Family

chapter 9

The dark-haired man with the haunted eyes and the brown-haired one with scars all over him kept vigil over the messy-haired teenager who was lying on the bed in between them. Once Astrid had gotten the documents signed by the Dursleys and had sent them off to her lawyer the odd family of four had immediately relocated from the tiny house on No.4 to the Black Summer house in the countryside. It had been three days since then. Harry had woken up once on the 11 to know the outcome of the Wizengamot session and to have some potions and food and then Astrid had immediately again given him some dreamless sleep potion. He was supposed to wake up today, any moment now and both men were suitably worried.

Sirius sat beside his godson on the bed, his grey eyes unmoving from his still figure while Remus sat in an armchair beside them both. His one hand was absentmindedly moving through Harry's hair.

"He'll be fine pads." Remus said softly.

Sirius's grey eyes drifted from his godson to his friend.

"He's a fighter."

"I know moony, but still, what if something happens?" Sirius said tensely.

Remus squeezed his friend's arm, an understanding smile on his face.

"I really don't think Astrid would have left the room if she felt Harry was in any danger now would she?"

"No, I guess not."

The two friends sat in silence for a few minutes before Sirius broke out into giggles. Remus raised an eyebrow at his sudden behavior change. He waved him off before trying and failing to smother his laughter.

"This has to be the best prank ever Moony, turning the country upside down and arresting all those idiots." Sirius said gleefully.

"It's a good thing Astrid wasn't at Hogwarts, she might have out pranked the marauders." Remus sniggered.

Sirius looked outraged. "Moony! How could you? No one can out prank the marauders! We became illegal animagi at 15! 15! to run around with a werewolf!"

"Legal." A hoarse whisper interrupted their conversation. Both men snapped to attention looking at the boy in front of them.

"Harry!"

"How are you? Do you need -" Sirius's question was cut short by the coughing fit Harry had started suddenly. Remus, immediately conjured a glass of cool water as Sirius helped him sit up supported by an army of pillows.

Harry grateful drank the glass of water, his throat feeling better.

"Where are we?" He asked bewildered, looking at the huge four-poster he was sleeping on, surrounded by blue silk sheets. The huge room had a cozy fireplace across from the bed with a sofa set in front of it. The wall to his left had three huge doors while the wall opposite him had huge french doors leading to a balcony.

"The Black Summer home. We have had the elves cleaning it from the start of summer so that it will be ready by the time we move in. This is the heir's set of rooms. Do you like them?" Sirius asked, a nervous tone to his words.

"Like them? These are huge!" Harry said in a shocked voice.

"You should see Sirius's rooms, those make this look almost poor." Remus teased lightly.

"Of course, I am the Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black after all." He replied in a fake snotty voice. This sent all three of them into cackles of laughter.

"Well, I see you're enjoying yourselves." A voice teased them from the ornate doorway.

Astrid stood in the doorway in a stunning white skirt, shirt, and blazer all trimmed with gold. As she walked into the room, her black heels made a click-click on the floor.

"I see you bought out the full regalia." Sirius teased.

"How dare you!" Astrid fake gasped.

"This is just something I wear to shop in."

"Really Siri." Remus scolded as he hit his friend on the back of his head.

"You look beautiful Astrid." He said smiling at the young woman in front of him.

"Yeah, you look really good." Harry turned red. "I don't mean you don't look good every day, er, you do." He stuttered, being at those awkward teenage years where one doesn't know how to compliment someone properly.

Astrid laughed delightedly. "Thank you darlings. How are you feeling Harry?" She asked the teenager.

"Good. I feel good." Harry said contemplatively, mentally checking if all his facilities were working properly. Astrid hummed as she waved her wand, checking for herself. A satisfied smile crept onto her face.

"Everything is in order, congratulations you are now bond and horcrux free!" She stated. Sirius and Remus visibly relaxed, the confirmation helping them.

"Okay first things first, we are celebrating tonight! Because we have so much to celebrate and the second thing." She turned to Sirius.

"It's all set up, you just need to talk to Harry and we can do it either today or tomorrow. Personally, I would recommend today since then we can move onto the next part of the plan."

"Right, Thanks Astrid." He said with a smile, once again thanking his lucky stars for his friend.

"Great, why don't you guys talk while I direct Topsy and the others to put away the clothes for the three of you."

"Three of us?" Remus squeaked.

"Of course. You're a part of the family Rem." Saying so she skipped out of the room, humming happily.

"Should I be worried about how much she bought for me?" Harry asked warily. Over the past few days, he had gotten to know his older sister/aunt very well and he knew she was almost fanatical about fashion.

"Oh don't worry about it. Astrid has a knack for fashion and choosing exactly what you will be most comfortable in and what you will love most." Sirius said.

Harry noticed that his godfather looked very nervous. He and Remus seemed to be having a silent conversation. Oh, how many times hadn't he and Ron and Hermione done the same thing? He felt a pang of guilt and regret go through him at the thought of his friends. At Astrid's request, he had not told them anything, just saying about how the Dursleys were leaving him alone. He wondered what their response would be to all that was happening. His inner musings were interrupted by watching his godfather approach the bed with Remus beside him. He silently watched them take a seat on the bed.

"Harry, you know that I, we, love you. From the moment we found out your mother was pregnant we were ecstatic. You were, are our legacy. We all vowed to protect you no matter what, and, well Astrid gave me an idea for that. Now before we say anything, we just want you to know that it's alright if you say no. We won't be offended or anything, totally up to you. You just have to say no and that's it."

"You're not sending me back to the Dursleys are you?" he blurted out suddenly scared.

Remus shot Sirius an annoyed look to say, 'Look what you have done with all you rambling.'

"We would never pup. In fact, Astrid even got them to sign papers saying they are giving up all rights to you and signing over your guardianship to Sirius." Remus reassured him.

Harry's tensed shoulders relaxed.

"What I wanted to ask you Harry is if you would want to be adopted by us, me and Moony. We aren't trying to take James' place, not at all. It's just that if by some way the papers were deemed inadmissible, they will have to accept the magical bond. That way no one can take you away from us, legally or magically." Sirius explained, finally a bit calm.

Harry stared at the two men looking at him with eyes filled with hope and nervousness. His throat closed as his eyes filled with tears. Without warning, he flung himself onto the two. Both men catching him between them easily.

"Yes! Yes of course! When can we do it?" He asked between laughter and tears.

Seeing his reaction, both men couldn't help but laugh and cry too.

"Now if you are up for it." Remus said.

Harry grinned at them, his green jewel-like eyes shining brightly.

"Of course!" He said.

And just like that, all three of them were again entangled in each other's arms. Laughter and tears dominating them. None of them even noticed the silent figure who had snapped a few shots of them before slipping out, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Astrid had had a very busy day. First, she had brunch with the new Minister. When Amelia had sent the latter thanking her for help, she had replied asking her for a brunch appointment. After a very enjoyable brunch, she invited the minister to the adoption which she was sure would take place today. The reason for this was twofold. First to introduce the new minister to the new head of the house of Black and second, having her as a witness to the adoption ritual would help curb many rumors. After that, she had met with Bertie Croaker to confirm if too would be attending the event, finally, then she could shop for new clothes for her family.

Family. A smile curved her lips. It felt good to say that. She thought after the war, she would have lost it all completely, but here she was, with a family that she cared for and loved.

Seeing that moment in the bedroom with those three had made even her eyes water and her more determined to do anything to make sure her family didn't suffer again.

She sat in the sitting room, sipping a cup of tea when Sirius and Remus literally skipped into the room! They were even holding hands!

"Good news?" She asked teasingly.

"Great news! He wants to do it today only." Sirius proclaimed happily. Remus stole a chocolate biscuit from her plate, sticking his tongue out at her when she shot him an exasperated look.

"I know, that's why I arranged for Bertie Croaker and Amelia Bones to be here, that way no one will ever be able to dispute your claims."

"And that is why you are my favorite cousin." Sirius shot back with a roughish grin. Astrid rolled her eyes playfully.

"Go, both of you. You stink. I have placed robes on your needs." She said wrinkling her nose in fake disgust.

They grinned at each other before pouncing on her. Laughter bubbled up from her as they tickled her.

"Mercy! Mercy!" She gasped between laughter.

They both left her just as quickly and sauntered out of the room, goofy grins plastered on their faces.

Upstairs, Harry had too had a smile on his face as the echo of laughter followed him up. He was finally home, with his family and nothing, absolutely nothing could be better than this.

Harry, Sirius, and Remus stood in front of the ceremonial bowl standing on the pedestal. All three of them were wearing splendid robes of deep magenta with gold and black borders, the crests of the houses of Black and Potter embroidered on their cuffs. Astrid, Amelia, and Bertie stood opposite them. All of them had taken vows to keep the event secret until it became public knowledge that Harry was adopted by Sirius and Remus.

Sirius tapped the bowl with his wand and the silver cobra erupted, slithering in the stone bowl. He smiled at Harry and Remus before he pricking his finger and letting three drops of blood drip into the bowl. He held out the dagger to Harry, he too pricked his finger before letting three drops of the blood drop. The snake hissed in approval, the blood being absorbed into itself. Harry and Sirius joined their hands, their fingers interlocked.

"I, Sirius Orion Black, Head of the house of Black, take Harry James Potter, heir to the house of Potter as my son and heir, by blood, by magic, by law, so have I sworn, so mote it be."

A tendril of silver magic came up and curled around their joined hands.

"I, Harry James Potter, heir to the house of Potter, accept Sirius Orion Black, head of the house of Black as my parent, by blood, by magic, by law, so have I sworn, so mote it be."

A second tendril entwined their hands, joining the first, the silver band around their hands glowed brightly before disappearing. Strangely the cobra didn't disappear yet. It cocked its head looking at Harry intently before slithering towards him. Sirius looked alarmed at this development. He knew the adoption had worked, he could feel the bond to Harry, he glanced at Remus who had a mildly curious expression on his face. He looked at the faces of his guests, all ranging from shock to curiosity. He turned back as he heard his godson-no son hiss at the snake and watched the snake hiss back. A few more hisses later, Harry smiled as the snake dissipated and Sirius felt it settle around his core once again.

"Er...Harry? What was that about?" He asked tentatively.

"Oh nothing, the snake just said that he hadn't had a speaker to talk to in ages and was just welcoming me to the family." Harry suddenly hesitated a sudden fear engulfing him.

What if Sirius too thought he was a dark wizard?

"Oh alright." Sirius smiled before pulling him into a hug.

"I know what your thinking. Don't. I love you just as you are. Parseltongue and warts and all." Sirius whispered in his ear, his arms tightening around Harry. Harry blinked back tears at his words, hugging his new father tightly before stepping back.

Remus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Ready?" He asked quietly with a small smile.

Harry beamed back at him nodding.

Since Lupin wasn't an ancient or noble house they didn't have any family magic, they would be calling on magic itself to preside over the adoption.

Remus tapped the bowl, before calling forth magic.

A bright orb of blue energy materialized before them.

"I, Remus John Lupin, Head of House Lupin, take, Harry James Potter, heir to the house of Potter as my son and heir, by blood, by magic, by law, so have I sworn, so mote it be."

"I, Harry James Potter, heir to the house of Potter, accept Remus John Lupin, head of the house of Lupin as my parent, by blood, by magic, by law, so have I sworn, so mote it be."

The blue band surrounding them glowed brightly before disappearing, magic having accepted their bond. As soon as the magic disappeared Sirius squealed before jumping onto the other two. The three of them stood in an awkward three-way hug, smiling at each other for a few minutes before moving away from each other. It was then Astrid's turn to hug every single one of them, congratulating them heartily.

"Congratulations, Lord Black, Mr. Potter, Mr. Lupin." Amelia greeted them next, smiling at the obvious love between the three men before her.

"Thank you, Minister, for attending and for getting me my freedom." Sirius replied.

"I was just doing what I should have done before." Amelia stated in a kind voice.

From the corner of his eyes, he could see Harry and Remus conversing with Bertie. With every word of Harry's it seemed to be like Bertie and Remus were becoming more excited. Astrid had disappeared from the room, probably to check in on the food.

"Listen Madam Minister, there are few things I need to discuss with you, in confidence, about Voldemort."

Amelia's auror senses tingled. "Of course, would you like me to schedule a meeting tomorrow?" She asked.

Sirius shook his head in apology. "I'm afraid I can only meet after a week, how much ever important this is, Harry is much more important to me and we need the time as a family for at least a few days. "

Amelia noded understandingly.

"I understand, owl me the details of when you would like to meet. I'm afraid I have to get going now." She said.

"Of course, and thank you so much again, for coming, and helping us file the papers discreetly."

"It's the least I could do Lord Black." Amelia stated. Bertie too came over to pay his thanks to Sirius before they both left. The rest of the evening in The Black-Lupin-Potter residence was spent laughing talking and making memories.