New Places And Faces

by J7339

An AU story that explores what would change for all characters in the story if Sirius Black returns before Harry Potter went to Hogwarts. A combination of the books, the movies and some of my own original ideas for the plot. This story is now Story (1) in a much longer series. Original Title was "Harry Potter - A Life Lived". Story (1)

2. Lost and Forgotten

Harry Potter – A Life Lived

By Jules6

Author Notes -

My very first and only AU story that will follow the books, movies and have a good dose of original ideas mixed in. There will be new scenes, spells, events, places, people, animals etc and my interpretation of why some things happened or will occur. Some of it will interweave with what is already on screen and written, other times it will not. Some scenes will move time frame from when they occur in the book and movies or who it happened to, or a different result. I don't want to give too much away yet.

This story will explore what would change to all events and characters if Sirius Black returns much earlier, BEFORE Harry goes to Hogwarts. And to my way of thinking, Harry would take just a little longer to get used to a magical world that he doesn't understand how it works, or the role he or anyone else will yet to play in it. And continue through until the last book but the path may not be as direct or known yet.

I was going to add more to the synopsis, but for now I will leave you to read along and find out what happens along with Harry and the rest of the cast as I take them out of the box. I promise to put them back when I am finished. If you think you know what might happen throughout and the ending, hopefully I have created enough twist plots and changes.

I have not read or watched, nor intend to follow any of the "Cursed Child" book so any reference to anything contained within it is purely coincidental and accidental.

Strong friendship only – no slash. Very little romance (I am no good at writing that) – And plenty of angst, hurt/comfort. For those don't know my previous work - this won't be a Disney version.

This will be a very very long story, with many chapters, and many of those being long as well – just the way I write. And I usually try and describe from the viewpoint of multiple characters for any one scene. As well as describe every rock, tree branch and blade of grass along the way.

I have a very complicated plot planned, and some may not agree how I have altered the course of things, or that I introduce them and Harry differently than the books or films. Hopefully you will continue to follow and read as the story progresses. If it hasn't happened yet, or there isn't enough information about something yet, that is usually deliberate on my part. Sometimes there are subtle clues that I put in chapters, other times I don't.

Now that Sirius is free from Azkaban, time to focus on what has been happening to Harry for the past 10 years – or some of it in this chapter.

If you don't particularly like how I have written this, that is okay, no harm done, feel free to write and share your own version of events.

I have taken information from a number of sources, some canon, some not, and a lot my own interpretation of why thing happen the way they do.

A new fandom for me, but to my other readers please know that I have been writing all of my other fandoms too and a lot of rewriting of those chapters and stories to come in addition to the new chapters and stories.

This story is going to build slowly so things will take quite a while. Harry's experiences, emotions and reaction will change with his age, time and as things slowly progress.

Please Note: My one big change at the beginning is the time Sirius has spent in prison, being closer to 10 years rather than 12 years.

Disclaimer: all rights and characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

Responses to Reviews:

Jake Crepeau – thank you so much for taking the time to read the first chapter of my new fandom and story. No I havent ridden a motorcycle before – but tried to think about it logically and with it being such a large machine to carry Hagrid. Plan for there to be a little more of Harry in this chapter.

Jadely31 - yes not much romance for me. I am an author who doesn't write pairings and relationships etc. Some original material in this chapter – with lots more to come throughout the whole series. Thank you for reading.

The Blackthorne Huntress – thank you for your very kind words. More on the way for you now – I hope you will keep reading. This chapter should have you tearing your heart out even more.

Mrs. Owl 09 – thank you for your very kind words. Lots more to come – this chapter will be emotionally charged for characters and readers I hope.

TonysSilverFox - Thank you for your review. Just like him - and he will be doing more of it. Lol This chapter was all about them not knowing about Harry until the last line - and Sirius getting free of course.

Moomin4455 - Thank you for your lovely review - very much appreciated. If your heart is breaking now - there is a long way to go lol. It will be stomped on quite a few times yet I am sorry to say before the story ends. Updating as soon as I can.

SkySamuelle - Thank you for your review - very humbled. Lots of plot twists and turns to come. I hope you will come back for the next chapter.

CalicoJane - Thank you for your kind comments - and glad you like it. My reason for Remus testimony is because he didn't know about the secret keeper change. Also that he was best friends with Sirius and a werewolf - whom a lot of people wouldn't trust. I hope you will keep reading the following chapters. Thank you for taking the time to review.

at the end of the last chapter:

A small pale face and bright green eyes beamed back at them...Harry Potter.

Chapter Two – Lost And Forgotten

From behind his glasses, Harry's eyes widened in surprise at hearing his name called. He deliberately took two steps backwards, using the man's bulk as a shield. The large man tried to prevent him to hiding within the folds of his over-sized coat.

Gripping onto one side of the warm coat tightly and stumbling backwards and almost tripping over his own feet on the unfamiliar floor. A small hand emerged to push the thin wire arm back into place so that his glasses wouldn't fall off his face. It would be nice to own a pair that actually fitted him properly. He did it so many times a day now out of mild annoyance and habit, he scarcely noticed.

Remus and Sirius exchanged a wry smile, the memory so clear to both of them, having James carry out the exact same gesture many times before during their friendship. It was uncanny. Their smiles faded as the loss of their friend hit home, even after so long. What they wouldn't give now to have James witness a smaller version of himself.

"Come on, don't be shy now," Hagrid urged, unaware of how loud his own voice sounded.

The thin boy startled in fright and ducked behind out of sight behind the larger man's bulk once again. Fear and wariness were coming off him in noticeable waves.

Sirius reached out with his hand, still kneeling on the floor, but pulled it back when he saw the boy shrink away again with unease and unfamiliarity. Trying to hide his disappointment that the lad wasn't showing any of the natural curiousness or confidence his father had possessed in spades.

For a moment, neither of the adults in the room was convinced that this alternative tactic was going to work either, unless the boy could be coerced out from behind Hagrid.

Remus attempted a different approach, standing only a few feet away, and using a calm, soft voice and simply calling his first name, "Harry."

"You know me?"

Sirius nearly let out a loud burst of excitement from hearing the whispered question, almost tripping himself up as he got to his feet too quickly. The whole scene of a very unco-ordinated and off-balance Padfoot was one moment of pure desperately needed brief comic relief. An urgent hand gesture from Remus reminded them both that they were still walking on eggshells, so neither of them dared to let out a single snigger of laughter.

"Not for as long as I would have liked," Remus answered cryptically and honestly, not knowing if the question was rhetorical or genuine.

"All three of us have known you since you were born," Sirius responded, giving Remus a look that he had used in their youth when he or James thought their friend was being entirely too proper or studious.

This time Hagrid took control away from the boy, by moving to his left, leaving Harry with nothing or anyone to hide behind. His eyes darting around in the darkened room, trying to find a safe haven.

"You don't need to be afraid, Harry. Nobody will hurt you," Lupin promised, wanting to move closer to reassure their young charge. He saw the skittishness just like Hagrid had forewarned them about when they first came in.

The expression on Harry's face was difficult to read. The Dursley's had threatened him with being sent to this orphanage for weeks. They had told him that the people who would come to collect him would not accept any of his abnormal or freakish behaviour. So far, he didn't think he had shown any in front of them since leaving Privet Drive, but one could never be quite sure. He had few opportunities and even fewer reasons to trust adults.

"All of us know who you are, but I suspect you have a few questions of your own about who we all are?" Remus assumed, but the boy remained silent.

Lupin wasn't perturbed by the lack of response, and hoped with persistence, he could very slowly and gently coax the boy out his shell.

Out of the corner of his eye, Remus could see that Sirius was pulling himself to his feet, and it was clear by the look on his face, that he was desperate to say something, and scared of what might escape his mouth at the same time.

Both of them had a distinct urge to fiercely hug the boy, but forced themselves to maintain a respectful distance, for now. Until Harry felt more comfortable in his current surroundings.

"My name is Sirius Black. This is Remus Lupin, and the person who brought you here, Rubeus Hagrid."

Harry turned slightly and nodded his head at hearing the large man's name for a second time, but his gaze quickly returned to the floor.

Sirius was hoping that the mention of their names might jostle the memory banks a little.

"How about we all move into the kitchen where there is a little more light," Remus suggested. "It is very late," he added noting the time on the clock.

"Afraid I should be going," Hagrid reluctantly refused the invitation. "I promise you will see me again real soon, Harry," giving him a genuinely warm smile. "If either of these two characters give you a hard time, you just let me know," he poked in jest, but the child's face did not return any kind of mirth or laughter.

"You sure I cannot get you a warm drink?" Remus queried, "You came all this way?"

"Sorry folks, I better be getting my cycle back undercover, before anybody knows where I have been tonight," Hagrid.

Sirius of course knew of only one vehicle that would have been big enough to carry them both.

"You have kept it all this time?" Sirius said genuine awe and gratitude in his voice. He thought the ministry must have confiscated it or destroyed it a long time ago.

"Arthur Weasley has been most kind to keep it maintained and out of sight," Hagrid admitted, but left any further explanation until another more appropriate time.

"Did you bring any belongings with you, Harry?" Remus asked, expecting that Hagrid had left a suitcase outside.

"I asked him before we left if there was anything he wanted to bring, but he shook his head," Hagrid answered, and that was the same response that was being given now with embarrassment.

"Surely you brought his spare clothes?" Sirius asked, but watched Harry as he spoke, seeing the boy's face flush red with shame before he turned it away.

"We can work that out later, Sirius," Remus stepped in, seeing the boy's distress level increasing by the minute.

"Oh, hold on a bit," Hagrid announced, I do have something. Dumbledore gave it to me himself and said not to give it to anybody else but one of you two."

The large man searched through a number of pockets buried beneath the fur of his large overcoat. Until his fingers reached inside one and clasped onto sealed paper envelope.

"Dumbledore was going to send an owl, but thought it best not to in case anybody was watching. I am sure he will want to talk to all of you when he can."

He handed the envelope to Black.

Harry was listening keenly to the conversation, even though he didn't know anything that was being discussed. Any minute now he was expecting to be scolded as Aunt Petunia would have done. Why would these people be waiting to see an owl? From what little he knew they were very impressive birds, but he had only ever seen pictures of them in books.

Harry was cautious and knew he couldn't let his guard down. And although never having experienced an orphanage before, this hadn't been what he was expecting at all. It was too early to tell of course, but this was the strangest night of all.

Sirius had tucked the envelope away into a pocket, intending to look at it with Remus, but mindful that there was a more important matter standing in front of them. Harry had to be the priority.

The awkward silence was briefly interrupted with the loud roar of Hagrid's motorcycle starting, and then fading away as he travelled further away from the house.

Sirius used the palm of his hand to rub any remains of tiredness out of his eyes, and to hide his own nervousness. Out of everything extraordinary that had happened today, and that was certainly saying a lot. Meeting again with the son of his best friends after mourning them for the past ten years, was certainly at the top of the list.

On any other day, he might have been tempted to ask Remus to pinch him, just in case. And it was these thoughts that lead to the spontaneous comment that left his mouth.

"I just cannot believe you are standing in front of me after all this time, with that same messy black hair," Black blurted out. "Harry, you look so much like your father, James."

The boy's response to the statement was to look away from the person speaking and lower his gaze towards the floor.

"His eyes though are Lily's," Lupin interjected into the conversation. Sirius nodded in quick agreement.

Both of them were a little perplexed by the boy's only response. Bringing up the subject of his parents might be too a bit too premature and painful for him.

Harry didn't speak at all. He recognized his parents' names being used, but the Dursley's had always instilled in him that he was never allowed to mention their names out loud in their presence. He wasn't allowed to ask questions about his parentage whilst living under their roof. He recalled curiously asking Uncle Vernon about how they had died a few years ago when he turned eight.

He could also remember the bruises that marred his ribcage staying for over a week for daring to be disrespectful. Uncle Vernon had screeched that they had died in a car crash and that he should have died along with them, and he would not been a burden to him, his Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley. Maybe this was another test for these men from the orphanage to determine his suitability.

"I believe I mentioned about a warm drink in the kitchen," Remus reminded, coaxing the boy with an outstretched arm towards the small kitchen table. He was rewarded with a small smile from Harry. "Come on, Sirius, you too now," sharing a wink with the boy and trying to ease his trepidation.

Remus was pleased to see a little progress being made in gaining the boy's confidence, but was no fool either, and realised that everything that had happened tonight was probably very overwhelming. Especially being brought here by Hagrid.

Harry was now standing in front of a chair on one side of the table. Sirius had taken his seat on the other side, grinning widely. "Well sit down now," Black coerced with restraint. The boy hesitated before pulling out the chair and as he sat down, as though he didn't think he would be welcome at the table.

"It is all a little dark in here," Remus commented, turning on the light switch, and illuminating the sitting room. Harry turned around and was looking intently at the new surroundings.

"Would a glass of warm milk suit you, Harry?" Remus asked.

"Yes, please," Harry answered quickly, a little surprised of being asked what he would like to drink.

"Make it hot chocolate, Remus, and mine too, with extra sugar," Sirius declared.

"I will see what I can do, Sirius," Remus replied with mock admonishment. He didn't know if he had the correct ingredients, but saw the hopeful look on both faces.

Walking behind the boy's chair, it was now that he noticed slight tremors running through his thin frame. The boy was cold, and hadn't even mentioned it to anyone. The clothes he was wearing were clearly too big and unsuitable.

Remus disappeared into the room he had offered to Sirius for a moment, digging through a box.

"What did you go in there for, Remus?" Sirius asked as he saw his friend re-emerge with something large and soft in his hands.

"I thought our young friend here could use this," Remus answered, draping the warm fabric of blanket around the boy and the chair.

"Sorry I didn't notice quickly enough, Moony," Sirius apologised. Together they would have to work on getting this boy to talk more openly to them and tell them what he needed.

"Thank you," Harry whispered, surprised that anyone had noticed, and even more so that they had done something about it, gratefully huddling within the warmth of the fabric.

"I have some food I made earlier, but that might take a little too much time to re-heat this time of night. How about I make you a cheese sandwich, and bring it and your hot chocolate to you in the living room, Harry?" Remus suggested.

Harry got up from the chair, "Can I please take the blanket with me?" he asked dejectedly. The man's voice had seemed friendly enough, but he knew better than to argue back.

"Most certainly you can," Remus encouraged, leading the boy into the small living room, and over to a large sofa underneath the window.

Sitting on the edge of the sofa, secretly running his hand along the rich velvet fabric and softness. Not hard at all like one might think at first glance. He rearranged the blanket over his legs, and patiently waited.

"I will bring everything out to you in moment," Remus said in a pleasant voice, but noted the sudden change in the boy's demeanour, and exchanged a concerned look with Sirius as he walked back into the kitchen.

Less than ten minutes later, Remus took the mug of steaming hot chocolate and the sandwich neatly placed on a small plate. "There you are, I hope they are both to your liking. I wasn't expecting any late night visitors, and my pantry is usually only stocked with enough to cater for one. If you need anything else, or would like some more, please tell me."

Harry silently reminded himself that he should have known that sitting and sharing food with any adults was not permitted. The Dursley's had reinforced this rule as well, especially when Aunt Marge came to visit. It appeared that Uncle Vernon ensured that the rules he had put into place at Privet Drive had been explained in great detail to the new people and were be going to be the same at this new place.

When Remus returned to the kitchen, leaving Harry to eat in peace for a few minutes. Sirius ushered his friend into a more private conversation, one which wouldn't be heard half a room away.

"As happy as I am to see Harry since he was a baby, Mooney, don't you think this all sounds a little too odd? What has happened here tonight I mean?" Black asked, his jaw clenched tight with emotion.

"It all sounds 'a lot of odd' to me, Padfoot," Remus retorted, "I know as much as you do about this whole affair!"

Sirius gave him a brief apologetic look, but the multitude of questions coursing through his mind almost spilling out as one, "But what is he doing here, Remus? Why doesn't he have any clothes or belongings with him? Why is he acting so timidly around everyone and nearly everything by the look of it?"

Remus sighed, knowing that Sirius was worried, stressed and a whole lot of mixed emotions balled into one at the moment. Like himself.

Remus placed a caring hand on his friend's shoulder, grimaced and silently noted how thin Sirius was, and promised, "Together we will work this all out."

Sirius left the most important question to ask on its own, "Where has he been all this time?"

Before either of them could come up with a suitable answer, a small sound reached Remus's hearing, and he went back into the sitting room, hoping that it was Harry trying to gain their attention. Sirius followed into the room.

Remus dashed forward to rescue the precariously sliding plate and mug from Harry's sleep limp hand, before the sound of them breaking on the floor could wake him. A half-eaten cheese sandwich still sitting on the edge, the mug of hot chocolate in the middle, mostly consumed. The boy had fallen asleep leaning to one side in a very uncomfortably and awkward upright position on the sofa.

"Here hold onto these," Lupin said, as he quickly thrust the crockery at his friend.

Taking a long cushion from the end of the sofa, Remus laid it against the inside arm of the chair, kneeling down and pausing for a moment, trying to figure out which was the best way to manoeuvre the boy without waking him. The first task was to remove his glasses, so with his long fingers, he gently slid the wire frames away from the sleeping features.

Sirius stood behind his friend, gripping the china tightly as he thanked the stars for the steady hands that his friend was using. It wasn't until Lupin deposited the folded glasses on the coffee table that he let out the breath that he had been holding onto.

Lupin laid a guiding hand on Harry's back and one underneath the boy's knees, turning him slightly until he was lying down. The boy wasn't overly tall and his small frame offered little resistance at being moved into position. He had no experience in handling children of any age to speak of.

Sirius had placed the plate and mug aside, rescuing the fallen blanket and handing it to Remus. "He didn't move a muscle."

"I think he is truly exhausted," Remus nodded in agreement, taking the blanket and laying it gently over the sleeping youth. "He still looks cold," he added, hoping that would soon be remedied.

Remus got to his feet, the two of them looking down with mixed feelings at the sleeping young charge before them. So much had happened in such as short space of time. It was difficult to fathom and acclimatise to all at once.

"I will leave this light switched on for what little is left of the night, Padfoot, in case Harry wakes and needs to find one of us," Remus suggested, with practical solutions for all of them now needing to be assessed and implemented.

Remus could see his friend was looking just as tired as exhausted as Harry, "I think it is time we all got a little sleep, don't you?" knowing that Sirius needed to begin taking care of himself as well. Even more so now. Sirius nodded his head, but without any real conviction of what he had just agreed to.

"Remus?" Sirius asked in a soft voice.

"Yes, Padfoot?" Lupin asked, expecting more questions about Harry. "Could you make me a cheese sandwich?"

Remus blinked for a minute, the fragility and simplicity of the question causing him to smile. A small part of Sirius Black was beginning to come back, ever so slowly. "Of course I can my old friend."

---

As the early hours of morning approached, the temperature outside dropped several degrees. Not unusual for this time of the year in this part of England. Inside the small house that belonged to Remus, the rooms were warm and quiet.

Lupin had not bothered to look at the hour on the clock when he forced himself to retire to his bedroom from the arm chair he had occupied in the sitting room. The round alarm clock on the bedside table pointed to the time being 5.42am. There was too much going on inside his head to allow him to return to slumber. Rolling over and noting the beginning of a nagging headache from lack of sleep. Restful sleep and he were strangers at best, but he knew it was not the current phase of the moon that was causing his fatigue and insomnia.

After dressing in casual attire, and making his way out of his own room and down the corridor towards the kitchen, he paused before reaching the table. The lights in the kitchen and sitting room were still on, but it wasn't their glow that drew his attention.

Remus couldn't help but be struck by the absurdity of what had happened within the last twenty-four hours, and was under no illusion of the magnitude or how much of an impact an uncertain future may have on everyone involved.

Up until a couple days ago, Remus had been living a solitary, unremarkable existence. Yesterday, he and the former Headmaster from Hogwarts had walked into one of the most secure rooms within the Ministry of Magic. Dumbledore had presented some startling verbal and magical evidence that pointed accusatory fingers and blame at the feet of some very senior personnel with past misdeeds, incompetence and corruption to a Courtroom.

Veritaserum was from all accounts, a very unpleasant experience for any wizard, and one couldn't begin to imagine the pain of being forced to relive one of the most traumatic nights when your best friends on this earth perished. When it appeared that all things good in the world ceased to exist, and your very own life became a living nightmare. Where every action you took that night, came under scrutiny and you were being accused of causing their deaths, before the truth was revealed by willingly submitting and ingesting such a vile concoction.

At the end of the hearing, Sirius Black, long time accused murderer, had been released from his illegal incarceration and time as inmate of Azkaban. One of the few people he counted within his very small inner circle of friends. The two of them had scarcely spent but a few hours in each other's company, with barely any time yet to share a meal, let alone begin to rekindle the cold embers of their friendship.

Last night, Hagrid, who Remus had not seen in quite some time, had arrived in a cloud of secrecy, well after midnight and had virtually taken the door off its hinges. With more questions being asked rather than answers being given in return. And then the most extraordinary thing had happened… Harry.

Frightened, unsuitably dressed, in need of something to eat, cold, shivering, quiet, and with no belongings in his possession, the young boy had appeared just like that in their lives. Looking confused in a place he probably never expected to be, with a group of strangers calling his name.

Today was going to be a new day full of more questions and finding out why the boy was suddenly in their custody. Lupin knew that none of them was prepared or ready, but they needed to stand and face any challenge together.

Upon walking down the staircase, reaching the sitting room, Remus paused as he took in the figure of his friend. Sirius had pushed a chair up to the head of the sofa, still dressed in the same clothes he had been clad in at the courtroom yesterday. Too afraid to leave the room in case he awoke from the dream that he found himself caught up in. His gaze fixated on the young form lying buried underneath the blanket asleep.

Sirius' thin frame sat at an awkward angle, his left arm supporting his heavy head, his long locks of matted hair, hanging partially over his face. He had not heeded his friend's advice about getting some sleep, and his entire body language mirrored Lupin's own tiredness. But there was something more to his friend's demeanour.

Neither of them was moving, almost as though this moment was frozen in time.

Remus approached silently, not alerting his friend to his presence, but not wanting to startle him nor the sleeping child either. The only part of Harry that was visible was a shock of dark hair.

In all their years of friendship, he had rarely seen his friend this still or so quiet. There were less than a handful of occasions that he could genuinely remember Sirius being rendered speechless. The second, when James asked him to be his best-man when he married Lily, and in first place, when both parents asked him to be godfather to Harry after he was born.

A small noise came from underneath the blankets, and Sirius reached out a hand, but then withdrew it just as quickly. A few moments later he tried reaching out a second time, and Lupin could see the desperate need to connect, the fingertips trembling, but not from the cool morning air. The want was clearly there too, but was it too early or too soon for both of them? He couldn't say.

Remus surmised that the scene that he was confronted with would be one memory he would keep for a very long time.

Remus put a light hand on Sirius' shoulder, and gave a warm smile of understanding in return to the confused and worried expression. He wasn't sure how light a sleeper the child was, so erred on the side of caution, "Has he been asleep all this time?"

Sirius slowly nodded his head in answer, both of them looking towards the sofa for any signs of the question being heard.

"It really has only been a few hours yet," Remus commented, still trying to assess the best way to approach the subject of needing to talk about Harry, without feeling like he was intruding on valuable lost time. To be honest, he would not have minded pulling up a second chair and sitting with Sirius until all of this mess was much clearer to the both of them.

"We need to talk…..,let Harry sleep," Lupin began, but paused as the boy stirred at the sound of his voice. He was pleased when Black stood and they both moved towards the kitchen out of hearing shot.

"I am sorry, Remus, I just couldn't seem to drag myself away….it's just so unbelievable," Sirius started, trying to stumble through a last minute explanation.

"You have nothing to apologise for, and for the record, I completely agree with your last comment," Lupin quickly reassured, "But we need to make some decisions together. Harry will wake at some point, and we need to be ready for any occurrence that might present itself.

Black attempted to rub the tiredness out of his face, but failed, looking slightly ashamed at his dishevelled state, "That shower you offered earlier, sounds great right about now," he added in gratitude.

"Do you still have the letter that Dumbledore gave to Hagrid?" Remus queried.

Sirius reached into a pocket on his trousers, "I almost forgot all about it," he admitted, pulling out the crumpled envelope. The outer edges of the thick red wax was smudged in a few places, but otherwise the seal remained intact. Strange that Dumbledore opted not to send it by owl, making the contents that much more intriguing and secretive.

Sirius handed the envelope to Remus, "I will take that shower first before we open it together. I need to be more alert for any of this," he commented. Any idea of sleep had been left aside with the arrival of their new house guest.

"I will boil some hot water," Lupin offered, wanting to keep his mind occupied. "Harry may be looking for some breakfast too when he wakes," he stopped the sentence short as he tried to manually inventory the food items in his house. "We definitely need to get supplies from somewhere today," was the last comment made as Sirius headed upstairs towards one of the guest rooms.

Remus had been lost deep in his own thoughts when the kettle began its shrill whistle, almost too late to stop it from disrupting the quietness of the morning he was trying to maintain.

---

Twenty minutes later, Sirius emerged, "They still fit me even after all this time, Moony," Black declared as he walked back into the small kitchen, wearing a shirt and trousers that Remus would have easily recognized, even after being packed away. "Hot water is a blessed thing that should not be taken for granted." The second hot shower he had enjoyed in as many days after a decade of going without.

Lupin turned and gave a tight smile of approval to his friend, but inside his heart was wrenching from the sight before him. The clothes didn't fit so much, as hung on his gaunt thin frame. The legs of the trousers appeared too short, but that may have only been because Sirius wasn't currently wearing any shoes. There was a musty smell emanating from these clothes due to being stored in boxes for a length of time, but it was fainter than the one oozing from the clothes Eugene had provided yesterday.

"Do you need me to take care of any of your wounds? he asked, remembering seeing the rust coloured stains on the towels. "I have a few simple remedies on hand?"

Sirius shook his head. "Thank you, but no." He didn't like being fussed over any more than Remus did. Remnants of his time at Azkaban could resurface at any time, and fresh assaults on his senses from such a cursed place would happen without warning. The marks on his body would remain until they healed and faded. The nightmare that had been his life for the past decade would remain for the rest of his life.

"Tea?" Lupin asked, having made a fresh cup for himself.

"Coffee, please, as strong and hot as you can make it," Sirius requested. "With plenty of sugar please."

"Good to see some things don't change," Lupin grinned as he remembered Lily scolding Black of his unhealthy addiction to anything sweet tasting.

"It may take a while to get used to being myself again," Black admitted ruefully. Lupin wasn't sure which one of them Sirius was trying to convince.

"Sit down at the table and I will bring it to you in a minute. Would you like anything to eat?"

Sirius made sure to sit on the side of the table that had the best view of the sofa in the sitting room. "I don't think I could right now," he added truthfully. His stomach was tied in knots, but it was not from lack of food.

A few moments later, Remus put a steaming mug of black coffee in front of his friend, and sat down at the table himself, both of them sipping at their hot drinks and keeping their attention focused on Harry in the next room.

"I think a few well-placed precautions might be in order," Remus suggested, pulling out his wand, but being mindful of their sleeping guest. He uttered a quiet, simple incarnation that Sirius recognized, but had rarely used himself. Often used to stop anyone over-hearing or inadvertently eavesdropping on what they were about to be talk about. "Don't worry, we can still see and hear Harry if he wakes."

There was a distinct 'pop' sound as the silent, invisible walls rising up around them, signalling that the protective charm was in currently in place. Remus could quickly remove it at any time should Harry awaken. And he would only need to reverse it once they were done speaking privately.

"I still cannot believe he is here. Feels so surreal," Black muttered, both hands still gripping around the mug.

The crumpled envelope that Black had handed to Lupin now lay in the middle of the table looking back at both of them. The intrigue was there about what the contents might tell them but despite it being written in by Dumbledore's quill, curiosity was out-weighted by the mistrust and suspicion experienced by both men over a long period of time.

Knowing his former headmaster and the fact that the letter had been concealed and delivered only by one of his most trusted associates, Hagrid, there was bound to be a spell on the seal to prevent it falling into the wrong hands. With a curt nod of approval from Sirius, Remus pulled out his wand and touched the centre of the seal on the back of the envelope twice.

The seal began to illuminate, the envelope itself, rising off the table an inch before falling back down and the flap falling open. Remus reached in and pulled out a single piece of folded parchment. He had been expecting a lot more.

Scrawled in neat, even script were only a few sentences. Lupin was beginning to read silently when Black interrupted him.

"Come on, don't leave me in suspense, Mooney! What does it say?"

Remus smiled at his friend's impatience. A good sign that the old Sirius beginning to emerge again.

"Cryptic and entirely lacking in any real substance," Lupin revealed, choosing now to read the contents out loud, whilst showing Sirius.

To Sirius Black and Remus Lupin

Please forgive me; explanations will need to wait until I meet with you in person.

By the time you read this letter, Hagrid will have safely delivered young Mr Harry Potter into your care.

Use whatever skills you possess to keep him safe. Protections and safeguards that were previously put into place are beginning to fail and are no longer strong enough.

Please refrain from using too much magic directly in front of him at first. Young Harry has lived his entire life in the muggle world, and has little exposure to magic or wizardry.

I will be sending a very trusted friend to help you care for the boy until we discuss everything in more detail.

"Refrain from magic!" Sirius exclaimed in disgust, getting up quickly and gruffly shoving his chair away from the table, beginning to pace the floor, his anger threatening to grow exponentially.

A small noise from the cocoon of blankets soon curtailed any further outburst from him, as both men looked over at their sleeping young charge in the next room. Remus rose from his own chair and walked over to the settee quietly, trying to gauge if the child had awoken. Thankfully, Harry's sleep was too deep for him to climb out of.

Lupin returned to the kitchen with a soft rebuke, "Please keep it down, Padfoot. Don't worry, I know you are certainly entitled to some frustration, considering where you have been living and everything that has happened up until tonight, but we will both have to pick our moments to do so."

Black nodded, suitably scolded, trying to hide his guilt at his rash outburst. But his mind was already two steps ahead going over the warnings in the letter. "What could possibly be going on that Harry needs protecting from in this world?"

And Remus' own mind seemed to have joined in, both of them speaking out loud what they were thinking, "And why did Hagrid need to deliver Harry to us?" There were so many pieces to the puzzle missing. And the few scraps of information they did have, were not adding up to any kind of explanation at all.

Sirius repeated an earlier question and others were just began multiplying, "Where has Harry been all of this time? What safeguards? What protections?" "Muggle World!" It was the last reference that perturbed him most of all. Harry living his entire life in the muggle world? James and Lily would never have wanted that for their son. Why did that fool Dumbledore allow something like that to happen, under his very nose.

"Who is this trusted friend that is mentioned?" Lupin queried. Their former Head Master knew that he lived a solitary and lonely existence, and rarely had guests or visitors. And preferred it that way.

Both men were startled by a loud knock on the back door. The same one Hagrid had put back in place several hours ago. An impatient second pounding, had them looking over towards Harry, hoping that he wasn't at risk of being woken up by the noise again.

Black jerked open the wooden door, but any harsh words on the tip of his tongue evaporated when he was greeted with a very jovial, "Good Morning, Sirius."

The one-sided opening conversation from the plump red-haired woman continued as she entered looking about the room thoughtfully and taking a sharp eye at the men. "Sirius, you don't like you have slept at all poor man. We will have to rectify that straight away. You look like you could use a good meal or three, you as well, Remus."

Out of anybody they could have imagined or thought of for Dumbledore to send to help them, this person had certainly not come to mind. Both men were flabbergasted and struggled to find the correct words to say.

"Molly Weasley," Remus identified the woman. She was carrying a large basket, overflowing with vegetables and other unidentifiable wrapped food items. There was also an older travel bag that had patches in a few places, from years of usefulness.

"At your service," Molly replied cheerfully. "Now let's not hang about, I have a large crowd of my own to cook lunch for in a couple of hours. How about you show me around a little later, but for now I will get started in here?"

"Started?" Sirius queried. He could remember this lady from previous meetings, but they had all been a very long time ago. Before his time in Azkaban, where some memories had been deliberately suppressed so they couldn't be used against him during his incarceration.

"Albus did tell you I was coming, didn't he? I remember him telling me he was going to owl you?" Molly said, leaving her heavy bag out of the way for now. "But if his owl is anything like Errol…." she started to add, talking mostly to herself.

"He did say 'someone' in a letter but never specified who," Lupin answered, noting that Molly seemed to have a knack of working out her own way around his simple little kitchen.

"Oh that is good then," she seemed satisfied and went about her tasks. She didn't notice the two men let out a sigh of relief at her presence. "I didn't know what you needed, so I brought a little of everything to sustain you all for today. I will be bring more tonight when I come back."

The woman placed her heavy basket on the kitchen table and was now rummaging through the contents, leafy cabbages, pulling out a bunch of carrots, several apples. Two jars, a loaf of bread. She then took a large pot from the small cupboard underneath the stove and filled it with water and placing it on the hot plate ready to boil.

In a few short minutes, Molly had entered the small house, and seemed to have taken over and was preparing to cook for them all.

"Come back tonight?" Lupin stated in surprise. Astounded at the amount of food that one basket could hold, most of it now laid out over his kitchen table, ready to be sacrificed to the pot of water. There were a few other containers placed into his refrigerator and jars stacked on his pantry shelves.

"Oh don't worry, most of it is from my own supplies and gardens," Molly informed them.

"Are you sure that you will have enough for your own family?" Remus asked, knowing that the Weasley family did have a large number of mouths to feed at any given meal time, and they often didn't have the extra money to buy from the market every day. Hence why Molly propagated and attended to her own garden for most of what they needed. "I can repay you for whatever you use?" he offered.

"Good heavens, no need for that," Molly insisted, being proud of her family and their ability to provide for themselves. She wouldn't hear about accepting charity from anybody, even when it was well meant.

Remus nodded in acceptance, knowing that she would never take any he could offer, but quietly telling himself that he would repay her somehow for her kindness, even if it wasn't with money. He had no idea what she had intended making for breakfast, but already lovely aromas were beginning to assault them, causing even him to feel a little hungry.

Since Molly had entered the house, Sirius had said very little, but had watched her bustle about the kitchen, preparing food just like she would for her own family. Dumbledore had been too secretive up to this point about everything to do with Harry. But he had certainly made the correct choice about who to send to help. Black wondered how much she knew about Harry and his upbringing. Was she going to be the one telling them the parts that were left out of the letter?

Molly finished stirring the pot she had been preparing, and turning around with a look of hopeful expectance on her face, "Would you mind if I looked in on him..." she started to ask. "I haven't met him before, but Lily was such a sweetheart."

Before Sirius or Remus could answer, another noise came from the sitting room. A parent's instinct kicked in for Molly, as they watched her approach the settee with a motherly gentleness and practiced soft tread.

Harry had rolled over and was sleeping on his back, the blanket pooled around the lower half of his body and the settee. This was the first thing to be rectified, as the woman carefully adjusted the blanket and draped it back over the boy's shoulders. It was now that Molly got to take her first good look at someone she had heard so much about.

Molly took up position on the chair that Sirius had vacated, and was softly humming a tune as she used her hands to smooth out the folds and ripples of blanket fabric. Her touch was light, and comforting. Harry could hear the music, and turned his head slightly to the pleasant sound, a small smile appearing on his face.

"He looks just like his father, James!" Molly couldn't help but exclaim out loud. Harry jerking at the sudden noise and frowning slightly. "Sorry pet, you just go back to sleep," she soothed, using a gentle hand to brush the dark locks of hair away from his forehead.

"Oh….." Molly now whispered, "Such a nasty scar he carries there. I have heard all the stories and rumours that followed of course, but I didn't expect something like this."

Remus and Sirius were both shocked to hear her comment, both of them coming over to see for themselves.

All three gazed down at the faint, faded but still visible 'lightning bolt' shaped line marring the pale complexion.

Lupin, like Molly Weasley, had heard the rumours, idle gossip that had followed the deaths of his best friends. And the speculation of what had happened to their young child. But he had not been in a position to follow up on the whispering or malicious talk, instead forced to remain out of sight and powerless to ask questions because of what the wizarding world perceived about his-kind.

Black took a step backwards… sounds of the past assaulting him as he momentarily slipped back into the past when he first arrived at dementors had gone to greatlengths and revelled with mirth at informing him that it was his fault that his friends Lily and James were dead. That their small son, his godson had been injured, all because of his own selfishness. Horrific screeching filled his ears, making him shake his head, trying not to hear them. The coldness that crept back into his body was relentless as shards of freezing air stabbed at his senses and assailed his nostrils with the stench of decay.

A warm hand on the cold skin, and Sirius suddenly looked up, into the friendly, but worried eyes of his friend. He tried to open his mouth to speak, but the words would not come. He could not convey to Remus that he was alright because he knew the haunting look he was returning gave him away. This was not the time, nor the place to discuss it, and he was far from ready to explain what he had just experienced, doubting that his werewolf friend was prepared to hear the details.

A small nod from Remus and a squeeze of his arm conveyed all the understanding necessary. After all, Lupin too had experienced more than his fair share of dark times during his life, that most other people would scarcely be able fathom. Pain, suffering, disappointment and isolation were constants both of them frequently endured silently throughout their years of friendship.

It looked as though Harry wasn't ready to tell anybody yet either, a small hand escaping the cocoon of blankets and rubbing at his eyes. He then rolled over onto his opposite side, pressing his face deeper into the small pillow. He did not wake further.

"Leave him for now, we can take a better look later, when he is more alert," Molly suggested softly, rising from the chair and heading back to the pot on the stove to stir its contents. "Perhaps Dumbledore is prepared to tell us more about what happened."

She didn't miss the scowl that came from Sirius, reiterating to nobody in particular that the older wizard had been way too secretive for his liking.

"Don't worry, I am sure he will be just fine," Molly tried to convince them, seeing that both men were feeling a little out of their depth on what to do with the young boy. And she could sense that their connection to James and Lily had been rekindled very strongly. Their need to know everything about Harry and to protect him was also evident.

"There are a few simple spells in place that will prevent Harry from overhearing our conversation should he wake," Remus informed her. "Dumbledore's hastily scrawled message may have been cryptic, but it did state that we should refrain from using magic in front of him for now."

"Well, I am sure he knows what he is doing," Molly replied, but a slight catch in her voice gave her true feelings on such a matter away.

She was a skilled witch herself, and used magic in many ways on a daily basis to help her own household cope with the many chores to be done and the number of mouths to feed. She did prefer preparing, making meals and cooking with her own hands. The food tasted better and she could always tell if a dish needed a little something extra, or if the seasoning needed adjusting. She did not know of any spell that could teach her better cooking skills than those her own mother had taught since she was a small girl.

There was a time when any one of the three people currently in this small kitchen would not have questioned anything said by Albus Dumbledore, nor queried his motives. But the passage of time and first hand experiences made them wary of any information that was gained second-hand.

When she turned around, both Remus and Sirius were waiting with knowing looks and waiting for her explanation.

"He didn't tell me much either. Actually I didn't even see Dumbledore; instead he sent that stupid owl Errol of ours careening in through the kitchen window last night when everything was almost cleared away and the dishes were being sorted. Most of the children had scattered back to their room's by then, and Arthur had gone out on some late night task for the Ministry. I don't think anybody else saw except perhaps Percy. He wandered back down looking for one of his books and saw the bird sprawled across the kitchen table.

"There was a message from the Dumbledore, telling me that I needed to go to this address this morning and help out. It didn't tell me who would be here except for you," Molly continued and gazing back at Remus as she spoke, going into much more detail than she had when she first arrived. "I didn't know about you being here at all, Sirius."

Molly paused for a moment before continuing, weighing up whether she should put her cards on the table, "Please understand, Sirius, if I had received a note from anybody else except Albus Dumbledore, telling me that you had been found innocent, and set free, I cannot honestly say that I would have believed them. A small part of me still isn't completely convinced after reading and being influenced by those articles in the Daily Prophet all these years."

Mrs Weasley attempted to keep eye contact with Black for most of her poorly worded explanation, but she faulted when she thought of how easily she had been persuaded to believe the gossip pages and baseless articles.

"Arthur thinks that I don't know about hiding that motorcycle, but he has always kept a soft spot for you. Deep down, he has always secretly hoped that there was another reason, or someone else to be blamed. But it is not a topic that we regularly discuss in private, nor in front of the family."

"Thank you for your honesty," Black answered, knowing that such an admission was not easily earned, and he could see the many questions written across her face, "Perhaps one day, we can talk more," he gave vaguely, having no desire or plans to answer any of them.

"Dumbledore said all of that to you in the letter that he sent?" Lupin chimed in suspiciously and with carefully concealed annoyance.

"The headmaster's note mentioned those points and that he would visit here as soon as he could to explain everything. Something else came up rather urgently," Molly answered, reciting what she had read.

"You hear that, Sirius," Remus scoffed, turning away from Molly, "after reaching such heights merely yesterday, today, we both find ourselves right back where we have always been, forgotten about and treated with distrust."

Sirius acknowledged his friend's statement with a curt nod of his own, his emotions were creeping too close to the surface once more and he dared not speak the harsh words lingering on his tongue.

Walking closer to both of the men, Molly spoke up, "Can we please combine our efforts, and agree that the most important thing for now is making sure that Harry has everything that he needs?"

"For that, you have our undivided attention," Remus promised. Sirius nodded his own head, knowing that both of them would do whatever was necessary where the boy was concerned.

Molly returned to the pot she had left on the stove, stirring it with a large spoon and satisfying herself that everyone would be well fed this morning. Caring for her own family and taking care of others came naturally to her.

"Everything is ready for breakfast, tuck in and help yourselves," Mrs Weasley invited.

"Before we eat, it should be mentioned that when Harry arrived on our doorstep in the early hours of this morning, he didn't have any belongings with him," Lupin informed her.

"Nothing?" she questioned, shocked at such a revelation.

"Not even a stitch of clothing. Hagrid asked, but said Harry merely shook his head. He has barely said a word since he got here. No books, no money," Sirius whispered, looking over towards the sitting room and the blanketed figure.

"Not to worry, I suspect he is still unsure of his new surroundings," Molly declared. "I have some clothes that no longer fit my son, Ronald. Both boys are similar in build and the same age, I will bring them by this afternoon when I return."

"Thank you for your kindness and generosity, Molly, we are truly guided by your hands," Lupin remarked. "Please join us for a cup of tea."

"Just this once," Mrs Weasley commented, hoping to begin building a bridge of co-operation and rekindle an understanding.

Lupin and Black took up a chair each at the kitchen table, whilst Molly poured them each a fresh cup of tea, and a third for herself. The aromas coming from the pot on the stove were enticing. The air of uneasiness surrounding their past histories and associations was beginning to clear.

---

In the sitting room, the figure beneath of the folds of blanket began to stir and awaken. Slowly at first, sensing that whatever he was lying on was not his normal bed in the cupboard beneath the stairs. He hadn't heard his cousin's loud footsteps coming down the staircase yet. Perhaps the start to this day was going to be a little quieter due to Dudley sleeping late.

Some delicious smells assaulted his nose, making his mouth water at the thought of tasting food, but he if he was lying here, then that meant he was late for making breakfast. Uncle Vernon would be waiting impatiently for his coffee and Aunt Petunia would making a list and giving him extra chores for making them wait.

Harry sat up, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the light as his hand started searching around him for this glasses. He could hear more than one voice in the next room, but he didn't recognize his Aunt or Uncle talking. He had better get a move on before he got into more trouble.

When he began to stir, the spells that Remus had placed about the room had done their job, and alerted the two men in the kitchen that the young boy was now awake. Without Harry seeing, Lupin briefly used his wand and a barely whispered incantation to reverse the spells he had put in place.

"Harry, I trust you slept well."

The boy shrank away from the tall approaching figure, pulling the blanket with him, and pooling it in his lap. "I-I am s-sorry for over-sleeping," he stuttered, the same excuse that he would have been uttering if Aunt Petunia had been talking to him just now.

"I think you can be forgiven for that today, Harry," Lupin smiled, but stopping from going further as he watched the boy edge further back against the sofa, his demeanour just as skittish as it had been the night before. "I trust you were warm enough during the night?" he asked, trying to ease into a simple conversation.

"He's awake," Black proclaimed with enthusiasm, as he came into the room behind his friend, happy to see their new charge alert, but failing to notice the gesture to lower his voice.

The events from the previous night began to fill Harry's mind, the pounding on the door in Privet drive, the motorcycle and being brought to a new place. The orphanage he silently reminded himself, knowing that these people would have their own set of rules and instructions, in addition those already given to them by his Aunt and Uncle.

Both men could see the boy squinting back at them and having trouble focusing on them and attempting to gain his bearings.

"I left your glasses on the coffee table in front of you there, where you could easily find them," Remus pointed out, not wanting to embarrass him.

Harry stood up from the sofa and reached forward across the large brown blurry surface that the man was gesturing towards, searching with his fingertips. Taking possession of the bent and ill-repaired frames, unfolding them, sighing inwardly with real relief of familiarity as he put them on his face. With his vision now much clearer, he found himself wanting to retreat from the strangers in the room.

The larger man with the large, warm furry coat that had brought him here was no-where to be seen. They had told him their names, but at the moment, he couldn't recall what they were at all, and looked towards the floor to hide that fact.

Remus was forced to hold back his tongue as he took a good look at the young boy in front of him. The clothes he wore had seen better days, and they appeared to be too large and hung awkwardly on the lad's slim frame. He looked like he could do with a meal or three.

"Would you like to use the bathroom upstairs to wash your face before breakfast?" Lupin asked, watched the subtle fidgeting that the boy was displaying, clearly unsure of his new surroundings, nervous and unwilling to speak up about what he needed.

"Yes, please," Harry answered, carefully folding the blanket and placing it neatly on the sofa.

He was directed up to a small bathroom, hesitating at the top of the stairs before being given some privacy, "Feel free to take care of any other personal needs."

Harry knew that he would be expected to be ready to start his list of chores and responsibilities as soon as he came back out. He would need to learn quickly and keep his mind on the tasks he was given. Harry had convinced himself that the next few days would be for proving oneself.

A small snick to the latch, and Harry walked out into the hallway and towards the small kitchen.

"Just to reintroduce ourselves, my name is Remus Lupin, and my friend here to my left is Sirius Black."

Harry wanted to take a step forward and shake their hands in greeting, but found his feet rather stuck to the floor in one place. He was totally unprepared for the next introduction.

"I cannot tell you how happy I am that you are here, dear," said a red-headed, middle-aged woman, as she engulfed his upper body in a hug, wrapping her arms around him and trying to squeeze the stuffing out of him.

"This lady, Harry, is Mrs Molly Weasley, and I am sure you will get used to her mothering ways all too soon," Remus grinned, at the confused and startled look. He observed the rather stiff stance and noted that he had not returned the woman's affections.

"Pleased to meet you, Mrs Weasley," Harry said formally. "Where would you like me to begin?" he asked politely, expecting that the lady was in charge of the kitchen of his new living arrangements.

"With breakfast of course," Molly answered, pulling the child towards the table, "Now you just sit there, and I will bring you something nourishing for your bones."

A bowl of steaming food was placed in front of him, and he sniffed the contents hungrily and with gratitude, "Thank you."

"Such lovely manners from someone so young," Molly applauded.

Harry watched as the lady brought more bowls and placed them in front of the two men as they both took up seats across the table. She did not appear to be joining them in the meal, but sat down at the table and sipped at her tea. She smiled casually at him, and looked expectantly over the lip of her cup as she drank.

Usually he didn't get to eat the same as other members of the household, but this being his first day, it may be best if he didn't ask too many questions. He knew what the rules were when it came to meal times, hoping that the bowl of food would still be a little warm when they had finished.

"Your cooking skills have not wavered in all this time," Sirius praised as he got up from the table, hiding the fact that he had only consumed about half of his own food. It would take his system a lot longer to adjust to having regular meal times.

All three of them were waiting for him to tuck into the food, but looked at each other around the table as the boy sat with his spoon sitting beside the bowl untouched.

"I can get you anything else if you don't like it?" Molly offered in compromise, giving his forearm a light squeeze in reassurance. The boy was far too thin not to be eating something.

Lupin had finished his own bowl, but noted that his serving had not been very large. A unspoken thank you towards Mrs Weasley as well, seeming to remember that he didn't part-take in large amounts of food. Strange how well she remembered traits for those she had not been in contact with for such a long time, but he was grateful for that intuition.

Harry watched the man put his cutlery down, indicating that he had finished. Normally Dudley and Uncle Dursley consumed large portions at each sitting, and often seconds and thirds if there was enough left-over. So it was a little odd to see the smaller bowls of food and the two men signalling that they were satisfied.

"Go on then, eat up, that's the boy," Molly encouraged, but it was the two men showing that they had finished eating for now, that caused Harry to now pick up his spoon and slowly begin to eat.

"There is salt and pepper if you need it," Lupin suggested, trying to rally some more confidence in the young man. But Harry merely shook his head.

Remus smiled at the sharp in-take of breath he heard coming from Mrs Weasley at the suggestion that her food was not seasoned correctly. She held back any defence when she saw Harry eating some small and careful mouthfuls.

Soon enough the bowl was empty, and the still hot food had been gratefully consumed.

"Would you like some more?" Molly asked, used to having her own children help themselves and look for more in the cooking pot if they were still hungry.

Harry's focus remained on the top of the kitchen table as he slowly gave her a negative muffled reply, "No thank you."

Lupin and Black had noted the downward cast, and barely audible response, exchanging worried glances. The boy looked so much like James, but that was the only resemblance so far in the short time they had to observe their new young house guest.

"Well there is plenty left for later if you do," Mrs Weasley promised, not reading the boy's body language, and getting up from the table to clear away the dishes.

Harry almost tripped over getting out of the chair so fast to help her, but caught himself just in time. Clearing away the table and the dishes was his responsibility, and there were punishments and reprisals if they were not done correctly or in a timely fashion.

Sirius had moved forward to try and prevent the boy from falling to the floor, but Harry had quickly manoeuvred out of his reach. "Alright there, Harry?"

Harry nodded his head, inwardly thinking it was an odd question to ask. People didn't usually ask him how he felt or what he was doing. Unless he was doing something wrong in their eyes, and when that was the case, they seldom spoke first.

He didn't have any experience with orphanages before, but this one was turning out to be a strange one. He had yet to see any other children of any age, but dare not ask any questions.

"I will be off now, dear," Molly spoke to Harry, gathering the last of the possessions into her basket. She was expecting to give him to come out of his shell a little more, but stopped in dismay as the boy made no efforts to move from that one spot in the kitchen.

"There is plenty in the pantry if you need anything before I come back later today," turning and talking to Sirius.

Black nodded in acknowledgement and although there were some bridges to mend, he was thankful for the attention that she was showering Harry with. She didn't seem fazed by him only talking when being spoken to or his all too quiet nature.

"I will bring you back some spare clothes that you can keep," Molly proposed, but was a little perplexed when the boy's gaze returned to the floor, as though disappointed.

"Thank you," Harry mumbled, looking down at the poorly fitting clothes he wore. Because he didn't bring anything with him, he would just have to be grateful for second-hand ones like he was used to receiving from his cousin.

They watched the door close behind Mrs Weasley, leaving only the three of them in each other's company once more.

---

"What should we do with you today then?" came the harmless query from Lupin, not realising that the wording took on a whole different meaning to the boy.

Harry took two steps backwards, shrinking away from the two men, expecting loud voices and possibly hurtful physical reminders to tell him what his punishment was to be.

"Why don't you go and take a seat in the living room over there, whilst Remus and I have a little chat privately?" Sirius suggested. "We will let you know once we decide."

Harry nodded his head glumly in agreement, having been told many times before to leave the room when adults wanted to talk about matters that concerned him. Even when they didn't have anything to do with him. At least this time there had been no yelling or Uncle Vernon thrusting his fist in his face to do so.

Sirius watched the boy leave but was perplexed; you would have thought the kid was walking to his doom, with the slumped shoulders and not a word out of him.

Walking into the sitting room, Harry sat down quietly beside the folded blanket and waited, wringing his clasp hands tightly together with nervousness.

The two men were talking quietly to each other, taking periodic glances towards him, he couldn't hear anything they were saying. Boredom was beginning to settle in.

Kneeling on the sofa, he turned towards the window, pushing the curtain aside and taking a glimpse outside. His breath fogging up the window and his glasses a little at the same time.

The sky was a light shade of blue with a few floating clouds. This tranquil morning was suddenly interrupted by a large bird flying swooping down and landing on top of the mailbox next to the gate.

He had never seen such a large bird up this close before. It was an owl. Varying shades of brown, with piercing eyes and a pale beak. There was a soft exclamation of amazement from Harry who was pressing his face against the glass, "Wow."

Although quiet, the change in posture from the boy and fact that his full attention was being drawn outside, the curiosity of the two men from across the room was undeniable.

"What do you see, Harry?" Remus asked as he approached the window to look for himself.

"Looks like the mail is in," Sirius announced, opening the front door and heading out.

It wasn't until he was half-way to the gate that he realised that this might have been the first time that Harry had seen the wizarding world's postal service at work. Looking back towards the window, the boy seemed more in awe about the size of the bird.

Sirius reached in and retrieved a single small envelope from the mailbox, turning it over in his hand to see who might have sent it. A distinct red wax seal over the flap revealed it was from Albus Dumbledore. With its duty now performed, the owl took this as the sign to fly away back to the shelf to await the next delivery.

Walking back to the house, Sirius saw Harry lower the curtain, a disappointed look on his face that the bird had flown away.

Remus tried his best to lift the boy's spirit, "Don't worry, Harry, we get owls in this area quite a lot this time of year," sharing a knowing look with Sirius as he re-entered the house.

Harry though it rather odd though that a nocturnal bird would be seen in the daytime, but didn't challenge the explanation given, nodding his head in acceptance.

Black tore open the small envelope, beginning to read the message: "Meet me at Amelia Bones' office at 10am sharp this morning," he recited; turning over the piece of paper to make sure that there was no other message on the back.

"Well, that sorts out my whereabouts for this morning and perhaps longer," Black scowled, not enjoying the notion of any such meeting, nor those who no doubt would be present.

"But that still leaves us with time on our hands, Harry?" Lupin surmised.

There seemed to be no final absolution yet for missing doing the breakfast dishes, but Harry was pleased that the topics of conversation had changed enough that it might be skipped over.

"Perhaps Harry and I should spend some time together getting to know one another," Lupin suggested to the boy.

Inwardly Harry shuddered a little, thinking that this was where he was going to hear the long list of rules and what was expected of him whilst he was living here.

"That's not fair, it means that I get to do the boring things," Sirius pouted, knowing that his friend may be able to get him to open up a little more and be more comfortable around them.

"I was just going to take a walk to the local supermarket not far from here and gather some groceries for the cupboards to tide us over for a few days. We won't go far," Remus added, knowing that Dumbledore probably didn't want them wandering too far away from their current lodgings.

"Just watch he doesn't bring home too much chocolate," Sirius joked to Harry, "Has a bit of a sweet tooth there."

Harry nodded his head to what was being said, but didn't add to the conversation. Chocolate was one of the things he definitely knew he was not allowed to have. Aunt Petunia said so, but made sure that Dudley consumed enough for a whole crowd of people.

Lupin took the jibe good-naturedly, not bothering to tell Harry now, but promising to reveal that Black's history of being partial to sweet treats and desserts, especially when they were at Hogwarts was a long one. Together with James, they were both known to polish off a whole platter of pastries, or hide smaller ones in the pockets of their robes, and sneakily eating them during class. There was more than one occasion where detention was handed out in punishment. Memories like there were too few and far between of late.

"Do you have enough money?" Black directed at Remus, knowing that he had no funds of his own to contribute at this point in time.

"Enough for now," Lupin assured him. Not a whole lot to throw around by any stretch, but he had learned to hide away, and penny-pinch where he could over the years for someone in his situation. And even now with two new house-guests that he had not been expecting, he would be willing to share every last cent with them.

"Ready to leave then, Harry?" waiting for Harry to be in front of him, before slipping a small-tin box from his coat pocket to Sirius.

A curt nod was exchanged between them, and Black knew he would have to wait until he was completely on his own to use the port-key.

Exiting the back door where he had arrived with Hagrid, Harry stepped outside to partially overcast day. Quite a few more clouds were now scattered across the sky from when he had been looking through the front window.

There was no rear fence to this property, so he waited on the pathway to be guided in which direction he should go. The road was quiet, and this house was at the end of a cul-de-sac, the nearest neighbour being half-way down the street.

"Not far, like I mentioned, but a nice walk to get us there," Remus spoke, trying to lighten the tension he could see in the boy's stance. He walked closest to the road, in a protective role keeping his gait at a slow pace, whilst Harry kept away from the curb, and out of arms reach.

This time of year was a little cooler, and the clothes and shoes that Harry was wearing were still in poor shape, and Remus could see the breeze ruffling the torn shirt tails as they walked. He made a mental note to himself about looking at the small clothing store to see if there was something more suitable for the boy.

Lupin really wanted to coax the boy into talking some more, and getting comfortable in his new surroundings, but the boy was very closed off, not offering any questions and only giving short answers or head gestures when necessary.

"What should we eat today?" was the simple question.

Harry stopped walking, looking back at the man, with his bland expression changing to one of trepidation. He had 'never' been asked that before when living with his Aunt and Uncle. He could remember being allowed to go with them a handful of times and there had been the point made that he wasn't allowed to ask for anything.

"I don't know, Sir," was the mumbled response.

Lupin frowned a little at the reaction, but to lighten the mood, meaning to put a supportive hand on the boy's shoulder, but pulling his hand back, when Harry restarted his footsteps to avoid any contact.

"Let's find out together then, shall we," he encouraged, but there were a lot of thoughts swirling around about this boy. There were pieces of the puzzle beginning to emerge, much as they did last night and this morning. But there hadn't been enough of them yet to discover the pattern.

"We cross the road here," Remus guided, as the two of them approached the end of the street, and headed towards a more built up area, with houses on either side, and cars driving in opposite directions. Just as he stepped up onto another curb, Harry earned a scowl and "watch where you are going" from a man who had been running down the footpath.

Harry found himself feeling overwhelmed as the number of people bustling about began to swell, and the crowd began to grow. He found himself standing outside a large store; the building surrounding it was old. The windows on the front smaller than other shops on either side, the wooden door frames must have been painted green in the past, but that was now peeling off in many places. The sign overhead reading, 'Winifred's Market'.

Remus was mindful of Harry's apprehension with people pushing past, tried to use a gentle hand at the top of his shoulders to steer him through the store doors, but he heard a distinct wince of pain from the boy. Contact was lost between them by a number of customers exiting the store, and not even noticing what was going on around them.

Harry watched the man select a small shopping basket from the rack and obediently walked behind him as they headed down the first aisle. He didn't know how many people they were buying for today. The other man had been intending to go out when they left.

He assumed that he was probably bought along because these new people didn't want to leave him on his own in the house. That was the only reason he had been allowed to accompany the Dursley's on a few occasions was because they didn't want him doing anything freakish in their home whilst they were away. And the lady next door they often relied on wasn't around now to keep an eye on him.

This store had been a local haunt for Lupin for a number of years. It was a little more out of the way than the bigger centres in the city. They catered to many ethnic cultures and offered up quite a lot unusual ingredients but also stocked the regular staples that most people were seeking. The staff were accepting, helpful and didn't judge their patrons by their appearance or what they purchased.

At first, Harry was content enough just to watch the man select a few items from a whole array of shelves and place them in his basket. Bread, Milk, Eggs, the essentials for most kitchens on a daily basis. It had been a while since his last forced outing with the Dursley's and it shows with him gawping at the vast selection of goods on display.

When the man had selected a bottle of milk, there had been a whole fridge dedicated to that one product, with bottles of different sizes and coloured plastic bottle tops. With the bread the selection had been even larger, with small loaves, large loaves, sliced and unsliced. Some with the ingredients on the outside claiming how much fibre it contained and how soft it was. He recognized the brand that Aunt Petunia used to buy, but it wasn't the one put in the basket.

Lupin was scanning the isles looking back occasionally his shoulder to see if Harry was still there. They started out side by side, but other people's movements had begun to separate them. It was time become actively involved with decisions that affected him.

They were still in the aisle that contained other dairy products such as yoghurts, custards and cheese. The number of cheese varieties was even more than the bread and milk products.

"Harry, select some cheese you would like please," Remus instructed, waiting patiently as a large woman dived directly in front of the boy, making him stop to avoid colliding into her.

The look that Harry gave him was similar to the one he had displayed when they had been walking to the store and asked what they should be buying. The boy stared back at him with large expressive eyes rather than the cheeses, trying to make sense of what was being asked of him.

Harry turned his head towards the shelves, wondering if this was a test like he had been expecting all morning. To see if he matched up to the criteria for being allowed to stay.

He liked cheese, but there were so many different types here to look at. He had always been given the ends off the blocks that Dudley discarded. Once when he was alone in the kitchen, he had taken a small slice for himself that wasn't a dried out end piece. It had been soft and fresh, and he had enjoyed it immensely, but had not dared to do it too many times again for fear of being found out and punished.

"Do you see the one you usually like," Lupin prodded, but Harry only briefly glanced back, not wanting to admit that he didn't see the outside packaging that Dudley insisted on.

"I like this one myself," Remus offered, selecting a blue box, "And up until recently, Sirius wouldn't normally care what brand is it, so long as it has the word cheese on it.

Harry nodded his head, relieved that the decision had been taken out of his hand and the choice made. He looked back at all the cheese again, wondering how different some of them would taste.

Lupin watched the boy for a moment, just as puzzled. The boy's body language and behaviour was all wrong for someone his age. If was almost as if he was too afraid to speak up and make a choice. But surely that couldn't be the case he thought to himself. He had seen similar signs like this in other students back in his Hogwarts days, and he didn't even like the thought that something like that could have been happening to Harry.

Moving to the next aisle which contained meats and small goods. Moony decided to try again with Harry and allow him to make a choice based on his own preference. "Would you like some roast chicken? I know that is one of Sirius's favourites as well."

Harry looked at the roast chicken with desire, remembering quite a few Sunday lunches where Uncle Vernon had roasted a chicken. He had to be content with what few scraps had been left everybody else had eaten. Like the cheese, he did like chicken, but he usually received the cold bits at the bottom of roasting tray that sat in the congealed meat juices.

"Could we try some, please?" Harry asked in anticipation, but then quickly looked downwards at the floor as though he had spoken out of turn.

"Of course we can," Remus consented, turning to the person behind the counter and selecting the biggest one that was on offer. The lady had been nice and gave a warm smile to the boy, thinking it was nice to see a child who wasn't persistent or demanding. There had been a brief moment of triumph, but there was still something that struck him as odd with the whole scenario. He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

By this time, the number of people in the store had grown even more since they had entered, and it was clear that it was beginning to bother Harry. Remus didn't usually like to be in crowds either, and actively avoided where possible. He had wanted to get some ice-cream as well, hoping Harry would be like most kids and like the creamy treat and then eventually head towards the fresh fruit and vegetable sections of the store.

Harry moved about nervously, unsure of where he should be standing, and stepping around the other customers, but clearly wanting to escape all the noise and chaos.

"Let's get out of here," Lupin suggested, noting how quickly Harry nodded his head in agreement. It looked as though he had been scanning the group of people and trying to figure out how to get to the nearest exit.

Harry certainly had his father's trade-mark messy black hair, front and back, Remus noted as the boy stood in front of him as he prepared to pay the cashier for their small amount of goods. But it wasn't the total price being displayed that was keeping his undivided attention.

With Harry's attention momentarily drawn to somewhere else, the werewolf could feel a sliver of cold fury run down his spine as he detected what appeared to be finger shaped bruising peeking out from underneath the dark hair on the back of the boy's neck. He had not noticed it last night when Harry slept on the sofa, and it must have been partially hidden by his shirt this morning.

Harry had picked up both shopping bags, and was ready to leave the store when he felt a gentle tug on the handles.

"How about we share the load?"

He cautiously nodded, releasing one of the bags into Lupin's custody, but wondering why he wasn't being expected to carry both.

The short walk back from the store left both of them trapped with their own thoughts. Harry walked back further away from the curb again, with Remus closer to the roadway. The aroma of the warm roast chicken was enticing. The clouds were gathering lower and the threat of a shower later in the afternoon hung in the air.

He was going to have a hard talk with Sirius about his suspicions when they got back. He was going to be intent on asking some hard questions from Albus Dumbledore's about Harry's living arrangements up until last night. A knot in the pit of his stomach was beginning to form and whatever the cause was, he didn't like it.

---

After watching his old friend and Harry leave for their walk to the store, Sirius mulled over in his head whether he should have joined them. Thinking about it a little more, the answer was definitely negative. He wanted to get to know Harry more and spend more time with him too. Although he nor Remus had any experience in taking care of a child of any age.

Although attending a meeting at the Ministry of Magic, with Dumbledore was low on his list of priorities right now, he also knew that he wasn't used to having the opportunity to decide for himself yet. Such a simple little thing choice, taken for granted on a daily basis, but when it was taken away from you for such a long time, then it became a precious commodity.

Black tried to make himself presentable, his facial hair was unkempt and shaggy, something he would need to fix when time permitted. The man pulled his still long hair back from his face and secured it at the back into a ponytail. This was the longest he could ever recall it being. At some point he might have to go and see a barber to get it trimmed or cut back to a more manageable length.

Another thing he would slowly have to get used to again was to make sure that he carried his wand with him everywhere. It had felt strange in his hand when Amelia Bone's returned it to him yesterday, but he couldn't hide his relief to have it in his hands again now. That unexplained familiarity was definitely present.

A minute before the stroke of 10 o'clock in the morning, Sirius pulled out the small portkey pretending to be a box, and put his hand over the top before uttering the correct words. As it had done the day before, the box glowed blue momentarily and he vanished from the little house owned by Remus, and found himself in a corridor within the Ministry of Magic.

Carefully looking about, and keeping one hand on the wand in his pocket, he looked about. He was thankful that he had arrived on the second floor outside Amelia Bones' office to avoid all of the security that would have been necessary upon arriving in the lobby on the ground floor. And with only being released less than twenty-four hours, he was not ready for the craziness that was the floo network. The place was like a rabbit warren as he had labelled it correctly yesterday, and nice and simple with a portkey was his preference.

"Good morning," a calm voice addressed him.

It was Dumbledore, and Black was certain that the man had not been standing anywhere when he first arrived. The man was like a ghost, turning up here and there and everywhere.

"Let's get this over and done with," Sirius announced, not wanting to be here any longer than absolutely necessary.

Black had been expecting Eugene Bigmore to be opening the door, and was a little disappointed when it was Amelia Bones herself, several minutes after the scheduled time.

Both men turned at the sound of loud and hurried booted footsteps approaching, Sirius immediately withdrawing his wand from his pocket when Cornelius Fudge showed his face.

"Now don't be too hasty," Dumbledore softly admonished, putting a hand of restraint on the man's shoulder. Black was well known for being brash with a quick temper before being sent to Azkaban.

It was Amelia herself who addressed the out-of-breath man, who was trying to pretend as though he had not been running to reach her office before the door closed.

"Minister?" she addressed coolly and cordially, barring entrance to her office.

"What is he doing here?" Black barked at Bones, not in the mood for any tactics that Fudge might have been planning.

"You should be back where you belong, Black, in prison, no matter what cockamamie evidence was invented yesterday," Fudge shouted in response; he failed to note the narrowing and accusatory eyes of Amelia Bones at having her decision questioned directly in front of her. The minister was walking on very dangerous grounds.

Continuing his tirade, the man turned to focus his attention on the Headmaster, "And you Albus, have become far too interfering in matters where the Ministry is involved for my liking."

"Now see here, I have a right…," but his sentence was cut off before he could finish but a curt gesture from her hand.

"Mr Fudge," Amelia warned with an authoritative tone, "Mr Black is here upon my invitation, this morning through Albus Dumbledore. You, however, are not."

A smug smirk appeared on the lips of Sirius, the face of the Minister reddening considerably and he looked like he was ready to blow a gasket at any second for being scolded like a junior wizard, and by a woman no less.

"This is a private meeting," she emphasised, "to discuss what compensation and repercussions may be in order due to the Ministry's serious denial of lawful rights pertaining to Mr Black."

The explosion was imminent, Fudge scarcely about to contain himself and being astounded at the very notion of monies being owed to Black was being considered.

"Unless Dumbledore," she pointed to the Headmaster, who shook his head with a negative response, "Or Mr Black, agrees to your presence at this meeting."

Sirius was not about to be dictated to by anybody in this corridor, and had no patience today to pretend with niceties or the need to offer civility in any format, since he was no longer living in shackles.

"Absolutely not you pompous, fat toad," Black spat forcibly.

The Minister's face darkened to plum for a moment upon hearing the insult.

Amelia, certain she was going to have to defensively draw her own wand, was about to summon Ministry security to break up an altercation that was looming. Neither Fudge nor Black were intent on hiding their intense dislike for the other.

Fudge could see the former prisoner wasn't going to listen to reason, so he decided to attempt another approach, "Now see here, Sirius," he tried to persuade, using the man's given name, "Your parents long upheld the traditions decreed, and understood the responsibilities that naturally came with being from a pure-blood family in relation to matters concerning the Ministry.

With his wand plainly visible, Black took a deliberate and threatening step towards Fudge, "You'll get no shred of courtesy from me, the scathing words began, there may have once been a time where other members of the mighty House of Black would have been fascinated with your not so subtleversion of politics. But let me make it perfectly clear to you just this one time, he added, changing and lowering the tone of his voice, all I have left in spades, is barely veiled contempt and a lifetime of disdain."

Being satisfied that he had gotten his point across, to Dumbledore and Amelia Bones, but more importantly, Fudge himself, and he wasn't about to wait any longer for further discussion from anyone on the subject, and entered the office.

"This is far from over yet, Dumbledore," Fudge blurted out with frustration and impatience, before turning on his heeled boots and leaving the vicinity. Somehow he vowed to find out what was going on in that meeting.

---

Remus and Harry had just made it back to the house to begin putting the groceries away, when there was a knock at the door.

Harry was still learning where to put everything in the kitchen, so offered to open the door. Instead of a basket of food this time, she carried a bag with clothes.

"Hello again, Harry dear," Molly greeted him, "I know I said I wouldn't be back until later this afternoon, but thought you could use these a little earlier than that."

"Hello," the boy stammered a little embarrassed at not recalling her name, but rewarding her with a slight shy smile.

"Molly," Lupin peered around the part-way open door, offering to take the bag from her. "Please do come in, Harry and I just returned from the local store."

"Just a few pieces for now, I will sort through some cupboards over the next couple of days and find plenty more I am sure."

"Harry, why don't you take this bag, have a look through it and choose what you might like to try on and keep," Remus suggested, signalling to Molly that they needed to talk.

The boy nodded politely, heading into the sitting room and sitting on the sofa, his heart dropping with the thought of hand-me down clothes. He could see the two adults, talking quietly in the kitchen from where he sat.

"Are you certain, Remus?" Molly gasped in alarm, horrified with what she had just heard.

Lupin nodded his head, whilst looking over at the boy.

He could see the strong mothering instinct in Mrs Weasley beginning to fire, and the very idea of she had just been told made her blood boil to the core.

---

back at the Ministry of Magic:

Yesterday after the courtroom, Amelia had closed the window due to the weather, but with tensions already on edge, the room was feeling stuffy and closed in. Walking over behind her desk, she opened the window half-way, allowing some fresh air to flow through. The beetle that she had brushed off with some snow, now returned to the window sill, looking for a warmer spot.

"Please feel free to take a seat, Mr Black," Amelia formally invited, like she had done the previous day. But her request was met with the same refusal, and the same obstinate and rigid posture. The confrontation in the corridor with Fudge, had not done anything but dig up more unspent hatred and defiance.

"I am not here to make enemies," Sirius asserted, as he put his wand back into his pocket, and let the built up tautness in his body, relax. "But I would rather stand, if you please."

"And nor I, Mr Black, as I mentioned in my decision yesterday, nothing that I did yesterday, nor do here today, can make up for the hardship that you have been forced to live through."

Reclaiming the chair at her desk, she moved to get through this unenviable task at hand. Looking over at Dumbledore before providing the information they had spoken about in private after Sirius and Remus had left.

"You might want to rethink the whole standing idea," she prompted, taking a deep breath before plunging in head first with what she had to say.

"The relationships between you and other members of your immediate family were somewhat strained well before your imprisonment," she tried to put delicately.

"Strained!" Sirius gave a short hollow laugh. So that is what they want to call what had happened. That wasn't exactly how he would describe his earlier years growing up.

Dumbledore stepped in, trying to soften any blow that was forthcoming, "Your mother, alas passed away five years, whilst you were in Azkaban prison."

Sirius stared blankly at the other two people in the room, trying to fathom what he had just been told. Dead? Could it really be true?

"After your death of your father, Orion, in 1979, and the mysterious disappearance of your brother, Regulus that same year….," Dumbledore began to explain.

"Mysterious disappearance," Black scoffed, through gritted teeth. "Nothing mysterious about it, and he didn't just disappear like my mother would like for everybody to believe. He went and got himself killed when he became a death-eater."

"Mr Black, we didn't want to bring up news that might upset you." Amelia started to say, but didn't get to finish.

"If the old witch is dead, then so be it, but don't expect me to be shedding a tear for my dearly departedmother. My esteemed family is not a subject that I like to discuss at all, or in company, and I don't know what any of it has to do with me being brought here today, but someone had better get to the point very quickly."

Instead of speaking, Amelia held out two sets of keys to Sirius, one with two similar smaller keys, the second a number of odd assortments, with none of them being the same.

Black looked at them from a distance before walking closer, and taking them from her hand," waiting for her comments. He turned them over in his hand, recognizing the distinct shape of at least two of small metal objects.

"These belong to you, the first one, as you can see, is your key to vault 713 at Gringotts Bank. Your vault. When the ministry took custody of your wand, they also froze other assets, including any valuables and funds belonging to you. Strong security counter measures were put in place that only their goblin staff had control over."

"I have given written instructions to Mr Griphook this morning that access to that particular vault and the funds and any other items are to be released back to you immediately."

Sirius nodded acknowledgement noting that there was a second Gringott's key.

"The other ornate keys that you hold there, belong to Number 12, Grimmauld Place, but not the front door as you know. We assume that the other keys belong to doors, cabinets, trunks or other locked spaces within the building. Perhaps you may recognize some of them for yourself. No one has been permitted to enter since Walburga Black passed away, and the house has remained vacant."

Black's mouth dropped openly slightly at such a statement, as he looked for positive confirmation from Dumbledore.

"But I thought…, she used to remind me endlessly that I was such a disappointment to her and my father. To the whole family. Made it plain that I was blasted from the Black Family Tree. Just like Uncle Alphard and a few others I could name." His sentences sounded out of sequence and incomplete.

His whole demeanour changed; the lines on his thin face deepening a little more, as tension, regret, shame, guilt and shock all took their toll on his usually handsome features.

"The Ministry of Magic at that time of your mother's death, put a restriction in place to prevent allowing the contents of her vault being added to yours, which is the usual practice for most families. The second key belongs to her vault," Amelia added further.

Sirius grimaced with resentment, just how much his mother had manipulated, not only him it seemed, but also places like Gringotts, her family, her father, his brother, everybody. And the Ministry were just as much to blame. It was difficult to work out who was worse. Both had colluded, lied, cheated, and did whatever they damn welled pleased, just to get achieve their own goals.

"No doubt, your mother used harsh words against you, Sirius, but because of her status and marriage to your father, the pureblood laws about inheritance of property, chattels and other assets are seen as different to those that apply to other wizarding families," Dumbledore acquainted him.

A frown crossed Sirius' face as he thought back to his youth where his mother's screams and insults echoed clearly, "My mother always told me that her will had changed and that I was disinherited. She used to screech about how proud she was about blasting me from the Black Family tapestry, and disowning me to anyone who would was forced to listen."

Black shared in a small bout of laughter with himself, and Amelia considered his mental capacity and stability. Concerned that perhaps being exposed to the Dementors for such a long time had finally caused a lasting affect that they were just beginning to witness.

"Oh if I could only see her ugly face now, and throw everything back at her, about those wretched, stupid pure-blood laws," Sirius sneered, "I hope she choked on them."

"Now we come to the other reason for summoning you here today," Amelia stated.

Sirius gave a dubious but amused look in response. How could there possibly be something more? The events and circumstances of the past day and a half were already way beyond surpassing anything he could have imagined.

Dumbledore went to the window, closing it and motioning for Sirius to move within closer proximity of them, and then allowing Amelia to continue their conference.

"I doubt you want to hear any figures, but please be advised that the Ministry of Magic, even without Minister Fudge's blessing, owes you a great debt of compensation and other conditional rewards. Some of this will be paid in the form of a monetary penalty, to be deposited into an account at your discretion and choosing. The other remaining conditional rewards are yet to be determined. But neither of those are not the most important things that we are here to discuss."

Black had rarely been in a position without money, even when he had left his parents of his own free will and went to live with the Potter family. He had always managed to find money somewhere. He wasn't caught up in the materialistic greed of money that plagued many bearing his family name. But the fact that the Ministry had to been forced to admit its wrongfulness and pay him at all pleased him greatly.

It was only after going over her words in his head that he heard the second part of her statement, "Not the most important part…?" leaving a pregnant pause.

"Dumbledore advises me that you and Mr Lupin had a small visitor late last night," Bones said, and she could immediately see the surprised look on former inmate's face.

Black looked over to Dumbledore, ready to demand know what other secrets had his former Headmaster had been sharing with just anyone.

"I know that you are aware that before their untimely and most unfortunate deaths, James and Lily Potter, legally made you the only Godfather of one, Harry James Potter."

That statement certainly saw Sirius' legs turn to jelly, as he grabbed at the high-backed chair in front of him and plopped down onto it. It was clear to those in the room, as he was mulled this piece of news over in his head with great irreverence.

"James and Lily asked me about being his Godfather, of course, and I tried to do the right thing when they were alive," he whispered. A few fleeing memories beginning to surface when he had nursed a small Harry Potter and played with the young baby.

"They done it legally?" he queried, thinking that it was an oath between the three of them. James and he had never needed a legal piece of paper between them when making promises to each other. They were like brothers.

"And not by magic," Dumbledore interrupted, seeing how much of an affect playing such a role had once had on the impetuous former Auror.

"Not by magic?"

"We do not currently have the original muggle legal document, merely a partial copy that pertains to what their wishes were in regards to their son. But it does hold some weight in the wizarding world, and it states that should something befall both parents, then you would become the full-time legal guardian of Harry."

Legal Guardian, now that title certainly had some weight to it Sirius thought to himself.

"What about Remus Lupin, he had just as much to do with looking after Harry as I did, when they were alive?" Black asked with a sliver hope in his voice for his friend. After all it was his house where Hagrid had delivered the young ward to.

"Alas, you know the views of the Ministry when it comes to werewolves and their classification, and I am afraid that the opinions of many witches and wizards have not been changed in that regard," Amelia informed him.

"Maybe it is long overdue and time that it should," Sirius remarked a little too loudly, getting up from his chair and pacing, so many thoughts now running through his head.

"The hands of the Ministry may be tied, Sirius, when it comes to Remus Lupin adopting young Harry, but I would suggest that you have the ability to change it so that he has as much contact and access to the boy, and be able to have a say in all manner of areas pertaining to Harry's upbringing and well-being, if you so desired," Dumbledore hinted at cryptically.

Sirius was about to challenge Albus about talking in too many riddles this early in the day, when an idea of his own struck him. Something about what Amelia had said only a few moments ago. "remaining conditional rewards!" and he saw the headmaster nodding his head positively.

Amelia squirmed uneasily in her seat, quite uncomfortable with the notion of what those conditions may entail. Within reason, the Ministry could ill afford to deny little Black if he chose to be difficult.

For the next hour, Black carefully constructed clauses that came under the umbrella of "conditional rewards" which would see Remus being able to help him care for Harry, and not have the Ministry, or anyone else strike up an objection, based on his status as a werewolf, and any other disapproval protestation that others may invent.

Sirius could see the headmaster trying to give what appeared to be helpful suggestions, strategies or solutions as the three of them continued negotiating the remaining clauses. And he wasn't liking it. He wasn't about to be dictated to, and he didn't feel obligated enough to explain his protective streak.

"I will expect everything to be drawn up, exactly as we have discussed here this morning. There is someone else not here today who is able to give me sound legal advice. Once they have perused the final draft, then signatures and magical oaths will be taken and copies retained and stored in a safe place." Black told them.

"Know this; nothing, I repeat nothing, will be determined about or happen to Harry without my express permission and in his best interests," Sirius forewarned.

"I will use the port-key again to go back to Remus' house. You and I have more things to discuss yet," he informed Dumbledore, turning and walking towards the door without waiting for a response.

Amelia exchanged a worried look with the headmaster, both of them unsure whether Sirius was aware or prepared of the full ramifications of taking custody of Harry Potter.

"Good morning to you, Ms Bones," Black addressed as he stopped and touched down on the small tin box and left the Ministry of Magic.

---

Sirius had not waited to see if Dumbledore was indeed going to meet him back at the house. On this occasion, the port-key took him the back door of 73 Outcast Road, heeding the previous instructions about not using magic around Harry just yet.

A few moments later, Dumbledore apparated to the same address, his features expressionless and not giving away any secrets that may be locked away.

Harry was just about to open the bag of clothes given to him by Molly when Sirius and the headmaster, came into the house. The immediately stopped what he was doing, his attention drawn to the much older man now present.

"Good morning, Sir," Harry said politely, standing by the sofa.

"I believe it is just about time for lunch," Dumbledore answered, "Good Morning, Mrs Weasley, Remus, and to you too, Harry."

Harry was a little surprised that the man knew his name, but said nothing.

"Good morning, Albus," Molly greeted him warmly, "I was just about to organize some sandwiches for everyone."

"Good morning, Dumbledore, would you like to join us? There is plenty enough to go around," Lupin said to the older man.

"Harry and I picked out some lovely cheese and some delicious roast chicken, Sirius," Remus told his friend.

Black sniffed the air appreciatively at the smells that were assaulting his senses. He was a little hungrier now, not having eaten a lot for breakfast.

In the back of Harry's mind, he recognized the older man's name he had heard whilst still at the Dursley's last night.

"Harry dear, here you are," Mrs Weasley announced, walking into the sitting room and handing him a plate with a sandwich cut into two equal triangles. "Now you eat all of that up, and I will get you a nice cold glass milk to drink with it."

"Thank you," Harry replied, accepting the plate.

"When you are finished there you can take a nice warm shower, and try on some of the clothes that I brought along," Molly suggested.

Harry nodded his head, thinking it quite odd to be going for a shower just after lunch. The boy took a bite out of the first sandwich. The roast chicken was still warm, and the cheese had begun melting into the soft fresh bread. It was heaven to him. He could scarcely believe that he had a whole sandwich, made just for him.

Molly went back into the kitchen and joined the three men, trying not to hover over him while he ate.

"We all need to have a talk," Remus said matter-of-factly.

Black had some information of his own to share with his friend, most of it good news. The bluntness in his tone of voice peeked Sirius' concern and interest immediately.

Not wanting to disturb Harry's lunch, the adults in the room went about sitting at the small kitchen table, with Molly handed out plates to each of them, a hand-made sandwich on each. She poured glasses of milk for Harry, and one for Sirius, but Lupin and Dumbledore refused her offer of a beverage to have with lunch.

The three adults were keeping watch over the boy eating in the sitting room, without him being aware of their attentions. It was so obvious that Harry had paused whilst eating his second sandwich, almost ready to ask if he was doing something wrong. Sirius was worse look out of all, continually looking up from his plate and looking over at Harry.

Remus could hardly blame Black though, as it still felt so surreal that he was right here in the same house as them.

Harry approaching Mrs Weasley with carefully measured steps, still uncertain of his place, "Would you like me to wash the plates?" he asked shyly, thinking that he wasn't going to be able to avoid a second meal time without doing his usual chores.

"You just leave them to me," Molly replied, taking the plate and joining it with her own, and two others to place in the sink. "Now lets go and choose something for you to wear after your shower." Sirius still had half a sandwich remaining to eat on his plate.

Harry followed Mrs Weasley quietly over to the sofa, and sat down watching her rummage through the clothes. She pulled out a couple of items and placed them gently in his lap. One garment she sized up and decided it wasn't quite right and returned it to the bag. In a few short minutes, he had a small armful.

"Now you are, dear, all set."

"Let me show you upstairs to the bathroom, Harry," Lupin offered as they climbed the stairs together. "There is plenty of hot water and towels. There is soap here, and a few other bits and pieces you might find. Take your time, if you need anything just ask. We will all be here when you are ready to come back down."

Harry stood just inside the bathroom door, looking at the back of Lupin as he exited the small room and re-joined the other adults. There were many questions forming, but was not confident enough yet to ask them out loud.

Harry closed the door and went about turning on the shower. The water was only lukewarm, because Aunt Petunia continually warned him that he wasn't allowed to waste the hot water. So much had happened since last night.

Once his shower was finished, he gauged the clothes that he had been given. They were not as big as the ones that he received from Dudley. The trousers were a little lose around the waist, but would not fall down. The shirt was longer, so he was able to tuck that into the waistband. The sweater was an earthy brown colour, and had a large 'R' on the front. He didn't know who the previous owner was, but perhaps their surname started with that letter.

Harry sat down with his back against the bathroom wall, and his legs bent and drawn up to his chest, resting his chin on top of his knees. Being here in this house, with these strangers, and they had been entirely nice to him so far. Everything that had happened so far was a lot to take in all at once.

What was going to happen in the near future he didn't know.

---

"I am sorry Remus, that I didn't have a spare pair of shoes that I could find. But no doubt there will be pair scattered about somewhere I can put my hands on," Molly apologized. "Though I think his foot size might be somewhat smaller than Ron's."

Lupin nodded his head in acknowledgement, but kept switching his gaze back and forth from Sirius back to the headmaster, trying to figure out how to word what he wanted to say next.

"Do you have any idea what I saw today when Harry and I went to the store?" Remus began his tone of voice, low but decisive and direct.

"I would like to know as well, if what Remus told me is true?" Molly chimed in, her question calmer, but a look on her face that demanded answers.

"What did you see?" Black asked, knowing it was unusual for both of these people to speak to the headmaster like they were.

Before anything else could be said, a set of footsteps descended the stairs, and a fresh-faced Harry with dampened hair, came into the kitchen.

"Well those fit you a treat I must say," Molly declared, happy with the fit of her son's clothes on the boy.

"The sweater is very warm," Harry thanked her, pulling the knitted collar away from his neck, as the woollen fabric itched a little.

"Take that off for a moment and let me fix that for you a little," Molly prompted.

Harry did as he was asked, but when he started lifting the sweater, that the shirt underneath began riding up with it, revealing the damage done to his back.

Molly had to bit her tongue and compose herself quickly, "Oh dear, those are some dark and nasty bruises, what happened?"

"I am afraid I am a bit too clumsy most days," Harry muttered barely audibly, a little embarrassed, pulling the sweater back down to hide his shame.

Sirius wanted to stomp his feet on the floor in a fit of anger and shout that no amount of 'clumsy' would cause such bruising, but he didn't want to scare Harry when he was already too skiddish around them. "Do they hurt?" blurted out, not knowing what else to say.

"They did at first, but not so much now," Harry stated, but his eyes gave him away that they were still painful.

Remus had turned away, knowing that his worst fears had just been confirmed. He could see Sirius out of the corner of his eye, standing with his arms straight by his side and his hands clenched into tight fists.

Dumbledore remained quiet and brooding, waiting for the right opportunity to address the serious questions being asked of him, or perhaps avoiding it Sirius thought to himself.

"Do you like to read, Harry?" Lupin asked in a friendly manner, walking closer to him, and noting that the child took a defensive step backwards.

"Yes," Harry said simply, his eyes lighting up a little, but then his face falling when he remembered that the only book he had managed to salvage from the Dursleys was still hiding in his cupboard at Number 4 Privet Drive.

"Lucky for you, Harry, I have always been a book-worm. Sirius over there will agree with me and tell you so with vigour. I spent many hours of my youth and school years, not only reading books, but collecting them." Remus walked over to a small alcove in the sitting room, that the boy hadn't noticed when he first came in.

A small over-head light was switched on, revealing a small and modest sized bookcase, made of wood and having five evenly spaced shelves. There were marks on the piece of furniture to mark its age, but it was still sturdy and useful. Each shelf was filled with a number of books, some small, others large.

"If you would like to come over here, you can take your time and select anything you would like to read," Remus encouraged.

"Any of them?" Harry asked hopefully, forgetting all of the questions about the marks on his body. He was used to them.

The other two adults in the room wanted to say more to him, until they saw the look of pure wonder on his face as his fingertips travelled along the middle row, his eyes searching the various topics.

It only took a few moments for him to select a smaller book, pointing to it and silently asking for permission again, before pulling it out and surveying the cover.

"It is about animals," Harry whispered, reading the words.

"Why don't you take it back over to there on the sofa and wrap yourself up in the blanket, it can be a little chilly in that room at times," Remus told him, and I can bring you another cup of hot chocolate if you like?"

Harry nodded his agreement to the drink, and walked over to the sofa. He had never had people treating him so nice before, and strangers he only just met too. He hoped it all didn't end too soon.

Molly and Sirius took up a chair each at the kitchen table with Dumbledore. Sirius could barely sit still, and pacing about the room would only alarm Harry. Remus made the hot chocolate this time, some extra in case Harry wanted it later, as the other adults were too preoccupied with what they had just seen.

Lupin brought the warm drink in a cup and with saucer like before and set it down on the coffee table, pleased to see that Harry was now curled up with the blanket spread over his lap. The book was open wide in front of him, and he was very slowly turning each page, reading a little, but more interested in the colour photographs.

Remus returned to the kitchen and joined the others at the kitchen table.

---

"Whilst he is otherwise occupied, I think it might be wise to put back some well-placed precautions," Remus said mindfully, keeping an eye on the sitting room. He pulled out his wand, and once more uttered a simple set of spells that would suit their purposes.

Dumbledore was about to open with sentence in warning, but Lupin quelled his worries first, "Don't worry, Harry won't recognize that they are. In addition to the ones those I already used earlier that will prevent anyone from over-hearing or eavesdropping our conversation, but alert us if he wakes."

With half the mug of hot chocolate drunk, Sirius got out of his chair and walked into the sitting room, noting that Harry had fallen asleep. "A little unusual for this time of day, isn't it?" he directed at Molly as he paused in front of the scene that was pulling at his heart strings. He wanted to lay the boy down like Remus had done before, but judged that he lacked the skills and finesse needed and would only wake Harry if he tried to move him.

Mrs Weasley joined him in the sitting room, taking the book, and marking the page where it open for when Harry woke, "It is fairly common in some children his age. He only arrived in the wee hours of this morning and is bound to be tired. Today going to the store would have been a fairly big adventure for him."

Molly knew Sirius was worried about Harry, especially after seeing his back, but she gently encouraged him to return to the table in the next room, and let the boy sleep. He would be perfectly safe, and they would all be keeping a close eye on him.

"I have a soft, waxy balm in a small jar, that I made myself at home. It can be applied to the bruising once or twice a day, and it will help him heal a little faster and provide relief from any discomfort he might be feeling. I will bring it back later this evening, when I come to help you make dinner."

"Don't make too much of a fuss when he does wake. I know you want to find out now how this happened, but he may not be ready to talk about it. Trying to get him to talk about it, might just have the opposite result. He needs to trust first, and then he may be willing to open up. Or he may never be ready. One never knows in situations like this."

Despite their earlier conversation, Sirius was beginning to accept that Molly's mothering instincts would always be far superior to his own. And he was grateful for her words of wisdom and caution. He gave her a genuine smile of thanks without needing to say the words.

Molly and Sirius went back into the kitchen, allowing Harry to sleep in peace. Remus raised an eyebrow at Sirius to ask what had been said in the other room, but a look of 'tell you later' was given in return.

Lupin turned directly to Dumbledore, not prepared for the headmaster to dance around the subject any longer. "As shocked and appalled as I am at seeing those bruises on Harry, there are other things that I noticed today, that trouble me more."

"What other things, Moony?" Sirius queried.

"His back isn't the first place I saw marks. At first I wasn't sure, but seeing his back just now," he started to explain. "I think that is why he is so shy and timid around us at the moment? Something traumatic has happened to him. There are other marks on his neck, underneath his hair, that look like they were put there by a hand."

Molly gasped out loud, apologizing for the noise, but looking over and seeing that Harry thankfully was still asleep. Sirius' look of displeasure at the headmaster just darkened.

"When we were walking to the store today, he was trying to keep some distance between us. I know we have only just met, but the vibes of fear about his personal space radiating from him are quite strong. He flinches badly if you try and make physical contact with him and he is continually jumpy. None of these signs healthy for a well-adjusted boy of his age," Remus explained.

Sirius was going over each of Lupin's descriptions in his mind, recalling how scared the boy had been standing behind Hagrid's coat, and needing to be coaxed out to meet them. On the surface it had appeared to be just normal fear of meeting strangers. And the observations that Remus mentioned just now were too undeniable.

"If you ask direct questions, he is unsure whether or not to voice his answer, and I think it is because he is genuinely afraid of what will happen. I don't know how deep any of this goes, what has been going on up until now or for how long. But I believe you owe us the truth. We need to get to the bottom of whatever has been going on." Lupin added.

Dumbledore closed his eyes sadly, knowing that he did indeed owe these people an explanation. As for the truth, that was subjective, and he wasn't sure he knew it all himself yet or was ready to provide it to others.

"On the night you were arrested, Sirius, Hagrid collected Harry over there upon my asking him to do so. Minerva McGongall and I proceeded to take the child to the only known living relatives that he had left. She protested most strongly of course, having taken the time to watch the Dursley family. She told me that they were not very nice people. But alas, it was my decision, and I am fully prepared to accept any discord from any of you. Anything that has happened to Harry whilst living under their roof, has been because of that judgment."

"If you knew they were not fit people to look after him, why were you so determined to make it happen," Sirius demanded, his voice raising a little.

Harry across the room changed his sleeping position and mumbled softly, but didn't wake.

"I have shared information today that may have brought up some painful memories from your past, Sirius," Dumbledore replied, "Please know that I did not wish for Harry to be put in a place that would bring him harm. A very detailed letter was given to the Dursleys on the night Harry was left on their doorstep."

"Detailed letter ! Left on their doorstep!" Black challenged, "You mean you didn't even bother talk to them first, just gave him up and handed him over like some rag-doll?"

Sirius got up from the table, scarcely able to keep still at what he was hearing. It was scandalous, it was reprehensible.

"Please let the headmaster tell us the whole story, padfoot," Lupin said, trying to calm his friend, his own discontent beginning to mount, but that wasn't going to solve anything at the moment.

Black shot a murderous look back at Remus wanting to know why Dumbledore should even get a chance to explain.

Up until this point Molly Weasley had been sitting back, gravely listening to everything being said about Harry. But she had a question of her own.

"Did you know that he was injured that night?" she asked, meaning infamous scar that the wizarding world knew about.

"Madam Pomfrey from Hogwarts school administered care to young Harry for the wound on his head, Mrs Weasley," Dumbledore answered, but said nothing further on that point.

"James Potter was a very self-assured, bright student, skilful wizard, good friend. However, it also cannot be denied that he could be obstinate, arrogant and a show-off."

The headmaster put up his index finger to prevent either of the former marauders from interrupting, "I saw what popularly and did to James and wanted Harry to grow up without that sort of falsehood and fame."

"I don't deny that I wish there could have been somewhere for young Harry to go and live in this complex world of ours where he would be well protected, but unfortunately at that time there was not. The Dursley's have a son of their own almost the same age as Harry, and I hoped that his relatives would care for him with the same level of kindness and affection."

"On the night Harry was taken to live with his Aunt and Uncle, strong magical enchantments were put into place to prevent any of Voldemort's followers from ever discovering his whereabouts. But there is more to it than that."

"Enchantments?" Molly queried.

"Yes, there were advanced spells and wards put into place of course, and there were trusted people living near Harry, who would watch over the family as he grew up," Dumbledore continued, "But there was also very rare family magic that existed, more powerful than just the spells. It comes from Harry's blood, and that protection comes from the bond shared his mother Lily and continues with Petunia Dursley."

"Petunia Dursley and magic, hmph" Sirius scoffed out loud, the whole idea was completely preposterous. "Petunia would declare herself above such things. That buffoon of a husband of hers 'Vernon Darling' wouldn't know a spell if it hit that huge arse of his."

He could remember the woman plainly as day and never liked her. She was always putting down Lily and staring down her turned-up nose at her intended marriage James Potter. Sirius had always felt saddened that Petunia kept calling her sister names and shunning her instead of loving the beautiful person that Lily was inside and out.

"The spells cast were time-sensitive and location specific. They were set up to give Harry as much protection as possible."

"To where the Dursley's lived?" Molly tried to follow the intricate nature of the spells Dumbledore was talking about.

"Until when?" Lupin asked.

"Seventeen years old," Dumbledore

"So what does all this lead up to," Sirius asked, getting a little frustrated again. So much had been kept from him at this point and worst of all Harry. In the back of his mind everything that Remus had pointed out kept resurfacing.

"The Dursleys had better not be responsible for any of that bruising on Harry," Black warned, tempted to wave his wand in front of the headmaster's face for emphasis.

"We cannot bother making those types of assumptions at this time, Sirius," Dumbledore said in a tone that sounded way too dismissive.

Dumbledore continued before Black's temper could take center stage, "The wards are weakening, putting Harry's location at risk of being discovered. I cannot say by who or what method is being used to do so. They have not completely failed yet, but the protection is no longer as strong for the boy as it was. I urged on the side of caution by not taking any chances, so I arranged for Hagrid to collect him."

"You already took way too many chances by putting him with those damn muggle relatives in the first place!" Black accused in full protective mode.

"What can be done right now?" Lupins stepped in, with emotions for everybody in the room clearly beginning to grow.

"This is why you had such a hand in those proceedings yesterday?" Black asked as a rhetorical question, already knowing the answer before the words left his lips. "I am grateful of course for my freedom," he ground out.

'Harry knows nothing about you being in Azkaban prison," the headmaster stated.

"I knew about you being Harry's god-father, Sirius, and thought you might be willing to take on the responsibility," Dumbledore put to him.

"Of course I am willing. Now I will have the monetary means from my dearly departed mother." Sirius replied. "And the Ministry of Magic, as well as creating a detailed magical contract with them concerning Remus' access to Harry."

Remus gave a shocked expression at his friend about that statement.

"It will be all nice and legal," Black promised, Sirius seemingly pleased with himself and the guppy face that he extracted from Lupin. "I will explain later, Moony, you will have just as much say as I will about Harry. And I will have plenty of money that to ensure that Harry has everything he ever needs, and every opportunity that my parents denied me."

"Where will you all live?" Molly Weasley asked. "This house is nice enough, Remus, but a little on the small side."

"Although this is a good temporary solution, I agree with Molly that you may need to look at alternative accommodations, Sirius," Dumbledore agreed. "Remember that as long as you are still alive and breathing, that it is never too late to make a new start, or a new beginning."

"What do you suggest then?" Black dared Dumbledore, already seeing that the man had thought about this before coming here today. And just at that moment, remembering back to the meeting earlier with Amelia Bones, he saw the answer as plain as day.

"No!" he yelled at the older man, turning his back on him whilst he tried to gather some sense of control. It was asking too much after all this time.

"Do you have any idea of what you are asking?" he roared at Dumbledore, but immediately regretted the volume of his voice as sleeping Harry startled across the room.

"What is the matter, Sirius?" Remus asked, walking over and putting a supportive hand on his upper of his friend's thin upper arm. He could feel the tension running through his muscles.

Molly got up from the table so the men could continue to have their heated discussions, walking over and soothing the boy back to sleep by running her hand through his messy black hair. The child mumbled a few broken words at her touch that she couldn't quite make out. She sat on the end of the sofa and was pleased to see him fall back to sleep.

"I haven't had a chance to tell you yet, Moony, but that horse of a woman called my mother, died whilst I was locked up," Black answered without a shred of sorrow. "Years ago, but the Ministry is only just now giving me everything she and my father owned, including Black Manor. I haven't lived there for many years, and I am sure you have all heard the stories about why."

"Black Manor?" Remus repeated quietly. He had never been there, nor James, and the way Sirius used to talk about his family, glad about that.

"Harry needs a place of safety and security, of love and kindness and you can give him that better than anybody else," Dumbledore prodded. "Especially when he will need all the extra support to learn about our world and his place in it."

Sirius walked over to Molly in the sitting room, and looked down at the angelic face, his emotions torn and jumbled inside.

Harry turned over in his sleep, allowing Black to see the edge of the bruising on the back of his neck. He owed it to James and Lily. He promised them that he would always take care of Harry.

With a final decision reached, he strode back into the kitchen with relish, standing in front of the headmaster.

"The stained walls of that house, allowed my parents to hide their abuse to me on a daily basis from the rest of the world. I couldn't live like that anymore, when James offered me sanctuary with his family."

"I won't let anything like that happen to Harry. He will have a completely different childhood from mine and whatever he has already been through. I will make sure that he feels safe and has a family that loves and cares for him."

Dumbledore smiled and nodded approvingly, but it diminished with the solemn words that Harry's god-father spoke.

"I may have gained my freedom, but I want it on the record that I will never again trust the Ministry of Magic, nor others quite so easily. As Harry's guardian, I swear on the memory of his parents that he will never be harmed whilst living under that roof," Sirius vowed with vigour and conviction.

to be continued…

Author End Notes:

Thank you for reading. This chapter ended at a different spot intended – but I am happy enough with where it has finished for now.

I intended to use a lot more history of the Black family, but have kept it simple for now – and some of that will be included in later chapters.

Please note that I have altered the time line slightly for Sirius to be in prison only 10 years.

There were quite a lot of hidden clues, some deliberate and intentional of things yet to come. The pace of the story is slow, so please bear with me as the story progresses. There is so much more to introduce to you – even before Harry gets to school. You haven't seen the last of the Dursleys yet either.

I always intended to get to the end of this chapter without Harry knowing who Remus and Sirius are, much more time for introductions yet and I wanted Harry to think that he was going to an orphanage, even though it sounded strange as a one person one.

Any of the emotions/reactions of abuse for Harry are purely made up at the time of writing, thinking from his shoes of how a child might act/react in various situations, and how incidents of abuse may affect him later on in different settings as he ages. It is something that I truly believe would take time to overcome, and in some cases, always be with him.

I am still not convinced that I am getting all of the characterisation correct yet – and in some cases, my interpretation of the different characters may be slightly different. With Harry, he won't always be scared and afraid, but things will develop slowly and over time.

Updating – I apologise to readers for taking so long – I am trying to do better and get back into my writing. I cannot give a specific time frame, but please know that every story I have started will be finished.

Bonanza, SeaQuest and Stargate SG-1 are next to be updated, but with no specifics yet and in random order, just as I can.

Please know that this is an alternative universe story and facts, people and events will change from the books and movies as I need it to.

Jules6