Chapter 5 – Relations

Harry got back from the ball and couldn't decide weather he should be seething or laughing his head off. In the end he settled for seething with his father. How dare they?! It seemed little Rosie was right to be annoyed about meeting their grandparents as they had been quiet rude to their mum all night. There was a number of times when Harry had to be almost physically restrained from hitting his grandfather.

In the end though it all came to a head when his grandmother had called his mum the M word. I mean, hearing it from people like Malfoy was bad enough, but his own grandmother?! And his grandfather agreeing! Harry couldn't stop himself as he gave them a piece of his mind, ending with telling them he did not consider them family as they couldn't see past their own bigotry. He went to bed that night not realising what the consequences of his words would be.

-

The next morning Harry went about his usual exercises only to find that when he returned to the kitchen after getting washed and changed for breakfast his grandmother and grandfather were there with a stack of papers.

"Good morning Harry. Why don't you sit down whilst we wait for your Father and Lilly."

Harry scowled at them and set about making breakfast completely ignoring them. After 10 minutes his mum and dad entered with the girls following sluggishly behind.

"Lilly, James." They greeted with a slight inclination of their heads before turning to the girls. "My, you're up early!"

"It's Harry's turn to cook today." Laura said simply.

"Well, your grandfather and I have a very important matter to discuss with your mother and father, and your brother. Why don't you girls go watch the… Television?" The girls nodded, still half asleep and went into the front room. "Now, after last night we think it is about time that we do something about this young mans atrocious attitude, and came to the decision…"

"My attitude? Excuse me while I get over my disbelief that the two most bigoted people in this family say something about my attitude." Harry interrupted.

"We came to the decision that we should get him to grow up. You may choose the person." They said, putting the sheets of paper in front of him. Harry glanced at the papers and almost fell off his seat.

"Your trying to put me in an arranged marriage?!" He yelled.

"Young man, we simply cant let this behaviour slide and this would be the perfect opportunity for you to grow up."

"I'm sorry, but there is no way in hell that I will consent or take part in any form of arranged marriage." Harry stated trying not to laugh.

"You don't have a choice. If you don't take part then we will kick you out of the family." Harry immediately sobered up as Lilly gasped.

"Then I suppose I will go pack my possessions." Harry said standing.

"You will do no such thing!" James nearly shouted. "Mother, Father, if you don't stop this right now I swear on all I hold dear that I will leave your family for good. If it is a choice between the happiness of my wife and children or the stuck up ideals of my parents it is my wife and kids that I would choose."

"I'm sorry you feel that way son, but we will not relent." Harry's grandfather said.

"Then good bye Mr Potter." James said formally. He went to leave when Harry stopped him.

"Dad, you getting kicked out the family will do no good. Think of the girls. I know you earn a lot from your job, but that's no were near enough to support us all. Why don't I call Sirius or Remus' and see if I can stay at one of their houses for a while?" He said soberly. As reluctant as James was to admit it he knew Harry was right. He wouldn't be able to support the girls and himself if he left the Potter family. He just couldn't earn enough. And he was sure his parents would see reason within the month. Wouldn't they? "Mr Potter, Mrs Potter, I would say it was a pleasure knowing you, but I'm not in the habit of lying." With that Harry strode out into the living room. As soon as he left the room he heard shouting and sobbing.

Taking some floo powder Harry threw it into the flames and stuck his head in, calling for the Black estate. Immediately he saw Sirius and his family, as they seemed about to enter the fireplace, probably heading over for breakfast.

"Harry?" Sirius asked.

"Hey Uncle Sirius. I was wondering if I could come live with you for a while?"

"Whats up kiddo? Trying to run away from home?" He replied, laughing.

"Not exactly. More like getting kicked out the family." Sirius stopped laughing. "Apparently I struck a nerve last night, and I wouldn't agree to the other option of an arranged marriage."

"C'mon over as soon as you like. Lynn will help you get settled while I come over and talk to your parents." Sirius said, stone dead serious.

"Thanks Siri. I'll just go collect some stuff and be right over." Harry said, stepping out the fireplace and going to his room. He got some clothes into a suitcase and went back downstairs trying to ignore the shouting. He went to his sisters who were crying and hugging each other. Slowly he wrapped his arms around each in turn saving Rose for last and telling them all to be good while he's gone. With that he stepped into the fireplace and entered the black abode.