Ramblings and Dribbles

by WolfgangNH

This is a posting of ramblings, dribbles, one-shots, unfinished ideas or other stuff I just don't think deserves it's own storyline. Some I plan to finish someday, others are what they are. This is mature reading for some posts. Some items may be well developed, others are not yet, and may never be. There will many different pairings, and sometimes none.

24. Things Work Out for the Best

Another dribble that I had to get out of my head.

A/N: This is a Harry / Hannah love story.

The day after Harry turns fifteen, he gets a summons to Gringotts. While there, Harry gets a surprise: there is a marriage contract between House Potter and Abbott. As Harry and the Abbots try to understand what is going on, some events turn things on their head.

It is meant to be a bit angsty and off to a rough start as they figure out how to navigate this new relationship. Meanwhile, Harry's action from that first trip to Gringotts sets off a series of events that lead to a much different outcome of the second blood war.

-oOo-

Update 27 Nov 21 - added court scene for CH 3, first scene of Chapter 4

Update 25 Apr 22 - Finish Chapter 4

-oOo-

Chapter 1

August 4, 1995

London, England

Harry was looking all around. He had his log winter cloak on with the hood up as he entered Diagon Alley. He knew he shouldn't be going out, but the goblins had just about ordered him to come today, threatening to levy a fine on his vault if he didn't. Harry couldn't afford to lose any of the money he had.

He was jumpy though. Voldemort had used his blood just over a month ago to come back. He knew he wasn't supposed to leave his prison, but what choice did he have? It wasn't like anyone seemed to care about him. No letters. Not contact. Hedwig had been gone two weeks now after the last time he tried to contact Hermione. He was worried about his owl, afraid Death Eaters had gotten her.

It was with these thoughts that he made his way up the steps and into Gringotts. He let out an involuntary breath once inside. The Death Eaters wouldn't dare to go after him in here.

Getting in line, it took almost ten minutes for a teller to be open. It was busy. Harry figured it had to do with the Hogwarts letters that had come a few days ago. They always came within a day of his birthday at the end of July. Maybe he could get the few supplies he needed for the year while he was in Diagon Alley?

When he was finally called to a counter, a surly looking goblin in a nice black suit and pinstripe vest greeted him. Harry had a stray thought to wonder if the amount of earings, and whether they were gold or not, was some type of rank among the goblins. "What is your business today?"

Harry took the letter out of his pocket and put it on the counter. "I was told to report here today at two P.M."

The goblin looked bored as he took the letter. After opening it and reading it, the goblin's demeanor changed. "You are Harry Potter?"

Harry looked around for a second to make sure no one heard. He looked at the name plate on the counter. "Yes, Mister Aggrod."

The goblin looked a little taken back. "Take this back and wait by the desk over there." It pointed towards a desk with a young looking goblin. A door was next to the desk.

Harry took the letterr back and he walked over to wait while Aggrod left his teller booth and dissapeared through a disguised door in the wall. When he got to the desk, the goblin looked up. "Your business?"

"I was told to stand over here and wait," Harry replied. The goblin looked him up and down for a moment before turning back to the ledger book on his desk.

While he waited, Harry made sure his cloak was fully around him and his hood low over his eyes. He was able to watch the bank for a few minutes. He noticed Cho Chang with a man that could only be her father, go to a teller booth. She was in a skirt and blouse that looked very good on her. Next, he saw Ernie Macmillan walk by with his parents. They went to the carts. Harry wasn't as happy see him. He was one of the Hufflepuffs that hadn't seemed to forgive him from second year, and was definetly one that had worn those pins last year.

The third person he recognized was Hannah Abbot. She was in pleated skirt with a yellow blouse that complimented her golden hair. The two with her had very similar hair tones and must have been her parents. She didn't look to happy. In the last few years, her and Susan Bones had appologized after second year. They were some of the few Hufflepuffs that he hadn't seen those stupid 'Support Diggory' pins. He had just enough time to realize she was really cute, about as good looking as Cho, before the door behind him opened.

Harry started, his hand going for his wand. He stopped when he saw it a goblin he recognized that had opened the door. "This way, Mr. Potter," the goblin said.

Harry followed and the door closed behind him. "How are you today, Griphook?" Harry hadn't talked to anyone in weeks and felt like he just needed to say hi to someone.

The goblin gave him a unreadable look. After a moment, he answered, "Very well, Mr. Potter. If you would, Account Manager Gutgras and our other patrons will be here in a few minutes. Help yourself to any refreshments," Griphook said, opening a a door to a conference room.

Harry wasn't sure what this was about. "Thank you," he replied. Griphook shut the door behind him, leaving Harry alone. Finally feeling safe, Harry took off his cloak. He was warm, almost over heated, but he needed to keep his identity unknown as much as he could.

The room was a decent size, with a large polished oak table dominating the center of the room. Three chairs were on each side and one that was obviously goblin size on the far side of the room. Along one wall was a narrow table with some water, butterbeers and a few bakery goods. He got a glass of water, downed it, and then poured himself another glass. Unsure what do to, he put his cloak over the back of one of the oak chairs and sat.

He didn't wait long before the door opened and two goblins walked in. Griphook was carrying a stack of folders and papers. An aged goblin in an off grey suit and more gold earings than he every could remember seeing walked in behind Griphook. Harry could only assume it was Gutgras. "It nice to finally meet you, Mr. Potter," the older goblin said, moving to the seat at the head of the table. "I am Account Manager Gutgras."

Harry sat up. "It is nice to meet you Account Manager Gutgrass."

The goblin snorted in amusement. "A wizard that knows curtesy. If I live another hundred years I doubt to see more than a hand full of your type. Of course, it would have been much more courtseous for you to acknowledge any of the summons that have been sent to you since November first last year."

Harry looked at the goblin curiously. "Account Manager Gutgrass, this letter is the only letter I have ever received from Gringotts," said Harry as he held up the letter that had summoned him here today.

"Our records show that you received all missives in the last year, and your guardian the prior thirteen years," Gutgrass said as he snapped his fingers. A rather thick folder was handed to him by Griphook. The aged goblin opened the folder. "Account balances. Notices of stock splits or buy backs. Summons for your annual review," Gutgras said as he leafed through the parchments.

Harry looked at the goblin. "I have never received any of that."

Gutgras stopped and looked up. His teeth were showing as he had a slight snarl on his face. "Do not waste my time with lies or games, Mr. Potter, or will charge you double for it."

"I swear the only letter I have ever received from Gringotts is this one. It came August first," Harry said back a little heatedly. He was already being called a liar by the Daily Prophet. He was not about to put up with it here.

The goblin regarded him for a few seconds before leaning back. "Well, this presents a problem. Griphook, go and check our records again. Verify that all missives were received and by whom."

"Yes, aglamen Gutgrass," Griphook said before leaving.

"What is going on?" Harry asked.

"I don't sense any lie from you. It is a breach of our contracts should anyone except you our your guardian take receivership of all Gringotts communications. As of October thrity-first of last year, you are considered emancipated, meaning you should have received all letters," Gutgrass told him.

Harry looked a little confused. "I'm what?"

"Emancipated, Mr. Potter. We were informed your name came out of the Goblet of Fire and the judges confirmed your entry. By the rules, any underaged wizard is emancipated so that they can compete," Gutgrass said. A knock came at the door. "Ah, that would be the other party that was summoned today."

After waving his hand, the door opened. Harry turned to see the same blond man he had seen with Hannah. The man looked a little dour today, but the lines on his face showed he usualy smiled. His blue eyes looked worried as he looked around and found Harry. "Mr. and Mrs. Abbott, please go in and take a seat," a goblin said. They entered.

The woman with them looked like she was usually a much happier person. She was a good head shorter than her husband, who was tall, with light blue eyes and golden hair more like her daughters. She was a very attractive woman who filled out the dress in a way that showed she was curvy and trim. Hannah looked like a younger version of her mother with the darker blue eyes of her father.

"I am glad to see you here today, Mr. and Mrs. Abbott. I take this is your youngest daughter, Ms. Hannah Abbott?" Gutgrass asked.

"It is, Account Manager Gutgras. Who is this?" Mr. Abbott asked towards Harry.

"Mr. Abbott, let me introduce Mr. Harry Potter," the goblin said. Harry clenched his hand under the table. He hated it when people looked for his scar.

The man stretch a hand over the table after a moment. "It is a pleasure to meet you finally, Mr. Potter." Harry got up and took the man's hand. "This is my wife, Audrey Abbot, and my daughter, Hannah."

Harry shook Mrs. Abbott's hand and Hannah just nodded to him. "We know each other, dad."

Harry nodded back.

"Good. Why don't you all sit and we can do the business between House Potter and House Abbott. After that I can give you thirty minutes to go over some other business we have, Mr. Potter," Gutgras ordered.

They all sat and the goblin took up a pale green folder. "The Head of House of House Potter and House Abbott have been summoned here today to finalize the betrothal and marriage contract between said houses," Gutgras said in a business tone.

"THE WHAT!" Harry cried out, jumping to his feet.

The goblin snarled, "Sit down, Mr. Potter. I am being paid a hundred galleons an hour to do this, so unless you want to be charged for double, you will sit."

Harry sat, but didn't back down. "What are you talking about! I'm only fifteen and marry Hannah Abbott! I didn't agree to anything like a betrothal. I'm not like one of those Purebloods that follow Voldemort!"

All three Abbotts stiffened on the other side of the table. Hannah actually shook.

"This is a contract penned by your great grandfather, Mr. Potter. The Abbotts owe a great debt to the Potters and this was the agreed payment," Gutgras told him, unaffected by the teens rant.

He looked the Abbotts. Her parents were looking at him a little angry while Hannah looked close to crying. He ran a hand through his hair. "Where is your Regent, Mr. Potter? Perhaps talks should occur with someone more mature," Mr. Abbott said a little coolly.

Harry wanted to bite back that his godfather couldn't be here, but Sirius had abandoned him this summer as well. Harry slunk into his chair. "There isn't anyone else," Harry said dejectedly.

Gutgras spoke before Mr. Abbot could reply. "Mr. Potter has been emancipated and has not declared any regent to manage his affairs. This contract really should be concluded in the next day or two. It is supposed to be activated within a week of Mr. Potter's fifteenth birthday or when he comes of age. I would not like to endanger any minors or members of large account holders at this bank."

Harry pursed his lips. Mr. Abbott didn't look pleased. "George, you know Hannah said most of the stories are not true," Hannah's mother said.

Harry had to shake his head for a moment. Was someone actually on his side? He looked to Hannah. She still looked close to tears, but she was looking at him with a set look her features. After a second, Harry let out a breath. "I do not want this. Voldemort is back and will try to go after anyone that is associated with me."

Mr. Abbott hissed. "Do not say his name. You-know-who is not back. Minister Fudge and the Daily Prophet have said you are the cause for that poor boys death and you are just making excuses."

Harry felt the anger in him burst. "How the bloody hell would you know! Where you there when Petter Pettigrew killed Cedric! Were you there when he cut off his hand or took my blood!" Harry yelled at the man as he held up his right forearm to show the jagged scar the went most of the length of it. Madam Pomfrey had not been able to get rid of the scar becuase of the cursed blade Pettigrew had used. "Where you there to be tortured while the insane wankers Death Eaters laughed. Or to see your dead parents come back to save you again..."

Harry felt the tears bit at his eyes. He hadn't been able to talk to anyone about this since the train ride back to London.

"Don't tell me Voldemort is not back and don't blame me for Cedric Diggory. He had more honour and backbone than you ever will," Harry spat.

Mr. Abbott had sat back in his chair as there was a visible display of Harry's power as it crackled in his hair. Hannah's eyes were wide as saucers while her mother looked at him like she had never seen anything like him. Harry pounded his fist into the table and it creaked under the onslaught. "I don't need this," he said, getting up.

"Mr. Potter. Sit. Down," Gutgras ordered.

Harry glared at the goblin. Gutgras didn't look impressed with Harry, who returned the teens stare. After a moment, Harry slumped down into the chair again.

Hannah had a tear roll down her cheek. "I saw you come back with Cedric's body. Is You-know-Who really back?"

Harry sighed and looked at her. "Believe what you want. Everyone else does," he replied bitterly.

There was a silence for a few. Gutgras broke it. "Now, I do have other appointments and really have other business with Mr. Potter when we are done. Per the agreement signed August twenty-third, nineteen-twenty-four, the Abbotts owe a spouse to the lines of the Potter for a life debt and offenses to the Potters. This is the first generation where both houses have children of the appropriate age at the same time."

"I thought this was satisfied years ago," Mr. Abbott interrupted.

"Obviously not, if this contract is still active," Gutgras said testily. "Now, given the time between when this was penned and now, several clauses have aged out or been declared illegal by the Wizengamot. The date of marriage, how many children, the groom price and custody of Ms. Abbott once the contract is signed need to be be decided. I have taken the liberty of preparing several clauses that are commonly used right now. Mr. Abbott, your solicitor has agreed that the following are acceptable to you. Mr. Potter, could you please review the following. If you do not agree, I have several other options."

Harry, still upset, grabbed the papers. Gutgras narrowed his eyes. A very dangerous sign from a goblin. When Harry saw this, he sighed. "Please excuse me, Account Manager Gutgras." After a few second, the aged goblin nodded, his snarl going back to the even face the goblin had before. Harry looked at the papers. It was a copy of the betrothal with several passages that had been crossed out with a green ink. On the attached parchment was several pages of legal writting, referencing various paragraphs in the original contract. Harry wished Hermione was with him.

After a few, her punched the bridge of his nose. "I don't understand any of this."

Mr. Abbott was frowning. "Didn't your solicitor get a copy of this?"

Harry snorted. "What solicitor? I had clue about this until you walked in and Gutgras has said they have sent me years worth of letters I have never seen," Harry snarked.

The aged goblin looked very dissatisfied. "Gringotts does not like to facilitate contracts where both parties do not understand what is being presented. Mr. Abbott, would you be willing to meet her again on Monday? I will help Mr. Potter find a solicitor and review the paperwork."

The man pursed his lips. "Perhaps that is best. Perhaps in that time I can determine if Mr. Potter is sound enough to take this contract. If not, there are clauses in there that will allow this to be broken."

Gutgras snarled at the man. "I can assure you Mr. Potter is perfectly legal and sound to take this contract. I would caution you that you endanger your daughter should you try to press any of the contract breach clauses right now."

Hannah had hung her head. Harry looked at her. He didn't like to see anyone hurting like she looked to be. Except for the whole Heir of Slytherin thing, she really hadn't been mean to him, and that had only been after they all thought the snake was trying to kill Justin Finch-Fletchley. Mr. Abbott didn't look pleased. His wife looked rather upset, but she was looking at her husband.

Mr. Abbott let out a huff. "I will not have my daughter with a mad man."

"You will have no choice unless you break the contract. Now, if we are done for the day, I would find Mr. Potter a solicitor and see all parties back here on Monday at the same time," Gutgras said.

The Abbotts all stood. As they went to leave, Hannah met his eyes again. "I believe you. Cedric told us all you didn't enter and that you helped him in the first two events. He said you even tried to rescue Cho before he got there. I don't think you would have killed him."

"Hannah," her father snapped.

"George, that is enough," Mrs. Abbott snapped at her husband. She stared down her husband for a moment before looking to Harry. "Mr. Potter, please accept my apologies for this embarrasment today." She glared at her husband. "I look forward to meeting agian on Monday. If Hannah says you are trustworthy, I will chose to believe her."

Harry blinked for a moment. "Uhm, sure," he replied, not fully understanding this change.

"Audrey, he can't be back," Mr. Abbott said a little desperately.

"I think we will talk of this when we get back home. If you want to talk before Monday, please just floo call us or have your solicitor contact ours," Mrs. Abbott offered.

"Thank.. thank you," he said a little unsure. He looked back to Hannah, who was just looking at him. "Thank you," he said to her.

Hannah nodded. "Cedric said you were a good person."

"Cedrid was a really good person. Better than me," Harry replied back.

Hannah gave him a little smile. As they were walking out, another goblin came rushing in. "Excuse me, ablaxe Gutgras. We have received three missives for Mr. Potter from the Ministry."

The Abbotts stopped to see a smoking red envelop in the pile. Harry knew what those were and cringed as the enveloped were placed on the table before him. He quickly picked up the howler. He was expected some tirade from Mrs. Weasley for sneaking away from his relatives. He was surprised instead to hear the Headmasters calm voice. "Harry, you are to stay at your relatives and not give your wand to anyone. You are not expelled. Someone will be there on Tuesday to take you to the Ministry of Magic."

Harry was totally confused. Everyone was looking at him.

He gave a look that he had no clue what was going on.

"What was that about," Mr. Abbott asked.

"I've not the foggiest," Harry said, looking at the other letters. His gut sank to see them from the 'Improper Use of Magic Department'. "Oh, bloody hell. Tell me it wasn't Dobby again," Harry gripped.

He opened it to read that a strong magic was detected in Little Winging at two-oh-three that afternoon. Having been warned before he was to be expelled and his wand snapped. "What the bloody hell! I was her at Gringotts before two," he said, tossing the paper on the table. He went to rip open the other letter. Harry didn't notice Mr. Abbott reach for it. "George," Mrs. Abbott chastised.

This letter said he wasn't expelled and that he know had a hearing next Friday.

He looked up to Gutgras. "I don't get it. I left Little Winging about eleven so I could take a bus and the tube here."

Mr. Abbott pursed his lips. "You were in this room when we were brought here at two. And can the Improper Use of Magic Deparment really believe a fifteen-year-old could really cast a patronus?"

"I can," Harry said, looking back at the letter about his hearing.

Mr. Abbott scoffed. "George, that is enough," Mrs. Abbott said in a dangerous voice.

"I don't know how he has confunded you and Hannah, but a boy can't cast something that strong. Most adults can't."

Feeling totally annoyed, Harry pulled his wand and shot it towards the door. "Expecto Patronum." His large ethereal stag erupted out. "Don't call me a liar again. Bloody knob."

All three Abbotts stared at the obviously annoyed stag. It pawed at the ground and stomped impatiently as though looking for trouble. Trouble came in the form of an alarm and four goblins in full battle armor threw open a door at the back of the room. Harry started, suddenly remembering that it was a possible death sentence to pull his wand and cast any spell. Harry slammed his wand down on the table. His stag dissipated into white wisps and he put his hands up. He had a polearm axe at his throat and two others with nasty battle axes at his side before he stopped moving.

"I didn't mean too," Harry said and stopped as the polearm pressed into his skin.

Gutgras was just watching the whole situation, calmer know than he had been earlier. "That is an impressive bit of magic for a fifteen-year-old," the aged goblin said. "Mr. Potter, do you agree to pay a one-hundred galleon fine and to keep your wand in your pocket until you leave the bank?"

Harry swallowed, feeling the sharp blade on his skin. "I do," he said.

Gutgras waived a hand. "We are safe. See that the funds are removed from Mr. Potter's vault."

The four goblin warriors pulled back and moved to the side of the room. "It will me done, ablaxe Gurgras." None of them moved to leave the room.

Gutgras was looking at the four humans. "Mr. Abbott, before you start a war, please leave Gringotts. I do not want to see you back on Goblin soil until Monday afternoon."

Harry touched his neck. There was something warm running down it. He touched it and saw blood on his fingers when he pulled it back. Gutgras pulled a hankercheif from a pocket and handed it to Harry. He pressed it to his neck. The poleaxe had been sharper than he though. He hadn't even felt it knick his neck.

Mr. Abbott, looking a little pale, just nodded at the goblin. "Until Monday," a shaken Mrs. Abbott said. Hannah just looked at him surprised.

When they left, the aged goblin regarded him for a moment. "You will never pull a wand again in this bank unless asked to. Do you understand."

Harry nodded.

Gutgrass huffed. "You need to talk with a Solcitor today. At the end of the alley you will find a law office, Tonks and Dowty. I would recommend you stop there immediately after leaving. I will give you a goblin certified receipt of your time here. Here is your folder for your accounts. If you would sign this, it will release all vaults of the Gaunts to you and sign this to formally acknowledge you are emancipated. This last one," Gutgrass said, filling in a few spots on a parchment he had handed to him, "is for the hundred galleon fine. Please sign here."

Harry didn't argue. He signed the papers with a black quill that hurt the back of his hand and signed them in his blood. Harry didn't like those quills.

"Now, you are to leave. The fine will be taken from your vaults. I do not want to see you back here before Monday afternoon either. I am vouching for you and will be very upset if you abuse my trust in you, Mr. Potter," Gutgras said.

Harry swallowed. "Yes, sir."

Ten minutes later, Harry found himself before an old store front. It was painted a nice blue around the windows. Gold lettering on the window announced it was the law offices of Tonks and Dowty. Harry knew he had to get back home before they realized he wasn't there, but he knew he needed to do this first. He looked around to make sure he wasn't being followed.

Pushing the door open, a bell rang.

The office wasn't large. The main room had a desk with a woman sitting at it. Behind her were two other desks. He saw a door to a side room. There was a table and chairs in it. Other opened up to a small bathroom. The last door looked to have a bunch of filing cabinets in it.

The woman behind the desk looked up at him. She had long brown hair, a rounded face and kind brown eyes. "Can I help you dear?" she asked. There was a shorter man sitting at the back desk who looked up.

"Uhm, I was told to come here by Account Manager Gutgrass at Gringotts. I have some paperwork I need a solicitor to look at," Harry said.

She regarded him for a moment. "Where are your parents, dear? I am not sure Mr. Tonks or Mr. Dowty can help you without them."

Harry did't give up. He had to get this things with the Ministry and the Abbotts. "I am emancipated, ma'am. I really need to talk to Mr. Tonks or Mr. Dowty."

The man in the back got up. "What is going on here?"

"I'm Harry Potter and I need some help from a Solicitor." He pushed his hood back.

"Oh, my," the woman said.

The man didn't bat an eye. He came up to Harry holding out his hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Potter. I am Theodore Tonks, Solicitor in Law."

Harry shook the man's hand. "It is nice to meet you, Mr. Tonks. I was sent her by the goblins. I have a few things I need help with."

"Certainly. Certainly. Melanie, please clear my schedule for the rest of the afternoon," the man said.

"Your schedule already it, Mr. Tonks. Would you like me to get you some refreshments?" she asked.

"That would be nice. Get me a standard retainer contract as well. If you please, Mr. Potter, we can go into our client room," the man said.

Harry went into the room and took a seat. He put the letters and the folder on the table. "Make yourself comfortable. You don't need that cloak and hood on in here."

Harry took it off as Mr. Tonks sat across from him. "Can you take a look at these for me. I really don't understand this..."

Mr. Tonks held up a hand. "I will be happy to go over all this with you, Mr. Potter, but I would prefer to sign a retainer contract first. It will protect you and me and prevent me from talking about anything we will discuss here."

Harry nodded and it was only a moment before Melanie came in. She put two butterbeers, a pot of tea and some biscuits on the table. She then handed some parchment to Mr. Tonks. "Do you need anything else?"

Mr. Tonks looked towards him and Harry shook his head. "I think that will do for the moment, Melanie."

She nodded and closed the door behind her. "Now, Mr. Potter, this is a standard retainer. It will allow me to charge you thirteen galleons an hour, with a schedule that charges less depending on how many hours you need of my time. There are other fee schedules for court dates, filing paper work and all the normal services we offer," Mr. Tonks said, taking one of the parchments from the pile and handing it to Harry. "There is also a standard privacy and confidentiality oath. I must report any type of abuse, use of any unforgivables or anything else the Ministry requires immediate reporting on. This covers any exceptions."

Harry took the next slip. It covered things Harry would never do. Torture or kill muggles without cause. The same to witches and wizards. Basically any crime that could be a death penalty. Harry nodded after a few. He had not done any of this and would never. "I will sign the retainer."

"Do you want me to go over any of this before you sign," Mr. Tonks asked kindly.

Harry shook his head. Once he signed it, Mr. Tonks offered him a bottle of butterbeer or some tea. Harry took the butterbeer. "Now, what had brought you in?"

He looked at the pile, trying to decide what was more important. "I received these letters from the Ministry this afternoon. They say I cast a patronus charm at my home but I was in Gringotts at the time. They sent me a warning before when a house elf cast magic at my home."

Mr. Tonks rose his eyebrow. "Interesting. Why would you get a letter saying to did magic when you didn't?"

Harry snorted. "Fudge wouldn't be that insane to set me up, would he?"

Mr. Tonks frowned as he took up the letters. "The Daily Prophet has had some interesting articles about you and Albus Dumbledore in the last month. None of them true, I suppose?"

"I don't lie. Cedric Diggory was killed by a traitor and Voldemort is back," Harry spat.

The man looked at him over the Ministry letter. "Indeed. My daughter had been inclined to believe you, but I hear their are many in the Ministry that do not wish it to be so. I would side with my daughter, if that helps."

"Who is your daughter?"

"Nymphadora Tonks. An junior Auror that just completed her training last year," he told him. Mr. Tonks looked at his watch. "Mr. Potter?"

"Harry, sir."

The man nodded. "You can call me Ted then. When did you say you received this letter?"

"I don't know. A goblin dropped them off when I was in a meeting at the bank," Harry replied.

"I see," he said, picking up the receipt from Gringotts. "This dated to day and at 2:42 this after noon. I have never know the Misuse of Magic Office to act this quickly. If you let me work on this, I beleive it will be resolved very soon. If not, I know the the editor at the Daily Prophet. I will resolve this before next Friday."

"Really?" Harry asked incredulously.

"I think so. And you said the first event was a house elf?"

"Yes, sir. Dobby. He used to belong to the Malfoys," Harry said, giving more information that he normally would. Here was an adult that seemed to believe him and even offered to help.

"That... is rather interesting. This didn't come out at your hearing?" Mr. Tonks asked.

"I never received a hearing for that. Only a warning," Harry replied.

Mr. Tonks pursed his lips. "That is not the proper proceedure. I will look int that as well. I may have to ask for a copy of the memory or a sealed affidavid. To bad we couldn't get the elf. I know the Malfoys..."

"But we can. I can ask Dobby. He is a free elf," Harry said a little too enthusiastically.

This made the man show some real surprise. "I have never heard of a free house elf."

"I know he works at Hogwarts. Maybe we can go there and talk with him soon?" Harry offered.

"If he is a free house elf, perhaps you can call him here and we can ask if I get any red tape," Mr. Tonks said.

Harry chuckled. "I don't think we will have an issue of him helping us."

"I'll take your word for it. Anything else with the Improper Use of Magic office or anything else with the Ministry?"

"You mean besides Fudge saying I am mental?"

Mr. Tonks nodded. "I will see what I can do with that as well. There is a libel law meant to protect minors."

Harry opened his mouth a few times before saying, "Thank you."

"That is what I am here for. Now, what is in this folder?"

Harry licked his lips. "A betrothal and marriage contract."

Mr. Tonks brows just about dissapeared into his hair line. "One I assume you were not aware of?"

Harry gave a nervous laugh. "Merlin, no. I've heard about them in Hogwarts, but I have no clue what it does."

"It is a rather old way of ensuring the parents or head-of-house has say about how their line continues or to cement family alliances," Mr. Tonks replied.

"Gutgras said it was to satisfy a life-debt and some dissagreement between by great-grandfather and the Abbotts," Harry replied.

Mr. Tonks nodded his head. "Do you mind if I take a look?"

"Please," Harry offered.

He sat for a little bit, drinking his butterbeer and then taking the second bottle. When Mr. Tonks was done, he gave Harry a very serious look. "Well, Harry, your great-grandfather, Cadmus Potter, was a rather shrewed and vindictive man, if this contract is to show his character. Did you read any of this?"

Harry had a hard pit form in his stomach. "I tried, but I really didn't understand it."

"Well, be thankful that more than half of the original draft is no longer allowed by the Wizengamot, unless you like slaves," Mr. Tonks said and Harry just about spilled his butterbeer everywhere.

"WHAT!"

"I never knew the Potter and Abbotts were at loggerheads at one point, but this contract would have made Ms. Abbot your consort and she would have been bound to give you a few children. I looked at the propals that the Abbotts solcitor gave and I think they are decent, but it would depend on what you want. They are still offering Hannah as more of a consort, leaving you to marry someone else, and they have removed most of the clauses that would require her to take certain fidelity and fealty oaths, but I get a sense you are not someone to go for something like that," Mr. Tonks said.

"God, no! I would never control someone like that," Harry said vehemently.

Mr. Tonks nodded. "I didn't think so. Not even my pureblood clients would sign anything like now. You have two options, I can see."

"What are they?"

"First, you can cancel this contract. I would not recommend that though."

"Why?" Harry put to the man, wanting to do just that.

"The clause for the Potter line to cancel this is quite severe on your monetary means. You would have to give them a half-million galleons and half of all lands you own," Mr. Tonks said.

Harry blinked. "I don't have that and I don't own anything."

"Did the goblins give you a legder of your wealth and properties?"

Harry blinked. "You mean this book," he said, pulling out the small green book that Gutgras had given him as he left.

"That would be it. Do you mind?" Mr. Tonks asked.

Harry handed it over. After looking at it, Mr. Tonks grunted. "You are right. You have about twelve-thousand galleons left in your trust vault and about three-hundred and eighty in your main vaults. The Ministry confiscated your parents old house and you have none others listed. Canceling the contract would bankrupt you. You would also have to have any paycheck docs to make up for the difference once you graduate."

Harry looked at the bottle in his hand. "So, that means I would have to marry Hannah?"

"That does seem the most prudent course. Do you now like the girl?"

Harry snorted. "I don't really know her and her father was not pleased to see me earlier."

Ted chuckled. "Looking at this contract, I am not surprised. You do have a few options." Ted paused for Harry to look at him before going on. "You can take the proposed changes that the Abbots have in here, or you can change it so that Ms. Abbott is your wife and gets all the priveledges that entails."

"You mean like she is free to do what she wants?"

"Yes, if that is what you want," Mr. Tonks said.

"I don't want any of this. How much does an Auror make a year?" Harry put to the man.

"About fifteen thousand per year as a trainee. That jumps to twenty-one for a junior Auror. If you make Senior, you can probably count on making thirty to fourty thousand per year. It is one of the best paying jobs at the Ministry, but you give alot of time for it and it is not an easy life," the man said.

"But you said your daughter is an Auror," Harry pointed out.

The man smiled. "She is. My wife and I are very proud of her, but, with the hours the job sometimes demands and with her getting hurt a few times already, it is not a job very condusive to starting a family or living to a ripe old age without some scars. Especially if what you say about Voldemort being alive is true."

Harry pursed his lips. "Voldemort is back."

"I will take your word for it. If you offered all your family vault value, you would still be about a hundred thousand galleons shy of what you need. If you give up a third of your check when you become an Auror, you will be about fiteen years paying that off. Are you willing to do that? Or would rather give it a go with Ms. Abbott before you make that decision. Loosing that many galleons a year will not be easy to make up unless you find a woman making a bit of money herself," Mr. Tonks said.

Harry looked really concerned. "Fifteen thousand galleons a year isn't good?"

"Oh, it's about double of a starting employee at the ministry, but a standard appartment will go for a good four to six thousand galleons a year. You will lose about twenty percent to salary taxes. Not to mention other expenses. If you want to start a family and your wife doesn't work, which is common with not much in the way of child care in the magical world, you will be hard strapped for coin many months."

Harry had a vision of the Weasley's. They all loved each other, but they were all very sensitive about being so poor at times. Harry could get by with very little. He had all his life. But if he married, which was something that very much held a spot in his heart, would he be able to provide for her and and any children. As poorly as his relatives had treated him, Harry really longed to have a family that loved him.

Hannah was pretty cute, but did he want to force her into this? Maybe he could talk to her. Maybe try it for a bit? If it didn't work, then he could consider cancelling the contract.

"What happens to Hannah if the Abbotts break the contract," Harry asked the man.

Ted looked at the parchment. "Hannah's magic will be forced to challenge the contract. If she loses..."

"She will lose her magic, or her life," Harry said, remembering what he had been told about the contract he had with the Goblet of Fire last year.

"That about sums it up. The Abbotts would also be required to give you a half-million galleons. I am not sure how their finances stand, but I am sure they are more worried about their daughter," the man said in a sad voice.

Harry had the knot in his stomach turn. He could not risk someone else like that. After a moment, Harry put the butterbeer down. "Can you change it to get rid of anything that would ruin Hannah's life?"

The man gave him a little smile. "I assume you mean give her all the freedom I can?"

"Yes," Harry told him.

After a moment, he nodded. "I can. When are you do to see the goblins again?"

"Monday at two," Harry replied.

Ted rocked his head. "It will be a long weekend, but I can work on that."

"Thank you," Harry said and meant it.

"It is what you will pay be for," the man chuckled. Harry figured we would the man a few hundred, maybe a few thousand galleons after this. It would be worth it if the man could get him out of trouble with the Ministry and help with the contract.

"Now, given what is out there and how you came in, are you concerned for your safety?"

Harry swallowed. "I know Dumbledore is. He has said it is only safe at my relatives. I wasn't supposed to come here today and once they find I am not at my house, I don't know how I will get back her Monday."

"I was wondering as much. If you want, I can side-a-long apparate you home. It's approaching four and I am sure they will want you home. Especially if the same letters made it to your house," Ted offered.

"I would like that."

"Good. Give me about twenty minutes to get some forms together to have Melanie take into the Ministry for you and then I can get you home," said Ted.

Thus, Harry found himself being side-a-long apparted for the first time to a copse of trees at the end of Privet Drive. Harry found he didn't like it and the butterbeer and biscuits he had been snacking on came right back up. Ted had just vanished the junk when two people in burgundy leather robes approached them. "Halt! Aurors. Hands and wands up."

Harry straightened up, his hand up to see a tall man with blonde hair and another shorter woman with pink hair. "Dora?" Ted questioned, slowly raising his hands.

"Dad! Travers, wand down," the woman said. Harry looked between the for a moment. There was a definite family resemblance. "What are you doing here?"

"I was taking a client back home. Why are you here?"

She looked at him and scrunched her face. "Bloody hell. Your Harry Potter!"

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 2

August 4, 1995

Little Winging, Surrey, England

Harry looked down the street. There were a half dozen Aurors and another six that Auror Travers had said were Obliviators. He was still processing what they had told him.

His cousin Dudley had been out. He and his friend, Perks, had been found by dementors. Some guy had tried to save them, but ran before the two dementors could get him. He had cast a patronus, but the Aurors had thought it was just a weak shield. Mrs. Figg was found by his cousin. All three of them had been kissed.

He sat on the curb a few houses down. "Come on. I am sure your aunt and uncle are concerned," Auror Tonks said. Ted had stayed until he knew Harry was going to be alright. Harry was pretty sure his relatives would want him dead right now.

"Can I stay at the Leaky Cauldron for the night," Harry asked.

"We should let your relatives know you are alright," Ted said.

"I really don't want too," Harry told the man.

"They just lost one child. I am sure they want to know they didn't lose another," Ted encouraged.

Harry frowned. He got up and was following Auror Tonks to the house. Ted was walking next to him. Harry really didn't want to go her, but he didn't have anywhere else to go. At the door, he heard Aunt Petunia wailing. He stopped. Uncle Vernnon looked ready to kill all the Aurors around him, but he was holding his temper. The vein popping in his forehead couldn't be healthy for someone so large.

Harry stopped at the doorway, his feet refusing to go over the threshold. Auror Tonks caught the attention of a tall black man. "We found him, boss."

The man nodded. He went into the kitchen. Uncle Vernon turned to look at him. The anger on his face finding an outlet. Harry stepped back as Uncle Vernon charged down the hall "YOU! BOY! DUDLEY IS DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU!"

Harry tripped on the step. A few turned to the raging man. Harry fell onto the lawn as he saw his uncle throw the muscular black Auror into the sitting room. Auror Tonks tried to get her wand up and was hit by a meaty fist and dropped. Harry tried to crawl away as fast as he could. It was Ted that had his wand out and a red stunner his his uncle. It caused his uncle to stumble, but he was enraged that the man somehow overcame the magical attack. He got up, bellowing, "I AM GOING TO KILL YOU, BOY!"

"Stupefy!" Ted called out as his Uncle tried to get out the door. This time, it hit his uncle and the man dropped like a three-hundred pound sack of potatoes, falling out the door, hitting the steps and stopping as a lump of flesh at Harry's feet.

"Where is that lump of lard," Auror Tonks said, holding her nose and her wand up. Blood was on her hands.

"Vernon! Vernon!" his aunt yelled, rushing out of the house and to the still breathing man. "You killed him!" she screached.

"No, ma'am. He is only stunned. He will wake in an hour or so," Mr. Tonks said. The man's daughter was was not at the door.

"Did he through off your stunner, dad?" she asked, sounding a little surprised.

"I have a feeling he is protected some here."

"Get out! Get off our property. Take that freak with you. My Dudykins is dead because of him," Aunt Petunia spat as she prostrated over her husband.

There was a cracking of energy in the air. Many of the Aurors looked towards the property. Ted frowned. "Harry, do you want to stay here tonight?"

Harry shook his head. "No."

This time the cracking came down like a crack of thunder. The tall black man came to the door. "Dumbledore is not going to like this."

-oOo-

About the same time...

London, England

While Harry was dealing with his demented relatives, Melanie Fraizier was walking into the Misuse of Magic Offices. Angry voices were heard as soon as she opened the door. Inside an open office door she could see Albus Dumbledore was having a bad day.

She had to keep in a silent chuckle. After working for Mr. Tonks and Mr. Dowty the last six years, she had seen many cases come over their desk involving the man. She was sure the man was balking again weeks of Fudge and the Daily Prophet attacking the man. What she didn't like was that Harry Potters was suffering for it. She had worked with Mr. Tonks lond enough to know when he took a shine to a client, and he was always a good judge of character. She trusted her bosses enough to trust their judgement. Watching the man arguing with the Head of the department, she had the thought the smear campaign was starting to affect his ability to operate in the a feeling Fudge was finding and way to block the man, meaning other cases would not be looked at as closely. Dumbledore was arguing with Bathilda Hopkirk about a letter he had received that Harry Pooter was to be expelled from Hogwarts.

This made Melanie's job even more important right now.

Melanie looked away from the old wizard arguing with Head Hopkirk and two of her employees as she waited at the counter. "Afternoon, Mary. What is is going on here?"

"I'm not totally sure, but the Chief Warlock accused my boss of illegal activities about five minutes ago. She hasn't given the signal to get the Aurors yet, but I think it will be coming soon," her old friend from school told her. Mary Watterford had been one of Melanie's dormmate and they still got together for drinks a few times a month.

"Should I get the popcorn or get out of here as soon as possible?"

"Give me your stuff. Tonks or Dowty?"

"Tonks. He has a new client that was given a warning and he wasn't even near when it happened," Melanie said, nodding towards the yelling witch and wizard.

Mary got her hint right away and had to control the look the woman always got when she got some juicy gossip. "Really? Is this what's in the folder."

"I was told to file this here and the Aurors office. I already visited the Auror's office," she told the woman. Paperwork had a record of being 'misplaced' in the Ministry. She wouldn't tell Mary she had also registered the paperwork in the law offices on level three.

Mary opened the folder. It didn't take long for the woman's eyes to open. "Let me just make the triplicates and give you a receipt. Head Hopkirk is going to want to know about this."

"Thank you, Mary. If the paperwork gets lost, I think my boss is scheduling an interview with the Daily Prophet on Monday.

Mary's eyes lit with excitement. She took a stack of paper, swipped her wand over them and three stacks were made. Melanie watched as they were all stamps. One stack was folded in a paper airplane. "Records," Mary told her as it flew out of the room. "This stack is yours and I will make sure my boss gets this stack once Dumbledore leaves."

"Thanks, Mary. Here is the standard donation that Mr. Tonks and Mr. Dowty leave," Melanie said, leaving ten gallons on the counter.

Mary took it, putting five into the till next to her. It was free to file these petitions and evidence, but the offices around here appreciated donations. Fudge always found a way to underfund everyone. "Thank you, Mel. Dinner on Sunday?"

"I'll cook this time. Wear that cute red dress," she said with a saucy smile.

Mary gave a playful smile. "I have a new one. Six?"

"Sounds good. See you Sunday," Melanie said, her eyes taking in as much of Melanie as she could.

-oOo-

August 6, 1995

Godric's Hollow, England

Hannah sat at the window, watching the rain come down. She was supposed to be working on her transfiguration summer work, but she couldn't think about. For days now, her thoughts had been dominated by a green-eyed boy that she had watched from afar most of the last year. The boy wasn't as tall as she liked, and was a little lean, but he had that badboy vibe. He was also attractive in the the way he powered through the dragon and saved hostages he didn't need to.

She had also seen a beat and bloody Harry come back and try to protect Cedric's body. The look on the boys face and the way he screamed, 'He's back!', Hannah had very little reason to doubt Harry. She had been a fool second year, but had tried to be better to him the last two years. The way he went off on her father had her scared, and strangely attracted to him.

Sighing, she had the thought she better be attracted to him, because she was his now.

Hannah would be fooling no one if she said she hadn't thought about the Boy-Who-Lived as she grewup, but seeing Harry so angry, raw magic pouring off him and the way he cast a patronus had her very impressed. He also had shown concern for her that You-Know-Who would come after her.

She worried her lip as she thought about Harry and what her future would be. She would turn sixteen in November. The contract would require them to be married by the time they were both eighteen. That would give them two or three years to iron out something that might be good. Thinking of how angry Harry looked though, she wasn't sure he would ever forgive her or look at her in that way. If he never touches her, or she didn't give him a child by the time they were twenty, then she was looking at becoming a squib. What would she do if that happened?

A knock at her door interrupted her thought. "Hannah," Susie called to her.

"Come in," Hannah said to her best friend.

The door opened and Susan poked her head in. "Can I come in?"

"How was Scandanavia?"

"Good, but we can talk about that later. Is it true?" Susie asked. The curvy redhead came in and sat across from her on the window seat.

"What? That Harry Potter is telling the truth? That my father pissed him off to the point I thought they would get into a duel inside Gringotts? Or that there is a betrothal between us?" Hannah asked, a little anger coming to her voice about her father. The man had stormed through the house for the three days before they had to go in. Since then, he had been rather appologetic to her and her mother. She was still upset with him. If Harry rejected her becuase of him, she would never forgive her father.

Susan's eyes grew wide. "He did not?"

Hannah snorted. It was better to be angry then break down again. "Oh, he did. He called Harry a liar a few times and when he said a fifteen-year-old was too weak to cast a patronus, Harry wiped out his wand and made a huge stag. Susie, it was a corporeal patronus that looked very annoyed. If think if any dementors had been around, it would have killed them. I've never felt magic that strong."

"Woah," Susie replied, her eyes wide as she leaned against the frame. "Merlin, Hannah, are you sure?"

Hannah laughed. "Don't you start too. All I need if for my future fiance to get pissed off at everyone I love."

"I didn't mean that. What else happened?"

Hannah went over everything, ending in tears. "Mum said a counter offer came in this morning. Harry wants to make it into a normal marriage contract. Susie, the original contract would horrid. I can only thank the Wizengamot had banned most of the consort clauses that used to be used."

"Oh, Hannah," Susie said pulling her into a hug. Hannah cried into Susie's shoulder for a while.

A little after noon time, they wandered downstairs. Her older sister was here and Hannah rushed into the her open arms. "Isie!" she cried out, moving to give her sister, Isabel, a huge hug.

"Hey there, Goldie locks," Isabel said.

Hannah huffed. "I hate that name!"

"I know, but you used to look so cute in pigtails."

She hugged her sister harder. "You should back to Ireland."

"If you insist," Isabel responded, but didn't let her go. As she hugged her, Hannah felt like there was something different. Isobel was larger around the middle. Pulling back she looked down at her sisters stomach and the up to her. Isobel chuckled. "Surprise!"

Hannah squeeled at her sister. Susie was confused until Hannah shouted, "You're pregnant!"

Susie took up the squealing. Her mother came out and shook her head. "Here I thought you all grown up," she said to the three girls.

"Oh, come off it mum. Did dad run off with Robert?"

Their mum pursed her lips. "They went off to meet with our solicitor."

"But its Sunday," Isabel said.

"We have some important business that needs to be resolved tomorrow," her mum said.

"Hannah is going to have to marry Harry Potter," Susie blurted out.

"Susie!"

"It's true," Susie retorted.

"I don't want to talk about it until dad gets back and Isie doesn't need to get dragged into this. She is carrying my neice," Hannah countered.

"And why is me being pregant important to this conversation? What do you mean you are marrying Harry Potter," her sister asked, taking Hannah's left hand to inspect it for a ring.

Her mum sighed. "I have lunch on the kitchen counter. Why don't we sit and talk about it."

Hannah felt ready to break down again. She was stronger than this, but everything was falling apart. They were going into their fifth year. It was going to be a fun year. She was supposed to have her first boyfriend and have her first real snog. The kissing they had done at some of the parties had been nice, but not a snog. She wanted to know what it was like for a boy to touch her. She wondered what it was like to touch a boy. Now, she wasn't sure the one boy she would ever have those experiences with would ever want to touch her.

"Come here, Goldie Locks."

"I hate you," Hannah said with a smile, putting her head on Isabel's shoulder.

"I know. Let's go get some tea. Or maybe some fire whiskey," Isabel said. Hannah laughed as she allowed her sister to drag her off, Susie following them.

-oOo-

August 7, 1995

London, England

Daily Prophet

Dementors rampage in Little Whinging. Boy-Who-Lived almost killed!

By Harold Herpage

Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones, has confirmed that three dementors were in Little Whinging, Surrey. Two muggles and a squib were confirmed kissed on Friday. It is unknown yet why the dementors were there, but it has raised many questions. The first of which is how the Ministry lost control of such dangerous creatures?

Minister Fudge was quoted as say, "I have no comment right now. The Ministy has full control of all dementors. You-Know-Who is not back."

But, is this true? The last time rogue demenetors roamed the British Isles was when He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was terrorizing the wizards of Great Britain. Could it be true that the Boy-Who-Lived and the Defeater-of-Grindelwald are telling the truth and Cedric Diggory did not die by some tragic accident?

The facts that this reporter has found are as such: Three dementos were confirmed in Little Whinging. The dementors appeared to be hunting people related to Harry Potter. Harry Potter was not in Little Whinging at the time of the attack. Three people were kissed and Harry Potter is being accuse of doing magic at a time Gringotts can attest he was on thier grounds. This leads this reporter to one of three conslusions;

Three dementors were sent to Little Whinging to attach Harry Potter.

Harry Potter is telling the truth of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Or, three dementors are running loose, outside of Ministry control, and the Ministry is covering up an escape of...

-o-

A very irate Minister tore the paper in half, then half again before he even made it to the end of the article. "Lies! Slander! Have this reporter brought in on any charge that will bury him for the next hundred years," Cornelius Fudge spat.

His Under-Secretary and two aides sat back in their seats as the man raged.

"How did we loose control of three dementors and then they tried to kiss Harry Potter. I need him ruined, not dead! This has the potential to destroy me," Cornelius yelled.

"Now, Cornelius, this is just a distraction," Dolores simpered.

Cornelius smalled the shreds of the paper on his desk. "This is no distraction, Dolores. I got a report on my desk this morning that documentation was filed that confirms Harry Potter was at Gringotts at the time of the incedent. The damned birds arrived within ten minutes at Gringotts. How the bloody hell did the letters get sent out so quickly? There is no department in this Ministry that is that quicky unless it was a setup. I need you to find who did this and we will hang them on the noose. I will not fall because of these boys lies."

A knock came at the door. "WHAT!" Cornelius roared.

A tall redhead poked his head in. The young man looked nervous. "Minister, I have two packages that just came for you. One is from the DMLE and another if from the law firms of Tonks and Dowty."

"They can wait, Weasley," Fudge said irritaded.

"Sir, this is marked urgent..."

"I said it can wait! Now, shut the door and don't open it again until I say," Cornelius said in as civil a tone as he could. There was no need to alienate his office staff. Not yet, anyways.

Weasley quickly retreated and the door shut.

"Cornelius, if you had just let me handle the boy in the way I wanted," Dolores commented.

"I said I want his reputation and power destroyed. The general populous will call for all of our heads if the Ministry is related to Potter's death," the man reiterated. How many times did he need to make that point?

"What if we can find a way to get him on our side then," one of the assistants said.

Cornelius was about to curse the man... then he thought about it. Had he taken the wrong tact with Potter? If the boy had just cracked under the pressure of the Triwizarding Tournament, then maybe he just needed some help? Maybe some guidance?

"Don't be rediculous, Weatherby. Potter and Dumbledore are up to something," Dolores scoffed.

"No, Weatherby might have a point. We are certain the boy is just cracked and following Dumbledore's lead?" he asked his underlings.

Dolores pursed her lips. "He is just a half-blood. They are weak minded and probably irreversibly under Dumbledores control."

"We can get him an appointment at St. Mungo's. Maybe use Child Wizarding Services to seperate him from where ever he is now," Weaterby suggested.

Fudge turned towards the window over looking the main atrium of the Ministry. His temper was subsiding as he though about this. He missed the narrowed eyes and dark look his Undersecretary gave the young aide. After a moment, Fudge said, "Go on."

If he could have Weatherby take the fall if anything went wrong, it would be how he normally survived.

"Well, we could have him tested for any potions, compulsions, confudus chams or even obliviations. Whether they are there of not, we convince him that Dumbledore used him, and can be the heroes in his eyes because we saved him. If he is already a puppet of Dumbledore, whey couldn't he be yours, Minister?" Weatherby sounded as though he had already worked out many details.

A small smile broke the Ministers face.

"I want you to organize this. When he comes in or his trial on Friday the Wizengamot will vote Potter is innocent, but he is showing signs of being under the confundus charm. Make sure all the Healers involved are ours. I will talk with Lucius Malfoy to see if he recommends anyone," Minister Fudge said.

A few minutes later, the two aides left with a few more orders. Dolores got up and move to the front of the Ministers desk. "Cornelius, are you sure about this? You had to call in a few favors to have the Prophet go after Potter," she said, not sounding pleased.

"Oh, they should continue to drag his name through the mud this week, while starting to play this up. Find who sent those dementors, Dolores. I need a scape goat. A reason someone wanted Potter dead. Maybe Diggory? He would have cause."

"Amos Diggory is still on leave. I don't see that working," Dolores pointed out.

"Just find someone with a good reason to hate Potter. Hate him enough to try to kill him. Oh, and Hopkirk will have to go. I can't have a Head-of-Department that can make a mistake like that, bribe or not. If you can make it quiet, offer her an early retirement, that might be best. Offer her a ten percent on her pension if you need too. Ensure it is quiet and she it not to die. Understood? That would bring up more questions," he ordered Dolores.

"I'll make sure it is done. Do you want it found before or after the trial?"

Fudge thought about that for a moment. "I would think just after. The person panicked when Potter gets off"

"Very good, Cornelius. Anything else?"

"No. Tell Weasley that I still need another hour. I want to have some time to think if there is anything else we need to button up before I get to by job today," he told her. Cornelius was not looking forward to the stack of papers he had to review and sign.

"Of course," Dolores told him and left.

Cornelius looked out at the people coming and going. If this was played right, he might be in power until he was ready to retire. Anyone with the support of the Boy-Who-Lived could expect a long career in this office.

-oOo-

Later that day...

London, England

Harry sat at the table with Ted. Mr. Abbot had walked in with his solicitor, a man named Willard Crane. Hannah was with him today, but her mother was not.

They came into the offices and sat on the other side of the table. Hannah was in a long red dress that flares at her hips and hinted at her chest. A thick white ribbon was around her waist. Her hair was down. Harry thought her pretty dressed like that. He wouldn't deny that he had looked at her before. He just wasn't more than an acquaintance with her. That would have to change. He had no right to be upset with her. She was caught in this as much as he was.

Three days, the death of his cousin and staying at the Tonks had changed his perspective on that. Of course, just having some people around that wanted him around, and believed him, was

They made their greetings before Mr. Crane started. "Thank you for agreeing to this meeting before we go to Gringotts."

"I think it best for us to complete any negotiations before the goblins ratify the contracts. Mr. Abbot, have you been able to review the new contracts that Mr. Potter is proposing?" Ted asked.

The man nodded. "Willard and I have gone over it and we talked with Hannah about it last night. You don't have any last minute changes?"

"No. Mr. Potter was not happy with the original contract and thought this might be the best for all parties," Ted replied.

The man nodded his head before looking at Harry. "Mr. Potter, I fear we got off on a bad foot last week. Please accept my apologies for accusing you. After talking with Hannah, and seeing the Daily Prophet today, I find myself seeing more truth in your words than what had been told to us. I would also like to say sorry about your cousin."

"Thank you, Mr. Abbott," Harry replied. Harry was a conflicted. He hated Dudley, but he had been one of the few family members we had left.

"So, we are in agreement?" Mr. Crane asked.

They all looked to him. "I think we are."

"Good. We don't need to be at the bank for another two and a half hours. Maybe we should go to lunch? Mr. Potter has expressed interest in getting to know Ms. Abbott a little more," Ted said.

"I think that a good idea. I would like to get to know him as well," Mr. Abbott agreed.

"Can I have a few minutes with Mr. Potter?" Hannah asked.

The adults left them alone in the room with the door closed. "Can you please call me Harry? I hate when people call be Potter."

Hannah's blue eyes met his. "Call me Hannah then."

They just looked at each other for a moment. Harry was going to say something when Hannah spoke up. "I want to thank you. I don't know what my great-grandfather did to upset your great-grandfather, but what he had put in the original contract was horrid."

"It was. Hannah, do you want this?" Harry asked her.

She pursed her lips. "Honestly?"

"Yeah."

She looked at him and saw her eyes grow a little moist. "I don't know, Harry. My parents always said they would not use the old marriage traditions. I know some still follow them, but I was hoping to eventually fall in love and marry for love."

"Oh, I see," he told her. She was already think this was already going to be a loveless relationship. Harry had been deprived of love enough he would not do that to her. "If that is the way you feel, then I will break the contract."

Her eyes went wide. "Harry, dad told me what the termination clauses are. If you break it, that is half-a-million galleons and half of your land holdings you will need to give to my family."

Harry shrugged. "I have grown up with nothing. It won't be any different."

Her brow furrowed. "You have that much in your vaults?"

"No, but I won't be unhappy the rest of life and I won't have you being that way either. Of course, this all assumes I survive until we graduate," he told her. Maybe Dudley's death was affecting him more than he thought? He had not been talking like that with Andromeda and Ted last night when they wanted to ensure he was alright.

"Don't talk like that," she said. She took a deep breath and then said, "Harry, I've had a crush on you for a little while now."

Harry closed his eyes. "Let me guess, you've read all those books about the Boy-Who-Lived and see me like that?"

She shook her head, her long hair shaking around her shoulders. "No. At one time it was like that, but I saw how you struggled last year and enjoyed being your partner at times in Herbology and and Care of Magical Creatures."

Harry smirked. "Yeah. It was only you and Hannah that were helping with the blast-ended squirts by Christmas."

Hannah made a face. "Oh, they were aweful. I have to see Madam Pomfrey a few times for burns," she said.

Harry chuckled. "Hermione found murtlap essence works well for that. We ordered a few gallons to split between us."

Hannah giggled. "That stuff smells."

"Yeah, it does, but, Merlin, did it feel good on those burns and they were mostly healed by the next morning," said Harry.

"I still don't know how you avoided those things in the maze," she said.

The small amount of mirth that had formed between them instantly dried up. His face went stoney and he looked away from him. "Cedric helped. We worked together towards the end to take one of them out and then an aromantula," he told her. He hadn't really been able to talk to anyone about this. He didn't understand why twice now he had told Hannah more than he had his closets friends... well, people he had thought were his close friends.

Her face turned sad. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up."

"It's not your fault," he told her.

There was a long moment or two of uncomfortable silence that Harry wasn't going to break. Hannah was more the Gryffindor than he was again. "Cedric spoke highly of you last year. Especially after the first event, but even before then he tried to get most of the House to stop bothering you."

Harry just nodded.

After another moment of uncomfortable silence, she asked a little water, "Harry, I don't want you to break this. Not yet."

Harry looked at her. "Why not? You said you want to marry for love. My life has been shite enough. I don't need a loveless marriage too." He was being far more forward and bitter than normal. Was this way he was usually around Ron and Hermione after spending his summer with his relatives?

Her eyes grew realy concerned and looked ready to let tears fall anytime now. "I never said we may not fall in love. I do want to get to know you more. Maybe we can date for a bit before one of us decides it is too much? And why do you say your life has been so bad?"

"It's nothing," he threw her question away. After a moment, he sighed. "Hannah, you don't understand how dangerous my life is. I really meant it Voldemort is back. He will try to kill you and your family if he knows we are together."

He saw her swallow. "And what good could I do to try to defend my family if I was a squib? For whatever reason, one of your relatives demanded this from mine. I don't want that type of debt hanging over my children, or my sisters child," she said. "Please, can we just try this. For a little while?"

He pursed his lips. "Hannah, I'm not asking you to do anything..."

"I won't be the reason you are destitute," she shot back.

They both stared each other down for a few.

"Would you allow me to pay for more wards on your house?"

Hannah looked shocked. "What?"

"I talked with Ted. He said a good warding array would cost about twenty-thousand galleons. Would you allow me to put more wards up to protect your family?" he requested.

Her mouth had fallen open. "Harry, this is a small fortune. Why would you do that?"

"If you are going to be by girlfriend, perhaps my betrothed, I can't put your family in danger. Death Eaters and Voldemort will do anything they can to get to me," he said with conviction.

Her mouth turned into a frown. "I can't accept anything like that. Harry, you can buy a house in the country for that type of money."

He shrugged. "It's not like I can use it if I am caught by Voldemort. I have a sizable vault left by my parents that will have access to if you sign those betrothed papers. I made sure that you are treated as equally as I could."

"I know," she said in a small voice. "Can you please stop talking about dying?"

"Sure," he replied more glibly than he meant.

"I mean it, Harry. I don't like all this talk about you or me or my family dying," she retorted.

He hung his head. "Then let me break the contract."

She closed her eyes. "Am I that repulsive?"

Harry shook his head before realizing her eyes were still closed. "No, Hannah. You are very pretty," he said, his face feeling flush. He had never said that before. "You seem like a nice person and I did enjoy working with you too last year. I am the one that is repulsive."

Her eyes opened. He met her blue orbs again. After a moment, she said, "You think I'm pretty?"

"Very," he complimented.

A small smile came to her face again. "You are not repulsive. I think you quite handsome and a great wizard. Not because you are the Boy-Who-Lived," she said quickly at the look on his face. "I saw what you did in the Triwizard Tournment. I would never have been able to do that. I also can't cast anything like a patronus. Do you know how special that is that someone who just got out fourth year can cast that?"

"I learned in third year," he told her. He wasn't trying to brag, but he was rather proud of that achievement.

She blinked. "Merlin, Harry. Third year?"

He shrugged. "I had to learn. I am highly affected by dementors," he told her. He didn't trust her enough to mention why yet.

She took it in for a moment. "I'm sorry. I heard you passed out a few times from them."

"Yeah, Malfoy was all to happy to let everyone know," he said dryly.

She snorted. "Malfoy is a twat," she added.

Harry laughed. "Is that why he is always running to tell his daddy?"

She giggled at him. "Probably."

Harry liked her humour already. Perhaps this might work. "I am going to offer your father the extra wards."

She sighed. "I really think you should hold onto that type of money."

"I think you underestimate the danger we are all in," Harry retorted.

After a moment, she shook her head. "Maybe."

A knock came at the door. Hannah sighed. "That is probably my father. Perhaps you should come over tonight or tomorrow for dinner?"

"I will ask the Tonks," he told her.

"The Tonks are your relations? I thought they only had a daughter," he questioned.

"They do. My relatives don't want me around after my cousin was kissed. The Tonks have given me a couch until we go back to Hogwarts. They won't accept me to upgrade their wards either," he said with a frown.

The knock came again and the door opened. "Hannah, do you need a few more minutes?"

"Just a moment, dad," she replied and the door closed again. Harry had only seen the concern on her face for him on three people. Hermione, Ron and Mrs. Weasley. Well, Ted and Andromeda had been nice, but it wasn't that real concern for his safety. That concern that only friends, family or a potential girlfriend might have. "I can talk with my dad and mum. We have a guest room if you need a place."

Harry nodded. Hannah was a nice person. He wasn't sure he wanted to accept her offer though. He needed a place that he wouldn't be endangering people, but that wasn't going to happen. Not anytime soon. Harry suspected there wasn't a real safe place for him in Britain.

-oOo-

August 8, 1996

Wimborne, England

Albus had had some of the worst five days in almost fourteen years It had been decades since his plans failed to spectacularly. Harry was staying at the Tonks. His cousin had been killed. He thought Mundungus Fletcher would be able to defend them. Perhaps his faith in people was too much at times? As a result, Harry had been ejected by his relatives. When he had finally been able to see the Dursley's, Albus had been dissapointed to find out some of the stories he had been told were actually true. He had figured Fred and George Weasley had been embelishing the fact iron bars had been put on Harry's window.

Perhaps he shouldn't have isolated the boy this summer, either?

Now he had to collect his ward and take him to a safe house. It wasn't conducive to having Harry in such and exposed place... well, he had thought it exposed until he he had tried to find Stonefield. He had been here years ago when he had tried to determine the best place for Harry to grow. Andromeda Tonks was Harry's third cousin. One of three third cousins that he could have gone too, if not where he had wound up.

No, he stood on the edge of a ward field he had to admit he didn't quite understand. He knew this is about where his owl had vanished, but he couldn't make out where here was, even with his years of esoteric knowledge.

He was taken out of his musing when a woman appeared about thirty feet away.

"I thought I sent a letter that you were not welcome her," a tall, brunette woman said, her arms crossed over her chest and wand in hand. Her grey eyes were hard and unyeilding.

"Ah, good afternoon, Andromeda," he said, turning to look at her. He put his wand back up his sleeve.

"That is Mrs. Tonks, Headmaster," she replied, no warmth in her voice.

"Excuse me then, Mrs. Tonks. I did receive your letter, but I really must talk with Harry and move him to a safe place," he told her.

Her lips pursed. "No."

He blinked at her. "I really must insist. As his magical guardian, I am responsible for his safe keeping."

Andromeda let out a huffy breath. "It was your responsibilty to ensure he was in a safe place in nineteen-eighty-one. You know we would have taken him."

"He never should have known to contact you, Mrs. Tonks. Now, I really must take Harry."

"We never violated the order you put on us. Harry came to Ted of his own accord seeking advice that you and no one else was giving him. The last few nights he has woken with horrible nightmares. What happened to that boy and why wasn't he given treatment?" She put to him.

Albus sighed. "He was healed and given all treatment he needed. Harry is a very resiliant boy."

"You healed his body, but what about his mind? Or his soul? He watched a classmate get killed right before him and then was used in a absolutely vile ritual. I feel there is much he is not telling up yet. He has scars all over his body," Andromeda said.

"He is a adventurous boy," he tried to reason.

"Bullshite," Andromeda retorted. "Harry will not be leaving here. If he does, he will only be going to another house he decides on."

Albus sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose under his glassed. "Mrs. Tonks, it has been a few very long days. Please let me in to talk to Harry or bring him beyond your wards."

"No," she said simply.

"I tire of this. I am his guardian," Albus said, focusing on her again.

"You were. Did you understand what happened when you approved Harry to participate in the Triwizard Tournament last year?" she put him.

"It was an unfortunate event that Harry did very well in," he replied.

"You do realize that only competitor that were considered 'of-age' could compete?"

He was very tired and he still had work to do to help Harry at his hearing Friday. "Andromeda, please. Don't make this complicated."

"You dare touch me or do anything, I promise my husband will rake you through the coals and take everything you are worth. He and my daughter are watching this from just inside the wards," she warned him. "Since you can't seem to connect the dots, let me spell it out for you. Harry has been emancipated. It is his decision if he stays or goes. Personally, I would be more worried about the goblins of Gringotts and the Ministry. I hear they have found breeches of treaty in that you have still been intercepting Harry's Gringotts statments since November of last year."

Albus' tiredness went away. "What have you done?"

"Ted has helped Harry with some legal issues. Everything else stems back to you, Headmaster. When you and the other judges decided he was legal to compete last year, you declared of-age. Now, to get onto mail, you would not know where his familiar is? Would you? None of his supposed friends have written to him all summer and his owl has been missing for almost three weeks now. Ted has filed for a trace to find her. I am sure the DMLE, or even the Minister, would have a field say if they found you were the one responsible," she told, her voice steeley.

Albus held her gaze with an emotionless mask. Not since the night the Potters had died had his plans gone so disastrously wrong. The night Tom had come back was close, but that was needed. One could not banish whatever the man had been.

"May I have a conversation with Harry," he asked again. He had to resolve this. Later he would have to release the snowy owl that was in his office, before the DMLE was able to run a trace. He couldn't afford these complications right now.

She stared at him for a moment. "It is against my better judgement, but it should be Harry's choice. Wait here," she told him.

Albus took a sherbet lemon out of his pocket and put it into his mouth. He wanted to study these rather unique wards but knew that it would rather rude, especially if he was being watched. If they were as powerful and obscure as he thought, they may be able to rival the wards on Grimmauld place. He didn't ponder the other revelations yet. It wasn't possible for Harry to be declared emancipated without his knowledge, and the rules the Ministry instilled in the Goblet last year didn't require the contestant to be of age. That was why he had to add the age line after it was brought up after the rules had been finalized.

He was waiting almost ten minutes when Andromeda came out again. "You can step just inside the wards over here. I am not offering any refreshments today."

He followed her and stepped just inside the wards. Her felt the power and would not like to be someone trying to break in. Inside the wards was an old english farm with a stone house, barn and an out building. Harry was standing with Andromeda, Nymphadora and Theodore. He had been trying to recruit Nymphadora. Her skills could be most useful, but he had a feeling that recruitment may not look work out now. The four of them stood just behind a stone style. He had never never see a double ward scheme like this before.

Good afternoon, Harry. I am sorry to hear about your cousin, Dudley," he said to the boy.

Harry just shrugged his shoulder.

Albus wasn't too pleased with that reaction. Harry didn't really seem to care. Perhaps Andromeda had a point. Isolating Harry may have been a poor decision. The Dursely had been the best place for him though. It was the only place he had found he could ward from Voldemort and his followers using Lily's protection, though, he was starting to put some weight in Severus argument the protections were not as strong now that Tom had used Harry's blood.

"Are you doing well?"

Harry shrugged again, his gaze towards the ground.

"I think it time you get your belonging and come with me. I have a house you will be safe at. The Weasley's moved in for the rest of the summer and other friends will be there," Albus directed Harry.

"I'm not leaving," Harry told him.

"Of course you are. Padfoot will be glad to see you..."

Andromeda hissed. "You know where my cousin is? He deserved to go back to Azkaban and rot."

Albus didn't think anyone outside of Sirius immediate friend. "Mrs. Tonks, I think some things may not be as they appear."

"Don't start with my about my family, Headmaster. I know the scum they all are," she spat venemously.

"He's innocent," Harry spoke up, his head raising and meeting Anfromeda's eyes.

"Sirius is many things, but innocent is not one of them," she countered.

"It wasn't him that betrayed my parents," Harry told her.

The woman's mouth pursed. "Harry, I don't know how you came to that conclusion..."

"I have seen him. I have also seen Peter Pettigrew. He is the one that betrayed my parents," Harry told her.

"Harry, I don't think that is something we should just advertise," Albus started.

The boy finally turned his gaze to Albus. He had never seen such determination and fire in them. It was like looking at Lily when she would be worked up. Albus could count the number of times he bested Lily Potter when she was that determined. Even as a first year she had pushed through challenges that most fourth years would have struggled with. This was a different Harry Potter.

"What does it matter who knows, Headmaster? No one has done anything or believed me. Sirius still hasn't gotten a trial. What makes you think I will be believed this time?" Harry said in a cool tone.

"There is no reason to think that way. Everything will blow over soon. Until then, you need to come with me. Miss Granger will be joining us on Friday," Albus told him.

Harry huffed. "I don't think they are as good of friends as you think."

"Harry, you will have to forgive them. I instructed them to not contact you in any way. Communications are being monitored by the Ministry and Death Eaters," Albus informed him.

"So no one could to my house? Hermione couldn't use the phone? I would have taken whatever beating my uncle wanted to give me for just a few minutes. Are you telling me that wizards understand how to use telephones?" Harry asked.

Harry was more bitter and sarcastic. Albus inclined his head. "I admit, I forgot about that type of muggle communication."

"Harry, what do mean 'whatever beating'?" Nymphadora asked.

"It's nothing," Harry shook her off. "I am not going anywhere, Headmaster. Andromeda, I am going to go back inside."

"Harry, you are coming with me. As your guardian I can't leave you here," he said, exerting his authority.

Harry stopped and turned back. His yes were still burning with anger and determination. "I can choose what I want to do. If you have my owl, please make sure she comes back. I rather miss her and would like her with people I trust."

"That is is enough. Come along," Albus ordered.

Harry gave him a glare and then turned around, walking back into the house.

"You have a minute to get off my property," Andromeda ordered back to him. She turned and walked away.

"Headmaster, I have decided not to join the Order of the Pheonix. Not after hearing what Harry had gone through," Nymphadora stated.

She turned to follow her mother.

"Just to let you know, Cheif Warlock, I have already put in the papers for a restraining order pending the investigation of allegations that you were an accessory to child abuse. The Aurors found evidence of abuse and neglect at the Dursley's. Unless Mr. Potter approaches you, the Aurors will be coming for a visit," Theodore said. "You have only a few seconds."

"Theodore, you do not understand," Albus said.

"I will see Friday, Cheif Warlock," he said looking at him.

Before Albus could say anything else he was violent thrown back. He flew out of the wards, landing several yards into the field across from Stonefield. After bouncing and rolling he came to a rest. He groaned. It took a moment or tow for the older man to sit up. He had only seen wards like that at Grimmauld Place. Perhaps Andromeda Tonks had closer ties ties to her family than he had thought.

His body felt bruised and soar as he stood up and tried to brush the dirt and grass off his robes.

He would have to talk to Harry again on Friday. It was impossible for Theodore to get a restraining order without the Chief Warlocks signature.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 3

August 8, 1995

Wimborne, England

A knock came on the door of the small guest room. Harry felt a little guilty about it. Ted had been using this room as an office.

Her looked up from the bed. Andromeda was standing in the door. "Can I come in?"

"It's not my house," Harry said, moving over to sit in the far corner of the bed, leaning his back into the corner of the wall and allowing her room if she wanted to sit.

"Harry, you are a guest here, but I will not violate your space without asked," she told him. He indicated the corner of the bed.

The woman sat on the edge of the bed, regarding him. Harry felt like he was being sized up. "There are many rumors about you over the last few years. I need to know what is true and what is not."

He met her eyes. "Why?"

"You know we tried to get custody of you after your parents died. I need to know what you know about that night. I also need to know what has happened at Hogwarts and elsewhere. We want to help you, Harry, but to do that, we need to know," she said in a voice that wanted to be kind, but held a certain command to it too. He caught movement and saw Dora at the door. She leaned against the frame. Harry figured Ted was just outside the door.

"No one besides Dumbledore has ever believed me," Harry told them.

Andromeda pursed her lips. "We are here to listen and believe you now. I have never been a fan of Albus Dumbledore and he was the one to keep you from us."

"Are you really my third cousin?"

"I did not lie to you the other day. Everything I said was the truth as I know it. I now need the same from you," she told him.

Harry wasn't sure about this, but he had already told them more than anyone outside of Hermione and Ron knew. Harry sighed. "What do you want to know first?"

"What do you know about Sirius Black?" she asked.

"He's my godfather. He said he took some oath. My friends and I rescued him at the end of third year. A man named Peter Pettigrew was there and confessed he gave the secret of my parents to Voldemort," Harry began. He wasn't sure how long they went, but she questioned him and Harry slowly told her everything. His time under the stairs. The way Quirrell turned to ash at his touch. The way his uncle would get upset when he was a freak. The basilisk. The graveyard. Everything. He told them because they listened. None of the Tonks judged him. Andromeda moved in and hugged him when he finally broke down while talking about Cedric. It was the first time he had shed a tear since that night.

He woke some time later to voices outside his door.

He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and looked for his glasses.

He could make out what was going on and got up. It had been close to two when Dumbledore had come. The sun was just setting now.

Walking to the door, he opened it. His stomach was growling. When he opened the door, he heard voices coming from across the hall. The door to Ted and Andromeda's room was open. "...innocent, then you have to do something."

"I will Andi. I'll ask Raymond or Melanie to poke around for the record of his trial," he heard Ted.

"If he is innocent... all those years I thought Siri had become as bad as the rest of my family," Andromeda said, sounding morose.

"I believe Harry. He has not lied to us yet, that I know, and there is just to much emotion in his voice," Ted said. Harry felt a something warm in his chest.

Someone sighed. "I do as well. I want to take him into St. Mungo's tomorrow to give him a full checkup."

"We'll ask him," Ted said.

Harry opened his door and moved to the kitchen. He was hungry and something smelled good. He found Dora at the table. She was reading a book with a plate that held the scraps of a pasta dish. She looked up at him as he sat. "Wotcher. There is some chicken catatore on the stove. Should still be warm," she told him. "I have to go into my shift soon."

Harry just nodded, getting up and serving himself. He had been told to eat all he wants, so he took what was left in the pan. It was just over a normal portion. "There is some bread in the box and mum made some fresh honey butter earlier. In the cold box."

When Harry sat, he felt a little guilty to have two thick slices of bread, but he was hungry. The hungriest he had been in a while.

He ate in silence as she worked her way through her book. He was close to done, just starting to pick at what was left, when he asked, "You reading anything good?"

"It's an interesting text on advanced dueling," she said, not looking up. "It's probably the tenth time I have read this. Senior Auror Moody gave it to me when I was in the Academy. Every time I think I really understand this book, I find something I missed. Usually only after I've had my arse handed to be in a fight. I can't let that happen anymore."

Harry looked at the book. "Can I get a copy?"

She looked up. "I can leave this here. I have a small collection in my room. Take what you want. I've moved back in for a little while. This house is safer than my flat."

"Thanks," he told her.

She didn't look away. "Listen, what you told us earlier... Merlin! I think you are more bad arse than my mentor."

He snorted. "Thanks," he said again.

"You can trust my parents. They are good people. I think you can trust the Abbotts as well. I was in the same class with Isobel, Hannah's sister. We shared a dorm for seven years. She is good people and the few times I went to her house, Mr. and Mrs. Abbott were always nice," she told him.

Harry just nodded. He still wasn't sure if he wouldn't break the contract. He could live well on very little and it was probably better than forcing her into this.

The clock chimed the half hour. "It's eight-thirty. I need to go. I'll see you in the morning... well, probably the afternoon. I hate these night shifts."

"Makes me want to be an Auror," he said uncertainty.

She laughed. "It's not bad. I switch back to days next month, and then should have a six month rotation on days. Here. If you want to practice anything, I can take you to the training rooms in the DMLE on Friday."

"Wicked," he said, a smile coming to his face. Any chance he had to learn something new he would take it. Harry never wanted to see anyone die again if he could prevent it.

She got up, and came around the table to put the book before him. Dora put a hand on his shoulder. "It's never easy to see someone die, or to take a life. If you ever need to talk, I'll be all ears."

Harry bowed his head. "Thanks," he muttered. Dora squeezed his shoulder before walking back to the hall and her room.

After a moment, he opened the book as he nibbled on the piece of bread he hadn't finished. He wouldn't be beat so soundly again. Not like he had been in the graveyard.

-oOo-

August 10, 1995

Godric's Hollow, England

Harry came out of the floo, only stumbling a few steps, instead of landing on his face like he usually would. Ted had given him some pointers on how to exit more gracefully, and it seemed to work. That was until he heard giggling. He looked up to see Hannah at the base of marbled stairs. She was in pair of jean shorts and a t-shirt that had a low-cut v-neck, hinting at the cleft in her larger bossom. The shirt hinted at her wider hips where it spread out over the hem of her shorts. He hadn't known she liked muggle fashion. A point he wasn't going to complain about with how nice she looked.

Harry was thankful that Andromeda had insisted they go out and get him some new clothes. Outside of his school uniforms, it was the first time every he had owned new clothes that fit.

"Are you always so graceful?" Hannah asked through her giggles.

Harry gave an uncertain smile. "That was better than I usually do," he replied.

"How could you do worse? You just about stumbled into the table," she said, indicating the narrow table in the circular atrium that went up to the second floor.

Her rubbed the back of his neck. "I usually come out feet first on my back or face first. I can tell you that doesn't feel so well."

Hannah giggled again. "Merlin, Harry. How can you fly like a maniac and not make it through the floo?"

He shrugged. He hadn't seen her in a few days and this wasn't exactly the good impression he wanted to make on her.

A young blonde woman came into the hall from a door under the stairs. She had a nice hour-glass shape, a broad smile and blue eyes a little lighter than Hannah. "What are you giggling at?" the woman asked Hannah.

"Nothing. Isobel, this is Harry Potter. Harry, by sister Isobel," Hannah said.

Harry put a hand out while brushing a few ashes off his pants. "Hi," he said.

She took his hand. "Hey," Isobel responded. "Real articulate, this one."

Hannah giggled again. "Seems that way."

"Great, am I going to be abused all day like this," he put them.

Isobel laughed. "Welcome to the Abbotts. We do sarcasm, verbal quips and all around debasing. Ask Goldie Locks there."

Hannah stopped giggling and looked at her sister with a open mouth. "You bint," Hannah exclaimed.

Harry chuckled and got a glare from Hannah. "Never call me that," she warned him.

"Sure," he said.

Isobel winked at him. "Don't let her fool you, she loved it."

"Thank you, Isie," Hannah said rather pointedly.

"Anytime, sis," Isobel said with a laugh. Harry could see why Dora and Isabel would have gotten along so well.

"Harry, do you want to go up to the games room? Our parents and Isobel's husband won't be back until later," she asked, glaring at Isobel.

"I promise I will knock first," Isobel assured them.

"Isie!" Hannah just about screeched.

"Just saying. Mum and dad are out and he is your betrothed... He's handsome too. I don't think there was a purity clause..."

"Isie!"

Her sister laughed hard when Hannah's pale skin flushed from her shoulders to her cheeks. Harry wasn't sure his now warm face was any better.

Isobel was still laughing as she turned. "Have fun. Don't do anything I wouldn't."

"Which isn't much," Hannah muttered angrily under her breath.

The hurricane known as Isabel walked back through the door she had come through, leaving a very awkward silence in her wake. Harry couldn't meet Hannah's eyes, or even look her way. The thought of of the attractive girl naked before him was something that hadn't entered his mind until now.

After a moment, he said, "Uhm, you said you wanted to go to your games room?"

"Yeah," she replied, sounding embarrassed. "Come on."

Harry followed her up the stairs. It was the second time he had come to the Abbots, the first being last Sunday for dinner. It had been a little uncomfortable at first. He hoped he had made a better impression on her parents. He forced those thoughts down. He had promised Hannah to give this a try, even if it was against his better judgement.

Hannah didn't say a word as they walked up the stairs, down a short hall and into a room with two couches, a table between them and shelves along the back wall. He saw dozens of games, decks of cards and some art supplied. Hannah moved to a couch and sat. It still felt very awkward after her sister. "You can sit, you know," Hannah said after a moment, finally looking up at him.

"Oh, right," Harry said, sitting on the couch across from Hannah.

They regarded each other for a moment. "How are you today," Harry asked at the same time Hannah queried, "Are you still in trouble..."

They both stopped. "You go first," Hannah said as Harry said, "Ladies first."

Hannah had a small smirk come onto her face when for the third time they both started to speak. "You go," Harry offered as Hannah said, "You asked first."

They both looked at each other's eyes and he chuckled as Hannah giggled. She sounded nervous. "You really should go first," Hannah told him and he said, "It's your house, you go first."

At this, Hannah laughed. Harry did as well. After a moment, he indicated her to go first with his hand. "You sure you won't say anything again?" Hannah teased.

"I think I'm done," he replied.

She giggled again a the situation. "Well, if you are certain. How has your week been?"

He shrugged. "Better than most summers," Harry replied.

She blinked. "Having to go to a hearing tomorrow at the Misuse of Magic Department is better?"

He shrugged his shoulder. "Ted was able to get the hearing dropped. Instead we are going in tomorrow to clear something that happened to me after first year," he told her.

"Oh, well, that is good to hear. What else are you in trouble for?"

"Something a house elf did at my relatives. Ted is going to get that cleared from my record," said Harry.

"You have a house elf?"

Harry laughed. "No. It was one of the Malfoy's old house elves. The ruddy thing thought it was saving me. It almost got me killed a few times second year."

Hannah looked at him a little apprehensively. "Does anything normal ever happen to you?"

Harry snorted in dark laughter. "Not usually. How about you? How has your week and summer been?"

"You mean besides finding out that I am to marry Harry Potter?" Hannah said is a more joking tone, but he saw the way her eyes pinched.

"Well, yeah, besides that," Harry responded.

"It has been pretty good. Susan and I have spent most of the summer together. She has a swimming pool at her aunts house we use often. We usually go on a vacation, but this year my parents are a little too concerned to go," she told him.

Harry looked down. "I'm sorry," he told her.

"It's not your fault, Harry. I just figure it would be good for me to be honest," Hannah told him.

He nodded.

"You want to play a game? Isie was making dinner and mum and dad should be back by six," she offered.

"I could help cook," he offered.

Hannah looked a little dubious. "I don't. I usually burn everything."

Harry chuckled. "You can't be that bad?"

"Last time I tried to make french toast with my mum she had to get rid of the skillet. A scorgify wouldn't get it off," she told him.

Harry laughed this time. "And you make fun of me at how I came out of the fireplace."

Hannah scrunched her face. She looked cute when she was angry. "That isn't a fair comparison. Even I have been able to walk out of the floo without an issue since I was five."

"And I haven't had to throw out a pan or burn anything I cooked since I was five," Harry retorted.

"Well, aren't you special," she snarked, a small smile coming onto her face. "Do you really want to go into the kitchen? Isie can be a little mental."

Harry thought about what had happened down stairs. "What type of game do you like?"

Hannah giggled. "Anything," she said, getting up and walking to back wall. "Come pick something out."

Harry got up and moved to the wall. There were many muggle games, and others he didn't recognize. "What do you suggest?" he asked, only every really having played wizards chess.

"You want something that is tame or something that usually gets the blood going?" She looked side-ways at him.

He raised an eye brow at her. "Do I want to know what gets your blood going?"

She gave a small smirk. "Snaps is always good. Or Twister. Susan liked that game. We also have Witch or Familiar."

"What is that?" he asked, totally perplexed.

Her smirk became more impish. "Well, you put on the witches hat," she said, reaching up to a shelf with a wide brim hat. "There is a set of trivia cards with it. It goes over famous witches or wizards, important events, herbology, magical creatures, other stuff. If you get it right, the hat passed to the next person. If you get it wrong... well, you spend a moment or two as an animal. Last time my mum was a red squirrel and ran out the window before we get her. Dad had to levitate her out of a tree."

Harry laughed at that image. "Are you sure that is safe to play then?"

"Perfectly. We will just make sure the windows and door are closed," she replied.

Hannah took a box off the shelf and went back to the couch. Harry sat across from her again. "Mum found this in a shop in Diagon Alley. She used to use it to teach me and Isobel about Magical History. Then once I met Susan, we spent almost a summer playing this game."

"You are really good friends with Susan Bones, aren't you?"

"She's my best mate," Hannah said, opening the box. "Probably as good as Granger and Weasley is for you."

Harry frowned. "Yeah. Best Mates."

She looked up at him. "I forgot you said you haven't heard from them this summer."

He sighed. "It may not be there fault. I was told they were ordered not to contact me because of You-Know-Who trying to get owls and such."

Hannah's eyes looked worried again. "Oh. I didn't think about that."

"Yeah," Harry replied. He felt he had to turn this around. "So, who goes first?"

"Since you haven't played before, you get to go," she informed him.

"Brilliant," he said with some fake enthusiasm.

"Oh, come off it. It's fun," Hannah told him.

He took the hat and put it on his head. It was a little small for him. Hannah picked out a card. "Who found the twelve uses of dragon's blood?"

Harry huffed. "Dumbledore. It's on the back of chocolate frog cards."

"They aren't all easy. Now pass the hat." Hannah took it and put it on her head.

Harry took the box and pulled out a card. There were three questioned printed on it. He flipped the card over to see the answers. "Ok, here's one for you. When was the Wizarding Council founded?"

Hannah didn't even hesitate. "Twelve-sixty-nine."

He had not known that. "Lucky guess," he said.

She giggled again. Hannah seemed to do that alot. He didn't remember her being so giggly at Hogwarts. "I just like History," she said.

Harry made a face as he took the hat. "How can you like Binns?"

She made the same face. "I can't stand him. Susan and I check out other history books and read them during class. She switch between us, Meaghan and Lily on who takes notes that day."

Harry felt like slapping his head. Why hadn't they thought about that? "That is brilliant, actually."

Hannah looked a little smug. "Why thank you. I thougth it was pretty good when I came up with that solution first-year."

He did groan. "First year? I've been trying to stay awake for four years when we could have switching off?"

She giggle again at his reaction. "If we have class together this year, you can join our group."

"I'm going to take you up on that offer. Now, next question."

"Right," she said, taking a card out of the box. Harry realized that he couldn't read the back. It must be enchanted so only the one holding the card could see it. "Let's see how good you are. Where can you find leaping toadstools?"

He looked at her oddly. "Uhm, a bucket in the greenhouses?"

Hannah laughed. "What are you going to turn into?"

He went to grab the hat... a second later he was looking up. His nose twitched. He looked around for danger and then felt like he wanted something green to eat. Someone was laughing. He turned to see a blonde girl. Her sudden movement spooked him and he jumped.

"Oh, no. Don't go in there," the girl said still laughing as he hopped towards an open door in a cabinet. She grabbed him and got him back on the couch before he was suddenly himself again. Hannah was laughing and fell on the couch next to him. "I have never seen anyone turned into a black bunny."

"I feel like I want to eat clovers," Harry gripped, which made Hannah laugh harder. "Fine, smart witch, take this."

She took the hat and put it on her head, still snickering. Harry took out a card, "What caused the Titanic to sink, causing one of the largest breaches of the Statute of Secrecy?" he blurted out, then did a double take. "What? Wait! It was an iceberg," Harry said, flipping over the card.

"No, I think it was two sea serpants fighting over territory," she said.

Harry just looked at the answer and then her. "What else has been covered up?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. What is the Titanic anyways?"

Harry looked at her for a moment. "Ah... a giant ship. I think almost a thousand people died when it sank." Uncle Vernon had left a special on about it that Harry had heard from his closet. As much as he hated his uncle, the man always liked a good disaster, and watching BBC specials on them.

Hannah's eyes went wide before she put a hand to her mouth. "You can't be serious? A thousand people? How large was the ship?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders, flipping the card over again, Harry just stared at it. "How much doesn't Binns tell us?"

"A thousand people," Hannah was still caught up on that. "Harry, I don't think I've seen a thousand wizards in one spot."

"Didn't you go to the Quidditch World cup last year?"

Hannah shook her head. "We couldn't get tickets."

"Oh, sorry."

Hannah still looked concerned. "Harry, how big was the ship?"

"I don't know. Big. I think there was almost two-thousand people on it. It was a huge disaster," he said. "Why would we want to know who made Sleak-Eezeys Hair Molding potion?"

"I don't know that one," Hannah said, before she squeeked. Harry looked just in time to see her morph into a cute golden hair cat. She gave a meow.

Harry chuckled. "So cute," he teased.

She came over to him and started to rub against him. "Ah, Hannah," he said, laughing as she climbed onto his lap and arched to rub under his chin. He was about to take her off when she suddenly turned back.

"Omph," he let out as he suddenly had a girl on his lap. She let out a small scream, grabbing him before she fell off, her arms wrapping around his neck.

"I... ah..." she said.

He gave a very nervous chuckle. As uncomfortable as he was, his fifteen year old body didn't miss the way her bottom was across his lap, the smell of her light perfume or the way her chest pressed into his chest. What made it worse was the door opening. "Hannah, are you and Harry going to want a salad... oh, I'm sorry," Isobel said, a huge smile coming over her face to see Hannah on his lap.

"It's not what you think," Harry said, shooting up. Hannah screamed as she fell to the floor. "I...uhm... sorry. I... ah... bathroom," he said, moving towards the door. Isobel gave him a knowing look as he pushed past her. He got into the hall and looked around.

"Door across the hall," Isobel said with a laugh on her voice.

"That hurt," Hannah whinged.

"Thanks," he said, rushing into the bathroom. As he closed the door he heard Isobel say, "So, things are going pretty well. Did he go up your shirt yet?"

"I hate you, Isie," Hannah grumbled.

Harry slammed the door.

-oOo-

August 11, 1995

London, England

Hannah was looking at herself in the mirror. She had decided to go to the Ministry to support Harry today. He was only going for a minor hearing to expunge his record for Misuse of Underage Magic, but she felt it important. A much fun, and embarrassment she had had yesterday, mostly thanks to her sister, she was starting to get a real sense that Harry hadn't such a good life. The hints she could get, through the sinicism he showed at times, was that Harry Potter very much prized those that were loyal and friendly to him.

Hannah could do that.

She was scared out of her mind at what was going on, but she wanted to see if this would work between them.

As she looked in the mirror, she straightened out the nice dark, blue witches robes. They were darker than her eyes. She just hated wearing black, so this was the most formal robes she had. A knock came at the door and when it opened, Isobel was poking her head it. "How you doing, Goldie Lock? I think mum and dad want to leave shortly."

She cast a glare at her sister. "Isie, not today."

Her sister gave her an understanding smile. "Hannah, I wasn't trying to annoy you that much, but it looked like you both needed to loosen up a bit."

Hannah huffed. "Harry went home redder than a tomato," she remarked angrily.

"Come off it," her sister said coming into the room. "You had to admit it was funny. You looked much the same."

Hannah scrunched her nose. "If you are going to keep teasing me today, get out!"

Isobel came up behind her. Her normally dancing eyes were more sombre today. "Here, let me help you," Isobel said reaching for a clip on her vanity. "This will go nice with those robes."

Hannah just stood silently, watching Isobel put the badger into her hair that was encrusted in yellow citrines. She wasn't sure about it, but Isobel was usually right, as much of a pain as she usually was.

"There. You look like a beautiful lady," Isobel commented.

"Can you please behave today? We have been invited over to the Tonks later," she begged her sister.

Isobel put her hands on Hannah's shoulders and moved to kiss Hannah on the cheek. "I will be good. You need to calm down about this."

Hannah nodded.

"Do you like him?"

Hannah nodded again.

Isobel pressed. "Enough that you could marry him in a few years?"

"It's not like we have a choice," Hannah replied. "I want this to work out, Isie. I've had a crush on him most of last year. Susie kept trying to push me to ask him out. I almost did at the Yule Ball."

"Why didn't you?" her sister queried.

"Have you seen him? He always so intense or angry. I've never seen him laugh like he did yesterday," Hannah told her. "Plus, Granger and Weasley are always around him. It like they were his guards."

"Do you think they were trying to keep people away? Does this Granger or Weasley girl like him?" Isobel asked.

Hannah giggled. "Ron Weasley is not a girl. I can't tell if Hermione likes him or not. I just feel like they are very protective of him. I don't think they do it on purpose, not after hearing some of what he has gotten up to. I think they are just trying to be good friends. They've never tried to scare us off if Harry sits with Susie or I. Hermione is actually nice when you get to know her a little."

Isobel nodded. "Maybe he just doesn't know how to interact with others," she offered up.

Hannah nodded. "I'm not sure he does at times."

"Did you have fun yesterday with him?"

A small smile came to her face before she rubbed her elbow. "Besides being dropped by him and you being a prat, yes."

Isobel gave a soft laugh. "Glad I could help."

"You better not help today," she warned.

"I promised. I don't know if I promise about Dora though," Isie said with a playful smirk.

Her eyes went wide. "Oh, no. Dora? You don't mean Nymphadora, your old friend from Hogwarts?"

"That would be her," Isie said, mischeif all over her voice.

"Isie! No!"

"You about ready, Hannah," their mum asked, walking through her open door.

"Mum! Make Isie swear she will be good today and have her talk to her friend too!" Hannah whinged.

Their mum looked at Isobel. "Did you torture your sister and Harry after I asked you not too?"

"I wouldn't call it torture," Isobel replied.

"I don't need you making this any more stressful for your sister or that young man. Do you understand?" their mum told her twenty-one year old daughter.

"I was just trying to get them to lighten up. Merlin, does no one know how to laugh around here anymore?" Isobel put to their mum.

Her mother gave Isobel a look that made the young woman shift a little. "Go find your husband and tell him I expect him to keep you in line today."

Isobel laughed. "Robert prefers me in control," she said with a saucy smirk.

Their mum laughed. "Get out of her, Isobel. Hannah doesn't need any ideas about that yet."

Hannah looked at her sister and mum. "What do you mean?" she asked, having a good idea what her sister was hinting at.

"Isobel," her mother demanded as Isobel looked to be opening her mouth.

"Alright. Alright. I'm gone," Isobel said. Before she did, she hugged Hannah. "Harry will think you look totally hot, Goldie Locks" she whispered.

Hannah blushed. "Why do I love you again?"

"Becuase I'm cute," Isobel retorted.

Hannah laughed. Her mother was shaking her head. "I don't know where we went wrong with that girl."

"I still think she was dropped on her head a few times," Hannah replied.

"I only did that once, well, maybe a few more times," her mother said serious. Hannah laughed, knowing her mum's humour. "There's the girl I know."

Hannah looked at her mum after a moment. "Am I doing the right thing, mum?"

"I think you are doing what is right for you. Your father and I will support you. I am also starting to like Harry."

Hannah moved to hug her mum. "I like him too."

"Good. Come on." Her mum led her out of her room with an arm around her waist. Hannah hadn't realized she was now the same height as her mum.

It wasn't long before she was in the atrium of the Ministry a little before ten. Harry arrived with the Tonks a few minutes later. Mrs. Tonks was a rather tall woman with striking grey eyes, an attractive figure and light brow hair that was up in a bun. Mr. Tonks was a shorter man, close to Harry's height, and just about two inches taller than her five-foot-five frame. The man's brown eyes looked guarded today, compared to when she met him earlier this week. A woman in burgundy robes walked just behind them. She had bubblegum pink tips to her black hair, hazel-grey eyes, with a smile... there was a certain sense to her though that she could be dangerous, kind of like Harry.

Harry gave her a shy smile, his cheeks looking a little flush to see him. Hannah was sure she looked similar, thinking of the comments Isobel had made before he walked through the fireplace last night.

"Hey, you didn't have to come," Harry told her.

"I said I would," she countered.

Harry's shy smile broadened a little. She liked it. After some greetings, they found their way down to level two and into a waiting area outside a few small courtrooms. "You nervous?" Hannah asked as her parents talked with the Tonks.

"Ted said I shouldn't be," Harry told her.

She looked at him out of the corner of her eyes. "But you are? Aren't you?"

Harry shrugged. She was starting to get annoyed at that reaction. She couldn't fully understand why he was so blasé about situations like this. She was a ball of nerves inside and she wasn't the one going through the review. As though picking up on her aggravation he replied a little above a whisper, "I'm not used to being to open about my feelings. I am a little nervous."

"You don't have to hide anything with me if we are going to make this work," she whispered back.

Harry nodded. Some steps echoed down the hall. They looked up to see a shorter man in a lime-green bowler hat. It was almost the same shade of robes her mum wore to work at St. Mungo's. Next to him was a short, squat woman in black robes. They were open and showed a pink cardigan and dress skirt. Her lips pursed to see a tall man with very light blond hair and a woman with blonde hair at his side. The black cane in his hand, obviously used for the slight limp he had, was topped with a silver snake with an open mouth.

Harry stiffened, his hand going to his left arm. It was so fast, she almost missed the action. The man turned to Harry at the action, a vicious smile coming to the man's face. She put a hand on Harry's wand as she saw him start to pull his wand out.

Ted and Andromeda were already moving towards them, her parents acting startled at the scene. Lucius Malfoy and his wife were two people that she didn't like, having met them a few years ago at a Ministry gala Susan had invited her to. Draco had been absolute prat that night and his father had looked down on both of them. "What are they doing here," Mrs. Tonks just about hissed.

"After noon, Andromeda... Theodore," Lucius greeted, saying Mr. Tonks name as almost an after thought.

Dora moved next to them, blocking a clear path between them and the Malfoys. "Harry, put that away," Nymphadora commanded in a whisper.

"Oh, the Malfoys are here as interested parties in this hearing," Minister Fudge told them.

"Interested in what?" Mrs. Tonks spat at them.

"Andi, not now," Mr. Tonks said. "Minister, why would the Malfoy's be interested parties in this hearing? I was not informed as such."

"Oh, well, you know. A review of this sort needs to have all the facts and concerns properly addressed. With Harry having issues at home, the WCS thought it prudent to ask all family Harry has left to attend," the Minister said.

"We are his family, and would have been if not for the..." Mrs. Tonks started and stopped when Mr. Tonks put a hand on her arm.

Harry hadn't put his wand away, still having it drawn about half-way out of the sleeve. She squeezed his arm. "Harry, you will get into trouble doing anything here," she whispered to him. He didn't look away from the Malfoys. The muscles in his arm were bulging and tight. She couldn't remember feeling a body as tight and hard as his.

"Thank you, Minister Fudge. I am sure that my offices were notified of the change in scope of the hearing when I get back? I would have preferred to review the new agenda. I assume this is all above board as well? I would hate to have to petition the Wizengamot for a review of this review," Mr. Tonks replied.

The smirk didn't dissapear from Mr. Malfoy's face. Fudge, on the other hand, looked a little shrewdly. "I am sure all the proper paperwork was sent. I am sorry that you were not as studious as others that got the summon to this hearing, Mr. Tonks."

Mr. Tonks inclined his head. "I assure you, Minister Fudge, there was no missive in my office as of five last night. It is required, per Wizengamot law, to receive such no later than twenty-four hours before such a hearing. That would have been ten yesterday morning."

Fudge waived his hand. "I am sure that was done. I am not part of the DMLE, Mr. Tonks. Now, if you excuse me."

Lucius nodded at them. His wife not doing more than looking down her nose. The men walking in. "What was that?" her father asked.

"Trouble. Dora, can you go floo Madeline and make sure nothing was delivered from the Ministry?" Mr. Tonks asked.

"Sure, dad," she said, walking away.

"What is my sister and her arse of a husband up to," Mrs. Tonks fumed.

Harry still had his wand half-way out and his muscles were so tight she was getting concerned for him. "Harry, it will be alright."

"Ted, what does this mean?" Harry asked.

"I'm not sure, but I think the Minister is trying something. He should not be involved in a hearing like this," Mr. Tonks replied. "George and Audrey, it may be better for you to take Hannah back and meet us at our house later."

"I am not leaving Harry," Hannah said firmly. What type of person would she be if she left her future-husband like that? Or where they boyfriend and girlfriend? She could figure it out with him later.

"I agree with my daughter. We are an interested party now," her mother spoke up.

Her father looked at her for a moment before standing taller. Unlike her mother and her, he was a Ravenclaw. Her mother instantly got her solidarity with Harry. Her father always did the right thing, just not always right away. "We will stay, Ted. Harry will be family within the next few years. We would recognize him as such now."

Harry let out a long breath, his muscles finally loosening. That was until the voice of their Headmaster came to them. "Ah, Harry, it is so good to see you."

"Good morning, Headmaster. I assume you are another person of concern for me?" Harry replied.

"Headmaster, there is no need for you to be here," Mr. Tonks replied.

"Ah, but there is," the man started.

Harry stood, then turned to offer her a hand. "There is no concern for you to be here. Ted, I want to go sit inside."

"We should wait until we are called, Harry," Mr. Tonks said.

"You're services are not needed. I have not authorized anyone to work with Harry," the Headmaster said.

"You do not need too. Mr. Potter has retained by services," Mr. Tonks said.

"Mr. Potter is incapable of retaining your services," Dumbledore countered.

"Will someone tell me what is going on here? I thought this was just a simple hearing to clear an underage use of magic that Harry didn't even do," her father asked.

Harry gave a mirthless chuckle. "Nothing is ever easy for me. Mr. Tonks, can we please?"

"Sure, Harry. George, you and your family should take up in the family section with Andromeda. We will explain everything later," Ted told them.

Harry felt ready to have his hand dive for his wand again. She felt how taught he was again as she put a hand on his arm again.

The Headmaster sighed. "Theodore, please step aside and let me handle this."

"If you step a foot on that floor to do anything except what you are called upon, I will have you arrested," Mrs. Tonks threatened.

Harry moved her to her parents. She didn't miss that he stood between her and their Headmaster. She was starting to wonder how much Harry hadn't told her to be so defensive and quick to grab for his wand?

"Andromeda..."

"Good morning, George and Audrey. Ted, what are you doing here," she heard Madam Bones asked surprised. Hannah turned to see the redhead that was greying at the temples. She noticed Madam Bones was carrying a satchel. "Albus," she added, sounding not as pleased.

"Are you sitting in on this as well, Amelia," Mr. Tonks asked.

"A notice went out yesterday that a case requiring the Head of the WCS and DMLE was required," she replied.

"All for a simple hearing to clear my name?" Harry asked incredulously.

The Headmaster sighed. "If you had just let me handle this to begin with."

"This has been no thanks to you," Mrs. Tonks retorted. "Ted, we should go in."

Mr. Tonks nodded.

"Theodore," Dumbledore said again.

"Amelia, is Albus Dumbledore listed on the allowed persons for this hearing?" Mr. Tonks asked.

"I really need to know know what is happening," her father whispered to her mum.

"George, later," her mum said.

Hannah moved her hand down, sliding it into Harry's hand. She knew it was too soon, but she wanted him to calm down. Harry looked away from the confrontation and looked at her, a look of total shock on his face. She gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "I'll be waiting for you when this is over."

Harry squeezed her hand back. "Thank you," he said.

Her parents got their attention and they started to move towards the courtroom.

"I'm sorry, Albus, but you are no longer the Chief Warlock and you are not the list," Madam Bones was saying.

That shocked her and Harry wiped his head around.

"That is a temporary thing. I am only on suspension for the time being," the Headmaster replied.

Ted came up besides him. "Harry, please come with me."

Harry let her hand go and she felt she wanted it back, surprising herself at her need.

She watched them go up to a desk with three chairs. "I will call the Aurors if you try to enter. Now, please excuse me. I have duties that I need to get to," she heard Susan's aunt say. She went over to join Mrs. Tonks with her parents. Looking around the small courtroom, she was wondering if this was normal for a hearing like this. The Malfoys were sitting down the end of the row of twelve seats they were in. On the other side of the door sat two Healers in lime-green robes and two woman in yellow robes.

"Mum, who are those people," she asked.

"Wizard Child Services."

"Why are they here?"

"I don't know. I don't understand why Master Healer Ramsey and Healer Cotes are here," her mum replied.

She was even more concerned to see eight people at the raised table at the front of the room. Minister Fudge, Madam Bones, four people in Wizengamot robes and another two in nice robes. Hannah was getting a pit in her stomach, feeling concerned. Her hands clutch each other and she started to wring them. Why would she be so worried for him already?"

"It will all work out," her mum told her.

A gavel sounded at the table. A man in a black robes pulled in the attention of everyone. "We are all here today to go over the case of Mr. Harry Potter, of 4 Privet Dr., Little Whinging, Surrey, England," the man said.

Mr. Tonks stood up. "I request an oath or obliviation from everyone here. Sensitive information about an underage wizard has just been made public about a place Mr. Potter has lived."

"This is all public record," the man said.

"Under Wizengamot rulings in 1867, 1923, 1947 and 1990, addresses of underage wizards shall not be published unless they are clear of the trace and the restriction of underage magic. Is this court saying my client has been given these leans?" Mr. Tonks said.

The man looked to Fudge. She didn't understand that. Fudge was glaring at Mr. Tonks. After a moment, the Minister nodded.

"I object to this," Mr. Malfoy said standing up.

"Mr. Malfoy has no standing in this hearing. He is not the subject of the hearing nor is he Mr. Potters Solicitor or Council," Mr. Tonks said quickly.

The man at the center of the table didn't look pleased. "Mr. Malfoy, your objection is not heard. Solicitor Tonks is correct. Everyone in this room that did not already know this shall take an oath."

"I refuse," Mr. Malfoy said haughtily.

"Then I shall call in an Auror and Obliviator Squad," Madam Bones said, reaching for something on the table.

The man didn't look pleased.

"Now, now. Head Bones, we don't need to do that. I think Mr. Malfoy can take an oath," the Minister said.

"Let's just get this done with," the man in the middle said.

Hannah leaned into her mum. "Who is that man in the middle?"

"I don't know," her mum whispered back.

It took a few minutes for the oath to be agreed upon. A very sour looking Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy made the oath reluctantly. The blue glow of their wands indicated they all made the same oath.

"Now, to get to the hearing. Head of the Misuse of Magic Department, Reginald Kinkirk, is presiding over these hearing. Today we are reviewing an incedent of illegal underage use of magic of Mr. Harry Potter on the day of the thrity-first of July, nineteen-hundred and ninety-two. Magic was detected to be used at 8:03 PM that evening. Mr. Potters guardian acknowledge the use and a warning was given to Mr. Potter. We are here to hear a protest to this ruling," the man in the middle said.

"Given the fact Mr. Potter's Guardian has already admitted his guilt and payed the ten galleon fine, I must say I am confused why this is being contests at this time?"

"Head Kinkirk, I have evidence that the person to claim magical guardianship of Mr. Potter did not have the right and it was not Mr. Potter that did the magic. If a hearing was called, it would have come out," Mr. Tonks said.

Madam Bones was leafing through the paperwork. "I am confused, Mr. Tonks. This paperwork was signed by Albus Dumbledore. He was recognized as the legal guardian of Harry Potter at the time of this complaint. Though, it very unusual that there was not hearing and the admittance of guilt and paying the fine occured with two hours of the detection."

"That is some of my argument, Madam Bones. My department policy..." Mr. Tonks said, pulling out a booklet.

"I am sure this is well and truly interesting, but Mr. Potter has acknowledged of being guilty," Fudge said.

"I didn't do it. Dobby the House Elf did," Harry blurted and silence as a look from Mr. Tonks.

Lucius Malfoy sneered. "Are you accusing me of using my house elf to go after you?"

Harry looked to be going for his wand again. The Healers shifted as though they were ready to act on something. Mr. Tonks put a hand on Harry's arm before turning to Mr. Malfoy. He was beat to saying to anything by Minister Fudge. "No one is accusing anyone of anything."

"I will not be slandered that way," Mr. Malfoy spoke up. Mrs. Malfoy looked like she was trying to not be embarrassed.

The gavel banged. "Mr. Malfoy, you are here as a visitor and person of interest to the outcome of this case. You will refrain from talking until called on." There was a clearing of the throat by Minister Fudge. "As for you, Mr. Potter, you will not slander anyone of this courtroom."

"Mr. Potter is not slandering anyone or accusing anyone. I have a sworn testimony by Mr. Potter, overseen by a Senior Auror, detailing what happened that night. We also have been in contact with a House Elf named Dobby. He was at Mr. Potter's residence that night of his own free will to warn Mr. Potter not to go back to Hogwarts that year," Mr. Tonks said. "All this evidence was filed on Wednesday."

The Head of the Misuse of Magic office looked dubiously at Mr. Tonks and rifled through his paperwork. "I have no record of this."

"I do, Head Kinkirk. I have a record of what was dropped off at the DMLE Law offices and a copy of one with a stamp of receivership from the MMD," Madam Bones said.

"I still fail to see what relevance all this has on the case," Fudge spat out. "The boy has admitted his guilt and had been shown to be a liar. I move to have him evaluated. There have been to many tall storied from Harry Potter to be true. Not to mention his illegal entry into the Triwizard Tournament."

Harry was about to shout out when Mr. Tonks stopped him. "Minister Fudge, there is not evidence of your allegations and I question your place on this council given the allegations against you and the way the Ministry is slandering Mr. Potter."

Fudge bristeled. "Lies! I say we have the WCS take Mr. Potter right now and have him evaluated."

"For what! Mr. Potter is hear to clear his record, not prove other baseless accusations," Mr Tonks said, standing up at at the table.

"Listen, that boy caused Diggory's death and is clearly delusion from the stress of last year," Fudge yelled back, standing up.

"The Malfoys are ready to take Mr. Potter once it is shown he is in an unstable environment," Mr. Malfoy said.

"No," Hannah gasped.

Harry pulled his wand, looking terrified for a second before looking determined that wouldn't happen. A cannon shot sounded out in the courtroom and she screamed, covering her ears.

"Mr. Potter, put that wand away unless you want me to confiscate it. Mr. Tonks, what allegations are you talking about slander against Mister Potter and the Ministry?" Madam Bones said.

"I filed the case work Monday on behalf of Mr. Potter. Mr. Potter is still under seventeen and is protected under the slander laws passed by the Wizengamot in nineteen-eighty-two. All persons under that age can not be cast in a negative light in the media without their guardians permission. I believe that was a bill Mr. Malfoy sponsored," Mr. Tonks said in a business like tone.

"I have not received anything like that. Now, onto what we are here for..." the Minister Fudge started.

"There is a conflict of interest here, Head Bones, Head Kinkirk. Minister Fudge is named as the lead defendant in that case. I believe the last time such a case came to court, the Daily Prophet was required to give an undisclosed amount of stock to Mr. Malfoy," Mr. Tonks said.

Mr. Malfoy stood up. "I will not be accused of illegal activities."

"I did not hear any accusations, Mr. Malfoy," Madam Bones spoke up. "I remember being on the Wizengamot for that case. Minister, if you are accused of slander of an underaged minor, then you must recuse yourself. And Mr. Malfoy, one more unfounded accusation against your person and I will charge you for slander today."

Mr. Malfoy looked to be controlling his anger before he sat. She thought she caught a smirk on Mrs. Tonks face, then it was as impassive as before. Harry was upset, but he had put his wand away and was following the verbal ping pong, like everyone else.

"This perposterous! I am the Minister of Magic and have a right to sit on this board," Fudge blustered.

"If Mr. Fudge will not leave the board, then I demand this hearing be called and rescheduled when an impartial board can be found. I will also demand that I be given a full outline of the hearing before that date. Minister Fudge indicated that an update to the scope of this hearing was sent yesterday. My law offices were not notified and we were listed as Mr. Potter's Solcitors," Mr. Tonks said.

"A letter was sent and received by Mr. Potter's guardian yesterday," Head Kinkirk said, holding of a parchment.

Mr. Tonks reached for his own. "That is funny. I have a certified record from Gringotts and the Department of Records in the DMLE that Mr. Potter was emancipated on October thiryt-first, nineteen-ninety-four. Are you saying that the Ministry has been sending legally binding documents to a person Mr. Potter has not named as his solicitor or person of note?"

There was some shuffling around the room. Minister Fudge, who was red with anger, now went white. Mr. Malfoy and his wife got up. She pressed into her mother as they walked out of the courtroom. "I'm sorry, Mr. Tonks, but what do you mean Mr. Potter is emancipated?" one of the men in Wizengamot robes asked.

"Mr. Potter was emancipated when the judges and the Ministry recognized the entry of Mr. Potter into the Triwizard Tournament. He did not start receiving any of his legally entitled mail until the day after his fifteenth birthday this summer. Now it seems someone is illegally receiving his mail," Mr. Tonks said. "Madam Bones, I would like to file for an investigation into this."

Fudge moved his mouth for a moment, "If Potter is emancipated, then there is no slander case."

"Minister, I would recommend you stay quiet," Madam Bones said. "Head Kinkirk, if Mr. Tonks, who is Mr. Potter's solicitor, did not receive the proper paperwork, I call we adjourn for now and reschedule for next week. I would also recommend that you call for an investigation into why Mr. Potter has not received mail. The DMLE will act on the request as soon as we receive it."

Head Kinkirk looked panicked. He looked between Minister Fudge and Madam Bones. Minister Fudge, still looking a little white stood up. "I... recuse myself..." he said, then walked around the table and past Harry and Mr. Tonks.

"Head Bones suggestions are adopted. We shall reconvene next Friday, August eighteenth," Head Kinkirk said.

"Before we adjourn?" Mr. Tonks queried. When he was acknowledge, he went on. "I would like to know why the WCS and Healers from St. Mungo's are present?"

Head Kinkirk pursed his lips. "I shall include that in the next notice."

"Thank you, Head Kinkirk. I would also petition this review board to strip all records of Mr. Albus Dumbledore as Harry's magical guardian and request all legal documents that Mr. Dumbledore has signed for Mr. Potter. We have evidence that Mr. Dumbledore is not Mr. Potter's legal guardian," Mr. Tonks said.

Madam Bones was looking at them. Her face and body did not look happy. She had only seen Madam Bones that upset the one time Susan and her tried to floo call someone when they were eight and they called a bar in Knockturn Alley instead of Hannah's mum. "What evidence?"

"I plan to file once I have had time to review all the documentation, but my law firm has identified thirty-three records that were sealed by the Wizengamot and/or Cheif Warlock between October thirty-first, nineteen-eight-one and as recently as three months ago," Mr. Tonks said.

There were many at the table that shifted uncomfortably. Madam Bones looked down the table. "Mr. Tonks, I shall take personal responsibility for reviewing such documents and seek approval to release them to you if they pertain to Mr. Potter."

Mr. Tonks inclined his head. "Thank you, Head Bones."

Head Kinkirk looked almost as pale as Minister Fudge had. "Is there... is there anything else?"

"Not that I know. I have the request, in writting, as required. Shall I leave them with this board or bring them directly to your office, Madam Bones?" Mr. Tonks queried.

"I think it best you bring it by my offices in about twenty minutes," Madam Bones replied.

Just after that, the hearing was postponed until next Friday. She leaned into her mum as they stood up. "Did Harry get cleared," she asked confused.

"Not yet, but I think there are going to be some bigger things," her mum answered.

Harry looked a little confused himself as they walked towards the doors. He looked have been asking the same question. Mr. Tonks was explaining, "I don't know what games they were trying, but it was obvious the Malfoys wanted custody of you. Let me look over the paperwork I am sure I will get on Monday before I conjecture on anything else."

"Uhm, sure," Harry said.

She fell in just behind them as they continued talking. When they walked out the door, several reporters and camera men were there. She felt like a deer in headlights. If this was what it was going to be like to be with Harry Potter, she wasn't sure she wasn't better as a squib. That thought died quickly though. She liked her magic too much.

Hannah just wasn't sure how she was going to handle all this.

She was also too much a Hufflepuff to give up on Harry. Obviously, he needed people around him to support him.

It was also starting to make sense why he acted the way he did at times.

-oOo-

Later that day...

Wimborne, England

Harry sat in the swing that Ted had hung in a tree for Dora when she was younger. He lazily pushed himself as he as he looked out over the fields. The town of Wimborne could be seen in the distance. Harry had a thought if he would ever got to see the Wasps play.

His mind was going over everything that had happened earlier today.

Out of everything, the fact the Malfoy's were trying to get custody of him was the scariest. Harry had no delusions that within five minutes he would be kneeling before Voldemort, waiting to die.

As he thought about that, he heard someone scuff a foot on a root. Looking at his watch, he said, "I'll be in a few. I know the Abbotts will be here in about fifteen minutes," he said to whomever was there.

"We actually came a little early," the voice of Hannah came to him.

Harry let a small smile come to his face for a few seconds. "I wasn't sure you would want to come over this afternoon after this morning."

She came into view and leaned against the tree. She was wearing a sleeveless, yellow summer dress with floral patterns. Harry had thought her cute in the witches robes she had on earlier, but found he liked her like more. She was still wearing the yellow gemmed badger in her hair. Harry thought it suited her. "Is your life always this chaotic?"

He let out a snort of mirth. "Welcome to my life," he snarked.

She frowned. "It can't be all bad?"

"I enjoyed yesteday," he told her, having had a good time, besides her sister.

Hannah gave a small smile. "I did too. Though I'll be happy once my sister goes back to Ireland."

Harry chuckled, his neck heating some. Thanks to her sister, all he had was dreams of the blonde before him in various states of undress last night. He had rush into the shower this morning. "Yeah. You love her though, don't you?"

Hannah shook her head. "Against my better judgement, yeah, I do."

Harry chuckled again, obviously hearing how much she cared for the woman that Harry was calling Hurricane Isobel, even if Hannah was being sarcastic. Isobel had left a wake of destruction in their day whenever they met yesterday. "It would be nice to have family like that," he found himself confessing before he caught himself.

Hannah regarded him for a few. "I'm still sorry about your cousin."

Harry just nodded, having come to the conclusion he was sad that a relative died, but he wasn't going to mourn the little whale. "He wasn't really a nice person," Harry said. When she didn't respond he went on, apparently really needing someone to talk to. "He was a really bad person, actually. He didn't deserve to be kissed though. No one deserves that."

"Are you alright from earlier today?" Hannah enquired.

"Sure," Harry replied. When she didn't look impressed he added, "It's not the worst thing to ever happen. Far from it. Ted says that I can't be forced to live with anyone, so I won't have to call Draco my brother anytime soon."

Her eyes became concerned. "I can't believe that he wanted to do that."

"They still want to. They put in a petition with the WCS. Luckily I am emancipated, or there might be a chance," Harry told her.

"Oh," she replied.

After a moment, Harry realized he wasn't being a gentleman. "Do you want the swing," he asked, getting up.

She gave him a small smile. "If you are offering."

He moved to the side and she moved to the swing, tucking her dress under her bottom as she sat. Harry liked the motion. "Would you push me?"

Harry felt a little apprehensive, but moved behind her and pushed her by putting his hands over hers where she had grabbed the rope. He didn't push hard, finding he enjoyed touching her hands and wanted her back as fast as he could. "Dad used to push me and Isobel when we were younger. Isie always wanted to go higher and faster."

"Do you?" He asked.

She shook her head. "I like this."

Harry did too.

"I'm sorry about my sister yesterday," she told him as he watched the bottom of her dress flutter in the wind as she swung.

"I really didn't mean to drop you," he replied.

She leaned her head back to look at him upside down. "That hurt."

"I wasn't trying to," Harry commented.

She giggled. "Next time, don't let me climb on your lap."

Harry had the thought he would like her to climb on his lap again. "I'll try to stop you, but you were such a cute kitten."

She gave him a small glare. "You just liked me rubbing all over you," she snarked back before some colour came to her face as she seemed to realize what she said.

"Maybe," he answered, trying to keep his own heat out of his face.

Hannah sat up, getting her hair in his face. He had to splutter it out of his mouth before she swung away again. Hannah giggled nervously.

"Hannah, are you sure you want go through with this. Today was tame for my life. I can't promise you that it won't be worse. I have an insane Dark Lord after me," Harry said.

When she came back, she used her hands to grab his and stop. She swung a little wildly, pulling him along as he hadn't expected it. She gave out a little squeal before he was pressed into her back. She was holding his hands for dear life as he had grabbed the rope. After a second she started to laugh. He liked the laugh. "Remind me not to do that again."

Harry gave a nervous chuckle. "Sure."

After a few seconds, she shifted so she could look over her shoulder. "We decided that would give this a chance. I am not going to run at the first sign of trouble. Are you?"

Harry regarded her for a moment before giving a smirk. "I tend to run towards the trouble."

She gave another nervous giggle. "I've noticed."

They looked at each other for a moment. Harry sighed. "If we are going to do this, can I take you on a date at some point? That is what I'm supposed to do, right?" he asked a little unsure.

A smile came over her face that had his insides squirm. "A date would be nice."

He smiled back. "Let me talk to Andromeda and Ted, see what they say about where might be safe. I am thinking somewhere in the Muggle world."

"That would be brilliant," she replied.

There was something about being so close, her back pressing against his front, a slight flowery smell from her, her smiling lips looking shiny and...

"Wotcher, you two. You coming in or are you going to stay out here and snog all day," Dora suddenly called out.

Harry scrunched his face. Hannah groaned.

"You want a new cousin?" Harry offered to Hannah.

"I'm all set. I'm still trying to get rid of a sister," Hannah snarked

"Yeah, you can have her," Harry retorted.

They both chuckled after a second and he helped her stand by taking her hand. Harry had seen people do that before and thought it a good thing to do. Hannah didn't let go of his hand as they walked back into the house.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 4

-oOo-

August 12, 1995

London, England

"Dear, are you alright? Do I need to call the Healers," a concerned Margret Fudge asked to look at her husband. He was holding the Daily Prophet in his hands and looked way to red.

He sputtered. "Not right in the head! Flauting laws like a dictator!"

She looked very concerned. "Cornelius?"

She knew he was under alot of pressure right now and had seems obsessed with Dumbledore and Harry Potter. She didn't believe the boy either, but obviously he needed help and she felt more sympathy for the poor boy to go through what he had, than angry at him.

Cornelius mouth twerked between a snarl and a frown.

"Excuse me, Margaret. I need to go into the office for a bit," he told her.

"But Franklin is coming over later with Gertrude and Wendy," she said, always happy to see her son and grandchildren.

"I am not sure when I will be back. Give them all my love," he said distractedly.

She watched in concern as he went up the stairs, obviously to get dressed for the day. Wanting to know what had gotten him so upset, she picked up the paper.

-o-

Ministry served for slander against Harry Potter. The Boy-Who-Lived Emancipated

By Francis Franco

The Daily Prophet was recently served a cease and desist order in regards to some disparaging remarks published about Harry Potter. At first the Editorial staff and board got a good laugh, thinking the Boy-Who-Lived was just having another fit about truthful remarks validated by the Ministy of Magic and the Minister himself. That was until it was found that the Ministry and the Minister had been served the same order. This fact was made real when several Aurors appeared yesterday to arrest our Senior Editor, Barnabus Cuff, for violating the order.

After a hearing about underage magic for the Boy-Who-Lived yesterday, it was made clear the boy is suffering from a mental breakdown and stress from a tournament he was unwillingly entered into. A concerned citizen, who had been hoping to take Mr. Potter in to help him recover, Mr. Lucius Malfoy was quoted as saying, "It is clear that Mr. Potter is delusion after the stress he was put under."

To have such an upstanding member of our society, and board here at the Daiy Prophet, we feel obligated to apologize to Mr. Potter for adding to the stress and obvious mental breakdown the savior of our world has been experiencing. We wish him a fast and expedient recovery.

As for the slander campaign that seems to emanate from the Minister of Magic office, we feel deeply concerned...

-o-

Margaret sighed. "Cornelius, you didn't," she muttered, knowing her husband was one to react rather vehemently against anyone that threatened him. As much of a Slytherin the man was, she found him to be getting rather reactive lately. It was different than the very ambitious, sly man she had falling in love with almost forty years ago when they were in school. She figured it was just stress from a hard campaign against the popular Augusta Longbottom and being Minister.

She still loved him. He was a good father, lover and man... that was before he set his sites on becoming Minister about six years ago. Perhaps she should floo Narcissa? Maybe Lucius could find a way to help Cornelius again. The Malfoys had become good friends in the last six years.

She continued reading. The accusations and the way her husband and Albus Dumbledore were treated had her very concerned. She would have to call Narcissa about ten. That would be the earliest it was polite to on a Saturday. She didn't think this that much of an emergency. Cornelius had weathered far worse articles than this.

-oOo-

August 14, 1995

London, England

"Good morning, Mr. Tonks," Melanie said as he walked into the door.

"Good morning, Melanie. Make sure you have an open hour or so about ten. I plan to have you file some more paperwork at the Ministry," he said to her.

"I'll add it to the stack Mr. Dowty has," she said.

He nodded. "Oh, I also want to make sure the wards are working today," he mentioned. She nodded. Ted then walked towards his desk. Robert was back from a two week holiday. He held up a copy of the mornings Daily Prophet. "I see you've been busy while I'm gone?"

Ted gave the man a little smile. "New client. Andromeda has a special interest in him and I never like to disappoint my wife."

The older man chuckled. Where Ted had continued his mostly daily workouts and other exercises over the years to stay in shape for his beautiful wife, Robert had let him go. Being almost twenty-years older than Ted probably had some to do with it too. The man was mostly bald with a double-chin and was probably three or four stones more than he should be. Ted knew that to mistake the man for old and soft was a mistake though. His bright hazel eyes showed the intelligent his partner still had. Where Ted mostly handled cases like Harry and family matters, Robert was excellent in financial, contract and heritage matters. The man knew more about laws than Ted did.

Robert chuckled at Ted. "Harry Potter? What did he do to have you go after the Minister like this?"

"I am not going after the Minister. I am just making sure the laws are working in our client's interest," Ted said, putting his bag down.

"Well it sure seems that way, though the Daily Prophet did seem to leave you out of all this mess. I'm not sure that is a good thing or bad not to have our name in here," Robert said, looking back down at the paper.

"I prefer to fly under the radar until we don't have too," Ted commented, taking out the paperwork he had taken home to work on.

Robert looked up at him. "Is that a muggle saying?"

"It is. Muggled have a system they can see planes and other things in the sky even if your eye can't. They call it radar. To fly under it means you are being stealthy," Ted explained.

Robert shook his head. "One of these days I'll understand everything you say," the older pureblood wizard did.

"We can go eat in London today. There is an excellent fish fry not to far away," Ted offered.

"I'm too old to do that. Besides, I don't have clothes like you," Robert said.

Ted shrugged. "Your loss, Robert. Do you have anything you need me to work on today?"

"Give me a few days to get through my mail and paperwork. I don't have any appointments until next week," Robert replied.

"Just let me know," Ted offered.

"Mr. Tonks," Melanie said. He looked up to see an owl on her desk.

"Who is it from?"

"One is from Madam Bones, the other from the Misuse of Magic Office," she said, taking two envelopes from the owl.

He raised an eyebrow. Those had come much earlier in the day than he expected. Friday and the articles over the weekend must have rattled some in the Ministry. All he had done was serve the Daily Prophet, the Minister and a few other departments with a Cease and Desist order from the DMLE about the slander case involving Harry. Internally he was chuckling. He knew this would cause a beehive of activity.

He was also chuckling that Andromeda was flexing her old family connections as well. She did not care for her Black ancestry, but her grandfather had not the heart to truly cast her out of the family and left her regent of the House until Sirius Black could take over. That was until Sirius went to jail.

As he thought about it, he spoke, "Robert, I have a inheritance case I need you to look into as soon as you can this week."

"Hmmmm, what is that?" Robert said, still looking at the paper.

Ted got up to get the letters.

"Andromeda was named regent of House Black, but never allowed to take over Head of House. We always thought it was part of the Black blood rules, but I am not as sure now. Could you look into that? Probably find the trial records of Sirius Black. That should have stripped him of Head of House and she would not like the Malfoy's to find a way to claim it," he said to his partner.

Robert looked up at him. "Why wouldn't you have take care of that years ago? Didn't Black go to Azkaban just after the Potter's were killed?"

"Thank you, Melanie," Ted said, taking the letters. Turning back to Robert, he said, "I thought it was, but I never thought to go back and take a look. I was a rather young solicitor at the time and I have not specialized in inheritance law."

Robert gave him a discerning look. "That doesn't sound like you, Ted. I've always found you to be very thorough and an excellent manipulator," the man complimented, holding up the Prophet.

The Prophet was still trying to make amends for all the bad publicity they had given Harry Potter over the last year or so, mostly to avoid a hefty fine or to give up stock and a seat on their board. Lucius Malfoy and Robert Parkinson had done that a few years back, effectively taking control of the paper, and that had been for some minor infractions. If the law was to be followed, Harry could look to have a controlling interest in the paper in the not to distant future, for the amount of slander and other falsities they had published.

Ted was amused to see Malfoy's own law being used against him.

"I do miss things at times and Andi hasn't wanted to really advertise that. Her younger sister, Narcissa, still thinks Draco is the rightful heir. Andi will never sign off on that, but if Sirius Black was never stripped of his priveledges over his house, then there might be a contest over who is the rightful heir since Sirius was not the one make her regent," Ted replied.

"I understand. I'll start looking into it. Melanie, can you send off a letter to Account Manager Gutrot at Gringotts to request an appointment this week and then another to Dedlas Diggle. Tell him I have a research job for him," Robert said.

Ted shook his head. "Not Diggle. Not right now. Dora says the man works with Dumbledore and I don't want him knowing anything about this right now."

Robert raised an eyebrow. "You know I don't like such high profile issues?"

"I know. This is all family business. Harry Potter is Andi's third cousin. Sirius Black is her first cousin. I don't trust anyone else to handle this, Robert," Ted said to the man.

After a moment, Robert nodded his head. Sixteen years as partners instilled a certain friendship, and when it involved either of their families, then they would both help each other as best they could. "Alright. How do you feel about Francis Midgen then?"

"I think that a good idea," Ted replied.

"Melanie..."

"Already on it, Mr. Dowty," she replied from her desk.

Robert smiled. "Best Legal Assistant you have ever found."

"Why do you think I give her bonuses every month? I would hate to see her go," Ted sound. Melanie sat a little taller. The two men knew they needed her. She was very good and paid very well for her job.

With that, Ted settled into his desk and opened the letters.

-oOo-

August 15, 1995

Cliff End, England

Hannah was happy to have Susie give her a hug when she came through the floo to Ocean View. Susan and her aunt lived in a newer house on the edge of the channel. It was a stone cottage her Madam Bones had bought after Grace Hall, in London, had been burned to the ground the night her parents had been killed. It had two floor, three bedrooms and a handful of rooms. It was about half the size of the small manor Hannah lived in. Ocean View had two things that Abbot Hall didn't: a private beach down the cliffs and an inground swimming pool the muggles had put in before the house was bought. Thus, it was the favorite spot for the two friends to go, especially on a rare day with full sun and the temperature nearing a rare twenty-eight degrees.

Susie laughed. "Since when do you hug me every time you see me?"

Hannah pulled back, glaring at Susie. "Since I need it, you bint."

Susie laughed. "Is it that bad?"

Hannah got a small smile to her face. "I don't think so. He's going to take me on a date tomorrow. Do you know what a movie is? All the times my parents and I have been to the muggle world, I have never heard of that," she said, knowing her mum mainly took Hannah to some restaurants and stores. Muggle fashion was so much better than most of what was in Diagon Alley. Susan came on many of those trips.

"Not a clue," Susan replied. "So, things going well?"

Hannah let out a sigh. "I think so. He's got a good sense of humor, and I like when he smiles or laughs, but Susie, I don't think many of those rumors were actually rumors."

They started to walk towards Susan's room. She wanted to get outside, but couldn't change into her bikini at the house. Mum didn't mind, dad did. Susan gave her a quirked eye. "Which ones? There have been so many."

Hannah sighed. Walking into Susie's room, she shucked her shirt and then her bra. They had been friends and dormmates for so long, it didn't matter if they were nude before each other. "I think he did kill Quirrell, but in self defense. Slytherin's monster was a basilisk. I don't know how big it was, but it sounds like it was huge. There is also something abiout Sirius Black but I don't know what. Did you know Black is his godfather and was listed as his guardian? How is that possible if he was sent to Azkaban? I don't know how I would take it if I found out the man that was said to have led You-Know-Who to my parents was my godfather."

Susie blinked a few times. "You are sure he isn't delusional?" Susie questioned.

Hannah gave a nervous laugh. "I wish. I find myself believing it all."

Susan laughed. "You have it worse than I thought," she said, moving to Hannah's back and tieing the straps of her top for her.

Hannah blushed a little. "He is really cute when he smiles and actually looks happy."

"Maybe we should invite him over here. I bet his smile will be really cute to see you in that bikini," Susie teased as Hannah put her bottoms on.

Hannah moved the mirror Susie had, looking herself up and down. It was a modest bikini, with a wide bottom that covered her rather well. She wasn't showing off everything. "You think I'm that good looking?"

Susie laughed, taking off her own clothes now. She was already in her own bikini. "I think he will be drooling."

She gave Susie a raised brow. Looking at the redhead, she thought Susie was the better looking. Her chest was a little bigger than hers. Her waist a little narrower. The freckles that lightly spattered Susies skin, especially just above her crotch and chest, had been highly regarded by boys at the beach they went to in July. She knew boys had looked at her too, but she felt they were mostly looking at Susie. Hannah thought her wider hips, the more gently curve of her waist and back side were not as attractive. She was fit though, and her chest wasn't small, just not as large as Susie's.

"I'm not that good looking," Hannah said.

Susie giggled. "Hannah, when are you going to realize you aren't that little girl that used to wear pig tails all the time? You are just as hot as I am."

Hannah gave a little grin. "You really think he would like to come over?"

"Ask him tomorrow. I'll ask Auntie tonight," Susan told her. "He won't know what to do once he sees you like that."

Hannah bit her lip. "Merlin, Susie. I like him, but am I ready for him?"

Susie looked at her for a moment. "What do you mean, Hannah? You don't mean you are already ready for him to get into those cute bikini bottoms."

Hannah turned and hit her friend lightly on the arm. "SUSIE! I am getting that enough from Isie! I don't need it from you."

Susie laughed. "Why not? He's going to have to do that at some point anyways."

Hannah flushed, her obvious anger and embarrassment vissible all the way down to the cleft of her chest visible in her bikini. "I hate you all! I only meant how he is always getting into trouble. I told you what happened Friday. He just said it was tame. If that hearing was tame, I don't know how I will handle it when it isn't. I was a ball of nerves."

Susan looked mollified. "Hannah, I didn't mean anything bad by it. You know I will be there whenever you need and we saw what he went through last year and you fell for him anyways. Why is this different now?"

Hannah pursed her lips. "I don't know," she said after a moment.

"Do you want to walk away from this?" Susan asked. "Maybe auntie could find a way to help."

"No," Hannah said in a low voice. "I really like him."

Susie looked at her for a moment. "You really are falling for him, aren't you? It's only been a little over a week."

Hannah's flush was less this time. "Did I tell you how hot he was when he got upset with my father? It was a seven foot tall, corporeal patronus, Susie. As annoyed it was, I've never felt joy like that."

Susie got a little grin on her face. "And how hot did you get?"

They all knew that witches could be attracted to wizards of great power, and vice versa. It was magic's way of finding good matches at times.

Hannah had a small smirk on her face. "I can't wait for him to finally snog me so I can show him."

Susie laughed. "Slag," she said affectionately.

Hannah's grin didn't fall. "I want some sun. Let's go outside."

"Sure. Harry is coming over before we go back to Hogwarts," Susie demanded.

"How about we invite Kevin too?"

Susie bit her lip. "Maybe."

"Who is chicken now?" Hannah teased.

-oOo-

Later that day...

Wimborne, England

Harry was at the swing again. He had bulled through much of his summer work this week. He had convinced himself he had done that because he didn't have to worry about the Dursley's stopping him, and it was nice to get some help from Adromeda, Ted and his his annoying cousin. Deep down Harry knew he had finished his work because Hannah has said she had and he felt a little need to prove himself to her. She was putting her faith in him without really knowing him, and had been very nice to talk with. He also liked how much she made him laugh. It made so many other things seem lighter. her hand in his was also warm...

Slowly pushing himself, he found this a good place to think, or just enjoy the fields around them. Today a muggle farmer was driving his tractor through a field after cutting the hay. Another fields held sheep there were grazing on the grass.

"Wotcher," Dora called out to him. Though, Dora was pretty funny at times, she was definitely annoying too.

"Hey, Dora." It seemed only a very few people could call her Dora. She wanted most to call her Tonks, and it was only her mother that could call her Nymphadora without getting their head torn off.

"Dad said someone came into his offices today wanting to see you. You interested?" Dora asked. "He said it's a cute brunette."

He turned to look at her. "Frizzy hair?"

"Not sure. Dad is willing to take her here if you are interested," she offered.

Harry was a little torn, but if it was Hermione, he could really use one of his best mates. He knew they had been forbidden from Dumbledore to contact him. He was happy to have Hedwig back now. "If it is Hermione. Are you sure this isn't Dumbledore trying to get to me?"

"Dad will make sure she is clean. Besides, it will be a little more fun around here with a love triangle," she said, her eyebrows wagging.

Harry laughed at her. "Hermione is not my girlfriend."

"No?"

He shook his head. "No. You still ok to shadow Hannah and I tomorrow?"

"I'm buy two buckets of popcorn," she told him.

Harry looked a little confused.

"You, one for the movie, the other to see you flame and burn again," she said with a wink. "Isobel told me about last weekend."

Harry blushed. "Maybe I should go where Dumbeldore wants me to go."

Dora laughed as she turned back towards the house. "I'll go pick up your friend if dad can't take her here."

He nodded, not getting up. He knew it wasn't her fault, but he had really needed to talk with her. The Tonks, and Hannah, had been very good for him over the last two weeks. He waited a few more minutes before he got up. It probably would be better to meet her. Walking around to the front of the house, he waiting inside the style. It was almost ten minutes later before Dora showed up with Hermione.

His bushy hair friend had grown some in the last eight weeks. Her hair was more straight with curls at the end. She also seemed to have a few more curves than he remembered. Most importantly was that she looked concerned and had her wand out. "Are you sure Harry is here? I don't see anything."

"Just take my hand." They walked through the outer wards. "Wotcher, Harry."

"HARRY!" Hermione yelled, trying to run to him.

"Stop," Dora said, pulling Hermione up short. "You want to blast yourself half-way across that field!"

Hermione pulled up short. "I thought..."

"This isn't Snuffle's place. Mum has all wards up right now. Harry, touch the style and say 'I allow Hermione Granger into the wards.'"

Harry blinked. "You added me to the wards?"

"You are family and mum wanted you to be able to for a few people," Dora replied. He nodded and did as told. "Now you can go."

Hermione looked at Dora before charging Harry. She threw her arms around him. "Oh, we have been so worried about you. I only found out about Dudley on the news at home. The Muggle police said he had a medical issue and had a seizure. How are you?" She backed up, patting his arms and looking him up and down. "Merlin, Harry, you scared us all. You aren't hurt? Mrs. Weasley has been besides herself. It the twins, Ron, Ginny and I to plot for the last week to figure out a way for one of us to get out. We were lucky the twins overheard you were working the some law offices. Dumbledore and everyone won't tell us a thing. Sirius had to be stunned to not go and search for you..."

Harry stopped her, grabbing her arms and firmly saying, "Hermione! Stop! I'm fine."

Her eyes met his. He saw the concern, and then the anger. "Your fine! That is all you have to say!"

"Well, maybe if you let him get a word in, you might find out more," Tonks said with a laugh when Hermione glared at the woman. "Just saying," Tonks added with a snark.

"Is it safe to tell her everything?" Harry asked Dora.

"Beats me. She is your friend," Dora said. "I'll be inside if you need anything. The firewhiskey in the cupboard above the stove."

Harry chuckled, partly our of nervousness to be left with his best friend, partly knowing Dora wouldn't mind. "So, how have you been?"

Hermione's glare turned to him. "What hell were you thinking running away like that! Your cousin was kissed!"

Harry's anger came boiling to the surface. "I don't know what you have been told Hermione, but Dudley being kissed was not my fault. I was in London talking with the goblins."

She pursed her lips at his outburts. "We haven't been told much. I can't even get a Daily Prophet. Dumbledore suddenly showed up the day your cousin was kissed and told my parents I had to be moved that night. I've been... where Snuffles is," she said annoyed. "Dumbledore has only told us that you ran away from home after what happened and he couldn't help you get off. It sounds like the Ministry is going to send you to Azkaban. Sirius has been storming through the house since then. I think if he doesn't get out soon, he is going snap and start cursing people."

Harry ran a hand over the back of his neck. "I never meant to cause all this, but you don't understand either, Hermione. Dumbledore isn't who you think he is. At least not when it comes to me."

Hermione searched his face for a few. "Harry, what is going?"

Harry sighed. "You want to go talk inside or at the swing?"

She looked around for the first time. "Is it safe to be out here?"

"The wards cover everything inside the styles, and further fifteen feet beyond in a seperate layer. I've been told I can go anywhere inside the wards. Tomorrow Dora and Isobel are going to shadow me when I go out on a date with Hannah Abbott," he said, chuckling when he got the reaction he expected.

Hermione blinked a few times, confusion comming over her face. "What do you mean you are going on a date with Hannah Abbott? You only every talk with her in classes."

"Yeah, well, a few things have happened. Are you going to stay here or go back to where Sirius is?" he enquired.

She worried her lip for a moment. "All my stuff is there."

Harry nodded. "I'm sure we can work something out. I'd rather you not be around Dumbledore for right now."

"Why? And what is going on with you and Hannah?" she asked dubiously.

Harry sighed. "Dumbledore has illegally been acting my guardian since my parents died. He's the reason I lived with my relatives and he's done other stuff. Ted is still working through it, but he is sure my parents had a will. Probably other stuff he is still trying to uncover."

Hermione's eyes were wide. "But Dumbledore just wants to protect you..."

Harry made an angry face. "I am not sure about that."

"But, Harry..."

"Hermione, I am tired of people not believing me or listening to my side before they make a decision. You are one of my best mates, but if you are not willing to listen, I'll ask Dora to take you back right now," he said rather forcibly.

She looked taken back. "I never said I don't believe you."

"You would defend Dumbledore before you even hear my side of things or look at other evidence," he pointed out.

She worried her lip again. After a long moment, she said, "Alright, why don't you trust Dumbledore?"

Harry took in a breath. "Let's go inside. We can talk about this over some tea."

She nodded. "I still don't understand what Hannah has to do with all this."

Harry had a small smile come to his face. "I have to marry her."

Hermione looked totally shocked. "What?" she said, visibly shaken.

"I have to marry her or pay her half-a-million galleons. I don't really have that much right now, so we thought we would have a go at it," Harry told her, keeping his laughter in to see her trying to figure out if he was serious or not.

Her mouth opened and closed a few times. "I... I don't get it."

"Let's get some tea. Maybe take Dora up on that firewhiskey," he said.

"Tea would be good," she said. They made it three steps towards the house before her mind seemed to click back into gear and she started to pester him with questions. Harry realized it was going to be a long day... but he had one of his friends back. He didn't feel as alone.

-oOo-

August 16, 1995

Brighton, England

Harry stepped out of the fireplace to the sounds of Hannah giggling as he stumbled. "I swear, one of these days..." Harry mumbled. "Laugh it up, Goldey Locks."

"HEY! I didn't insult you," Hannah complained.

Harry gave her a cheeky grin as he got out of the way of Dora as she came through. "How is this fair? You are a klutz and you prance out like it's nothing?"

"Did he almost fall on his face again?" Dora asked Hannah.

"Just about," she said giving Harry a challenging eye, as though daring him to her call her 'Goldilocks' again.

Dora gave him a wink. "Some people just have it."

He made some rude comment under his breath. Hannah giggled again as she walked over to him. "You'll get it some day," she patronized as she pat his arm.

He made a face at her before taking her in. She was in a pleated skirt with a nice shirt that had a frill around the slightly deeper neckline than he had seen her in the other day. He liked seeing her legs. Hannah took a little colour to her cheeks when she caught him looking. Harry had to look away. Dora snickered at them. "Ah, to be young again," Dora teased.

The door to the kitchen opened. "Who are we teasing?"

"Both of them," Dora said.

"Great! This is going to be a fun day," Isabelle said.

"You said you would leave us be, Issi," Hannah glare as her sister.

"All is fair in love and war," her sister said with a smirk.

Harry tried ot ignore them. "You look nice today," Harry told Hannah.

Hannah gave him a bright smile. "Thank you. You do too."

Harry didn't think it was anything special, but he was wearing new clothes. Something he was still greatful for. "Are you ready to go?"

"What are we doing today?"

"I thought we could go to the movies and get some pizza afterwards," he told her.

"What's a movie?"

"Something brilliant. If we are going to make it, we need to leave soon," Dora told them.

"I haven't been to a movie since the last time you took me," Isabell said. "I'll just let Richard know."

"He isn't coming today?" Dora asked.

"Dad and him had some business at Gringotts this morning. Dad is all uptight now that he knows I'm pregnant and wants to set up a trust account and whatever else," Isebell said.

Hannah had moved in closer. "So, are movies good?"

"From what I hear. It will be my first one too."

Hannah gave him a smile and soon they were walking out to the edge of the wards so they could apparate there. Harry hated side-a-long apparation just slightly less than floo travel, and alot more than portkeys.

They came out in an alley near the movies. Hannah wrapped and arm around his as they got into line. "Susan wanted me to invite you over to her house Saturday for a pool party," Hannah told him.

"You mean like swimming?"

"Yeah. She had a big pool and we were inviting a few people over. Ernie, Justin, Neville, Morgan. It should be fun. I am also going to plan on a birthday cake for Susan. She turned fifteen Monday," Hannah told them.

"It sounds like fun. I'll have to just clear it with Andromeda, but I don't see her saying no," Harry told her. Hannah gave them a big smile. When the got to the window, Harry bought the four tickets they would need and Hannah was just about bouncing to see all the choices at the concession counter. Harry wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not to get her gummy bears and skittles, but he did anyways.

During the movie, Hannah's hand found its way into his, and Harry found he rather enjoyed that. By the time they had gotten out, she had eaten half of each bad. Making her pull him along as Hannah hung onto his arm as they walked out of the theater. "That was brilliant! What was that called again?"

"An animated movie. I've never seen one before. It was decent," Harry replied.

Hannah looked at him. "Your relatives?" she asked. The pretty blond girl was starting to pick up on what his life was before and didn't judge him for it, not like he felt some did.

"Yeah. You want to go do something else?"

"Like what?"

Harry looked at his watch and then looked back to find Dora and Isabel. They waited for them to walk up. "Wothcer," Dora greeted them.

"Do you think its safe enough to do something else?" Harry asked.

Dora looked around. "Probably, but I don't want to push it today. You are welcome to come back to Stonefield if you want, Hannah."

"Or you come back to Abbott Place?" Hannah offered.

Harry shrugged. "Sure."

"Can you handle Hannah," Dora asked.

"I'm pregnant, not daft," Isabel snarked to Dora.

"Barmy if you ask me," Dora snapped back and the two woman laughed.

They made it into an alley and dissapareted, Hannah and Harry holding on.

Just before they did, Harry's heart skipped a step. He thought he caught sight of a hurrying Albus Dumbledore, his wand out, with two others at his side. When they appeared just outside the wards of Hannah's place, Dora shoved him from the old dirt road onto the path of the house.

Harry stumbled. "Dora! What happened?" Isobel demanded.

"Keep him here. I saw Dumbledore, Lupin and Moody just as we were leaving. I have to check home and make sure Hermione is still there," Dora ordered. She was gone before any of them could say anything.

"Harry?" Hannah questioned.

"I saw them too."

"Right, you two into the house. I'm going to go floo Richard and dad," Isabel told them.

"What about Hermione?" Harry questioned, concerned for his friend. She had decided to stay after their conversation yesterday. The Tonks didn't mind and were going to talk her parents and ensue they had some protection if needed.

"If Dora needs, she will come here. I'll let her into the wards," Isabel told them. She looked a little unsettled. "C'mon, into the house for now. I'll put a kettle on."

Hannah looked to Harry. He was scanning the road and surrounding area when Hanna took his hand. "Let's go inside."

He nodded, unsure if he had heard a crack of apparition or not.

Apparently the date was over for today.

-oOo-

April 17, 1995

Wimbourne, England

Harry was sitting at the kitchen table with Hermione as he finished the last of this summer homework. It was raining cats and dogs outside, with the occasional flash of light and roll of thunder. He was about to ask Hermione something about conjouring when they both looked up at a strange dinging sound. Hermione looked curious while Harry looked very alert.

His wand came out and Ted rushed into the kitchen. "You two stay here. Someone is at the wards," he told them.

Getting up, Harry moved to the front door. Ted cast some spell over him that deflected all the rai around him. "I want to know how to do that," Hermione said. He motioned for her to be quiet.

It was quite dark out for the middle of the afternoon. A flash of lightening showed Ted talking with a tall man in a dark cloak. "Sirius?" Harry said out loud.

"I told you he had been very concerned about you," Hermione said. Ted moved his wand and they could see some red and blue auras on the man or his clothes. There was another flash of lightening and the thunder had Hermione give a small yell as it seemed to break over the house at the same time. The whole house shook.

When Harry looked back outside, Ted was walking towards the house with the man. Harry saw the grinning face of his godfather in another flash of lightening. The man was sopping wet as he walked into the house, water running off him. Harry didn't care as the man opened his arms and he initiated a hug. Harry hadn't realized how much he missed Sirius, even if he hadn't spent much time with him.

"Just make sure you clean up this mess. Andi will not like it if you don't," Ted said.

Sirius laughed. "I see my cousin hasn't changed. She hated messes even when young."

Ted chuckled. "A very true statement. I have some work to complete for tomorrow, as well as some paperwork for you, Sirius. Why don't you get some water on the stove. I'm sure Sirius would like some tea."

They moved to the kitchen and Harry put some water on the stove. "Sirius, did Dumbledore let you leave," Hermione asked.

Sirius snorted. "The old man is quite upset with you, pup. He forbade any of us from approaching you and he didn't want me out of the house."

"How did you get out then," Hermione questioned. Harry just looked at the man. He looked to have gained some weight since the last time he had seen him. The man's eyes didn't look as haunted.

"I am the master of Grimmauld Place. I don't care how strong Dumbledore is, his magic can't override the Blacks. Now, how are you doing, Harry?" Sirius asked.

Harry shrugged. "Been worse," he replied. Sirius looked at him expectantly. Hermione huffed, muttered something about boys, and then said, "He has to marry Hannah Abbott. The Ministry is being a right pain to him. He's still having nightmares about the graveyard. What? You are. I had to wake you last night. You look tired, Harry."

Harry sighed. Sirius was looking at him. "Pup, you know that none of agreed with Dumbledore to keep you in the dark?"

"Yeah," he said, knowing that now. "Dumbledore mentioned it."

"Good. I want you to have this," Sirius said, handing Harry a wrapped parcel.

"What is it?" Harry asked.

"Something your father and Remus came up with while we were at Hogwarts," Sirius said a little cryptically. Harry opened it and found a mirror that was about three by four inches.

"Is this one that will tell me how to fix my hair again?" Harry asked.

Hermione smirked while Sirius gave a hearty laugh. "That would have been brilliant, but no. If every you need to talk or anything, just tap the screen and call my name. I'll answer my mirror. This way you have someone when you need."

Harry looked at the mirror. "This was my dad's?"

"Yeah. Moony doesn't know where his is and the rat's was broken just after we left Hogwarts," Sirius said a little bitterly.

"That is some impressive magic," Hermione said, moving to Harry's side.

"We thought so," Sirius said with a smile. "Listen though, are you alright?"

Harry let Hermione take the mirror to look at it. Looking up to Sirius, Harry let a long sigh. "I honestly don't know, Sirius. Tomorrow is my second hearing. The Daily Prophet is not saying everything is related to stress. I have no idea if that is from the minister or not. The deformation case wont be heard until next month and I have to marry Hannah Abbott."

"You said she is cute though," Hermione reminded him as she looked at some runes on the back of the mirror.

"She is," Harry agreed. In his mind, Harry was thinking she was more than cute. He was just rebelling against the idea because it wasn't his choice.

Sirius came over and put a hand on his shoulder. Harry tried not to wince. He really did like the way it felt to have an adult care for him. Sirius didn't seem to notice. "Listen, pup, you don't have to this if you don't want. Once Ted gets me cleared, I have more than enough money to pay for your separation clause. If you want to give this a go, I'll do anything I can to help you."

"This isn't your problem, Sirius," Harry told his godfather.

"Harry, I promised your parents that I would take care of you if anything happened to them. I screwed that once. I won't do it again. If you need me, I will find a way to help you," Sirius told him.

Harry nodded after a moment.

"Now, tell me about this rather hot blonde that you have now," Sirius said with a huge smirk. Harry tried not to blush while Hermione shook her head.

-oOo-