Hi,
I want to start off by saying thanks to everyone for all the great replies. I am really sorry that I got behind on replying back. I am having a bit of trouble with my email and server connection. One and then the other decided to mess up on me. I hope I got that mess cleared up. Who knows how that happened but it did.
Secondly, I want to say that this story is not a character bashing story. It might seem like it at times but I am trying really hard not to do it. Albus Dumbledore though will be a lot like he was in the books. He isn't going to end up being Harry's Grandfather or anything like that. He will learn that he isn't perfect though. It just might take him awhile for that to happen. People that are loyal to him will slowly start to realize that he isn't perfect and that he is human. They will still in the end respect the man for what he has done for the wizarding world but some or shall I say most will start thinking for themselves.
Lastly, the part that is coming up you will notice that some of the Weasley's have hidden things from Harry. No, he is not going to turn on them. I love the Weasley family. They like the others will learn that Dumbledore is not perfect. Also, Ron is not going to be as jealous as he was in the books. When I write that side of Ron, it always makes him sound like a spoiled prat. I don't want to do that. So, I'm going to avoid it as much as possible. Ron is just going to be a normal kid with normal fears. He is just worried that Harry is not going to like him because he has no money. He will slowly figure out that to Harry money doesn't matter but loyalty does.
I want to thank Nancy for editing this story for me. You are doing a great job and thanks for all the help on directing the story. You have done a great job…
Marti
PS…
Oh, on my other story, I have taken a small break from it. If you haven't noticed, the duel is the next part and if I mess that up. I will destroy the direction I want the story to go into. I am really close in ending this part of the story. I want to make sure it is done right or done in a way that makes sense to me and the readers. Trust me, I am thinking about it all day and sometimes a lot at night. I will finally figure out all parts of it. It shouldn't take me long but sorry this Monday there will be no chapter for it. Sorry, for the delay.
Chapter Five
After lunch, Remus took the boys outside to help Dudley with his flying while Petunia went upstairs to get freshened up for her meetings that afternoon. Harry liked having Remus around to help Dudley with his flying. This way he could spend some time flying on his own. Harry loved flying. He would rather fly then do anything else.
As Harry zoomed around the back yard, Remus was on his slower much older broom helping Dudley with control. He laughed as Harry dived bombed him. "I wish I could do that," Dudley said watching his cousin flying around.
"Me too," Remus said.
"If you can't do that, how are you going to teach me to do that?" Dudley asked Remus.
Remus laughed and said, "Dudley, what I meant was Harry is born with a natural talent for flying. He gets it from his father. What Harry does can't be taught, you have to be born with it."
"I wonder what my natural talent is, beat people up," Dudley said sadly.
Remus stopped by the boy and said, "Dudley, sometimes finding your natural talent takes time but trust me. When you go to Hogwarts, you will find out what you like."
"Are you sure?" Dudley asked.
"Trust me, Dudley. Hogwarts will be the best time of your life," Remus said smiling as he remembered his days at Hogwarts. They picked up on the flying lessons then ignoring the smiling and laughing Harry as he flew around them.
Petunia was in the living room waiting for the arrival of the Weasley family. Molly had just flooed and said that they would be coming right over. This was about ten minutes ago and Petunia was getting tired of waiting when the floo activated and a flood of red heads started to fill the room. It didn't take long for them pick up on a fight they must have been having back at home.
"I can't believe you were bringing those things," Molly scolded giving Fred and George dirty looks.
"It would..." George started.
"Have livened…" Fred added.
"Harry's life up!" and they both finished.
Molly just shook her head and was to comment when Petunia cleared her throat. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Weasley," Petunia said.
"Oh, right," Molly said getting a bit flustered but pulled herself together and greeted Petunia. "Good afternoon. I'm sorry we are late. I had a bit trouble at home," she said giving the twins one more dirty look.
"Well, you are here. You said something about talking to Mr. Lupin before you left the children alone with him?" Petunia said in a tight but polite voice.
"Yes, I want to make sure he is up to taking care of my children," Molly said worried that Remus might not be ready to deal with Fred and George but she didn't say it. She didn't want to Petunia to think the boys were out of control.
It might have been better off if she had for Petunia thought that Molly felt that Petunia was not able to pick a proper sitter for her children. She didn't say what she thought though. She just kept her thoughts to herself and started the back yard. "Yes, he is outside with the boys. Follow me."
As the group walked towards the back yard, the kids started to glance around. Molly was nearby making sure no small hands touched anything that could break.
Percy, of course, was tight lipped with his nose held high. He thought that Harry was finally living how he should. He was a Lord after all. He felt now would a good time become Harry's older friend. It would help Percy when he finished school and started looking for a job if he could have Harry maybe write a letter to the right people. It would certainly help Percy make something of himself.
Ginny was just star struck. She was going to meet the Boy-Who-Lived, her idol. She knew the stories about his defeat of Voldemort by heart. She couldn't get enough of Ron's stories about him from school. She was just dying to meet Harry Potter and get her own stories.
Ron was worried. Worried that now Harry knew that he was a Lord he wouldn't want anything to do with him. Harry was his first friend as much as he was Harry's. It was the reason he did what Professor Dumbledore had asked and not told Harry about his Lordship. The other thing that worried Ron was that now Harry knew he was rich, he would change and start acting more like Draco; arrogant and unwilling to associate with those of 'lesser' fortune.
The only ones who really didn't care about Harry's money, fame or position were Fred and George. They couldn't wait to show Harry's cousin some of their new tricks that they had sneaked passed their mother. They also couldn't wait to see what Harry had been up too. They were hoping he was working on his flying skills. He might be the best seeker they had but he did need to tone up a bit. He got hurt to easy and it wouldn't do them any good next year if this pattern continued.
As for Molly, she wasn't impressed with the house. Anyone could have a clean grand house, especially with the aide of house-elves; it was Harry that she wanted to see. The boy was too small in her opinion and thought that Petunia didn't take proper care of the boy. Molly felt that Petunia only cared about what she could get from Harry. She didn't care about Harry.
Harry would be much happier in a place where none of that mattered. Albus hadn't been right to hide the truth about Harry being Lord from the boy. He was just wrong in placing Harry with the likes of Petunia. Ron had told her a small bit of information he gleamed from Harry about his childhood. What Molly heard was enough for her to know that Petunia was not fit to raise a boy such as Harry. She had even told Albus so but he insisted that Harry was perfectly safe in Petunia's care. Molly had to take Albus word on it but she was going to keep a close eye on the woman.
Petunia and the Weasley's walked out to the back yard to find Dudley and Harry playing tag on brooms with Remus. They weren't flying to high because Dudley wasn't ready for it just yet but even at that high they were at. Harry was a hard person to catch.
"Harry!" the kids yelled and everyone rushed over as the three of them landed.
"Hi, guys," Harry said landing.
Molly looked at Harry noticing his flushed cheeks and panting. She thought he was over doing it and Petunia was letting him. Ginny noticed this was well but to her it only made Harry look cute.
"What do you think of the house?" Harry asked his friends.
"To much pink," Ron said.
"It's rose," Ginny corrected.
"It's pink!" the boys minus Percy said together.
As the kids debated the color of the house, Remus walked over to greet Molly. "Hello, Molly, it has been a long time," Remus said.
"It has been too long. How are you Remus?" Molly said.
"Oh, you know each other," Petunia said shocked by this bit of news.
"Yes, we worked together," Remus said not knowing how much Petunia knew about the Order.
"Oh," Petunia said figuring there was more but wasn't commenting.
"I wanted to warn you before I left about the twins. They are pranksters. You have to keep a close eye on them," Molly said calmly.
"Oh, don't worry; there isn't much they can get by me. You forget Molly; I wasn't a saint in school. I put with James and …," Remus stopped. He hadn't said his name in a long time and he wasn't about to say it now.
Molly knew whom Remus was about to say and felt bad. "I'm sorry…" Molly said.
"It is okay," Remus said looking over at Harry. "Does he know?" Remus asked Petunia.
"About Sirius, yes, Harry knows about his Godfather," Petunia said.
"You told him?" Molly said shocked. "Why? It only brings up hard feelings for the boy," Molly said.
"Because I'm not planning on hiding anything from Harry," Petunia said coldly not liking Molly's tone. "Harry is able deal with what Sirius did. Beside, he's just a name to him, just as his parents are names to him. It is fact we have to get used to," Petunia said more for herself then the others.
"Petunia is right. James and Lily are just names to Harry and it is all Sirius' fault. If telling Harry about them and how they died helps make them real to Harry, then I'm very willing to say Sirius Black's name to the end of time just to make it happen," Remus said coldly.
"I wouldn't have. I think the past should stay where it is. It is only going to cause that boy more pain and goodness knows he deals with enough," Molly said.
"You have no idea what Harry has had to put up with," Petunia said coldly thinking that Molly talking about how Harry was raised not just for the fact that he lost his parents.
"I think I know enough," Molly said offended.
"Ladies, lets not do this now," Remus said breaking in before they started a fight. "Petunia, don't you have a meeting to go to?"
"Yes, thanks for pointing that out," Petunia said giving Molly a dirty look. "I will just say good-bye to the boys and then I will be leaving." Petunia walked away her head held high as he went to say good-bye to the boys and make sure they behave while she is gone.
"That woman!" Molly snapped.
"Not now," Remus warned for Petunia was still standing close by.
"Fine, I won't say a word. I will just make sure the kids behave and then I will leave as well. I won't be out of the house. So, if you need anything, I'll be near by," Molly said and she went to say good-bye to her own children and to give the twins one more word of warning before she left.
Remus just stood there shaking his head. It was going to a lot easier taking care of the kids then dealing the those women. Lily had warned him one time that Molly and Petunia had hated each other. He asked why and Lily had laughed and said, 'They are too much alike.' Remus didn't understand then, but he did now. Molly and Petunia both liked being in control. The trouble was both of them couldn't control everything around them. This caused the pair to fight like to cats and he was one wolf that didn't want to be in the middle of them.
After Petunia and Molly left, the kids decided to play a form of Quidditch, one that was geared to help Dudley learn how to fly, besides magically expanded or not, the yard wasn't that big, so they had to keep the game small. It had taken a bit talking from Remus but they finally got Percy join in. Percy was not happy being on broom. He hated to fly. He just never said it anyone in his family. So, he was happy that they played down low.
Ginny had tossed the quaffle at Harry but Harry missed it. It landed near the bushes near edge of the yard. "I'll get it," Harry said flying over and landing. The ball was under the bush. So, he had to bend down low to grab it. As he did a hand shot out from the other side of the bush and grabbed Harry. "Hey!" Harry cried out trying to pull free from the iron like grip that was holding him.
Harry's cries caught the attention of the others and as they turned to look. They noticed Harry being pulled into the bushes by an unseen attacker. Remus didn't pause a second. He pushed his old beat up broom to its limit flying as fast as he could to get to Harry. Whoever it was that had Harry almost had the boy through the bushes when Remus leaped from his broom jumped into the bushes landing in the area he believed the man was that was holding Harry. Remus must have hit his target for the moment he landed in the bushes. The hand that was holding Harry let go. Harry scurried backwards watching as the bushes moved wildly as the two men inside it fought. He hard grunts of pain every now and then nothing.
Ron and the others landed about that time. "Harry, are you okay?" everyone asked as they rushed over to their friend.
"Yeah," Harry said rubbing his arm.
Remus walked out of the bushes about that time a bit bloody with twigs sticking out from his hair and clothes dragging a large massive lump behind him. "Dad!" Dudley cried out.
"Uncle Vernon?" Harry said shocked.
Remus dropped Vernon's unconscious form on the ground and looked up at Percy. "Percy, I saw Madam Bones outside in her yard when I arrived this afternoon. Could you go next door to see if she is still home and if she is ask her to contact the Aurors for me? Inform her that someone just tired to attack Lord Potter," Remus said.
"Yes, sir," Percy said rushing away to do what Remus had asked off him.
"Mr. Lupin, that is my father," Dudley said meekly.
"I know and I'm sorry but I wouldn't be contacting the authorities if he did have this on him," Remus said, holding a up a long handled knife with a long sharp blade.
Ginny gasped looking at the knife with shock. She couldn't believe that Harry's uncle would want to hurt him with it. Ron was just as shocked but he was angry as well. "Why?" Ron asked Harry.
"I don't know, but we will find out. Until then, I want you lot in the house. I don't think it is safe out here any more," Remus said.
"But…" Dudley said.
"No buts, go on, get going." Remus said, not in the mood to argue with anyone.
"Come on," Fred said and he and George took control taking the younger kids into the house.
Remus pulled out his wand and magically tied up Vernon and then searched him. He found something that wasn't right. He found a wand. Remus knew that Vernon was a muggle and he didn't use a wand. In fact, the man hated magic. He wouldn't even think picking up a wand. "Who are you?" Remus asked more to himself then anyone else.
"We will have to wait to find out," a gruff voice sounded from behind.
Remus turned pointing his wand at Mad Eye Moody. "Don't move," Remus said calmly.
"Good job my boy, constant vigilance"," Mad Eye said pulling out a medal from under his shirt.
"Before I take that from you, I want you to tell me something that only Mad Eye knows." Remus demanded.
"I was one of the first men called to your house the night you were bitten. You were holding a ragged brown teddy bear. I believe you called it Rag's," Mad Eye said.
Remus smiled and lowered his wand. "Yes, it is Rags," Remus said.
"Now for you," Mad Eye said pulling his own wand.
Remus grinned and nodded, "You gave Rags a floppy blue hat because his other one covered in my blood," Remus said.
"Good, now let's see what other stuff this so-called muggle had with him," Mad Eye said going over to search the bushes. He magically pulled out a sack big enough to shove Harry in, some rope with magical handcuffs and a red handkerchief that could be used as a gag. He also noticed a beat up tin can that rested near by. "Portkey." Mad Eye said looking at it with his magical eye.
"But portkeys aren't suppose to work around this house," Remus said.
"I'm afraid the only wards that are in affect are the ones on the boy. This guy, whoever he is, managed to bring the other wards down," Mad Eye said pointing the prone figure on the ground.
"But how?" Remus asked.
"That is what we will find out, along with who is behind all of this for I don't think this gentleman was working alone," Mad Eye said looking at the portkey. Remus nodded agreement wondering who was behind all of this.
Percy arrived right them with Madam Bones along with a black man and his bubble gum pink haired partner. Remus smiled at the girl with bubble gum pink hair. "What is going on?" Madam Bones demanded.
Mad Eye spoke up explaining things to her and what he had found. "Where is Lord Potter now?" she asked after Mad Eye was done talking.
"In the house," Remus said.
"Good," Madam Bones said. "Auror Shacklebolt, get a team of Aurors here right away. I want to know who this man is, where that portkey was to take him and who is behind this," she demanded.
"Yes, ma'am," Kingsley said pulling his wand and sending a message to call in as many Aurors as he could.
"Alastor, thank you for stopping by and helping out but we have everything in control from here," she said calmly.
"Of course," Mad Eye said bowing and starting to leave. He got the point; get out before the Minister shows up and makes his life even worse then he already had. It was because of Fudge that Mad Eye had retired or rather, was forced to retire. Amelia knew this. She was one of the only people on his side during the time it was happening. He knew her words weren't spoken in rudeness. She was just trying to protect herself and him at same time. "I will see you again, Remus," Mad Eye said and he left with a pop.
"I don't like the idea the wards around the grounds have been weakened," Remus said looking towards the house where he saw Harry and the others watching from the window.
"I don't either, Auror Tonks can you start a scan on the wards starting towards the house and making your way to the edge of the yard. I want to know how weak they are," Madam Bones ordered.
"Yes, ma'am," Tonks said backing up and tripping over here own two feet. She blushed a bit as Kingsley hid his laughter as his trainee ran to do what she was ordered.
"You have to forgive her Madam Bones. She is just passed the first stage of Auror training. She is just a fledgling," Kingsley said calling Tonks by the name all the Aurors called the new comers that passed the first stage of Auror training.
"That is okay," Amelia said turning to Remus. "Let's go inside and talk to Lord Potter. I want his side of the story."
"Certainly," Remus said and he walked inside with Madam Bones leaving Tonks and Kingsley alone with Harry's attacker.
By the time Petunia was told of the attack and she made it home, the house was surrounded inside and out with members of the Ministry. Fudge was there as well barking orders and demanding how an attack like this could happen so close to his own home. Petunia just ignored him and went to where Harry and Dudley were sitting to see how they were doing. "Boys are you okay?" she asked bending down low to check out Dudley then Harry.
"Yes, we are fine. Mum, that man looked like Dad but they said he wasn't Dad," Dudley said.
"It is called Polyjuice Potion. It takes a potion master to brew it," Tonks explained.
"Snape! He tried to kill Harry last year and I bet he tried again," Ron said speaking up.
"What?" Fudge said appearing behind Petunia.
"Nothing sir, my brother is just talking rubbish," Percy said giving Ron a shove.
"I was not. Professor Snape tired to curse Harry during a Quidditch match," Ron said.
"That was Professor Quarrel," Harry said.
"Oh, right but Professor Snape hates you. He is a Potion Master," Ron said.
"Snape, why does that name seem failure?" Fudge muttered to himself.
"He was one of You-Know-Who's followers that Dumbledore said was a spy for him," a man in a fine tailored suit whispered in Fudge's ear.
"Oh, right. Thank you, Barty," Fudge said to the man.
"I knew it!" Ron said all exited. "See, he tried to hurt Harry!"
Remus cleared his throat. "Severus and James didn't get along but I don't think he would harm Harry," Remus said speaking up.
"We are not interested in what you say Mr. Lupin," Delores Umbridge said.
"Like it or not Delores, I am the caretaker of the Potter Estate. You add the fact that James was my best friend, I have a personal interest in the safety of Harry here. So, I have every right to be heard in this matter," Remus said coldly.
"That is one little fact that I plan on changing," Delores snapped.
"Keep trying but not even you can change a wizard's will!" Remus snapped.
"Delores, we will finish this later. Right now, I'm more interested in finding out who that man was and who is behind the attack of the Lord Potter," Fudge said.
Harry sat there watching everyone fight and wondered what was going on. He heard a voice in his head say…Trust Remus! Harry ran his hand through his hair feeling a bit off. Petunia picked up on it and said, "Gentlemen, I think it might be a good idea to take the kids upstairs. I'll be right back," Petunia said and she started to guide Harry and the others up stairs.
Halfway up the stairs, Harry asked, "Aunt Petunia was Remus and that toad looking woman fighting about?"
"Harry, that is for Remus to tell you. You will have to ask him," Petunia answered. "Now, take your friends to your rooms and stay there until I call for you."
"Okay," Harry and Dudley said and they vanished into Harry's room.
Petunia waited until the door was closed before turning around heading back down stairs. She wasn't shocked to find everyone fighting. Petunia sighed deeply. 'This is a new life. You can deal with this!' she said to herself before heading right in to take them on.