Lullaby

by loritrelaweny

During the summer between fifth and sixth year, everybody loses touch with Harry, and they decide to do something about it. Warning: depictions of abuse and violence

4. Chapter 4: Legal Obligations

Disclaimer: I think we all know the drill by now. None of this is mine besides the plot and the occasional OC. As there aren't many OC's (yet), that's a fairly moot point. BTW, this is now officially an AU, since the lovely Ms Rowling has denied any possibility of Luna and Neville getting together. Only problem is, she didn't tell the two of them :pointing toward the corner of the room: and they won't stop snogging. They're sweet, but kinda gross to watch. ::shrug: Whattya gonna do, eh?

Legal Obligations:

As the last of the guests were leaving, Remus pulled Harry to one side. "Tonks and I'll be by in the morning, so we can head to Gringott's, to take care of a few things. After lunch, I'll show you a few things with the pensieve. The headmaster thought that, aside from the memories that are in those tubes, it would be a useful way for you to try to work through some things." He hesitated a bit before continuing. He was clearly uncomfortable with what he would say next. "The goblins at Gringott's will have some papers you need to go over."

Harry wasn't sure he wanted to know what this was about, as it so obviously bothered Lupin. "What papers? Why do I need to go over them? " He had an uneasy feeling, which was only confirmed by the werewolf's response.

"It has to do with Si-Padfoot's will. He left pretty much everything to the two of us. We're supposed to go over it all together, so I haven't even looked at everything yet."

"I don't want..."

"I know, Harry, but you know how contrary that mutt could be." He said with a rueful chuckle. "Count on it. He'll have found a way to make sure we take it, and spend a good chunk of it."

"I miss him, Professor. I really do."

"I do too, Harry more than you can know. He was like a brother to me, like James." Lupin looked sharply at Harry, though with a bit of a smirk hidden in his eyes. "Anyway, what's with this 'professor' stuff? I was Remus, before."

"Yeah, but that was before I knew you were going to be teaching again this year." The young wizard had a small playful smile of his own, now. "Besides, I have to start respecting my elders, sometime, right? "

Remus glared at Harry. "Elders? I'll give you elders." Soon the two were wrestling on the ground.

When Molly came upon the strange sight of a man in his mid-thirties and a sixteen year old boy tussling on the ground, she was concerned, until she heard the two of them laughing. She tutted as she watched. It was good to see the boy (not a boy, but a young man) acting like a teenager, but honestly. It only went to prove the old adage, boys will be boys, no matter the age.

Once they had wound down a bit, she got their attention. "If you two are quite finished for the moment, the family has one more gift for you, Harry. We wanted to wait until it was just family again, before we gave it to you." As Remus started to make his goodbyes to her, she firmly shook her head. "Remus, I'd like you to see it, too. It's something I'd like to think Sirius would have liked."

His curiosity piqued, he couldn't leave now. Following Harry and Molly, he went inside the house.

Once inside, the two were led to the kitchen. Molly, Arthur and Ginny were the only ones standing, except for Harry. The rest of the family, along with Hermione, sat around the table. Ginny came to his side, putting her arm around his waist and drawing him close. The two parents were standing close together as well, obviously happy about the relationship Harry and Ginny were forging. They were really the only people who would ever be able to support, much less understand, the other.

Beaming at Harry, Molly spoke. "Harry, I know that we've said in the past that we consider you to be family. As far as Arthur and I are concerned, you mean as much to us as if you were one of our own. Aside from giving you Percy's old room, though, we realized we haven't really given you any lasting proof." Seeing Harry about to interrupt, she held up her hand. "I think I know what you're going to say, dear. Yes, we've invited you into our home, you've certainly gotten a Weasley jumper every Christmas, and all of that. Granted, not that many people outside of the family have gotten the jumpers..."

Fred interrupted with "Unless you count the ones that have been nicked by various girlfriends over the years."

"I think Fang swiped one of Ron's in second year." was the contribution from George.

"Can't forget the one Ronniekins gave to Dobby."

"Don't like to think about the one Gin-Gin gave to little Dennis Creevy."

"Now, George. You know it only scares you because the pale pink color better fits his complexion than our little sister's."

"Fits his figure better, too. It was from when she was nine years old, you know."

"With the way she's filled out, it's better she doesn't wear it. Poor lil Harrykins would likely have a heart attack right there if he saw her in it."

At this point, both Harry and Ginny were blushing, the only difference being in the degree. Harry, surprisingly, was actually the redder of the two this time, with the mental images the running commentary was providing. For the first time in memory, the young wizard was actually glad for Dudley's old too-long sweatshirt, as it did a good job at concealing certain developing blood-flow issues.

Fixing her twin sons with a steely glare, Molly continued. "If you two have quite finished, I'd like to finish giving Harry his birthday present." Seeing the looks on their faces, she was assured of their silence, at least for the time being.

"As I was saying, we have yet to show you something that truly shows how we really feel about you, and how much a part of this family you really have become. If you would look behind you, you'll see what I mean."

Harry turned to look behind him, slightly confused. He saw the door leading to the garden, the umbrella stand, the family clock, the pegs on the wall where...wait a minute. The family clock. He looked at the clock, closer this time. What he saw there brought his heart to his throat, and caused his eyes to tear.

There on the clock, between Ron and Ginny's hands, was a brand new one. Made of brilliantly polished brass, pointing to Home, was a hand with his own picture. Down to where it attached to the face, was simply the name 'Harry'. He couldn't stop the tears from rolling down his face, as he turned to embrace Molly and Arthur. After a moment, Ginny joined into the hug, and that was the signal for the rest of them. Soon enough, all of the Weasleys along with Hermione and Remus, were around him, patting him on the back, embracing him and welcoming him into the family.

Once everybody had separated, each to find a seat again, Harry wiped the tears from his cheeks, and spoke. "Thank you, all of you. This house was the first time I ever saw what a proper family should be, and I'm honored that you consider me a part of yours."

George had apparently decided it was time to break the mood. "That doesn't mean, though, that we won't be keeping an eye on you around Ginny."

The witch in question took matters into her own hands, before Harry even had a chance to speak. "Listen, you prat. I don't need anyone to keep an eye on us. If anybody tries to," The emphasis on that word was obvious. "Let's just say I have ways to convince them." Saying that, she looked briefly at her mum, winking, and reached for her wand.

Seeing this, all six brothers dove under the table, not eager to feel the wrath of their sister's bat-bogey hex. Somehow, they all managed to fit under there, though it was cramped. Having expected to find their own nasal waste flying from their noses and attacking them, they were quite relieved to hear only quiet. After a couple of minutes of huddling under the heavy table, they started to wonder about the lack of noise or, indeed, nasty winged creatures flapping about.

"George, see what she's doing."

"Are you completely nutters, Fred? Uh-uh."

"Charlie, you look. You're used to dealing with dragons for Merlin's sake."

"Nope. The worst they can do is kill me. No way."

"Alright. So who's going to do it"

Five voices chorused "Ron."

After a bit of pushing, shoving, threats of great bodily violence and, finally, a bit of bribery (Charlie had an Agryppa chocolate frog card he was willing to sacrifice), Ron poked his head over the top of the table. The first thing he said was "Eeewwww"

"Ew? "

"Don't think I've ever heard that particular reaction to a hex before."

"Usually, when Gin-Gin's involved, there's a lot more pain in evidence."

Slowly, the other five brothers poked their heads over the table's edge. As they took in the sight that had greeted their youngest brother, they echoed his reaction.

"Eeeewwwww"

Before them was Ginny, very agressively snogging her boyfriend. Her legs were wrapped around his waist, ankles locked behind his back, and her arms were around his neck. Their lips were locked together as if spelled. Harry's hands were supporting her in the most natural place. It looked as if they were in it for the duration.

The red-headed brothers were in somewhat of a state of shock. They had known their little sister could be passionate about things, as her temper had evidenced in the past. However, they were not prepared to find that she was passionate about, well, passion. The two teens standing in front of them had apparently forgotten they weren't the only two people in the room.

Fred was the first to say something. "Erm, Harry? If I remember right, she's already had her tonsils out."

George brought up "Gin? I think Harry's appendix is out as well."

A couple more minutes went by with no separation.

Ron muttered "I really, really, really, do not need to see this."

Charlie said to Bill "I always knew she was athletic, but this is getting a little silly."

Smirking, Molly said "You really do have to admire her breath control, though."

Arthur exclaimed "Blimey! Are they breathing through their ears? "

At the laughter this question incited, they finally broke apart.

Hermione mused aloud. "I know that spell. Quite easy, actually."

Ron goggled at her. "What spell? How to breathe through your ears" At her nod, he asked quietly "Think I could learn it ? "

The bushy-haired girl smirked at him. "That all depends upon how well you behave over the next couple of days." She grinned and strolled from the room, leaving a stunned Ron behind. Even Harry was impressed by the bit of swing she put into her hips, as she walked away.

That only made the rest of them laugh even harder. Ron turned back to the table and lowered his head to the surface, softly thumping his forehead against it repeatedly.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Once Harry had finally stopped laughing long enough to speak, he told his best friend"You know, mate, I do believe she has a reason to want you to wonder about that spell." Watching the tips of the youngest Weasley male's ears turn a deep scarlet, he finished with "Sounds like an incentive to study, to me." Having given Ron something to think about, he took Ginny's hand and they went out to the sitting room.

No sooner had they sat down next to each other on the sofa, than the two knealins came to join them. The ginger colored female kitten climbed right up Harry's arm until she had reached his shoulder. Once there, she nuzzled his ear for a bit, then curled up and promptly went to sleep. He was sure the purring of the little creature could be heard in the next room. The black male climbed to Ginny's shoulder, but rather than falling asleep, looked around alertly at everything. After a couple of minutes, he spied the twitching tail of the other knealin flipping back and forth. He seemed to be mesmerized by this, and it looked as if he was trying to figure out the best way to get to the new toy he saw. Luckily, he was on Ginny's left, while the other was on Harry's right, so it was a bit difficult for him to reach her. A few moments later, the steady movement of the other tail-tip apparently lulled him, and he, too, curled up. In no time, he was snoozing away.

Ginny shook her head at him. "Well, I think I have the name for this one. Trouble."

Harry nodded in agreement. "It fits him. I was just afraid you were going to call him Harry or something."

The young witch laughed. "Nope. I don't want him to take five years to decide if he likes me or not."

"You're just lucky these two are camped on our shoulders and we can't move quickly, or..."

"Oh? And just what would you do to me, Mr Potter? "

"Well, one thing Ron's mentioned once or twice over the years is the fact that a certain sister of his is quite ticklish. Right behind the knees, if I remember right."

Before she she could reply, they were interrupted by a sound from the doorway.

"Hem-hem."

Two heads swiveled as one, startled to hear that particular sound in this haven.

Remus stood there grinning at the two of them. "Now that I have your attention, I wanted to let you know that I'll be going for the night. I'll be back in the morning, so we can go over to the bank. I'll also give some thought to a few things I want to show you in the pensieve." If anything, his grin widened at this point. "Let's just say that you haven't heard anywhere near all the pranks we pulled on Snivelling Sevvie, as well as a few others."

Leaving this thought with the mischievous teens, he turned from the room. A few moments later, they heard the soft pop of disapparation, as he reached the edge of the wards.

---

The next morning found Harry and Ginny rolling their eyes at each other over the antics of her youngest brother. The two of them were at the table with Ron and Hermione, and the latter two were in yet another row.

Harry shot a look at the beautiful young redhead next to him and asked, in a low voice"Broom shed"

She leaned over to him and whispered"I think it's the only way we'll get any peace. If they're still like this when we get back from Gringott's, in they go."

Arching an eyebrow at her, Harry asked "We? "

She nodded and twined her arm through his. "If you think I'm going to let you out of my sight now, you're sorely mistaken."

"Erm...y'know, I'll probably have to visit the loo at some point, don't you? I don't think your mum would really appreciate as being in there together."

She seemed to consider this for a moment. "I suppose you're right." She got an impish grin. "Even though it'd be one way for me to see you without your trousers, she'd probably have kittens if I went into the loo with you." At the look on his face, she broke out in uncontrollable laughter.

Ron looked up at hearing the fit of giggles his sister was having. He looked over at his best mate, and saw the almost Weasley-esque color spreading over his face. Even his ears were turning a bright cherry red. "I warned ya, mate. Told ya back in second year, I did. She never shuts up."

Hermionemuttered under her breath. "Must be something about Weasley children." before getting up and heading outside.

Ron looked between his sister and where Hermione had been sitting, and proclaimed. "Mental. The lot of them." Having said this, he grabbed another piece of toast and went up to his room.

As Harry and Ginny discussed various devious plans to lock the other two into a small space until they finally admitted what they felt for each other, Remus and Tonks arrived. He leaned against the doorway, watching the two of them laugh and scheme. It occured to him that this was the first time he'd ever seen his best friend's only son act like a teen ought to. He silently resolved that, no matter what he had to do, Harry would make it through everything alive and happy. He deserved to live the life his parents never had the chance to. He stood there watching the two until the raven-haired young man turned and saw him there, alongside the Metamorphmagus.

"Morning, Remus Hi Tonks. That time already? "

"Wotcher, Harry! How're ya doing this morning? "

Lupin nodded. "Yeah. Why don't you go get some nice robes on, and we can get going. Leave your regular clothes under them, though. Until Molly pointed it out to me last night, I never noticed how bad your wardrobe is. We'll head into muggle London after we're done at the bank, and remedy that."

Tonks had an appraising look on her face now, as she looked the young wizard up and down. She hadn't noticed his state of dress until now, either. Now that she was paying attention, one look was all it took to decide that he was badly in need of something that fit better. Merlin, but those clothes didn't suit him.

"Alright." The young wizard rolled his eyes at the scrutiny he was getting from the two adults as he rose from his chair and headed upstairs, Ginny close behind.

"Erm, Ginny? I'm fairly sure he can manage to put his robes on by himself. We really don't have time for you two to have a snog session, either." Remus said this teasingly.

The fiery young witch fixed him with a glare she had to have learned from her mother. "For your information, Remus Lupin, I'm going along. If you think that the two of you are going clothes shopping without someone along with a bit of taste, you're sorely mistaken." With that, she turned and sprinted up to her room.

The werewolf stood there a moment, a bemused look on his face. He murmured to Tonks "I guess I've been told." Chuckling, he went outside to find Molly, to let her know of the change in plans.

Once he'd related what Ginny had said to him, Molly laughed. "That's our Ginny. She's definitely taken a proprietary stance with that young man." Her look turned a bit more serious. "What with the will and all, I do believe he'll be the better for her being along. I know this won't be an easy thing for either of you, Remus." The look she gave him was one of pure sympathy. "No matter my disagreements with Sirius, and Merlin knows they were many, he was family to you both. Maybe not blood, but family all the same. It's never easy to say goodbye to those you love." She gave him a brief but heartfelt hug, then turned him, pushing him towards the house. "Now, you'd best go collect them and get going."

"Yes, ma'am." Walking back inside, he marveled anew at the ability the Weasley women seemed to have in managing men.

By the time he rejoined Tonks, the teens were waiting patiently by the fireplace, hand in hand. A few moments later, the four of them were stepping off of the hearth at the Leaky Cauldron. With a quick hello to Tom, they were through the pub and in the alley out back. Remus tapped the bricks, and they were through.

It had been almost three years since Harry had been to Diagon Alley. Despite the fact that he had been a part of the magical community for nearly six years, the sense of wonder he felt here hadn't diminished at all. The first store he saw was Scrivener's Quills and Stationers, with Honeydukes across the street. That seemed to be something new. The young wizard didn't remember seeing that particular shop here on his last visit. As far as he knew, they were only in Hogsmeade. He looked down the length of the Alley, taking in the sight of all the stores arrayed before him. Maybe once they were done at the bank, there'd be a chance to look around a bit and see what changes had been made in the wizarding district since his last visit. Might be fun to visit the Twins shop, as well. Seeing the pristine white columns that all but announced Gringott's, the wizarding bank, he once more took Ginny's hand, and set off down the sidewalk.

Having some idea of what would be going on today at the bank, he hesitated a moment before setting foot over the threshhold. Ginny gave his hand a squeeze, letting him know she was there for him. When he turned to face her, she said "I'll be right next to you the whole time."

"Thanks, Gin. I really don't know what I'd do, if you weren't here." He leaned in for a quick kiss. A moment later, he felt Remus' hand on his shoulder.

"Come one, you two. I'm not looking forward to this either, but the sooner we get in there, the sooner we can have done with it."

The four of them made their way inside and to a free teller, Remus and Tonks at the fore. "Good morning. We need to see Graphawk, concerning the estate of Sirius Black."

The goblin disappeared behind a door a short distance away. He returned a moment later, motioning for them to follow him. They went toward the rear of the bank and through a bewildering maze of corridors, finally reaching a door marked 'Graphawk- Estate Management and Disbursement.' The goblin opened the door, indicating that they should each have a seat. Ginny and Remus took seats to either side of Harry, with Tonks on Remus' other side. A couple minutes later, a door opened in the opposite wall, and another, obviously older and more dignified goblin walked in.

He peered over the round spectacles perched on the end of his nose, and asked "The Black estate, right? " At their nods, he opened a cabinet behind the desk, and pulled out a pensieve, carefully setting it on the desktop.

"Now, Sirius Black was an unusual person, to say the least." He ignored the looks this obvious understatement produced. "Most wizards these days choose to record their wills on parchment, rather than sticking to the old ways. Strangely enough, with his aversion to anything connected with the traditions the rest of his family seem obsessed with upholding, he went with the old way of recording his will, in a pensieve. I believe that was due to the fact that it remains the one way to ensure accuracy, as well as reassuring anyone who witnessed it that it was indeed him who was dictating it. In his words"Any bloody thing can be forged these days." Now, are you two gentlemen Harry James Potter and Remus John Lupin? " With their nods, he asked "Might I inquire as to the identities of the young ladies? "

"Ginevra Weasley, sir. I'm Harry's girlfriend. I'm here for moral support."

"Nymphadora Tonks, as support for Remus. I guess I'm his, erm, girlfriend." She gave the older wizard a questioning look, and received a smile, as well as a tentative nod in response.

"Only if you want to be, love." When she nodded back at him, his smile grew wider for a moment.

Graphawk nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answers. "Alright then. You may as well get comfortable, while I prepare this for viewing."

A few moments later, all was ready. The goblin set the stone bowl a few inches from the edge of the desk, squarely in the middle. The four sitting there straightened a bit as he spoke to Harry and Remus. "If the two of you would touch your wands to the surface of the liquid, it will start." He paused a moment, before continuing. "One thing to keep in mind. If I'm not mistaken, Mr Potter, you haven't been present for a will reading of this kind before, correct? " After Harry shook his head, he gave a small nod. "I thought as much. With a pensieve will, there is a bit of the decedent's awareness. He will be aware of who is here and who is not. As such, don't be surprised when he directs comments to you. If it helps, think of it like the portraits you're already familiar with. I'll leave you to it. I'll be back when it's finished, with the papers." The goblin left through the rear door.

A look of reluctance was traded between the two men, followed by one of resolve. They leaned forward at the same time and touched the tips of their wands to the silvery liquid. They sat back and a moment later, the figure of Sirius Black rose from the liquid, holding a piece of parchment.

"I, Sirius Orion Black, being of sound mind and body (hush, Nymphadora and Remus. I know what you're thinking, and don't even consider saying it.), hereby dictate my Last Will and Testament. At the advice of my solicitor, one Jonathan Edwards, Esq, I have submitted myself to testing by veritaserum, thereby proving that I am, indeed, who I say I am, and not under the influence of the imperius curse, or any other type of duress."

He then crumpled the piece of parchment and tossed it away. His face took on the lopsided grin they were familiar with, as he continued.

"Alright then. Now that's out of the way, let's get to it. Before I get to the fun stuff, I feel that I need to pass along a message or three.

Harry, if I never said this to you, and to my shame I don't remember having done so yet, please don't doubt that I love you as if you were my own son. I've never been very good at this sort of thing, and for that, I'm sorry. I wish I'd had the chance to watch you grow up. If I hadn't lost control of my temper and gone after Wormtail, I could have. That is one of the two great regrets in my life. The other one, of course, was ever trusting that little rat-faced bas...erm...sorry about that. Anyway. If I had never made those two choices, things would have been much different. As it is, though, 'what-ifs' never change anything, and are a waste of time and effort.

This brings me to my next point. Obviously, if you're seeing this, it means I'm gone, dead, kaput, no more among the living. Hopefully, I'll have gone down fighting, probably alongside you and Remus, and with any luck, I'll have taken Wormy and my nasty cousin Bella along for the ride. However, no matter how I go out, whether in battle or slipping on the soap in the shower, you are not to blame yourself, in any way, shape, or form. If, in the unlikely event you did anything that, even in the tiniest way, contributed to my demise, then I hereby grant you total and unconditional absolution. I swear, if Remmie has to have the words 'It's not my fault' tattooed to the inside of your eyelids, then it'll be done. Got that"

During this speech, Ginny had wrapped her arm around the waist of her boyfriend, reminding him she was there for him. Tears running from the corners of his eyes, he nodded. Seeing this, the figure turned to Remus.

"Remus, the things I said to Harry apply to you, as well. You are in no way, shape or form, to consider yourself to blame for my departure from this world. The same absolution applies to you as well. I know that you, my brother, have the very same tendency to blame yourself for every wrong done on the earth, as Harry does, and I want you to stop it. Yes, I called you my brother. That's how I've seen you, ever since we first met. I need you to do something for me. As Harry's godfather, I ask you to take that role for me, and watch over Harry, as much as he'll allow. We both know that, as James and Lils' son, he has more stubborness in him than anybody could reasonably imagine. Far from being a bad thing, I think it'll help him. It can be a pain in the arse at times, but it'll see him through. Do that for me, would you? Remember, I can still prank you, when you get here." The last was said with his trademark grin.

The last of the Marauders nodded, as he silently resolved again that he would do whatever it took to get Harry through what he knew to be coming. Seeing this, the small figure looked between the two women seated there.

"Ginny, Nymphadora (I know you hate to be addressed that way dear cousin, but I can get away with it now, if at no other time), please keep an eye on these two guys for me, as only you can. They'll need all the help they can get, in order to make it through the times ahead. Yes, I know all about the prophecy, and if Dumbledore hasn't told Harry about it yet, then make sure he does. I'll not have my godson treated like a mushroom. By the way, even if you already know the meaning of that expression, be sure to ask Albus about it. The only other remaining regret I have is that I won't be able to see the look on his face, as he attempts to explain it. Have no doubts about it, the old fraud will know exactly what I mean."

With this last, his eyes had taken on a gleam that reminded Remus of when the four of them used to plan their latest prank, anticipating the reactions of whomever would be the subject of the prank. All four of the people present chuckled, as they saw the look on his face.

"Now then. Time to get on to the fun stuff. Division of assets. Distribution of the booty. Giving of the goods. Ok, ok. I see you're getting a bit impatient, so I'll just get to it.

"The property in London, currently under a fidelius charm, is hereby bequeathed to the joint ownership of Harry James Potter and Remus John Lupin, with the proviso that the organization currently using it as a headquarters be allowed continued tenancy, until such time as the situation has changed so that the need for it no longer exists. The contents of the house, such as the library, any personal effects, artwork, etc, are to be divided as these two gentlemen see fit.

"Black Manor, in the north of Scotland, is to be cleared of all dark artefacts, those artefacts destroyed, anything else salvagable divided between Mssrs Lupin and Potter, and the property to be raized to the ground. On that spot, will be built a wizarding orphanage, to ensure that any child of magical heritage, as well as any who show any talent or ability for magic, will be raised in as caring and loving an atmosphere as possible. We will not allow other children to endure the sort of childhood my godson had to, any longer. To that end, I leave a sum of five million galleons for construction and support costs. How this will be run, I leave to those better equipped for it. However, I ask that it be co-administered by Mssrs Lupin and Potter.

"The Black family jewels are hereby bequeathed to Harry James Potter, to do with as he pleases. I do recommend having Bill Weasley, or some other qualified curse breaker, inspect them before you take posession. Some of them may be Dark Arts artefacts, but as I've never taken the time to go through them, I'm not sure.

"The remainder of the cash in my vault is to be divided between these two gentlemen as well. The only requests I have as to how this money is to be used are as follows: 1) Remus, you are to get a new wardrobe. I don't care if Tonks has to hogtie you and drag you to every menswear store in the UK to do it, but you will get new robes, as well as something suitable to go under them. You have a bit of money now, so look the part, dammit. 2) Harry, please make sure you replace the Gryffindor house brooms with something newer and faster. The brooms they currently have may be distributed to the other house teams or given to those students in Gryffindor who can't afford their own, at your discretion. Also, make sure that Ron and Ginny have new books, robes, and whatever supplies they will need for the next couple of years. Ginny, I know you'll probably object to this, but it's the only kind of help I can foresee Molly allowing me to give. For everything your family has done for Harry over the years, this is the least I can do.

"If these conditions are not met, the money will be divided between the Malfoys and the remaining members of the Black family. As none of us wants to see this happen, that should give you the needed incentive to ensure that my wishes are granted.

"Also related to this, I relinquish all control of the Potter family vault to Harry James Potter, in addition to the school expense vault he currently has the use of. All of the jewels and other items from my family vault, as well as the cash, are to be placed inside the Potter vault, and the Black vault to be sold. The proceeds from the sale of said vault will be given to Remus John Lupin.

"Alright then. That takes care of all the goodies. All that's left is to say goodbye. I'll see you on the other side, hopefully not for a very long time."

As the words echoed from the walls, Sirius' image sank back into the pensieve. Graphawk reentered now, with a folder in his hand and set it on the desk. "I just need signatures on a few papers here. They just confirm the transfer of assetts, as well as giving the order for the instructions for Mr Black's wishes for Black Manor." He spread the papers out and produced a quill, showing Harry and Remus where to sign. Once they were done, he continued. "Just a couple of questions before we finish. First of all, do you have a name for the orphanage or the foundation that will be established to support it? "

Harry asked "Does that need to be decided now? "

Graphawk shook his head. "No. It will take some time for a complete inventory, as well as finding an appropriate construction firm. The sooner you can come up with something, though, the sooner planning can start, and announcements made."

"Alright. What else did you need to ask? "

"Would you like to take a look at your Family vault, now? "

"I wondered about that, actually. What did he mean by family vault? I thought there was just the one I've been using."

The goblin looked surprised at this. "That piddly thing? Did you really think that a family as old as the Potters would only have a couple hundred thousand galleons? Of course not." He turned to Remus, now, eyebrows raised. "You can't tell me that he has no knowledge of his family beyond his parents? "

Lupin had a thoughtful expression on his face now, as he looked at Harry. "To tell the truth, I'd never thought about it. I'd rather assumed that Albus would have told him. Merlin knows that Petunia wouldn't have. She barely acknowledges that she had a sister, much less who Lily was married to. That'll be remedied in short order, I'll tell you that, now."

The women present were in shock at the thought that Harry knew nothing about his family. Most people in the wizarding world knew of them and their long history. The tales of some of his ancestors were almost as well known as his own story was. Ginny had heard most of them, growing up. Tonks had actually studied some of those stories, when she was in school. Of course, with Binns as history professor, it was easy to see how even those stories could be missed. After all, when you sleep through a class, it's a bit difficult to take notes. This was something they would have to take care of, as soon as they had a chance.

Harry finally responded to the question he'd been asked. "Dunno if we have time for more than a quick look, though I'd like to see what's down there."

The goblin manager said "I'll get a guide to take you down there." Once that was arranged, Graphawk asked "Was there anything else you require today? " When it was clear there wasn't anything else they needed for the moment. he led them back to the main floor of the bank. He turned back to them, a contemplative look on his face. "If anything else comes up, be sure to let me know." With that, he disappeared through the door again.

A short time later, both couples were walking through Diagon Alley, slightly dazed looks on their faces. Ginny had always known that Harry was fairly well off, especially compared to her family, who had always seemed to scrimp a bit more than most for things like school supplies and brooms.

Nothing could have prepared the fiery young witch for what had been revealed when the doors to his family vault had swung wide. Quite apart from the fact that it was the longest ride she'd ever taken in the carts the goblins used, the vault itself was huge, easily the size of the Great Hall at Hogwarts.. The entire central part of it was taken up with stacks and stacks of golden galleons, silver sickels, and bronze knuts. The stacks nearer the far wall seemed to reach all the way up to the ceiling. She had no idea how much money was there, but was quite sure there was more than every member of her family combined would see in their entire lifetime. Along one wall were scenic paintings, portraits, other art objects, and more furniture than she could imagine any house needing. On the other wall was a virtual armory. There were suits of armor, edged weapons of almost every type, crossbows, maces, and quite a few things that were unrecognizable to her. Nearer the door were three separate broom racks, holding what seemed to be vintage examples of all of the popular styles of brooms from about twenty years ago. The only thing Remus had said the whole time they had been in there was when he was looking at the brooms.

His eyes had taken on a very wistful look, and he'd murmured "I wondered where those had gone."

Ginny and Tonks had traded a look that very definitely said "We need to find out more about that."

Harry had grabbed a cash bag from next to the door on the way in, and after a very brief look around, filled it up and placed a lightening charm on it to make it easier to carry. He'd then done the same with a second. When he got a questioning look from Ginny, he explained "Need to get some money converted to pounds, if we're going clothes shopping." She'd nodded then, her curiosity satisfied for the moment.

As they were on the way to the doors to leave, after Harry exchanged some currency, Tonks ran into Bill. Quite literally, in fact. As she turned to the entranceway, she collided with him, sending him sprawling. Harry gave him a hand up and asked "Going out to lunch, Bill? "

The oldest of the Weasley sons shook his head. "No. I need to get back to my flat. Fleur is coming over tonight around six, and I want to make sure everything is ready. She and Gabrielle are going to be staying with me."

"Gabrielle? Oh, her sister, right." When Bill confirmed this, Harry asked "Are they coming for a holiday? "

"No, they'll be staying with me for a while. Their father's in hospital with a broken back. Some sort of accident at work, I gather. Their mum will basically be staying in his room, as she doesn't really trust the nurses." With a rueful expression, he continued. "Ironic, eh? A Veela, jealous."

All of them had a chuckle at this. Ginny asked the question that all four wondered about. "Does Mum know that Fleur will be living with you? "

"Well, we've been engaged for almost six months now, so it wasn't any surprise to her. In fact, she volunteered to watch Gabby while we're both at work. She'll be around the Burrow most days this summer, starting tomorrow. Do me a favor and keep an eye on her, would you? From what Fleur says, she's likely to be a bit depressed, what with being away from home and worrying over their dad."

Harry and Ginny both agreed to this, and said they would pass along the request to Ron and Hermione as well. Bill made his farewells and left.

The first place they stopped after leaving the bank was Madame Malkins.

Once they were in the door, it was only a moment before the happy face of the proprietress was upon them. "Two for Hogwarts, then? "

Harry replied with "Yes. Four set of regular school robes apiece for the two of us, two work robes apiece, and two dress robes." Ginny started to object, only to be silenced by Harry. "Sirius' wishes, remember? " She reluctantly agreed and told Madame Malkin"Lead the way." She detailed one of her assistants to help Harry, and took Ginny herself to another area of the shop. At the same time, he could hear Tonks dragging Remus over to look at the robes on display, taking her cousin's words to heart. She threatened him with a binding spell if he didn't at least buy a couple robes before they left. It looked to be a long day for the last surviving Marauder. The thought made Harry chuckle a bit.

The assistant, a pretty young girl introduced herself to Harry with a shy smile. "Hi, I'm Crystal. I'll take care of getting you fitted for your new robes today. Please step up onto the stool over here."

Once the measuring process was started, the young wizard was extremely glad that the tape-measure was enchanted, especialy when it came time to check the inseam. She seemed a bit disappointed that she wouldn't be able to check it herself, from the look on her face. The expression on her face as she watched it do it's job looked to be one of envy. That made Harry a bit nervous, actually. He looked around, making sure Ginny wasn't watching this. He wasn't quite sure whether she would be ready to hex the girl senseless at the look on her face, or ready to take the mickey out of him for it. Either way, it wouldn't be good. Luckily, she was busy on the other side of the store, picking out materials for her dress robes.

A few moments later, Crystal said "All done. Now, how about your dress robes? " She showed him an assortment of materials in colors. He finally chose one in black silk with deep purple trim, and one in a deep emerald linen with silver designs along the borders. To go with them, he chose matching cloaks. The black one had a clasp in the shape of a griffin in pewter, and the forest green one had it's clasp in the shape of a Hungarian Horntail dragon, done in gold.

That done, he caught up to Ginny, just in time to see Madame Malkin walk away, notepad in hand. When she returned a few moments later, he asked her for a copy of both his and Ginny's measurements, explaining that it would save time that afternoon, as they had a lot of shopping to do in muggle stores. She nodded and hurried off to get that for him.

A moment or two later, she was back with two slips of paper. "Here you go. Your robes and cloaks should be ready for you in a day or two." By that time, Remus and Tonks were finished as well. The professor had a bag with two everyday robes in it, and a new set that he was wearing. When compared to what he'd been wearing just a little while earlier, it was a vast improvement.

Before going out through the Leaky Cauldron, they decided it was time for a stop at Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. Harry hadn't yet seen the fruits of his investment, aside from the occasional product being tested on Ron. He remembered the incident the day he'd come to the Burrow, when Ron had tried one of their Cockroach Clusters. Luckily for the Twins, he hadn't turned into a cockroach per se, but the antenna and twitching mandibles had been quite enough on their own. He grinned at the memory, wondering what they would come up with next. When they saw the store, he knew it had to be the right one, even before he saw the glowing, luridly colored sign. What other store would have flashing cockroaches, bright green canaries, and fireworks flying in every direction? They walked in the door expecting to hear a bell tinkling. They should have known better. Instead, as the door closed, they heard the unmistakable, very loud, very wet, sound of somebody breaking wind. Luckily, the experience was completely auditory in nature. In other words, there was no smell to go with it. If there had, Harry imagined it would have been every bit as disgusting as the sound was.

Two heads topped with ginger hair popped around the frame of the doorway that apparently led to the back room, after their arrival was announced in that unique fashion.

"Why, George, I do believe that"

"Our financial backer"

"Has arrived"

"For a visit."

Harry shook his head at them. "Would you two cut that out? You're creeping me out here."

Remus merely looked amused. "If you think these two are bad, you should have heard your dad and Sirius, by the end of our first year. They'd do it from across the common room. Used to drive Lily right round the twist."

"We know that we"

"Could never"

"Hope to compare"

"To the"

"Legendary"

"Marauders."

The last word was said in stereo, prompting Remus to laugh and clap lightly. "Compare to us? Maybe not." He waggled his hand in a so-so gesture. "With a few more years practice, though, you might have been able to run with us. I still say it's a pity Bill missed us at school by a couple years. No telling what we might've got to." He turned to Harry and Ginny. "Why don't you two take a look around. I know Harry hasn't been here before. I just need to talk to the Twins here for a few minutes. Order Business."

The teens reckoned that they'd probably get the gist of it later, from one source or another. Keeping this in mind, they humored Remus for a bit, until he was ready to go. Looking around, they took in the range of all of the new things the Twins had developed, as well as the old stand-bys they remembered from the previous term. There was a whole range of Skiving Snackboxes, the Canary Cremes, Invisivble Hats, even a Portable Swamp. The fireworks were all in evidence as well. Both of them particularly relished the mental image of both Umbridge and Filch trying to find ways to deal with Catherine Wheels that chased them down corridors, as well as all the other myriad ways the Twins had come up with of harassing those staff members. Tucked away into a corner of the shop, Harry found a box marked 'Busty Berries'. A grin came up on his face at this discovery.

Ginny saw this and scowled, crossing her arms. She was never very secure when it came to what she thought of her body, especially the area just below her shoulders, but a bit farther north than her navel. "I do hope you're not going to try to get me to eat one of those, Mr Potter."

As they idea genuinely hadn't crossed his mind, Harry was taken aback. "Of course not. If all I was interested was breasts, I could've gone after Lavender 'Inflatable' Brown." Now it was his turn to be offended, and glared back at her. "I didn't realize you thought I was that shallow. I thought your opinion of me was a bit higher that that."

She relented now, dropping her scowl. Her arms relaxed, going back to her side. Pink came up on her cheeks as she quietly said "I'm sorry Harry. I should know better than that. It's just that I'm not erm...well...all that well...endowed...on top, if you've never noticed." At this, she turned even pinker, starting to look like one of the jumpers her mum had made for her a few years back.

Harry stepped in closer now and, in a low voice, said "Gin, the appeal you have for me is not solely physical. Though you do have a very cute little bum." This was said in an even lower voice, but with a grin all the same. He tilted her chin up, and kissed her briefly.

When the kiss was finished, she opened her eyes and got a slightly confused look. "Okay, but what was the smile for about the Berries? "

His eyes got a very mischievous look to them as he replied "Just a moment, and all will be answered." He turned his head and yelled "Oi! George! "

An answer was heard from the counter. "Yes, partner? "

"The Busty Berries. Will they work on either gender, and how long does it last? "

The answer was quick in coming. "Yes, and about an hour. Of course, the more you give somebody, the longer they'll last."

"Okay, thanks."

When Harry turned back to his girlfriend, she was wearing an almost evil grin, very similar to the one on his face. Her question was one word. "Malfoy? "

He nodded, and she aided him in filling a box with the Berries. They continued to roam the shop, finding other products ideal for wreaking mayhem on their favorite ferret, as well as a few other choice candidates. Their other favorite was a derivative of the Canary Creme, with a bit of a twist. This one would turn you into the animal you hated most. Definite possibilities in that.

The two looked over at Remus and the Twins and could see that, whatever the business had been, it seemed to be concluding. It was obvious that now it was just small talk, something to pass the time. Harry heard a snatch of it as they approached.

"You two actually turned him pink?"

"Yes. Pink is"

"Actually quite the"

"Fetching color"

"For old Argus."

"Bit of a stick in the mud, he is."

"Didn't seem to enjoy it very much at all."

Remus broke down in gales of laughter at hearing this. Harry remembered the incident back in his third year, and it never failed to make him laugh.

Ginny asked"Filch? In pink? Where in Merlin's name was I?"

"Dunno, Gin-Gin. Though it wasn't visible for long. As soon as he'd realized what happened, he hid in his office until it passed. How long did it take, Gred? "

"I'm not sure, Forge. Two, maybe three weeks, I think."

As they explained the machinations they'd gone through to turn Filch, the caretaker (janitor, to say it less politely) at Hogwarts, a shocking shade of pink, all six, including Tonks, were rolling on the floor laughing.

Later, as they were all getting ready to go, the Twins pulled Harry aside for a moment. "We need to speak with our investor. We'll give him back to you in a bit." They dragged him into the back room, out of view of the others.

George cast a quick silencing charm. "Harry, you know that her birthday's coming up soon, right? "

He nodded. "I know it's soon, but she won't tell me the date. Apparently, she threatened Ron, if he let it spill."

The Twins traded a look, then Fred responded. "It's August eleventh. Just thought you might want to know. With all the work she put into your party, not to mention your present..."

George shot his brother a look. "Shut it. Now! "

Harry interrupted. "Guys, she didn't give me a gift. I wasn't expecting anything, so it's not..."

"Harry, all we'll tell you is that it's something she's been working on for a while. You know she's good at Charms, right? " At their friend's nod, he continued. "Let's just say it has to do with that."

"Why didn't she say anything? " The raven-haired wizard was confused by this. She hadn't mentioned a thing about a gift, and he really wasn't bothered by it.

"She didn't want to say anything, in case it didn't work."

"Just do us a favor, mate. Don't mention any of this to her."

"No kidding, Harry. No way at all we want her mad at us." Fred shuddered.

George concurred. "Scary one, she is, when she's got her temper up."

"Alright, guys. No problem with that. Not a word."

The three of them went back out to the front, so Harry could rejoin the rest. "Ready to go, all? "

They said their goodbyes, and were at Quality Quidditch Supplies a few minutes later. Harry took a look at the available brooms, and ended up picking out the newest models of the Nimbus line, ordering three complete sets of brooms. They weren't quite as expensive as the Firebolt's, or as fast, but they were quicker than the present school brooms, and quite sturdy. Barring any encounter's with Whomping Willows, that is. There were three each of the Seeker editions and Keeper Editions, nine each of the Chaser ones, and six of the Beater models. He said to have them delivered to Hogwarts a week ahead of when the new term was to start, and charged it to his Gringott's account. The store manager was a bit dubious, until he saw the charge plate glow a gentle blue, signifying that the bank had accepted the charge.

At the end, he had decided to add a Firebolt2 Seeker's Edition onto the bill for himself. He would still have the broom that Sirius had gotten him back in third year, but didn't want to take the chance that anything would happen to it. He remembered all too well, the fate that had befallen his Nimbus. As soon as Ginny was occupied in looking at the chaser gear, he pointed the Chaser Edition of the previous Firebolt out, and added it as well, instructing that it be delivered to the Burrow, and when it should arrive. Once all this was taken care of, he gathered the rest together and they headed out.

On their way through the Leaky Cauldron, they asked Tom to reserve them a private room, and left their robes there, as well as the purchases they had with them so far. Then it was time to head out to muggle London.

Harry had consulted with Hermione before they left about where they should do their shopping for clothes and the like, and she had said the best place for him would probably be Harrod's. The venerable institution would be, according to the brilliant young witch, the best place to get whatever he needed, whether it was clothes or anything else. That could come in quite handy.

Remus, having been in the place once or twice, led the rest to the menswear department in short order. As the quartet started looking around, an older man with thinning, graying, hair came up to them. He took one look at the various types of dress evident in the group, and it was apparent that he wasn't impressed. Harry was wearing some of Dudley's old hand-me-downs, Remus was wearing a sport coat that had obviously seen better days, and the less said about Tonks' clothes, the better. Both girls wore clothing that was better fitting and in better shape than the men, but neither was it obviously expensive, as this gentleman seemed to think would better grace his store.

His tone of voice made Professor Snape seem almost friendly and welcoming by comparison. "May I...help you? " It was apparent that he thought that such a manner would intimidate the group into leaving. Little did he know how mistaken he was. Dead wrong, that is.

Ginny, sensitive as she was to how people could react to things like clothes that were obviously not new, felt her ire start to rise. Tonks saw this, and laid a hand on her arm. Getting the younger girl's attention, she pointed to Harry. Ginny's eyes widened in shock, as she saw the change come over him. It was all she could do, not to burst out laughing.

As the raven-haired young man walked up to the salesman, a change seemed to come over him. Rather than the hesitant, slightly shy, somewhat reticent boy they all knew, he seemed to take on a rather bored air. His lip curled in a supercilious way, as he cast a gimlet eye over the grey-haired man in front of him. His voice, though, completely belied his bedraggled appearance.

"Yes, actually." Almost unconsciously, one hand came out of the pocket of his trousers, holding a thick packet of hundred pound notes. "All of us require new wardrobes, and we would like some assistance with this." Again, almost unconsciously, the fingers on his other hand started riffling the corners of the notes, then he put it back in his pocket. "However, if you find you are unable to render us this assistance, we are quite willing to take our business elsewhere." The salesman's eyes had gone wide, his attention riveted on the bills in the young man's hands. When it disappeared, he looked alarmed. Harry turned to his friends, and with a mischievous wink, said"Come. I'm sure we can find someplace more suitable." He started leading the group towards the door, until he heard a strangled yelp from behind him. Supressing a grin, he turned back to face the other man, cocking an eyebrow. "Something you wanted to say?"

Running a finger under the collar of his shirt, the suddenly flop-sweating man replied. "Sir, I would be honored to assist all of you. Please, if you would come this way, we can get started."

Harry seemed to consider it, then nodded. "Very well." They followed the older man back into the menswear department, to start assembling wardrobes for the two men. Ginny and Tonks wouldn't budge from their sides until everything was picked out, tried on, then bundled for the registers. Once it was all deposited in one place, they took the Grand Egyptian Escalator to the next floor for ladies fashions. This time, it was Harry and Remus' turn to provide input while the ladies tried everything on. At least, it very nearly seemed like everything to the two wizards. By the time they'd finished, each of the four had a very complete wardrobe, from the skin out. Before leaving, they called for a car to take them back to Charing Cross Road. As they got out with their parcels, Remus paid the driver, and Tonks unobtrusively shrunk them all. The group walked in through the door of the Leaky Cauldron and each took a seat in the private room. Once they'd ordered, and Tom had left, Remus cast a quick silencing spell around the room. The other three looked at Harry.

Ginny led off. "Alright, you. Where in the bloody hell did that whole upper-crust act come from? "

Harry shrugged, and grinned at her. "I just didn't like his attitude. There's an old expression that says, 'The best defense is a good offense.' Believe me, if there's one thing that I've learned in handling that type of people, it's that money will impress them, if nothing else does."

Remus chuckled. "I think you handled that beautifully, Harry, but I have to say that I was surprised at your acting ability. Didn't know you had it in you."

The young wizard's expression grew darker as he replied. "Acting ability I have in spades, Moony. Had to really, growing up in that house. 'Yes, Uncle Vernon, no Uncle Vernon, of course, Aunt Petunia. Of course I'm grateful for all you do, Aunt Petunia.' Never would've made it past eleven otherwise, would I? "

Ginny reached over to grasp his hand then, squeezing to show her support. The look in those emerald eyes cleared as he looked back at her.

"Thanks, love."

She leaned over and gave him a soft quick kiss, saying "You're very welcome, Mr Potter. Always."

Remus was struck once more by how much this couple reminded him of another he'd known, long ago. The difference was that the love that surrounded these two was even more evident than what his friends had shared. Now that they'd found each other, there was no way they'd ever let each other go, unlike that incident just after the Marauders had graduated. Ah, well, that was water under the bridge and all that. James and Lily had been a great couple, one of the best. He'd never thought he'd ever see two other people so much in love as they were. Strangely enough, for being the only one of the four to never have a serious girlfriend, Sirius had spotted this one coming, and had told Remus as much. The werewolf had scoffed, saying no love could ever match Prongs and his Lily-Flower, as he'd called her. He happily admitted to himself now that he'd been wrong, but wished Padfoot could be here to see this. He probably would've teased the living daylights out of his godson, but would've been proud as hell to see Harry so happy. Remus made a silent vow to himself then that no matter what happened, he would see that Harry and Ginny would have every chance his parents never had, to keep that happiness.

Tonks saw the expression on her boyfriend's face and knew he was thinking of the friends he'd lost, and lay her hand on his shoulder. She wanted him to know that she was here for him. The look in his eyes as he turned to her told her the message was recieved and gratefully accepted.

Tom brought their orders in, and a little while later, they headed back to the Burrow, so Remus could show Harry how to use the pensieve he'd gotten for his birthday.

A/N: To all of you who have waited so patiently for an update, we apologize profusely, for making you wait. Both of us had a bit of writer's block for this story, and we weren't quite sure where to take it next. Bill's been working on a couple other projects in the meantime, like posting his H/G fics on SIYE, a challenge fic for that site, and a couple other things he hasn't even told me much about yet. What nerve! Hmph! I'll get him, though. hehehe

:throws evil glare at hubby, mumbling nasty threats concerning bats emerging from alternate locations:

:hubby nervously edges away from beautiful, talented, smart, did I mention beautiful, authoress:

Oh, quit kissing up, you git.

Anyway, the block seems to have broken now, and a new chapter should be forthcoming fairly soon. Don't bet the ranch on it, though. Thanks again, for all of the kind words in your reviews of our humble efforts here. That kind of feedback is greatly appreciated.