The next day,Sirius woke up to smell of pancakes. It took him a moment to remember where he was. 'Right,I'm with Harry and Lily's sister and ,Sirius. Time to be the responsible adult for once in your damn life,you're a role-model now. James,Lily,watch over us,will you?' he thought before he sat up in bed and started to get dressed. He then went into the bathroom and took a shower. When he was done,he took a look at himself in the mirror.
"What the hell?This is how I look after nearly a decade? Welp,time to fix that then,now,what was that spell again?" he muttered to himself as he started to trim his beard and hair.
When Sirius got down the stairs,he saw Harry and Dudley both scarfing down a healthy helping each of the pancakes that Petunia was making.
"Good morning all" Sirius said. Harry looked up. "Good morning Sirius,slept well?" he asked,while Dudley mumbled a small " 'morning" into his pancakes.
Petunia then came out from the kitchen with two plates of pancakes. "I slept better than I have for the past several years" Sirius replied with a grin,and only after putting down the plates did Petunia get a good look at Sirius. He had obviously decided to trim both his hair and beard,and looked much better.
"I see you decided to deal with the length of your hair" she said with a smile. "Yes,I like a little bit of length,but that was too much" Sirius replied.
Petunia sat down and said: "Well,sit down and eat while it's still warm" she said.
Sirius did so,and the moment he got the first bite in,he started scarfing it down himself. When he was done,he asked Petunia if there was more.
"I have to say Petunia,that was delicious!" Sirius said with a big grin. Petunia smiled back. "I'm glad you liked it,there's more in the kitchen,just help yourself" she said as he stood up with his plate and walked into the kitchen.
When he got back,he asked: "So,what are your plans for today?".
"Well,me and Dudley has school until 2,then we'll see what we do with the rest of the day after we're done with homework" Harry said.
"I have a few things to do at work,I'm going to interview a few people for the store,so I'll most likely not be home until closer to 3,I think" Petunia said. Sirius nodded. "I'll head out to the Burrow after you guys leave. In fact,you may as well lock the door as you leave,since I'll be taking the Floo route there" he said with a smile.
"Alright,we can do that,and when we come home,we can have a barbecue, the weather's supposed to hold up for the week" Petunia said.
Sirius looked at her with a smile. "That sounds lovely" he said,getting a smile from the other three.
Not long after,the trio of Dudley,Harry and Petunia went out the front door,and as he heard the front door lock,Sirius grabbed a handful of floo powder,tossed it into the fireplace,and said: "The Burrow!" as he put his head in the fireplace to see if anyone was home.
Molly was puttering around in the kitchen at the Burrow when the fireplace suddenly lit up. She crouched down to see who it was. "Sirius?" she asked as his head appeared in the fireplace. "Hello Molly. Figured I'd be sure someone was home before I floo'd over. I'll be over in a moment,if that's okay?" he asked.
Molly smiled. "Of course,please come through" she said as she stepped away. A moment later,Sirius Black stood up in the kitchen at the Burrow. He looked around. "Lovely place you have,Molly. Could I borrow some paper and a pen?I have a letter to write,and I'd rather not wait too much more" he said. Molly looked at him sympathetically. "Of course Sirius,here you go" she said as she summoned some paper and a pen from the living room. Sirius thanked her and sat down by the kitchen table and started to write:
'Dear Remus
I don't know if you've heard by now,but I have once again become a free man. I can thank Harry for that.
His magical guardian,Arthur Weasley had taken him to Gringotts to open James and Lily's will.
There was the proof that I was innocent: The Patrinus ritual that James had me parttake in.
We would've had you there as a witness,but between all the suspicions and fullmoons there,
there was no possible way for you to witness it,nor was it safe to say it to you in a letter.
To be blunt,Remus: I'm sorry.
I was the one who suspected you,and I will never forgive myself for suspecting you,who were a brother to me.
I can understand if you're bitter,and will not be surprised if you do not respond to my letter.
However,if you do,I am currently living with Harry and his aunt and cousin at Nr. 4,Privet Drive in Surrey.
I have not told anyone about your condition,and I will continue to hold my silence until you yourself choose to relay it.
I have to go to Gringotts to claim my Lordship ring in a day or two,and would like to see you at the Leaky Cauldron that day.
I hope you're well,Moony. Until next time.
Sincerely,
Padfoot'
Sirius looked at the letter,seemingly satisfied with the letter, and smiled. He quickly took his wand and conjured a ribbon with the seal of the Black family on it,tied it around the letter and asked Molly: "Molly,may I borrow your owl?"
Molly looked up from her kettles and replied: "Oh yes,of course, he should be out by the old oak tree. I have to warn you though,he's pretty old" she said.
Sirius smiled. "If anything happens to him,I'll buy you a new owl myself" he said as he walked outside.
The garden was much like the Burrow itself: lots of stuff everywhere,but it only added to the homeyness of the place. As Sirius came out,he looked around; a big garden,with a few trees and bushes. The oak tree Molly had described was in the corner of the garden closer to the house itself. Sirius walked over to the obviously ancient owl sitting in the tree and looked a bit closer,he frowned.
"Old,indeed. You can't have long left,do you,old timer?" Sirius mumbled as he stroked the feathers of the old bird. Errol gave a soft hoot as he leaned into Sirius' touch.
Sirius continued petting Errol a few more minutes before a loud POP arrived not too far away. "Sirius? Are you alright?" came Arthur's voice. Sirius turned toward the Weasely patriarch and smiled.
"Yeah,I'm just fine Arthur,thanks. I was just having a small chat with your family owl" Sirius said. Arthur looked at Errol.
"He has been with me since my first year at Hogwarts. He's been as loyal as a Hufflepuff,and I'm still very fond of him" he said with a small smile.
"He's almost blind,Arthur. Why don't you get a new owl for your family and let Errol retire in peace?" Sirius asked with a frown. Arthur sighed.
"I don't know,our family's not exactly wealthy,as you know. With Ron,Percy and the twins off to Hogwarts in September, that'll put quite the dent in our budget"
the older man said. Sirius frowned.
"How about I help you? Let me pay for the boys' Hogwarts things and a new owl for your family. Take it as a token of gratitude from the Lord Black for taking care of his godson when he was unable,besides" he said,looking at Arthur,who smiled as he looked at Sirius.
"I doubt you'd want your kids' letters to be unfortunately misplaced because Errol made a mistake,am I right?"
Arthur looked down for a moment before answering. "You're right Sirius. It's been a rough patch for me and Molly over the years. We've raised seven kids since we got out of Hogwarts,you know? And I'm proud of all of them,even if Fred and George fool around a lot,they've proven that they're not lacking when it comes to their grades thus far.
I can only hope,that when the time comes,they will have something to show for it." Arthur said with a melancholic sigh. "Alright,you have a deal. Let's go tell Molly first,she'd lose her marbles seeing a new owl here out of the blue" he said,getting a nod from the younger man.
-Break-
A few hours later,Sirius stepped out of the Floo at the Potter-Evans residence. He remembered Petunia mentioning a set of spare keys by the mantle on the fireplace and figured he'd explore the muggle area at least in close vicinity to where they live. He grabbed the keys and went out the door.
A couple of hours later saw Harry,Dudley and Petunia coming home from school and work. "-and at the end of the day,Miss Potts asked what we were all going to do during the summer and where we were going after,and when I said I was accepted into a private school in Scotland, there was a lot of weird looks,almost like they didn't believe me. But until then,I'm staying here for now. After all,I have several weeks ahead of me to study up on my family's history, and I have a feeling that it will come in handy for when I get older,so I don't drag the Potter name through the mud,so to speak" Harry said. Petunia patted her nephew on the head.
"I'm sure you'll make your family proud Harry. From what I've understood,the Potters were more progressive in some ways while still managing to stick with traditions in others. Either way,you have us around you to help if needed,not just me and Dudley,but Sirius and the Weasleys as well,as well as any other friends you get at Hogwarts" she said with a smile. Harry smiled back.
"Thanks,aunt Petunia. It's just-It feels like I have a lot of expectations to live up to,you know? Not just the whole Voldemort thing,but my family legacy as well. I just don't know if I can live up to that" he said in a slightly scared tone. Petunia crouched down and engulfed her nephew in a hug.
"Oh,Harry. Ideally,you'd have grown up with your parents,who could've guided you more through all of this better than I can,but in their absence I'll do my best to help you. No matter what,you can always come to me,okay?" she said,getting a smile and nod in return.
"Good,now you boys go do your homework,and I'll see what I need to buy for the barbecue,okay?" she said and watched as the boys went into the dining room to do their homework.
As she was about to enter the kitchen however,the doorbell rang. "Now,who could that be?" she muttered to herself as she went to see.
She opened the door to see a somewhat shabby-looking man standing there. "Can I help you?" she asked. The man smiled somewhat nervously.
"Hello,my name is Remus Lupin. Is this the residence of Harry Potter?" he asked.
Petunia narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "He does live here,how do you know that?" she asked.
The man smiled. "I received a letter from Sirius Black a couple of hours ago,where he explained things that has been nagging me for the last decade. Is he in?" he asked.
Petunia shook her head. "I'm afraid not,but I expect him to be back pretty soon,if you want to come inside? We're having barbecue for dinner if you wish to join us" she asked.
Remus smiled. "Thank you,I'd love to" he said as he stepped in.
"So you're the Remus Sirius has mentioned in his stories?" Petunia asked. Remus narrowed his eyes.
"What stories?" he asked.
"Sirius has told us a few stories about your Hogwarts days,mainly about the numerous pranks you've played during the years" Petunia replied as she motioned for Remus to sit down in the couch.
"Can I get you anything to drink? We have a lot of things,both magical and mundane" she offered.
"A cup of tea,please" Remus said. Petunia smiled.
"Coming right up" she said as she walked into the kitchen. She returned a minute later.
"So,where is Harry?" Remus asked.
"Oh,he and Dudley are in the dining room right now,doing their homework. They are always doing their best,those two" Petunia said with a smile.
Remus smiled as listened to Petunia brag about the two boys she's raised as brothers. "They get along fine?I have to admit,I was a tiny bit worried,considering Lily didn't paint the best picture of you before she and James died" Remus said.
"Oh no,the boys get along fine.I cannot say that I blame you,I was horrible to her,and blind to the faults of my now ex-husband. I shudder to think about what would've happened,had things turned out different" Petunia said honestly.
Just then did Sirius come in through the front door. "I'm home!" he said.
"In the living room Sirius,there's a visitor for you!" Petunia called out.
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "A visitor?" he mumbled to himself before making his way to the living room.
His eyes widened and he grinned as he spotted the familiar figure. "Moony!I wasn't expecting you to show up already,I only sent the letter today!" He grinned as he embraced his long-time friend. "Once I got the letter,I immediately made my way here,it's been too long,Sirius" Remus said with a dejected tone.
Sirius put a hand on Remus' shoulder and looked him in the eye. "Water under the bridge,Moony. I forgive you. And besides,Harry needs the both of us in his life,we're the last he has of James"Sirius said before looking over at Petunia,who looked curiously at them.
He sighed. "I must ask your forgiveness Petunia. You're probably wondering what all that was about" he said. "To make it simple,Harry is the last of the Potters,one of the oldest wizarding families in England. With me being Harry's godfather and the last of the Black family,it's my responsibility to help him over the years as he needs to take over his family's estate. As for Remus,he was always the more responsible of us,being Prefect and all in our fifth year"Sirius said with an apologetic smile.
Petunia nodded.
"I understand Sirius,thank you for clarifying. It's kind of hard thinking of how his future will turn out,I mean he hasn't even turned 11 yet,and once he does,it's off to Hogwarts. I just don't want the same to happen with him as it happened between me and Lily,if you understand" she said sadly.
"Lily didn't often talk about you,to be honest,but when she did,it was clear she regretted the rift between you, and your ex-husband didn't exactly help any,as far as I understood" Remus said,Sirius nodding in agreement.
Petunia smiled thankfully at the ragged-looking man who smiled back. She then took a look at the clock hanging on the wall.
"Oh goodness me!I have to go to the supermarket to get the groceries for the barbecue,would you please check up on Harry and Dudley,please?They are in the dining room doing their homework" she said as she quickly grabbed her keys and purse and headed for the door.
"Sure,we can do that" Sirius said. "Come on Moony,let's introduce you to the kids" Sirius said as he grabbed Remus' shoulder and led the other man in to the dining room.
With Harry and Dudley:
"It's going to be weird,going from math and English to Potions and Transfiguration" Harry said as he was dealing with the last of his math homework.
"I'll bet,and in the meanwhile,I'm going to struggle with algebra and essays for the foreseeable future. At least,I'll bank on getting on the boxing team at Smeltings eventually. Will you keep up with your martial arts training while you're at Hogwarts?" Dudley asked as he finished the last sentence of his essay.
Harry nodded. "Yes,I figure even if I have magic,there's no harm in keeping fit" he said as he put his books in his backpack. Dudley nodded along to that. He then looked a little apprehensive.
"You-You'll write me,won't you?I mean,I know your mail will appear by owl,but a lot of people would notice it if an owl suddenly stood on my bed every other day" he asked. Harry smiled.
"Of course,I'll be writing both you and aunt Petunia. And don't worry about the owl,I can arrange to have it delivered on your bed while you're in class,or after nightfall,as long as you keep a window at least partially open" he said. Dudley smiled. Then Harry grinned.
"Are you going to write Ginny while you're at school?I mean,you can always deliver it to aunt Petunia,and she can pass it on" he said.
Dudley blushed. "I guess I will,I'm just scared we'll grow apart,you know?even though we'll have Christmas with Sirius and the Weasleys either here or at the Burrow,I'm just scared we'll just become strangers after a while" he admitted.
Harry whistled. "Man,it sounds like you're in love with her already Dud. Don't worry,I won't say a thing" Harry added quickly when he saw Dudley's terrified face. "I'm just saying, take time,get to know her better,and maybe further down the road,you two might end up together after all. Just don't forget,her brothers might say something when that happens" Harry finished and saw that Dudley's face went from blushing red to pale white at the thought of Ginny's brothers wanting to talk to him about dating their sister.
Just then,Sirius and Remus came through the door. "Hello boys! Busy with homework?" Sirius asked.
Harry shook his head. "No,I just finished my mathematics" Harry asked.
"I just finished my last essay for this semester" Dudley said with a proud smile on his face.
Sirius grinned. "That's good. I want to introduce you to an old friend of mine. This is Remus Lupin, he's more or less your honorary uncle in all things but blood" Sirius explained with a hand on Remus' shoulder. Remus smiled. "Hello Harry. I haven't seen you since the day you were born. I must say,you look just like your father,but your eyes are definitely your mother's" he said.
Harry smiled. "Pleased to meet you,Remus. So your name means 'wolf-born moon'? That's an interesting combination if any" Harry commented offhandedly,not noticing Remus rapidly paling at what Harry just said.
Sirius took a stern tone "Now look,you remember me telling you that we used to call ourselves the Marauders,right?" Sirius asked,getting a nod from the two boys. "Now,each of us had a nickname,mine being Padfoot,James was Prongs,Peter is Wormtail and Remus here is Moony" Sirius said.
Dudley raised an eyebrow. "Why those names?" he asked. Sirius smiled before transforming into a big,black dog. Both Harry and Dudley got shocked.
"He just turned into a dog!" Dudley yelped. The dog gave a loud bark before turning back to Sirius.
"We turned into animagi when we were in our fifth year at you saw,I can turn into a big dog,James turned into a stag and Peter turns into a rat"Sirius spat out the rat's name like it was venom. Harry raised an eyebrow at Remus.
"So,what is your animal?Are you an animagus too,or are you something completely different?" he asked.
Remus glanced at Sirius,who gave a subtle nod.
"I am the reason they became animagi. You see,I got an...affliction, for lack of a better word,when I was four years old. It was a miracle Dumbledore allowed me to start at Hogwarts. Of course,necessary precautions were made,even if it came close once" here he glared at Sirius,who looked ashamed.
Remus turned back to the two boys and took a deep breath.
"I am a werewolf" he said. Dudley and Harry's eyes widened.
"That's cool!" Dudley exclaimed.
Harry simply asked: "How did them becoming animagi help you as a werewolf?".
Remus crouched down and looked Harry in the eyes. "A werewolf is only dangerous to humans. With them turning into animals,I was never in risk of infecting them,and they could roam around with me once every month"Remus said.
Harry nodded. "Okay,yeah,that makes sense" he said before Dudley blurted out: "Are the fictions about werewolves true?" he winced as he heard what he said.
"I'm sorry,I shouldn't have asked" he mumbled.
Remus chuckled. "It's quite alright,Dudley was it?" Dudley nodded.
"The muggle fictions are partially correct,though it's exaggerated to a degree" he said,getting a nod of understanding from the two preteens.
For the next half hour the two adults told the two boys several stories about their school days.
By the time Petunia got back from the store,all four males were sitting around the dining room table laughing.
"Well,it's good to see you all in such good moods. Now,I'm going to need some help in the kitchen. Dudley,can you be a dear and get the grill out from the shed? And Harry,if you can contact the Burrow and ask if they want to join us for dinner?" she said before she looked at the two Marauders.
"Do any of you mind helping out?" she asked. Remus smiled and stood up. "I'm used to working for my do you need?" he asked before Sirius stood up behind him and both followed Petunia in to the kitchen as the two boys ran to do as they were asked.
Harry ran over to the fireplace,tossed in some floo powder and yelled: "The Burrow!" and stuck his head in.
"Hello?Anyone home?" he yelled from the fireplace,to hear rumbling in the staircase followed by Ron. "Hiya Harry! What's going on?" the redhead asked.
"Aunt Petunia asked me to see if you guys wanted to join us for a barbecue today" Harry replied.
"Oh,umm,me and Ginny are the only ones home right now,mum and dad are in Diagon Alley,Fred and George are at their friend Lee's house,Bill is at Gringott's,Charlie's at a job interview in Ireland,but he should be home in not too long,and Merlin knows where Percy is" Ron rambled.
"Well,when Charlie gets home,just let him know then. We're starting the grill in not too long" Harry said.
"Sure,I'll let him know" Ron said as Harry retreated back.
Harry went out into the backyard where Petunia was busy taking the grill out of the shed to make sure it can still be used.
She turned around at the sound of steps coming towards her,smiling at Harry when he came out.
"Any answer from the Weasleys?" she asked. Harry shook his head and told her about his conversation with Ron.
"Oh well. If they come,they come. If not,there's always some other day" Petunia said,getting a nod and a smile from Harry.
The rest of the evening went quietly for the family, with Petunia,Harry and Dudley getting better acquainted with Sirius and Remus.
Remus immediately agreed to help tutor Harry in some magic,though it's not much he could do yet,since he hadn't gotten his wand yet,and he and Ron were still in the beginning stages of learning runes.
Remus was currently between jobs,as he was quite often in the muggle world,but kept up to date with all news from the magical world.
Petunia did not hesitate in hiring Remus for the record shop,even going as far as to make arragements for the events around the full moon, to allow Remus time to recuperate after his transformations.
The next couple of weeks went fast for the household. Remus had moved in,after Sirius threatened to tie him down,with chain if necessary.
Petunia had her reservations,but allowed it because it was clear that Remus and Sirius needed each other,now more than ever. After all,neither of the men had properly managed to mourn Lily and James,one because of his self-imposed exile,the other from his stay in Azkaban.
Petunia did not have the heart to deny them the chance of being a part of Harry's life,as they had known James better than anyone.
The Weasleys were a constant in their household. Ron,Ginny and the twins were more often over,but it more usual than not that everyone was together for dinner at either the Burrow or Privet Drive. Sirius and Remus(to a lesser extent) were treated a couple of days on the non-magical side of London,and got to know the culture a little better.
Of course,Petunia did show them the music shop she was going to run,and where Remus was going to work. Sirius was impressed,and wondered if there was a way for him to help this store grow, especially after seeing both Harry and Dudley picking out some new albums for themselves. He shrugged off the thought for the time being,he had no pressing matters,other than being there for his last remnant of family,excluding his favorite cousin,Andromeda of course.
The summer holidays went fine for Harry and Dudley,both spending a lot of time together,either playing games or just reading comic books together. Ron and Ginny was over most days, and Harry could see more and more often that she definitely had some sort of feelings for his cousin,though she may not have realized it yet.
July 31st 1991:
Harry woke up to the sound of knocking on his bedroom window,and when he looked out,there was an owl outside. He quickly opened the window to let the bird in. It gracefully flew in and stretched out a leg,which had an envelope attached to it. Harry grinned as he knew what this was.
His Hogwarts letter had finally arrived. He opened the letter and read:
Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmaster:Albus Dumbledore
Dear Mr. Potter
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1. September. We await your owl by no later than 31. July.
Yours Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry grinned from ear to ear. He immediately wrote a reply and sent it back with the owl before grabbing his letter and making his way downstairs.
He found Sirius sitting by the coffee table. "Morning, birthday!" the man said. Harry grinned. "Thanks,Sirius. I just got my Hogwarts letter,look!" the 11-year old said as he gave his letter to Sirius,who took it and read.
While Sirius read the letter,Harry took a look at the equipment list:
"First-year students would require:
Uniform:
Three sets of plain work robes (black).
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear.
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar).
One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings).
Please note that all student's clothes should carry name tags at all times.
Books:
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
Other Equipment:
1 Wand
1 Cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set of glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set of brass scales
Students may also bring an Owl OR a Cat OR a Toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS."
"Well,looks like a trip to Diagon Alley is in the near future. If you want,Remus and I can take you today,no problem" Sirius said with a smile.
"Thanks Sirius. Can we bring Ron as well?I know that he also needs all this,despite him getting his letter back in March"Harry said.
Sirius smiled. "Of course. Why don't you floo the Burrow and ask?I'm sure Ron, Fred,George and Percy need their things as well,so why not have them all come and we get get it done even faster" Sirius said with a smile.
Harry grinned and went over to the fireplace while Sirius finished his coffee.
He was about to pour another cup when Remus came down the stairs. "Morning Moony!Up for a little trip to Diagon?" Sirius asked. Remus tilted an eyebrow at him. "Sure,why?" he asked. This time Sirius tilted an eyebrow.
"Well,a certain someone received his Hogwarts letter today,so I figured we could get it all done today" Sirius said. Remus' eyes widened. "Is it time already?Harry's 11 already?" Remus asked. Sirius nodded.
"Aye. Our little prongslet is growing up, his education begins. He will learn about the Marauders,magic and politics,both internal and external. It's up to us to teach him the way of the Marauders,and eventually also his animagus" Sirius said as he poured a new cup of coffee and handed it to Remus,who nodded and graciously accepted the cup as Harry came back in the room.
"Ron and the others will be here in half an hour,Molly said that she's for once counting on Sirius to behave as an acceptable adult,even though we all know Remus is the responsible one" he said as he went upstairs to get properly dressed. Remus then grew more serious as he looked at his closest friend.
"By the way,have you called on your magic to be accepted as Lord Black yet?" he asked. Sirius looked down.
"No,I haven't. Every time I think about doing it,I am reminded of my childhood at Grimmauld Place. Not to mention that damned house elf,Kreacher.
The Black name carries a heavy shadow,Moony. I want to find a way to purify the place and the legacy of the Blacks. I want to rebuild it in my image, as visionaries,innovators and champions of justice. Harry's not the only one who has a lot to study,old friend" Sirius looked into Remus' eyes.
Remus nodded understandingly at him. "you won't be alone.I'll help you if you want,it sounds like some kind of ritual-type magic,so I'd hazard that as a guess as to where to start" the werewolf said. Sirius smiled gratefully.
30 minutes later,the Weasleys of Hogwarts age,meaning Percy,Fred,George and Ron all came out of the fireplace at Privet Drive.
Harry,Sirius and Remus all stood there waiting for them. "Morning Boys" Sirius said. "Morning Sirius. Mum said you and Remus are to be our chaperones?" Percy said.
Sirius nodded. "Aye. Part of that entails me paying for your Hogwarts stuff,as I have agreed with your father. That means,you have savings money you can spend on your own. Now,we'll take the Knight Bus from here to the Leaky Cauldron. Once we're there,you're free to do as you wish,within certain limits" He emphasized with a steely look at Fred and George.
"I know pranksters and I know teenagers,as I was both. Knockturn Alley is strictly off limits. There's things in there that'll haunt your dreams for the foreseeable future,probably more too,understood?" Sirius asked the twins,who nodded.
"Crystal,Sir!" they chorused as they gave a mock-military salute.
Sirius grinned at the boys. "Then without further ado,let's go!" he said and led the group out of the house to the sidewalk where he stopped and held out his wand.
Not five seconds later,a huge,purple triple-decker bus stood before them.
Sirius payed one galleon,twelve sickles for passage for the lot,and off they went to London.