Disclaimer is in chapter 1.

Andromeda Tonks hurried down the street of the suburb, ignoring the odd looks she was getting. She hadn't had time to fully dress muggle so, while she knew that nothing she was wearing was too out there, it wasn't exactly normal either. She didn't care for the moment, however, she intended to see for herself that Harry was fine.

She ran up the drive to number 4 and burst in without knocking, "Harry are you…"

Andromeda froze, three wands in her face and for a moment nearly broke into a cold sweat.

Harry sighed, "Sorry, Mrs. Tonks, we're a little on edge here."

The wands dropped, and Andromeda took a moment to look over the youths that had nearly cursed her right back out the door she'd just come through.

One was a girl, quite pretty, with wavy brown hair. She immediately put her wand away and turned her attention back to Harry, almost with a mothering air that brought a hint of a smile to Andy's lips.

This must be young Miss Granger, I would guess, Andromeda supposed. There were not many young ladies associated with Potter, and the only other she could think of was a Weasley, so in the absence of red hair, she would make her assumptions.

The young man, on the other hand, was a little taller than either of his fellows and quite fit. He had dark brown eyes that Andy caught eyeing and evaluating her for a long moment after Potter had proclaimed her identity. Finally his wand was slipped into his belt, alongside two others she could see that rested on his left hip, tied in a bundle.

She'd never seen anyone carry their wands quite like that, but once when travelling with her father on a business deal had seen a Japanese Wizard escorted by men called Samurai who wore swords and dagger in a similar fashion. It was an odd affectation, but somehow suited the young man, who she had to assume, was the American that Cissa had spoken of, Alexander.

"Well, now that I'm not going to be cursed out of the house," Andromeda said a moment later, before sighing, "And I do apologize for bursting in like that, I was not thinking straight. Harry, is everyone alright?"

"We're fine here, Mrs. Tonks," Harry told her, "The Dementors scattered when I cast my Patronus, so Dudley and I were able to make it back to the house. The Ministry sent this, however."

He handed her a latter, so Andy took a moment and quickly read it. Her lips twitched, alternating between amusement and frustration.

"Well," She said at length, "I'm having difficulty deciding whether to be annoyed or amused by this, I must confess. What are your thoughts, Harry?"

He shrugged, "I don't see where we have many options. We're going to have to go public, right?"

She nodded slowly, considering, "Assuming nothing changes, yes. It may, though, if the headmaster is able to figure something out."

"Well, if he does then we can reconsider," Harry said, "but if not, then it's time for Regent Black to step into the public eye."

"Don't forget Sir Harry, Mage Knight of the Realm," Andy reminded him, "Her Majesty has been understanding of your age and the peculiar situation in which you reside, but once you declare yourself publicly her pleasure may well be short-lived with any more evasion of your duties."

Harry nodded firmly. The last thing he wanted to do was annoy the Queen unnecessarily.

"Very well then," Andy said, taking a breath, "I will contact a solicitor for you and ensure that all necessary paperwork is ready for you… and we'd best keep a close eye on the ministry too."

"Huh? Why?" Harry asked, confused.

"This, Harry," She said, tapping the paper in her hand, "is not normal. The Minister is playing games, likely at the behest of Lucius… and we both know who he is working for. I believe we can expect some of the more underhanded plays at the Minister's disposal. Likely he'll change the time and location of the hearing, probably do his best to isolate you during the proceedings. Whatever happens, Harry, do not lose your temper… at least not until all of our pieces are in place."

"I understand," Harry nodded, "I'll do my best."

She narrowed her eyes as she looked him over, "Do better than that. You will shortly be the public face of the Blacks, and a representative of Her Majesty. Your best must increase."

He nodded, swallowing, and she responded in kind with a sense of satisfaction.

"It's about time," She said with feeling, "I had honestly expected this to come out sooner. Albus didn't push nearly as hard as I expected… almost like he knew what would happen if he did."

Which, Andy supposed, was likely closer to the truth than she knew for certain.

"What are your plans between now and the hearing?" She asked, eyes drifting to the other youths in the room, and the quietly listening Dursleys.

"The headmaster wants me to stay inside," Harry admitted glumly.

"I didn't ask what the headmaster wanted, Harry, while you may not have declared yourself publicly yet, you are Regent Black and Sir Harry of Potter. The Headmaster has no control over you now, though I would suggest you consider him as an… advisor, if nothing else. The man is an accomplished politician, and that experience would serve your houses well."

Harry nodded firmly, "I don't know what next… I… I want to locate Potter Keep. I know it's empty, but it's still my family home."

Andromeda nodded, "Well the Goblins may be able to help with that. I'm afraid I don't know the location, most Wizarding properties are accessed through magical means so we don't always know exactly where they are, physically speaking, and it has been some time since your family lived there. Perhaps Sirius could help?"

"I've been talking with him, but he only knows the general area," Harry sighed, "It's actually along Hadrian's Wall somewhere near the East Coastline, but that still covers a lot of area."

"Indeed, especially since it's probably been warded and hidden away from normal eyes," Andy sighed, "well, check with the Goblins. Your parents vaults may have records, if nothing else."

"Ok, I'll do that."

Xander decided to speak up, "I'll help you get around, if you like, Harry. I'd love to see an old English castle that isn't haunted to bedrock, if it's ok with you?"

Harry grinned at him, "That's fine…. Uh, how did you get here anyway?"

Hermione groaned, Xander just grinned and walked over to the window and pointed. Harry looked, eyes widening, "I meant back to England… did you portkey on that bike?"

"Yup."

Andromeda glanced outside and sighed, "Oh Sirius. You didn't give a toy like that to a child…"

Xander shot her a dirty look, but decided against commenting.

Harry was biting his lip as he stared, "Does it… uh, does it fly? I had a dream once, about a flying motorcycle…"

"Yeah, Harry," Xander nodded, "It flies."

"I'm hardly surprised that you dreamt of such things either," Andromeda said, rolling her eyes. "Sirius snuck you out on his often enough, despite Lilly's constant threats to neuter him if she caught him doing so."

Looking mildly put out, she cast a nod to Xander's bike through the window, "I suppose that's his work?"

Xander grinned, "It is, along with some other guys. I understand he's working on a new and improved version for himself, of course."

"Of course he is," She answered nonplussed, "Oh well, if it keeps him out of trouble…"

"I'm really not sure anything can keep Sirius out of trouble," Xander snorted, then glanced at Harry, "You know, if you're coming out of the closet this summer, you'll be able to visit next year."

"Oi! Don't say it like that," Harry objected.

The look on Xander's face was anything but repentant, causing both Andromeda and Hermione to sigh deeply and speak at the same time.

"Boys."

Andromeda recovered first, "We'll I shall leave you to it. Harry, do not be late to the hearing. In fact, be early. Very early. I expect Albus will arrange for that himself, but if he doesn't and you need help getting there, contact me."

"I will."

"Good, now stay out of trouble until it's over," She told him, then sighed, "As best you can, if you please? And… good luck with the Goblins and Potter's Keep."

"I will, and thank you."

Andromeda nodded to Petunia before taking her leave, "I do apologize for invading your home, Mrs. Dursley. I will endeavor to minimize any future visits as much as is wizardly possible."

Petunia just nodded curtly, her face pinched as she seemed to want to say something but thought better of it. Andromeda took that time to step out the door and hurry off.

"Well," Xander said, "I suppose I'd better take Hermione home before her parents think she's eloped or something."

He ducked a slap from Hermione.

"Watch it, Xander, or I'll… I'll…" She said, searching for something to threaten him with.

He laughed at her, "Give it up, Her My Own Ninny, I tweak Wednesday's nose regularly. There's nothing you can do to scare me if she can't."

Hermione glowered at him, "I can convince her to play a game with you."

Xander winced involuntarily, "Fair point… though, frankly I'm not sure that would really be any different than normal for Wednesday."

There was that, Hermione supposed. It was rather annoying, dealing with Xander. He was immune to most of the threats she would use against Harry and Ron… dealing with Wednesday had a way of inoculating you to such things.

She sighed, "Just take me home."

Xander grinned, waving at Harry, "Give me a call if you need a lift. I'll be around."

"Thanks," Harry said, following them to the door.

He watched with a grin on his face as Xander hopped on the bike and Hermione gingerly followed. The roar when Xander kicked the engine over was sublime, it made him think of… home, somehow. As a Wizard he was able to ignore the notice me not charms as they kicked in and so Harry watched the bike roar down Privet Drive and lift off into the air while no one seemed to find anything remotely curious about it.

Magic was awesome.

Getting Hermione home took only a few minutes, the house being empty when they arrived.

"My parents are at the clinic," Hermione told him, "but thank you for coming when I asked, I know you had to cut off some of your time at home."

Xander shrugged, "with the bike now I can probably go back and forth, if I wanted, but I think I'll stick around a bit and see Harry's castle."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "You do know it'll be some old abandoned pile of stones, right?"

"Still cool," Xander chuckled, "It's a castle."

"It's a Keep," She corrected him, "quite a different thing."

"It is?" Xander asked, confused, "I thought a Keep was part of a Castle?"

"Sometimes, but not always," She informed him, her tone taking on a familiar lecturing pattern, "Since it's called Potter Keep, rather than Potter Castle, I assume that it's likely more of a defended tower than a castle, but I suppose we'll have to see."

A smile played at Xander's lips, "We?"

"Well of course I'm coming," She informed him firmly, "You'll just have to pick me up."

Xander laughed, "First we need to work out where it is, and that could take some doing it seems."

She sighed, a little sadly, "Yes. I hope it's not too hard. Harry needs the connections to his family, I think."

"I don't know if he needs it, but he wants it," Xander said, "so I hope he gets what he wants."

Xander checked his watch, "I've got to go, Herms. Going to book a room and…"

"We have a spare room here if you like," Hermione offered instantly.

Xander raised an eyebrow, "Shouldn't you check with your parents first?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "They won't mind, but it's up to you."

He shrugged, it didn't really matter much to him either way. He had the money for a room, but he wasn't going to be staying in it anyway so all he needed was a place to crash. He figured that Harry would be going to Gringotts the next day, unless he decided to keep his head down.

Fat chance of that, if I know Harry, Xander laughed.

"If your parents are cool with it, it's fine by me," Xander as he fished in his pocket for his spell phone. "I need to call Wednesday, though."

"Oh?" Hermione asked, amused, "She has you checking in?"

"No, she has my dog though," Xander corrected her, "and I really owe her for looking after Fenrir again this summer."

"I'm sure she will call in the favor in her own time," Hermione said with a grin.

"You have no idea," Xander mumbled under his breath, just out of her hearing. "No idea at all."