Standard disclaimer: I own nothing Harry Potter, I am only playing here


Harry woke early at 6AM. Grabbing his glasses off the table, he got out of bed and got dressed. Pulling on his trainers, he ran down the stairs only to see Dudley step out of the front hallway.

"Oi! What are you doing here? You scared the hell out of me!"

"If you weren't walking around with your head up your arse people wouldn't be able to sneak up on you. I thought I might run with you. Its OK, right? Gotta keep up my good looks for Michelle." Dudley grinned.

Harry just shook his head in disbelief. "Suit yourself" and ran out the door with Dudley following.

As they ran, Dudley rambled on about meeting Michelle at school and how pretty she was. Harry thought to himself that he had never actually seen Dudley smiling before. They quickly finished breakfast after their run and headed next door.

"Good morning, Mrs. Fenwick. Harry and I are here to start work on your back yard." Dudley said.

"I only agreed to pay one of you." Mrs. Fenwick eyed harry suspiciously.

"Yes, ma'am. We are sharing the work, and the pay agreed." Dudley said.

"Fine," Mrs. Fenwick sniffed. "Everything you need is out back in the garage. I want those rocks moved and the space between the garage and fence line dug for a proper garden. I also need the remainder of the back fence put up. I will supply you with sandwiches and lemonade for lunch along with the agreed upon weekly salary until the job is finished. You can get started now, I won't have you dragging the job longer just for more pay."

The day wore on long and hot. The work was hard, but oddly satisfying. It meant something to be able to see results of your labor coming together. Harry took off his shirt to work as it quickly became wet with sweat anyway. By late afternoon they had most of the rocks moved and had just started turning the ground under. It was slow going with just a couple of old shovels, but they were managing. After they got home, Harry just grabbed a sandwich and went straight upstairs to his room. He figured the less time that he had to spend with Uncle Vernon, the better off everyone would be.

After eating his sandwich and showering, Harry sat down to dash off a note to the Order as promised. He really didn't want to have to deal with a visit from any of them, but he wasn't about to let Uncle Vernon know that. He pulled out his books from under his bed and decided to start on his assigned summer homework, reading Mugwort and its 50 Practical Potion-Making Uses until he finally fell into an exhausted, well earned sleep.


The next three weeks flowed along much the same way. Harry and Dudley continued their morning runs and working at Mrs. Fenwick's house until late afternoon. The most surprising thing of all was the ease in which he and his cousin had fallen into an almost-easy companionship. It seems that since last summers Dementor attack in the alleyway Dudley had finally come to realize that Harry really had saved him, despite the rantings of his parents on the subject. Dudley had even offered Harry a ride in his new car he got for his sixteenth birthday.

He stood in front of his mirror rubbing his hands over his face. He would need to start shaving soon, he mused. He was turning a nice tan from working shirtless everyday also. His chest and abdomen were growing more defined and his biceps were sharply defined and toned. Apparently a lot of digging and lifting was just what he needed.

He was distracted at movement out of the window in the evening sky. 'Maybe it is Hedwig back from hunting' Harry thought. As the shape grew closer, Harry realized it was indeed Hedwig, followed by Ron's small brown owl Pig. He crossed the room and opened the window just in time for them to fly in. Hedwig landed on the dresser and dutifully stuck out her leg. 'Figures, she always knows when Hermione has a letter for me' Harry smiled. He gave Hedwig some owl treats and she retreated to her cage for a long drink of water and some rest. He then snatched Pig out of the air where he was fluttering around madly, obviously proud of himself to have delivered his mail to the right person. He untied the two letters and gave Pig some owl treats and sent him to share Hedwig's cage for the night.

The first letter he opened was indeed from Hermione. A newspaper clipping from The Daily Prophet fell from the letter.

NEW MINISTER OF MAGIC TAKES OFFICE

by Rita Skeeter

The new Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, took office today after

last weeks resignation of Cornelius Fudge from office. Minister

Fudge chose to resign after a vote of no-confidence was known to

be forthcoming.

Ms. Bones has promised to institute new security measures for all

citizens and to greatly increase the Auror Department staff. It has

been reported that recruitment is already on the rise. Ms. Bones was

quoted as saying, "We must maintain constant vigilance now that we

have certain confirmation of the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

As reported earlier this summer, there was an incident at the ministry in

the Department of Mysteries. Although details remain sketchy, it has been

confirmed that You-Know-Who was seen. It is also rumored that Harry Potter,

The-Boy-Who-Lived, was also known to be at the scene.

Many people now believe that Albus Dumbledore, recently reinstated

Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, was correct all along in his claims

of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's return last year. This was,

according to insiders, the largest catalyst in the resignation

(cont'd pg3 col 2)

Harry shook his head and turned his attention to the letter.

Dear Harry,

I had been hoping to find an owl post station to send you a letter and Hedwig showed up. She is so smart! My parents and I are vacationing in Bulgaria this summer. Its been fascinating to see the local culture and the weather has just been brilliant.

I did get to see Viktor. He is doing well and plans to continue playing professional quidditch. He asked if he could come and see me sometime during the year when games allow him to be in England. I told him I didn't think it would be a good idea with school work and all. I think he might still be interested in a sort of relationship but I just can't...Well, best not to mention this to Ron I suppose. You know how he seems to get sometimes about the subject of Viktor. Honestly, I just don't know what his problem is with him.

Anyway, hope to be able to see you this summer. Ginny invited me to stay at the Burrow for the last few weeks of summer before school. If you get to come we will all be able to go to Diagon Alley together. See you soon!

Love from,

Hermione

Harry smiled as he placed her letter aside. He was pretty sure he knew why Ron bristled at Viktor Krum's name...but was equally sure that Ron didn't exactly understand why. He picked up the second letter to read.

Dear Harry,

Hope the muggles are treating you right. Did you get to see the latest article in The Daily Prophet on Minister Bones? I see they couldn't keep from dragging your name into it again. Sorry, mate. There have been several articles since summer about the whole 'incident'. Can you believe they are actually calling you 'The Chosen One' now? Lots of rumors about a prophecy, but we all know it was destroyed. I guess anything to sell a paper, huh? Some things never change.

Mum and Dad want me to ask you to stay with us for the summer as soon as Dumbledore says its safe for you to leave the muggles. Write back and let me know if you can come. Ginny invited Hermione to stay also. They are in Bulgaria now. Bet she has been with Vicky again. He is way to old for her. I don't know why she can't see that. Not that I care...but...anyway..Hope to see you soon!

Ron

Harry smiled. It amazed him how thick his two best friends could really be. I mean—it was so obvious. He picked up the third letter, surprised it was from Ginny.

Dear Harry

I saw Ron sending you a letter and decided to send a quick note along. I hope things are going well at the Dursleys'. I worry about you when you are there. I hope you will be able to come and stay this summer. Hermione will be coming also. It will be fun to have you guys here. I am getting tired of just listening to Ron mope around about Hermione all summer. They can both be so thick sometimes, don't you think? See you soon!

Love

Ginny

Harry held her letter and smiled. He would be glad to see her too. In some way, she also understood what it was like to be used by Voldemort. Voldemort had possessed her through one of his old school books during her second year. He caused her to open the Chamber of Secrets and release the Basilisk within. Harry had to kill it to rescue her when he was only 12 years old.

He dashed off notes to his friends to send back out in the morning. Glad tomorrow was Saturday so he could sleep in, he turned out the lights and fell asleep.


Harry awoke the next morning to a bright flash of light and heavy feeling on his chest. He opened his eyes slowly to see a large red blur over his chest. Grabbing his glasses, a large beautiful bird came into clear view.

"Fawkes! What are you doing here?"

Fawkes chirrped softly and dropped a letter on Harry's chest. He sat up and looked at the letter, a familiar scrawl across the envelope...

Harry Potter

Smallest bedroom, second floor

Number 4 Privet Drive

Little Whinging, Surrey

Dear Harry,

Sorry to wake you up so early on your Saturday. Remus Lupin and I will need to call for you in an hour from now. There is some business we need to attend to today. Please inform your Aunt and Uncle that you will be gone until afternoon at least. Sorry for the short notice.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Harry jumped out of bed and quickly showered. He quickly was dressed and downstairs with just enough time to grab a piece of toast and some juice.

"Uncle Vernon, Professor Dumbledore and Remus Lupin will be coming to collect me shortly. We have some things to take care of today."

Uncle Vernon turned red. "How many times have I told you, boy, that YOUR KIND are not to be coming through my house anytime they want to!" He pointed a fat, sausage-like finger at Harry, "They are NOT welcome here!"

Petunia blanched. "Albus is coming here?" She glanced nervously at Harry. "What does he want?"

Harry looked at Petunia and knit his brow. "He didn't say exactly. He only said he had business with me and the he and Remus Lupin were coming to pick me up. He said to tell you that I would be gone until later today."

Uncle Vernon was still yelling when the doorbell rang. Harry got up to answer the door. Albus Dumbledore and Remus Lupin stood in the doorway. Uncle Vernon, Petunia and Dudley stood back in the hallway. Uncle Vernon walked up to Harry, "Now see here boy! I have already told you..."

"Mr Dursley!" Dumbledore stepped forward. "How kind of you to invite us into your home so all of your neighbors don't stare at us standing here on your porch." Dumbledore gave a quick wink towards Petunia.

Vernon looked at Dumbledore in his bright purple and green robes and Lupin in his shabby grey robes. "Alright! Alright! Get in here before anyone sees you!"

Vernon, Petunia and Dudley sat on the sofa watching warily. Lupin took a seat on the love seat next to Harry and Dumbledore sat across from them. "Harry, its good to see you again as always." Dumbledore nodded. "I am sorry to give you such short notice, it couldn't be helped. There are several things we need to do today. First, before we leave. I need to discuss a few things with you. There is the matter of your Godfather's will..."

"What? Your Godfather is dead? And you didn't tell us?" Vernon sputtered. "You thought you could just continue to use him to try and scare us! Now see here, Dumbledore, Harry is still a minor and anything he inherits will need to be overseen by us..."

"Enough!" Harry raged at his Uncle. His hair started to blow slightly as if the wind had come through the window. "Don't you dare speak about Sirius! I will see you dead before you ever see a single thing from him!"

Vernon rose from his seat. "You will not speak to me that way! I have raised you out of the goodness of my heart all these years! I have spent money to feed you and have generously let you have all of Dudley's hand-me-downs! I deserve whatever compensation you have coming to you!"

Dumbledore simply waved his hand at Vernon and he fell back into the sofa, red-faced and trying to shout...but no sound coming out of his mouth. "As I was saying, Harry. I know this is unpleasant for you, and I am truly sorry. But, this must be dealt with today."

Harry nodded solemnly as Lupin patted him on the back.

"Sirius's will has been read and you are his sole named heir. We will need to go to Gringotts today and sign the papers. He left you the contents of his vault and of course, Number 12 Grimauld Place. You will need to decide what you want done with it, and the Order will find another to meet as soon as possible."

"Sir," Harry said. "The Order can have the house for all I care. Keeping Sirius's things won't replace him for me."

"Harry, that is a generous offer." Dumbledore said. "If it would be alright with you, maybe we can continue to use it as headquarters, but you retain ownership of the property. Sirius would want you to have it and make it a home again. The Order only requires use of the main floor, there are 2 additional floors with bedrooms that need someone to care for it and make it a home again." Dumbledore cleared his throat. "There is also the matter of Guardianship. Although your Aunt and Uncle have legal custody in your mundane world, in the matter of your magical world, Sirius has requested that Remus Lupin be granted the status of your Godfather and have the rights that accompany that role. He felt that your parents would have wanted it and hopes that you will both be agreeable to it."

Harry looked at Remus. "Professor Lupin, you were my parents best friend along with Sirius. I would be most honored for you to be my Godfather if you wouldn't mind."

Remus hugged Harry tightly. "I will do the best I can. James and Lily meant the world to me, as do you. One rule though."

"Anything." said Harry.

"There will be no more 'Professor Lupin', its Remus. We are family now, after all!"

"Profes-- umm Remus...maybe if it is convenient for you, you could stay at Grimauld Place. Someone needs to stay there, and it would be close to Order business for you"

Remus nodded. "I can do that Harry. Maybe I can even have it habitable by Christmas break. You could come home for the holidays."

Harry smiled. HOME.. It was almost too good to be true.

"Excellent!" Dumbledore said. We can take care of that paperwork at Gringotts also today.

Oh no!" Harry said. "Does that mean I now own Kreature too?"

"No, Harry." Dumbledore shook his head. "Even though Kreature was a particularly vile house elf, he did betray his master in the end. He committed suicide shortly after Sirius's death. I do know someone that is interested in obtaining employment from you though."

Dumbledore smiled, "Dobby! Winky!" There were two loud cracks as the house elves appeared in the living room.

Vernon grew redder and more livid. Petunia gave a squeak. Dudley just continued to watch with interest.

Dobby stood in front of Harry and bowed deeply, his ears sweeping the floor in front of him. "Harry Potter sir! Dobby is honored to be in your presence again."

"Hello Dobby." Harry grinned at the elf. "Professor Dumbledore tells me you are looking for work.

"Yes sir!" Dobby nodded. "Master Dumbledore is a great wizard and Dobby and Winky enjoy Hogwart's. But we is free elves sir and when we knew that Harry Potter was in need of someone to care for his home we wanted to help. That is, of course, if Master will allow it." Dobby bowed.

"On one condition Dobby. You will take 15 galleons a month each and two days off per week."

Dobby looked horrified. "Oh no! That is too much pay, Harry Potter! It isn't decent. We will take 5 galleons and one afternoon a week off."

"No. It is a large house and there will be many things to do. Remus will be living in the house also. You will take 10 galleons each and one day a week off. Final offer."

Dobby stared at Harry. "As you wish. Dobby and Winky will be proud for you to be our new Master. We will gladly defend your home and keep all of Master's secrets." Dobby and Winky both bowed low.

"That's great Dobby. I am glad to have you both there. But remember, you are not owned. I insist you call me Harry. But I must also insist that my secrets are kept. You will see many things in my house that must not leave there. Do you understand?"

Dobby and Winky nodded.

"Ok then. You two can go to the house after Professor Dumbledore tells you where to find it. I am afraid the place is a mess. I will arrange for a house account at the bank so you can buy the things you need to fix the place up. Remus will be there to let you know what needs to be done."

"Thank you Mas—umm Harry Potter sir!" And with two loud cracks they were gone.

"That was very generous of you Harry." Dumbledore said. "You have made them very happy. Well, I suppose we should be off. I have a portkey to Diagon Alley for us since you can't apparate yet Harry."

They stood and Dumbledore pulled an old hat out of his pocket. "Are we ready?"

Harry tipped his head towards Vernon, still sitting on the sofa struggling to speak. "What about the silencing spell, sir?"

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes twinkling. "No worries, it will wear off in another hour---or so. Let's go!"

Harry grabbed the hat and felt that familiar pulling behind his navel. The last thing he saw was Vernon stomping his feet on the floor before he found himself spinning towards Diagon Alley.