Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.
Harry walked along with his family and friends simply fuming angrily. He barely registered Ginny taking his hand as they walked along, but he did notice the calming feeling surge through him through the bond they now shared.
Once they entered Gringott's Jane and Molly had exchanged every last bit of information between them in order to set a play date for the four of them.
"Hey dad," said Harry as they entered.
"Yes Harry?" he said looking at his son. He then smiled as he noticed Harry and Ginny were holding hands again.
"Dad, do think that maybe . . . I mean since my parents were magical . . . do you think they left anything behind for me?" asked Harry knowing all too well they did.
"Well, we can check with the bank," said Henry.
"Okay, but do you think we could do it in private, I don't want any extra attention than I've already gotten today," said Harry cleverly.
"Of course," said Henry.
"Come on Ginny," said Molly, "Time to go."
"Bye Ginny, Bye Ron," said Hermione quickly trying to get away from Ron who wouldn't stop boasting about helping Dumbledore.
"Bye Hermione," said Ron, "Bye Harry."
"Bye Ron," said Harry. He then looked at Ginny, "Bye Ginny."
"Bye Harry," said Ginny as she reluctantly let go of his hand. "Bye Hermione." She then ran to her brother and mother who were now waiting for her by the entrance to the vaults.
"Harry," said Henry, "This goblin, is going to take us to meet with one of account managers."
"Great," said Harry. Soon the four of them were seated in a small office waiting for a goblin to enter.
Finally the door entered and short goblin walked in before taking a seat.
"Good afternoon, I'm Snotspool," said the goblin, "How can I help you today?"
"Yes, well my son here is curious about any accounts that may have been left behind by his parents," said Henry.
"And your name sir," said Snotspool looking at Harry.
"Harry James Potter," said Harry.
"I see," said Snotspool, "do you have your keys?"
"I'm sorry, I was never given any keys," said Harry, "There is a chance they weren't given to me. Is there a way I could get a copy of all my keys?"
"Of course Mr. Potter," said Snotspool, "We will have to destroy all of your old keys first."
Harry nodded, "Okay, but how?"
"They are bound by magic, we just have to identify the keys and have them self-destruct.
"Wicked," said Harry. He'd picked up the word from Ron a long time ago and he used it again today so Harry figured it was safe to start using.
"I will return in a few moments with the proper family book so that we can settle business," said Snotspool.
Snotspool hurried out of the room and returned a few minutes later carrying a very large tome which he set on the desk with a very loud bang.
"Right then, to have new keys made and the old ones destroyed you need only put your hand on this book and say 'Transfero Claimitus' and then we can discuss everything," explained Snotspool.
Harry didn't hesitate as the excitement was starting to overwhelm him. He would be able to do some really good things once he had access to his vaults. Harry put his hand on the cover and said the magic words. The book glowed for a second and then five flashes signaled the arrival of five vault keys.
"Here we are," said Snotspool, "Five keys for five vaults."
"Five?" asked Henry.
"Young Mr. Potter here is extremely wealthy," said Snotspool.
Henry and Jane were both very surprised at the news but Harry's imitated surprise was just not on par with his usual performance. Albus had really thrown him off his game today.
"You have your trust vault which you can access at any time. It is to pay for school and for some fun things according to the attached note. You have your family investment vault which handles all the assets for investments on the wizarding and muggle stock markets. You have the family reserve vault which is set aside for any emergency that may come up, most families use this vault to pay ransoms or hire mercenaries in the event of a kidnapping. You have your family spending vault which is what your parents used for daily purchases. And finally you have the family storage vault which contains family heirlooms and things of that nature."
"Wow," said Hermione while the other three were in what seemed to be stunned silence.
"Now, Mr. Potter can only access the trust and storage vault until his 17th birthday. Until that time, he must be accompanied by his legal guardian," explained Snotspool.
"Well, we are his legal guardians but we make more than enough money," said Henry coming out of his shock, "Therefore we have no need to interfere with or use any of Harry's other family assets. But, I think that Harry would very much like to see the storage vault and perhaps get some money from his Trust vault."
"Of course sir," said Snotspool, "May I make a suggestion?"
"Feel free," said Henry.
"Might I interest you in our endless money bag? It will draw funds directly from the trust to the bag so long as there is money in there," explained Snotspool. The one thing that Harry could always count on a goblin to do would be to try an up-sell someone if the opportunity arose.
"That sounds good," said Henry, "How much is that?"
"Thirty galleons and ten sickles per month," said Snotspool.
Henry looked to Harry, "It's your decision."
"I'll take it," said Harry, "Have you got anything similar for changing muggle currency?"
"We have something new this just this week in fact because of the holiday season called the endless wallet that does the same thing," said Snotspool, "because it's new it cost 40 Galleons to start and then ten sickles per month plus a surcharge on the total exchange every month."
"I'll do that," said Harry, "Can you mail the statements every month by muggle mail for all my accounts?"
"Of course Mr. Potter, you'd be surprised how many wizards don't bother with such things," said Snotspool.
"Very good thinking Harry," said Henry.
Harry smiled at his adoptive father broadly, "Thanks dad but all my best ideas come from listening to you."
"See," said Henry looking to Jane, "I told you he was listening when I was teaching him about money and banking."
"Yes," said Jane though she was not happy with Henry's choice in times to bring this up.
"Now, if you will follow me Mister Potter," said Snotspool, "I will take you to your family storage vault."
"Thank you," said Harry as he and his family followed the goblin to the carts. Harry made sure to put his ball cap on again just to be safe.
After a thrilling ride to the vault in which Henry got terrible motion sickness.
"Here you are Mr. Potter," said Snotspool, "I will wait here with your guardians until you are finished."
"Can't they come with?" asked Harry knowing full well they couldn't.
"I'm sorry Mr. Potter but if they were to accompany you even onto the platform they would die a most painful and horrible death," explained Snotspool.
"Oh, right then," said Harry swallowing, "See you all in a bit then."
The all nodded as Harry made his way straight to the vault door. He opened and walked inside and began his business inside. Unlike the first time he entered this vault the contents would still have a chance to save at least one life.
Inside were all manner of things. There were books, swords, daggers, suits of armor, rings and earrings which he knew exactly which ones he would lay claim to after he claimed the most important thing from inside. In the center of the room was a stand with a closed tome. On top of the tome lay a single manila envelope. Harry walked to the stand and with shaking hands he took the envelope and began opened it. He was relieved that it was the same letters as the first time. The difference was that this time it wasn't too late.
To whom it may concern:
We've sent this letter by secure owl to Gringott's because we felt that something needed to be left behind incase the worst has happened. Of course Gringott's can produce documentation proving the date and time this letter was received and deposited in this vault. I am sure you are curious why we are telling you all of this. Just before this letter was written James and I went into hiding with you using the Fidelius Charm. This is a special magic used to hide something using one person to keep it a secret. The person is known as a secret keeper. Our secret keeper was a school friend of your fathers by the name of Peter Pettigrew. We purposely told many people that Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, was our secret keeper to throw off Voldemort. If we are dead then the traitor was Peter Pettigrew and not Remus Lupin as we feared. I hope this is not the case as it would most likely mean my husband, son, and I are all dead. My only hope in sending this letter is to save Sirius from a horrible fate and to see that justice is done properly.
This letter is signed using a blood contract that makes this letter undeniable and complete true under the Rights of Merlin's Bond.
Lily Ann Potter James Alexander Potter
To our Dearest Harry,
If by some miracle you have survived Harry and we have not we both want you to know that your father and I have died despite our best attempts to protect you. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us for not being their. I want you to know that having you was the greatest accomplishment of my life and I wouldn't give up any of our time together for anything.
I hope that you have a very happy life and have grown up loved. I hope that you grow up and know who your family was. I hope even more that Sirius has not led you too far astray with his pranking ways. Your father is not happy that I wrote that but that's too bad for him. Be a good boy and study hard. Know always that we love you.
Love Always and Forever,
Mum
No matter how many times Harry read the second letter it always brought tears to his eyes. Even more this time because he had the chance to set Sirius free before it was too late.
Harry read through each letter twice before he folded them up and tucked them safely into a small briefcase that was in vault. After that Harry went to the rings and earrings. He was only interest in one ring and one pair of earrings.
Harry found the small silver ring with a single sapphire rune in the band known simply as the Ring of Reading, which he quickly put in a box. Then he found the earring which he intended to give to Hermione for Christmas. He found the silver earrings with the blue sapphire studs, known as the Earrings of Reading, which also put in a box. The both once belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw and her husband. Both had the same property of simply increasing the intake of knowledge that is read. Harry knew that Jane and Henry would not be happy that Hermione would need to get her ears pierce to use them but he didn't think they would complain much once they knew of the results. He put both boxes into the briefcase and then closed and activated the sealing magic to protect the items inside.
Harry considered for a moment collecting a few of the books to bring with him but then decided against after he remember that the last time he did that a few of them were stolen and used against him and that was not something he was willing to risk again. If he really wanted to read them he could come back and read them inside the vault. Harry would have like to select some of the weapons but there was the simple fact that he didn't need them just now.
Satisfied that Harry had exactly what he wanted from inside, he left the vault and rejoined his family.
"I found something important inside," said Harry as he came back out, "Well, actually I found a lot of important things inside but more specifically I found two letters from my mum and dad," said Harry excitedly as he sat down. He had to hope they would be willing to help him with the next problem of getting the letter into the right hands.
"That's wonderful Harry," said Hermione as she hugged Harry.
"Yeah, it is," said Harry, "Don't get me wrong, I love you all very much. But some part of me will always love my birthparents and to be able to read something they wrote is simply amazing to me."
"We understand sweetie," said Jane giving him a slight hug. Poor Henry wasn't talking much as the cart zoomed at top speed back towards the surface.
Once back on 'solid ground' as Henry called it they all left the bank and went to the book store. The very first book that Hermione grabbed was 'Hogwarts A History' and it took every last ounce of Harry's self-control not to fall to the ground laughing about it. They collect a few more books. Harry mostly looked for books that would explain the Wizarding world to all of them. He even grabbed a few books on the political structure and system it operated on. Just to be safe he grabbed one book on Quidditch.
Once they paid for their purchases they were leaving the Alley when they were walking past 'Eyelops Owl Emporium' and Hermione stopped them.
"Mum, we should get an owl," said Hermione, "Ron was talking about receiving owls from the Headmaster now that he was important and then he explained to me that owls are used to deliver wizard mail. This would make it easier to send letters to Mrs. Weasley."
Even after Harry had know Hermione for such a long time he was simply amazed that she could do and say the things she said. It was astounding.
"That's a good idea Mione," Harry agreed quickly.
They entered and to Harry's amazement he found Hedwig, he didn't know how it was possible that she would be here now but she was there and Harry would know her anywhere. "I want this owl," he called excitedly to the shopkeeper.
"Ah, a fine specimen that one," said the shopkeeper, "Been here for years and no one has bought her. I can't figure why. Oh well, she must have been waiting for you."
Hermione was looking disappointed that Harry had picked an owl when it was her idea. "Hurry and pick an owl Hermione," said Harry, "Consider it an early Christmas present."
Hermione squeaked with excitement and started looking through the different owls in the shop while the shop keeper prepared two cages and care packages for them. Hermione finally settled and beautiful Speckled Screech Owl. Harry paid for both owls and then they all left and finally left Diagon Alley for home.
The next day was Christmas and they all exchanged gifts. Hermione was shocked at the earrings but even more shocked when Harry told her what they would do for her. Jane was not very happy about this of course.
"Harry, why would you give your sister earrings of all things," complained Jane, "She's not old enough to start wearing earrings."
"But mum," started Harry but was cut off by Hermione.
"Mum, I'm the only girl in class that does have my ears pierced," said Hermione. Harry was beginning to thing that Hermione would make one outstanding Minister of Magic. That thought reminded Harry of the letters and what he needed to have done and soon.
"Besides," added Harry, "These not only very nice and respectable but also magical in that they will help her to read and learn much, much faster than you can imagine."
"How do you know that?" asked Jane.
"There was a book in the vault that told me what they did. Those earrings have the same power as the ring I got out of there too." Harry then held up the ring to show her.
Jane was still scowling but Harry and Hermione could see her breaking down and agreeing. "Fine, I'll take you to get them pierce tomorrow."
"Yes," said Hermione jumping up and down and then hugging Harry fiercely.
Harry received some new clothes and, the most popular gift at any Christmas with the Granger's, books. The day after Christmas Hermione and Jane left early to fight through the crowded stores that were inevitable the day after Christmas. Hermione somehow managed to convince her mother to let her get a nice haircut to show off her new earrings.
Harry though spent a good deal of his time arguing with himself over how he would free Sirius. His most obvious choice would be Dumbledore, but after the spectacle in Diagon Alley, Harry was still quite cross with the old man. However, finding no other alternative Harry was force to contact the barmy old codger and talk to him.
Dear Professor Dumbledore,
Sir, I know that our meeting the other day was a bit odd and I'm sorry I reacted the way I did but I am very protective of my adoptive family. I overreacted because I was very angry at the time and my magic got out of control. Add to that that strange bond thing you talked about and I was really confused. I hope you can forgive me. I'm still not sure exactly how I did that.
I am writing because of a letter I found in my Family Storage Vault and I am a bit confused about the meaning of it. I am afraid to send the letter to you as I am still unsure of owl post and I don't want it lost or damaged. I would really like if you could come and see me so that I can show you the letter. I know you are very busy and have a school to run but I thought that since it is the Holidays you could take some time to come and see me. I just get the feeling that this is very important.
Sincerely,
Harry J. Potter
"Come here Hedwig," said Harry to the all too familiar snowy owl. She flew from the dresser to the desk where Harry was writing a letter on lined paper with a muggle pen. He folded it up and then tied it to her leg. "Stay safe and come home soon." Harry then opened his window and let Hedwig fly out.
It was about an hour later that Hermione came into his holding Xerxes, her owl.
"Harry, where's Hedwig?"
"She out delivering a letter," said Harry.
"To who? Did you right to Ginny?" she asked causing Harry to force a slight blush.
"No, I sent one to the Headmaster," said Harry, "There was something in my vault that I needed to ask him about. And before you ask I'm certain that your parents wouldn't understand because I don't exactly understand and there is a lot of wizard terminology in it as well."
"Harry, could I see?" asked Hermione hopefully.
"Which one?"
"The one from your mum and dad."
Harry handed her the letter but only after a very stern, "Please be very careful with it."
Hermione read the letter and shed a few tears, "This is a beautiful letter Harry."
Harry smiled, "I know. But you know what I like best about it?"
"No what?"
"The smell," said Harry, "You can smell a bit of my mums perfume on it. I can remember that smell so well."
Hermione daringly sniffed the parchment, "Wonderful Harry." She then handed the letter back to Harry which he promptly stowed back in the magical briefcase.
"Come on, let's go eat dinner," said Hermione after she left Xerxes on the dresser.
It was a few days later that there was a knock at the door and an unexpected Visitor showed up.
"Hello sir," said Henry not recognizing the man in a business suit before him.
"Hello Henry, nice to see you again," said the man.
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" asked Henry.
"Ah, forgive my appearance but when in muggle areas is it not best to look like a muggle and not a wizard," said the man.
"Oh, forgive me," said Henry, "I didn't recognize you. Albus right?"
"Indeed," said Albus, "I don't suppose Harry is in?"
"Yes, just a moment, I think he and Hermione are reading in Harry's room. That's where we keep all the magical books. We keep the muggle ones in Hermione's room so that they don't get mixed up. Besides when we have guests it's easier to just lock up one room rather than both. Most people then just think that Harry is a bit of slob, but at his age that's to be expected I suppose," explained Henry as he showed him upstairs to Harry's room. At the door he knocked.
"Enter," said Harry through the door.
Dumbledore chuckled slightly as that was the same thing he always said when anyone knocked on his door. Henry opened the door, "Harry, you have a visitor."
"Who?" asked Harry.
"Professor Dumbledore," said Henry.
"Oh, great," said Harry cheerfully.
Albus entered the room after Henry and looked around. Harry appeared to be very comfortable and happy in his current surroundings and after reading the police report of how Harry was found on his sixth birthday he could not help but feel an ounce of relief that he'd found some happiness. He was even happier when he looked Harry in the eye and was greeted by none of the anger that had been present only days before.
"Nice to see you again Harry," said Albus, "So said that you found a letter in your Family Vault you wished to discuss."
"Yes sir," said Harry, "Hermione, Dad, do you think I could talk to the headmaster about this in private?"
"Sure Harry," said Henry. He knew how important those letters were to Harry and if he wanted privacy to talk about them the privacy he would get.
"I'll bring you up some tea," said Hermione helpfully.
"Thanks Mione," said Harry with a smile. Harry watched the two people exit the room and suddenly Harry was feeling very nervous about being in a room alone with the headmaster. Harry took a deep breath and let in out slowly to prepare himself.
"So, let's have a look at this letter," said Albus.
Harry picked up the briefcase and used the thumb scanner to release the locks. Harry reached inside and removed the letter that talked about Sirius. He handed it to the professor with a quick, "be careful."
Dumbledore read through the letter and Harry could not help but feel a bit of satisfaction as the color drained from the headmasters face.
"What does it mean sir?" asked Harry, "And why haven't I ever met my Godfather, this Sirius Black guy?"
"Well Harry, that is a bit of a long story," said Albus, "I do not believe that you should hear it."
"Sir, please, from what my other letter said, it seemed as though he was really loved by my parents and that he loved me, but I've never met him," said Harry.
Albus sighed deeply, "This is not a very pleasant story Harry but if you insist. The night your parents were killed it was believed that Sirius Black had betrayed your parents and told Voldemort where they were. No one knew that Peter Pettigrew was the real secret keeper. The day after your parents died Sirius corner Peter intending to kill him. The street was destroyed killing 12 muggles and Peter. We believe that Sirius did this, but now I am inclined to believe that perhaps Peter was responsible for all of it."
"So what happened to Sirius?"
"Sirius Black has been in Azkaban Prison for the last six years as a result," said Albus.
"But he's innocent isn't he?" asked Harry, "Didn't he tell you this happened? Why wouldn't he tell you all about this at his trial?"
Harry knew he had Albus exactly where he wanted him because if it were possible even more color drained from the old mans face.
"Harry, I am afraid that no trial was given," said Albus.
"What?" Harry screamed, "You mean that he was sent to prison while I was stuck with an aunt and Uncle who used me a punching when I could have been raised by someone who actually gave a damn about me. How could you do that?"
"Harry, we did not know. Even I was told by Lily and James that Sirius would be their secret keeper," explained Albus.
"You'll get him out won't you? I mean he's innocent, he should not be in there," yelled Harry. He was feeling rather impressed with himself and his acting ability. Dumbledore had yet to even attempt to look through his memories and held no suspicion of what Harry really knew.
"Harry, you have my word that as soon as I leave here I will go to the Ministry of Magic to get this matter cleared up immediately," said Dumbledore.
"Thank you sir," said Harry, "but what then?"
"If you wish you may go to live with him or you may stay here but I think it would be best if you at least met with him before you decided," said Dumbledore.
"I couldn't leave my mum and dad, but I do want Sirius to be a part of my life," said Harry.
"Why don't we talk about this after Sirius has been set free?"
"That's fine," said Harry, "I can trust you with this letter right? It won't just disappear or get burned up. I'll have you know that I expect to see news of Sirius's release on the front page of the Prophet by tomorrow morning."
Dumbledore smiled at Harry's innocence and determination to see the right thing is done.
Harry followed Dumbledore out of the house and once he was done he rushed up to his room to send Hedwig to get his a subscription to the Daily Prophet before his story fell through. Despite the fact the Dumbledore was taking care of it Harry couldn't help but still be nervous that things wouldn't go quite right, especially with an idiot like Fudge still in office. But then Dumbledore was as clever as they come and even more cunning. This meant that Harry had to be twice as good to be able to manipulate Dumbledore so well.
Harry had a very restless night of sleep. His original plan was to have Sirius freed in his first year of school but now that he could free him sooner than that he had to try. The next thing that Harry needed to deal with was explaining to his family who Sirius is and the situation behind it. He chose to explain the next morning during breakfast. Hopefully before the Daily Prophet arrived. There was also still the fact that Fudge may still bungle it all up.
That morning Harry got to the kitchen before everyone and cooked an amazing breakfast, especially considering he was only seven years old, almost seven and a half. The Granger's were pleasantly surprised by the breakfast but they were also nervous as to why Harry cooked and when he learned to cook was another concern for them.
"Harry, this is nice," said Jane as she sat down, "When did you learn to cook?"
"I've been cooking breakfast since I was tall enough to reach the stove on foot stool for my Aunt and Uncle," explained Harry.
"You didn't have to do this for us you know," said Jane.
"I know, but I wanted to," said Harry, "besides, I need to soften you up to talk to you about my discussion with Professor Dumbledore from yesterday."
"So it was that bad?" asked Jane with a smirk.
"Not so much but it might be a bit difficult to explain," said Harry.
"Well, then let's eat and then you can explain it all to us," said Henry as he piled his plate full.
Soon his family was fed and watered for the morning and Harry started to explain about Sirius and what Professor Dumbledore told him. He also told them that he was just waiting for the Wizard Newspaper to find out what happened. Harry didn't bother to mention that he had hoped that Dumbledore called a full meeting of the Wizengamot to deal with the matter.
Soon enough a brown owl was taping on the window wanting to be let in. Hermione opened the window and the owl flew to Harry. Hermione closed the window to keep the cold out.
Harry took the paper and then paid the owl a few Knuts. Once the owl was paid Hermione opened the window again and let the owl out. Harry was nervous to unroll the paper to find out what happened if anything.
"Well hurry up and open it," said Hermione, "and when you're done I want to read the rest of it. I can't wait to see what wizards report on."
Harry took a deep breath before he pulled the string causing the paper to unfurl. Harry read the blazing headline that said 'Sirius Black Innocent of All Charges'. Harry released a breath he didn't know he was holding before. "He's free."
"That's wonderful Harry," said Jane hugging Harry.
Harry then handed the paper to Hermione not caring about anything else the paper might hold.
Hermione took it upon herself to read the rest of the article out loud to the people at the table.
At 4:30pm yesterday after an emergency session of the Wizengamot Sirius Orion Black was released a free man and cleared of all charges. Newly discovered evidence was brought to light by one Albus Dumbledore in the form of a letter from the Potter's stating that Peter Pettigrew and not Sirius Black was their secret keeper. After the evidence was introduced Sirius Black was transported directly into courtroom ten where he submitted to questioning under Veritaserum where he confirmed the contents of the letter. It has also been brought to our attention that Peter Pettigrew may still be alive and at large. Through question, Mr. Black revealed himself, James Potter, and Peter Pettigrew were unregistered Animagus. Peter Pettigrew may be in hiding in his rat form, so it is advised that the wizarding populace be very careful. Black plead guilty to being an illegal Animagus and was sentenced to time already served under the agreement that he register within twenty-four hours. The Ministry was only to happy to restore all rights and privileges to Mr. Black and 100,000 Galleons in compensation which he immediately donated to the Lycanthropy Society to aid in the search for a cure. Black however refused to comment as did the assembled Wizengamot members. Minister Cornelius Fudge was also unavailable for comment.
"Wow," said Hermione, "I don't know what some of those things are but it all sounds pretty amazing."
"I know," said Harry, "We need to do some more reading to find out what all of those things are."
"So Harry, what are you going to do?" asked Henry, "You know that we love but this man is your godfather and your rightful Guardian?"
"I know, but you're my mum and dad now. I can't just leave you guys, but I do want to get to know him. My birthparents really seemed to love him like I love Hermione and you two," explained Harry.
"Well, Harry, if you want he could stay with us in the guest room for a few days until he can find a place to stay of his own. Who knows, maybe he'll be able to find a place nearby," suggest Jane.
"You mean it?" asked Harry.
"Of course we mean it," said Henry.
"Well alright then," said Harry, "I'll go send him a letter." Harry then got up and ran up the stairs to his room to write a very well crafted letter that would hopefully work.
Dear Sirius Black,
I'm not sure exactly how to start this letter. I guess I should start by introducing myself. My name is Harry James Potter and from what I understand you are my Godfather. I am not really sure what else to say other than I would like to meet you.
My mum and dad said that you could come and stay with us until you can find a place of your own. Hermione is excited to talk to you more too, something about the opportunity to talk with a fully grown wizard. Hermione's my sister by the way. I know it seems odd to you for me to say these things, but I guess it would help if I explained that I was adopted about a year ago after my Aunt and Uncle who were supposed to care for me were arrested after my Uncle nearly killed me. But you don't want to hear about that.
Anyway, I really would like a chance to meet you and get to know you a bit if you want to. If you don't I understand and wish you the best.
Harry
Harry tried to act innocent in his letter and he felt that he had accomplished it well but now it was all up to fate. Harry quickly tied the letter to Hedwig's leg. "I don't know where you'll find him girl, but please just find him. Make sure he reads it too before you come home." Hedwig hooted indignantly almost saying that she would do no less than that before she flew off. Harry was really looking forward to being able to start using a wand so that he could properly make Hedwig a familiar once again.
After Hedwig was gone Harry settle on to his bed and started going through the books again. He found himself rereading a lot of the material so that Hermione couldn't question him later on how he knew all this stuff without reading about it.
It was only a few minutes after Harry started reading that Hermione came in and joined him. They spent the remained of that day reading and just relaxing. Harry knew that Sirius would come but now it was only a matter of when.
Harry and Hermione eventually returned to school and still there was no word from Sirius and Harry was beginning to worry that he wouldn't come to see him. Harry had already lost Sirius once in the future he didn't want to lose him again but this time it was worse because Sirius was free and now he could do anything he wanted. There was nothing to worry about with being caught or captured. So why hadn't he come to see Harry.
Jane and Henry could tell that something was bothering Harry but they didn't know how to broach the subject. They knew that Harry had written to Sirius but the man had still not contacted Harry and it was eating Harry up inside.
Finally Jane took it upon herself to intervene.
Dear Mr. Black.
My name is Jane Granger. I am Harry's adoptive mother. I was hoping to encourage you to come and meet your godson. Believe me when I tell you that Harry is probably the strongest young man I have had the pleasure of knowing and I love him very much. It pains me so much to see how much it is eating him up that he has yet to hear from you. He was so worried about what would happen after he gave Mr. Dumbledore that letter from his parents and then not to hear from you is just awful. I don't know why you haven't come but I am asking you to come and meet him, just for a little while at least. He has no other connections to his mother and father.
Sincerely,
Jane Granger
She sent the letter off with Xerxes so that Harry would be less suspicious than if Hedwig were missing.
At the same time that Jane took action so did Henry. His approach was a bit more 'guy-like' than hers. He knew that Harry was worried and his solution was to distract Harry. To do this he decided to enroll Harry in a fencing class. Harry was excited about it too.
Again time passed as it does and Harry was indeed distracted by the fencing class rather than spending all of his time reading and worrying over Sirius. Harry got so much into fencing and defense that he asked if he could take a Karate class also, which Henry was all to happy to enroll him in. In fact Henry was so interested in the Karate class that he joined too. It was only a week later that Hermione insisted that she be allowed to join as well. So the three did Karate and Harry did fencing as well.
And so it came as a surprise when Sirius finally did come. It was a Saturday afternoon in early February.
A knock on the door prompted Harry to answer the door rather than continue lounging on the couch after his Saturday morning fencing lesson. Harry answered the door, "Hello."
"Hi," said a strong male voice that Harry knew too well from his other future. Harry did his best not to freeze up as he looked at the man before him. He was really clean, which is a look that Harry was not used to when it came to Sirius Black. His hair was cropped short and neat and his eyes sparkled brightly. This didn't look like the down trodden Sirius Harry once knew. This man was still young and strong. Apparently those six years less in prison made a huge difference.
"Can I help you sir?" asked Harry.
Sirius was frozen as he looked Harry up and down. Harry force himself not to laugh as he watched Sirius swallow and lick his lips nervously. "I'm Sirius."
Following with his marvelous acting this far he did freeze up. "Oh, well . . . um . . . come in." Harry then motioned him through the door.
"So Harry," began Sirius, "I'm sorry I didn't come sooner but I wasn't ready for you to see me yet."
"Oh," said Harry, his answer had actually surprised him.
"I wanted desperately to see you but I was afraid that you would send me away given how I looked at the time," explained Sirius.
"So would you like some tea?" asked Harry.
"Sure," said Sirius.
"Follow me, you can meet my mum and dad," said Harry.
Sirius smirked but Harry could see something wistful in his eyes that said 'I wish that were true'.
"Mum," called Harry as he entered the kitchen. It was only a moment later that Jane entered the Kitchen from the dining hall.
"Yes dear," said Jane but then she saw the man behind him.
"Mum, this is Sirius Black," said Harry.
"Pleased to meet you Jane," said Sirius as he held out his hand.
Jane happily took his hand and shook it, "Pleased to meet you too."
"So, I'll just make the tea," said Harry as he began to bustle about the kitchen.
"Sirius, why don't you come and sit in the dining hall?" offered Jane.
"Thanks," said Sirius as he followed her out. As he left the kitchen he let out a sigh.
"Things going that well huh?" she asked.
"I just don't know what to talk to him about," said Sirius.
"Just relax," said Jane she then turned toward the hall where Henry's office was, "Henry, we have a guest. Come join us."
A few minutes later a man entered, "Hello."
"Hi, I'm Sirius."
"Oh, so you are the infamous Sirius Black," said Henry lightly, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I don't know about infamous, that is unless you're talking about my Hogwarts days," said Sirius with a chuckle but they could both see a wisp of longing behind his eyes.
"So, happy to be out then?" asked Jane.
"You will never know the hells on earth that a wizard can come up with and you should be very thankful for that," said Sirius, "So yes, I am unbelievably happy to be out of there."
"That bad huh?" asked Henry.
"Worse," said Sirius, "So can you tell me about Harry?"
"We can," said Jane, "But we won't. It's up to you to ask him."
"I was afraid you'd say something like that. Just like Dumbledore would have," said Sirius, "It must be a parenting thing."
"If you ever have a family you'll find out," said Jane.
Finally Harry exited the kitchen carrying the tea tray. He set it on the table and then noticed, "Where's Mione?"
"Probably in her room reading," said Henry, "She keeps trying to catch up to you in those wizard books."
"It's not my fault she keeps reading all those muggle books too," said Harry.
Sirius chuckled, "you sound like your dad."
Harry looked at Sirius, "Really?"
"Oh yeah, your dad and would drive Remus crazy," said Sirius, "I'm not sure how your dad did it but he was always ahead in reading compared with me, Remus, and Peter. Remus would go crazy trying to keep up with your dad."
"Who is Remus?" asked Harry.
"Ah, Remus Lupin," said Sirius, "He was you best friends with me, your dad, and Peter but I don't think I should include Peter in that group anymore."
"Definitely not," said Harry, "Especially if the rat is responsible for my parents' death."
"Agreed," said Sirius with a hearty laugh.
"So, what was my mum like?" asked Harry. He found himself able to finally ask so many questions that he never had the chance to ask when Sirius was alive the last time.
"Ah, she was an amazing woman," began Sirius, "You're father feel in love with her on the very first day of our illustrious careers in Hogwarts. She was by far the smartest which I've ever met that's for certain. She was also the only person I ever met other than myself and Remus who could outwit your father."
Harry smiled at the thought of his mother getting the better of him in witty banter, "So she was great huh?"
"Yeah kid she really was," said Sirius, "I tell you, there were far too many detentions given to the Marauders just because of your mother. Three of us though she was the devil but not your father. He never once let us prank her."
"Who were the Marauders?"
"It was your father, me, Remus and the rat," said Sirius, "We all became friends on the very first day of school. Anyway, we would design the must cunning of pranks and deliver them with a vengeance on bullies and trouble makers. Occasionally we would pull a school wide prank that would lighten the atmosphere and make everyone laugh. At the time the school-wide pranks were essential what with the war an' all. Voldemort really was an evil cuss, pardon my language."
"You're forgiven," said Jane, "So Harry, would it be safe to assume that you were the one who influenced your sister to start pulling pranks?"
"Hey, we never got caught until Mione accidentally used magic," said Harry, "But now they're on to us so we can hardly pull anything off. We're marked men I tell you."
Sirius laughed even more heartily than before, "You are your father's son. He would be so proud to hear that you have followed through on the family tradition of pulling pranks."
"I hope so," said Harry, "but we only go after bullies."
"Is that so?" said Sirius, "Well, when we were at school there was this one bully that was our number one target. Snivellus Snape. He was git if I ever saw one and perhaps we should talk about that later based on the glare your mother is giving the both of us."
Jane was indeed glaring at the pair while Henry was trying to not laugh too hard.
"Wise decision," said Jane who serious thought looked a lot like Professor McGonagall.
"So Hermione's a witch?" asked Sirius.
"Yeah, I reckon she'll be quite brilliant once she gets a wand in her hand," said Harry, "She's already read Hogwarts a history six times and we've had the book less than two months."
Sirius laughed, "Oh she's a Remus if I ever saw one and I haven't even met her yet."
"Yeah, that reminds me," said Harry as he ran out of the room.
Sirius and the other heard a muffled, "Oi, Mione, get down here and meet my godfather or I'll read so much you'll never catch up to me no matter what you try." They heard one large thump that they assumed was Hermione falling off the bed, which was followed by the hurrying of feet as she ran for the stairs. It was ten seconds later that a smug looking Harry re-entered the dining hall followed by a red face Hermione.
"Hermione, Sirius, Sirius, Mione," said Harry.
"Nice to meet you," said Hermione as she sat down in the empty chair.
They spent the rest of the afternoon talking. Sirius ended up staying for dinner along with the others.
The night started getting late when Jane was forced to ask, "So Sirius, do you have a place to stay yet?"
"Well, I've been staying with Remus making peace so to speak," he explained.
"Oh, well, we were hoping that maybe you'd like to stay here," offered Henry, "I'm sure Harry would like you to stay."
"I would stay but Remus has been sick for a long time," explained Sirius, "It's been really hard for him the last few years without me around to help him."
"Oh, so is he your life partner then?" asked Hermione which earned her a lot of shocked looks.
Then Sirius began howling with laughter at the suggestion, "I'm going to have to tell Remus you said that. No, Remus and I are not together like that. We are like brothers just as you and Harry are brother and sister."
"Oh, well, I just thought I'd ask," said Hermione as though she'd done nothing wrong.
"Hermione, we're going to have a talk later about good questions and bad questions," said Jane trying to keep a straight face despite the humor of the situation.
"So Harry, Remus would love to see you again," said Sirius, "Do you think it would be alright if I bring him by next time I come?"
"Of course," said Harry, "I'd love to meet more of my parents' friends."
"Alright then," said Sirius, "tell you what. How about next Sunday, Remus and I take you and Hermione to Hogsmead and you can see the sights. Maybe even get your first look at Hogwarts. What do you think?"
"That'd be grand," said Harry, "but you'll have to asked mum and dad."
"Well," said Sirius as he looked to Jane and Henry hopefully.
"I don't know," said Jane, "Do you really think you and Remus can keep up with these two? Especially if Remus has be sick as you say."
"He's only sick a few days a month," said Sirius nearly pleading, "besides, this weekend is a good time of the month for him."
"Please mum," pleaded Harry and Hermione together.
"Oh fine, go," said Jane, "But if you're going then I'm just going to have to make it more challenging. I've been meaning to get you kids together with the Weasley's for a while. I think this weekend is the perfect opportunity."
"More kids?" asked Sirius nervously, "Are you sure that there parents would be comfortable leaving their kids with me? I mean I was just in prison for murder?"
"Yeah, and you were innocent too weren't you?" asked Jane.
"Yeah, but make sure that they know that I'll be watching the kids with Remus Lupin."
"I'll let them know, I promise," said Jane. She'd recently begun sharing recipes with Molly and the two had become fast friends despite their failed attempts at getting the kids together so she knew how much of a handful the Weasley's could be. Poor Sirius and Remus didn't stand a chance.
"Well, then, I'll see you two this weekend and you'd best be prepared to have a lot of fun," said Sirius.
Harry smiled and nodded as did Hermione.