Title: Repetitions

Pairing: H/D

Rating: PG-13 to R

Warnings: Complete AU, Set in America, Slash, WIP

Summary: Orphaned Harry Potter is adopted by Sirius Black just before his 17th birthday. In his new town he begins a relationship with Draco Malfoy and tries to uncover the mystery of his parent's death.

AN: This is a repost as the last version was deleted. Since I don't want to get deleted again this story will no longer be interactive. Previous readers will notice that there are fewer chapters as I have combined chapters one and two since they were so short compared to the others. This reposted version has been altered slightly to account for spelling errors and such. I have also added a bit more detail to things but there is no need to reread if you have already read the previously posted chapters. For the old readers the next new part will be chapter 4.

Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed last time. I remembered that a few of you had some questions or comments that requested an answer. Since I was deleted and didn't save my reviews I don't remember what they were so if you repost your questions and such I will answer them when I post part 4.

At 3840 Magnolia Crescent there sat a small brown brick building completely devoid of any personality save for a rather large wooden sign, staked into the front lawn, deeply and ornately carved with the words: Polkiss and Associates Attorneys at Law. Inside this incredibly unspectacular building there sat an incredibly spectacular man. Almost nearing seven feet tall, with long scraggly black hair and a long scraggly beard to match, he was a man who quite easily put the fear of God into any person he blessed with the simplest of scowls. And on this day, July 27th, to be exact, he donned his meanest one yet. The recipient of this scowl, a large, curly-haired, blond boy, quickly removed the straw from his mouth, spit the paper wad into his hand and deposited them in a nearby trash can before cowering in the farthest corner of the humid and silent waiting room.

The would-be victim sat near a closed door, completely oblivious to his almost attack. He was a tall boy with messy black hair falling into deep green eyes. The boy appeared to be completely immersed in the task of cleaning his glasses with the hem of his frayed and greatly oversized shirt. However, the slight tilt of his head and glazed look in his eyes easily conveyed that all his attention was focused on the hushed whispers occasionally sneaking out of the room next to him. Hearing heavy footfalls near the door, the boy leaned in.

"Really, Sirius," An exasperated voice whispered. "I must ask you to reconsider. These are the absolutely worst kind of people. If you let me take this to court a judge will easily find in your favor. Fifty thousand-"

"-is a small price to pay," interrupted Sirius. "You know as well as I that a hearing will take weeks if not months." Sirius suddenly snickered. "And I can hardly say I have much faith in the system."

"And with good reason but-"

"No, Moony, you saw him! I can't believe no one has ever intervened before. These people are obviously neglecting Harry. We can't let it go on any longer."

"But, this isn't legal, Padfoot, and-"

"Don't you Padfoot me! How on earth did I get the only ethical lawyer in America?" There was a tense pause and Sirius continued reprovingly. "There was a time you didn't mind a little law breaking."

"All right, all right! Just let me talk them down-"

"No! I want this over with. Get the papers drawn up so we can take Harry and get out the hell out of here."

The voices dimmed out and the boy known as Harry Potter sat up straight in his seat with a wide grin stretching his face. He could hardly believe that after all these years he was finally getting a bit of good luck. Tragedy wasn't just something he knew but something he was well, well acquainted with. It all began when he was still an infant. On a fateful Halloween night, almost 16 years ago, his parents, James and Lily Potter, were killed in an automobile accident and Harry, who had also been present came out of the ordeal relatively unscathed except for a jagged scar on his forehead that resembled a lighting bolt. He was sent to live with his mother's sister, Petunia Dursley, and her family. The Dursleys did not even attempt to disguise their irrational hatred for Harry and often treated him no better than a slave. They even made him sleep in the closet under the stairs until he was 13 and became too big for the tiny, cramped space.

Harry's luck began to change last month when Sirius Black showed up on the Dursleys' doorstep. Harry had seen Sirius Black before as the man's face had been plastered across the news almost every day in the previous months. Several years ago, Sirius had been convicted of murdering a man named Peter Pettigrew, among many others in a drug deal gone bad. Sirius was sentenced for life in the greatly feared Azkaban Maximum Security Prison until a few months ago when new evidence came to light. Namely, the very much alive Pettigrew. Sirius was promptly given a new trial where it was proved that it was Pettigrew who had murdered all those people. Sirius was released from Azkaban and the very next day arrived at Number 4 Privet Drive in Surrey, Missouri, which had been Harry's home for the last sixteen years.

Thankfully, the Dursleys' had been gone that day and Harry had broken the long-standing rule about not answering the door. Harry, though astonished to find the infamous Sirius Black visiting him, had listened intently to his story and learned that Sirius had been best friends with Harry's parents and was, in fact, his godfather. The two talked for hours and Sirius was enraged to find out how the Dursleys had been treating him. Harry had immediately felt a kinship with the man and was greatly disappointed when their meeting was cut short. The Dursleys had come home unexpectedly and Sirius snuck out the back door. Harry thought he would never see Sirius again. That was, until this very morning when the Dursleys, with uncharacteristic glee, brought him and their son Dursley to the Polkiss' law firm. They had told him to back his things and Harry was sure that he finally being sent to reform school. The Dursleys had threatened him with this almost daily, even though a no better-behaved boy could be found for miles around.

Harry was quite excited when he arrived at the law firm and found Sirius waiting there along with a veritable giant of a man and Remus Lupin, who Harry recognized from the papers as Sirius's lawyer in his second trial. Harry hadn't even had time to talk to Sirius before he and the Dursleys along with their lawyers disappeared behind the door that currently held all of his attention.

"Harry, if ya keep it up, you're gonna wear the glass away," The giant man said, beaming at the boy in front of him. Harry startled at the booming voice but quickly returned the smile and put his glasses back on his face with an embarrassed blush. Harry supposed that he should be frightened of this tall massive man but there seemed to be an underlying kindness beneath the rough exterior and Harry was warming to him quickly. The fact that Dudley was terrified of the man was just icing on the cake.

The closed door opened and out came Petunia and Vernon Dursley. Harry had never seen them look happier. Without a glance to their nephew, the Dursleys rushed to Dudley and Petunia began fussing over her son. Laying soft kisses on his hair, she gaily said, "Oh Duddly-kins, we are going to get you that new car after all!"

Vernon Dursley stood, looking mighty proud, as he held a black briefcase to his chest, indulgently caressing the leather. Just then Sirius and Remus emerged from the room. Sirius was smiling but soon his face fell with uncertainty.

"Umm, Harry...I kinda adopted you, if that's okay with you," He said quietly.

"You mean you didn't even ask him first?" asked Remus, looking horrified. He ran his hands through his silver-streaked tawny hair and despairingly continued. "I am going to be disbarred."

Sirius grimaced in Remus' direction before turning to Harry with hopeful eyes. Harry was aware that he should be much more cautious about leaving with a man he barely knew but there was something that just felt right about it. And nothing could be worse than staying with the Dursleys. So, with a smile he said, "Of course, its okay with me."

Sirius' face brightened and he gave Remus a smug look. Remus shook his head and said, "I'll be in the car."

"So...er-what happens next?" Harry asked, watching the distraught lawyer leave.

"Well, now I take you home!" Sirius said, as he picked up Harry's suitcase. "We have to go now if we want to get home before dark." Sirius nodded towards the Dursleys and continued, distaste evident in his voice. "Did you want to say goodbye to them?"

Harry looked over at the Dursleys. As though feeling his stare, they looked up and frowned.

"Er-I would rather not," Harry said, turning back to Sirius.

"Alright, any friends you need-"

"No..." Harry said, blushing. The truth was, Harry didn't have any friends, as Dudley would beat up anyone who got close to him.

With the giant in tow, Sirius and Harry left the law firm. Sirius led him towards a very large, rusted out open Jeep where Remus sat, attempting to keep a very large black dog from drooling all over his suit. Harry eyed the dog apprehensively and the big scraggly man chuckled.

"Now doncha go worrying about Fang. He wouldn't hurt a fly!"

As if to prove this point, Fang leaped at Harry and began licking his face. Harry laughed and it took well over a minute to calm the excited dog. Sirius threw Harry a rueful smile.

"I'm sorry we couldn't bring a better car. But this rust bucket is the only thing that Hagrid here can fit in."

"Awww, don't insult Buckbeak. You'll hurt his feelings." Hagrid lovingly patted the Jeep before lumbering into the driver's seat.

"Oh, yeah!" Sirius said as though remembering something. "This is Rubeus Hagrid, an old friend. We brought him along in case Dursley gave any trouble."

Harry nodded towards the giant with a grin. "We met in the waiting room."

"And this is Remus Lupin, I told you about him the first time we met." Sirius continued.

Remus smiled and said, "Hello Harry, I can't believe how much you look like your father."

"You knew my father too, Mr. Lupin?"

Lupin nodded. "Yes, and please call me Remus. Sirius and I were good friends with him. We had a little gang and called ourselves the Marauders." Remus suddenly chuckled. "We used to get in so much trouble."

"That was before Moony defected to the right side of the law," Sirius said with slight disapproval.

"A good thing he did!" Hagrid interjected. "If it weren't for him that rat Pettigrew would have never been found."

"Ah, Wormtail..." Sirius said with no small amount of bitterness.

Harry was taken back by Sirius sudden change of demeanor and asked, "Wormtail?"

"He was the fourth Marauder, Wormtail," Remus explained. "Otherwise known as Peter Pettigrew."

"Oh," Harry said, casting Sirius a concerned look.

"Water under the bridge," Sirius said softly. "I just hope he enjoys Azkaban as much as I did."

"Well, everyone in," Hagrid said, interrupting a long awkward pause as he brought the Jeep to life. The engine roared loudly before settling into a sputtering sound. Harry squeezed into the Jeep's back seat with Remus and Fang. Sirius took the front passenger seat and looked dubiously at the vehicle. "Are you sure this is going to get us home?"

"Got ya here ok, didn't he?" Hagrid said, sounding somewhat miffed. "Buckbeak ain't let me down in the 20 years I had him and he ain't about to start now."

During the trip, Harry learned that his new home was called Grimmauld Place and located in Hogsmeade, Illinois, near the Mississippi river. Harry also learned that he had been born there, as had his father before him and that his parents met at Hogsmeade University. Sirius and Remus regaled him with tales about the Marauders and his parents and any doubts Harry had about leaving with Sirius evaporated as the hours passed. Never had he ever felt more accepted than he did now, with these three men, all of them looking at him with great affection.

Just as night fell, the group arrived at Hogsmeade singing heartily at the top of their lungs to Hagrid's old 8-tracks of Credence Clearwater Revival. Many pedestrians stopped to stare at the rag-tag group of men but this went entirely unnoticed by Harry who was having the most fun of his life. The streets of Hogsmeade were soon behind them and Hagrid pulled the Jeep into a forlorn dusty road. A dark, desolate looking mansion shortly appeared on he horizon and Harry's jaw dropped.

"What is this place?" Harry asked. "It looks haunted."

Hagrid laughed. "Aye, I believe it is."

Sirius frowned at Hagrid before turning in his seat to look at Harry. "Grimmauld Place. It's been in my family for years. Trust me, its not as scary looking in the daytime."

The Jeep pulled to a stop and Harry jumped out to get a closer look. It had to be the biggest house he had ever seen and he boggled at it in awe.

Sirius came up beside him and hesitantly said, "I know it doesn't it look like much now but we are working on getting it restored and-"

"Are you kidding me? Its great!" Harry ran up the front stone steps and bent to look the handles of the two huge front doors. "Wow, they are shaped like snakes." He turned to Sirius with a wide grin and eagerly asked, "Do you think it's really haunted?"

Before Sirius could answer a loud bang blasted into the night and everyone jumped. A squat man carrying an old fashioned shot gun came running towards them.

"Get on outta here you hooligans!" The man screeched.

The man, who appeared to be very old with a baldhead, exceptionally large ears and a snout-like nose, stopped abruptly. He smiled maliciously at Sirius and said, "My apologies, Mr. Black. I didn't realize it was you."

Sirius frowned at the man and motioned to Harry. "Kreacher, this is Harry Potter and Grimmauld Place is his home now. I trust you will not mistaken him for burglar and try to shoot his head off."

"Of course not." Kreacher smiled at Harry and continued in his solicitous voice. "No good wastrels and their snot nosed brats."

Harry looked at Sirius in shock but he waved Kreacher off. "That will be all."

Kreacher bent himself in a ridiculously low bow before turning on his heels and heading for the back of the house. Sirius sent Harry an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. I should have warned you about Kreacher. He's a bit touched in the head. Been the caretaker here for decades."

"And a fine job of care taking, he does," Hagrid mumbled under his breath.

"Yeah, well, I tried to get rid of him with a generous bribe but the old loon wouldn't leave." Sirius glumly said. "Just try to avoid him, Harry. He isn't around much as it is."

With that said, Hagrid left and Sirius and Remus led Harry into his new home. Grimmauld Place had obviously been at one time a very stately manse but time and neglect had done much damage. Sirius promised Harry a tour in the morning and shepherded him to a large bedroom on the second floor. It had apparently been newly cleaned as a lemony chemical scent still permeated the air. The bedroom was done in a rich reds and golds with an adjoining bathroom. Harry had never been in a room this nice and couldn't believe that it was really his.

"Molly cleaned the room while we came to pick you up," Sirius said. "She is helping me fixed the place up and has a son your age. I'll call and ask her to bring him along when she comes tomorrow."

"You don't need to do-"

"Nonsense! A boy your age needs friends. Ron's a good kid and I'm sure you'll get along famously."

Harry then yawned loudly and Sirius jumped out the chair he had been sitting in. "I think that's our cue to leave. Sleep tight and we'll see you in the morning."

"Oh, you live here too?" Harry asked Remus.

"No, but I stay the night sometimes."

"Oh." Harry said, smiling at the pair of men. "Well, sweet dreams."

The next day dawned bright and early. Harry woke with a start, not quite sure where he was. Everything came to him quickly and Harry pinched himself to make sure he wasn't still dreaming. It all seemed like a fairly tale. He even had a personal fairy godmother, well, godfather. After a very girly giggle, Harry leaped from his bed and got ready for the new day.

An hour later Harry wondered through the halls of Grimmauld Place. Sirius had been right in that the place was far less spooky in the daytime. Though with the ever-present cobwebs and heavy antiquated furniture, Grimmauld Place certainly would have made an ideal setting for any horror movie. Harry entered a long hall with paintings covering both side of the walls. He stopped before one painting. It was a life-sized portrait of an older woman. She had a mean looking face with bugged out eyes and a thin frowning mouth. Harry got a chill just from looking at the painting and he quickly moved away from it. At the end of the hall, Harry heard the hushed voices of Sirius and Remus from behind a closed door.

"We have to tell him, Sirius."

"I know, Remus, but-"

"No buts! Harry needs to know."

Harry swept into the room, which turned out to be a very large kitchen, and Sirius and Lupin gaped at him. Sirius moved away from Remus and shot him a guilty look.

"What do I need to know?" Harry asked, looking back and forth between the two men.

"Er...umm," Sirius stammered. "Your birthday party! Yes, we...umm needed to tell you that we are having a birthday party for you. I wanted it to be a surprise but Remus always hated surprise parties and insisted that we tell you."

"Sirius!" Remus yelled, greatly exasperated. He jerked his briefcase off the table and left the kitchen in a huff. Harry stared after him.

"Never mind him," Sirius said, waving dismissingly towards the door. "Er-one of his favorite uncles got a nasty shock at his surprise party and had a heart attack when everyone yelled 'surprise' been rather fanatical about surprise parties after that. Was quite upset that I even considered having one."

Harry thought something smelled a little fishy but the suspicions were disregarded in his excitement over a birthday party. "I never had a birthday party before."

"Not one?"

Harry shook his head and blushed at the pitying look Sirius sent him. "I didn't mind or anything. Its just a birthday, after all, hardly a big deal."

"Of course it's a big deal!" Sirius said resolutely. "We'll throw a huge party on the afternoon of the 31st."

Harry laughed. "A huge party? But I don't know anyone here but you, Remus and Hagrid. Oh and Kreacher."

Sirius frowned at Kreacher's name. "Well, we won't be inviting Kreacher. But Remus and Hagrid will be there. As well as the Weasleys, the Weasleys alone make up half of the population of Hogsmeade. You'll meet some of them later today. Let's gets you some breakfast. Hagrid will be here any minute, we're going into town to get you some new clothes."

"I don't need new clothes," Harry said, taking the plate of pancakes thrust at him.

"You mean you like those clothes?" Sirius asked, eyeing Harry's baggy tattered clothing.

"Well...no, but you done so much already. Taking me in and all. I know I wasn't...cheap."

Sirius was taken back. "How did you know about that?"

"I heard you and Remus talking."

"I see. Well, don't mention that to anyone. What happened in Surrey wasn't exactly in full accordance of the law."

Harry nodded at this and renewed his protests over the purchase of new clothing, all of which were dismissed by Sirius. Hagrid arrived in his loud, rambling Jeep and soon the three were off to Hogsmeade.

In the bright glare of the mid-morning sun Harry got his first good look at Hogsmeade. It made Surrey, Missouri, in which conformity was the key, pale in comparison. Harry watched colorful shops and houses of every size, shape, and design fly by as Hagrid zoomed to the town square. They stopped in front of a small store called Mrs. Malkin's Clothing for All Occasions and got out of the Jeep.

"I'm gonna head down to Eeylops Emporium, need to get a few supplies for my latest...project," Hagrid said as he headed towards a nearby pet supplies store.

Sirius laughed at Hagrid's retreating back and led Harry into the clothing shop. A dark haired lady in a mauve dress swooped in front of them as soon as they entered the store and smiled brightly at Sirius.

"Oh! Finally gotten around to seeing me!" She said, pulling Sirius into a big hug. When they disentangled she looked over at Harry. "I didn't know you had a son."

"I adopted him just yesterday," Sirius said proudly. "Mrs. Malkin, this is Harry Potter, James and Lily's son."

"James and Lily..." Mrs. Malkin said, with a sad look. "I should have known, you look just like your father." She walked over to him and peered into Harry's face. "Got Lily's eyes though. She worked for me while attending college. I bawled my eyes out when I learned-"

"Yes, well Harry needs a whole new wardrobe," Sirius said quickly. Mrs. Malkin gave Sirius an indiscernible look before turning to Harry with a smile. She looked carefully over Harry's attire and nodded. "Most definitely."

"Harry, I need to go talk to Remus about a few things. His law firm is right over there." Sirius pointed to a building across the street. A big sign on the side said: Lupin, Shacklebolt and Tonks. "If you finish before I'm done, just come on over. God only knows how long Hagrid will be in Eeylops."

Sirius dug into his back pocket and pulled out a credit card. He handed it to Mrs. Malkin. "I'm leaving you in capable hands. I'm sure she'll spare no expense."

And with an amused glance to Mrs. Malkin, who was merrily fingering the credit card, Sirius left the shop. Mrs. Malkin directed Harry to rack of clothing and in short time heaped mounds of clothes in his arms. To Harry's embarrassment, she made him try on and model every outfit. An hour later Harry had twice as many clothes he thought any normal person needed and Mrs. Malkin went to the front of the store to ring them up. Harry was changing into one of his new outfits, which he was planning on wearing out, when he heard Mrs. Malkin say, "Why, hello there. I thought I would be seeing you today. I have your order in the back. I'll go get it right now."

Harry emerged from the dressing room and stood in front of a large mirror adjusting the collar of his new red shirt.

"Not bad, but I would go with green."

Harry started and looked around for the source of the voice. He found him standing a few feet away by a display of shoes. He appeared to be a boy around Harry's age with short ash blond hair styled into controlled messiness and wore gray trousers with a tight black t-shirt stretched over his slender yet muscular frame. The boy walked over and draped his arms over Harry's shoulders. Harry inhaled sharply as he felt him touch the back of his neck.

"Your tag was hanging out," The boy said simply, keeping his arms around Harry's shoulders as he looked intently at Harry's face. "Yes, definitely green. To match your eyes. They are very nice you know, even with those horrid glasses."

"Umm. Thanks," Harry said with heated cheeks. "Yours are er-quite nice, too."

Nice didn't even begin to describe what Harry thought about the boy's eyes. They were a pale gray with an icy twinge that melted Harry. But he could never tell him that. Several seconds passed and Harry was starting to feel like a lovesick prepubescent girl. The boy finally removed his arms and turned away.

"Well, I'll see you around," He called over his shoulder.

"Wait!" Harry yelled, stumbling towards the blond boy. He thrust out a hand. "I'm Harry Potter."

"Harry Potter..." The boy said, lifting an eyebrow. He gave Harry a thorough look over, his eyes landed on the scar on Harry's forehead and sat there for a few seconds. "Yes, yes, you are," He finally said.

"And you are?" Harry asked, thrusting his hand even further out.

"I'm Draco. Draco Malfoy."

"Pleased to meet you, Draco Malfoy," said Harry as the blond grasped his hand. Instead of shaking it, Draco merely held it in his hand and lightly caressed Harry's palm with the pad of his thumb.

Harry was unsure of what to do so he decided to just enjoy the feeling of Draco's hand in his own. Unlike Harry's hands, which were large, rough and slightly calloused from years of labor, Draco's were soft, slender and pale against Harry's tanned skin. Suddenly Draco tensed at something he saw over Harry's shoulder. His eyes narrowed and his mouth twisted into a nasty sneer. Harry was astonished at the change and looked behind him searching for whatever held Draco's contempt. There was a large window behind him and out on the street Hagrid was putting a large box into the back of his Jeep. Hagrid looked up and waved to Harry. Harry grinned and nodded in acknowledgement before back to Draco. The boy's face was hard set though it had lost most of its maliciousness.

"What's wrong?" asked Harry in confusion. "Are you ok?"

Draco's eyes softened when they returned to Harry and he smiled.

"Sure, do you know him?" Draco nodded towards Hagrid.

"Hagrid? Oh, yeah. He's pretty cool. I came into town with him."

Draco sniffed. "I see."

"Here ya are, my dear!" interrupted Mrs. Malkin, loudly, as she carried a large white box to the front. "Came in just this morning."

She stopped and stared at the two boys. Draco was still clutching his hand and Harry pulled away from him, flushing. Draco gave Harry an amused smile before turning to Mrs. Malkin and retrieving the box from her.

"Well, it was nice meeting you, Harry Potter," said Draco as he headed for the door. "I'll seen you soon."

Harry barely heard Draco as all his attention was focused the boys retreating backside. Harry watched that backside as it disappeared behind the closing door and reappeared a second later as Draco crossed the street and got into a shiny silver convertible.

A loud throat-clearing sound broke Harry's concentration. Startled, he turned to Mrs. Malkin who had slid next to Harry and looked out the window as well. "Mr. Malfoy certainly leaves an impression, doesn't he?"

Harry turned bright red and Mrs. Malkin giggled.

The Lupin, Shacklebolt and Tonks Law Firm was located in a building so new that the smell and taste of wet paint still pervaded one's senses on first entry. Harry felt dizzy from the intensity of it and in his attempt to stable himself he proceeded to knock over a stack of boxes. Several papers and manila folders scattered across the floor. Harry laid his shopping bags in a nearby chair and attempted to right the mess. A tall bald black man with a pierced ear in a dark blue suit rushed over to help.

"I'm so sorry!" said Harry, apologetically.

"Hey, its all right. The place is in a bit of a mess. We just moved in," said the man as he put the last manila folder back into the box. He held out a hand. "I'm Kingsley Shacklebolt. You must be Harry Potter."

Harry shook his hand and nodded.

Shacklebolt motioned towards an open door. "Sirius is in there with Remus."

"Thanks."

Harry made his way to the indicated door and peered inside. Sirius held Remus in a tight hug. Remus' face was fiercely etched with emotion and Harry sat in a chair near the door. It was clear they were having a private moment. Several minutes later Sirius come out of the room and started when he saw Harry.

"Oh! Hey, Harry. Been waiting long?"

"No." Harry reached into his pocket and gave Sirius his credit card back. "Mrs. Malkin says you need to go over and sign the credit card receipt."

"I'm sure she bled me dry," said Sirius with a chuckle. He clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Hey, I was just joking."

"I know," replied Harry, with a blush. "I'm just not used to people spending so much money on me."

"Well, get used to it. I'm, well, we're, loaded."

A flushing Remus came out of the room and smiled distractedly at Harry and Sirius. He ran his fingers this hair trying the tame the messy mane. He walked over to cluttered desk, retrieved a soft leather briefcase and looked expectantly at Sirius.

"Say, Harry..." began Sirius, casting Remus a odd look. "I've got to go with Remus for a bit." He handed the credit card back to Harry. "I noticed that you could use new glasses. Maybe some contacts too. There's an optometrist two blocks south. The place is called Occulus. Why don't you get your eyes checked out and meet up with us at the Leaky Cauldron for lunch at about...oh..." Sirius looked over at Remus.

"I'd say around one." said Remus.

"Right, one. The Leaky Cauldron is right down the street from Occulus. Tell Dr. Iris that I'll be in to sign the credit card slip this afternoon. Go ahead and leave your things here. We'll pick them up on our way back home."

The two men left, talking in hushed whispers. Harry piled his bags in an abandoned nook where they wouldn't be in the way and waved goodbye to Shacklebolt. He was glad to get out of the building as the chemical paint smell was making him quite nauseous.

Occulus was extremely easy to find and upon entering a very round dark haired man in a white lab coat came to assist Harry. Harry explained that he needed new glasses and on a whim, decided on contacts as well. The man, who introduced himself as Dr. Iris, quickly had Harry in a back room reading projected letters off the wall. After the examination Harry selected a pair of slim wire frames. Dr. Iris told Harry he could pick up his new glasses and contacts in a few days. Harry glanced at the clock on his way out and saw that he had a half hour before he was supposed to be at the Leaky Cauldron.

Harry passed the time by exploring the shops in downtown Hogsmeade. He came across a small ice cream parlor called Florean Fortescue's. A man and a small child came out of the shop and Harry's mouth watered at the sight of their tall ice cream cones. Harry suddenly found himself very hot and sadly realized that he had no money on him. He was about to turn away when a voice drawled out.

"So we meet again."

Harry smiled and turned to the direction of the voice. Draco Malfoy sat on the hood of the silver convertible lazily licking away on a vanilla ice cream cone as if he hadn't a care in the world.

"Hello...must be fate."

Draco smirked and slide off the car. "Or maybe I'm stalking you." He thrust his ice cream cone in Harry's face. "Here. You look hot."

Harry watched as the ice cream dripped over Draco's pale fingers. Draco raised it higher. "Hurry up, it's going to melt away."

Harry took the ice cream cone and chopped down on it. Draco watched attentively as he sucked the melted ice cream off his own fingers. In just a few seconds Harry had devoured the entire cone and said, "Thanks, that hit the spot."

Draco pouted. "That was entirely disappointing. Some needs to teach you how to properly eat an ice cream cone."

"I didn't know there was a correct way."

"Well..." began Draco with a lecherous smile. "There's a boring way and an exciting way. I'll show you the difference sometime."

Harry blushed profusely and looked away. Draco leaned against his car and folded his arms across his chest. "So, I saw you come out of Occulus. Getting new glasses?"

"Yeah, and some contacts too."

"Good. It's downright sinful to keep those emeralds trapped behind glass."

Harry blushed even deeper but managed to not turn away in embarrassment. Not even when Draco carefully and thoroughly eyed Harry from the top of his head to the tip of his shoes.

"Well, I should go," said Draco, abruptly breaking his gaze. "Mother will have a hissy fit if I'm not home for lunch."

"I'd like to see you again," said Harry, in a rush. Harry felt like an idiot the second the words were out of his mouth. For the millionth time that day Harry burned with mortification and he was sure that by nightfall his cheeks would be permanently stained red. But he was soon validated by the pleased smile Draco offered him.

"I would like that very much."

"Er...I'm having a birthday party on the afternoon of the 31st. I'm turning 17."

"And where would this birthday party be?"

"Umm." Harry realized he didn't exactly know how to get to Grimmauld Place. "I don't know how to get there actually. I just moved here. Its called Grimmauld Place."

"Grimmauld Place?" Draco looked up and down at Harry with a new type of interest. "You're staying at Grimmauld Place?"

"Yes, since yesterday. Do you know where it is?"

"Everyone knows where it is. They say its haunted."

"Everyone knows but me," admitted Harry. "And I don't doubt that its haunted. If any house was going to be haunted, Grimmauld Place is it."

"How come you're staying there?" asked Draco with keen curiosity. "I know Sirius Black doesn't have any children."

"He adopted me yesterday."

"Fascinating," said Draco, distractedly. "Well, I see you then."

"Great," said Harry as Draco got into his car and drove off.

Harry flopped onto a nearby bench and grinned stupidly to himself. Draco was coming to his birthday party. Harry's elation melted into apprehension. This would cause great problems. Sirius didn't know he was gay and Harry had no doubts that he wouldn't be able to hide it around Draco. Especially since Draco's interest was so blatantly obvious. Maybe he was just misreading Draco actions. Though it made him sad Harry hung on to this before dismissing it. Harry might not have had any friends, let alone a boyfriend, but even he knew you didn't act that way around someone you weren't interested in. Well, maybe Sirius wouldn't care. The thought gave Harry hope. He had long learned to hide his homosexuality around the strait laced Dursleys but was aware that not everyone thought like them. Yes. Maybe Sirius wouldn't care.

Harry sighed worriedly and realized that he had been sitting there for a long time, contemplating his dilemma. A short unshaven man with unkempt red hair wearing a tattered overcoat despite the summer heat scampered by and Harry called out to ask him the time. The man turned and looked at Harry with bloodshot eyes. He ambled over and smiled widely. A strong odor of alcohol wafted from him.

"The time, kind sir?" asked the man. He opened one side of his coat revealing several gold watches attached to the lining. "You came to the right place."

He pulled off one of the watches and offered it to Harry. "That's a gen-u-wine Rolex and its yours for only 50 bucks."

Harry reached out to inspect the watch. He doubted that it was a "gen-u-wine" Rolex but figured it would at least tell him the time. Before Harry could grasp the watch, a rough veiny hand jerked it from the man.

Harry looked up to see a fierce looking man with wild white hair and a large scar down the bridge of his nose. One of his dark eyes bugged out slightly and was glazed with a large cataract. The man inspected the watch, seemingly with his defective eye.

"Since when does Rolex have two 'x's?" asked the man, in a snarl.

"Now Mad-Eye, I was just telling the boy the time, that's all," protested the first man.

"Dung, I have told you time and time again about your scamming ways."

"You ain't the Sheriff no more!" exclaimed the man known as Dung. "And you can't go ordering people..."

Harry surreptitiously slipped off the bench and away from the strange men. About a half a block away he heard Dung exclaim, "Damn! You lost me my customer."

When Harry reached the Leaky Cauldron he spotted Hagrid sitting in a back table looking over a menu as he petted his long beard. Sirius and Remus were nowhere to be seen. Hagrid attempted to engage him in conversation but Harry was entirely preoccupied, thinking about how he was going to tell Sirius that he was gay.

"What was that, Harry?" asked Hagrid, watching him with a strange look on his face.

"Huh?" asked Harry, a little startled.

"You said something about Sirius and gay," explained Hagrid, bearing down at him with his eyes.

Harry turned bright red. He must have been mumbling aloud. "Er..."

"Ya ain't got a problem with gay people, do you?" asked Hagrid, fiercely.

"Um...er...no," stammered Harry. He paused and asked in slightly high voice. "Er...does Sirius?"

Hagrid let out a barking laugh and returned to his menu. "Would be a mite hypocritical of him, if he did."

Harry perked in his seat with a dropping jaw. "Sirius is gay?"

Hagrid looked uncomfortable and looked around. "Not my place to say one way or another."

"Wow. Sirius is gay," said Harry. He felt as though a very heavy burden was lifted from his shoulders.

"You don't mind?" asked Hagrid from behind his menu.

"Of course not."

Hagrid gave a pleased nod. "Good. Better let him know that you know. He's been worried sick about how you were gonna react. Remus tried to tell him he was being pig headed about it but Sirius wouldn't listen."

Harry wondered how he didn't see it before. That must be what Remus wanted Sirius to tell him this morning. Everything added up. Sirius was with Remus. Remus stays over sometimes. Their embrace earlier today. The way Remus fought so hard to get Sirius out of prison. The two men in question soon arrived and Harry watched them during the course of the meal. Their closeness was crystal clear. Throughout the two men shared intense intimate looks and every few minutes Sirius would unconsciously reached out to pet Remus' hand. Harry decided to tell Sirius that very night that he was gay.

It was well past two o'clock when they made it back to Grimmauld Place. An old blue Ford Anglia was parked in the front and on the steps leading up to the house there sat a tall lanky red headed boy in dusty faded jeans and a red t-shirt with "Gryffindor" written across it. He stood up when Harry and Sirius approached.

"Hello, Ron," said Sirius. He motioned to Harry. "Ron, this is Harry. I'm sure your mother told you all about him."

A look passed between Sirius and Ron. Ron nodded and turned to Harry with a smile. The two boys went up to Harry's room and as Harry put his new clothes away they discovered that they had many common interests. The conversation soon turned to girls and Ron asked if he had a girlfriend back in Surrey. Harry hesitated but decided that he no longer wanted to remain in the closet. With a very strained casualness he told Ron that he was gay. Harry had never said "I'm gay" before and the words felt strange in his mouth.

"Oh." said Ron. "I've got a gay brother. Want me to introduce you two? He's older than us but people say he's cute."

Harry let a out a relieved chuckle. "No. I've already got my eye on someone."

Ron was impressed. "So soon? Good luck! God knows I can't get a girlfriend to save my life. There's a Ravenclaw that seems to have a crush on me but she's too loopy for my tastes."

"What's a Ravenclaw?" asked Harry, lifting an eyebrow.

"Oh, well Hogsmeade High is a bit funky. Students get divided into four groups. I'm in Gryffindor, there's also Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. They make you take a test when you register and it tells you where you belong. I think it's based on grades and stuff like that but then there's an annoying uber-genius in Gryffindor and all the smart people seem to be in Ravenclaw."

"Gryffindor, Ravenclaw...What strange names."

"They are the people who founded Hogsmeade some 200 years ago. You'll find out all about it when you register. They like to pound the story into you."

Later that afternoon Harry changed into some of his old pre-Sirius clothing. He and Ron joined Sirius and Ron's mother in the cleaning of a first floor study. By the time dinner rolled around they were like old friends and Ron promised to come back tomorrow with his mother. Mrs. Weasley and Ron left just as Remus arrived. Remus brought Chinese takeout with him and the three males sat around the kitchen table picking over the cartons of food. Harry noticed Sirius watching Remus closely and then looking worriedly at Harry when he thought he wasn't looking. It seemed like as good as a time as any.

"I know that you are gay," blurted Harry, turning red. Sirius started at Harry revelation and turned to him with apprehensive guardedness. Harry continued in a rush. "I don't care, in fa-"

"I told you he wouldn't care." interrupted Remus, beaming as he patted Sirius on the shoulder. Sirius let out a relieved sigh and said, "I wanted to tell you sooner but-"

"Its okay." gushed Harry. "In fact, I'm gay too."

"Wow." said Sirius, surprised. He suddenly grinned. "I guess this means I don't have to hide my Bette Midler albums after all."

Remus shuddered. "I wish you'd burn those damn things."

Over the next few days Harry worked alongside Sirius, Mrs. Weasley and Ron in restoring the house. Harry greatly enjoyed the Weasleys' company and was looking forward to meeting their entire family on his birthday. To Harry's disappointment there was no trips into Hogsmeade and so he didn't get any glimpses of the beautiful one known as Draco Malfoy. He spent every almost every waking second-and many sleeping seconds as well-thinking about the blond.

On the morning of his birthday party Harry was extremely nervous and excited at the prospect of seeing Draco again. He worried that he wouldn't show up. He worried that he would show up. Harry showered and borrowed some of Sirius's more expensive aftershave. He generously splashed it on his cheeks even though he had never shaved a day in his life. Draped in his towel, Harry padded into his bedroom to take on the biggest task of all. What to wear.

He started to reach for the white cotton briefs he normally wore but hesitated. Deep down Harry knew that he that there was no reason to think that Draco might see his underwear but, just in case, he grabbed the silky green boxers Mrs. Malkin had somehow goaded him into buying. After a long through assessment of his closet Harry pulled out a pair of khaki pants and a crisp but lightweight blue button down shirt. It wasn't long before Harry dismissed this ensemble as too preppy. Five outfits later Harry finally decided on a pair of black baggy-legged cargo pants that hung low on his narrow hips revealing just a hint of the green boxers beneath. There were fairly tight around the top and with much approval Harry noted the way they emphasized his butt. Harry chose a tight white ribbed tank top to finished it off. Sure the shirt was a little skimpy, but is was dreadfully hot outside and Harry wanted to be prepared. The fact that the shirt showed off his well-toned arms was just an added perk. Harry gave himself a final look over and nodded. "I'd do me."

A loud chuckle startled Harry. Sirius was lounged in the doorway watching Harry in amusement. "Done preening?"

"I'm not preening!" protested Harry.

"Well when you're finished with whatever you are doing, Hagrid's here to take you to town. Your glasses and contacts are in."

Dr. Iris would not let Harry leave until he was able to put his contacts in without hassle. Harry, who flinched at the idea of touching his eye, let alone actually doing it, was a very slow learner and it was a full hour before he left Occulus, new contacts in place. The contacts felt incredibly odd in his eyes and his vision was a bit unfocused but got better as each minute passed.

Hagrid had gone to Eeylops Emporium, no doubt getting supplies for his "project" as he liked to call it. He waved Harry off saying he needed a few more minutes and Harry browsed nearby shops in his wait. He came across an old musty shop called Ollivander's Antiques and slipped inside. A subtle smell of smoke and charcoal seemed infused in the various items that haphazardly littered the store. Harry looked around but saw no clerk. He did spot a rather large mirror that looked very old. Harry walked up to it and noticed an inscription at the top. Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi. Harry's brow wrinkled at the strange foreign words before focusing on the mirror again. He was about to fix a stray lock of hair when he noticed a familiar blond figure standing behind him.

"Hey Draco!" exclaimed Harry, spinning around. "I think you are stalking me."

"Well, I can't deny that I followed you in here. I was across the street at my father's office and saw you come in." Draco leaned in, clutched Harry's chin and tilted his face. "Oh much better without the glasses."

Harry felt his face go hot.

Draco drew back and waved his hands around the store. "Ollivander's has lots of interesting things. Looking for anything in particular?"

Harry shook his head. "No, I just needed to kill some time."

Draco nodded and began inspecting an old Victrola. "I used to spend hours here back when it was still over by Knocturn Avenue. Oh! Let me show you something!"

Draco grabbed Harry's hand and dragged him to the front counter. "Look up there."

Draco pointed to a tall shelf on which sat a locked glass case. Suspended in the case was a tiny silver dot.

"What's that?" asked Harry.

"It's an 1901 American Liberty Silver Penny, there's only 100 of them left in the world. I'm getting it for my birthday," explained Draco.

"You're a coin collector!" Harry gave Draco an accessing look. "Never thought you would be the type."

"It takes all types," drawled Draco. "Besides, we Malfoys like money."

Draco suddenly turned to Harry with a mischievous glint in his eye. "We like green-eyed black haired boys too." Draco pressed Harry against a nearby bookcase. Draco leaned in and Harry could feel his warm minty breath ghost across his lips. Feeling his stomuch clench and his knees buckle, he clutched at the bookshelf behind him for support and screamed.

"Shit!" Harry whipped his hand around to the front. Blood poured down his fingers. Draco blanched and pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket. He wrapped it around Harry's wound and asked, "What happened?"

Harry turned around and searched the bookshelf. A small gold dagger with red-jeweled hilt lay on one of the shelves. A thin line of blood desecrated its golden surface. Harry picked it up and brandished it before Draco. "I must have cut myself with this."

Draco moved away. "Well don't swing it around. We both don't need to get-"

"You found it!" A wizened gravelly voice called out. "After all these years."

The two boys looked over to see an older man with flyaway gray hair wearing rather old-fashioned clothing. A pair of clunky glasses were perched on his head and he donned them as he drew nearer.

"Harry Potter!" exclaimed the man.

"Er-am I wearing a name tag or something?" asked Harry, uneasily.

"How fascinating that after all these years you should find The Lion's Blade. I thought I had lost it, most certainly after the fire," said the man. "Fascinating, indeed."

"Why is that so fascinating?" asked Harry, shooting Draco a nervous glance.

The man took the blade from Harry and inspected it in the dulled sunlight that poured through the dusty windows.

"The Lion's Blade was created some two hundred years ago by a goldsmith named Fawkes Phoenix. Phoenix was an odd sort who believed he had found the secret to Alchemy. It is said that he was successful in his endeavor and managed to turn a lump of coal into the purest of golds. And from that gold he fashioned two knives, just two." The man leaned in and hovered over Harry. "What's fascinating, my dear boy, is that you should be destined to find this knife, when its brother gave you that scar!"

Harry clapped his uninjured hand over his scar and shook his head. "No, you must be mistaken. I got this scar in a car accident that killed my parents."

"Oh no, no...your parents were murdered...in cold blood."