AN/ Hey, another chapter up, fast update this time. Take it was a thank you for your patience. Anyway, now we get into some of the more serious planning and we get a glimpse of Harry's soon to be headquarters. Um, just one thing, anything to do with landmarks etc, I am just making up. After all I have enough trouble with Australian geography, let alone British. There will be a few real town names etc, but I just pulled them off a map I found by google search so, yeah. Heh.

As for weather and such, I have to remember the seasons are around the other way then to here, so bear with me but let me know if I get anything wrong. As far as I can work out, July is in the middle of summer, so that is what I will be using as my reference point.

Disclaimer: Not mine (sigh).

Chapter 8: Potter Manor for some Sirius planning

Harry wasn't entirely sure what he expected when Remus apparated them to the location he could vaguely recall as being where the manor was situated, but whatever he had envisioned did nothing to prepare him for what they found.

The two of them popped into existence on a wide lane that led from a small, sleepy looking village. The hills around them were a variety of deep greens and the forest in the distance was a patch of deep emerald.

Looking around at the neat line of trees that lined the lane and down at the village, Harry tried to place the location in his mind but came up a blank. "Uh, Mooney? Exactly where are we?" he asked finally.

Glancing over at him, Remus caught sight of his bemused expression and smiled, "This is Churchshire, a little community just north of Carlisle. It's one of the small, combined magical and muggle communities. The people around here are well familiar with magic, and many of them still follow many of the old traditions as well." he smiled slightly again as he gazed around at the rolling hills, "We used to run here, your father, Sirius and I." he mused softly.

Harry noted how he had left out Peter's name and sighed mentally, his heart aching for the pain he knew his friend felt over the betrayal. Remus had confided to him once, that when he had found out that Peter was behind all of their pain he had been quite willing to kill the rat if he hadn't stepped in to stop him. "You saved more then Peter's life that day." He had told him softly, "You very may well have saved both Sirius's and my souls."

Shaking his mind from the memories, Harry looked around again and became aware of a faint tingle of strong magic off to his right. It had been growing steadily since they had appeared and as he took note of it, it seemed to snap into focus in his mind and he stared at the open field in front of them in puzzlement.

"Mooney, what…" he began, stepped forward, his hand slightly outstretched. Before he could formulate the rest of his question however, there was a shimmer before him and a set of huge, wrought iron gates appeared. Staring up at them, Harry had the almost insatiable urge to giggle hysterically. The huge gates were dominated by a stylised P and bracketing the gates on tall marble posts sat two great phoenix statues, staring down at any who dared enter their presence.

"Well, I suppose that answers where the manor is." He muttered to himself.

Reaching up he lay a hand on the metal of the gate and in pulsed slightly before swinging silently open and after a swift glance at Remus, he stepped through.

He shivered as he felt the wash of powerful magic over his skin, magic that seemed to pulse slightly as it recognised him, then the estate shimmered into existence before his stunned eyes.

"Great Merlin." His younger soul whispered as he took in the grounds that stretched out before him. Smirking at his choice of words, the older soul answered back "You can say that again. Damn, I wish I had known about this place before."

Spread beneath his feet was a wide white pebbled path, lined on either side by neatly trimmed, waist high hedges with tall, shady trees spaced at even intervals leading in a straight line between sprawling, manicured gardens.

At the end of the drive, between the trees, he could make out a huge, beautiful, manor house that would rival some of the palaces of the muggle royals.

Remus came up beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Come on Harry." He said softly and glancing up into his eyes, Harry saw understanding in the other man's gaze, "Let's introduce you to your home."

At that word, Harry felt a surge of unnameable emotion welling up from both of his souls. Never, in either of his life times, had he had a place he could truly attach that title to. In his future life he may have substituted Hogwarts into that role, but looking about at the grounds of the Potter Estate he felt something he hadn't even noticed was adrift snap into place, making him feel slightly light headed. "Home."

The hand on his shoulder tightened slightly and Harry managed to dredge up a smile from his numb brain, "You know Mooney." He answered almost joyfully, "That sounds like the best idea I have ever heard."

Without even thinking about what he was doing, he grabbed Remus by the hand and took off up the gravelled path, dragging the amused older wizard behind him, for all the world like an excited youngster eager to see someplace new.

When they reached the door, Harry regained his composure and with a grave nod to Remus that was spoilt by the half nervous grin that chased in from his face, he reached his hand up to the deeply polished wood of the door.

As with the gate, as soon as his hand touched the surface, the door shimmered slightly in recognition and opened soundlessly onto a grand entrance hall.

The wide room was floored in gleaming white marble and two magnificent staircases swept up from either side to converge on a wide balcony that ran the back of the hall.

Open halls led off in both directions and a huge chandelier hung from the high ceiling.

Inlaid into the gleaming marble of the floor was the crest of the Potter family, a rearing stag with a stylised P entangled in the branched antlers.

Harry's inspection of the room was interrupted by a staccato of sharp cracks and he almost jumped out of his skin as a troop of six house elves appeared in the middle of the hall.

The eldest looking one of the group stepped forward and before Harry could react, he had bowed so low his nose almost touched the floor, "Master Potter, yous have finally returned." The elf squeaked at him and the others followed suit, bowing before him, some with tears in their huge eyes.

Harry glanced at Remus in entreaty and the older wizard smiled in sympathy, stepping forward to face the troop of elves, "Tupic, do you know who I am?" he asked and the leader of the group raised his head to eye the werewolf before nodding gravely, "Yes, Master Lupin, sir. It has been long and long since yous has been in these halls."

Remus nodded with a sad smile, "I know, much has happened since I was last here."

The elf nodded gravely as the others behind him straightened and all of them bore subdued expressions, "We is knowing, Master Lupin," the one called Tupic told him softly, "We is able to keep track of our family, so we is knowing what happened to Master James and Mistress Lily. We has been waiting a long time for Master Harry to return." Here the little elf turned his big eyes back to his young master and Harry could see the pain in those eyes, reflected in five other faces.

Smiling in reassurance, Harry stepped forward and lay his hand gently on the elf's head, "It is alright, Tupic," he reassured him softly, "I am here now, and the manor is going to be open once more."

Tupic beamed up at him and bowed once again, "Thank you, Master Harry." He almost whispered.

Nodding, Harry smiled, he knew from some long talks he'd had with both Dobby and Winky over the years that it was most distressing for a bound elf to loose the family they cared for. The magic that bound them to a household was like their lifeline. In some cases, such as Dobby's, this was a problem, but in most households, the elves flourished. They were created to serve the great families and took great pride in their work. After the manor being empty for so long, the Potter family elves had to have started to feel useless.

Time to change that, "Tupic, could you please prepare rooms for Master Lupin? He is going to be staying here from now on and I would like you to see to setting up chambers for myself as well. I will be staying here in a few days time, after I put a few things in order."

Straightening, the small creature adopted a stern air and turned to the other elves, "Yous heard Master Harry," he rapped out, "Tissy, Makey, yous go and prepare Master Lupins chambers in the north wing, Carry, Suky, yous prepare the master chambers for Master Harry." At his instruction, the four elves snapped their fingers and vanished with pops, leaving Tupic and a young female elf behind.

The elder turned back and gazed up at Harry once more his eyes hopeful, "Master Harry sir, young Sissa here is just learning, I is wondering if there is something she can do for you?"

Harry smiled down at the young elf that stood nervously behind Tupic, she was about half the size of the older elf and like all the others was dressed in a pristine white doublet style garment made from two tea towels sewn together across the shoulders and down the side under the arms. The clean white fabric was unmarked and emblazoned on each of them was the Potter family crest. The little elf gazed up at him with wide purple eyes and Harry gave a small nod, "Sissa, would you mind making Master Lupin and myself some morning tea? We have been out all morning and we would greatly appreciate it." the joy that spread across the young elf's face warmed Harry's heart and Sissa nodded enthusiastically, "Right away, Master Harry sir." she piped and vanished with a faint pop.

Tupic bowed low in gratitude, "If there is nothing else, sirs?" he asked. At Harry's nod he bowed again and vanished leaving Harry to turn to Remus, a little dazed, "Well, that was interesting."

Remus laughed softly and laid his hand on the younger wizards thin shoulder, "Sorry, I forgot to mention them. Tupic and the others have taken care of this family for a long time so you are in good hands." Looking wistfully around the entrance hall he gave a slight smile, "How about a quick tour while Sissa makes that morning tea? I know for a fact that the elves here prefer to make everything by hand instead of relying on magic, so it will be a little while until she is ready."

Harry grinned, his stomach fluttering in excitement, "That is a great idea."

They spent the next ten minutes walking through the ground floor, Remus pointing out various rooms from the great library to the door that led down to the potions lab. Before they got down to any serious exploring, Sissa popped in before them to inform them that morning tea was served for them in the drawing room. Nodding in thanks, Harry followed the young elf as she led them into what could be termed a large study before she bowed and vanished, leaving them to take in the silver tea service on the low table between two leather armchairs that were drawn up in font of the fireplace, complete with plates of small cakes and biscuits. Shaking his head at the young elf's enthusiasm, he glanced around the room and froze as his eyes caught those of the large painting over the mantle. The tall wizard was dressed in formal red and gold robes and his long, sliver streaked black hair was tied back in a low tail. Despite this effort to tame it, there were still traces of the unruly mop of the Potter line. His kind, brown eyes sparkled behind wire rimmed glasses as he glanced back and forth between Harry and Remus who had entered behind him, "Young Remus it is good to see you again." He commented and his face lit with a gentle smile, "and I assume this youngster is Harry."

Harry blinked in confusion for a second or two then glanced down at himself before shaking his head, sometimes is was difficult to remember he was still only ten in this lifetime and a rather undersized ten at that.

"Damn I hate being small." He muttered in his head and his younger half snorted,

"Sorry." He answered back, sarcastically, "If I had known you were planning on showing up, I would have made sure to grow a bit first."

He laughed aloud at his own internal debate and caught the eyes of both wizards watching him and shook his head, "Sorry," he muttered then smiled up at the painting, "Yes I'm Harry, I assume you are one of my ancestors?"

Remus laughed, "This, Harry, is Harold Potter, young great Grandfather, and namesake might I add. The old man there is one of the ones who helped us come up with some of the more creative spells we put into effect at school."

Harry raised an eyebrow and looked up at the painting once more to find the man looking up at the painted ceiling of his picture, and innocent look on his face. Not at all fooled, Harry snorted in amusement and took one of the chairs and starting on the morning tea that Sissa had laid out for them.

Remus joined him, chuckling at the continued innocent air given off by the painted wizard. It didn't last too long however, as the older Potter seemed to have as much curiosity in him as Harry did, "So Remus, what one earth has been going on lately? The house elves were able to tell me about some of what happened to young James and Lily but not much else. As far as I was able to make out, something had gone terribly wrong with the plans that James had set up concerning the cottage and Sirius ended up being arrested."

Harry sat back with a sigh and Remus hung his head. Harry could tell the werewolf was still reeling from some of what he had learnt that morning, not that he could blame him. After all, he had found out the friend he had thought had died trying to avenge his friends had been a traitor and the one that had gone down for killing all three of them had been innocent all along.

Shaking his head he told his grandfather how his parents had died and of Sirius's subsequent arrest. The painting frowned as he explained that his godfather had been accused of being a death eater and a traitor and the older wizard snorted, causing both Harry and Remus to look up at him in mild surprise, "I thought the idiot informed Dumbledore of the switch." He muttered.

As his words sank in Harry jumped to his feet in shock, "You mean, you know that they switched keepers?" he almost shouted.

The painting raised an eyebrow and blinked, "Of course I know, I was the one who tried to talk him out of it. After all, the four of them planned many of their pranks in this room and I had watched over them all for a long time. I told him that Remus was no traitor, despite being a werewolf and that it was a mistake to trust the rat. But he wouldn't listen."

Harry dropped back into his seat in shock. All this time, all the years that Sirius had spent in prison, all of it could have been cleared up if someone had taken even the smallest amount of time to investigate the matter.

Evidently Remus had come to the same conclusion because he was almost hyperventilating in shock.

"What in the hell was the headmaster thinking, leaving the entire case up to the ministry," he growled, getting up to pace back and froth before the fire.

Remus shook his head, his face haggard, "I don't think he was considering much at all at that stage." He sighed, "None of us were. Once word got back to us of the attack and the arrest, we threw ourselves into getting you out of danger. The minister promised to take care of Sirius and to get to the bottom of the matter. He told us he held a closed trial and they questioned him extensively on his involvement. The evidence that he gave to the headmaster seemed to be intact, everything pointed to Sirius. To make matters worse, there was no way any of us suspected Peter, after all the little rat apparently died by Sirius's hand and we all knew he hardly tolerated the little sneak most of the time."

Harry growled and rubbed at his forehead, "There was no trial." He barked harshly, "Closed or otherwise. The minister just covered everything up, with the help of some of Voldemorts supporters within the ministry. Most of the evidence that he based his arrest on came from them, and he didn't bother to dig any further, not with him being in the pocket of some of the more influential families with death eater ties. This whole fiasco was a circus from the beginning." He dropped back into his chair and glanced up at the painting to find his grandfather looking at him in confusion, smiling at his expression Harry gave the slight twist of his mind and the older spirit appeared beside him, "If you are wondering why I don't sound much like a ten year old, it is because I am not." The spirit explained, "I have a little more information on this particular case then I really like as I had spent a lot of time looking into it over the years."
The painting shook his head and peered at him closely, "And who the hell are you?" he asked softly.

Harry laughed, "He's me." He said softly, "The future me. This is who I will become. He came to me a few weeks ago, from the future."

The spirit snorted, "Simply put, I was sent back in order to set a few things right." He explained, "Harry here is ten years old, me on the other hand, I was forty three the day I died."

At his words everyone fell silent and Harry saw Remus shudder out of the corner of his eye. Because the spirit shared his mind, he noticed it too and he smiled gently at the werewolf, "Don't worry about it old friend." He said softly, and Harry reached out to lay a hand on Remus's knee in response to the prompting of his older self, "I do not intend for things to get as bad this time around that such drastic actions are necessary."

Harry drew the projection back into himself then sat back his chair and huffed in frustration, "But first things first, we have to get Sirius out. I think that releasing him even only two years before he got free last time will do wonders for his metal health. He told me once that he was able to hold off the effects of the dementors for a long time and it was only towards the end of his captivity that he started to loose out against them."

Across from him Remus muttered under his breath. "If there was some way we could bring his lack of a trial to light, we might be able to get things moving."

Harry snorted in agreement then frowned in thought, "Hang on," He said distractedly, "If we can bring the matter to Dumbledore's attention, do you think he would be able to help?"

Remus frowned at him in curiosity, "That would be a given." He answered after a moment, "Being chief warlock on the Wizigamont as he is, his name carries a lot of weight."

Harry nodded, his mind still turning over a seed of an idea. Climbing to his feet he paced back and forth, not even registering Remus watching his every move, an almost predatory look of hope on his face.

"As far as I have been able to find out," he muttered, thinking aloud, "Everything to do with my inheritance was supposed to be held in trust by Sirius until I was of age. But when he was thrown in prison, Dumbledore froze everything using the fact that I would be raised by muggles to convince the goblins to put a hold on my assets." Here he looked over at Remus and the werewolf nodded cautiously, his eyes clearly asking were he was going with this.

A sly grin started to spread across Harry's face as the seed in his mind blossomed and he almost snickered aloud as it took shape, "My dear Mooney, I think I just worked out how to inform our dear headmaster of the ministry's lax effort on Sirius's behalf, and we are going to get Fudge himself to do it for us."

Remus raised an eyebrow at him and Harry did snicker. Sitting back down in his seat, he leant forward with his elbows on his knees. "First things first, I want to organise with the Goblins for an official reading of my parents will." He stated, "And I think that we should invite the headmaster to attend." This time Remus eyebrow almost disappeared into his hairline and Harry laughed.

"The letter I will send to the Headmaster will read, and I quote; "Dear Professor Dumbledore, After meeting with the goblins with Hagrid earlier this month, Gringotts have recently sent me details concerning my inheritance left to me by my parents. They have explained many things to me and have informed me that, following protocol, they need to conduct a formal reading of my parents will in order to finalise a few matters. It seems as though there is some discrepancy over my legal guardian, and the Goblins have informed me that they are going to need to contact you in order to straighten out a few facts. I have also invited a Mr Remus Lupin, whose name I came across in my parents official papers. You should expect to hear from Gringotts within a few days, but I thought it would be polite for me to inform you of this development before hand. I hope that this is not of an inconvenience to you at all, sincerely Harry James Potter."

Remus sat back in his chair, his eyes narrowing in thought and Harry could almost see the man's mind working as he tried to follow the reasoning through to its end, "Alright, that should get his attention, so what happens when we get him in a meeting with the Goblins?" he asked.

Harry let an innocent look cross his face, "Nothing, Mooney. I just thought he should be present. After all, when the goblins ask for the transcripts of Sirius's trial in order for him to be declared unfit to be my guardian, we will need the headmaster's approval in order to obtain them, won't we?"

Remus stared at him then barked out a laugh, "Oh Merlin," he gasped, "And when he firecalls the minister after those papers,"

Harry's grin grew positively evil, "Exactly," he almost hissed, "Think how the headmaster is going to react when old Fudge explains to him why those papers do not exist."

Remus continued to laugh and shook his head in admiration, "And if it comes down to it, we can have the headmaster talk to Harold here about the switch of keeper. Harry my boy," he rasped out, "You are too Slytherin for your own good, do you know that? That is pure genius."

There was a chuckle from over their heads and they both looked up to see Harold shaking his head, "If I didn't know better, Remus I would be insulted by that remark." He said in amusement and Harry grinned at him,

"What grandfather," he said innocently, "Wouldn't you be so proud to have a Slytherin in the family?"

Remus snorted, "He's a Gryffindor through and through," he whispered loudly to Harry, "He'd probably have a heart attack and die again."

Harry laughed and Harold had a look of wounded pride, totally faked of course "I would not," he answered haughtily, "After all, my father was a Slytherin, so that would be hypocritical of me."

Harry nearly choked on his tea as he gave a surprised laugh, "You're kidding me right?"

Remus rolled his eyes and the painting sighed mournfully, "I'm afraid not." He moaned, "He was so upset with me for being a thick headed Gryffindor, after all his talk of Slytherin pride." He shook his head sadly then actually snickered, "That's probably why I had so much fun helping the boys with their pranks. After all, from what they told my, the pride of Slytherin house has slipped over the years."

Harry laughed, "That certainly explains some of my more interesting characteristics anyway." He smiled as he felt the shifting against his arm, a smile that grew into a grin as he eyed the two other wizards, both living and not. "You might want to hold back on sorting me in your own heads, after all, you never know where the hat will put me this time."

Remus raised an eyebrow at him again and Harry had to hold back another laugh; that expression was starting to become a permanent fixture on the man's face, "I thought you told me you were a Gryffindor Harry." He stated.

Harry smirked at him, "Oh, I was," he purred, "But it took some arguing on my part for the hat to put me there, after all, it looks as though I have Slytherin blood in my veins." As he said that, he gave a soft hiss and a bright green head slipped out of his sleeve and Tabitha slid out to climb his arm and wrap gently around his neck.

Remus stared at him in shock then Harry saw his eyes flicker to his robes and his grin grew even more at the dawning calculation in the others eyes, "Slytherin and Gryffindor colours." He muttered, "The characteristics of both houses." He raised his eyes to Harry's then started to grin as well, "Oh it is going to be interesting once you reach school."

Harry snickered, "I can't wait. But first, I think we need to put a few little details into effect."

The two of them spent the rest of the morning going over their plans with the occasional input from the portrait over their heads and by the time they were ready to set things in motion, Harry realised that he had better get back to his aunt's house before anyone became suspicious.

After taking his leave from his great grandfather, he called Tupic in and told the head house elf that he would be back in a few days but Remus would be staying in the manor from then on. Ignoring the werewolf's rather weak protests, he instructed the man to collect his belongings from his old apartment and to move into the rooms that were now officially his, "After all, Mooney," he explained, "After we get Sirius free, this will become Marauder headquarters once more."

He grinned at the stunned look on the older man's face and held out his arm for him to apparate him back to Privitt Drive.

Standing in front of the house, Harry turned to his one time professor and smiled, "Take the rooms, Mooney. I'll get a few more things taken care of then move into the manor as well." he grinned impishly, "Can't have the boy who lived living all alone, can we?"

Remus finally laughed and nodded in defeat, "Alright, I'll take the room." He gave in, "You just be careful. I know we need to get Sirius out, but I don't want to run the risk of something happening to you." His grin grew wistful, "We wouldn't be the Marauders without a Potter in the picture."

Once he slipped back into the shadows and apparated away, Harry turned to enter the house. It wasn't until he entered the living room that he realised that it was a good thing that no one had seen him while he was outside, he had completely forgotten what he had been wearing. But after a second of thought he shrugged, not that it particularly mattered.

His aunt watched him silently from the kitchen doorway as he walked up the stairs to his room. Since their trip into town to buy his clothes, she had been very withdrawn and quiet and Harry hoped that she was considering some of the ramifications of what he had been telling them.

Entering his room, he sighed as he shut the door and sat down at his desk, now wasn't the time to be worrying, he had a letter to the Goblins to draft.

"Do you think that this is going to work?" his younger soul asked. Both of them had some reservations about the idea but neither could give up the feeling of hope that perhaps their plan would work.

"I certainly hope so," the older spirit answered, "Because short of breaking him out ourselves, the only other course of action would be to tell the headmaster everything now and I don't particularly want to do that yet. We don't have enough information on what is going on at the moment, especially after that little incident this morning. I don't want to give all our advantages away until I have to. Until we find out what Voldemort is up to, we need to be cautious." Then he snorted, "Anyway, we have no guarantee the headmaster will be able to do anything about the situation unless we force the ministry to expose it's own incompetence. By making them admit to the oversight of Sirius's trial in front of the goblins will give us an extra boost as well."

Harry nodded, reflecting the movements of his younger half, "How about we set about writing that letter then." He said aloud, reaching into his desk drawer. Pulling out a sheet of parchment and a quill, both of his minds merged together and he drafted a request to the goblins of Gringotts.

"Now to set the ball rolling." He muttered to himself.

……………………………

AN/ And so the plans begin. Oh, and don't worry, Harry will start to get suspicious over Voldy's movements, he's already thinking something is wrong but there are going to be a few little points that are going to ring alarm bells very soon.

See Ya