Chapter 36: Other Properties Pt.1

"Ahh, I feel so refreshed," Harry announced as he and his godfather made their way out of the mansion.

"Good," Sirius announced as he looked around for a well secluded area to apparate out of here. Just like all his family other properties, the mansion had wards that protected against apparate from miles around.

This was obviously done so that his families enemies and opponent did appear whenever they wanted right before the front porch. This had the inverse effect of blocking them off from apparate out of here since the floor network was still not up and running. Clearly it was one of the many tasks Tobry had him lead out for him when he came back to the castle.

Hence this is why they had to look for a secluded area, miles of from the property to apparate out of here.

"We are already running late thanks to you sleeping late!"

Settling on not fixing his wrong assumption Harry did not say a word, but just followed behind the older wizard. If he knew what he was up to all last night and this morning, Harry did not know if he would be giving him a high five or a good scolding.

Turning to give the mansion one final look, Harry saw both Ram and Rem right outside the gates waving at him goodbye, okay correction it was only Rem, but still, he was happy to see that they took the time to see him off.

He knew that he would be seeing them at the castle as that was the first thing he ordered them to do. There was no way he was going to let them waste away at a home that he would rarely visit unless he was throwing a party or something along that line- those great Lords like him should.

If he is going to be piled with a whole bunch of work, he will need some way to relieve some stress, and who better than his two delightful little maids.

"So where to first?" Harry asked, wondering were they would be heading today.

"Well to be honest most of the remaining properties are not that time intensive to visit," Sirius answered. "We can finish checking them out by early this afternoon to be honest."

"That's good to hear," Harry nodded. To be honest, he was sort of getting tired checking up on each and every land that his family has. It was fun getting to learn more about what his house did, and his view on the wizarding world has been widened, but he needed a respite to rest his legs and take it easy.

Finally they reached a tucked away spot, checking both ways to see that there were no muggles in sight, they disappeared from sight in an inaudible pop.

Suddenly they in a wide-open plain filled with lively trees and other green, the sun was beating down creating a nice pleasant glow. From a distance, he could make up a single structure.

"Alright, the Villa is right over there," Sirius called out, "let's hurry it along."

Nodding his head, Harry followed him as they trekked through the open land, suddenly he felt the soft vibration of the earth. Looking around at what was causing it, he heard it- the wild beating of countless hooves.

Then from off the direction of the sun, once Harry squinted his eyes the best he could, he could make out dozens upon dozens of creatures loping ahead.

Once they came nearer Harry could finally see that they were horses. They were not of simple bred, even if he was no expert one the creatures he could see how proud and muscular they were. They were all of a range of different heights, coloring, ages, and gender, but they all were very tall with the shortest being 5 feet tall and the tallest 7 feet.

Watching as they went by, Harry turned to look at his godfather and was about to ask until he mused out loud. "Ahh aren't they wonderful."

"Yea, I guess," Harry answered with a shrug, "but isn't my family's theme sort of Griffins?"

"Ha, how do you think most people learn to ride a Griffin?" the older man returned his question with a question of his own.

"Mhm, I see," Harry said as he nodded his head, "you got practice with horses."

"Yes," the older wizard nodded, "Griffins are so much more prouder and difficult to deal with. So horses act like nice training wheels if you would. Anyways, it is a fun past time. You should try it, there are plenty of open land to run about here."

"Maybe some other time," Harry answered with a shrug, he just wanted to get this done and finished with. "Let us go see this Villa first."

"Okay," the older man nodded his head in acknowledgment, then they both carried on with the remaining distance towards the Villa. As they trudged through, Sirius described the many sights and locations that the land had to offer.

"There is a nice lake nearby where you could go swimming, boating, fishing, or whatever else you wish. Plus it has some very lovely mermaids that call it home. There is an Imp habitat nearby we could check out, they are a load of funs. There is a watering hole with a Hippocampus, hippy is a big old softy and you can easily get along with him if you bring him the right snacks. Plus there is a beautiful herd of white stags that come by here sometimes and they are a sight for sore eyes."

Before long they came up the place, looking around, Harry had to say it was a very nice place indeed.

Unlike the Mansion which was all about splendor and wealth or the Castle which was built like it was right out of a fairy tale to denoted everything about his family heritage. This Villa was a lot more homely, it was two stores tall with a Mediterranean style composed of light red bricks, and a slender feel.

From here he could see a large stable out back with an open pen attached to it. The grass was clear cut with round oak trees about.

All in all it was a nice place to come to, to relax on the weekend and get away from it all.

Walking into the home, Sirius and Harry checked up on the situation, there were house-elves that they sent forward cleaning the place up since it hasn't been in use for years. They also checked up on the horses, other than being a bit on the wild side from not being in human connect for quite some times, they were good.

The caretakers who were house-elves left by his grandparents seemed competent enough and knew what they were doing. Thus he assumed that the majestic and proud looking creatures would be left in good hands.

When everything was said and done they barely even spent an hour there as everything seem to be in an orderly fashion and running smoothly.

With that, they were in and out just like that and were apparating to the next location.

This time Sirius apparated them in a forested area, large trees covered the land with dense foliage. The only thing that stuck out to him was a dirt path that lead off into the distance.

"Come on," Sirius said as he took the only road that existed here- out in the middle of nowhere. Following behind him Harry tried to pick up anything along the short journey, but all he saw was more trees and shrubs.

From time to time he would see burnt thicket or felled trees, but he did not think much of it.

Finally, they reached a clearing with stone brick walls surrounding the place, and the dirt road lead to a gate which was partially open.

Walking through it they passed by overgrown bushes and vines, plus pools with leaves and dirt in them. He had this say, this Estate was really left out of hand, and before he knew it he got his answer why.

Reaching the spot where the family's estate should be all Harry saw where rubble letting everywhere. There were burn marks on the ruined stones with shattered glass and even long decayed blood on the ground.

When Barnott told him that the estate was severely damaged during the war when it was attacked by Death Eaters. He assumed that there was a destroyed floor or something, but he did not expect this at all.

The place was like hell on earth with nothing standing but ruin and destruction. As far as the eye could see was place razed to the ground and stomped on for good measure.

He wondered what it must have been like to be here as the minions of a raving mad man attacked here. Right now there were no bodies here but in his mind's eye, he could see the countless souls laid spewn about on the ground dead.

Abruptly he heard the sounds of hammers falling down and the busy voices of countless works. All of a sudden the world came back to view and he was back in the here and now.

With his head back in the game, Harry could now see the many busy workers that where rebuilding the estate. Taking a closer look he saw that they weren't that human.

Everything about them was similar to that of a regular man, but he noticed the extreme big beards, the sturdy frames and broad shoulders, the slightly pointed ears, and the very short heights.

Especially the short height, it made them look like little ten years old jacked to the max on steroid with beards that could any grown man to shame.

Then that was when it clicked, these were Dwarves!

Immediately he felt like running towards them like a little girl screaming at the top of her lungs. There were so few magical beings that he has run into in his tenure as a wizard, but whenever he did, it really hit home that he was part of a much larger world.

Be that as it may he knew had to keep his cool, now not only did he represent himself but his house as well. Clearing his throat Harry was about to walk up to the workers until someone else did that before him.

Strolling up to them was a dwarf that stood at nearly 5 feet with a long red peppered beard with braids on the end. In his hand was a hammer which he seem to knew how to use very well and he was coming up to them in a very threatening manner.

Beside him where three other dwarves with the same long red peppered beard but of a bit shorter height. They too had weapons on hand and where giving them menacing looks.

"Do yer know dat yer be on some private property, wizards?" the little man in the lead asked in a growl. Though he wasn't so little when he thumped the hammer head against his open palm like he was about to do that to their skulls.

"Did Barnott send you?" Sirius replied with his own question like he wasn't fazed in the smallest bit.

"Aye," the red beard dwarf replied as he narrowed his eyes on them both. "What dat be to yer?"

Just before they had to answer a very familiar plump figure ran up to them with his hands waved in the air like a mad man. "Stop, stop, stop," he shouted as he finally reached them breathless.

Bending over to catch his breath, Barnott looked up to face them. The goblin was still the same as when he last saw him, plump as an apple with a genial attitude, however, now it was creased with a worried look.

"What are you doing Snarrorlum?" the goblin asked, "this is the proprietor of the estate you are waving you hammer at."

Giving the three of them looks, the dwarf uttered, "Then why didn't yer say?"

Sighing, the goblin just shook his head, "just get back to work Snarr, you'rere on contract."

Shrugging his shoulders, the lead dwarf waved to his other boys and headed back to the ruin sight.

Once they were gone, the goblin bowed his head to Harry and stated. "My deepest apologies for that Master Potter. Dwarves can be a rowdy bunch, but a very honorable and truthful people."

Nodding his head, he looked off into the direction of the dwarves, he indicated his head to the leader of them and asked, "Who is that?"

"That is the clan chief," Sirius answered for him, "their braids denote their ranks."

"Yes, Master Black is correct, that is Snarrorlum Redbasher, head of the Redbasher clan."

"A clan leader working as a construction worker?" Harry wondered out loud, that was a first for him.

"Well we all must do what we can to get by," the goblin answered as he had a fleeting look.

Saying nothing more on the matter, Harry decided to change it up, "So, I see you are that you are already busy fixing this place up."

"Yes, Master Potter," the goblin answered, "the dwarves will have everything back to new in a matter of a few days. All you would need to do is pick up the wardstone in your family vaults to get the protection on here. If you want we at Gringotts could sell you a few golems for extra protection."

"Sounds good to me," Harry nodded his head.

"I will get to it right away. If I may ask, Master Potter what brings you here."

"Oh, I was checking up on all my properties and wanted to see the family's estate," Harry shrugged his shoulders.

"That good," the goblin stated, "it is good to be up to date on all your lands and see what they are producing if you would."

"I agree," Harry nodded, "Now that I have you here Barnott this is as good as any time. I was going to send you an owl, but magic works in mysterious ways."

"Yes," the goblin said as he listened up.

"Could you send some Galleons to my family's Wizarding Tower and Fortress."

"Of course," the goblin answered with a nod, "how much, Master Potter?"

"A few million," Harry simply answered like the words that just came out of his mouth was nothing.

"A-a few mi-million," the goblin repeated as he studdered over each word.

"Yes," Harry conceded, "the Griffin Fort more than anything needs the money so send the lion share to it. Plus the Wizarding tower needs money to start hiring and carrying out research on my behalf so make sure you send plenty over there as well."

"But, but, but..." the goblin tried to argue but he really had no word to say about this madness going on right before his eyes.

"Don't worry," Harry tried to comfort, "there is something coming down the pipeline soon that would make all this look like peanuts, just please bear with me, Barnott."

Harry knew that all his bets where on this magic phone, if it did not work than his family was financially ruined. There really was only two paths ahead of him- to bet it all or to lose it all.

Unlike other families that had plenty of time to recover from the war and bring their family back where they used to be, he did not have that luxury. The Potter went on for over a dozen years without a Family Head to lead thing, they were way behind the game and did not have time to do the catching up.

War was coming, he knew it deep in his bone. Voldermort would rise up somehow and began his reign of tyranny all over again in Magical Great Britain.

He had to make a gamble here. This magical phone idea could either save him or ruin him.

There still was the other families he could began with if things failed over here, but he would be losing a valuable piece here. So he had to win.

That meant getting started building up his family's army, and start relighting the forge of knowledge and getting new innovations out there.

Sighing as if in defeat, the goblin nodded his head and uttered, "I will get to it right away Master Potter."

"Good," Harry said with a nod. Then pausing as if he remembered something, he turned around to face the goblin and asked, "Oh, did you start investing in those muggle tech companies?"

"Yes, I made sure to buy lots of shares," the goblin answered as he looked like he would break into tears at any moment. "However I still did not start to invest in other muggle business sectors and now even if I wanted to I can't Master Potter since you are now directing the money to your family's tower and fort. You would only have Sickles and Knuts in your vaults."

"Hold off on that for now," Harry said. Even if he wished to control a big portion of the muggle business world, he knew he could start on that right now. Still he had a good start of the future, the tech companions.

"Just make sure that the Griffin Fort and the Wizarding Tower get their money."

Slowly nodding his head, the goblin looked up at Harry hesitantly and seem to want to say something but just thought better of it.

Harry immediately caught it, and pronounced, "If you have something to say, Barnott, you can always speak your mind. I count on your opinion greatly in these matters."

"Well Master Potter," the goblin began with, "I think this is a bit hasty, I understand you wanting to build up to where your family used to be, but it is a gradual process not something you can do overnight if you throw gold at it.

I fear if you continue going down this path, your family will soon have to start selling off properties, shares, patent, and valuable treasures and magical items."

"Don't worry," Sirius said as he spoke up, "the Black family will bail the Potters if it comes to that!"

Gazing up at his godfather, Harry had no words to describe his feelings and emotions at the moment. He might not know anything about politics and what not but he knew that a family did not just do that out of the good of their hearts.

No one would bail a falling family and even if they did they would expect a great favor in turn or even subordination. But to just freely give it...

Once again Harry had no words at all, his godfather's family is in the exact situation as his. There is so much problem and obstacle that they face it would take years to even fix and recover from.

All Harry could say was, "Thank you," and he really meant it from the bottom of his heart.

"No problem, pup," the older wizard smiled down at him as he messed with his hair.

"Still..." Barnott tried to argue.

"Barnott," Harry said as he got the goblin's attention. "I know I may look to you as a careless young lord who does not know what he is doing and is frivolous wasting his gold. That I am clearly not ready for leadership and command, but I am here to tell you I am not. What you are thinking is all right!"

"That came out of nowhere," Sirius remarked like he was at a movie with popcorn on hand.

"I really do not know what a Lord even is entitled, nor do I know the first thing of running a multi-million galleon family. I just wasn't prepared for this. But what I do know is I have an idea which might save everything and I am certain it will be making us 10 if not 100 times what we spend today!

All I ask is that you have faith in me for this. Let me do this and we will be back in the game. So are you with me?" he asked as he held out his hand for the goblin.

"What else can you say but YES to a speech like that," his godfather remarked with a shout.

Looking hesitant, the goblin seem to come to a decision and stelled his resolve, "I am in," he pronounced as he shook his hand.

Chapter 37: Other Properties Pt.2

"We are here," Sirius said as they appeared right outside a luxury apartment complex in the heart of London.

Harry was both dreading this and wanting it at the same time. He never knew you could have such contradicting feelings bubbling up to the surface at the same time

Anyways, he finally got to lay eyes on his parents' old home before they had to go into hiding thanks to Voldeywonks being on their tale.

The place was massive as it took up a whole city block by itself. It had a large ground floor with trees set around, an open patio out back, a parking lot that lead underground that latest and expansive cars were going through, a few attendants helping everyone that they could, and other nice amenities.

The building itself was 10 stores tall with a white pristine exterior, clear glass windows, terraces on each floor for all the apartments, and a rooftop deck up above. All in all the place was so much more modern then all the other properties he has been to.

Following after Sirius who walked up to the complex, a bellhop held the door for them as they entered. He gave them a strange look as if he was trying to recall who their were but was coming up short. Still he said nothing as they entered.

Immediately they were greeted to a stylish, contemporary lobby of the flat. There was smart snazzy art fixed to the walls with dashing black, white, and grey decorations. There was a receptionist out front with a pleasant smile on her face, with a lounging set off to the side beside a crackling, warm fireplace, an anteroom that lead off to the side, pls there were two double-decked elevators that lead up.

Walking up to the female clerk, Sirius greeted her politely and inquired from her, "Could we get the keys to the Potter suite?"

"Potter's suite?" the woman repeated as she narrowed her eyes on them.

"Yes," the older wizard replied then bringing him to the forefront, he stated, "this is their son and I am his guardian. We are here to check up on the place and maybe pick up some valuables."

"Oww," she said as her expression softened, "I am so sorry for your loss. I know it has been a long time, but your parents were very fine folk indeed."

"Thank You," Harry said with a simple nod as he swallowed down on the lump building in his throat.

"Now for ID Verification," she said as she confirmed their identities. Before long she handed them the keys to his parents' penthouse and waved them well wishes as they headed for the elevator.

Soon they were at top floor of the apartment complex and right at the door that lead to his parents' old home. Taking a deep breath, Harry glanced up at his godfather who have him a probing look and he nodded his back showing that he was ready.

Then the animagus wizard put the keys in and swung the door. Then without further ado, Harry entered, the first thing he was greeted to was a large sweeping area. There were well-furbushed leather couches and armchair, high hanging chandeliers, expensive looking art on the walls, a sliding door that lead to the terrace, large windows that offered a wonderful view from up above, a kitchen off to the side, a small dining table, stairwell that lead upstairs, a piano right dab in the middle, and doors that lead off into the house.

The place really fit along the lines of the apartments as it was very modern and something he did not expect wizards and witches to even understand. But then he remembered that his mother was a muggle-born, so it must be her touch in all this.

Taking it all in, already Harry could imagine his parents living here as there were hangs of quidditch team flags, brooms, gears and other items. Shelves of books lined the wall that must have belonged to his mother covering all kinds of subjects. Deciding to explore the place, Harry left his godfather who was gazing at a picture of his parents.

Strolling down the hallways, Harry made sure to check out every nook and cranny this place had.

Finally, he reached his parents' room upstairs, running his hands over the sheets he could still smell the light musk of two different people. From off to the side he spotted a door that lead off to another room.

Sliding the door open, he was met to the sight of a small baby crib. From a slightly ajar closet he could see new infant clothing hanging off the rack. Walking in there he turned some of them over and saw boy's clothing with Harry Potter on them and some girl's clothing with Ros Potter.

He did not know whether to cry or laugh, putting them back he walked out of the room and passed his parent's old one and closed the door behind himself. For a few long moments he stood with his back against the door then picked himself up.

Walking away Harry pulled himself together and made his way back to his godfather. Even after all this time old wounds still hurt, but he had to carry on.

Coming back to the living room area, Harry saw Sirius highly tapping the piano. Glancing up when he heard him coming down, he started off with a far off look. "Did you know that your father use to play the piano?"

"No," he answered back with a shake of his head.

"Ahh, well he did. You used to tell me how much he hated it as a child, but his parents-your grandparents forced him to learn it. Then as he grew up he stopped practicing until one day in the Three Broomsticks Inn he played it just for fun. Your mother was so enamored, he could see how much she was blown away.

At that time he was trying everything he could to woo her and now that he saw something interested her, he jumped at it. He used to practice it like a mad man to get back in skill. Then he would send Lily recording of different pieces, slowly but surely your mother fell for his charm.

Ever since then he had a passion for playing the piano."

"Wow," Harry simply said as he had no words to describe anything but "he was really dedicated."

"Yep, of all the girls that we used to chase after, there was none other than your mother that your father fell hard for. And I do not even know why," he said with a chuckle, "she really hated his guts at first. We really thought he was an m-masochist," he said through fits of laughter.

In spite of himself, Harry couldn't help but smile along, but not for the reasons imagined. It was good that his godfather was remembering the good old times instead of being stuck in the past.

"Should we go now?" Harry asked in a low tone.

Glancing around the place, the older wizard nodded his head and uttered, "Yea, we can always come back here."

"Yea," Harry agreed with a weak smile, though deep down he wondered if he really did. No matter what he did, his chest seemed to hurt when he was here and he felt like he would fall apart at any moment.

Appearing right on the outskirts of a village, Harry could make out a sign off in the distance that read, Welcome to Godric's Hollow.

This was their last stop in their long journey, which would conclude everything.

Godric's Hollow was a village in West Country were many regular wizarding families called their home. Here is the place where the Dark Lord himself was defeated at the hands of a one year old and where his parents died. Where famous wizards and witches were born like Godric Gryffindor. Where each resident was magical in nature. Where the tomb of powerful wizards laid all around in the surrounding. Countless magical beings and beasts habitated the land around.

This was a place teeming with magic all around and mystery abound.

Passing through the sign, Harry saw wild moor all around as the land slowly slopes up and down with green open pasture. From not to far away he could see a village with countless homes squatted down together creating a community.

Proceeding on, Harry past by many single wizard towers and witch cottages. He could see the strange lights going on inside of them and if he wasn't part of this whole life he would have been getting a whole lot of creepy vibes.

However, he knew it was just some person carry out an experiment or doing some research. Now that he said it, it really sounded strange on his tongue. Who knew that he got so used to this world so fast. Just a few days ago he did not even have surface knowledge of this world or some common sense.

Now, look at him being all expertly and wise in the matters of the wizarding world.

Just as those thoughts crossed his mind, he mused as he walked along- is that how regular wizards and witches see muggle-borns. People with no common sense and did not even want to learn about their way of life. Just as muggle-borns thought wizards and witches did not have any common sense when it came to the muggle world.

Now that was food for thought later, just then they came up to the village's mouth. He was amazed to see how unfortified the place was as they just walked in with no one to stop them or ask them questions.

Maybe it was his short time at the Griffin Fort which was unassailable to the max or he was thinking in wartime terms. Nevertheless, they walked down the village paved streets where kids played around, adults took care of business, and people just got about with their life.

He was surprised when he saw the open appearance of magic. There were people that flying around in brooms and carpets, some casting a variety of spells, other using magical items, and even some kids taking part in the action.

Clearly they no one was following the Statute here as they blatantly did whatever they wanted. Turning to look up at his godfather who much wiser in these matters than him, he asked, "Why is everyone practicing magic out in public? Are they not afraid of being come down upon for breaking the Statute?"

"Ow," Sirius said, "well this is a safe haven for magic. There are no muggles for countless miles around so you can freely do magic here."

"There are places like that?" Harry asked as he glanced around the lively place.

"Of course," the older wizard answer like it was the most obvious thing. "Who would want to live constantly under the watching eye of the Statute unable to flex a muscle. That is no life for anyone so there are places like these where you do not have to keep everything under lock and key."

"Mhm," Harry said, "I guess you learn something new every day."

Patting on the shoulders, a bit of Sirius inclination leaked out, "Ahh, how I wished I could teach you everything this world as to offer in just one sitting." Then sighing, he reflected, "but I guess I could only wish for that since you really have to experience everything that this world has to offer and see it first hand for yourself."

Just as they were getting into their conversation they reached a part of town that seemed very crowded. It wasn't the regular village people that were milling about but tourist who were taking like people who really did not belong.

They had magic cameras as they clicked away with moving pictures, munching on food from vendors, and buying merchandise. Getting a peek at the wares Harry saw that they were strangely themed towards him.

Moving along Harry said nothing but shook his head, if that wasn't proof he was a real rock star then he did not know what was. Regardless this must be what Barnott was talking about the unlicensed use of his name, face, and prominent lightning bolt scar.

Nevertheless, he was really thankful that he really did a 180 growth spurt because he was afraid he might have been swarmed by all the tourists and even residents of the village if they recognized him.

Keeping a low head, he followed behind his godfather until they reached a two stores tall burnt building. Part of the first floor was caved in with lose beams sticking out and glass windows blown apart.

It was obvious that this was a sight of a battle one that his parents lost. His family's cottage!

"We're here," Sirius announced as he gazed at the partially ruined structure. He had a far off look in his eyes as he seem to be remembering some stuff that happened a long time ago.

"Hello," a voice greeted them, breaking them both out of their reverie.

Turning to a woman who looked to be a guide of sorts, she asked, "Are you here for a tour of the National Historic Landmark of the Potter cottage?"

"Ahhhh," Harry said as he really did not expect that at all.

"Sure," his godfather said, answering for him.

"Good," she said with a smile, "You can join the group over there, we will began soon," she said as she pointed to a small cluster of people standing right outside the cottage.

Joining the group, the woman began with the tour as she pointed her wand at her mouth and her voice was amplified for all to her. Walking through the front gates, Harry could now spot the plaque showing that this place was a landmark.

Getting the full tour as the whole house was shown off, the woman pointed out everything there was. Plus complementary assumptions of course.

Sirius laughed along at that and corrected everything for him privately, but for Harry it was so surreal. Walking inside his old childhood home like a sightseer was something he did not expect.

The tourist on the other hand ate it all up as they took their pictures, pointed their fingers, and gawked and whispered.

Before long the tour was over and they were led out so that the next group could come in. After all was said and done he really did not know what to make about it. His home was now being shown off like a tourist attraction, but at the same time it was part of history.

This ruined house would stand the test of time and his children and their children would be able to visit it and see the historic place where the Dark Lord was first defeated.

Seeing that his godfather wasn't heading towards the direction of the village premise, Harry wondered out loud, "Ahh where are we going."

"Just follow me," he answered without any further word as he lead him off.

Walking down the winding road, they moved past the village limit and came up to a graveyard. At that instant, he knew what they came here to do and as much as he wanted to do this all his life, he started to become a bit fidgety.

All his life he was waiting for his moment, but now here he was going weak in the knee. He would have been laughing at the irony of it all, if wasn't all so god damn nervous at the moment.

The place was massive as there seem to be buried hundred upon hundred of people here. They entered from the front gate and saw dozens of war memorial however what attracted his attention was a piece of two people sitting on a bench.

One was a man with a wand hand in one and his hand wrapped around a woman, in the woman's hand was a small bundle of a child which she seem to be tickling and the man was smiling down at.

Harry knew who they were- his parents and him as a child.

Standing right next to him, Sirius also gazed up at the statue and knowingly said nothing. For a long while they just shared a common silence until they were interrupted by some one.

"Ahh came to see the Potter memorial?"

Nearly jumping off his feet, Harry spun around to see a old man with a grey beard dressed in grey drabs, he had a shovel in hand and a very pale complexion. Immedatly he associated him as the grave keeper here.

"Yes," Harry answered his glanced at him then back at the statue, "Yes we did."

"Mhm, this has always been my favorite piece here. All the other show valiant poses, triphment victories, and great last stands but this here, it paints another picture. That of a parent's loving embrace."

Saying nothing as they once again took in the statue in silence, the man waved them a pleasant evening just before they asked where his parents grave was located.

Strolliing down the many rows of headstones, Harry saw a vaity of dates on them from as far back as 600 B.C to the present day. He really was amazed at how long this place stood, it was a true testament of time.

Coming up to two pure white marble headstones Harry saw his parents' name written on them. Without a word, Sirius conjured flowers and placed them on their grave.

Harry on the other hand bent down and ran his finger along his parents' names. Without even realizing it silent ears ran down his face.

Finally, at long last, he got to see his parents.

Chapter 38: Lordship Duties Pt. 1

"You will also need to review these, my lord," a clear crisp voice stated as more parchments where piled on his desk.

Groaning in pure whimper, Harry felt like crying in tears of despair. Right now he was back at his family's castle, after he and Sirius where done going on their little tour of all the estates and lands of his family, it was time to come back home.

Packing up his bags and saying goodbye to everyone, he was ready to assume his role as Lord.

Now that he was here and took up the burden, he knew he bit off more than he could chew. All-day, every day he is sitting on his desk and doing paperwork. Who knew that there was so much god damn paperwork to do.

Now, whenever he sees any sort of parchment he has a wave of burning anger in the pit of his stomach and he wishes he could burn them to a pile of ashes that could drift off into the wind.

He so wished that he could half-ass it or even skip it altogether, but Tobry his ever diligent pain in the ass always had his eyes on him like a hawk. Whenever he slips up or does not step up to the task the house-elf just looks at him with those infuriating disappointed look as if he failed himself and his family line.

"Can I get a break," Harry whined for the umpteenth time. He had the most splitting headache from doing all this desk job and his mind felt like it was filled with lead.

"Teatime will be in an hour, my lord, then you can have your break," the well dressed up house-elf answered.

Harry really felt like strangling him, but he knew that the little creature was just doing its job even if it made his life miserable. He couldn't wait until the week was out, then it would be to the Quidditch World Cup!

He would get the well needed break he derseved, and would be a whole week away from the life sapping work.

"Now," the house-elf continued as he started reading the messages and memo he got which he took up to doing to ease his work. "You got a missive from the Commander of the Legion asking if he could buy 1,000 different Spell Gauntlet."

"What are those?" Harry asked as he signed off on a parchment then sealed it with wax and stamped down on it with his lordship ring which changed into his family coat of arms as he pressed down.

Staring off in his most educator tone, the house-elf explained, "Spell Gauntlet are magical items that come premade with spells already woven into them. All you have to do is pour magical power into them and wa la."

"So it basically cuts down on spell casting time," Harry said cutting to the heart of the matter.

"Yes," the house-elf answered with a shake of his head.

"Approve of it, and tell him to continue with the good work with all the pleasantries of course," Harry said with a wave of his hand.

"I will get right to it, my lord."

Just then a blue-haired maid interjected with a, "more tea, Master~"

Not looking up at the Living Construct he brought along to the castle from the mansion, Harry just proffered up his empty cup and the maid got to filling it then adding his complimentary milk and sugar just the way he liked it.

Once she was done Harry took the steaming cup and took a sip, "Wonderful like always, Rem," he commented as he smacked his lips together.

"Thank you, Master," she uttered with a sweet happy smile as she curtsied for him.

Looking over at the other maid sister who was rearranging his large pile of parchments in an orderly fashion for him. Their eyes meet for a single moment and Harry gave her a playful wink, she quickly turned her gaze as a blush crept up her face.

Transferring them over to the castle was the best desition he made in all of this mess. Just this morning Ram and him shared a very intimate session and no matter how much she tried to deny him, she always came back for more.

Carrying on in his monotone, Tobry listed off, "The Head Assistant Researcher says her that she hired two dozen new apprentices to help around in the tower. Some are a very promising lot and might advance to aides. She is also requesting in this Rainbow Crystalline Sands."

"W-why are they bothering me with all this stuff?" Harry asked in a pleading tone as he put his head in his hands. "I gave them the money, why can't they just go ahead and carry on?" For as much as he enjoyed regular updates, he has been swamped by all these requests coming in.

Did he know anything about planting rare magical plants? No! Did he how to raise an army or train it? No! Did he know anything of what went into creating a new magical item? No!

But still his they asked for his opinion or his advice when he was clueless as a little babe.

"It is their duty to update you as their liege lord, and it is your duty to approve or disagree with that is going on, my lord." the house-elf answered as he pulled up his reading glasses up the bridge of his nose.

Sighing, Harry grunted out a "Fine." Then in a more somber tone he continued, "Give her my congratulations on hiring all those little helpers. Also, tell her that her request is approved, she can have this magic sand- though I really do not know what she needs it for."

"Now the Matriarch of the Greenhill tribe asked you..." with that the house-elf carried on and once again Harry really felt like strangling him.

Sitting in the gardens out back, Harry was enjoying his tea and snacks while taking in the wonderful sights. However just then Tobry walked in with a bow of his head, "My lord," he said, "Lieutenant Alex is here out in the training yard."

Sighing Harry saw that all good things much come to an end, "Well then," he said as he got up from his chair, "let us not make the Lieutenant wait for us."

Nodding his head, the house-elf led him out of the gardens, down the many winding paths of the castle and towards the training yard.

Before he even reached the place he could spot the militant man from the archways up above. Coming down the steps, Rem picked out his training uniform which was a simple baggy shirt and pants which were patted from the inside and a good pair of training shoes.

Putting them on and walked into the training yard, there where many training dummies scattered around, with two weapon racks to either side, targets ranges at the far corner, and even some muggle amenities like bench presses, weights, and other types of equipment.

Alex standing right in the center and once spotted him, he greeted with a bow, "My Lord."

"There is no need for all that Alex," Harry said as he waved it off. "You are my instructor after all for the day in the sword."

When Harry received a missive from the Commander that he would be sending the Lieutenant his way to teach him the sword, surprise was the least of his feelings. He just speaking in passing when he said the man had to teach him.

But for the last couple days, he has been coming here to do exactly what he wished for.

"I will keep that in mind to be more casual, my lor-... Harry."

"Well, it is the effort that counts," Harry replied.

"Yes, lets began with the stretches," he said as they started to do a variety of different stances. Some were really easy as he just had to spin around his hands, others were taxing as he had to keep them up for a while, and some really pushed the limit of his bendability.

Then it was endurance training as Alex had him running some laps around the training yard. After that it was strength training as Alex had him lifting some weights. Followed by...

Soon all of it blurred together as the man pushed him to his limits. However, that was only just the beginning, once all the exercises were done it was time for the real deal, what he came here for, sword training.

"Alright," Alex said as he passed him a wooden sword, "today we will be covering Sword Stances! Namely the 14 basic sword stances."

Listening up, Harry was at rapt attention as the martial man went off into a deep, detailed explanation. After that he had Harry try them out, "Yes, make your legs spread out like that. Back straight. Tighten your grip, but not too tight or else it will be your sword controlling you, not the other way around."

"Like this?" Harry asked once he got it down.

"Yes, yes, good. Now can you tell me what it is?" he quizzed.

"An on-guard stance, correct?" he asked as if h already got it right. With just one explanation from the man, he already got all the basic stances down, plus now that he should him his muscles already memorized them as well.

He did not know what was at work here, but he was feeling pretty awesome with himself.

"Okay," Alex said, "show me the high guard stance."

Doing as commanded as he raised the sword high over his head like he was protecting himself from a eagle strick over head. Suddenly his new instructor drew out his own practice sword and before Harry could even shout a stop or flinch back. He jumped up into the air like a soaring bird and came down at him like a falling rock.

Practice sword banging against practice sword, it was only through some miracle or his feets freezing up that he kept still and in his sword stance that he blocked the blow.

"Good," Alex called out as he jumped back and landed a few feets away from him.

Harry was about to shout at the man and question if he lost his mind attacking his own life lord like that. Yet before he could even do that, he called out with a smile on his face, "Now shoulder guard!"

Reacting instinctively like an animal that wanted to preserve his or her own life, he brought his practice wooden sword over to his right shoulder and right in time. The armed and very dangerous man came at him with an upturned lunge.

Blocking the blow, he was pushed back a few steps in the sandy training yard as his feet dug across the sandy ground.

Having no time at all to catch his breath, the sword wielding manic called out again, "Now Low Gaurd." As he spun around and came at him with a low sweeping blow.

It was only at the last few seconds that he brought his practice sword low, protecting his shins that he blocked the blow once again.

"Excellent," the man excailmed, "Now center guard!" he said as he came at him with a thrust to his chest.

Harry knew that he wouldn't be able to block this blow as his arms weren't coming up to fast and Alex's thrust was already a few inches away from his ribcages. Seeing that wouldn't be the correct answer, he decided not to follow his instructions and dodge.

There was no way he was going that this blow head on, he wasn't sp sure that his poor ribs would survive that. Thus bending back all the way until hi was forming an L-shape, and putting his back into it or for this matter- the leak of it. He doodge the thrust by just an inch of hair as the thrust came whistling right above his nose.

Getting back up, Harry did not expect the pat on the back he got from the Lieutenant as the man exclaimed, "Well done, my lor- Harry!" he said as he was still seemingly still getting used to calling him by his name.

"But, but I did not put up a center guard like you called out?" he worded into a question.

"So," he said with a shrug, "what matters is that you follow your instinct. They are what gets you out of trouble and saves your life."

"So what was that all about?" he asked. If the man was only testing his instincts couldn't he gave gone about it in a more simpler way? For a moment there he was sweating bullets as he blocked everything within an inch of his life.

"It was too fold," the Lieutenant answered as he stuck out two fingers. "One was to see if you can utilize the stances under pressure. The second as I stated was to see if you would follow your instincts."

Grumbling under his breath, Harry said nothing more about the matter. This was training after all and he was going to be pushed to the limit and be called on to dangerous things like always, but that did not mean he had to like it.

"Well let us call it a day," the sword wielding manic said as he put away his practice sword. "Tomorrow we can start with how to dodge and parry, how does that sound my lord.. I mean Harry."

"Sounds good to me," he said as he walked out of the training yard and back to the sidelines where Rem was waiting for him with a towel and some refreshments.

"Thanks," he said as he took the offered towel and wiped at his forehead. Then taking some of the freshly squeezed lemonade, he patted the cute blue haired maid on the head and whispered to her, "I think very dutiful and devoted maids like you deserve a proper reward from Masters, what do you think?"

Giggling delightfully in answerer, she used her hands to cover up the slight blush creeping up her face. Harry inched closer to her until his warm breath was beating against her ear. "Come to my rooms tonight, and I will show you how appreciative I am."

With that, he stepped back and called out to the Lieutenant, "hey Alex do you want some refreshments before you head out."

"No," the man answered with a shake of his head, "I best be going now, lot of recruits wait back for me at the Fortress and I got to get them ready in shape before they start any advance training at all."

"Okay, see you tomorrow then," he waved to the man as he seemingly jumped up on the railings on the second floor, then up on to the open roof of the training yard. Suddenly a big great Griffin of brown and white feather and fur appeared from the sky with a loud screech, jumped on it back both of then were away into the sky.

Everything Harry sees that sword wielding manic take off on his mount, it is a truly a sight for sore eyes.

After his sword lessons were concluded for the day, it was a short lunch for him made by the maids then it was to his family's library. The place was big as the Black family's library with rows upon rows of books. The few differences of his family's library then the black was that this place had proper lighting for one, the stained glass windows shined down the bright warm rays of sun here.

There were soft golden lights that light up the place from the inside, with books on much lighter thoughts such as angelic magic, nature magic, elemental magic, light magic, chrono magic, solar magic, illusion magic, season magic, life magic, order magic, white arts, mystic magic, creation magic, and so forth.

However, as much as he wished it were, they were not what he was here to cover.

It seems like the learning never stopped for him. Everyday Tobry laid out the reading materials he would be coving.

These were matters concerning the way of the land, the art of war, the method of administration, information on economics, points on maritime life, ways of ruling, the art of politics, forming alliances, reading treats with other races, the craft of intrigue, knacks of trading, making betrothal, and the list went on and on.

Slowly, but assuredly he was learning everything that a lord had to do and be. Even if this was a life time of learning that most noble children would have been drilled into since their birth, he devoted it all like he was going through a feast.

Once that was finished up, the three tiny little fairies would come fluttering into the library to begin his lessons on the Fey Language.

Recalling their conversation a few few ago...

"So what did you guys want to teach me?" he asked as stood right before him with their butterfly-like resting.

"We are going to teach you how to make better use of your magic," the goth looking fairy answered.

"What do you mean?"

"We are talking about the pig gibberish that you European wizards like to use," Bravegrass stated, cutting to the heart of things.

"What wrong with my Latin?" Harry inquired in an offended tone. That took him a hard long year to master back in first year all the while he had play catch up with pure bloods who already were fluent in it.

"No it is not that," the shy fairy answered.

"Yeah," Twistyweb said with a sigh as if she just hated the fact that she needed to talk to communicate. "It is just your wizarding language is very common and it's that close to the source of magic."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked for the second time as if he sounded like a broken recorder.

Chapter 39: Lordship Duties Pt. 2

"It is just your wizarding language is very common, and it is not that close to the source of magic."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked for the second time as if he sounded like a broken recorder on repeat.

"What she means is that all language is derived from the Words of Creation, this is the first words ever spoken and is the very language of the universe. Just speaking one word of it has very powerful effects," Fluttershy began to explain and as she spoke each word her confidence built up until she was speaking clearly and confidently.

He never knew that she was a scholar but now that she was in her role, she was rocking it. "Ever language out there whether it be the Celestial language, Dark Speech, Old Tongue, Draconic language, or even God Speech tries to replica the Words of Creation and they come out with a varying degrees of successes.

Your Latin that most of you European wizards and witches use is common because it is far away from the true essence of the Words of Creation. Thus to better streamline and optimize your magic you need a better language."

"So the Fey language it is," Harry finished for her as he finally got the full picture.

All of the sudden, realizing she had spoken more than a few words, the little scholarly fairy went back to being her sky old self. All she squeaked out through the folds of her butterfly like wings that covered her up was a, "Yes."

"Mhm," Harry said as he rubbed at his chin while giving the three fairies a once over. Then finally speaking up, he stated like it was a fact which it was, "but you are not fey, right? You are fairies, don't you have your own tongue you speak?"

"Yes, we have our own language," Fluttershy answered as she went slightly red in the face.

"But you are an outsider," Bravegrass simply stated.

"Anyways, the Fey langue is still more powerful than ours," Twistyweb answered with a sigh. "It is the language that nearly all creatures that inhabited nature use."

"Okay," Harry said, he could understand wanting some privacy especially with his kind, wizards, going around enslaving them and a whole bunch of other creatures. Regardless they are still kind enough to teach him tongue which in this case equates to more power.

"Okay let's began," Fluttershy said, "the language of the fey is called Sylvan. It was created by..."

Coming back to the hear and now, Harry sounded out the alphabet of the language out loud with the fairies correcting each mistake he made. He was a bit frustrated that he was still trying to master the alphabet of this weird tongue which were strange shapes.

However, as the tiny little fairies put it he was making excellent progress. The more powerful a language got the more difficult it became to learn and master. Even they, who have been speaking this language for numerous years have a long way to go to master it.

One example that they gave him was about an order of monks that live high on top of a mountain, secluding themselves for countless years there just so they could learn a single shout, i.e dragon word.

Harry really had to praise them for their dedication, he knew for sure he couldn't commit himself to do that for years on end. Nevertheless, it really put into perceptive everything, no wonder wizards choice a much easier language- it sure as hell gets the job done much quicker. Still, they are giving away that much needed potency he desperately required if he wanted to defeat Voldywonks once and for all or go toe to toe with old fool.

Once his lessons with the fairies where done it was right back to the paperwork for him. After that, he had a dinner which was a fine affair as the day was coming to a near end.

Once he was finished eating, Sirius would come by for his Battle Magic classes. He did try to invite his godfather over to his family's castle, in his opinion it had much better lighting. That ancestral; home of the Blacks was really more akin to a haunted house than anything else.

However, the older wizard would always go weird when he raised that question and simply answers that he was needed at the house. Plus he had to take care of some price matters.

He wondered what the hell had him hanging around that place for since he knew he hated the house. Moreover, his mother was still around at that place.

To call her still around would be sending the wrong message since she is as dead as a doorknob could be, and was buried long ago. However, it is her portrait that still keeps a part of her bound to this material world.

If anything that more than anything made him glad he was far away from that place, always walking up to her shrieking and curse is no way to get by.

Still, the older man came by every day to carry out his training, and today he came out to the courtyard to wait for his arrival.

Just then he saw a creature zipping by across the sky like a lightning bolt, immediately he could tell what it was, a Hippogriff. Considering all the time he spent visiting the Roost so much these past couple days, and now he basically knew all Griffin-kin creatures there were like the back of his own hand.

However, this was not some random Hippogriff from the Roost, no, from its Stormy Grey feathers, its snowy white claws and hind legs. He knew who it was, Buckbeak!

Landing in the courtyard the Hippogriff let out a happy chip when he saw him, and Harry smiled back at it. He remembered the times he would come visit it in the rooftop abode it made its nest in.

Making his way over, Harry spotted his godfather on the Hippogriff back and watched as he jumped off.

"Hey," Harry greeted as he stood at the precipice.

"Ah, bring it in," Sirius said as he gave him a bear of a hug.

Returning it, they broke off and Harry turned to the Hippogriff, "How are you doing, Buckbeak?"

Answering with a chitter, the eagle/horse hybrid held itself a loft, but Harry could see how happy it was to see him and to be here as well.

Looking around, Harry did not spot the person he was looking for, thus he turned to his godfather and asked, "Is she still not coming?"

Understanding who he was talking about, the older man answered with a sad shake of his head.

Sighing, Harry really did not understand how women even though one second they were perfectly happy with you the next they were brewing up a storm. It was like they were a whole different creature on to themselves.

After that intimate night that they shared on his birthday, Tonks was a no show for the last couple days for their battle magic training sessions. He would admit he might have entrapped her with his wicked ways, but there was no denying that they both came out satisfactory.

Deciding no to keep his mind stuck on her, Harry's eyes drifted back to Buckbeak, at least he would not be changing his mood with the wind.

Seeing that the creature's eye was glued to the massive mountain right to the back of the castle, he asked with a grin, "You want to go up there?"

Answering for him was Sirius, "Yep, this is best for him he could be with his own kind and doesn't have to be cooped up in the attic anymore." Even as he said that, Harry could see that his godfather was sadden to see his friend go.

They must have been through a lot ever since they got away from Hogwarts. Him escaping the dementor kiss, and it escaping the ax.

Giving a sad whine, the Hippogriff looked torn, slapping it on the rump, Sirius stated, "Go on, I will visit when I can," as he did his best to present a smile.

Giving him one final look, Buckbeak took off into the air and they both watched as it flew towards the mountain.

"Must have been hard to let him go, huh?" Harry tried to comfort.

"Isn't always," he answered as he gave the creatures figure a final wave. "Now," he said as he spun around to face him with a pleasant grin back on his face. "How has Lordship been treating you?"

Harry nearly did a double-take at the 180 degree flip, but at this point, he already got used to his godfather's personality. "Tedious," he simply replied.

"Hahaha," laughing uproariously, the older wizard smacked him on the back to comfort him. "Well, I know what will cheer you up, some good old battle magic training."

"Sounds good to me," Harry said as he cracked his neck, this was really one of the only things he could look forward to. "Kicking your ass, is one of my favorite past times."

"Oh-ho-ho," Sirius laughed in one that didn't sound that pleasant, "You sure have gotten a bit mouthy with all that power huh? Well as your guardian it is my duty to get ride of that insufferable grin."

"Ow, this one," Harry asked as he pointed to his face where a shit eating grin was plastered to it, "oh this just my victory smile. If it makes you uncomfortable just tell me, I can understand not wanting to live with the shame."

Patting him on the shoulders, the older wizard gave him a hard squeeze which nearly got a grimace out of him and he whispered to him with that smile still on his face which really did not fit with his cold eyes that promised a whole lot of pain. "Let's get to the training mats, huh! We will see who can not live with the shame of 117 defeats to only 3 victories."

"Ahh, you admit it," Harry exclaimed as he pointed his finger at him in triumphant. "I knew those three matches were mine."

"My mistake," the animagus tried to correct, but it was too late as his younger counterpart was doing a little victory jig.

Glancing at how happy he was, the Black family head decided to just give him the small victory, however soon he would be wiping off the grin from his face.

Dodging the Bombarda that came hurtling towards, Harry rolled on the ground, and glanced over at the wall the training room's wards absorb the spell. He had to say that was a very close one indeed as he only ducked under that by the hair on his head.

Today it seemed like Sirius was going nearly all out on him as he pulled out all the stops. Maybe it was the taunting he done earlier, but he and his godfather always kept up that sort of relationship were they joked and quipped around.

No, something else seem to be on bothering him and at the forefront of his mind.

Coming up from the floor, Harry shouted, "Wait, wait," as he held his hands out right in time since the tip of Sirius's wand was lighting up with a spell at the ready and pointed right at him.

Magical light fading as the older wizard drew back his spell which had to be really advance stuff since he sure as hell did not have any clue how to take back a spell he already cast.

"Is that it?" Sirius asked as he seem to come back into focus as a grin split his face, however, somehow it looked a bit off as it didn't have any of that life it usually does. "Are you giving up already? Where was all that trash talk a few moments ago."

"No, it is not that," Harry said as he tried his best to collect himself. The older wizard really put him through the wringer.

"What is it then?" Sirius posed, this time with a raised eyebrow.

"Something is off with you today," the younger wizard answered as he narrowed his eyes at his older counterpart.

"What do you mean?" he demanded as his eye narrowed a bit in of an affront. "I am perfectly alright. Let's go back to our match, I will be kind enough not to count this as your loss."

"No," Harry said with a shake of his head, refusing to budge an inch. He hated confronting the very man who took him in and took on the task of raising him. But deep down, somehow, he knew he had to.

"I do not know what going on, but you have been off these last couple days and acting weird," Harry pointed out.

"Pfft," Sirius said as he waved his accusation off with a laugh and a wave. "There is nothing wrong, pup, trust me, okay."

"NO," Harry repeated, this time in a near shout. He knew his godfather real well, and when he was hiding something he would always hide it through a laugh or a joke. And if that response didn't send clear signals, then he did not know what did.

"You come by every day like your mind is somewhere else and, and... You refused to stay here."

"What does that have to do with anything?" the older wizard asked with a hands upraised.

"Everything," he answered, "when you came here I could tell how much you loved this place. It has all the good memories you could ever what, but nooo. You decide to stay at the one place where you hated to your very core, the place wh-where she was," he said, not needing to mention who she was since they both clearly knew.

"Come on, pup," Sirius said as he tried to dissuade him, "I- I..."

"I what?" Harry demanded, "I know you were hiding something."

"No, I am not," Sirius insisted.

"Yes, you are," Harry declared.

"No, I am not!"

"Yes, you are!"

"No, I am not!"

"Yes, you are!"

"No, I..."

"AAAA," Harry shouted as he rubbed his forehead, "this is not getting us anywhere." Turning back to face his godfather, he decided to take a different tact, placing his hand on the man's shoulder, he comforted, "Come on, Sirius, you know you can tell me anything right? It is me and you against the world, really!"

Remaining silent for a long time, Harry thought for a long moment that he was not getting anything at all from him, until he broke it with a near whisper of an answer. "I have been learning from my mother a bit here and there."

"You have been WHAT?!" Harry exclaimed as he heard his answer.

What came next was something Harry never expected, Sirius face seem to go through numerous expressions until it settled on ire. "Now you listen here," he said as he wagged his finger at him, his mannerism totally reminded him of Mrs. Tonks, his cousin who he was so different from.

"I will take no back talk or any nonsense from you, Harry James Potter!"

"Okay, okay," Harry said as he held out his hands to try to calm him down, "I was just a bit surprised, that all and..."

"And what?" he asked sharply still irritated with him.

"Well," he answered as smooth faced as he could be, "I never pegged you as the sort of man who would be running back to his mother's skirt."

Pausing for a long while as they stood face to face, Sirius finally burst out, "Ow, why you little shit. I am going to crack your back until you are crying to the high heavens for forgiveness."

Breaking out in laughter, Harry couldn't help himself when he saw that very much peeved expression on his godfather's face.

Settling down, Sirius once again spoke up, clarifying himself, but somehow Harry felt like he was doing it for himself as much as he was doing it for him. "I have been back at the ancestral home these past couple days with my mother's portrait. You could say we came to a sort of agreement- if she did not want me to drag the family's name in the dirt anymore or have it taken over by Malfoy upstarts, she would have to teach me how to be Head of the House and all the duties and tasks it entails."

Saying nothing, Harry wondered how the man went about doing that, from the few encounter he had with that witch back at the estate, she was nothing if not unwavering especially with the way she cursed and screamed at them day in day out.

"So I have been learning from her if you would and I visited all the estates, lands, and other assets we had in Great Britain."

"Why?" Harry asked, cutting off the older man.

Turning to look at him, Sirius asked in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"I mean why would you do all that? I know you, and you hate anything that has to do with the Black Family written on it. Why would you put yourself through all this?" No matter how many times he thought it over he could fathom why the man would want to be even seven feet near all this.

From all he knew about his godfather, he has always been running from his family all his life. Even back at Gringotts when Gorkit offered the Balck family Lordship ring to him to prove that his now the rightful master of the house, he still ran from it under the guise of later.

So why in god's name would he start getting into the affairs of the family he wanted nothing to do with?

Sighing, Sirius face him head-on right in the eyes and simply answered, "For you, pup. I say how you were ready to tackle your duties while all I can do is hide from them. Now there will be no more of that.

Plus I know you need as much help as you could get for this coming war, and if it means taking up the mantle of the Black family, then I would do it," he said as if resid to his fate.

Harry had no words to express himself, the man always went above and beyond for him l-like a... father would for their own son.

"Thank you," Harry simply said as he hung his face low to hide his expression.

"Don't worry about it," as the man did a 180 degree flip once again from somber to cheerful. "We both can suffer together, so there is that at least. Plus," he added, "we can get away next week for 5 whole days as the World Cup is coming up soon."

"Yea," Harry hoarsely replied as he quickly dabbed at his damp cheek. "That sounds good to me!"

*OMAKE*

Lying in bed as Harry was reading up on some stuff that Tobry assigned him, he heard a slight knock at his door and looked up from his book.

"Who is it?" Harry called out.

"It's me, master~ a voice he knew very well called out from the door.

"Come in," Harry said as he closed his book shut.

Walking into his room was Rem and the first thing Harry noticed was how little clothing she was wearing. All she had on was a light blue pair of panties and bra which only hid her nipples and did nothing for everything else.

"What''s the occupation?" Harry asked with a grin.

Pouting, the blue haired maid answered back, "did you forget your promise, Master! I came for my reward for being a good little maid~"

"Ow, yes, how could I forget. Well," Harry said as he threw his sheets to the side, "I will just have to make sure to reward you doubly for remaining me!"

Interlude – Sirius's adventure Pt. 1

NEW POV*

Walking down the halls of his family's ancestral home, Sirius wondered to himself for the hundredth time what he was doing. He had no love for this place. It held too many bad memories and too few good ones.

But he had to do what he must so that he could survive and, most importantly, his godson as well.

Remembering that little bugger, a smile split his face; who would have expected that he would one day be responsible for a kid. He sure as hell didn't, and he never knew that it would be so fun.

It was like having James around at times!

Shaking his head, he got rid of that thought. Harry was his own person, he might be similar to James, but there were also times he resembled Lily at times.

Nevertheless, if he wanted both of them to come out of this war alive, he had to do this.

Taking a turn in the dark, gloomy hallway, Sirius ran into his family's miserable house-elf. Seeing how suspicious the house-elf was acting, he narrowed his eyes at it and asked, "Kreacher, what are you up to?"

Muttering under his breath, the thing bowed its head to him in respect, and answered back, "Nothing, Master B-black."

Taking a second glance at it, Sirius really wondered for the dozenth time what that little punk did to get this wretched thing this obedient. He really worked some magic on the thing for it to give him an ounce of respect.

"Carry on then," Sirius said, then added in a growl, "and I better not see you getting up to your antics."

"Yes, Master," the beastly thing rasped, and it was on its way with its back hunched as usual. For a moment there, Sirius could have sworn he saw a necklace around its neck, but he waved it off since there was no one that could have given it accessories without risking its release.

Continuing on his way, Sirius reached the wall way with countless portraits of Black family members of old. He remembered the few times he had come here as his mother went on and on about all the great Blacks, and he always found it arduous.

Arrogant men and women lined the hallway, cruel in nature with hearts as black as their surnames, and with a mean, nasty streak as wide. All of them looked at him with a varying degree of disappointment, and dislike as if he had failed the family for being so weak and soft.

Finally, he reached the portrait he came here to visit. "Hello, mother," Sirius greeted the living portrait of Walburga Black, the last Matriarch of the House. It has been a decade or two since he has last seen her, and it seems like she went spiraling downward. The once pristine slender woman who held such might and power was now a podgy crazed mess of an old woman.

It appears that she went mad in her latter year with the death of all her family members. Sirius might have found it pitying long ago, and his heart might have ached for her, but now there was none of that anymore as all love and feeling left for her long ago.

"What are you doing here, BLOOD-TRAITOR!" the woman shouted once she saw him.

Grinning up at her, Sirius replied in a mocking answer, "Well, I came to greet my mother, of course. What kind of son would I be if I didn't come by to say hi?"

"You are no son of mine," the woman growled like a dog ready to bite and tear of his face. "I disowned you a long time ago, now get out of my sight."

"Come, come," Sirius said, still in his jovial mood like he did not hear the clear revile in her tone. "I am the last remaining Black, mother! Do you really want to kick me out, and have this family all but cease to exist and be forgotten in the streams of time?"

"YES," the woman answered as she had a glowing maddening look in her eyes, "I rather have that than see you lead this family. You are weak and pathetic and would drag our family name in time. I would NOT have that, ever!"

"Alright," Sirius said with a shrug, "if that is how you feel, then I best be going on my way." With that, he made to leave before one of the portraits shouted.

"ENOUGH of this Walburga!"

"Hey, great-great-grandfather Phineas Nigellus Black," Sirius waved at the man who used to be the past Headmaster of Hogwarts.

Ignoring him, the black-haired man's eyes were only on the old Matriarch, daring her to say anything.

From on the left, a woman sniffed out loud and asked her descendant, "Do you wish the Malfoys to take over the family."

"Hey, Aunt Elladora," Sirius greeted the woman who began the family tradition of beheading house-elves.

However, he was once again ignored as the other Blacks took up the chant of, "There is no way I am letting those upstarts take over."

"Yea," someone else agreed, "how did we even mix blood with those bootlickers?"

"It was Walburga's mistake to allow a daughter of the Black family to marry that ingrate!"

"That is enough from all of you," a dignified man shouted over all the noise.

"Hey, grandpa," Sirius greeted the man.

"Hello, to you, grandson," the man answered with a soft smile. Then turning back to his daughter, he growled, "Sirius is still the heir and can become Lord anytime he wishes. From old head to new head, you can respectfully give him your blessing, but it doesn't matter if you don't. A son of house Black will lead this family, no matter what you think or feel, daughter."

Giving her father, Arcturus Black, a narrowed glare, the woman finally turned back to her son with a sour look in her face and uttered. "I give you my blessing!"

"Thank you," Sirius bowed.

Before he could move on, the insufferable woman whispered, "It should have been you!"

Stiffening for a moment, Sirius looked up at her with blank eyes and stated, "Regulus would have been here, mother, leading this family as you so wished, if you didn't push him to that mad man."

Turning from her, he looked at the room at large and declared, "Now, let's get everything back into running order!"

"Hey Lupin," Sirius bellowed out as he walked into the living room where the werewolf was having a smoke on a pipe while reading the daily newspaper.

Rolling up his newspaper, the man looked up at his best friend and in a bit of an annoying voice asked, "What is it? Can't you see I am reading the newspaper!"

"Forget that," Sirius said as he waved that off, "I need you to come with me."

"And where do you want to take me?" the werewolf asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Come on, don't sound like that," Sirius said in a grumble.

"Don't sound like what?" the browned hair man asked.

"Like that," Sirius pointed off, "It is like I am leading you to your doom."

"Well, to be honest, if you and James haven't led me from one bad situation to another, I guess I won't have sounded like this."

"Come on," Sirius said as he gave his mate a pat on the back, "We will be in and out just like that."

"When have I ever heard you say that before?" the mustached man asked no one in particular. "Oh, I remember, countless times," turning to look at his friend, he asked, "Anyways, where do you want to go?"

"To my family's properties," the old prisoner answered.

"Are you sure you haven't been taken over by a doppelganger?" Lupin asked his friend as a concerned look crossed his face.

Giving him a blank look, he returned his question with one of his own. "If I was a shapeshifter pretending to be me, would I be sharing that particular fact?"

"No," the werewolf answered begrudgingly, "but this is so not you. What the hell are you even doing here."

Sighing, Sirius turned to his companion and simply answered, "I am doing this for Harry!"

Nodding his head, Lupin said nothing more on the subject and followed his friend until they finally reached the first property along their journey, the Black Estate.

The hold was on top of a hill that overlooked the ocean, dark currents beat against the craggy cliff walls with dark, dead trees taking up the surrounding of the hill side. The structure was made of dark grey stones that left a shadow across the land and it looked as if it would devour you whole.

All in all, the place was indistinguishable from a haunted house where ghosts and ghouls would have made it their home.

All Sirius could do was shake his head, his family was always a melodrama for the dark and foreboding.

Just as they came out of the clearing and were about to go up the slight rise, Lupin held out his hand calling a halt to their steps.

"What wrong?" Sirius asked his friend.

Ignoring him for a short moment, the man went on sniffing the air like a dog who caught a scent, "I smell humans," he growled as his eyes glowed a sickly yellow shade.

"What, but how?" Sirius asked, "that has to be impossible! My grandfather made it clear that this place was abandoned."

"Well, your info is incorrect," Lupin stated, "I smell- sniff, sniff- 17, 18, 19, 20 men just in the surrounding area, more have to be inside as well."

"Fucking shit," the dog animagus cursed. "Do you think that another family is moving on the Blacks?"

"It would seem so," Lupin said with a shrug, "but didn't you say your mother made sure to hide her passing from the outside world?"

"Yea," Sirius answered with a shrug, "she was always a conniving bitch," he muttered the last sentence to himself.

"Mmm, so whoever did this must be real ballsy to make a move this big against Walburga Black, or just plain stupid."

"Maybe," Sirius said as he rubbed at his chin, "they have inside information she died and now are trying to pick at all the lands and wealth left by a now extinct family."

"Yea, but who would have that sort of insider information?" Lupin asked his mate.

"Well if we just stand here all day we will never find out," Sirius answered. "Come on. I know a secret path into the estate."

Nodding, the werewolf followed behind as the Black family head leading him down a winding road. Before long, they came up to a secret door, hidden by leaves and tigs. Prying it open they soon entered into the estate.

Walking down the dark halls, they made sure to silently avoid all the invaders until they finally reached one of the side towers. From there, they had the perfect view of the lay of the land.

"Look," the werewolf said as he was first to spot one of the invaders off in the distance.

"I don't have you enchanted werewolf senses," Sirius grumbled, "tell me what you see!"

"It seems like we have soldiers here," Lupin answered as his eyes glowed a sickly yellow once again.

"From whose house?" Sirius asked as he tried to make out what his friend was seeing.

"It is the Malfoy's men," Lupin answered, "I know that green and black colors from anywhere with that big M."

"So they couldn't wait until I croaked, huh?" Sirius mused out loud as his eyes narrowed into slits.

"It seems so," his friend agreed.

"Mmm, it must have been Cissy, who let them in then," Sirius inferred, "or else there would have been no way that they could have gotten in without being torn to pieces by the gargoyles," he said as he pointed to the gruesome statues that lined the perches. "Or whatever nasties my family keeps around to hold off invaders," he added as an afterthought, knowing better that this would have been all his family would have had on hand.

"Why would your mother allow her to be keyed into the family wards after she was married off?" Lupin asked as confusion was written all over his face.

Snorting out loud, the wizard simply answered, "She was always the apple of my mother's eye. The perfect mix of her two sisters, with Bell's cruelty and Dromeda's brain in equal mix."

"Well, that worked out perfectly," Lupin joked.

"That doesn't matter now. We need to kick them out," Sirius declared.

"And how would that pan out?" the werewolf asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Pretty badly for them," the animagus answered as he gestured to the invading soldier's direction with a growl.

"No, not that," Lupin said with a shake of his head, "I mean they are going to find out your active around these parts and are aiming to get your family's assets in order."

"So what?" Sirius barked out, letting his anger get the best of him, "I just let them roll into town and take everything?!"

"Yea," the werewolf simply answered, "if the Malfoys know you are around they would gladly send some men after you to take care of you, and then there would be nothing at all stopping them from taking over your family."

Grumbling under his breath, the wizard knew his friend was right but to just allow them to do this galled.

"Listen," Lupin said as he rested a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Once your name is cleared, you can go before the Wizengamot and expose this illegal occupation of your land."

"What you think that makes me happy?" Sirius asked out loud, but he was started to calm down and come around to his mate's view.

"Well," the werewolf said as he spread his arms wide, "this does give you clear justifiable Casus Belli!"

Smiling as a wolfish grin slowly spread across his face, Sirius barked out in a loud responding laugh, "Yes, yes it does, indeed!"

In a smoke covered region where the ashes fell from the sky like rain, and rivers of lava ran across the earth. Two men suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"The Hunting Grounds should be right over there," Sirius stated as he pointed to caverns that lead deeper into the volcanos.

"Who the hell makes a sanctuary here?" the werewolf asked he cast a few fire protection spells on himself.

Doing the same as his companion, Sirius answered with a grin, "this is the perfect place for those mutts. Or else they would have run wild on the countryside."

Shaking his head, they continued on their way until they reached a ruined castle, the place was made of dark brimstone and it looked to have stood there for centuries on end.

Walking with, they passed the ruined rubble until they came to a large elegant tunnel that had decorations of dogs in savage poses. Without stopping they entered the dark foreboding gap and at their passing dark red wizard lights came on.

Inside there were more paints on the wall of different canines and they looked to be near to life, as if they would jump out at any moment and chomp down on them.

Suddenly they were caught unaware as they turned a corner and came face to face with a soldier who was dressed in green and blacks with a crest of two-winged serpents and a large M.

"Hey!" the family man-at-arms shouted as he pointed his wand at them, "who are you?"

Before the man could even say another word or react at all, two wands were upon him and then he dropped like a fly.

Coming over to him and bending down to study him, Sirius looked up to face his friend and asked, "How did you not catch a whiff of him."

"Blame this sulfur stench," the werewolf answered, "is that a Malfoy man?"

"Yep," the black family head answered as he began to drag the body away and hide it in an alcove.

"We got to get out of here then," Lupin stated as he made to leave.

"No," Sirius stated with a shake of his head, "I can not let them get their hands on any of the dogs."

"Did you not hear any of the stuff I said before?" the werewolf nearly shouted. "It is like it goes in one ear and comes out the other."

"I did," Sirius answered, "but if I do not do anything and these pansy snakes get their hands on any of the magical beasts, then a very bad situation will become a lot more worse."

"If you do this," Lupin said, "then you are alerting the Malfoys that you are here, and they might just go to the Ministry with this fact, and they will put you as the top priority. You can kiss it goodbye sneaking about in the country, rebuilding your family, and even raising Harry anymore."

"I know," Sirius said, "but hear me out for a moment."

Seeing that foolhardy look on his best mate's face, Lupin could already tell that he was in for a very crazy plan.

With the howls of a werewolf behind him and the terrified screams of countless men, Sirius ran deeper into the cavers. Already he could see gleaming eyes staring at him from the alcove and deep niches of the tunnels.

Sirius knew that his best mate could not hold a whole army back and distract them all day. Sooner or later, the Malfoy soldiers would reorganize and overwhelm the werewolf. Thus time was of the essence.

Without stopping or daring to look back, Sirius finally knew he reached the correct place as he saw mammoth-sized three-headed dogs napping about.

The only word to describe them was terrifying as their paws looked like they could rake mountains, and their jaws could chew trains. These were his family's ultimate weapons, Cerberus.

Picking his was carefully and making sure to not step on any tails or paws, Sirius had no idea how these creatures would react to him after he was apart from them for decades on end.

So it was best to be careful than to be sorry later; there was no way he was taking his chances with magical beasts that could squish him overhead with only one stomp. Making sure to tread lightly, Sirius had his eyes set on only one figure, the motherload of it all, one Cerberus that was nearly the size of a mountain that dozed off in the center of the chamber.

However just as he was halfway there one of the Cerberus stirred.

If you guys want advance chapters check out my Pa/ treon

Mark_Ward