AN: I don't own Harry Potter. I want to thank everyone that has read, reviewed, followed and favorited this story! I also want to apologize for such a long wait for this chapter but the good news is is that I have also started chapter 3 which I hope to have posted by the 3rd. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
-hp-
The summer flew by after Harry's inheritance. Vernon and Harry grew closer as the days passed, though Vernon's temper had shown its ugly head a few times. Every time something went wrong around the house Dudley and Petunia attempted to blame it on Harry with no success on their part. More often than not you would catch Vernon and Harry bent over books and making any notes they felt was important. Two days before the Weasleys was scheduled to come Vernon came across some dreadful information.
-HP-
Vernon pulled into the driveway and shut off the engine. Gripping the steering wheel he rested his head against the top of it with gritted teeth. Taking a deep breath and exhaling he grabbed his briefcase and headed for the house. As usual the house was spotless, not a speck of dirt or dust to be seen. Setting his case down beside his chair he walked into the kitchen to the new almost normal sight of Harry at the table surrounded with open books and periodically writing notes down in his notebook. Just a couple of days ago Harry had managed to 'absorb' his wings with the only evidence of them being the tattoo of them on his back. With a heavy sigh he sat at the table.
Hearing someone sit down heavily in the chair next to him, Harry jumped. Snapping his head over he let out a sigh of relief and a chuckle until he seen the grim look.
"Harry, we need to talk."
"What's going on? Did something happen?" Harry asked as the feeling of apprehension rose.
"Today I decided to take my lunch break in the office. While I was eating I was going through one of the books," Vernon paused and sighed while running a hand through his hair, "According to 'A Ministry's Guide About Angel's' if when a angel goes through a inheritance and is proven to be a submissive the Ministry can claim guardianship if there is no family dominant to protect the submissive. And unfortunate a muggle can't be a family dominant." He ended with a grave look and a sad gleam in his eyes.
The breath caught in his throat as his heart pounded in his chest. The Ministry could take guardianship over him? But he finally had a connection with one of his family members! Plus if he was taken he wouldn't be able to see Sirius until he found his mate, which could take years! Just the thought made him start to hyperventilate. He could be taken out of Hogwarts! They could stop him from seeing Hermione, Ron and the rest of the Weasley's! Feeling tears fill his eyes he rested his head in his hands as a sob escaped him. Stiffening he bit his lip as he felt arms wrap around him only to relax when he heard his uncle's soothing voice.
"Don't worry, we WILL find a to keep you away from them." Feeling Vernon pulling away Harry glanced up at him from underneath tear soaked lashes, "Why don't you invite your godfather over? Maybe he can help us come up with a plan?"
"He can't. Right now he's hiding on a private island that is apart of his family estate. The dementors still have Kiss On Sight orders out for him."
"What's a dementor? And what do you mean kiss on sight? Are they going to snog him then throw him back in prison without his trial?" Vernon asked with a rarely seen confused look on his face. With a wet sounding chuckle Harry shook his head.
"No they won't snog him and take him back to prison. Dementor's are one of the darkest creatures of the wizarding world. They are invisible to people without magic but you would still fill the same effect. When they are around it gets really cold and you will feel as if you'll never be happy again. They feed off your happiness and as they feed it feels as if you are reliving your very worst memories. When they give you the kiss is when they suck out your soul and eat it. Your body will still live, but it's nothing more than a empty husk." he explained with a shutter, "Last year when Sirius escaped and they thought he was after me the Ministry stationed them around school to prevent him from getting me. A lot of good that did me! During my game against Hufflepuff the dementors attempted to give me the kiss! Everytime a dementor comes near me I hear mum screaming and begging Voldemort to spare me." Harry whispered shaking his head.
"And your Ministry purposely placed those thingies around a school full of children?! Are they mad?!" Vernon practically bellowed, "Why didn't they have auror's there instead?! Or something that wouldn't have gone after students?"
"I have no clue but the point is is that Sirius can't come here. Or back to England for that matter."
"Unless we can prove his innocence." Vernon mumbled releasing Harry as the wheels started turning in his mind. Harry watched as Vernon got up and started pacing knowing he was in 'work mode'. Glancing down at the table he froze as he seen his notes. Grabbing the notebook he started to reread them.
-When a angel has come into its inheritance, or is hiding itself the one thing it can not do is lie. It can redirect your question, refuse to answer your question, and/or give a misleading answer but they can not lie.
Giving a shout of excitement Harry jumped up from his chair and almost knocked Vernon over with a hug.
"I found it! We need to go to the Ministry to the DMLE! I can talk to Madame Bones and get her to free Sirius and declare him as my family dominante!" He shouted with a grin that made his eyes sparkle with delight. Running from the kitchen up to his bedroom he barely took notice of his new bed and furniture along with the beautiful light blue Vernon had painted the walls two weeks ago. dashing to his desk he started to draft a letter to Sirius. Harry didn't pause in his writing when he heard his uncle walk into his room with labored breaths from running up the stairs.
"Tell him to somehow sneak into the house. When we go to the Ministry Madame Bones might want to question him after you give your statement." Vernon plopped down on the bed while wiping the sweat off his brow, "Bloody hell, I need to go on a diet and start jogging. I can't even run up the stairs when I need to with out being out of breath." He grimace.
-HP-
Sitting on the sofa, Harry was beyond nervous. He was nervous, excited and scared all wrapped in one. It was half past eight in the morning and Sirius would be here any moment now. Vernon had decided to take the day off work to not only meet his godfather, but also because he knew that Harry would need the emotional support. Now that Vernon knew the truth, he was very compassionate and tried to be helpful in any way that he could be for Harry. Harry snickered as he thought about Dudley just the other day complaining about mowing the lawn.
"Alright there Harry?"
"Yeah, just nervous. So many things could go wrong wit-" The doorbell rang interrupting Harry. Turning large green eyes to the door he paled. Sirius was supposed to sneak into the house, not come to the bloody front door! He heard Vernon swallow loudly and get up to answer the door.
"Yes, how may I help you?"
"My name is Remus Lupin, I was a Harry's defence professor last year. May I come in for a moment?"" Nodding Vernon stepped out of the way as he opened the front door. Stepping through the door with his grey streaked hair and worn tweed jacket and a smile Harry couldn't help but smile back and then giggle at the large shaggy black dog beside him wearing a matching pink collar and leash. Harry's giggles turned into side splitting laughs when he caught the mischievous gleam in Remus' eyes.
"What are you doing down there freak?! My Dudders is trying to sleep!" Petunia's shrieking voice rang out as her footsteps started coming down the stairs. The large dogs hair stood up on its ends as it started growling. Peeking around the corner Petunia gulped when she seen not only Harry but Vernon with a stranger and the ferocious looking dog.
"Vernon, what's going on? Who is that and why is that vicious dog in our house?" She sneered not caring about making herself polite. It was obvious that the man was poor with his worn clothes. She watched as the stranger slowly reached down and unhooked the leash.
"Sick her Snuffles." Petunia's eyes widened dramatically as the great beast darted after her. Harry couldn't stop laughing as he heard the bang on a bedroom door shut.
"Why in the bloody hell did you do that?! I might not like her that much at the moment but that's no reason to set your dog on her!" Vernon gritted out. Remus smirked and pointed behind him towards the staircase. Turning Vernon's eyes widened as he seen a man with grey eyes and shoulder length hair wearing a robe grinning from ear to ear. What drew his attention the most though was the pink colar that had been around the dog's neck was now around the mans.
"I would like to introduce you to Harry's godfather Sirius Black sense it seems as though Harry might be to out of breath to do it himself." Remus grinned.
"Sirius, you do realize that your wearing a pink colar don't you?" Harry asked as he wiped away tears of mirth.
"What? No I most definitely am not! It's gold." Sirius frowned as he unbuckled the colar. Looking down at it Sirius was dumbfounded. It was pink. He had been walking around in a pink colar! Hearing Remus's snort of laughter he snapped his head up with narrowed eyes. Remus was the picture of perfect innocence. But Sirius knew better. Letting out a growl that very closely resembled his canine form Sirius jumped over the banister, transforming into Padfoot and with in seconds was chasing Remus around the living room sending Harry into peals of laughter again. Vernon could do nothing except sit in his chair in astonishment and watch as the charos unfolded. Remus let out a shout of pain and soon Sirius threw himself down on the couch beside Harry with a self satisfied grin.
"Did you really have to bite my arse? Wasn't it enough having me run around like a loon in front of Harry's uncle?" Remus scowled as he rubbed his backside with a grimince.
"Nope." He said as he made sure the p popped knowing that it would get under Remus skin.
"Moony we need to take Snuffles to the vet. One, I think he might have fleas because I'm almost positive I felt something bite me and two, we need to get him neutered. We don't need any 'little Padfoot's' running around!" Harry wheezed out as he threw his arm over his eyes and chuckled trying to get his breathing under control.
"Can all witches and wizards turn into any animal they want?" Vernon piped up.
"No Mr. Dursley. A witch or a wizard can become a animagus with years of studying. A animagus can only turn into one animal that resembles them the most. Take Sirius here for instance. He is very loyal to his friends and those that he considers family. He is hyper and cheerful most of the time. And he also doesn't know how to keep it in his pants."
"Oi! I'll have you know that I kept it in my pants for the last 12 years! In Azkaban!" Sirius shouted.
"And the animal that is the closest to his personality is a dog." Remus finished as he acted as though he didn't hear Sirius.
"Uncle Vernon, don't mind these two. They are best friends and was friends with my dad in school. They are the biggest pranksters that Hogwarts have ever seen along with my dad and a traitor, though the Weasley twins give them a run for their gallions. They named themselves the Marauders and gave each other nicknames. My dad's was Prongs because he was a stag animagus, Sirius name is Padfoot because his form is a dog. And Remus's name is Moony."
"What is your form Mr. Lupin, if you don't mind me asking?" Vernon asked curiously.
"I actually don't have a form. The reason they became animangies is because of me. They found out I was a werewolf and read in a book that if a animagus is with a werewolf during the fool moon, it eases the strain on the wizards body."
"Werewolves are real?"
"Yes, I would suggest to never be out on the night of the full moon. Harry's potion professor Severus Snape created the Wolfsbane potion for werewolves, it doesn't stop the transformation but it allows us to keep our minds instead of turning into bloodthirsty monsters. The problem with it though is that some werewolves injoy becoming monsters and refuse to take the potion. Or there are others like myself that wants to take the potion but can't because it's too expensive because of the ingredients." Remus sighed, "But we're not here to talk about my curse. So Harry when can we see your new wings?"
Harry blushed as all the attention was placed on him. Standing and walking to the middle of the room, he turned his back as he took off his white outer robe. Moving his long hair out of the way, he closed his eyes and thought about his wings. Feeling a tingling sensation, he smiled when he heard Remus and Sirius gasp. His large beautiful white wings practically glowed. Using his shirt he covered his chest and turned around.
"They are absolutely beautiful pup." Sirius said with tears gathering in his eyes, "Your parents would be so proud if they was here. Your mother was hoping that you would become a angel as well. And if your dad was here then I hate to say this but your mate wouldn't stand a chance to get close to you."
"And sense he isn't here, I'll make sure that your mate has to run through hoops while blindfolded! If he isn't worthy then I'll keep him away until he is!" Remus growled out as his eyes bled into yellow showing that his wolf was close to the surfus, "My cub only deserves the absolute best."
"Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin I want to apologize for how I have treated Harry all these years. Petunia fed me lie after lie about not only Harry but also the Wizarding World and anyone or thing that wasn't 'normal'. It got to the point that I hated anything to do with it." Vernon looked so ashamed of himself. "Harry and I have been getting to know each other and I have to say he is a fine upstanding young man. Someone that I wish Dudley was like."
"You can't change the past, but you can make a better tomorrow. And it seems as if you are well and truly on your way to achieving that. Harry has been writing us and telling us all about his new room, the movie you took him to see the day he managed to absorb his wings and all the things you have been doing together. I have been talking to the headmaster sense Harry's inheritance, and he was wondering if you would like a change in employment?" Remus asked while laying a hand on his shoulder.
"Are you serious?!" Harry shouted with his eyes wide in joy and excitement visible by the trembling of his wings. There was only one class Vernon could teach and it had a horrible teacher. Muggle studies.
"If you agree to change employment to Hogwarts, you would be teaching the Muggle studies class and showing young witches and wizards how to blend in with the muggle world."
"What is the wages?" Vernon asked while pondering whether he really wanted to take a chance and change careers.
"Twenty-one galleons a week and with a fifteen galleon Christmas bonus." Remus started grinning when Vernon started choking. Harry must have already informed Vernon of the exchange rate. "You would also be free to come home the nights that you aren't patrolling the castle for children out after curfew. I would say that Petunia was more than welcome to come stay at the castle but I think she would get hexed by the students before the first class even began." Remus chuckled.
"Will you please come to Hogwarts with me Uncle Vernon? You can meet all my friends, and you will have a even better wage than you do at Grunnings just for teaching kids how to work a microwave and toaster and every day muggle things!"
"I would need to talk to the headmaster before I can really decide. Though with wages like that its very tempting." Vernon laughed as Harry jumped on him for a hug. "Now we have to talk about going to the ministry, we have to get Mr. Black free to claim him as your family dominant."
"Actually Moony and I have already came up with a plan," Sirius grinned while leaning forward with his arms resting on his legs, "Heres how its going to go."
-HP-
Walking through the Ministry of Magic was nerve wracking for Harry. Vernon and Snuffles was not only under his invisibility cloak but also under notice-me-not, wizard repellent charms and silencing spells on their shoes. It might seem like a lot, but Harry felt better knowing that they was under several protections instead of just his cloak that could be yanked off if a guard was suspicious. Getting into the lift, Harry watched as Remus purposely dropped some papers to give the invisible duo time to get on before he got on himself. As the lift went up Harry glanced at Remus to see he had a smirk. They didn't say a word because the ministry was known for having eavesdropping spells in the lifts, of course they denied it but it didn't mean that it wasn't true.
As the lift came to their level, Harry and Remus walked together going towards the DMLE. As they turned the corner Harry had to come to an abrupt halt and backpedal not to run into someone.
"Watch where you're going Potter!" He heard a voice sneer. Looking up he came face to face with the scowling face of Lucius Malfoy.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't know that you owned the ministry halls! But with all the pockets you line a day, including Minister Fudge's, you might as well." Harry sighed with a disappointed look on his face, "Have you managed to fix the diary you gave Ginny Weasley in her first year?"
"Why you insolent little-"
"I would suggest you hold your tongue Mr Malfoy." Remus stepped in front of Harry, a dangerous glint in eyes as his voice had a note of steel that Harry had never heard from the usual gentle man, "The winds of change is upon us, if I was you I would re evaluate all your acquaintances. Heed my warning before your family becomes worth nothing. Remember, your father is no longer around to force you to do anything now." Wrapping a arm around Harry's shoulders he lead him around the ghostly pale blond.
Walking into the DMLE, there was aurors walking around everywhere. Gulping Harry let Remus lead the way to the desk in front of a office door that read in big bold letters MADAME BONES, HEAD OF THE DMLE.
"Hello, we need to speak to Madame Bones. We have information on the case of Sirius Black." The redheaded secretary instantly paled at the mention of Sirius. Jumping up she walked as fast as she could to the door and poked her head in.
"She will see you now. " Opening the door wider she stepped out of the way as unknowingly Vernon and Sirius went in first followed by Remus and Harry. The woman behind the desk could be no older than Sirius and Remus, with blond hair and startling blue eyes. At first glance you could tell she didn't put up with incompetence. Hopefully she wouldn't put up with having a innocent man being in prison.
"May I have your names please?"
"I am Remus Lupin and this is Harry Potter. As we told your secretary we have information on Sirius Black." At the Mention of Harry's name Amelia snapped her gaze onto him and it softened considerably.
"Please Mr. Potter, Mr. Lupin have a seat. Do you mind me using a delta-quill to record the interview?"
"No." Harry shook his head as he he sat down across from her.
"Please tell me everything you know regarding Sirius Black."
"I had never heard of him until right before what was my third year of Hogwarts. I heard that he was Vol- I'm sorry You-Know-Who's right hand man from the conductor of the Knight Bus. I wasn't worried about it because I figured it had nothing to do with me, but I still needed to be careful anyways. Skipping a head a few months, the whole castle found out that Sirius Black had gotten in when he slashed the Fat Lady's portrait."
"Mr. Potter, we already know this. He was eventually caught by Severus Snape but managed to escaped before the kiss could be administered." She glanced up from the notes and froze at the icy green eyes that seemed to pierce her very soul.
"Please don't interrupt me. As I was saying he managed to escape before anyone could find him. Well the Hogsmeade weekend finally rolled around and I ended up sneaking to it with a very unique family heirloom that my father and his friends made. I heard how Black betrayed my parents and then killed Pettigrew. I was so angry, I vowed that if he ever came after me then I would kill him." Harry paused with a snort and bitter smile, "From that point onward I watched my heirloom for Black to show up. But imagine my surprise when I seen the name Peter Pettigrew. I decided that I had to check it out because I knew Peter was dead."
"I ran across Harry with Severus Snape in the hall they was in and seen Mr. Snape holding the heirloom. I was a bit bias and managed to get him off and took him to my office. I did tell him that I was very disappointed in him that he would keep something like the heirloom when we presumed that it was very dangerous with Sirius on the run and after him. After that I walked him back to his common room so I knew he was safe. But Harry told me that he had seen Peter on the heirloom which should have been impossible because everyone knows that Sirius killed him." Remus said as he laid a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Fast forward to the end of the school year and my best friend Ronald Weasley's pet rat was missing. He blamed my other best friend's, Hermione Granger, cat saying he ate Scabbers. Understandably he was very upset because Scabbers had been in his family for twelve years. We ended up getting a note from our friend and Care of Magical Creatures professor Rubeus Hagrid saying that he had found Ron's rat. We, meaning Ron, Hermione and I, headed down to Hagrid's hut and got Scabbers. On our way back up to the castle a large black dog came out of nowhere and grabbed Ron by the leg and dragged him under the Whomping Willow. At the time we didn't think about going and getting a professor, after a struggle we managed to follow after them. To our shock the medium sized hole in the base of the tree was actually a tunnel that lead to the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmeade.
"We burst into what we believe is the living room and Ron was laying on the floor clutching Scabbers with a bloody, and as we found out later, broken leg. He yelled for us to run, that Black was an animagus but it was already to late because Black was hiding behind the door we had just busted through. He started going on about Peter being there in the room with us. We thought he was raving mad, and then we let out a sigh of relief because Remus came in through the door next. But that relief was soon wiped away swiped away because we realized soon that Remus was there FOR Sirius and NOT us.
"Hermione was so angry because she had known that Remus was a werewolf for almost the whole year and never said anything. She had basically been protecting him, just for him to unknowingly betray her trust." Pausing Harry looked over to Remus.
"You see Madame Bones, the heirloom was a map that I, James, Sirius and Peter created of Hogwarts. It is a very special map because it shows every single person inside Hogwarts and where they are at or going, and that includes ghosts and animagus as well. You can't trick the map with polyjuice, invisibility cloak or anything else for that matter. It is never wrong and it doesn't lie. I had been watching the map to try and find Pettigrew and have Sirius cleared of his charges. What no one but myself and now six other living people know is that James, Sirius and Pettigrew was animagi. They achieved their forms at the age of 15 and ever since had come to stay with me in the Shrieking Shack on the full moons. Tell me, do you remember what all was left of Pettigrew after the street was blown up?" Remus asked with a knowledgeable gleam in his eyes.
"They only found a finger." Amelia gulped as the puzzle pieces slowly started to slide into place. If this was true then the ministry could be in hot water.
"In my first year I met Ron and his pet rat Scabbers on the strain. He told me that his brother Percy had found Scabbers out in the yard and kept him. He named him Scabbers because of the scab that had formed over the at the time fresh wound of his missing toe. Sirius and Remus explained what was going on and at first Ron was denying it. But I noticed how Scabbers seemed to become more distressed as they explained. I convinced Ron to hand over Scabbers. If he was just a pet rat then nothing would happen, eventually he did and when Sirius managed to catch him with the animangis revealing charm, it forced Scabbers back into the Peter.
"Peter admitted to betraying my parents and setting up Sirius. He said that after he cut off his own finger he blew up the street killing the thirteen muggles before escaping into the sewers as a rat." Harry fell silent as he let Amelia take in all the information she had been given.
"I'm going to have to set up a emergency Wizengamot meeting to set up a retrial for Sirius."
"Actually not a retrial, but his very first trial. Barty Crouch Snr had Sirius thrown in prison without a trial." Remus popped up right before handing Harry a cup of tea that the secretary brought in during the interview.
"What is your proof that any of what you just said is true?" She demanded, "If I call for a emergency meeting only for it to be found out that I've been duped I could easily lose my position. And if I lose my position more of these bloody bastards will be able to buy their way out of their crimes."
"I have more than enough proof but I would need a Unbreakable Vow that you will not speak about this, write it to anyone, and or try to communicate about it until I am ready for the world to know." Harry said very gravely. He refused to allow the ministry to take control of him, and this was just one way to add a layer of protection to himself that Sirius had thought up. Another protection he had was a blood-glamor that covered the tattoo of his wings.Only Harry would be able to see his tattoo when he looked into the mirror.
"I am willing to be the bonder." Remus lowered his cup to the desk, not taking his eyes off Amelia. If she took the Vow, Sirius would be free and Harry would be safe from the ministry, but if not than Harry would have to hide what he was for possibly a very long time.
Sitting back in her chair Amelia looked at the two very serious looking men. If she didn't make the Unbreakable Vow it could mean a innocent man could get the kiss, but on the other hand the information that would prove that Sirius was Innocent might have to be spread to other people in the ministry. Closing her eyes and sighing she nodded her consent for the Vow. Standing she rounded the desk and knelt in front of Harry holding out her arm. Clasping her wrist he felt as she grabbed his own and twisted it.
"Do you Amelia Bones vow to never repeat what Harry Potter is going to reveal to you?" Looking into the deep emerald green eyes she swallowed.
"I do."
"Do you swear to only use the information given to you by Harry Potter for the acquirement of Sirius Black?"
"I do."
"Do you swear that you will hide to the best of your ability what Harry Potter tells you needs to stay hidden until he is ready for it to become public knowledge?'
"I do." Looking down Harry seen three ropes of what looked like fire start to absorb into their skin.
"Please lock the door and cast as many privacy and locking charms as you can." Harry requested as he stood and began to remove his robe. Doing as he asked Amelia sat and watched with curious eyes that widened as her jaw dropped. Harry Potter was a submissive angel.
"Every word that I have told you is true, please help me. I want to stay with my family but because they are muggles the ministry can take custody of me which I do not want. I attempted to tell the Minister last year that Sirius was innocent and Pettigrew was alive, but he didn't listen to me. Because he didn't take action when I told him I was told a prophecy that told of the servant rejoining his master, he will resurrect him and the dark lord will be more terrible than ever. If Fudge would have listened then it would have been possible to catch Pettigrew before he ran back to Voldemort."
"I'll call for a emergency meeting of the Wiz\engamot. Do you have any idea where Mr. Black could be? With me not being able to reveal your inheritance I will have to use your memories and question him under veritaserum for the Lords and Ladies to fully believe his innocence." Remus flicked his wand into his hand and lifted the spells jsut as Vernon and Sirius slipped the cloak off of them.
"Hey Bones, how have you been doing?" Sirius asked with a shit eating grin, knowing he had gotten one over on her for the first time sense Hogwarts.
