Author's Note:

This chapter is the beginning of what Part III would be, I suppose. So, for those asking, if I were to have broken this story up (and no I am not going to) — this is how it would be divided.

Part I: Chapters 1-49 — Finding His Dads (1985-1986)

Part II: Chapters 50-Present — Growing Up With His Dads (1987-)

Part III: Chapter 62-present — Start of his first year at Hogwarts. (1991-)

I have just been writing scenes out of sequence, the things that I'm dying to write about, and ideas jumping all over me, but I haven't got there yet in the actual timeline of where I should be writing — I am definitely an out of sequence writer — one of my lovely reviewers mentioned Gabaldon writes like this and I take that as the highest form of compliment as I have been an avid fan of her work for well over a decade now (outside of Harry Potter, Outlander is my favourite book series of all time). I just want to say that Harry's Hogwarts years will be similar to the books (especially the first and part of the second year) but that I have some key changes in mind — in a few different ways so please bear with me throughout the similar stuff.

Also, as mentioned before — this is a story about Sirius and Remus as much as Harry.

Reviews and Comments: To Steelcode: Thank you! I agree, it is a much better way to get a Hogwarts letter. To alix33: Thank you! I like the idea of Bill getting a small tattoo. Yes, everyone is very excited the boys got their letters! To M: Yes, a new adventure! But like I said, please bear with me through first year and the beginning of second. There are some things I need to happen to get to where I want the story to go. To sassy973: Thank you! To coloredwords: Thank you! I like giving Ginny nicknames by her brothers, I just do. Sirius will be starting to focus more on his life as he will be feeling a bit lonely when Harry leaves. To Magus0096: Thank you! I wanted to give Harry a rich backstory before he goes to Hogwarts. As to Remus and Tonks, I love them. I'm sorry that you do not, but they will be a huge part of this story.

To ginnyweasley777: Moony really does need to pull his head out of his arse, doesn't he? He'll get there. To darkhk: Aww, crying in happiness I hope lol. Thank you! To StarwindX: Thank you! We will see some differences, yes, but the first year will be very similar. I have my reasons for that. To Winkyex: Aww, thank you for saying you got chills when the letters arrived and Harry can celebrate being a wizard. That's sweet! To Claire Fraser: Thank you! I think Sirius needed to put Remus in his place. Yes, that is how Harry's acceptance should have been. Thank you!

Thank you very much for reading and please, please review!

Your reviews give me life! They give me inspiration! And they make me want to keep writing for more than just myself! Thank you!

CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO:

The One Where Harry Gets Hedwig

When Harry woke up on the morning of his eleventh birthday, he couldn't quite contain the excitement that he felt.

He was eleven years old today.

He was going to Hogwarts in one month and he was officially a real wizard (in the sense that he could learn magic now).

The feeling of euphoria made him jump up in glee, startling Marauder who looked at him in concern.

He hurried down the stairs, eager for breakfast and was surprised to find that Sirius wasn't even awake yet. He rummaged through his uncle's records until he found The White Album and keeping to the tradition alive of the last five years, he put on his red birthday cape and blared 'Birthday' by The Beatles on repeat until Sirius came downstairs grinning at him.

"It must be your birthday," he said with a grin.

Harry grinned back and launched himself into his godfather's arms. "I'm eleven!"

Sirius kissed the top of his godson's head with a smile. "That you are, Prongslet. You're growing up on me." He gently caressed Harry's cheek with his thumb before he caught himself. "Come on — breakfast!"

"What time is everyone coming over?"

Sirius' eyebrow rose. "Oh? Are people coming over today?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Ha ha, very funny, Uncle Padfoot."

Sirius smirked at him as he cracked some eggs in a bowl with milk and started scrambling. "I believe that certain unnamed birthday festivities may be beginning around twelve. I can't make any promises though."

Harry eagerly sliced four pieces of the fresh bread to eat with their eggs. "I can't wait to see everyone and to tell them that I'm going to Hogwarts!"

Sirius smiled affectionately at his son. He loved how excited Harry was to be going off to school, but he couldn't help but feel a little sad about it too. What the hell was he going to do without Harry around all of the time? He needed to invest in some new hobbies. Maybe he should actually find a damn job. Nah, that was too boring. The sound of Harry's voice brought him out of his daydreams.

"I know Ginny is going to be sad that Ron and I are both leaving her this year. She's going to be so bored with no one at The Burrow to play with."

Sirius nodded. He knew that already. As the only girl in the family, she had become quite spoiled and used to having big brothers to play with her, to tease her, to teach her, and protect her. Suddenly being alone in the house was bound to be quite the adjustment for the little spitfire.

"She'll be all right, Harry. It's only one year and then she'll be at Hogwarts with you boys. And you and Ron will both write to her."

"I know, but still," Harry said, a small smile on his face. "I know she'll be sad."

Sirius added some salt to the eggs and carefully split them between the two plates. "Well, we can cheer her up later amongst the birthday cheer. For now, eat up."

Harry dug into his plate happily and Sirius just grinned at him. His bright green eyes twinkled in delight behind his round glasses; his dark messy locks that refused to be tamed stuck up in every which direction in a look that suited his small and lean frame. Looking at his short skinny boy, Sirius was reminded strongly of the scrawny skinny boy who had been his father so many moons ago. Harry really was the spitting image of James sometimes, but those eyes, those green almond shaped eyes were all Lily. The shape of his lips, the chin, and the ears were all Lily and Sirius loved looking at his godson and discovering something new about him that reminded him more of his parents. But looking at him today, on his eleven birthday, all Sirius could think of was that his baby boy had really grown up on him.

By twelve o'clock, the guests had arrived and Harry had his arms wrapped tightly around Ginny who was holding Ron with her other arm, encasing both boys in a tight inescapable hug that made Sirius laugh.

"Ginny, we're not leaving yet," Ron protested, trying to pry his sister's surprisingly tight grasp from his body.

Harry nodded, attempting to do the same but only being engulfed tighter in his friend's arms. "Seriously, Ginny, it's only July!"

Ginny pulled away and looked up at them, her chocolate brown eyes swimming in tears. "I don't want to be all alone!"

"Ginny, you're not going to be alone! Mum and Dad are still there and Luna lives nearby," Ron insisted.

Sirius, watching the situation, moved over and placed his hands on the girl's shoulders. "It's just going to be me and Marauder hanging out here, little spitfire, so you can always come by and say hi."

Ginny turned to hug Sirius tightly and he laughed.

"She's mental," Ron said, exchanging a grin with Harry.

"I'm not mental," Ginny insisted.

Sirius kissed the top of the girl's head and urged her to hurry off and follow the boys, who had made a beeline for the treehouse. Within twenty minutes, Harry, Ron, Ginny, Neville, Fred, George, and Luna were all up in the treehouse. Luna had only recently returned home after taking almost a year long trip with her father to deal with her grief. She was still rather quiet, but Sirius thought that the trip had indeed done her some good and he was glad that she had accepted the invitation to Harry's birthday.

Sirius grinned at Remus when he stepped into the kitchen. "Is Tonks here yet?"

Remus shook his head. "No, are we waiting on her?"

Sirius glanced at the clock and nodded. "She said that she was coming by to help out."

Tonks stumbled out of the fireplace two seconds later making Sirius grin widely. She was in frayed denim shorts, a plain white tee shirt with the words: Speaks Fluent Sarcasm, and tattered bright blue sneakers. "Sorry, I'm late! Are all of the kids here already?"

"They are all up in the treehouse," Sirius said, grinning at Tonks and Remus. "Who wants to share the plans for the night?"

Tonks grinned. "You should do the honours, Mr Pro Party Planner."

Remus nodded, smiling at Tonks before turning his attention back to Sirius. "Agreed."

Sirius grinned and led his cousin and best friend out into the yard, moving to the speaking tube on the side of the treehouse. "Will the birthday party please come onto the patio for the celebration to officially commence?"

They could hear laughing coming from the treehouse as the seven kids made their way down through the different exits. Once everyone was standing on the patio, Harry in the centre wearing his birthday cape with a big grin on his face, did Sirius speak.

"So, birthday surprise this year — the ten of us will be going on four separate surprise outings and we will be travelling using the Knight Bus. Everyone ready?"

They cheered and Sirius grinned leading them all outside to the front of the yard before extending his wand. Two seconds later a large three decker purple bus appeared out of thin air. Harry's eyes widened in surprised and when he turned to look at his friends, they all had the same dumbstruck expression on their faces.

A tall skinny teenager hopped out and smiled. "Welcome to the Knight Bus."

Sirius smiled and quickly paid for everyone, asking the driver to take them straight to London. Thirty minutes later, the ten of them were inside a large arena and the guide was explaining that they were about to play paintball.

Harry's eyes widened. "Paintball?"

Sirius grinned and ruffled his godson's hair. The teams were split: Harry, Ron, Neville. Sirius, and Fred versus Tonks, Ginny, Luna, Remus, and George. They were each given their gear and their guns as war broke out and they immediately ran off to plan and regroup.

Harry held his gun, hiding behind a large tree. This was by far the coolest surprise that Sirius and Remus had ever given him. The idea of running around and plotting against his friends in order to win at this paintball game was completely brilliant. He smirked at Ron when he hid behind the tree across from him just as George turned a corner and they both blasted him, smearing his armour in red paint.

Harry high-fived Ron and they hurried off to keep the game going. Harry liked the concept of it; coordinating with his friends, working as a team to defeat the enemy. It was just so awesome. He laughed as he watched Uncle Remus tackle Tonks to the ground, just avoiding getting hit by blue paint from Fred's gun.

They were going down, he thought before he charged headlong into the fray.

They did go down.

Sirius was the only one left standing at the end of the one hour game, making Harry's team victorious. They cheered, laughing when it was over.

"That was brilliant!" Fred exclaimed, wiping sweat off of his brow. "Muggles really come up with some wicked things!"

George nodded, grinning at his twin. "I'll say! Paintball, who knew?"

Sirius laughed and grinned at them. "Glad you guys had fun. Let's take a quick breather and get something cool to drink before we head off to our second location. Trust me, if you think paintball is fun, this one is going to be even more exciting."

"Where are we going?" Harry asked, accepting the fruit punch that Remus poured into glasses for everyone.

Remus grinned. "Now, now, little Prongs; if we tell you, it won't be a surprise."

Ginny plopped down next to Remus in the large booth they were sitting in. "I like surprises."

Remus smiled at her. "Me too."

After having some refreshments, Harry was pleased to discover that next on the birthday itinerary was go-karts. Sirius had rented out a track for an hour so that Harry and his friends could race each other. Sirius eagerly got into a car himself and raced around the track in glee.

Remus watched in amusement from the stands, his hands in his pockets. He jolted when Tonks spoke behind him.

"You don't want to race?"

He kept his gaze on Harry's go-kart as he spoke. "I do. I'll go when Sirius comes back. We figured one of us should stay out here at all times just in case one of the kids needs something."

Tonks nodded smiling at him. She leaned back against the railing, tilting her hip as she turned to look at him. "There's a new restaurant opening up in Diagon Alley next week. I've been thinking of checking it out."

"Oh? That sounds like a fun idea," he told her, his golden brown eyes looking intently at the go-karts and deliberately not at her.

"I thought so. Why don't you come with me?"

"I can't. I'm busy."

Tonks rolled her eyes. "I didn't even tell you what day yet."

"I'm busy every day," he said, stubbornly.

Tonks shifted closer to him. "Remus, why are you being such a prat?"

"I'm not interested in you in that way, Tonks. Not to mention that I'm seeing someone right now," he added, thinking of the woman that he had slept with two nights ago. What had been her name? Sandra, he thought or had it been Sarah? He had no intention of seeing her again, but Tonks didn't need to know that.

She bit her bottom lip as she stared at him. "So, you can't hang out with a friend?"

His gaze finally turned to her and the steel in it made her start. "No." He moved away from the railing. "I'm going to go drive a go-kart now."

Tonks watched him walk away and she blinked back tears. She didn't understand why he was shutting her out so completely. She knew that he was attracted to her. She could feel it in his gaze, in the way he spoke to her, but when they were one on one, he did his best to put up this wall between them.

She blew her hair out of her eyes as she watched his tall frame climb into a go-kart. She was going to break down that wall, she thought. No matter how long it took.

~ ASC ~

Harry was having the time of his life driving the go-kart around the dirt track, over the little hills and ramps and racing his friends. He was laughing so hard his stomach hurt and he kept checking behind him with a huge grin as he held the lead in the race.

His birthday so far was so much fun. Harry did come in first place, grinning and taking a bow when he stepped out of his go kart. He won a small plastic bronze trophy from the go-kart track and his grin widened.

When they left the go-kart track, the ten of them went to a pizzeria where Sirius had reserved a table for them to eat pizza and drink soda pop. It was here that Harry got an even bigger surprise. Andromeda, Ted, McGonagall, and Hagrid all showed up for dinner, hugging him close and wishing him happy birthday. Andromeda brought a large chocolate birthday cake in the shape of the Hogwarts sorting hat.

Harry opened his gifts, grinning widely the entire time at his new clothes, new stories, a broomstick servicing kit, candy, chocolate, two new Quidditch jerseys, and tickets to see the local Sidmouth Spirits play in mid August. He thanked everyone happily as they ate the cake and celebrated.

After dinner and gifts, Andromeda, Ted, McGonagall, and Hagrid all left and Sirius, Remus, and Tonks took the seven partiers to the last stop. They were playing three rounds of laser tag. The kids cackled and hooted as they ran through the three level arena, running up and down ramps and working to defeat the opposing team (keeping the same teams from paintball).

Tonks, Ginny, Luna, George, and Remus won the best two out of three and Harry grinned at them. He didn't even care that he had lost. He had had too much fun to worry about it.

They all took the Knight Bus back, Sirius carefully dropping off each friend at their homes. Soon it was just Harry, Sirius, Remus, and Tonks left. Remus said goodnight, kissing the top of Harry's head and heading into his own cottage and Tonks smiled at her cousin.

"I'm going to head back with you."

Sirius raised his eyebrow in surprise but nodded. "Sure."

The Knight Bus arrived in Devon, shuffling down the street until Black Cottage came into view. Sirius, having shrunk all of Harry's gifts and placed them in his pockets, climbed off the bus with Harry and Tonks before they watched the bus zoom off.

"All right, Harry, it's late. Run on upstairs and get ready for bed. I'll come up and tuck you in."

Harry nodded, hugging Tonks goodnight and greeting Marauder enthusiastically at the front door.

Tonks smiled at Sirius. "I'll make tea while you tuck Harry in."

Sirius nodded and made his way upstairs with Harry's presents, carefully unshrinking them and placing them in his room just as Harry came inside.

Harry jumped up onto his bed, grinning widely. "Today was brilliant! Paintball and go-karts and laser tag! It was so fun! I had the best time!"

Sirius grinned and took a seat on the edge of Harry's bed. "Good. It's what I was going for." He gently brushed Harry's hair out of his eyes. "I can't believe that you are eleven years old already. You're growing up so fast, Prongslet."

Harry smiled at him. He didn't feel like he was growing up fast. "I guess."

Sirius kissed his forehead. "Indulge me."

Harry smirked. "Maybe you're just getting old."

"Listen here, you little brat, I am at the peak of perfection. I'm barely into my thirties."

"That's old, practically ancient. Your knee cracked the other day when you got off the couch."

Sirius swatted Harry across the head playfully. "Brat."

Harry grinned up at him. "Thanks for my party. You kept up pretty good for such an old man."

Sirius covered his mouth with his hand. "All right, enough old man jokes or you're grounded."

Harry simply grinned at him, laughing as he pushed his godfather's hand away. "You'd probably forget anyway, the memory is the first to go."

Sirius laughed. "Oi, shut it," he said standing up. "Go to sleep and if you're better behaved tomorrow, we'll head to Diagon Alley. Someone needs to get his school supplies. Hagrid is coming over tomorrow morning as well. He says that he has a special birthday present for you."

Harry's eyes widened in excitement. "Really?"

"Really. Now go to sleep, Prongslet. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," he said as Marauder jumped up onto the bed and making himself comfortable on his boy's feet.

When Sirius closed the door behind him, Harry thought that it had been his best birthday yet.

Sirius made his way into the kitchen and took a seat at the table, accepting the cup of tea that Tonks had made for him. "You okay, love?"

Tonks smiled at him, tucking her hair behind her ear and fiddling with the row of four rose gold hoops. "I'm great. I'm excited to be starting the boot camp. I have an awesome Billy Idol concert coming up that I am looking forward to. I'm going to be an Auror, Sirius, what more could I want?"

He merely raised an eyebrow and she sighed.

"Remus kissed me."

Sirius' eyes widened in surprise. "And you're not happy about this?"

Tonks shook her head. "No, I was happy! I've fancied him forever, but like… it's not the same now. I know him and I know what kind of man he is and what I feel for him now is definitely not the stupid little school girl crush I had when I was thirteen. He's sweet and he's funny and he's smart. And when he kissed me, I felt like my head had been blown clean off."

"So, what's wrong?" Sirius asked.

"He says that it was a mistake and that it won't happen again. It wasn't a mistake, Sirius. He… I see the way that he looks at me. You're his best friend, am I stupid to hope for something more?" she asked him, her hands around her teacup. "I don't know what to do."

Sirius sighed and dragged his fingers through his hair. After the talk he had with his friend, he was surprised to even learn that Remus had made a move at all. "When did this happen?"

"Christmas Day during the snowball fight. Ever since he… we're still friendly, but it's not the same. He says that I'm a child. I am not a child!" she insisted, her grey eyes flashing in annoyance.

Sirius smiled at her. He reached across the table to take her hand in his. "Tonks, love, the one thing that you should know about Remus Lupin is that he is the most stubborn and immovable man when he wants to be. He's attracted to you — we both know that. But getting him to act on that attraction could take years. Right now he is very insistent that you are too young. Don't say anything," he said when she started to speak. "Yes, I know that you're not a child anymore, but he is quite a bit older than you whether you want to admit it or not. Just be friends with him. Keep acting like you always did and maybe it will change things. When Remus sets his mind on something it is damn near impossible to change it."

"So, I should just forget about him? I should just ignore my feelings?" she asked, her eyes sad.

Sirius sighed. "Concentrate on your boot camp and on getting into the Academy. After that, well… then we'll see."

Tonks nodded, standing up. "He thinks that I'm a stupid girl and that I don't understand my own feelings."

"No," Sirius said carefully. "He doesn't, and if I know Rem, it scares him. Be his friend, Tonks. For now, that's about all you can do; for both your sakes."

When Tonks left through the fireplace a few minutes later, he sighed. He didn't want to tell her to pursue his friend when he knew exactly how stubborn Remus could be. But he didn't want her to miss out on knowing him either. He was in a rock and hard place and he had no idea how to help either of them. Hopefully it would sort itself out.

He brought his tea to his lips and grinned. Remus had kissed her though, that was interesting. His friend didn't quite have the self control that he thought he did and Sirius was very intrigued by that.

Very intrigued indeed.

~ ASC ~

The next morning, Harry smiled up at Hagrid when he appeared at the front door of Black Cottage. He had grown rather fond of the Hogwarts groundskeeper over the years who had dropped by occasionally to help out with Sirius' garden, stopped by for a drink or to talk with Harry, and who had come to every single one of his birthday parties with a gift and a smile. Not to mention that he always had stories about interesting creatures to share and a few small memories about his mum.

Harry thought that it was rather awesome to know that he would have Hagrid at Hogwarts who he could go visit whenever he wasn't in class, which was oddly comforting as well. He didn't want to tell Sirius, but he was a little scared to go out and to leave Sirius and his home. His life without Sirius Black had been hell and sometimes he wondered if when he went to school and Sirius wasn't there with him, what would happen? He'd lie in bed, hugging Marauder and wondering what would happen if he had a bad dream or if he just needed his father — what would he do? But by morning he would talk himself out of worrying about it and assure himself that he would be fine.

He was eleven years old. He was ready to be a wizard.

"Mornin', Harry!" Hagrid grinned, a large object in his hands covered by a sheet.

Harry grinned up at him, eyes on the box. "Hi, Hagrid! What's that?"

Hagrid smiled proudly. "Yer birthday present!"

He followed Harry into the living room as Sirius came down the stairs. "Morning, Hagrid."

Hagrid nodded. "Hi, Sirius."

He carefully placed the object on the coffee table and lifted the sheet. A beautiful snow white owl blinked at them and Harry's eyes widened.

"You bought me an owl!"

Hagrid grinned. "Well, I knew yeh'd be sad yeh can't take Marauder off ter school wit' ya, so I thought I'd get ya a new pet an' one yeh can send letters wit' too! She's not native ter Britain, came over from North America, specifically Canada, but she's special! Loyal too. Yeh'll see! Give her a good name an' a good home and ye'll see just how much!"

Harry carefully opened her cage, smiling when she bent her head to his hand to greet him. "She's beautiful. Thank you!" He stroked her wing affectionately before he turned to hug Hagrid tightly. "Thank you!"

Hagrid beamed down at him, patting his head gently, but still hard enough that Harry felt the vibrations. "Yer welcome! I hope yeh put her ter good use."

Sirius stroked her wing with a smile. "She is very beautiful. An owl will be quite useful so you can write home to me every single day."

Harry rolled his eyes, but he grinned. "I will write, I promise, but not every day."

Sirius dropped a kiss on the top of Harry's head. "Good boy."

Hagrid smiled. "I have ter head back, lots ter do before all yeh kids come ter school. I'll see yeh on th' first, Harry! Happy Birthday!"

Harry and Sirius said goodbye to Hagrid. Harry was still stroking the owl who was blinking happily at him and making small coos of affection.

"What do you think I should name her, Uncle Sirius?" Harry asked, his eyes on his new pet in awe.

Marauder head butted Harry in the leg and he laughed, scratching his dog with his other free hand.

"I think someone is jealous," Sirius said with a grin. "And she's yours, Harry, you can name her whatever you'd like."

Harry was quiet for a moment as he looked into her eyes and then he smiled. "Hedwig."

"Hedwig?"

He nodded. "I remember reading about a Saint Hedwig in A History of Magic with Uncle Remus. I think it suits her."

Sirius smiled. "I couldn't agree more. Hedwig she is."

Hedwig hooted at the statement and Harry grinned. "I think she likes it."

"I think you're right. Well, are you ready to go to Diagon Alley?"

Harry grinned up at Sirius. "Yeah, let's go."