Chapter 6

Harry had made arrangements to meet Hermione at the front door to the grounds. As it was just going 10, he arrived in good time. She was only a few seconds behind him, and as usual had her carry-all with her.

"That appears to be quite heavy. May I?" Harry offered.

"That would be wonderful! What spell are you going to do? Will it be permanent, or..." Hermione blushed, and set her bag down. She carefully piled the contents to the side.

Harry gave her a quick smile and summoned his magic. He wanted to make this permanent after all.

"Harry! Watch out!" The girl screamed but it was too late.

Just as he was about to cast, his vision blurred and he saw stars. His head really hurt, and he could tell that his forehead was bleeding. Hitting a wall forcefully and unexpectedly would do that.

"Ronald Weasley, how could you!" Hermione demanded.

"Everyone keeps saying how good Harry Potter is, but he pulled his wand! He was going to do something awful to you, and you were just standing there, and smiling at him!"

"He was going to charm my bag you pompous prat! And he asked me first! He had my permission, you twit! Oh, Harry, I mean Heir Potter, are you alright?"

"No Miss Granger, I feel quite sick. Can you please call a hospital elf."

Harry's magic was swirling, and he was doing everything he could to keep himself calm. Hermione had come a long way in a short time. She didn't have to like slavery, but she now accepted house-elves and did what she had to do to call for medical help as she had been taught.

"Please, don't leave me alone with Mr. Weasley, Hermione." Harry whispered to her.

Hermione nodded, not understanding, but willing to escort her friend up to the infirmary. Unsure as to what to do, the red-headed boy followed along, more than a little bit back from the group ahead. He wanted to make sure that the adults knew the truth of what happened.

Madame Pomphrey was a wonderful school nurse. She was well aware of the many bumps and bruises that childhood could bring, especially with quidditch and the other games played around the castle. She was a cure first, and worried about who did what to whom later sort of person. She was not about to put up with the newest Weasley spouting hatred of all things snake-like in her domain however. She had been Slytherin herself, leaving school in 1929, and had served as matron for more years than she cared to admit to. A light soap-scrubbing charm to the boy's mouth for his swearing was all the attention she paid to the firstie.

She had a head wound to deal with, and even in the magical world, they were taken very seriously.

"After you change, I want you to get into bed, and drink this potion. If you are still feeling sick in an hour, I'll have you transferred to St. Mungo's. In the meantime, I'll be sending a note to your grandfather and Professor Snape to let them know where you are. You'll be in bed for a few days, but it will be alright. Let's get you changed now."

A hospital gown and slippers were thrust into his hands, and the house-elf aid helped him to a nearby changing area and helped him change. The assistance was needed, and Harry was grateful to be able to lie down.

"Please ma'am, let Remus Lupin know as well. As for my family, Grandfather Black can seem fierce, but he isn't evil." Harry tried to say more, but she forced potion into his open mouth.

"I was best friends with Dorea young man." At his blank look, she explained. "Dorea Black. Your Grandmother Potter. I have known Acturus for a long time." She didn't add that she had been courted by the man before his family chose Melania for him. That was just so long ago.

Harry started to nod, regretted that decision greatly, and just focused on holding in his magic. He tried to smile reassuringly at Hermione, who was clearly distraught at his injury. His final thoughts as he drifted into unconsciousness was that Grandfather was going to be so upset.

Harry wasn't wrong.

-00-00-00-

Notes sent via house-elf couldn't be edited by the Headmaster, or intercepted as could correspondence sent by Harry's post owl. Within minutes, a very angry head of Slytherin stormed the gates of the infirmary.

"What in the name of, I mean, what has happened to my student?" Severus Snape was a powerful wizard, and his magic swirled around him like a cloak.

"I have not tried to investigate. However, these two should be able to answer that."

The know-it-all was holding Potter's hand, and looking very pale. The red-head had just come from the loo, and looked like he had just washed his face. Upon seeing the potions master, his cheeks lost their rosy color. He couldn't stop his mouth though.

"I had to act, and I don't know any spells that could stop him, so I ran the last few steps and pushed him into the wall. He was going to hex her!"

The 'her' in question was obviously the only other student in the room other than Potter. He had watched the lioness during the tirade, and she was clearly ready to give a different rendition. He arched an eyebrow at her and nodded permission to speak.

"Harry did have his wand out, but pointed straight down. He was going to charm my bag, with my permission I might add, and at no time acted in a threatening manner towards me. And Harry is really hurt! He might have to go to the wizarding hospital!"

If Poppy had mentioned St. Mungos, then it truly was serious.

"We'll start with fifty points from Gryffindor for your cowardly attack from behind. And I will personally see you expelled if I possibly can. You are without a doubt a complete waste of magical talent." Professor Snape intoned frightfully. Well, to anyone with some common sense.

"Of course you'd take his side! I'm going to McGonagall! You can't do that! He's just a slimy snake and deserved it!"

Hermione added another bit of testimony now.

"You've been storming around the castle looking for a reason to fight! I told you it was a bad idea to accept this invitation, that you wouldn't be able to control your temper! You were mad the first night when Harry went to Slytherin instead of Gryffindor, and you were furious when he didn't include you with his friends. You wouldn't follow the rules! Your choice! And that's not saying anything about your complete lack of table manners! And you have blamed him for your bad grades and the bad weather, and even you losing your pet! You blame him for everything. Oh Harry, I should have spoken up, but I was hoping to give the oaf a second chance, like you did with me. I'm so sorry!"

Tears streamed down the girls face, and two more adults entered the room.

"Severus, what?" "Snape, what?" They said at the same time, but Lupin bowed to McGonagall, and she started again.

"Professor Snape, can you tell me what is going on?"

"Mr. Weasley attacked Mr. Potter from behind, and slammed him headfirst into a wall. His crime was being a 'slimy snake'. He was about to perform magic on Miss Granger's bag, but had not yet raised his wand."

She swivelled her head around to her cub. Of all of the Weasley children that had been under her care, she was most disappointed with this one. No drive to succeed, unless eating became a competitive sport!

"Well, young man, is this true?" Her glare pierced him. Professor McGonagall's red hair had streaks of grey in it, and reminded him of some of his grandmothers and great-grans. He swallowed hard, and nodded, knowing that trying to lie when there were not one but two witnesses to his crime wasn't going to help.

The twins had taught him many things, and one was to just 'fess up when caught, it was over faster.

"I'll be flooing your parents about this. For now, go to your common room. You are under house arrest. You are to stay there or your dorm." She jotted a quick note. "I've never been so disappointed in one of my lions, young man."

"But lunch will start in just over an hour!" The mouth-that-ate complained.

"And you'll get something in due course. I suspect that your parents will be here before then."

Suddenly no longer so hungry, the boy desisted. He gave a look at the boy in the bed, the one that was supposed to be his best friend, the boy that was supposed to grow up and marry his sister, the boy that was supposed to share his life, his wealth, and his amazing adventures with Ronald Weasley, so thereby become something more, something great.

Holding his head down, he muttered quietly "it's all his fault" but only the animagi in the room heard it.

-00-00-00-

Acturus wasn't exactly an alcoholic. He monitored the amount he drank, and with his magical tolerance, he could drink far more than a muggle, and not be addicted. No, he didn't have a drinking problem at all. None at all.

He had just poured his first drink of the day. Elevenses had just been served after all, and Acturus was missing his heir terribly. He had taken the first sip when one of the elves popped in, relaying a message from Hogwarts.

The rest of the glass, the glass, and a mouthful of fine whiskey went towards the fireplace and made a nice, small fireball.

"Get Ares and Persephone! No, just Persephone, oh Merlin! Get them!"

The werewolf was at Hogwarts. Would he remember what his former best friend smelled like? Did it matter? Would anyone believe him if he denounced Sirius? The house-elves didn't say anything, but then, they wouldn't. Bother!

Ares came into the room not quite running, but it was clear that he had just transformed back into a wizard.

"Lord Black, I stand in attendance."

In answer, a note was thrust in his hands.

"Send an elf, have Harry transferred to St. Mungos, we can meet him there. And then deal with whoever tried to kill him." Ares suggested. "It's a head wound. Should I have the carriage taken to Hogwarts and use the thestrals?"

"No, it's not well advertised, but Hogwarts has a secure portal to St. Mungo's. Looks like a floo, but much safer for most student injuries. You don't want to go spinning around with a concussion or worse. But Hadrian should get there as soon as possible." Arcturus recommended.

Ares could stand watch for now, then they could hire guards later. Leaving the boy at Hogwarts would be foolish if he was unconscious. A reply was quickly dispatched.

Poppy understood the request from Acturus, Lord Black, and immediately complied. The floo/portal had engaged, and Harry was being levitated in when the Headmaster came in and tried to stop the transfer, but he was too late. Healer and patient were gone, and the flames went from green to dancing red-orange.

Dumbledore ran to the floo, and put in a bit of powder, ready to call out the destination, but it remained a normal fire. He didn't have the authorization to go straight to St. Mungo's through the portal.

Seemingly the Headmaster forgot he had a familiar that could take him in an instant to wherever he wanted to go.

He turned to the people remaining in the room, there was only one student, and with the amount of tears and other bodily fluids streaming from her, she had not noticed his recent actions, or so it appeared.

"Remus, my boy, can you tell me what happened?"

"Why yes, Headmaster, I would be happy to. I took your suggestion of inviting Harry and his friends to elevenses at Hagrid's place. I was just pulling out some scones, when I got a note saying that Harry wouldn't be coming as he was severely injured, and possibly headed to St. Mungo's."

The werewolf took a breath. His eyes were glowing amber, and Albus wondered what the phase of the moon was just now.

"Imagine my surprise to come into the infirmary and find out that Mr. Weasley not only wasn't a friend of Mr. Potter's, but that he has been looking for a reason to start a fight with him! I appreciate a steady job, and I would do anything to help Hagrid, who has been a good friend over the years. I don't like being lied to, Headmaster. I feel that Harry getting hurt is my fault. I haven't seen the boy since he was a baby, first due to the need for secrecy, and the muggles don't want to be around wizarding types. Then I heard rumors of abuse, and kidnapping. You tell me that your hands are tied, and Lord Black has the boy legally. And there's nothing more to be done, so I still can't see him. And you refused to tell me anything important!"

"This was your idea, your guest list! In fact..." The wizard centered himself, and his eyes turned honey-brown. He cast a spell, and spoke an inaudible message to the rest of the people there, and the patronus messenger was gone.

"Oh, that was amazing! What spell was that? Would you be willing to teach me, or at least tell me where I could learn about it?" Hermione was bouncing, her tears forgotten for a moment.

"It was a message spell, and if you are as smart as everyone says, I am quite sure you can learn it. It might take some time, but I'm sure of it. Your friend is in the best of hands. Why don't you go up to your dorm room and get cleaned up. I would be happy to invite you and Mr. Potter another day. I have stories of his parents to share with him."

Hermione nodded to him, and the other adults. Seeing Professor McGonagall give her a small smile, and shoo her with her hands, Hermione left the tense adults.

"What was the message Remus? Maybe letting Acturus know where Harry was going?" Dumbledore asked.

"My private message was just that, sir, private. I don't appreciate what happened today. I'll be going about my duties."

"You are not dismissed!" Albus declared, looking very angry.

Lupin turned and waited.

And waited.

Albus winced. Was he really silly enough to try legilimency on a werewolf? That had to hurt.

"I want to know what you said so that I can plan for any potential visitors."

Lupin just looked at him. Finally, Minerva stepped in.

"Albus, this is ridiculous, you are acting very childish. You may go about your duties, Mr. Lupin. I will relay your words to Lord Black when I discuss Heir Black's injury today. I for one have much to do, and parents to contact."

"Now Minerva, this was just boyish hijinks, the young man meant no harm."

Remus' and Minerva's eyes met. The victim was Slytherin, severely injured, the perpetrator was Gryffindor, who thought that he could get away with it since the target was a snake. A slimy one at that.

Remus hung his head in shame, while the deputy wiped more than a few tears from her eyes.

They just waited in silence.

Scowling, the Headmaster finally left, stomping out the infirmary.

"There's no going back to the order, no more jobs coming my way from him either." Lupin opined.

"No, and I suspect I'll never sit in the golden throne now myself. Makes things easier in a way. I certainly didn't want to do his work while he collected the salary." She turned to him, her nose twitching. "May I ask who you messaged?"

He whispered in her ear "Amelia Bones. I wanted to make sure she knew."

Minerva smiled, and then swept out of the room. She debated taking a headache draught with her, for she knew Molly and Authur well, and knew that this news would be taken lightly or quietly.

-00-00-00-

Magic is powerful, wonderful, and potentially life giving or life taking.

Harry was trying with all of his power to protect the magical world.

His blood hit the castle walls. His magic, magic that he had pulled up to cast a potentially permanent charm had been mostly caught on the same wall. Sure, his plans had been to cast a featherlight spell on the bag, but he had not even begun the incantation. No, his thoughts had been of magic, of permanency, of helping others.

Harry Potter wanted to protect the wizarding world.

The castle had new wards, wonderfully powerful new wards. New blood wards. From a mage of the highest order.

The house-elves of the castle grew in power, and all of them worshipped the Great Harry Potter Sir just a little bit more.

-00-00-00-

At the start of term, the first years were led across the lake by a happy Professor Flitwick. The little man was just about the complete opposite of Hagrid in all things except for his reverence for all things Harry Potter.

The rat in Ronald Weasley's pocket had snoozed most of the trip. While James and Sirius were safely dead, Remus was still alive, and Peter knew not where.

Seeing Harry Potter was a kick to the stomach. He looked so much like James! He had been such a good friend, not letting their difference in social standing or money or anything else stand in the way of friendship.

James had even made sure that Peter was given a good job in the Ministry after school too. Oh! To see the young boy was to bring up the doubts of if he had chosen the right path.

No! He had wanted power, wanted to live! While he was sorry that James and his wife had paid the price, he knew if given another chance, he would still save himself. The other choice was death.

Hearing that Hagrid was in Azkaban for the attempted kidnap of Harry Potter disturbed him not at all.

It was hearing that Remus Lupin was coming to Hogwarts that had him in a panic. He cut himself, and left blood on the sheets, trying to make it look like one of the many castle's cats had gotten him, and he fled. Fled to the dungeons.

He just wanted to see Harry once more before leaving during that first week of school. It seemed so long ago.

There the James look-alike had been, alone in an abandoned classroom near the Slytherin common room, reading a letter it appeared. Harry turned to him. Such a kind boy, offered him a bit of snack from his pocket.

"Hey little guy, what happened to you? Lost a toe have we?"

And Peter's world had gone black.

He woke up in a small but clean cage. He had been given food and water, and was certainly talked to. None of the boys that visited had been mean to him at all, unlike the horrible Weasley twins. At least he was safe from them!

The rat had no idea that Harry knew exactly who he was, the rat didn't know that Harry had a new and improved version of the map, and he certainly didn't know that Sirius Black was alive and well.

The last thing that Peter didn't know was when he was going to be rescued from his cage. Slytherins had private rooms. Harry planned on taking Peter home as a Yule gift for Ares. Unless instructed, the house-elves would not feed students' pets - it was their responsibility.

Peter was hungry, but worse, he was thirsty. Harry had neglected to refill his water that morning, and it was bone dry.

-00-00-00-

Harry murgled awake. Persephone heard the noise, and got up, drawing towards the bed.

"Ares! Arcturus! The lad lives and is waking!" She called softly.

She needn't have bothered trying to be quiet. There must have been an alarm on his bed. The moment he was awake, a trio of magicals came in, all in horrid green, wands waving and tongues clicking.

"You had a very close call young man."

Harry nodded. He had dreamed of talking to his parents, who looked a little older than their Hogwarts pictures, but not much. They were so proud of him, and what he was trying to do, and had counseled on how to handle the situation.

At least his magic was under control today. He didn't want to have to replace the stained glass windows in the Great Hall. That would have taken forever to fix!

While Harry sipped water, all three pureblood Blacks took turns holding his hand, and brushing his hair of his eyes. It was the equivalent of weeping and wailing and letting everyone know how happy they were that he was alright.

"He's definitely on the mend. Bad things, cracking a skull. If it had been at a slightly different angle...well, I would like your permission to write a paper about it all. I will of course wait several months, and change names and circumstances enough to be anonymous..."

"So you think that my heir's brush with a near-death experience is something that would aid other healers? Or are you looking for self-aggrandizement over your obviously exemplary healing skills."

The wizard turned his head, and thought about it.

"I truly am hoping to help others - head on collisions are the top killer in scholastic sports." He claimed. There was probably a bit of peacock in there, but Acturus sensed he was being truthful.

"Then publish as ye well. With my permission."

"Thank you Lord Black. We should only need him here a day or two more, and then I suggest some time at home. Missing what will be two weeks of school in total will be difficult to make up without a tutor. I have a list of qualified people if you need it."

Ares nodded, and requested the list.

"Two weeks? Two weeks? Can't I at least try to get some of my assignments. I left my bag in my room with my finished homework next to..."

Harry paled so much the healer started waving his wand again.

"My pet rat, sir. I haven't fed or watered him. He's likely dead. Oh, I feel terrible!"

"Now, now, it's not your fault." Persephone patted his hand. She didn't remember the boy having a rat, but she had been very busy with the baby. Maybe they hadn't wanted her to be upset? She sent a house-elf to see if still lived, and to bring it to the manor for nursing if it needed. And pick up the lad's homework as well.

"But it's a gift for Ares! Sorry about the missing toe, but I caught him that way!" Harry whined.

Harry never whined, but Ares got the message perfectly.

"Beloved one, Harry, have no fear, whether he lives or dies, you have given me a very nice present. Thank you. I shall retire to the manor to see after your pet. And you shall join us shortly. Grandfather, will you attend the lad for another hour or so? I will send a bodyguard shortly and then you can come and go as you like."

Acturus nodded. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he got the message that all would be explained soon.

"Can I ask him what happened, or will that upset his progress?" Lord Black asked.

"He likely won't remember, but no, it shouldn't hurt. And the aurors would like to know how to proceed as well." The healer replied.

Harry was asked if he felt up to some soup. With Harry's nod, the man excused himself from the room and left.

"Aurors, grandfather?"

"Well, you know that our movement is not accepted by all. Many have come to believe that it is the best compromise - a way forward from the violence of Grindelwald and Riddle. But there are some who follow Dumbledore."

"Purebloods who are trying to live muggle. Or at least pretending to."

"They are usually the poorer ones. This is why so many of our investments help the individual families like we do." Acturus explained.

"Save one, save the world." Harry quoted back.

The wizards shared a small smile.

"What's the last thing you remember before you were hurt?"

Harry took a breath, and tried to organize his memories. A rare beautiful autumn day. The Gryffindoresque colors of the deciduous trees, the way the muted sunlight played patterns on the stone walkway.

"I was at the front doors. Waiting."

"Who were you waiting for?"

Harry played his thoughts like a pensieve. Pieces floated by. A face biting a lip with oversized front teeth. Tiny perfect writing, concern over a paper like it was her OWLs.

"Hermione. Hermione Granger, a friend. She's smart and funny. I was going to escort her..." Harry frowned. "There was noise behind me. Hermione tried to warn me, but it was too late, and then nothing."

Hadrian debated it, and decided.

"Grandfather, there's something that you need to know. One of the muggleborn healers saved my life, I watched them as I floated there. I died for a time. I talked to my parents. They have a message for you, for Sirius, and for Dumbledore." 'And one for Professor Snape from mum, but they don't need to hear that one.'

"How's that possible?"

"Mum called it CPR, but she was talking very fast. They knew that there wasn't much time. I just want to thank the witch who rescued me. She was someone that competed with Mum, a Ravenclaw, and thought it would be nice if we gave her a fellowship in thanks."

"This witch saved your life?"

"Yes, sir. The blonde one. A little ugly to me, but very bright."

"Never, ever say a witch is ugly outloud lad. They have ways of hearing things. Magic beyond any that wizards can ever know."

"Here's your soup Mr. Potter. And mind your grandfather, he knows things."

Of course it was the witch in question. Harry tried to slunk down in his bed, Acturus didn't know whether to laugh or what, he definitely wanted a drink!

"Now, about that fellowship, I've had a research project in mind..." The blonde told them her idea.

Acturus snorted in a dignified sort of way and started nodding. A lot.

-00-00-00-

The rat lived.

He was sent to the dungeons of Black Manor, and had an insane house-elf put as guard. Yes, the rat lived. Though he likely wished he wouldn't have. Dying of dehydration would have been kinder.

-00-00-00-

The aurors were brought in. They already had Mr. Weasley's and Miss Granger's testimony. Finding out that Harry Potter had nearly died, and technically had done so, if only for a short time, had them very confused about the charges. Lord Black explained what he had in mind, and the 'punishment' for it. Since many of them worked with Arthur Weasley, and couldn't help but love the mild-mannered man, all felt it was a fair and good solution.

Any further bad behavior on the youngest son's part would not be met so leniently.

A meeting for the parents was arranged in DMLE headquarters. Harry Potter was not there, but Miss Granger was. As was the perpetrator and his family.

Molly was pale. She looked around, obviously hoping to appeal to Harry Potter's better nature. Seeing only Lord Black there made her grit her teeth in frustration. How were they to get any kind of consideration from this curmudgeon?

"As the child in question is too young to be sent to Azkaban on attempted murder charges, it is up to his family to provide a proxy for punishment." Amelia Bones looked at all of the Weasley's assembled. Charlie had been recalled from Romania, Bill from Egypt. All of the siblings were scowling at the youngest.

It was Fred Weasley that stepped forward. "My Lord Black. My brother and I are only third year students, but we have discussed this very serious situation. If you would take us on as, as..."

"Minions." George offered.

"Minions, yes. No. That wasn't the word!"

Acturus bit his tongue. They had practiced this! He arched a brow at them.

"If you take us own as vassals, would we pledge our work so that our brother's debt may be paid."

Acturus nearly sighed in relief.

"I would want three years from each of you after Hogwards. And summers while you are still in school. And you're to do well on OWLs and NEWTs. I will, of course, pay for your tuition from now on. If that is an acceptable arrangement"

Nearly everyone there applauded as the solution was accepted, and everyone thought it more than fair.

Hermione and the others were shown to the floo nearby. Soon, it was just the Weasley parents and Lord Black. They would sign the agreement, and be on their way. An elegant solution in everyone's mind but one.

"And what sort of work will the twins be doing for House Black? Hum? I never see any witches around you, just poor abused, kidnapped boys. Do you think you can use my sons as, as, as catamites? Concubines!?"

Acturus turned to Arthur, who was white with fear and anger. Arcturus was enraged, but showed it not at all. His words came out as a snake-like hiss.

"Remove your good lady now, and nothing further will be said. I will not be insulted by anyone. I have never raised a wand in anger towards a witch, and I don't intend to allow your wife to be the first to break that resolve."

"Molly, that was very foolish! A vassall does work, paid work, for a Lord, he can't abuse the boys - it would be against his oath! That does it! The entire family is going to change, starting now! You will learn to be polite, or you won't like the consequences. Now, go home! I will be there shortly." Arthur ordered, escorting her to the floo.

When he returned, he bowed to Lord Black very lowly. "My lord, I can see the wisdom and kindness involved in your offer. The older boys either have their own careers, or have been promised posts in the ministry. Fred and George show great promise in potions, charms and enchanting already. My family would consider this a boon of the highest order. Thank you."

"You do understand that instructing your family to follow proper manners is required. Including your youngest son in learning table manners."

Ronald had been sent home the day that Harry went to St. Mungo's. He was suspended until Yule holidays, and would only return depending on the outcome of today's informal negotiations. If this fell apart, Ronald would be expelled, his wand snapped, and his magic bound.

The compromise had been worked out ahead of with Arthur, Fred and George, of course. Everyone knew that Molly would never go against Dumbledore, and that meant a steadfast hold of 'everyone is equal' which clearly wasn't true, and just invited dark lords to come in and gain followers of the insulted purebloods.

Lord Black turned to Arthur and asked. "Your eldest, Bill, is a curse-breaker?"

Arthur nodded, unsure he could speak at the moment.

"Then why hasn't he removed the curse from your orchard?" Acturus asked. He remembered a time with the Weasley family prospered. Septimus Weasley had made the best cider he had ever tasted, both the non and alcoholic versions.

"What? Our orchard has never produced much. I never was much interested in trying to get it going. Perhaps one of the boys could invest some time on it."

"You should have him look at it before he returns to Egypt. You could always just sell the fruit, of course, but somewhere in one of your outbuildings should be a magical press. Talk to Septimus about it."

Magical paintings were such a boon to the younger generation, and they never appreciated them!

"Of course, my lord, I will do so. Today, in fact. And thank you for saving my boy's magic."

"Every drop is sacred, but if he ever attacks my boy again, especially if he is older, he won't live through it. That is a promise, Mr. Weasley."

Arthur shuddered. They had come very close to losing a child due to his own stupidity.

That, and listening to the ramblings of an old man who was clearly in the wrong.

-00-00-00-

Severus Snape reread the letter again.

Lily had forgiven him. She loved him, maybe not in the romantic way that Severus had hoped for, not Eros, but more than Agape.

What was more, she thanked him for how he was treating her son, and watching over him. Things said in the letter that could have only come from one person.

Which meant that the Weasley brat had killed Potter, and somehow Harry survived. Again.

Severus shuddered. After rereading the parchment multiple times, and blessing it with his tears, he carefully put it in a secret drawer in his desk. There, he had a lock of red hair, a fading black and white picture, and a man's ring that had been given him on his 15th birthday.

He picked up the ring, and placed it on his right hand. The charm on it still worked. He still felt her hug. It was ingenious magic, a magnificent piece, given to a lonely boy whose only touch from his father was a backhand, and whose mother's affection had dried up long before he was born.

He put the ring back. With Harry Potter's death, he had received Lily back. Felt the love returned once more. It was a great, great gift.

He made a magical oath to himself that he would do everything in his power to make sure that it was the last time he died until the lad was well over 100!

-00-00-00-

Acturus read the note from Harry, well from Dorea.

His sister forgave him.

She understood that she had gone against the family in not marrying Dominic Rosier, and running away with Charlus Potter. They had been so in love!

She thanked him for watching out over her boy.

Then told him that she and Melania were great friends. His wife missed him, missed her wooly bear.

That term had never been written down! Harry had really died. Arcturus vowed it would be the last time. For a long time.

-00-00-00-

'Padfoot,

Sytherin! And how does Harry speak snake? But all is well. You and Persephone (what a hottie) are great with him. Please thank her. Lily thinks she's brilliant, and she is.

Thank you for raising him so well. And pranking the wizarding world? Go Marauders!

Miss you. We get to go see Peter's trial. Never forget that we love you.

Don't join us too soon,

Prongs'

-00-00-00-

'Dumbledore,

You have stolen from House Potter more than just money and art. You have stolen artifacts. You let our son think the Peverell cloak was destroyed. You lied to investigators, and stole house property.

You have until the first of the new year to retrieve it from your hiding place, and return it to our heir.

An inventory was taken 30 Oct 1981. Sirius Black was something of a seer, and he had been having a 'bad feeling' all week. This inventory is being sent to the DMLE concurrent to this letter.

No, we are dead, but we had a way to send you a short message.

We know what you did. And so do you.

James and Lily Potter'