Chapter Ten
The next day Remus arrived to find a sulking Sirius sitting on the couch looking depressed. "What's wrong, Padfoot?" Remus asked as he walked into the lounge.
"Andi gave Padfoot a flea dip and she is making me where this," Sirius complained holding up a flea collar that he had around his wrist. Remus laughed as he sat down in Ted's favorite chair. "It isn't funny Moony old body. It was embarrassing! Besides, I never had fleas before."
"That is because I made sure you used my shampoo," Remus said and he pulled a bottle from his coat. "It is wizarding world shampoo for dogs. It keeps fleas away."
"Why didn't you tell me that before?" Sirius demanded.
"For one, if you let it slip that is what you were using people would have figured out my secret and I didn't want it to happen. Besides, it was funny watching you parade around thinking you were using some kind of high class muggle shampoo that prevented hair from falling out."
"It doesn't?" Sirius said shocked. "You know my father went bald when he was my age," Sirius said rushing to a mirror to check out his hair line.
"Sirius, get over it. Anyone would go bald living with your mother! Besides, I bet she put a spell on him to make it happen," Remus said.
"You got a point on that. I wouldn't put it past that old bat," Sirius said and his mood lived up. "So, what are we going to do about Dumbledork?"
"I told you nothing. We need him," Remus said.
"Need him? After everything he did to me? How can you say that?" Sirius said shocked and hurt.
"Look, I know you are upset about what he did and so am I. I am not happy about being used either and trust me he used a lot of people not just you. But I told last night, if what happened during Harry's first year is true then Voldemort is alive. This means we need someone like Albus in the Ministry and at Hogwarts controlling things. He might not be the most caring human around but he is the only one strong enough to lead the light side right now. Harry might be able to do it one day, but right now that isn't possible. He is only a child. If James were alive, he could do it but he isn't. So, we are stuck with Albus for now," Remus said.
"So, we listen to what the old fool says," Sirius said coldly.
"I didn't say that," Remus said smiling. "I said we need him at the Ministry and Hogwarts. This doesn't mean he is going to be in control as he once was. I think it is time for us to start calling the shots for awhile. What do you think?"
A mischievous smile crossed Sirius Black's face, "Moony, old buddy, I like the way you think!"
"That is why I was considered the smart Marauder," Remus said.
"Mr. Moony, Mr. Padfoot takes offence to that statement."
"Mr. Padfoot, Mr. Moony is only speaking the truth. It was he who got Mr. Padfoot and Mr. Prongs out of trouble the seven years they were in school together." Sirius stood up pulled his wand and Remus suddenly found daises growing on the top of his head. This started a prank war between the pair that lasted until Andi and Ted arrived home later that day.
Petunia was leaving a tiring session with the Wizengamot thinking of the long list of things she needed to do before going on. The first thing to do on her list was find someone to replace Umbridge in one of the seats she now controlled. It was because of this woman that Remus was not allowed to be there at the Ministry to help her out. Umbridge disliked people inflicted with his illness. She made laws making impossible for Remus or people like to find work. Remus was a lucky one. James must have known that his friend would need to be taken care of some time down the road. So, by making Remus the caretaker of the Potter Estate, he had place to live and money for the rest of his life. Petunia was impressed with Remus because he only took the minimal amount of money for him to live. This alone made Petunia want to help Remus and maybe people like him. So, to do this she had to get ride of Umbridge.
She would gladly do it either way. Petunia hated the woman from the fake sweet sounding voice to her pink suits with all those damn cats! The woman had to go. The trouble was who replace her. This person would be help her gather information on the changes that she wanted to make, write documents for the others to read so they knew what Petunia was addressing and be a vote on her side. This meant she needed to find someone that she could trust. He or she would lead her to right people replace the others.
Petunia had asked around and the name that came up the most was Arthur Weasley. Petunia had found out that Arthur was considered a man of his word. He worked hard but considerate to the people around him. Petunia knew he was perfect. The plus is that he knew Remus and had no problem with him. Remus said they could work together. This was reason enough for Petunia to approach Arthur this day and offer him a job.
Petunia found Arthur in his small little office with its strange items scattered everywhere sitting behind the beat up desk with a ledge in front of him. He looked like a man with the world
on his shoulders. Petunia didn't know it but she was about to give Arthur the answers to his problems.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Weasley," Petunia said in greeting as she walked into the office.
Arthur stood up shocked. "Afternoon, Mrs. Dursley, what brings you to my little world. I hope Harry is okay?"
"Oh, Harry is fine. I came to talk to you about something. Do you have time for me?" Petunia asked.
"Of course," Arthur said pointing to a beat up chair in the corner of the room. "Please sit down."
"Thank you," Petunia said and she sat with her brief case in her lap looking at Arthur intently. "I will not waste any of your time on this matter. I am here because I need an honest person to help me with my work in the Wizengamot. I asked around and I was told that you are that man. You won't have to quiet this job if you don't want to. I can make sure that what you do for me will not interfere with your responsibilities here," Petunia said.
"What do you want me to do?" Arthur asked his eyes lighting up just a bit. For Petunia could be, he realized the answer to his prays. Arthur had worked two jobs but no one knew it. He had his normal job but he was also Albus Dumbledore spy in the Ministry. He would gather information and sent it on to Albus. This is how Arthur had paid for the children's education or did rather. Now that he quit the Order, Arthur was left to find a way to pay for their schooling on his own. He was finding it almost impossible.
"Well, for now, if you are willing to work with me, you will work with Mr. Lupin on writing proposals on the changes that I want to bring to our world. You will also be the go between with Mr. Lupin and myself when I'm at the sessions. Later, I will name you a seat holder to one of the seats that I control," Petunia said.
Arthur started to stammer at this. 'He a seat holder to a Lord?', Arthur thought to himself. "Um, I hate to ask but what does it pay?"
"1000 Gallons at the start," Petunia said.
"A 1000?" Arthur said shocked.
"I could make 1500 if that is not enough," Petunia said thinking Arthur was asking for more money.
"No, a 1000 is fine. I'm just shocked that it is so much," Arthur said.
"Trust me, you will earn it. So, does this mean you want the job?" Petunia asked.
Arthur was a proud man but he knew there times that pride did not feed a family. This money could help him make life easier for him and his family. "Can I quit at any time? That is if we don't agree on what you ask of me?" Arthur asked. He knew several people that did work for the Lords. They didn't get out of those jobs after started them. He wasn't about to be one those people.
"Of course, you can leave any time, you have my word on it," Petunia said.
Arthur smiled at this and said, "Alright, I will be glad to work with you, Mrs. Dursley."
"Petunia, please call me Petunia. I will be taking back my family name once my divorce is finalized," Petunia said.
"Alright, Petunia, when do you want me to start?" Arthur asked.
Petunia took a list of thing that Remus had asked her to give to Arthur if the man took the job. "Right now, this is what Remus needs at the moment. He told me to tell you no rush but as you get it. You can drop them off at either my home or at his home. He did warn you not to go during those times," Petunia said.
Arthur nodded knowing what Petunia meant. "I won't," Arthur said and he took the list. It wasn't much but it would take Arthur a while to gather everything that Remus had wanted.
"Good, I add your first pay check to your account this Friday," Petunia said.
"Thank you," Arthur said. Petunia, left them going on about her business, she needed to get some shopping done before going home.
Later, as Petunia was walking out of the local food stores in Diagon Alley, she spotted Molly Weasley walking down the street with Ginny at her side. Molly was checking off things from a very long list of things she needed to get done as she walked talking a mile a minute to Ginny as she did so.
Petunia and Remus had been talking about Molly these past few days. Remus understood why Petunia had trouble with Molly but he pointed out that Harry was a close friend to Molly's children. Petunia could either ask Harry not to hang around them or she could find a way of getting along with Molly.
Petunia realized that Remus was right. She hated to admit it but since things between her and Harry were going along so smoothly at this moment, she didn't want to destroy it now. Also with Arthur now working for her, Petunia knew she would have to learn to deal with the woman
at some point. So, she decided now was as good of time as any in start finding common ground with Molly.
Petunia stood up straight and walked over to Molly saying. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Weasley."
Molly and Ginny stopped walking and looked at Petunia stunned. "Good afternoon," Molly said.
"Do you have some time for tea? I wish to talk to you about a few things," Petunia said.
"I guess I can make time for one cup," Molly said wondering what the crow wanted now. Molly figured this conversation was not made for Ginny's ears. So, she handed her daughter some coins and said, "Ginny, dear, would you please go over to Madam Mime's dry herb shop and get the items we need from our list?"
"Yes, Mum," Ginny said walking away wishing should hear what Petunia and Molly were going to talk about. Ginny was hoping she could rush over get the items off the list and rush back before she missed much.
Petunia and Molly walked over to Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlor to get some tea. The two ladies sat down at a small table outside the shop, far away from the others to talk. Petunia did not waste words. "Molly, I want to start by saying you are not my favorite person in the world. I also know that I'm not yours but it seems our children have become friends. I feel for their sake that maybe we could find a way to live with each other."
"Well, for them I don't see why we can't," Molly said using the same tone of voice as Petunia. She was shocked of course that Petunia was even suggesting it. She always assumed the woman was too self-centered to care about anyone's needs other then herself. It proved Molly wrong with Petunia asking to get along with her for the children's sake. 'Maybe is not the person I first took her for,' Molly thought to herself.
"Good, I know this will not be easy for either of us but for the boys. I will try," Petunia said.
"Yes, you are right, but for the children I can put up with just about anything," Molly said. Molly suddenly got idea and decided that now was a good of time as any to bring it up with Petunia. "What are you going to do for Harry on his birthday?"
"Well, I was planning on celebrating Dudley and Harry's birthday's together. Dudley's birthday fell during the time I was dealing with the attack on Harry. We didn't get to do much because of it. So, I was going to throw both boys a large party at Rosewood Hall to celebrate."
"That is nice but how about we have at the Borrow. We have that large back yard space and the kids could play Quidditch there. I know several kids from Harry's house that we could invite and it could be a surprise party for the boys!" Molly said having trouble with saying boys.
Molly knew that Petunia hadn't bothered in celebrating Harry's birthday before this and forcing him to share it with his cousin was a bit much for Molly. She thought this was just another way of Petunia showing how bad of a mother she could be.
Petunia thought about it. She liked the idea of surprising both Harry and Dudley. She also liked the idea of not having all those kids at her home. She loved the boys and loved doing things for them. She just hated messes. If she could find away to make them happy and not have to have big mess around, she would do it. "That is fine with me. Harry's birthday is on a Saturday this year. Is that day okay with you?"
"It is," Molly said.
"Good, I'll send Snip and Sheers over to help you out with the preparations. It is the least I can do for you opening your home as you are," Petunia said.
"You don't have too," Molly said.
"I want to. Besides, this way we can keep it a secret from both Harry and Dudley. They would think something is up if I spent several hours over at your home helping set up the party," Petunia said.
Molly thought on this. If she had a choice between Petunia's house elves and Petunia herself, she would take the house elves. "You are right, send them over," "Molly said. The two women finished their tea and then went on their way. Ginny didn't get to hear any of it. For it took her longer in the shop then she wanted and her mother was finished talking to Petunia by the time she exited the shop.
At Malfoy Manor, Malfoy placed a new diary on a table next to a cauldron. "Now, listen closely. You must do this as I tell you or it won't work," Voldemort's voice hissed.
"Yes, my lord but I'm confused. Why would you want to bind your soul to this book?" Lucius asked.
"Because you fool…" Voldemort hissed. "You are going to make sure this book ends up in the hands of one of the Potter brat's friends. I will make sure that they finish him off."
"I see," Malfoy said but he didn't. He didn't see why it was so important to kill Harry. He was just going to do as he told. He had no choice. If he didn't, then Voldemort would destroy his family. So, he did as he was told and didn't question his master. Lucius slowly started to brew the potion that was needed to bind Voldemort's soul to the bright red diary.
Andi decided to prevent the press from destroying Harry and Sirius first meeting. So, she invited Harry, Dudley and Petunia over dinner this evening. So, when she arrived to find her house trashed she was read to kill Remus and Sirius. "You two are worse then children!" Andi Tonks screamed as she stood in the middle of what was left of her lounge.
"Easy, Andi! We can fix it," Sirius said smiling a roguish smile at his cousin.
"You better because Petunia is bringing the boys over an hour from now and I don't want them to think this is how I live. So, clean it up. NOW!" she Andi ordered.
Remus and Sirius went to work and had the house cleaned up in no time. They just forgot one thing and it wasn't until Tonks arrived home from work that it was pointed out to them. "I guess I'm not the only metamorphmagus in the family," she said eyeing Sirius rainbow color hair.
"Ooops," Sirius said quickly changing himself back to normal.
Remus blushed and did as well. "We were goofing off," he said.
Sirius noticed Remus blushing and looked at his cousin with new interest. She was blushing as well. Sirius Black smiled a mischievous smile for he finally found someone to put with his best friend. James and him always tried but no one really matched Moony until now. "Perfect!" Sirius said.
"What?" Remus asked only catching Sirius comment.
"I said I'm perfect," Sirius joked.
Sirius was not the only one that caught the pair looks and Ted wasn't as warm the idea as Sirius was but he wasn't opposed to it either. At least this Remus could have real conversations and not just say 'yo!' like Tonks last boy friend. Ted assumed he was a muggle for she didn't talk much about what she did when the guy was around.
Petunia, Dudley and Harry arrived at the Tonks home using the floo network. Harry stumbled into the room, landing right in his Godfather's arms. Sirius laughed and said, "Just like James. He couldn't travel by floo either.
"He couldn't?" Harry said.
"No, he couldn't. I think it had something to do with his glasses," Sirius said helping his godson to steady himself and using his wand to clean him up.
"Thanks," Harry said. "Um, I guess you are my Godfather."
"Yeah, I'm your Godfather. Come on let's sit down in the lounge and talk while Andi gets dinner ready," Sirius said.
"Okay," Harry said and he followed his Godfather into the lounge area.
Harry sat on the couch next to his Godfather and Dudley sat in the overstuff chair beside them. He just watched TV giving Harry time to get to know Sirius. It took a bit but time dinner was put on the table. Harry and Sirius were comfortable with each other. Harry laughed at Sirius stories about the pranks his father and Sirius had played when they were in school. Harry realized that his father and godfather were the Weasley twins. They were exactly like them. The trouble was one twin was missing. Harry saw this in Sirius eyes when did talk about his father.
While they were getting to know each other, Harry also learned something shocking. Sirius and Andi were related to Draco. "Um, I have a question. I'm not related to that git Am I?" Harry asked.
"Well, your grandmother was a Black. So, yes," Sirius said.
"No!!."Harry cried. Sirius laughed as did the others. "Don't laugh; do you know what that git is like?" Harry asked.
"He can't be as bad as his father," Andi said and soon they were telling stories about Harry friend's parents and how they were in school.
It was during these stories Harry learned that he and his Godfather had something in common. They both talked the sorting hat into putting them in Gryffindor. Sirius was shocked at first that Harry was going to be in Slytherin but then proud that his Godson could pull off something like that. He messed Harry's hair up and said, "That's my boy!" Harry smiled and felt a warm fussy feeling inside him and he realized that this was what it would be like if his father was alive. He liked it.
At the Borrow, Arthur filled his family in on his new job. It was Percy that spoke up first. "Dad, it is about time you got out of that dead end job of yours. Working for a Lord will finally give this family a reason to hold their head up," Percy said.
"I'm still doing my old job. I will just be working with Petunia on things she needs help with," Arthur said.
"Still, it is a step in the right direction," Percy said smugly.
The others ignored him on this and started thinking on other matters. Money was one of them. "What will you do with the extra money?" Ron asked hopefully.
"Pay for your schooling," Arthur said firmly.
Molly nodded in understanding. Arthur was doing this so they can keep their children at Hogwarts. "I did some work on the numbers and found out that not only can we afford tuition but I think we can afford to get everyone a limit amount of new items," Arthur said.
"A wand?" Ginny asked.
"Yes, a wand," Arthur said.
"Yes," Ginny said.
"New clothes," Ron asked.
"Yes," Arthur said.
"New books?" Percy asked.
"New school books," Arthur promised. He was looking at the twins wondering what they would want. Fred and George just smiled and he knew right away what they would want. "I will think on it," Arthur promised not having to hear what they wanted.
"Yes!" Fred and George said giving each other high fives.
"Arthur, you wouldn't dare," Molly said.
"I promise I won't buy them anything they could do damage with," Arthur said. Molly shook her head but didn't fight it. This was one of the first times Arthur could buy his children things they wanted. She couldn't take that joy from him. So, if he wanted to buy the twins things that could get them thrown out of school, why should she stop him.