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Chapter II: Departure

Winky woke Harry up in plenty of time to be ready for the Order's arrival. As soon as he sat down to wait, with his wand in hand, he heard a small pop. Facing it, he saw Remus, Tonks, Moody and a few others he didn't know.

Keeping his wand trained on them, he met Remus's eyes. He saw caring and compassion, and no sense of detachment that would indicate he was being controlled. As he was lowering his wand, Moody said, "what makes you think that we're not here to kidnap you?"

Harry pointed to Remus, "no death eater could look at me the way he does, and I don't feel any detachment from him that would indicate that he was being controlled." Moody looked surprised by this, but said nothing.

Remus grabbed Harry's trunk and said, "everything here Harry?" Harry nodded. "Good we have thirty seconds." Tonks placed a letter on the bed and everyone placed a hand or finger on the portkey, which was a sock.

Once the portkey activated, everything went spinning until it stopped suddenly with a thud, which was Harry and Tonks losing their footing. Looking around, Harry felt his chest tighten as he realized that he was back in the Black Manor.

Harry noticed that the curtains still hung over where Sirius's mother hung. Looking at Remus he asked quietly, "is there anyone else here?"

Remus shook his head, "as Sirius was the last male Black, the house goes to his heir. Technically that's you."

As everyone except for Remus and Tonks left, it was decided to move the conversation down to the kitchen. Once they felt they could talk normally, Harry asked "how can I be Sirius's heir? He never had custody of me."

Tonks chimed in, "doesn't matter, his will came into effect since he died as a free man. In that will you are named as the heir."

Remus looked nervous, "there was also another part to that."

"What is it Remus," Harry asked picking up on his nervousness.

Remus took a deep breath and said, "his will name's either me or Peter as your guardian in the event of his death. Fortunately it's in that order."

Harry's eyes lit up, "does that mean I can live with you?" Harry truly missed Sirius, but had decided to at least live so as to honor Sirius.

Remus missed the hope in his voice, "yes, that is if you wish."

A smile broke on Harry's face, "what do I have to do?"

Remus seemed surprised, "you really want to?" at Harry's nod a smile crossed Remus's face.

"Well don't I feel out of place," Tonks muttered. Fortunately she wasn't quiet enough not to be heard.

"You're more than welcome here Tonks," Harry said. Tonks smiled and nodded. They talked about what would be going on in the next few weeks. In a couple of days the three of them would go to Gringotts for the reading of Sirius's will. The Weasleys might come over if Harry wanted, and Hermione had asked that she be allowed to come over as well.

Harry glanced at Winky for a moment when he heard this. Placing it in the back of his mind, he asked, "where's Kreacher?"

Remus's expression grew dark, "Dumbledore asked us not to kill him. He asked me to tell you that it would be a personal favor to him."

A snarl crossed Harry's face before being replaced by a smirk. "a personal favor you say? I believe I have a letter to write." Looking at Tonks he asked, "it's not blackmail if someone owes you a favor right?"

She shrugged, "not to my knowledge."

Turning to Remus he said, "then I believe I'm going to call it in." Remus looked confused before his eyes widened and he returned a smile.

Quickly taking a piece of parchment, he wrote:

Albus Dumbledore,

It has come to my attention that you do not wish Kreacher killed. Now while I understand your 'give the guilty a second chance' philosophy, I believe it was stated that you would view this a favor. Therefore, I would like to make a request, so as to keep the balance sheet level. After all, we wouldn't want me to ask for things once I return to school, that just wouldn't do.

Even knowing that my owl will not allow herself to be intercepted, I would like to ask this question in person. As this is a time sensitive case, I would like to conclude our business as soon as possible. Perhaps in two days after supper?

Harry Potter

As soon as he finished, he went and called Hedwig. Once she was off, he returned to the kitchen to find Remus glaring at Kreacher with murder clearly on his mind. "Easy Remus," Harry said calmly, "he's my insurance that Dumbledore will give me what I want."

Kreacher looked at Harry, "New master is no master."

Harry replied, "never enter a room that anyone else is in, and under no circumstance are you to leave the house." Kreacher muttered curses but did as he was told. As Tonks had to leave for work, she said goodbye and left.

Remus and Harry walked around the house deciding which rooms would be used for guests. Harry picked out a room for Ron, Hermione and Ginny. Winky walked with him as he decided on themes for each. He decided that Ron's room would have a quidditch theme, posters of the Chudley Cannons mixed with a few other teams so as to keep the room from becoming overly orange. Ginny was harder, as he knew less of her, he decided that her room would be in darker colors. None would be black, but it would be dark greens, blues, and browns. Red and gold were out as they would mess up the idea.

Hermione was easier than Ginny, but harder than Ron. It took him a good hour before deciding to decorate the entire room in a forest theme. He wasn't sure why, as he knew that she wouldn't mind living in the library, but it just seemed to feel right. He asked Winky to remind him to ask Remus if he could help enchant it.

Finally he found Sirius, room. Remus was standing outside as if waiting for him. Together they walked in to see an amazing sight. The room seemed to be a combination of an open sky and a forest. What surprised them was that a letter was placed on the pillow. Remus moved and picked up the letter, as Harry froze when he saw it was addressed to him. Remus handed it to him, as he took it with trembling hands.

Harry,

If you're reading this, then I died trying to help you at the Ministry. The upside is that I accomplished my goal of protecting you. I know that you might be sad and blame yourself in some small way about my death, as you are the reason I'm going.

I have to wrap up soon, we are almost ready to go. I pray you don't read this, but if you do then I ask one thing of you. Live. Remus might tell you that I placed your guardianship in his hands and I hope you will accept.

Got to go, we are all gathered. Be safe,

Sirius

Tears showed on Harry's face as he handed the letter to Remus. He was trying very hard not let the tears fall. Remus read the letter and a look of sadness crossed his face. "I knew he wrote something, but not what. It explains his somber attitude right before we left."

They stood there just looking at the room. Sirius had placed a stag, dog and wolf that wandered around together. Occasionally a raven yelled at the three, and the stag seemed cowed by it, much to the amusement of the wolf and dog. Harry looked at Remus for an explanation.

Remus shrugged, "I don't know the significance of the raven, except that it's acting much like your mother did with us."

Harry walked up to image of his godfather's animagus form and placed a hand on it. It seemed to recognize him and called all the others to it. Much to Remus and Harry's surprise, the images came out and walked around Harry.

The raven landed on his shoulder while the stag and dog walked around him, while the wolf walked over to Remus and seemed to be inspecting him. Harry almost wished that they would turn into his parents, but dreaded the idea.

After what felt like days, but was probably a few minutes, the images returned to the wall, but not before they looked at him one last time. Harry watched as they returned to wandering the walls. Neither spoke for awhile until Remus broke the silence, "that explains why he was in here so much. That was a powerful bit of magic."

Harry was touched by the thought, though disturbed that Sirius had done it. Remus picked up on it and said, "Sirius knew that the chances of him getting his freedom were slim. My guess is that he wanted you to have at least one thing from him."

Harry decided that he wanted to use the room as his own, even though it made him slightly sad. After a quick lunch, Harry decided that he wanted to invite Hermione over. Remus gave him an odd look but said nothing. Harry asked Dobby to deliver the invite as Hedwig hadn't come back yet.

Not ten minutes later Dobby returned with a hastily written letter. He said Hastily, but even then Hermione's handwriting was still very neat.

Harry,

I would love to come, but I can't for three days. Some friends of my parents are staying and I can't give them a good excuse without even more questions being asked. Since they leave in two days, I should be there early on the third. Again thank you for inviting me.

Love, Hermione

Harry smiled, so once he officially took ownership of the house, she would be the first non family to stay there. Setting up his plans for Hermione's room was fun, as Winky seemed to understand exactly what Harry wanted done in the room. It had become very noticeable that Winky seemed to know what Harry wanted almost all the time. At times it was unnerving, and at others very beneficial. Harry had yet to design a coat of arms for Winky to wear on her gray robes, and seeing as he had little else to do, he focused more attention on getting it done.

A full day passed with Harry trying, and failing, to create a personal crest. He had studied his family's crest but decided against incorporating it. Finally he was sitting in his room talking to Remus and Tonks about it. Tonks said that she never felt the need to have a personal crest, and Remus said the same. Harry ran a hand through his hair in frustration, until he froze looking at the wall.

Remus and Tonks turned and saw a very interesting image. The stag stood in the middle of the wolf and dog, while the raven seemed to be pulling up in flight. Harry's eyes lit up as it seemed to give him an idea. Winky, who could draw exceptionally well, quickly sketched the image and showed it to Harry.

Harry smiled when he saw it, and whispered a few words to Winky. Winky seemed embarrassed and quite pleased and bowed quickly before vanishing. Turning his attention back to Remus and Tonks he smiled and they talked about plans for the next day.

Remus and Tonks, both of whom were named in the will, would escort Harry to Gringotts for the reading. Remus said, "the will is the original one he made when he first left Hogwarts. He said that there was little that he wanted to change so it remains the same." Apparently his cousins Narcissa and Bellatrix were also named in his will.

The next day found Harry feeling rather subdued. He dressed in some of his better robes, which reminded him he needed to get some new ones. Breakfast was somber and soon it was time to go to the reading. They took the Knight Bus, as Harry was unable to apparate. They arrived at the Leaky Caldron in plenty of time and made their way to the bank.

Arriving they quickly found themselves in an office with two other people. While Narcissa was expected, Percy Weasley was not. Before anyone could say anything, a goblin came in and began the reading. The will was fairly straight forward. Sirius offered an amount of one thousand galleons to each of his cousins in the event that they renounce their husbands. To Tonks and her mother he left a sum of one thousand each and Remus got the balance of the account that was left.

He declared that since he was of sound mind and body when the will was made, he named Remus Harry's godfather in his stead. To Harry he left all the properties that he owned.

Once the reading was done, Percy decided to interject, "Remus Lupin cannot become Harry's legal guardian."

Tonks cut in, "yes he can. The law only says that a person unable to protect themselves from a werewolf may not be under their guardianship. The age that it ends is at thirteen, when they are judged to be able to decided for themselves if they wish to take the risk."

Harry gave Tonks a smile and signed that he agreed to have Remus as his guardian. The three of them left and gathered some money so as to go shopping. Once they left the bank Harry asked, "why was Percy there?"

"The Ministry sends a member not involved in the will to oversee execution. Percy was probably sent because they had nothing better for him to do," Tonks said.

The rest of the day was spent buying new clothing and enjoying the sunshine. Lunch was eaten out as they had slowly made their way around. Remus, Harry and Tonks didn't say much until it was time to return to the house.

During supper, Harry explained his intention of getting a way to be undetectable while training with magic. Tonks said, "I understand about wanting to use magic, but why are you training?"

"Because I have dark idiot after me. I don't see myself as having the luxury of having free time," Harry responded coolly. He explained about his intentions during the summer and the basic ideas he had for the school year.

Remus and Tonks sat there making suggestions until Dumbledore showed up. Dumbledore looked like he usually did, except that he seemed more tired. Dumbledore took a seat and asked, "what can I do for you my dear boy?"

Harry just sat there. While he knew what he wanted to say, he was attempting to bury it so as to not give away his thoughts. "I want to be able to train to face Tom. That means I need access to both facilities and qualified people."

If Dumbledore was surprised by this, he didn't show it. "Well it's not well known, but any house under the Fidelius Charm is undetectable to underage magic." At this point he paused. "As for people to train you, many of the order have other responsibilities."

Harry smirked, "that's ok. I only want Tonks and Remus." Dumbledore nodded. "I just thought you should know, I'll be returning here to live with my legal guardian."

Dumbledore's eyes narrowed, "Why? You don't intend to bring the Dursleys here do you?"

Harry shook his head, "they are not my legal guardians anymore. Remus is." The look on Dumbledore's face was priceless. Total shock.

"What," Dumbledore sputtered, "but the law says that a werewolf…"

"Can't become legal guardian of anyone under thirteen. Fortunately for me, I exceed that requirement." They sat there staring each other down, while Harry tried to control his thoughts. Instead of pushing him out, Harry focused on the feeling of the Cruciatus Curse. The effect worked better than he hoped, Dumbledore reeled from the memory.

"Now is there anything else Professor? If not, I have a guest coming early tomorrow and would like to be awake to greet them." Harry stood as did Dumbledore. Once Dumbledore left the room, Harry collapsed back into the chair he had been sitting in.

Remus walked in and looked at Harry, "What happened in here?"

Harry looked at him and shrugged, "turns out that the Fidelius Charm prevents the underage magic detectors from noticing me here. This means I have one thing to do before I go to sleep."

Harry stood and walked into the front foyer and faced the curtains covering the picture of Sirius's mother. Harry knocked over the troll leg umbrella stand. Predictably Mrs. Black started her screaming until she noticed Harry wand pointed at her.

Harry's eyes were cold as he said, "Reducto." His aim was true and hit the picture straight on. The picture and a good portion of the wall were reduced to dust. Kreacher let out a scream and launched himself to attack Harry, only to find himself suddenly hung up by an unseen force.

Winky appeared and looked positively feral. "Kreacher bad house elf. Kreacher attack master." Winky stared at him as if it was she could do not to attack him. Kreacher must have realized that he was out numbered because he left the room grumbling.

Once he was gone, Winky and Dobby quickly cleaned up the mess made by Harry. After apologizing for making such a mess, he decided to turn in as Hermione would be coming over the next day.

The next morning found Harry up in time to greet Hermione when she came. As it was still early and he hadn't eaten breakfast before she showed up, they went down into the kitchen for the food.

"What happened to the picture of Mrs. Black," Hermione asked.

"She was on the receiving end of a reductor curse," Harry said evenly. Hermione looked curious but said nothing.

After breakfast Harry showed Hermione to her room. Thankfully Hermione was pleased with it. "It's wonderful Harry thank you." As she started to put her things away she said, "I'm glad Winky is enjoying her freedom now. Apparently Professor Dumbledore deciding to have her work here has done some good."

Harry was surprised at her presumption. "Hermione, Dumbledore didn't ask her to work here, I," he faltered, "I talked with Winky earlier this summer and I decided that it would be better for Winky to work for me."

Hermione still seemed optimistic, "well I'm glad she is enjoying her freedom."

Harry put as much distance between her and him, "she's not free Hermione. She wouldn't accept being free." Hermione stopped in mid-movement.

"You mean that you enslaved Winky," Hermione looked like she was either going to cry or start throwing hexes. "How could you Harry?"

Dobby popped in just in time to keep Harry from answering. "Harry Potter is not at fault Ms. Hermione. Dobby tell Harry Potter about Winky, Dobby tell Harry Potter that Winky not like freedom." Dobby started twisting his ears, "Dobby scared Winky might harm Winky so Dobby tell Harry Potter. Harry Potter good for Winky."

Harry placed a hand on Dobby's shoulder, "thank you Dobby." Dobby looked at Harry with a look of pure adulation and left. Turning back to Hermione, "I bound her because she viewed her freedom as a punishment. I know that she is loyal to the point that I could tell her a secret and she would never tell anyone unless I told her to."

Hermione seemed surprised by the defense that both Harry and Dobby had used. "I see. I'm sorry Harry, I jumped to the wrong conclusion."

Harry shrugged. "I would have been surprised if you hadn't. I know that you view the enslavement of house elves wrong, but sometimes it's for the best."

They sat talking about what they had been doing so far since they had last saw each other, Neither realizing that they rarely finished a sentence between the two of them.

A/N: 3379 words. Wow, so continuing is a good thing. In three days I got 20+ reviews to continue, so I will. Next Chapter III: Alliances, Partnerships, and Friendships.