After the incident with the dementors, Snape fished out a honeydukes chocolate from his robes. He broke a small part of it and handed it over to Harry while eating some part himself. They both sighed in relief, feeling the effects of the dementors already leaving them due to the chocolate.

After they finished the chocolate, they started walking briskly towards the cells where the prisoners were kept. With the dementors gone, the magic keeping Azkaban invisible from the Muggles also disappeared. It didn't take a genius to guess that the DMLE was already on its way to the prison after sensing the disappearance of the magic protecting Azkaban. The prisoners would still suffer from the dementors' effects until they were treated.

Harry and Snape could make no mistakes now after progressing this far. They were already very short on time.

"By the way Harry, why are we rescuing Black? Sure, he might be your godfather but he betrayed your parents. Do you want to make him suffer?" asked Snape.

Let it be known that even if he was under the compulsion charm and acted rashly towards him, Snape couldn't and wouldn't see Black as a normal person. People far saner than him had gone mad while staying in Azkaban and Snape didn't fancy dealing with an insane Sirius Black even one bit.

"No professor. But there are reasons for breaking him out. They are:

1) He was not the secret keeper of my family when Voldemort attacked them so he is innocent.

2) He was a great ally for us and we may even use the Black family knowledge against Voldemort.

3) He is my mother's blood relative."

Snape after hearing the reasons was dumbstruck and his mind stopped working for a few seconds after hearing Harry's reasons. He like everyone, thought that Black was the secret keeper of the Potters', but he didn't investigate further. Combined with the fact that he almost turned Snape into a werewolf or even killed him in their 6th year made him apathetic towards Black's fate. He just believed that Black got his due punishment.

"How?" asked Snape softly. He was curious about how Harry's reasons are valid.

"Well professor, when I had claimed my lordships and started investing money from my accounts into the muggle world, I came upon my parents' will. The will stated that Sirius was not the Secret keeper but rather Pettigrew. If the will was not sealed by Dumbledore, I could have lived with Sirius. And about my mother being related to Sirius is simple."

"She descended from the squib son of Salazar Slytherin whom Salazar kept hidden due to his lack of magic, since his other son was turning out to be a pure-blood supremacist. The squib settled and prospered in the muggle world where my mother was born. She is, in theory a half-blood, since she contains muggle blood, as I observed from the family tree the Goblins drew for my mother. She may be a half-sister to Sirius, considering her ancestor is a twin to another one who had magic and is in the family. That ancestor died before revealing his magical ancestry to anyone of his children, so they assumed that my mother is the first witch in their family."

If Snape was shocked that Lily belonged to the Black family, he was dumbfounded on finding out that she is a half-blood as well and not only that but was a descendant of Slytherin. Well, now it was clear how Harry was Salazar's descendant, while his father's family being rumored to be descendants of Gryffindor (and Hufflepuff) was a known fact though many people don't know about the Hufflepuff ancestry. Maybe that was one of the reasons that he felt a sense of familiarity with her, even if she herself didn't know that she that she was a half-blood.

Snape also observed another thing. If Sirius Black was related to his Lily, however distantly removed would still be related to her by blood. In that way, even Albus couldn't argue about the blood wards being erased. He could erect the new wards with Black around as Harry's guardian. Truly a Slytherin idea.

Snape was, in fact bemoaning the idea (even though he wouldn't admit it to anyone else) that Harry was not put in Slytherin. (It's okay professor, shit happens. Damn you and your schemes Dumbledore!) The boy acted like a true Slytherin, unlike the others (sons and daughters of the death eaters) in his house, who just bemoaned before him and don't display even a sliver of cunning. Salazar would feel shameful about the degradation of the values of his house if he were ever to witness the present situation in Hogwarts.

Snapping out of his thoughts, he saw that they had reached the high security cells. Casting a disillusionment charm on themselves, they trudged along peering into each cell for any sign of Sirius Black, the charms were in case they came upon one, sane enough to spot them and report to the DMLE, who by now would be almost ready to reach there. They heard several pops of apparition and had cast strong wards to ensure that they had at least an hour before anyone could get into the prison.

They checked every cell carefully but still couldn't find Black. Severus was feeling more and more certain that Black might have been subjected to the Dementors' kiss and was no longer there, even with Harry's reassurances. When the hour was almost up and both of them were almost sure that their hopes were dashed, they found him in the last cell, lying prone on the floor, near the window.

Sirius Black was not having a good day. He was woken from his fitful sleep filled with nightmares by the warden, who took sadistic pleasure in torturing him psychologically. He was fed the usual grovel and again shoved into his cell where the dementors' were closest to him. The dementors' brought back many painful memories which never left him.

His appearance had altered from 11 years of no care. He was thin enough for his ribs to be seen while his hair was unkempt from no maintenance to it. His cheeks had sunken in and his eyes were looking bloodshot from his lack of sleep making him look like a mad person. His clothes were tattered and dirty while his mindset was a little damaged from exposure to the dementors' for a long time.

He could see his mother's brutal and sadistic smirk when she tortured him with the Cruciatus because he didn't abide her rules. He could see and feel the fear when he saw James and Lily's dead bodies while baby Harry was crying. He could feel the fear when Remus attacked Snape in his werewolf transformation and his friends' subsequent rejection of him. He dreamed every night of James and Lily had telling him that it's his fault that they died and he didn't deserve to live as well.

The only thought that kept him going was that he was innocent and Wormtail was the traitor. But even that thought was slipping away steadily and he was losing confidence every passing second. He just hoped that he got his long overdue trial where he could prove his innocence but he was unsure about anyone finding out about it. His only regret was that he couldn't take care of Harry and he was afraid that he would lose him before seeing him again.

Sirius was so immersed in his thoughts that he didn't observe the dementors' becoming uneasy or even leaving the walls they were guarding. Only when he felt the sun rays on his face, he came out of his thoughts finding no cold near him and was shocked to find Azkaban showered with sunlight with no dementor in sight. He would have wanted to see more but he was physically weak and his 'food' didn't help him. He was also very weak from lack of any magic reserves. So, he collapsed near the window sill where he was found by Snape and Harry.

After confirming that the person they found out was Sirius Black, both Harry and Snape were excited. Well, mostly Harry. Snape still remembered the werewolf incident and was still wary about Sirius and his condition after he was thrown here.

Harry was glad to find his godfather alive. He thought that the death eaters or the dementors' might have killed him but he was alright, albeit in a bad shape. Casting diagnostic spells, he found out that Sirius was suffering from severe malnutrition along with danger of magical exhaustion. After he completed his tests, he pulled out his 'reserve magic' from his magical core(the magic absorbed from the wards around Privet Drive) and deposited it into Sirius's. After he ensured that he is in no more danger, he stopped supplying magic to Sirius.

After Harry had done his part, Snape double checked him, although grudgingly. But he wouldn't deny Black's usefulness if he were to come to their side. And if he was under the same compulsion charm as James Potter was, he might have some hope for retribution.

"He is fine but still very weak from his stay here. He would need much more rest until maybe a year before he returns back to an optimal condition. Maybe you should cast the compulsions release charm on him as well." Snape told Harry after he completed diagnosing Sirius's condition.

"Ok professor." Spoke Harry and cast the charm on Sirius. He felt the charm take action and destroy any and every compulsion charm placed on Sirius. After he felt that the charm had done its job, they casted a featherlight charm on Sirius to carry him back(they are exhausted from casting the patronuses and destroying the dementors) while Harry called Fawkes to take them back to Potter Manor where they would get him treated. Just in time, as the DMLE had broken through the wards.

But just before leaving, Harry cast another charm on Sirius and on his cell that erased all clues that they had entered here while leaving a Sirius look alike sleeping on the floor of the cell.

Sirius woke up staring at a familiar ceiling. When he tried to sit up, he felt weak but somehow did it while supporting his back onto the bed. Then a house elf popped in at that moment and saw him sitting.

"Master Sirius! Master Sirius! You woke up." spoke the elf excitedly

"Sirius was dumbfounded at seeing the elf. He was pretty sure that this place was not Azkaban. That stinking hellhole didn't have even basic furnishings and no sane house elf would come there voluntarily while this place looks fit for royalty. Not to mention this place looks familiar. But he couldn't place it. His memories were befuddled from his stay in Azkaban but he knows that he will remember it eventually.

After the elf calmed down and gave him some refreshments, whose name he learnt was Millie, she popped away while urging him to rest. But he wanted to explore the place and find the location. So gingerly, he got up and made slow steps towards the window. What he saw surprised him.

At first, he thought he was hallucinating. But he slapped and even pinched himself to confirm it and is surprised that he was in Potter manor.

When he was observing the landscape and reminiscing his past memories which are returning slowly, he didn't observe that 2 people had entered the room.

When one person cleared his throat to catch his attention, Sirius turned his head around quickly and what he saw an unbelievable phenomenon. Standing there, was the person who he bullied during his Hogwarts years, Severus Snape, who looked like he was ready start a duel with him and kick his ass all over the manor, with a miniature James.

After he got over his shock, he started stuttering:

"J-J-James! H-H-How?!"

"I am not my father Sirius. Never was. Never will be."

At that moment, it clicked in Sirius's mind on who he was seeing. It is his godson having James's appearance with Lily's eyes.

"H-harry?" stuttered Sirius with tears in his eyes. He was finally witnessing his godson. One of his regrets of not seeing Harry before his death had mitigated a little. But he was unsure about Snape. He didn't like anything about James even if Lily tried to correct it. But seeing Snape, who is standing at least civilly in a room with a carbon copy of James except for his eyes and himself, gave rise to some doubts in him and questioning himself on whether he is still in Azkaban and under the dementors' effects.

"S-snape, why a-are you with H-harry? What is going on? W-what happened? W-where is Dumbledore?" asked Sirius stuttering.

Then both Snape and Harry faced each other. After some silent discussion where Snape's face turned sour, both of them turned towards Sirius who is staring inquisitively at them. Harry started to speak then.

"We will tell you everything now or rather show you. Some things might be unbelievable but they are true. Please believe them or at least keep the doubts to yourself until everything is over."

Sirius, at first was confused. But after he saw the pensive behind Harry, his eyes lit up in understanding. After he calmed down, he plunged face first into the pensive and disappeared. Now Harry and Snape are waiting for Sirius to arrive back so they could talk.

After about half an hour, Sirius came out of the pensive with shock in his eyes. Then he faced Harry who was staring at Sirius with a neutral face. Waiting for Sirius's reply.

"Tell me everything."

Sirius didn't want to believe the memories. After all, the founders were dead a long time ago. But many facts had even synced with the present. Things only Lily and James knew, abilities of magic etc. The only things that didn't match up were ideas about Dumbledore and information about Salazar Slytherin.

After explaining and clarifying some doubts that Sirius had got when he was reviewing the memories, Harry sat down rubbing his forehead. He was thoroughly exhausted from casting the cloning charm on Sirius and also upholding the ward preventing the DMLE from entering Azkaban. He was sure that Dumbledore would try to find anything that he could use for his bigoted purpose but both Snape and Harry had covered their tracks perfectly. No way can he find out who destroyed the dementors'.

Sirius, meanwhile done some internal discussions. What he saw from Harry's POV fit everything after his doubts were clarified. He could see the whole picture now. Not to mention that he felt lighter than before. During and after his time at Hogwarts, he always had to force himself to do what he wants like he was fighting an opposing force. Now, he felt amazing and in control of his actions. Finding out about Dumbledore's true intentions soured his thoughts about the headmaster. Even if he wasn't in Harry's life for long, he vowed to make it up for him while making sure that the dark lord and Dumbles didn't mess with him and his godson.

Timeskip

1st September 1992,

Harry's life changed a lot during the month. He bonded more closely to both Sirius and Snape. Once he called both Snape and Sirius uncles on accident. But Sirius and Snape, on the contrary were happy that he is coming out of his shell and interacting with them. They also encouraged him to call them that way (only in private though) but Snape acted angry at being called that way. But all of them can tell that he just expresses his feelings that way and they could see a subtle shine in his eyes when Harry called him uncle.

Sirius learnt the latest news since he escaped from prison. His clone of darkness, as Harry dubbed it covered for Sirius, acting like him when he was in prison. The ministry of magic was worried about the loss of Dementors since they were practically indestructible but their remains were nowhere to be found except for several, severed grotesque heads and cloaks that could be said to have belonged to the dementors'.

Many people tried to take credit for the destruction of the dementors'. It became so bad that the ministry issued a bounty on the person who destroyed the dementors' as they were seen as a 'valuable asset' to the country which shut them up. All the residents of Potter Manor just shook their heads at the idiocy of the ministry.

The DMLE was now used to guard the Azkaban prison. But the DMLE was so understaffed and low funded that many were forced to work overtime. Many retired aurors were forced to come back to work while funding to other departments was cut to accommodate for the Aurors. Due to lack of Aurors for controlling criminal activities, crime rates increased. This type of short sightedness from the minister decreased his reputation while he was trying to salvage the situation. Many estimated him to lose his position in the next 2 years and his advisors like Lucius Malfoy to lose most of their political capital if their time ran well.

On a side note, Dumbledore also suffered a loss to his reputation because he is also one of the persons that Fudge turns to for advice. But due to his many great deeds, the incident about him was swept under the rug.

Harry also got a letter from Nicholas Flamel, who thanked him for saving the stone and possibly, their lives. They wrote that they were leaving their research notes and money made from selling the gold the stone made to him. They stated that their lives were now short as they had destroyed the stone so that it didn't fall into someone else's hands who could use it for evil. They also urged him not to feel pity for them as they were willing to do it and ended the letter by wishing him luck and a long life.

From that day, Harry trained with Sirius and Snape relentlessly. He learnt many spells from Snape, including the dark ones and the ones he created like Muffliato, Sectumsepra etc. He trained his animagus, wandless abilities with Sirius, who had started to recover from Azkaban's life. He also reviewed all the knowledge he gained from Voldemort, his mother and the founders and shared them with the other 2 members as well. All of them learnt more about themselves and their powers as well. They could only hope that they can save the world without resorting to any drastic measures.

In the meantime, Harry got a letter through an owl from Ron. It was actually an invitation from the Weasleys for him to come over to the burrow and stay there for a week. Ron had mentioned that his parents, his elder brother Bill and especially his younger sister Ginny were very interested to meet him. He had mentioned that him and Bill would be coming over to him in his father's flying car to take him to the burrow.

He got worried. He wasn't ready for anybody to learn that he was no longer with the Dursleys and he absolutely didn't want anybody to discover that he was living in the Potter manor with the two people, he was unlikeliest to live with.

"Umm….so what do I do uncle Snape?" The spectacled boy asked. The head of the Slytherin house scoffed internally at being called uncle yet again. (Snape just being Snape.)

"All right Harry. I think you should go. It's the first time a friend has invited you to his place. Considering that we all have some troubling times ahead of us, we should all cherish every moment of relaxation we get." The potions master replied, his voice carrying a hint of melancholy.

'I still think I am hallucinating or someone has cast some illusion charm on me when I hear Severus Snape of all people talk like that.' Sirius thought to himself but he was also happy for his godson to have gotten this chance.

"I agree with Severus. You should go kiddo." Sirius said.

'Did me and Sirius Black just agree on something? Has the sun risen from the west today?' Snape thought to himself and pinched himself to just be sure that he wasn't dreaming.

"But I think you should go there yourself. I know how to get to the Burrow." Sirius added before going on to give him the instructions on how to get to the Weasley's place.

"All right uncles, I'll let Ron know that I'll be coming to them day after tomorrow. Have you two gotten any plans, since I don't think, you should just stay put in this large manor and have nothing to do."

"Don't worry Harry, I did have some plans. It's been a long time since I have stepped out into the Muggle world and enjoyed it's beauties. And Black here seriously needs to go to some warm place to rest. So, I was thinking of a trip to Mexico. They also have an ancient civilisation and it would be very interesting to do some research their ruins and find out what kind of magic they used. Although it would have been nice to have you with us, but now I think it would just be the Black and me. Also, Black needs to brush up his magical skills and I would be happy to help him out." Snape explained, while internally he was laughing maniacally at exacting his revenge long overdue.

Sirius felt a chill run down his spine.

'I am sure, Severus is just going to duel me over and over again and kick my ass all over Mexico's ancient ruins. He might get his retribution for dragging him into the fiasco with Remus in the 6th year. Severus you planned this all right off the bat didn't you!?' The former inmate of Azkaban thought while sweating. 'Save me James!' He screamed internally.

*Meanwhile in heaven*

"Thank God I am dead or Snape might just have found some excuse to duel me and the way he is right now, thanks to my own son no less, he might just have kicked my ass as well. Have fun in Mexico Sirius, me and Lily will be enjoying the show. Lily, is the popcorn ready?"

"Yes darling, on the way."

*Back on earth*

'Intelligence and cunning are the Slytherin way after all.' Snape thought to himself with a very small and sadistic smirk on his lips while envisioning on how he can tort, I mean train Sirius during their stay in Mexico.

"Oh shit, you should have told me earlier uncle Snape. I've heard that Mexico is a beautiful country. Fine, enjoy there. But next time, you'll be taking me and any friend of mine I would want to come with us." complained Harry as he wrote down a reply to Ron, agreeing to be their guest and requesting him not to bother with coming to pick him up and letting him know that he would be at the Burrow two days later. He sent Hedwig with the response.

"Sure Harry, next time, we can have you and your friends join us on a vacation trip." Snape said in a reassuring tone.

And just as planned, Harry left for the burrow two days later. While leaving, he didn't notice or pretended not to have noticed the look of horror on uncle Sirius's face and the sadistic smirk on uncle Snape's face.

'I should let those two, deal with their old problems themselves and uncle Snape is right, uncle Sirius definitely needs to brush up his skills, he's really rusty right now. And no better way to hone your skills and get back to shape than duelling. Have fun uncle Sirius, uncle Snape. All hail Salazar Slytherin.' Our spectacled protagonist thought as he walked outside the Potter manor towards the Burrow.

Original spell :

Clone of Darkness : This spell creates a clone from the shadow of the user and has all their memories. It behaves like a shadow clone with the added ability of intangibility. Only spells which use light can fight this clone. This spell has been loaned to RaNK001 for his fanfics as well.