(A/N All Harry Potter characters belong to JKR I'm just having fun with them

Dumbledore will be slightly AU))

Chapter 14

Harry sat in Bill's tent staring off into nothing; beside him was his Pensieve, the surface glowing silver, providing the only light in the room. It cast eerie shadows, which danced and weaved to the changing and swirling memories. Yet it fit Harry's mood, he was afraid and uncertain. He had reviewed the memories of his visions, wondering why now, and why him? It was not coincidence that he was having an out of body experience when he saw the vision. It wasn't really the fact that he had a vision given the circumstances, but what it meant. Voldemort was out there planning, and now he had help. His plan also involved Harry, which was the part that had him the most unsettled. He remembered the prediction of Professor Trelawney: the Dark Lord would rise again with his servant's aid, greater and more terrible than ever he was. What was he to do? Who could he trust to talk to? Sirius was far away, and had troubles of his own, but he would tell him as soon as he could. It did involve the "rat", and if he was captured, maybe Voldemort's return wouldn't happen. It was beyond Ron and Hermione's ability to handle, they would just suggest going to Ron's dad or a Professor.

Talk to Mr. Weasley? Ok, he had shown care and concern for him, and had trusted him enough to tell him about Sirius being after him, even if he was wrong, but he wasn't here. Did he want to drop this on Bill, was it fair to him on his first expedition? He already knew many of Harry's secrets, and had kept them, and if Voldemort came after him soon, it would put Bill at risk.

The door creaked open as Bill walked in. He looked around in the gloom, spotting Harry. He had seen the ritual Lone Feather had done, he had given the man the ok to ask Harry if he wanted it. Something had caused Harry to become upset, and Harry had a high tolerance for frustration.

"Care to talk about it?" Bill asked, sitting across from Harry.

"Yes, I think I do. It might not be safe for you if I don't." Harry said quietly, slumped over and looking at the ground.

"What do you mean?" Bill sat up, at Harry's defeated reply.

"Maybe it would be easier if you just watched." Harry gestured to the Pensieve.

"Yours?"

"Yeah, from the end of third year, what really happened, not the cover story."

Bill made no comment, he just laid a hand on Harry's shoulder and indicated for him to come as well. They fell into a memory of Trelawney's prediction, watching Harry hand the crystal ball back as she went rigid.

"Was that a real prediction?" Bill asked, still calm.

"Professor Dumbledore said it was her second real prophecy." Harry confirmed, still uncomfortable. Not looking forward to the rest of the memories.

Harry and Bill came out of the Pensieve, after watching Pettigrew's capture and escape. Followed by Harry's visions, the sea and the bird, and of Voldemort planning to kill him. Bill sat down, chin in hand, he was not expecting this. Disappointment of what his form was, ok that he could handle, this he didn't know.

"That was quite the secret Harry, Black being innocent, and this Pettigrew being Scabbers! It makes me sick to think about it. The plan or whatever, it sounds like a future plan, they talked about getting you while you are at Hogwarts. So for the mean time you are safe, from them that is. You have looked death in the eye with me, and not been shaken up. What is it about this that has you rattled?" Bill looked to Harry, waiting for his answer. It took a while as Harry thought, struggling to define what it was about this that bothered him so much.

"I guess that it's a plot aimed at me. They are after me and me alone. Not wizards trying to get their loot. I just wonder why?"

"I don't know the why, what I do know is that we have time, and we can tell Professor Dumbledore about this vision. We can expect a trap, and if we expect a trap, we can break it." Bill filled his voice with confidence, trying to encourage Harry.

"Besides Harry, from what Ron says, it won't be the first time you have faced him."

"It's true, I have faced a form of him before, but they were different." Harry said, rubbing his scar absently.

"How so?"

"Well, he was a spirit and a memory, I mean he was…can I just show you?" Harry was at a loss of how to explain Voldemort's form. Harry scooped up the memories from the Pensieve and placed them in an extra vial. He pulled his thoughts of the end of first year and the Chamber of Secrets, and depositing them in the stone basin.

"I'll sit this one out, I don't want to see them right now." Harry said, looking into the lights as they glowed. Bill nodded and entered the memories. Harry sat thinking. Bill was right, it seemed he did have time before this plan was to come into effect, and he had an advantage in knowing about it. Bill came out, openly crying, seeing what his baby sister had endured, it was far worse than hearing about it. He looked at Harry, gratitude and respect clearly present in his eyes, and gave him a hug and manly back pat.

"Harry, I never thanked you for what you did for my sister, and even if I did, it would not have been enough. Know this Harry, if you have to face him again, I'm with you. So are all the Weasley's after this, hell, even before we would have been with you." Bill voice was powerful, committed. After a moment of silence, Bill laughed. "One thing's for sure Harry, you're a natural Cursebreaker."

They sat up together, late into the night, lost in thought. Harry with plans for telling Dumbledore and Sirius, and Bill wondering about the connection with Voldemort that Harry seemed to have.

Dawn was a gloriously bright and wonderful start to the day. Harry was up early, after a surprisingly restful sleep. He made his way to the Big Tent, arriving first after Dobby, who slept in the kitchen, even after being offered a bunk. He sat down to coffee, as the tea had run out already. It was bitter, and he didn't overly care for it. He was enjoying pancakes, when Belle sat across from him. It had become a habit for them to eat together.

"You missed dinner last night, are you, alright?" Belle asked, looking concerned.

"Yeah, just called it an early night, I had a lot on my mind." Harry hedged around the truth. It would be better to keep it under wraps.

"Oh, if you're sure, I expect we'll be really busy today and tomorrow, so it's good you're all rested up." Belle said, in between bites.

"Why is that, I mean why will we be busy?" Harry asked confused, looking around as if the reason was in the tent.

"Silly, we are done here, we must pack up to move to the next site." Belle smiled to take the sting out of her exasperated tone. Harry looked sheepish, but agreed that it probably would be time to move on. He was finishing up eating, when Ian cleared his throat. He knew this was to be followed by an announcement, and expected it to be the orders to strike camp.

"Well, we have what we came for, so today will be our last at this camp site. I want us packed and ready by noon. Harry, I want you to help here in this tent, working with Alessandra, to get it all packed. Also, inventory the supplies so we can pick up some more. Annalisa and I will setup some wards to hide the Temple until it gets cleared. We spent more time here than I thought we would, so I want to skip the next site, and head to the last one, that way we can still make that stop in the Azores. Let's get to work! He clapped his hands, as he was finishing up his speech. He pulled Barns to the side as people began filing out, Harry heard enough to know that Barns was packing and guarding the loot. It took a lot less time than Harry thought it would, magic was a wonderful tool. Bill and Owen were soon in the Big Tent to help, and by eleven all that remained was Ian's and Xo's tents. The cargo carpets were loaded, with space left for the last two tents.

"What are they doing up at the Temple anyway?" Harry asked Bill, while they were finishing lashing the carpet with the pre-carved runes and loot on it.

"It's what we in the trade call a Tag and Bag. Basically, the site gets a concealment ward, which is keyed to a small dragon bone tag. That tag unlocks the concealment. This gets put into a bag labeled with the coordinates and team members names that broke it. Then it's turned over to the goblins." Bill explained, wiping sweat off his brow. While it was a beautiful day, it was hot and humid.

"What for, I mean, why hide it again?" Harry asked, seeming to be unfazed by the heat.

"It has to be turned over to the ICW, who will send in a team to remove any magic artifacts we missed, then leak it as an archeological find and turn it over to the local Muggle government. The ICW has law's about taking any non-magical treasure in historical sites."

Harry cast a spell to tighten and tie the ropes holding the chest of loot in place. Ian and Annalisa were coming down the path now; all that would be left was the tents.

Albus Dumbledore walked down a large white hall; it was currently the lodgings of twenty-seven representatives from different nations and governments. Stones in the wall glowed, causing a pleasant light, and his boots struck the marble with purpose as he made his way. He had decided enough was enough: between the school, the Wizengamot, and his other duty, being Supreme Mugwump was too much. There were signs of dark activities all over Europe; creatures were stirring, all leading him to believe a shift in the balance between light and dark was occurring. He had heard rumors of events in Britain, and about events that Hogwarts was to host. Cornelius had slipped a few decrees past him, and it was unacceptable. There was going to be an Heir Test, not to mention the Tri-Wizard Tournament that he would have to host and judge. Things were moving fast, and when things outpaced him, it was a cause for action. Stepping up to a door with a French flag on it, he reached out a knobby hand and knocked.

"Albus, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Questioned a man with dark black hair, it was silver just above the temples, giving him a distinguished look. He had grey eyes, and a tanned and lined face that was smiling in welcome.

"Sebastian, I wondered if I might take a moment of your time, to discuss a matter in private."

"Of course, come in, tea or coffee?" Sebastian asked, moving aside and sweeping his arm to indicate a small sitting area.

"Tea please," Dumbledore sat with a sigh, sinking into the cushion gratefully. An elf popped in with a tea tray. Sebastian looked across the table as Dumbledore sipped his tea. He saw the burden and stress of a man carrying his nation, who was relied on far too much. He frowned as he met Albus eyes, it was time then.

"I guess it is time for me to step in as Supreme Mugwump, then my friend. I had hoped for another few years, but if you need me to…" He trailed off, looking at Albus.

"I am afraid it has already been one year too many, things are unbalanced as it is, and my full attention will be required to guide us through." He paused, taking a sip of tea. "Hogwarts will once again be the center of events."

Sebastian Delacour looked up intently at that, noting that it could be taken more than one way. He was well versed in the older wizard's speech patterns and could read between the lines. He listened as Albus continued.

"I will concede my chair to you. I trust you to continue in the way you feel is best for our world. I wish you luck."

"Very well, I shall need it. I do not have the control over my emotions that you have. I fear I will hex someone."

"If you do, I'm sure it would be justifiable." Albus's eyes twinkled in response. "I find it easier to let my mind drift too more pleasant thoughts, while the political posturing and ranting occurs."

"Perhaps. Speaking of happy thoughts, my son is to be married in August, will you come?"

"Of course, young Jean is to marry already?… My how quickly the years go."

Sirius ducked to his left, his eyes never leaving his opponent; red spell fire flew over his shoulder, causing him to laugh in excitement, the next purple spell already coming at him. He swatted it aside with a quick wand gesture. A chain of spells left his wand: stinging hex, stunner, and punching hex, done silently and fast. His form was perfect; side turned, wand up, shield already in place, as his spells flew. Remus cursed slightly, he missed again. Then he cursed again, this time because of the spells coming at him, he barely dodged the first, rolling forward onto the ground, shielded the second from his knee, and was hit in the chest by a punching hex, as he stood back up. He gasped, staggering backwards, and snapped off a stunner, watching as it splashed into a shield. He completely missed the disarming charm that ripped his wand away, into the waiting hand of Sirius.

"Much better Moony, you lasted almost ten minutes this go." Sirius was laughing, he loved to duel.

"You're lucky you don't need anymore potions, or I wouldn't make them." Remus grumbled, as he walked back to the Plantation House. They made it to the porch, when an owl arrived with a packet. It was surprising as neither expected mail from anyone other than Harry. The packet was thick, and sealed in the blood red wax of Gringotts Bank, addressed to the Head of the Noble and Ancient House of Black. Remus looked to Sirius concerned, leaning on the porch rail, running a hand through his thinning brown hair.

"That can't be any good news, what would the goblins send you?"

"It could be a number of things, none pleasant. A marriage contract, although I haven't placed the family ring on yet. It could be an attempt to locate me, but the goblins have helped me in the past, allowing me access to my gold. One way to find out." As Sirius said this, he ripped open the packet. The first item he saw was notice of a new law, declaring anyone with criminal convictions to be banned from the Wizengamot, and ineligible to be considered as head of a Noble and Ancient House, due to a hereditary chair on the 22 High Seats. To be put into effect August 20th. He read this scowling, knowing this was aimed at him. He passed it off to Remus, and moved to the next item. It was official documentation of an Heir Test being reinstated, due to precedent by the Pureblood Protection Act of 1947. He was worried now, his next of kin would be Bellitrix or Narcissa's spawn. Then he found a letter from his family Account Manager, Bloodcurdler, he picked it up as Remus snatched the Heir Test documentation out of his hand, showing his impatience and frustration, he also had been on the receiving end of laws aimed to affect his life.

Lord Black,

I presume you understand the ramifications of the documents I have included within this missive. It is in our best interest to approach you to prevent the fallout that would occur if improper hands were to guide the votes and wealth of the Black Estate. I have also included a document transfer case and the necessary forms. The Heir of the Malfoy line will inherit as things now stand. The vault numbered two, and the title of Lord Black, as well as seventy-five percent of all monetary holdings and all deeded property is entitled to the Head of Family, a title which you have yet to officially claim. There are no active marriage contracts at this time due to age restrictions on the binding agreements. I have a solution for you; there is one other person with enough Black blood and a significant link to you that you could name him as the next Head of the Black family. It would involve you claiming your Headship now by placing the family signet ring on your right ring finger, then filling out the enclosed documents, and sign in blood. Please enclose the family ring and any personal missive with the filled out and signed forms, bequeathing Headship to Harry James Potter in the transfer case, and we will see to it that he receives them well within the time constraints. This will be to both our benefits.

Bloodcurdler - Senior Account Manager

Gringotts Bank

Sirius sat still; naturally he would want Harry as an Heir. It was not as if he would have children of his own. Being an escaped convict would prevent that. The thought of a Malfoy gaining more wealth and power was unthinkable. While Sirius sat holding the note, Remus had moved around behind him to read over his shoulder, he was halfway done, when Sirius held it back over his shoulder. As soon as it left his finger tips it burst into flame, singing Remus fingers and Sirius's hair.

"Sneaky buggars are covering their tracks."

"Who was the other choice?" Remus asked, caution in his tone.

"Harry."

"Oh… well that's good right. I mean, he will allow you access, and if you have kids, turn the family back over to them."

"I don't care about the money, or the title." Sirius turned to look at Remus. He knew a lot of magic and theory, but was lost in politics. "It is the effect on Harry's life that has me concerned. As Head of two Families with High Seats, he will be required to have a separate line for each. He would be drawn into the world of politics, not to mention the possibility of a contract marriage to a family that was thought well of by the Blacks. I might be exempt due to being old, but Harry would most likely be caught. Can I do that to him?"

"If I know one thing about Harry, it is you can trust him, he is mature beyond his years. Give him the choice. Fill it all out and leave it for him to decide."

"I'll explain all of the options in a letter, but I don't like it. He has done more for me than I've done for him." Sirius was looking down at the grey, sand covered, and weather-worn porch. A flush was creeping up his neck; his magic flowed into him, responding to his anger. The air took on a heavy feel, tingly and thick.

"I'll not tolerate it anymore," his was voice sharp with emotion, and his fists were clenched. "I will find the rat. I will be there for my godson when he needs me. If I can clear my name before he turns seventeen, he won't be bound to being Head of the Family, I can take the burden back." Sirius looked up determined; "let's pack Moony, tonight I leave for England."

Remus watched Buckbeak and Sirius fly off into the night. He sighed, worried for his friend, it was a long flight. He looked back at the old Plantation House, they had worked hard to fix it up, and they had bonded again, now they went on the hunt together again. Remus turned to his luggage, one quick Apparition and a Muggle flight would see him home. He almost missed Winston, but the parrot arrived in time with Harry's last note. He smiled as he read; realizing Harry was having a good time. He took the time to reply, and then vanished without a sound. Winston flapped away, grumbling about proper rest and abuse of a postal parrot.

(A/N Posting will slow, I'm working out town and only have internet access on weekends. All the reviews are awesome and helpful thanks for your time. Enjoy.)