Harry had been entranced. "But how was Peter caught? Sirius, you said something about that. I want to hear how it happened." Harry had relaxed on the bed next to Sirius, looking nothing more than a child who was pestering his family for a story. All of the adults smiled at the sight.

Sirius said, "That was a bit of luck. As it happens, right after I was cleaned up I ran in to an old friend from the same group your parents were a part of. His name is Arthur Weasley. He had heard rumours about my release and when he saw me, he came up to greet me. I was amazed when …."

"… the conversation led to the discovery of the rat. One thing about learning to be an Animagus, we learned it in secret while we were at Hogwarts."

Harry was curious, "Why in secret?"

Sirius laughed and looked at the others in the room. "Well, for two reasons really. One we will explain later. But the other is because the teachers would have stopped us. It's magic that's too easy to get wrong. And if Professor McGonagall had learned of it, we would have detentions for a year."

Professor McGonagall's face had a stern look. Harry looked over to her and was a bit intimidated to be honest. Sirius added in a stage whisper, "And you never want to get Minnie mad – it's just not a happy place to be." The Professor's face took on a smug look even as Remus and Albus chuckled in agreement.

Harry resolved to avoid getting Professor McGonagall mad at him.

Sirius continued on, "Well Arthur, as I said, was an old friend. He asked me how I was and all that and then wanted to hear what had happened. As my escort was willing, I took the time to tell him about the rat betraying me and how it happened. His face took on an odd look as I explained, but he didn't say anything. I didn't think much of it."

Sirius nodded to himself. "It probably was for the best because if he had told me what he thought of I would have gone off and got myself in trouble again."

Professor Dumbledore took over and said, "After the trial, I had taken time to speak to Amelia Bones. As the Director of Magical Law Enforcement and a fellow Wizengamot member she had brought up reparations for Sirius. The matter had been tabled until the next day. We had moved to her office when we were interrupted by Arthur, who had a very interesting tale."

Professor Dumbledore sat back. "In truth, none of the members of the Wizengamot had particularly focused on the fact that Peter Pettigrew was alive and in need of being apprehended and questioned. It was obvious – but other things had distracted them. Arthur had come to ask for clarification on what had been discussed.

"As his Department is a part of the DMLE, Madam Bones was fairly free with the details of what had been found. When the confrontation and Peter's subsequent escape were covered, Arthur asked if there was a warrant for Peter. Amelia, whom had not gotten that far, said that there in fact would be one. Arthur then explained that he possibly knew where Pettigrew could be found. She and I were both astounded."

As an aside he commented to Harry, "Should you ever feel you need an honest advocate in the Ministry of Magic, Amelia Bones should be first choice. Unlike others, her allegiance is to the law and not a particular political position. In that, she is fair, relentless, and incorruptible."

Harry nodded, still entranced with the story.

"Anyway, back to the tale. Immediately, Amelia asked for details. Arthur spoke of a rat that one of his sons had managed to find when he was younger. Unusually, this rat was still alive after ten years and had a missing toe – in the same way that Peter had cut off his finger in his escape. The pet was due to be given to his youngest son as Arthur and his wife planned to reward the son which owned the rat with a new owl should he be made prefect – which he has, even if the letter has not been sent yet. So keep that to yourself." Harry nodded. "Arthur explained that he did not want to take a chance and allow a possible fugitive to remain with his children.

"Amelia immediately made plans to apprehend the rat. Arthur can be rather steady when necessary. She tasked him to get his family out of the house on a family adventure. She advanced him a sum of money to do so as he has a large family and extras are not always available."

Albus smiled as he thought of the honest man and his family and made another comment to Harry. "You will likely meet Arthur's youngest son when you attend Hogwarts. I advise making a friend of him. While each member has their own quirks, the Weasley family members as a whole are quite well known for fierce honesty and fast friendships."

Albus chuckled again. "Amelia's plan was that Arthur would floo the family to Diagon Alley and as soon as all were present Aurors would floo in to apprehend the rat. By 1700, the teams had been set and were waiting at the Leaky Cauldron pub appearing as nothing more than patrons – not an unusual occurrence for those getting off duty. Arthur flooed home with the expectation that it would take twenty minutes or so to realistically get the family out without seeming rushed. Instead, ten minutes later Arthur flooed back alone – with an unconscious rat in a cage."

Harry was wide-eyed. This Arthur Weasley sounded like a hero to him – his immediate concentration was on one man saving his family regardless of odds.

Albus, however, explained Arthur's rationale. "One item I had not mentioned was Arthur's immediate refusal to allow Amelia to advance him a sum to treat his family." He shook his head.

"The Weasleys are the archetypical Gryffindor family. While I am certain that in the past some members were members of other houses, it has not occurred in living memory. And there are many Weasleys. They are brash, inventive, generally powerful, proud – and extraordinarily stubborn."

Harry asked, "What is Gryffindor?"

Minerva spoke up, "Hogwarts students are sorted at the beginning of their education into different cohorts, each representing one of four founding Wizards and Witches. Each prized different traits and all students are placed according to a method which you will only learn when it occurs per Hogwarts traditions. We will explain more when we pick up your materials in Diagon Alley, which is the center for Magical commerce in the Magical world."

Harry nodded. Albus took back over the conversation.

"Gryffindor is a House which reveres Bravery and integrity as a matter of course. Your parents were members, as were Sirius, Remus, Minerva, and even myself. It might not be wise to mention this in front of the Head of that House," he nodded at Minerva, "but Gryffindors also tend to be a bit rash and foolhardy – jumping in where others fear to tread." Surprisingly, Professor McGonagall did not protest the description. Neither did Remus or Sirius.

He shook his head. "Be careful in offering to give a Weasley anything they have not earned. They tend to take umbrage at charity. Arthur immediately refused to accept money to get his family out of the house. Amelia couched it as something that would likely aid Sirius: The one path which might allow Arthur to accept – helping a friend. Arthur had accepted only apparently."

Professor Dumbledore grinned, causing him to look much younger, as he continued the story. "So, here Arthur comes having achieved the goal of the whole tactical exercise – without a single Auror being involved. As soon as he appeared, I used the proper spell to verify that the rat was an animagus. At that confirmation, the Aurors had cheered as none had been put in harm's way. Arthur, in a move very Weasley-like, called out that in celebration of catching the rat – the drinks were on him. Such went the money he had accepted from Amelia."

Sirius and Remus both laughed at the very likely behaviour of Arthur Weasley. Professor Dumbledore's grin was added to by an eye-twinkle. Professor McGonagall smiled in exasperation for the very Weasley approach – she had no question that the story was true.

Harry was amazed. He didn't really understand as he had been brought up to not expect anything and when you were given something you were grateful. Refusing a bit of cash for pride was outside his experience – but he could understand not accepting something not earned. His respect for the Weasley family rose.

"Arthur explained that he was not willing to take any chances and had visited his son's room on the pretext of congratulating him based on comments he had been given regarding his grades – which are after all very good. The ten minutes was five minutes longer than it took to actually catch the rat. He had to explain to his son why he had done what he had done and swear him to secrecy as he did not want the other family members to be alarmed while Peter was still present. His other sons would likely attack the rat for treachery." Albus smiled gravely. "Very Gryffindor, the Weasleys."

Albus's smile became more pleasant as he continued. "Amelia was a tad exasperated at Arthur – she had given the money for his family and Arthur used it for her Aurors. In the end, she had the last laugh."

Harry was very interested in the story. Sirius and Remus, although they knew of it, were also enraptured.

"After the capture of Peter, he was quickly interrogated and convicted for his role in your parents being attacked. As a result, Director Bones got approval through the Wizengamot to apply a law already on the books. Quickly thereafter, she confronted Arthur with the news. I went with her to confirm it. I admit – it was rather enjoyable"

"Amelia was quite smug when she informed Arthur that he was due a reward. Arthur attempted to protest as he was a DMLE employee and catching criminals was a job related action. Amelia insisted as it was the Law – and Amelia is known for following the Law. A 5000 galleon reward for was instituted in the aftermath of the conflict with Voldemort for any, ministry employee or not, providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspected Death Eaters as long as they themselves were not a suspect. That provision had never been rescinded. She used this to ensure Arthur received the reward, and he had no leg to stand on to refuse."

All of the audience laughed. Sirius spoke through his laughter, "That was a brilliant prank!"

Professor McGonagall muttered under her breath, "The Marauders and their pranks!"

Harry looked interested. "Marauders?"

With enthusiasm Sirius interjected, "The Marauders was our name at Hogwarts. Your father Prongs, Moony, me – Padfoot – and the traitor were a group founded on the idea of having fun. We were quite famous for our pranks!"

Albus chuckled with the rest, but became serious for a moment. "I would say to be cautious in doing the same. In my old age, I have decided that I shall not be quite as lenient as I might have been in the past. I quite enjoy a good prank performed in good fun – as long as it in no way harms or is dangerous to any other student or staff. In looking back," he looked at the two remaining Marauders, "on occasion some of the pranks the Marauders pulled should have been judged more harshly."

Sirius and Remus looked a bit crestfallen and sheepish at once.

Albus looked at Harry. "As I said – fun is quite acceptable. The Weasley twins are successors of the Marauders and they quite enjoy doing the same. But I cannot myself or allow staff to look the other way if any particular person is targeted or is humiliated or harmed."

Minerva was pleasantly surprised. Albus had a reputation for allowing much and she herself was a prankster in her day. Very little protest ever came from Albus Dumbledore – she suspected he was of similar inclination in his youth. However, his current attitude was very acceptable. Teenagers were not always mature in their methods and on occasion it was harmful.

Albus smiled to relieve the tension, "As I said – I have no objection to fun. The old creed stated, 'An it harm none, do what ye will.' It is idealistically the basic rule that the Magical world is governed by. In reviewing my past actions I realized I have allowed too much unintended harm to pass. I have decided to reform my methods. Rules are rules usually for a reason. An occasional lapse in service to others or in harmless fun is acceptable. Malicious fun – or that which can be perceived as such – is not."

Minerva had been surprised – now she was amazed. Many times in the past she and other teachers had wanted to exact punishment on malicious action but had been held back if there was no permanent harm. It was one reason she allowed as many pranks as she did – there had to be something to counter the actions of those that felt they were above other students. However, with a new mandate she would feel more comfortable toning down the excesses in her house as she could also counter the excesses from other houses.

Remus, who was the reasonable one of the Marauders agreed, "Harmless fun can make the time pass more pleasantly."

Sirius felt a bit targeted, but even he had to admit – some of their actions in school had crossed a line. He would just have to teach Harry about "harmless" fun. At that, he had an idea which caused him to grin.

"Albus, Minnie. May myself and my compatriot have a few moments to discuss a family matter with your young charge?" Sirius' face was innocence personified. Remus' face was slightly puzzled.

Albus suspected mischief, as did Minerva, but Albus led Minerva out. When he had learned of Wulfric's history and decisions, he had decided that he would apprise the people around him of his 'epiphanies' as to what was acceptable. If they then acted otherwise where he had authority – well, there was a reason he was feared by those who set themselves against him. He would allow the mischief – and act accordingly.

Sirius pulled his friend and his godson in close and began speaking. As he continued on, the group was rather excited.

Harry grinned. For a prank, it could not be considered harmful at all. If such was a prank, he might enjoy pulling them.

After the professors had returned, no mention was made of what had been discussed. Harry learned many things about the magical world. He learned about quidditch, about different school topics, about Hogwarts houses, as well as a number of other things. At 6:00, they had all eaten together. The Mediwitch had suggested that it was dinner time and was set to bring a meal to Sirius, but Albus had called Tippy to bring a meal for all of them from Hogwarts.

Minerva and Albus had ended the visit at 8:00. Both had decided that they would take the day to introduce Harry but schedules would have to be returned to the next day. Neither had taken a weekday to do as they wanted for a long time – even in summer when such things were more flexible. As both had worked through the weekend neither had felt too guilty about it.

Harry was going to be set up at the Leaky Cauldron for the night. He would be taken by Remus the next day to get his supplies. Minerva mentioned that she might see him as she was scheduled to continue the Muggleborn introductions.

Albus would return Harry to the Dursleys after dinner with Remus in tow. Remus would then know where Harry was – allowing him to take Harry back to St. Mungo's to visit and to other places when Sirius was released. Harry looked forward to the next month and 8 days of summer. He usually didn't get a chance to enjoy summer – normally spending the time avoiding Dudley and friends.

He so looked forward to getting his equipment the next day – he was going to be a Wizard! That of course ignored the fact he was a Wizard. But to a ten, almost eleven, year-old Harry Potter, becoming something was more exciting than being something. And you couldn't be a Wizard without spell books, potion ingredients, magical tools – and a wand.

He would learn to think of himself as a Wizard regardless – eventually.

Albus and Minerva appeared in the office of the former after having flooed from the Leaky Cauldron. They would have brought him to Hogwarts but it was standard practice to not allow students on the grounds before attending, nor during the summer holidays. Harry did not know anyone other than the two of them, Sirius, Remus, and the St. Mungo's staff he had met and so this was the best choice for the night. Albus has asked Tom to keep an eye on the young man.

Minerva was about to take her leave, but hesitated. She turned toward her boss and said, "That was well done, Albus. I don't think that anyone else could have properly introduce young Harry. That you took the time and effort to do so properly speaks well of you."

Albus waved his hand dismissively as he peered up, lost in thought. "I am merely undoing a number of past mistakes. Tomorrow I am certain that I shall find more." He turned toward his deputy. "I shall be dealing with the Wizengamot tomorrow. What are your plans?"

"I shall be continuing on with the Muggleborn letters. Pamona and I both have students who have agreed to come but need to pick up supplies." She took a list from her pocket and looked at it. "Pamona has a Mr. Justin Finch-Fletchley, and I have a Ms. Hermione Granger." She looked at Albus. "Unfortunately, there are so few Muggleborns this year that we have only needed the two of us to do introductions. So many seemed to be lost during the conflict with … Tom Riddle."

Albus nodded morosely. That was another sin to place squarely on Wulfric. In his own world, there was a traitor caught that had given names of accidental magic users from Mundane homes. Many were saved by one person being caught. He had been surprised to learn how few new Witches and Wizards would be invited in the next year. He would have to consider whether the traitor was still active now – and how to trip them up.

"Thank you, Minerva." Professor McGonagall farewelled the Headmaster and left to finish the day's paperwork. Albus, whenever he was reminded about it, brooded over the actions his dimensional twin had allowed.

Fawkes sung to relive his human's tension. When he had been relaxed, Albus took the time to complete some of his own work before retiring for the day.

Something nagged at his subconscious. It was a recent thing – just recent. Something Minerva said percolated around in his brain. He was reminded of Tom's action here and in his own home dimension. Suddenly, what had been distracting him twigged in his mind.

He remembered something that Peter, the being that had sent him here, had said:

"In another universe, you did not place Tom Riddle. He remained in the orphanage. He still went dark. He still used the same Dark magic devices. He still followed the path to become the Dark Lord. The Dagworth-Granger family still died out in main line. The difference, however, was not in what Tom Riddle did – but in your own actions."

He latched onto one portion, "The Dagworth-Granger family still died out in main line." He was reinvigorated a bit. One of his own great regrets from his home dimension may just be repaired in this one.