the empty vial in his hand. "Best get some rest, Remus." he told himself.

Leaning back, he sighed, feeling the potion course through his body. Severus makes a potent brew, Remus thought idly, already feeling the weight on his eyelids. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.