Chapter Seven: Income Tax

Members had been trickling in for about half an hour now, and now they all were assembled around the large kitchen table waiting for Albus Dumbledore to show.

Finn sat in the corner by the fire, he was hoping that tonight the order would recognize him as a member again, and he could get back to doing the only thing he could really do to help there side. Finn sat absentmindedly watching the potions master- whom seemed quite uncomfortable to be sitting in the same room as he was.

He didn't blame Severus for being there that night, nor did he blame him for what he had to do, he knew to what cause Severus truly gave his service. And he did not blame him for his wife's death one bit, not one bit.

Severus himself did not believe his actions were forgivable, and to the very day still felt terrible at having been part of that particular death. He had killed as part of his spy duties before; he hadn't wanted to, he had never taken a liking to killing the innocent like the other death eaters. But that was simply because he wasn't like the other Deatheater's, he had gone well, well as good as a former Deatheater could go. He was not oblivious to the fact that he was a grumpy, miserable old sod; in fact he was quite well aware of that matter. But the lack of freedom, the near lifetime of servitude, and constant worry of whether Voldemort suspected him of being a traitor had weighed him down and morphed him into a man with very little hope to strive by.

As Severus and Finn were lost in their thoughts, Dumbledore had arrived through the floo. Wearing brilliant navy robes, he strode out of the fireplace, brushing the soot of his shoulders, before he greeted the party gathered in the basement kitchen of Grimmauld Place.

'Well then, shall we begin, my friends?' He asked with his customary smile and a small twinkle in his blue eyes.

The following morning at breakfast, the room's occupants were in various states of hurriedness.

Harry and Finn were discussing Finns reacceptance into the order from the night before. Finn was quite excited that he was able to help again, and was listing off all the things he would have to refresh his memory on.

Harry listened throughout the tale, though he kept getting stabs of annoyance whenever Finn mentioned Dumbledore's name. That man was frustrating him to no end, he still had yet to talk to him since there argument a few weeks back and it was only making him more upset with the old man. But Harry was quite glad that Finn had been reinstated into the order, he knew that Finn would need something to do when both he and professor McGonagall had returned to school, and this was such a perfect job for him.

The twins were eating enough food to feed the whole of Hogwarts staff table and talking rapidly of new ideas that kept springing into their inventive minds.

Ron too was scarfing down food as though it was about to disappear.

Hermione looked on at her boyfriend and his brothers with an obvious expression of disgust forming on her face as she daintily sipped her tea.

Remus – who had looked decidedly cheerier since his lunch meeting a few days ago- was quietly sitting at the end of the table having a hushed conversation with Tonks, of which no outside parties could catch a word of, though they seemed to be laughing quite hard at times.

Molly was dishing out more food to those whose plates looked a little on the empty side, namely Harry's.

Arthur was reading the Daily Prophet with a stern expression on his face as he read a column on Fudge's latest public speech.

Minerva looked as if she was waiting for the opportune moment to but into Harry and Finns conversation. She was holding a small envelope in her hand and tapping her finger absentmindedly on the table top.

The opportunity had arisen sooner than thought, as Finn stopped his story for a moment to take a bite of his breakfast. As he did so she quickly interrupted and called upon Harry- Finn looked highly affronted as he had just been getting to the good part, and proceeded to glare at his sister for a full five seconds before taking another bite of bacon.

'Yes, Professor?' Harry asked curiously.

'Well, Potter as you know, since Miss. Johnson's graduation this past year, the position of quidditch captain is vacant. Now, at the end of last year, Miss. Bell approached me, and informed me that due to her studies she would not be in a position to take the spot. Therefore, I have to look at the next most seasoned player to take on the responsibility, and that is in fact, you, Mr. Potter,' Minerva said matter-of-factly, as she passed him the envelope she was holding.

Harry looked at her in disbelief, as he opened the envelope to reveal the shiny quidditch captain badge. He ran his hand over its shiny surface, before looking up once more. He looked around at the rest of the table members, all whom had stopped the chatter and were watching the events between Harry and McGonagall play out.

He looked back down at the badge, for a moment only he felt prideful of the achievement, before he remembered a little eleven year old whose dream was to become head boy, and quidditch captain. And he knew that this badge wasn't meant for him, and with that, his mind was made up.

'Well, Potter?'

'Er, professor, with all due respect. I think you've made a mistake.'

'How so?' Minerva asked curiously.

'Well, do you honestly believe that someone like myself- who can't even win a chess match-, could possibly strategize, structure, and manage a team?'

'What are you saying, Potter?'

'I'm saying that, if you want to keep that quidditch trophy in your office, to pass the badge along to the one person, I know, who can do the job successfully,' Harry said smiling.

'Oh, and whom might that be?' Minerva asked, playing along. She was quite sure of whom Harry had in mind.

'Why Ron Weasley of course' Harry answered.

Ron, who up to this point, had been staring at Harry as if he had gone bonkers, suddenly turned red all over.

'Are you sure Potter?'

'As ever'

'Very well then, Mr. Weasley, do you accept the badge?'

Ron looked over at Harry, making sure that he wanted to do this. Harry nodded an affirmative. Ron smiled at him, thankful to have a friend who would give up an opportunity like managing the Gryffindor's Quidditch team up, so he could have the honour. He then turned to McGonagall and said, 'you bet your bloody boots, I do'

'Ahem' several ladies uttered in unison.

'Ah, I mean of course I'll take it, thank you professor' He said, as Harry handed over the shiny badge.

The Weasley family watched as Harry did so, noting that he did not seem to regret his decision one bit. If Harry wasn't already considered a part of the family, this act of kindness and thoughtfulness would have surely sealed the deal on it.

As the table's regular chatter resumed- though it was mainly centered around Ron's new position as captain- Minerva mumbled to herself, 'that cup better stay in my office, Potter'

Harry who had heard her from his seat, leaned over and quietly replied, 'Don't worry, Minnie it will.'

Minerva was shocked at first, at Harry's daring to call her that, before she began to chuckle- something she did rarely. As she did, Harry smiled.

A few days after Ron became Quidditch captain, the group that still attending Hogwarts was set the task of picking their classes for the upcoming year.

This year they had put a requirement on History of Magic, when Ron had loudly asked why the hell they had to continue with the dull course, McGonagall simply told him that they had refined the curriculum and the staff at Hogwarts as well as the majourity of the school governors agreed that the information could be of some help during the coming years. After that Ron hadn't said anymore on the subject, though he wasn't particularly excited about continuing it.

Harry looked to where he was able to choose which lessons he would like to attend, he quickly checked off Defense Against the Dark Arts, Care of Magical Creatures, Transfiguration, Charms, and-

Harry put his quill down in sudden realization. He couldn't take potions; he only received an Exceeds Expectations on his O.W.L. exam. He couldn't be an Auror now.

Remus was seated across the table and looked up to see a downcast Harry.

'What's the matter there, Harry?' He asked concerned for the boy.

'What, huh, oh nothing. Well, it's just. I can't be an Auror, Remus.'

'What are you on about of course you can-'

'No I can't, Snape doesn't let anyone with out an Outstanding on the O.W.L.S and I only got an Exceeds Expectations. And there's no way that Snape would let me in his class with that, if he'd even let me back at all that is…'

Through this conversation, Remus suddenly remembered his lunch meeting from nearly a week ago now…

Remus had apparated to the Three Broomsticks in time for his meeting with his old school friend, Seb.

He was hoping that he had been the first to arrive as he wasn't sure if he would recognize his schoolmate.

Against what he'd hoped he wasn't the first to arrive. He nearly fell over in the shock of seeing his past friend, sitting at the Marauders old table, sipping a butterbeer. The guy hadn't changed a bit, with the exception of a few years added to his age.

He had fine dark brown hair that matched his dark eyes. A narrow prominent moustache rested above his upper lip, with a small stylish goatee not much longer than an index finger that protruded from his chin. He had always had a strange resemblance to Sirius and they had often joked that Sirius had been swapped with another baby when he was born.

As Remus was remarking on his friend's unchanged appearance, Seb noticed that he had arrived.

'Remus! Is that you?' He said, draining his drink and coming over to meet Remus.

'Seb? You have changed a bit!'

'Well I could say the same for you mate, it's as if we saw each other just yesterday! Come, come sit down, have a butterbeer or something a bit stronger, if you like.'

Shaking his head, at Seb's ability to shrug off the fact that they hadn't seen each other for, oh say fifteen years now! Not to mention the fact everyone thought he was dead. He was really sick of the dead reappearing. why if Lily or James show up next, I think I may just go insane! Okay so that was a bad joke…

Remus joined Seb at the table and Seb handed him a ice cold butterbeer, of which he immediately gulped down at least half of.

'So then…' Remus ventured, anxious to hear the reason Seb suddenly contacted him.

'So then what?' Seb asked, not catching on.

'Well, I figured you didn't just suddenly spring up out of nowhere without a reason, so?'

'Oh right, sorry. I guess you do deserve an explanation. So what do you wanna know?' Seb asked, he looked nervous, no he looked ashamed.

'Well, how about you start by telling me why you left. What happened mate? I mean, we all thought you died, we went to your funeral, and I saw your casket being lowered into your grave…'

'I know, I saw it too, do you have any idea how disturbing it is to watch your own funeral procession, gives me the shivers even now!' Seb expressed, while rubbing his arms of Goosebumps.

Remus looked at his mate, curiously, obviously questioning the man's last statement.

Seeing the Remus' curious glance, Seb spoke again, 'I guess it'll be best if I start at the beginning of the story, instead of half way through,' he chuckled nervously.

'Yes I think that'd be best, though if I do remember correct you never really got the hang of starting at the beginning in any conversation so I can't say im too surprised there,' Remus smiled.

Seb chuckled along with Remus as he remembered that he had never quite grasped the concept of beginning a conversation at the rightful spot to start- the beginning that is.

'Right then, well do you remember a few months before I disappeared, I had a girlfriend named Adele?'

'Yes, I remember that, the brunette, very timid girl,' Remus mused.

'Timid my ass! Ahem, anyways, you know then that I was at the time completely infatuated with her, loved her dearly. That was until I found out the real reason she had come to me. She was sent by Voldemort, she was a Deatheater, assigned to get close to me. To persuade me to join the 'Dark Lord'. She said he believed I could do great things by under his command, and that he could offer me rewards that Dumbledore and the Ministry could merely only dream of.

'Of course, I refused the offer, and ended the relationship quickly. I was crushed; I thought I had finally found 'the one' and all. I slowly forgot about her over the next few months, and concentrated on the job, as you are quite aware times were getting harder and harder then. Raids and attacks nearly every day it wasn't hard to forget of her existence in my life. That was until I began receiving threats through my post. I didn't think much of it at the time, I mean; it is not completely uncommon for Aurors to receive a death threat every now and then. I could ignore it once, and even twice, but after the third message I began to worry.

'They were persistent that they were going to kill me, so much so that I was becoming more paranoid than old mad-eye! Watching my back where-ever I went, even in the bloody loo! Eventually after the threats began getting more serious, I realized that the threats were inescapable and that one of these days I was going to get caught, and I would die. So, I decided to, sort of…beat them to the punch line. I staged an attack on my home, bashed up the furniture, you know made it look as if there was some sort of struggle. Then I packed up some necessities and disappeared from the wizarding community all together.

'I've been living up in the Orkney Islands, biding my time till I deemed it safe to come back.'

Remus had been in awe up till this point but suddenly he asked, 'but it surely hasn't taken fifteen years for it to be safe for your return, has it?'

'No, of course not Remus. It was safe years ago, but I didn't see reason to come back with no girlfriend to return to, Sirius in Jail, Peter dead, and James and Lily gone too! I couldn't handle it!'

'I was here, I was here, suffering and mourning their deaths all alone! Don't you think I wanted to leave? Don't you think I wanted to forget it all, and leave it behind?' Remus argued, he was angry at Seb for not coming back, they could have worked through their friends' deaths together, and been better for it. But Seb hadn't come back.

'I'm sorry Remus, truly I am. I was a coward, a coward for running and a coward for not coming back sooner. I was trained to be brave and stand up to against the dark forces, even if it meant my death. And I gave in, and ran for the hills. Please forgive me Remus; I am weaker than you are'

Remus thought this over for a few minutes, he could see some logic in that somewhere, though it still stung him.

'Its okay, Seb, your back now,' Remus smiled.

Seb smiled weakly in return, he had felt incredibly guilty for leaving Remus to fend for himself, but he couldn't take it back now he was fifteen years too late for that!

'Speaking of being back…why are you back? Not that it isn't good to see your grubby face' Remus joked.

Seb rolled his eyes, in a very Remus-like fashion, and continued with his story, 'I'm not really sure why I just suddenly turned up, and it wasn't something I particularly planned or anything. I just missed the action, the magic you know. Orkney Islands were fine for a while but it wasn't home. Besides once news of Voldemort's return reached me, I wanted a second chance, a chance to redeem myself. I went to Dumbledore, first thing when I arrived. And well I gave him this sorry ass excuse, and well he thinks he's found me a place to prove my worth,' Seb said smiling mischievously.

'Remus? Earth to Remus?' Harry called out to his old professor, he had been spacing out for the past five minutes now.

Remus blinked suddenly as he heard Harry call his name, 'Sorry, Harry. Er… what were we talking about? Oh yes that's right, potions. I wouldn't give up just yet, check the box,' Remus said smiling knowingly.

Harry looked at him curiously, but took his advice anyways and checked the box, maybe there was hope of making an Auror out him yet!

A couple of weeks had passed by since; Harry and the rest had sent their school forms back up to Hogwarts.

The weeks had passed by normally enough. Harry had only one other vision, it was just another attack on a village in southern England. Harry had a feeling that this was going to become a recurring event over the next few months or so. He had lost a few nights sleep from bad dreams, and frustrating thoughts that left him awake well into the night.

With just a week before school Harry had felt he had a lot to accomplish. He was glad that he had finished his homework already, thanks to Hermione's insistence that they would have a better summer if the summer work wasn't hanging over their heads all summer.

Dumbledore had apparently sent word with Professor McGonagall that he had arranged a trip to Diagon Alley for them all so that they could get what they needed for the new school year, and have a wander about, Harry couldn't wait to see Fred and George's shop. Though once again he was annoyed by the fact that he wasn't even allowed into town without Dumbledore arranging and scheduling the time, guard, etc.!

The morning of their visit to Diagon Alley finally arrived. Remus and Tonks had been put on guard duty, Harry was glad that at least Dumbledore hadn't assigned any more than two guards, but then he remembered that with Charlie, Bill, Fred and George, and Mrs. Weasley being around as well, two extra was more than enough!

Not that he minded Remus and Tonks coming along, He was on quite a friendly basis with both of them, and their company would be appreciated. He just wished that they weren't there to watch over him and make sure he didn't even do as much as break a nail!

Since Grimmauld Place was just on the edge of London, the group opted for taking a regular muggle cabs to the Leaky Cauldron- well were it would be if the muggles could see it.

Remus, Bill, Harry and Ginny were moved into the first cab, while Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Hermione, Charlie, and Tonks crammed into the second one- Fred and George were already at work, ready to please their prankster customers with their prank-goods.

The cab was awkwardly quiet the whole drive, nobody barring Remus tried to strike up a conversation, but when he was met with just murmurs and grunts in return he remained silent as well for the rest of the trip.

They arrived outside the Leaky Cauldron and Tonks and Remus handled paying the cab-fare, Harry was surprised to learn that the two weren't confused by the muggle currency but then remembered that with Tonks being an Auror, and Remus being heavily involved in the order they must have needed some sort of basic education on muggle-dealings, but then how would he explain Mr. Weasley's confusement over muggle currency?

'Well then, shall we?' Tonks said brightly. She was sporting aqua coloured hair today, done up in high pigtails that swayed back and forth as she walked.

Harry was glad that he was finally out, out of Grimmauld place, just plain out of any house. He had had some freedom at the Dursley's, but not enough to just run off to London when he pleased. He thought it was sad to admit that he believed it to be a rare treat to go to town, an insult to teenage wizards and witches everywhere, it was.

They quickly made there way through the fairly empty pub- it was still quite early in the morning- after greeting Tom with a wave and a quick hello, they were on their way.

Mrs. Weasley did the honours of opening the archway to the cobbled street of Diagon Alley. Where Shops lay ready to be shopped in, and people walked ready to buy magical goods.

He always found this the best part of Diagon Alley; it always caught him by surprise that such a bland wall open up to such a magically lively place completely different from the dingy muggle streets that lay just a few yards away. As the others hurried through, Harry lingered a moment, to savour the feeling of enthusiastic joviality that reeked through the street.

'Come on Harry, stop daydreaming! We're going to see Fred and George,' Ron complained.

Shaking his head, 'keep your tights on Ron, I'm comin,' he replied, as he ran to catch up with the rest of them.

'Now dears, I'm going off to the Flourish and Blotts, now I'll meet you at the shop when I'm done, don't go anywhere else, and listen to Remus and Tonks they're in charge,' Mrs. Weasley said, she looked worried to be leaving her children out in such an open and public area, where anything could happen.

'Oh, Mrs. Weasley, please let me come with you, please!' Hermione looked desperate to accompany Mrs. Weasley to the book shop. She had been away from its shelves for so long, she was having withdrawal symptoms.

Mrs. Weasley relented, knowing that Hermione would much rather flick through the pages of a book then look through shelves of toys and pranks. She asked if Ginny would like to come as well, but she replied in the negative saying she needed a new supply of nose-biting teacups, and she had an itching to finally see the business, that her two brothers had built up from scratch, with the financial help of Harry that was.

So it was. The two groups headed off in separate directions, Mrs. Weasley and Hermione to Flourish and Blotts, and the rest of them to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

Soon enough the group had reached the twins shop, they knew it was theirs not from the sign hanging by the door, but from the mere structure of the building itself.

With stripes of orange, and purple and checkers of red and yellow, it stood out grandly among the dully coloured shops that surrounded it. The doors were an odd carving, wonky shaped too, but they fit together like puzzle pieces and were coloured a violent shade of blue.

The twins had gone…all out with their decorating, and no one could argue it wasn't fitful of pranksters. Even the Welcome Mat had a tripping device in it. Something that Bill was unaware of as he stepped straight on it, and resulted in smacking his head into the door.

Tonks, Ginny, Ron and Charlie laughed at their brother, how could he have not expected that one? Harry stood awkwardly, not laughing simply because he knew that if it had been him, he too would have fallen for it. Remus helped Bill to his feet, before chuckling himself; those two were so much like the marauders!

After the small incident they all carefully headed indoors, knowing to expect a prank around every corner.

As Harry stepped over the threshold, he was hit with a burst of colours all at once, Purples from the shelves, glittering green from the ceilings, and bright yellow shining up from the floorboards. Everything about the place was frivolous and lighthearted, and just so worthy of the twins.

The place itself was no palace, but somehow its smallness fit the prank shop to a tee. It seemed to make each and every prank you came across that much bigger and more exciting.

It was not overly crowded as of the moment, but like the situation with the Leaky Cauldron, it was still early morning. Harry assumed that the place would be filled come lunchtime, especially with school approaching.

'Well if it isn't our own flesh and blood'

'Come to visit, the esteemed establishment, that we consider our humble abode?' Fred announced coming out from behind the counter.

'Or perhaps, they have come to visit the esteemed brothers that they call their very own?' George chimed in, coming out of the stock room with a box in his hand.

'Actually I'm just here for the family discount,' Ginny spoke up.

'Why, I'm hurt, Ginny!' George said, taking on a look of someone who had taken strong offence to something.

Ginny smiled and shook her head at her brother's antics, before she demanded them to give them the grand tour. That was something Harry had noticed about Ginny- among other things- she was in complete control of her brothers. Her demands, and even simple requests were followed by all six of her brothers and occasionally-he noticed- even her father.

Fred showed them around the store pointing out the new inventions that they had invented since last year including fake toilet seats that evaporated as soon as you sat on them, Harry noted to watch out for those around Hogwarts, Ginny and Remus pulled a disgusted face, that was too much prank and disgust in one product for either of the two prank lovers.

He also showed them the stock room, as well as their own personal office that was set up behind the counter.

'This is where we think up all our brilliantly genius inventions and ideas to keep pranking alive, and the customers happy!' He announced to the group.

'You might find you'd get more business, if you didn't welcome your customers by tripping them up!' Bill put out there, rubbing his head where he had hit the door.

'Well, any sensible prankster would be able to tell that there was a tripping device there!' Fred spoke happily back.

The group laughed, as Bill blushed prettily. He knew, himself, that it was stupid not to predict such a thing from his mischievous brothers. After all he had lived with their antics for years; he was foolish not to expect it!

'So what do you think?' Fred asked for their opinion as they came back out of the office.

'Bloody Brilliant!' Ron announced, looking around at all the pranks. He had always had a mischievous streak like the twins and Ginny, but his just was not as prominent.

'The marauders would be proud,' Remus added, 'finally someone brave enough to compete with Zonko's!'

'Good then! Well then I'm going to find George, feel free to buy as much as you like!' He announced, before walking off to find his brother.

Harry walked through the aisles, smiling at all the silly inventions; they were one of the only things keeping the world as lighthearted as it was.

As he walked over near the counter, to look at some of the new and improved Weasley Wizard Whizbangs, he heard voices coming through the semi-opened office door. It was Fred and George who were discussing something, with rather serious tones of voice.

Harry couldn't help his curiosity and stayed where he was in order to listen in to the private conversation between brothers.

'How bad is it?' one of the two asked the other.

'Bad enough, that if we don't hit big soon, we'll go under in a matter of a few months,' the other replied.

'That bad, eh?'

'Harry gave us enough to get started, but we've spent the lot of our money on new inventory, and production costs. We're making next to no profit with next to no one stepping foot in Diagon Alley since the Daily Prophet announced you-know-who was back. I dunno about you, but this dream of ours isn't turning out so successful, from where I'm sitting.'

'I'm sorry to say I have to agree'

'it's a shame, people need laughs now a days, and they won't even come out of their houses long enough to share in the joy of pranks.'

'I know mate, I know'

Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. The twins were having difficulty keeping their business running, if he hadn't just heard it from the two themselves he would never have been able to tell.

Damn this war, it even tinted the joviality of jokes and fun! Damn Voldemort, and damn the ministry for installing such fear in every wizard and witch of wizarding Britain! This was a time that they needed every bit of laughter and hope they could have. People were giving up already, and the war had only just really begun. What hope was there for them all, if no one was willing to try, if no one was willing to fight?

Harry had to do something, he couldn't sit and watch the twins dreams fail, just like he couldn't just sit there and watch the wizarding community fall into the grasps of Voldemort.

He put the thought in the back of his mind as he heard footsteps behind him; it was Ginny, her arms loaded with different products.

'Here let me help you,' Harry offered, taking some of the objects off the top of the pile.

He looked at the items in his hand to discover that they were large boxes of dung bombs, belch powder, and ton-tongue toffees. Harry looked at Ginny surprised.

'Someone seems to be planning a few pranks,' Harry pointed out, as Ginny dumped the rest of the items on the counter.

'Well Fred and George won't be there this year, and I figure someone has to fill the void who better than their own sister?' Ginny said smiling.

'Right you are, little sis, and we're going to hold you to that, you too Harry. We can't very well have Ronnykins, and ol' Hermione jeopardizing their prefect-hood,' George said coming out of the office quickly followed by Fred. His serious voice was gone and back was his jolly tone.

Harry smiled; he wouldn't mind the freedom of playing some pranks this year, especially if Ginny was going to be there. Wait! Where did that come from? He wondered.

Harry shook his heads of thoughts that just confused him and followed the twins and Ginny over to the door where the rest of their group was waiting.

'See you all later this evening,' Fred said, waving goodbye before he headed back to the counter to ring up the next customer.

George waved them off and then he too returned to his work. And the group walked out of the prank shop and back onto the cobbled road, heading towards Flourish and Blotts to pry Hermione away from her precious books.

After they met up, and had Remus and Tonks had shrunken all their purchased things, Hermione asked, 'where to next?'

'The Quidditch shop!' Ron and Charlie said at the same time, Charlie had played Seeker back when he was in school and was still as much a fanatic as Ron was, except he rooted for a winning team- the Montrose Magpies.

'First off, you all need new robes; you have all far out grown them over the summer. I swear, you children get older each and every day,' Mrs. Weasley said.

The Weasley children rolled their eyes at there mums remarks on them growing up, it was well known to them that if there was one thing their mother hated as much as Voldemort was her children growing up as fast as they seemed to be.

'but before we do that, we'll have to stop at Gringotts and withdraw some more money,' She continued, flustered, as usual wondering if they would have enough to pay for this years school list, the prices at the shops fluctuated yearly. They may only have two children attended Hogwarts this year but that was still a hefty sum.

Harry would be more than happy to help the Weasley's out with their financial problems, but knew that they were too proud and stubborn to accept it. Suddenly the conversation he had overheard earlier sprang back into his mind, if there were any Weasley's that wouldn't terribly mind having him help them out, it was the twins and he fully intended to do just that, he just needed to talk with someone smart enough to know how to go about it…but who?

As they arrived at Gringotts, Harry approached one of the goblins on duty and presented his gold key- the key to his gringotts vault. Remus had come with him, as even in a place as safe as Gringotts, Harry still needed protection. Tonks had gone with the Weasley's on their own trip to their vault, which held a considerably smaller sum then Harry's did.

'Mr. Potter, are you here to make a withdrawal from your account?' the small goblin asked.

'Yes sir,' he replied formally, knowing that goblins were not to be messed with.

'I must ask if you are aware that quite a large deposit has been placed in your vault since your last withdrawal, it was all signed for, but it is customary to formally inform customers of such a recieval upon their next visit to Gringotts,' the goblin informed him.

Harry was confused, who would have put a large amount of money into his account? Obviously he was the only one, who was oblivious to the money addition as Remus spoke for him, 'No, up until this moment, Mr. Potter has not been briefed on the deposit'

'Well if you would like to see a mark up of your total?' The goblin asked.

'Oh, er… yes please, sir,' Harry said, still quite confused as to where the money came from.

The goblin handed him a small slip of parchment on it was the sum of 600,000 Galleons, 60,000 Sickles, and 6001 Knut. Who the bloody hell had given him so much money?! He knew for a fact that he had less than half of that before the new deposit was placed.

Harry hadn't noticed but his mouth had been open, gaping widely at practically the largest number he had ever seen.

Remus whistled, he knew of the deposit, but not the value of it, he had no idea the man had been so rich, it hadn't shown through all too often, with his laid back, casual personality.

Harry looked up at Remus; the question was expressed through his curious green eyes.

'Who do you think?' Remus said mystically.

Harry thought hard, because quite frankly while he knew many people who were off their rockers, he didn't know anyone who would give up so much money. They'd have to have spent an awful long time with a pair of dementors to- wait a minute…. Sirius!

Of course it was him, it had to be! Nobody else was stupid enough to give him so a grand total of money!

'Sirius gave it to me, didn't he?' Harry said.

Remus nodded, 'I believe so, Harry. Do you remember that letter I received back when you arrived at Grimmauld place?'

Harry thought back, he remembered the letter clearly enough, Remus said that he thought it had been Sirius' will, but he hadn't opened it yet as it was addressed to both of them. Harry nodded at Remus.

'Well I think that is the reason for this sudden rise in your account. You know Harry, we really should take a look at the will soon. I mean I don't want to rush you if don't want to read it yet, but I'm sure that it would be better to know what possessions are now available to us.' Remus said smartly.

Harry nodded again. Sirius had died a couple of months ago now, though he wished to wait longer to open the letter, and prolong the inevitable, he knew Remus was right if they didn't know what it entailed they could neglect a valuable and important thing.

'Sure thing Remus, maybe we could- I dunno- do it later tonight or tomorrow or something? If, that's okay with you?' Harry said unsurely.

'Good then that settled; or well, it will be,' Remus smiled.

'right then, I guess I better go get a few coins then, looks like the Weasley's are back from their trip,' Harry said indicating, the green Mrs. Weasley- she had never liked riding the cart down those winding tracks, as well as the rest of the Weasley's and Tonks.

The group had soon gathered the rest of their necessary items, and had also managed to wander around the different shops for pleasure before they all finally agreed that they were beat. Though Tonks looked as if she could continue for hours longer, she called them all wimps for quitting so early.

They stopped in at the Leaky Cauldron for a Butterbeer and some lunch before they headed back out into muggle London and caught a cab back to Grimmauld place.

Once they were all inside everyone went in separate directions. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all went to go put there purchases away, while Remus, Charlie, Bill, and Tonks went into the drawing room discussing Order affairs quietly. While Mrs. Weasley headed down to the kitchen to start on the dinner for that evening.

After Harry had stacked all his books and robes and other new purchases into his already overflowing trunk, he fed Hedwig a few owl treats, and then walked downstairs to the drawing room his intent was to find Remus.

He found him, eventually, in the drawing room reading the Daily Prophet.

Nervous, for some reason, he cautiously approached the man, clearing his throat to make his presence known.

Remus looked up from the article on a new Belch Powder formula that Zonko's had released yesterday.

'Hi Harry,'

'Er, Hi,' Harry responded.

Why was he so nervous, this was Remus, in other words, the man Harry didn't have a problem talking to. It was only then he realized that he wasn't nervous about talking with Remus but rather it was the fact that he was about to read his godfathers last words to him that had him anxious.

'Can I do something for you?' Remus asked, startling Harry out of his thoughts.

'Oh- um, I was just wondering if we could look at the letter now. But if your busy I'll just come back later,' Harry stammered, ready to run off and ignore the letter for another month.

'No, that's fine; I forgot we were going to do that later today. Let me go get it,' Remus volunteered, he closed the paper and quickly climbed the steps-two at a time.

After a few minutes, Remus came back holding the thick letter. '

'Here we are, sorry I forgot where I put it," he apologized, as he handed Harry the letter.

'S'okay,' He muttered his focus now on the sealed flap. He looked at Remus for consent to open it- it was not just Harry's after all.

'Go for it,' Remus allowed.

Waiting no longer he ripped the seal, now quite eager to see his godfathers writing again. In this larger envelope were two smaller ones. The top one was marked Moony the bottom one was for him.

He tossed Remus' his, not caring if it reach him or not. Harry then turned to his own personally addressed letter, his nerves suddenly back. What if Sirius wrote something horrible or worse what if he was all nice about it, and therefore made Harry feel even worse about his death?

Despite these nerves, he was still anxious and finally pried open the seal and took out the letter.

Harry-

I'm dead, get over it. I know it's a bit bollocks that once again your left with the short end of the stick but hopefully you'll find some relief in the fact that I haven't left you with absolutely bugger all. The house is yours - though not much of a bachelor's pad- I'm sure you'll get some use of it at some point. Also, I'm certain gringotts has told you by now about the deposit in your account. SURPRISE! Waste it all on chocolate frogs, a new sofa for the den, and a comb- how else will you get a girlfriend? Lastly, I figured that you didn't want the Dursley's to have complete ownership of your now, so I asked an old furry mate of mine to make sure you brush your teeth, wreck havoc on Hogwarts, and don't do anything to stupid. And as for the girl troubles, just relax, redheads aren't as tough as they seem.

Take it easy,

Sirius Black

Harry smiled, relieved. Sirius had a way of saying things so bluntly you couldn't help but accept them for what they were. Though his words did leave behind some confusion, what girl troubles? He knew he hadn't had much luck with them, but he couldn't help that the only girl he'd ever noticed, used him as a human tissue. And what about redheads? Apart from Ginny he knew none.

'Harry?' Remus interrupted his thoughts.

Harry looked up to see Remus looking happy, if not quite surprised at what his letter entailed.

'Yeah, Remus?'

'Well, I was just wondering if Sirius happened to mention anything about this to you.' Remus questioned handing Harry the second sheet of paper he had in his hands.

I, Sirius Black, Harry Potters Godfather and legal guardian, hereby give Remus John Lupin the right to the guardianship and care of Harry James Potter until said adolescent reaches adult status in the wizarding world

Sirius Black.

Harry seemed surprised, though now he did recall reading something along these lines in his letter, but the last phrase had distracted him.

'Well?' Remus asked, he was worried as to what Harry would think.

'Well, I guess this means your stuck with me.'

'You're okay with it?'

'Of course I am.'

'Good, me too.'

'So, Remus, I was wondering something,' Harry started, now remembering another reason he had originally wanted to speak with Remus.

'Shoot.'

'Well, I have a couple of friends who are going through a bit of a tight spot lately, and I know I want to help them, but I don't want them to know nor do I know how to transact the money or deposit it in their vault and-'

'Whoa, slow down there Harry. Now lets start with how much you want to transfer,' Remus interrupted.

Without hesitation Harry said, '3500 Galleons.'

'Bugger me,' he whispered to himself.

'Now before you give me a lecture on how its a lot of money, let me just tell you that I'm doing this. It's a good thing, Remus. And I have my reasons, plenty of reasons. And I know you could stop me now that you're my guardian but I really hope you don't because I need to do this.'

Remus had a pretty good Idea now, of who the money was for, and he understood what Harry was doing wasn't just about charity.

"The twins found a good friend in you, Harry. Very well, I'm sure we can work something out with gringotts.'

'Just like that?' Harry asked, confused as to why Remus gave in so easily.

'It doesn't have to be difficult, Harry. You need help with something; I'll help you whether I agree with what our doing or not, well to an extent of course. But point being I have your back. Now, any other withdrawals while we're at it?'

Harry thought for a second before he smiled, "yeah I'm thinking about investing in a new sofa, this ones gettin' a bit old.'

A.N. There be Chapter Seven, and it only took a limited amount of nearly two months to get around to writing, a new record I believe.

So let me know what you think of it, in a nice long review, heck any review would be nice!

Cheers,

Petroleumjellydotone.