"Normal dialogue"

'Inner monologue'

Chapter 2: The Godfather

Ronald Bilius Weasley was not sure how he felt about going to Hogwarts. On one hand he was excited about going to school, meeting new friends and finally getting out of the Burrow. He loved his home, his family as well as all those delicious meals his mother had cooked up, but he longed for a sense of adventure at a new place. He wanted to prove his worth. Be a part of something his brothers were not.

On the other hand, he was nervous. Afraid one might say. His brothers Fred and Weasley had told him a lot about Hogwarts. They say you had to undergo a terrifying test for each of the houses except Hufflepuff… If someone wanted to enter into Gryffindor, they had to be brave enough to go retrieve an item from the haunted Forbidden forest, where creatures as big as a bear and as poisonous as a spider lives. If someone wanted to enter into Ravenclaw, they were left in the library and had to find the answer to a question they usually ask the 5th years. If someone wanted to enter into Slytherin, they pit you into a tournament where you can use anything to achieve your goals and you only pass when you're the last surviving participant of the tournament. Then there's the story of the Chamber of Secrets as well as the tree that eats the life force of anyone that comes near… the Whomping Willow they said its name was.

"Ronald, come down to the living room! Your dad has great news to tell all of us!"

"I must congratulate you on winning the Grand Prize of the Daily Prophet's Galleon Draw! How do you feel right now, Mr. Weasley?" asked the interviewer for the Daily Prophet excitedly, as if sharing Mr. Weasley's euphoria of winning the prize.

"Why, I'm still reeling from the shock, when my wife Molly told me last month to participate in this draw the Daily Prophet offers to its subscribers, I've never thought I would be the lucky one!"

"Do you any plans on what you would spend the prize money on?"

"Well, my eldest son William just got a job in Egypt. Perhaps I'll take my whole family to visit him there."

"We from the Daily Prophet congratulate you on your Grand Prize once more, would you mind we take a picture with your whole family?"

"Sure, I believe it won't take too long, why not?"

The Weasley family lined up for the photo. Ronald was exhilarated, he'd never thought he'd get the chance to fly overseas, see what it's like outside Great Britain. Outside of Europe.

"Why did you bring Scabbers as well Ronniekins?" teased Fred.

"Well he's part of the family too ain't he?"

"Let him off Fred. He must be excited to finally get a pet." Percy cut in, knowing how well his twin younger brothers like to tease Ron and Ginny.

Ron observed as his dad finished signing some documents. After the interview and the photography session, the executives led them to a private meeting room. They had to explain the terms and conditions, mom said. Whatever that is. Sounds boring. Since Charlie and Percy didn't want to come with, they were left in the waiting area to guard their bags. Ron ran off to pick up his bag that he left at the waiting area. He sneaked behind a corner, wanting to surprise his two elder brothers and give them a scare.

"It's a good thing you've just graduated this year, Charlie. If Dad won the draw next year or the year after, you might not get a chance since you said you wanted to go to Romania."

"True, Percy."

"Why Dragons, Charlie?"

"I always wanted to work overseas; you know. Perhaps I had the same idea as Bill. Bill liked runes though. I like working with creat-"

"Cut the crap, Charlie. Why Romania though? Why not here in Britain? What's wrong in Britain?"

"Judging by your tone, Percy, perhaps you've already figured it out. We're just a minor family here." explained Charlie.

He then continued, "You don't get far here if you don't have a pull, Percy. If you are not wealthy or from an ancient and noble house, its hard here to get a decent career path."

"I… I've always noticed Dad working so hard in the Ministry. Is that why only now he was promoted? And the Department he was leading… Misuse of Muggle artifacts… Its not a real department isn't it?"

"Yes, that's sums it up, I guess. But it's not like dad's hard work doesn't affect anything. He usually gets the worker of the month bonus for his hard work. A usual minor family would normally have both parents working to afford a family as big as us. But Dad and Mom decided to have mom focus on us full time as a housewife, raise us well, while dad works his butt off to support us financially."

"Dad and Mom did their best..."

"How about you Percy? Any plans for the future? Look I don't want you to look at me and Bill as a standard. If you think you can make it here in magical Britain, we'll support you all the way."

"I'm not so sure now…"

Ron pulled his breath as he heard his elder brothers conversing. So all those hard work dad gave was wasted because he was only a Weasley?"

So what about him? What's the point of putting hard work if you're not gonna be recognised anyway?

"Mrs. Evans. I'm delighted that you could come."

"Well, Dr. Stone did prescribe me to have a therapy session with you."

"Yes, but I want you to understand why is it that Dr. Stone have sent you to me. But before that, I'd like for us to introduce ourselves."

"Alright let's get this started."

"So, Mrs. Evans, lets discuss why you're here. Dr. Stone have reported that you have had four blackouts in the span of a month."

"If this session is to tell me how I can solve that, then please… Just proceed and tell me how I can solve this problem. I've got to get back home and attend to my children."

"Mrs. Evans, I'm not here to tell you what to do. Ultimately it is up to you to decide what to do. I am here so guide you through your problem. To show you what is the real cause of your problem and guide you the decision-making process of how to solve it."

Petunia nodded, she took a moment to breath before reiterating her problems, "My body is not as strong as it used to be. I have to work to support my family and my children needs my attention. I try to be the mother they deserve… Perhaps I've pushed myself too hard. But I have no choice! All the work and time I spent with my children, they're essential."

"and I agree, Mrs. Evans. But you have to understand there is only so much a person can do. We all have our limits. Have you looked for help?"

"I... My mother passed away when my sister and I were in our 20's. My father and uncle died in the war."

"And your sister?"

A lone tear dropped and ran through Petunia's cheek. "Lily was… murdered. My children are all the family I have left."

"I'm sorry to have put into remembering them, Mrs. Evans Being a single mother is extremely difficult, I understand. Mrs. Evans, perhaps having another parent would lighten the burden…

"But my time… I wouldn't have time for him. Wouldn't that increase my burden?"

"If you look for someone after your attention, yes. How about someone who would care for your children as much as you would. Having a father figure to look up to would also do wonders for your children."

"It would be difficult to find someone like that…" pondered Petunia.

"Ah, Mr. Black. Silent as always. You know, the prison guards here, the human ones, they admire you. Unlike the others who seemed to have lost their mind from the Dementors, you remained silent." said the Head Warden of Azkaban as he escorted the Minister through his inspection. They were passing through various cells.

Cornelius Fudge observed the mangy, black haired man leaning against the far side of his cell. Their eyes made contact. Cornelius felt unnerved. His eyes were like steel.

"Is that… the Daily Prophet?" asked Sirius after a moment.

The warden raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, it's today's issue."

"Can I have it?"

Minister Fudge exchanged looks with the warden. The warden nodded, not seeing any problem with it.

Ten years was it? Ten years since the death of James and Lily…

He remembered that time James asked him to be his best man.

"Sirius. I hope this doesn't come as a surprise. I once asked myself what it would be like having a brother. I can't help but imagine your face everything I use the word brother, you know."

"Aww damn right I am!" exclaimed Sirius as he laughed. His laughter carried his answer. He was proud to be called a brother.

"I've got great news! Lily and I are getting married. I want you to be my best man, Sirius!"

He remembered that time he met Harry and Lily asked him to be his godfather.

"Sirius! James and I had a long discussion. I might have some reservation on your childish side, but I'm convinced to ask you this. If anything, ever happens to James, his parent and myself, will you take care of your Harry?"

"Lily don't say that. Nothing is going to happen to you and James."

"Nothing is certain until it has already happened, Sirius. Please, promise us you'll take care of Harry!"

"You have my word, Lily."

Pettigrew. That traitor. He killed them. Sirius clenched the newspaper in his hand.

'It's him. He's masquerading as a rat all this time!'

He put the newspaper down, planning his next move. Sirius let out a breath. He had to calm down. Pettigrew was his proof of innocence. He must not let it get to his head anymore.

On the front of the newspapers was – 'MINISTRY OF MAGIC EMPLOYEE SCOOPS GRAND PRIZE'

"Mom! Harry! It's the professor from the magic school again." shouted Dudley as he answered the door.

"Hello there young Dudley. How have you been?"

"I'm doing great professor. You wanna know something? I won a football match against another school yesterday!"

"Is that so? Oh my, you're growing up quite well. Your mother must be proud of you."

It was then Petunia appeared at the door to welcome the professor. "Indeed, my Duddikins is growing up to be quite a healthy boy." she spoke to her son.

"Why don't you get inside and help Harry clean the mess you boys made in the living room."

"Yes, mom!" and with that the active boy ran to the living room to help his cousin.

"Hello, professor, please come in. It's been a while since you've visited."

"Oh, thank you, but no need to make tea or anything. I'm only here to give Harry his letter to Hogwarts. I wish I could stay a little longer for a chat but unfortunately time is indeed jealous of me. It requires me to depart immediately in about half an hour." said the professor as he went through the door.

"Good evening, young Harry." greeted professor Dumbledore as he took a seat in the living room.

"Professor! Good evening."

"Hmmm… Before I forget, I better give them out now." monologized the professor loudly.

He pulled from the pocket of his robe two boxes, wrapped in colourful papers. Harry wondered how he got them in there. Those boxes were as big as a basketball.

"Here, young Dudley, your present. Your birthday was a fortnight ago, correct? Happy belated birthday."

Dudley received it happily and unwrapped it. It was a football, signed by Garry Lineker.

"Signed by Gary Lineker! Wow, thanks professor! How did you get this?"

"Well, I do have connections there and here. It would seem one of them has contact with the footballer."

"Thanks again. I'll treasure it…"

"and of course, young Harry, your birthday in a few weeks yes? I wish I could give you this on that day, but it would seem my schedule is not permitting it. Here, this is yours."

On the wrapped was written neatly, Happy Birthday, Harry.

"Thank you, professor."

"well, Harry, go ahead and unwrap it!" urged his cousin.

Harry proceed to unwrap it to discover a box of books.

The book on top of the pile reads:

'The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)'

"That's all from the list of books a first-year student at Hogwarts needs. And might I add those aren't from the stores. Those are all your mother's books. When your mother went to Hogwarts all those years ago, she donated her books to the school. All her notes are in there, it seemed."

Harry subtly lifted a book and opened it, discovering the scribbles his mother made. He turned to the next page, to read another scribble.

"It would seem those notes your mother made are more interesting than the content of the book, eh young Harry?"

"I… It feels like I'm walking in her footsteps. Like I'm listening to her… Thank you again professor. I love this…" Harry felt his aunt rest her arms around him, enveloping him in a loose hug.

"Does that mean I get to go to Hogwarts?"

"Of course. Harry, you're a wizard. My mistake there, perhaps I should have given you this first."

Harry took the yellowish envelope, addressed to Mr. H. Potter. He pulled out the letter and read:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

Dear Mr. Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Withcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress.

As Harry put down the letter, Professor Dumbledore spoke, "Of course you don't have to sent an owl, an answer right now would suffice."

"I accept, Professor." replied Harry almost immediately.

"Aunt Petunia and I have been discussing it. I have been noticing magical outbursts around me lately… Where do we buy other supplies? Aunt Petunia said that mother had a wand back then."

"I would send a Professor to escort you next week to Diagon Alley. It's the nearest shopping district. What I would like to discuss with your aunt however is the matter regarding your trust fund…"

"You did mention Lily and her husband secured a trust fund for Harry." Petunia cut in.

"We are having trouble with that. This has been quite frustrating lately."

Professor Dumbledore continued, "You see, Harry is a scion of the ancient and noble house of Potter. There is… a law restricting access to funds from a noble by an outsider… The law was passed by the Wizengamot in 1925 when the scion of the ancient and noble house of Orpington had her funds taken advantage of by an uncle who was from a minor family. In Harry's case, his magical guardian is also from an ancient and noble house, which goes around that law."

"I have a magical guardian?"

"Yes, your parents named Sirius Black as the next person to take care of you if anything happens to them. You were given to your aunt because he was not in a good condition to take care of you…" Dumbledore paused. Harry was visibly shaking.

"I don't understand Professor... Was I unimportant to him? A burden?"

"Harry…"

"I understood that it took so much out of aunt Petunia to raise me… I remembered uncle Vernon. I remembered those times when they argued over me. I… I was the cause of their divorce. I didn't want to be a burden to my aunt and Dudley…"

Petunia tighten her hug around Harry, "Harry… please. I care for you as if you're my own son. You're not a burden. Never blame yourself. You are not at fault for anything. In fact, you and Duddiekins have been such wonderful children."

"Harry. Sirius Black could not take care of you because he was convicted for a crime. For the past ten years, he was in Azkaban, a prison for wizards and witches." explained Professor Dumbledore.

At the revelation, Harry questioned, "Why did my parents pick this man as my guardian then? What crime is he convicted of?"

"He was a close friend of your parents, your father especially. I can personally attest to their closeness in the years I observed them in Hogwarts. Which is why to this day, I cannot fathom the reason behind what he was convicted of… Well, I was in the process of appealing his right to oversee the access to your trust fund, but it seems the government is discouraging it through heavy bureaucracy under the same law that I had mentioned earlier."

"I finally managed to get the approval. All that was left was a signature from Sirius Black that he cannot refuse as it was court order. However, another complication arised."

Professor Dumbledore continued, no wanting to prolong the suspense. "Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban last week. He is now out there as a wanted fugitive of law."

Harry processed the information, noticing that the Professor avoided a question of his.

"Thanks for the dinner, I've already washed my dishes mom!" Dudley ran straight up to the living room. He didn't want to miss the next episode of Art Attack. Watching that host Neil do something bizarre was entertaining!

Aunt Petunia sighed. That boy was too energetic for his own sake. Perhaps because he didn't have any football practice today?

"I'll take out the trash, aunt Petunia." Harry didn't mind it. He got to breath some fresh air as well outside. It had been an eventful day indeed.

"Be careful, Harry. Come back into the house right after you've finished." Harry nodded and proceeded to tie the plastic bag holding the trash.

Harry heard rustles to his right as he closed the huge trash bin those workers usually collect on Mondays.

'Who is that – WOOAAH' Harry felt his heartbeat skyrocket as he noticed what it was. A huge black hound that was almost twice as huge as Harry.

Harry instinctively retreated slowly to the house.

"Harry!" Aunt Petunia ran to Harry and stood between him and the large hound, as if shielding him. She had an umbrella in her hand that she undoubtedly picked up from the house entrance.

Curiously, the large hound bolted away after standing still for a moment.