Chapter Forty-Four
The months passed quickly, with no more trouble from Dudley. In fact, the bully stayed far away from Harry. Two weeks before the end of school, Harry sat doing his homework as he watched Sirius and Remus get ready for this month's Wizengamot meeting.
"when will I get my letter?" he asked again.
Remus smiled at him, "a week or two before your birthday," he said.
Harry frowned, "how will the letter come? Will Dumbledore be able to find us?"
Sirius ruffled his hair, "no Pup. Remember when Sharpclaw put that spell on you? That was a mail redirection ward. All your mail goes to the cottage like ours."
Harry smiled and looked back down at his textbook, "oh. That's good."
"Besides," said Remus, "it's Minerva who takes care od the letters. She's the deputy headmistress."
Harry looked up with a smile, "really? Neat!"
"Don't worry Pup," said Sirius, "we'll take care of Dumbledore."
Harry frowned, "I want to help!"
The two Marauders looked at each other, "weeellll," they said together.
Harry stood up, "I can help! He stuck me with the Dursleys! He took you away! I want to help you! I can do it, and I'll be at Hogwarts. He'll want me to start trusting him right? So, he'll want to talk to me. Just tell me what to do!"
Matching evil grins appeared on their faces.
"We have an hour yet before we have to leave," said Remus, checking his watch, "let's talk."
Sirius clapped Harry on the shoulder, "welcome to the Marauders!" he said with a cheer, "I'm so proud!"
Remus only smiled.
…..
Dumbledore frowned as he put on his Wizengamot robes. In less than a month, Harry Potter would be getting his Hogwarts letter. And therein lay his problem, his original plan had called for Hagrid to deliver it and take the boy for his supplies, giving him the chance to get the stone. That would make Harry curious, and be the perfect setup for his little test. However, he was sure that Black and Lupin would insist on being the ones to tell Harry about magic and take him shopping. While there was usually an introduction by a Hogwarts professor, Albus knew he couldn't stop them. He was also pretty sure Black or Lupin would mention it at the end of this meeting.
He sighed and popped a lemon drop in his mouth before making his last minute finishing touches and headed for the floo.
…..
Sirius sat in his seat twirling a bit of parchment in his fingers, bored out of his mind as he listened to Umbridge droning on about her latest law proposal. Ever since the meeting where Sirius and Remus had revealed their marriage, she hadn't tried anything about werewolves, though that didn't stop her from trying just about every other magical being or creature though. Somehow, she'd managed to get out of the investigation he'd initiated with no more than a slap on the wrist.
Remus tapped him on his wrist and signed quickly, what do you think? Should we ask Dumbledore about Harry's letter after the meeting?
That would be best, Sirius signed back, you know he'll be expecting it.
Remus sighed quietly, I know, he signed.
Sirius patted his shoulder, I know Moony, I wish we didn't have to do this either.
Remus smiled at his husband, what should we say? I know he'll want a Hogwarts professor to do it, but I'm afraid he'd send Hagrid. As nice as he is, he worships Dumbledore.
Sirius grimaced, I know. It could be worse.
Worse how? Remus asked.
He could send Snape.
Remus winced, that would be worse. I hope he'll be decent to Harry. He loves Potions and I'd hate to see him lose that.
True enough. I want to take Harry shopping, Sirius was firm, it'll be the first time he's in the Alley as 'Thee-Boy-Who-Lived.' I don't want him going there without us.
Remus nodded, we better pay attention. I think she's finally winding down.
Thank Merlin! I was going spare from boredom! He signed with a dramatic flair before turning to face the podium.
Remus smiled and shook his head good-naturedly before also turning to face the toad.
"…and that is why I believe this law is necessary for the betterment of our world," Umbridge finished with her now standard line.
"Thank you, Madam Umbridge," said Dumbledore, "shall we put it to a vote?"
The members of the Wizengamot murmured assent.
"All in favor? Light your wands." Said Dumbledore.
Less than ten wands were lit.
"All opposed?"
This time the whole room lit up. Umbridge sat down in a huff as her motion failed.
"Before we adjourn this meeting, is there any new business?" Dumbledore asked. When no one said anything, he banged his gavel and said, "then I hereby end this Wizengamot meeting for the month of June, 1991."
While the rest of the members quickly left the chamber, Sirius and Remus stayed in their seats. So, they noticed did Dumbledore. When the chamber was empty, they approached him.
Albus smiled, "Ah Sirius, Remus. How are you my boys?"
"Very well thanks," said Sirius formally.
"We've come to talk about Harry," said Remus.
"Oh?" a look of annoyance appeared on his face, but he smoothed his expression just as quickly into a politely puzzled look, "would you care to join me in my office?"
"That would probably be best," said Remus.
….
Once they were all comfortably seated in the headmaster's office, Sirius got straight to the point.
"Harry will ne getting his letter soon," said Sirius, "were you planning a Muggleborn introduction for him? Since you didn't want us to tell him, I mean."
Albus leaned back in his seat, "yes I had been planning that. But Minerva is so busy this time of year, I had been thinking of sending someone else."
"We want to be the ones to tell him," said Sirius.
Remus smiled, "that way, you can just send out his letter and won't have to worry about sending anyone."
Albus frowned slightly and steepled his hands under his chin in a thoughtful pose, "Well, the introduction is usually done by a Hogwarts professor, but I don't see why not. Will you be taking him to the platform as well?"
Sirius nodded, "that was the plan."
Albus nodded, damn! He thought, I should have known. I'll have to tell Molly to think of another way Ron can befriend the boy. I wonder… maybe find out when they plan to take Harry shopping. Then they could 'meet' Hagrid in the bank. Maybe the Weasleys while out shopping….
Sirius and Remus exchanged quick looks. They could almost hear the wheels turning in the old man's mind. He was planning something. They both smiled inwardly at the plans they'd started with Harry.
"When will you take him?" Albus asked.
"Probably the day of or after his letter comes," Remus said.
Albus smiled, "excellent. Now, is that all you wanted to talk to me about?"
Both men nodded and left the office, heading for home.
A/N; I'm so sorry for the long wait of the last chapter. Besides the writer's block, most of my electronics decided to go out at once. But once I started writing, it seemed to be almost easy. A big thank you to all my reviewers, and all those who favorited and followed this story.
Kiani Skyrider
