Harry was in the Sitting Room with Hermione, talking about books. "I started on a History of Magic, the book on creatures and the book on plants."

Hermione was excited to have a friend. A friend who would talk about books? She was in Nirvana. "I've read through the first three chapters on all the course books and halfway through Hogwarts, a History."

Harry asked, "Tried any of the spells?"

Hermione looked disappointed. "Professor McGonagall said that most of that would have to wait until I got to Hogwarts."

Harry looked around to make sure Hermione's parents were still busy elsewhere. "Professor Dumbledore passed on a little information – to be kept quiet between me and my friends." Hermione looked eager; Professor Dumbledore was an authority after all. "The Trace isn't applied until we get sorted. That means that we could practice some spells and no one would know."

Hermione was torn between looking excited and scandalized.

Harry continued, "Of course, Professor Dumbledore told me how to avoid being stupid too." Harry had her interest again. He told her about the trip to St. Mungo's and all of the weird spell damage he saw. He told her the Professor's warning.

He also explained about Wizards and Witches having no common sense. When Hermione was a little offended, he added "Professor Dumbledore explained that because magic could create illogical result it tends to put users in that frame of mind. Professor McGonagall wanted to get upset with that, I saw her, but she couldn't argue against it." He grinned. "It was actually quite funny. I swear Professor Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling like Christmas lights, like his eyes were laughing when he made the point."

Hermione said, "Well, I am certainly not going to lose my logic!"

Harry looked thoughtful. "I think you have to keep your common sense and the ability to do logic. But, as Professor Dumbledore said – magic isn't always logical. I think it's more important to know that it's possible for this or that to happen than to try to apply logic to it all the time."

Hermione looked thoughtful. Intelligent girl she was – but she was just a girl. Children can suspend disbelief much more easily than adults. She nodded. "Well, I will certainly keep that in mind."

Harry thought of something. "So, Neville's birthday is on Tuesday. Do you think we should send presents?"

It was Monday. Harry had returned home via the Knight Bus on Saturday and spent most of Sunday studying his books. He figured that Hermione was going to be so much further ahead he would have to try to keep up.

Today was the day that Uncle Remus would be coming to pick him up. Sirius would most likely be out of St. Mungo's and Harry would be spending time with him. He really wanted to move in with him, but had decided that the protections that were on Number Four were important. Besides, Aunt Petunia had been much more reasonable in the last several days. She also forced Vernon to be much more restrained. Whenever he started to yell about this or that, Aunt Petunia would clear her throat and give him a look. He would then send Harry back to his room.

Dudley was also being less obnoxious. Originally, Dudley was stopped whenever he said anything offensive. However, Harry had laughed at one comment. He pointed out to Aunt Petunia that Dudley being too nice was weird so he wasn't offended. Dudley had become a bit friendlier when Harry wasn't upset with him getting a verbal jab or two in. Harry returned the favor and suddenly Dudley seemed to find Harry an acceptable age-mate.

Dudley had been curious about what had happened the week before but Petunia and Vernon refused to say. Harry had taken him aside when Petunia and Vernon were being Neighbourly (spending time with the neighbors bragging and gossiping) and explained what had happened. He told him how Harry's parents were killed and where the scar on his forehead came from. Dudley was amazed and asked to look more closely at the scar. Harry had let him. He also explained about the law on secrecy. Dudley was torn between upset he couldn't tell his other friends and chuffed that he knew a secret.

Harry had then spent time telling Dudley about the illogic and stupidity of Wizards. Harry had decided that pointing out that aspect would make him a bit less jealous about it and it had. Dudley had laughed loudly at the description of some of the things he had seen in the lobby of the Magical hospital.

Dudley wasn't very smart, but he decided that it was okay if Harry was a bit of a freak. At least he wasn't taking off his arms or giving Dudley a tail or something else stupid like that.

Harry and Remus arrived at St. Mungo's. Remus looked a little tired. Harry asked and Remus explained that it was something to do with why he had been unavailable for the weekend. He also said he would explain it soon.

The two made their way to first floor. Sirius was just getting diagnosed when they walked in to the room. "Harry! Moony! You're here. I'm likely to be getting out. Thank Merlin! These people are sadists!"

The healer checking Sirius provided, "We could always keep you to take care of some lingering problems."

Harry asked, "Lingering problems?" He wanted to spend time with Sirius out of the hospital.

The Healer looked over and, unseen by Sirius, winked. "I'm sure that there are a few things that need to be taken care of. Shouldn't take more than, oh let's say, four or five months. Tops."

Sirius began to protest, even as Remus and Harry laughed. Sirius was a bit embarrassed reacting to a simple joke. He really needed to get out. Finally he snarked, "Thanks a lot. Now Remus is going to be going on about lingering mental issues for the next four months."

Remus chimed in, "He said four or five. I'd be guessing five." He was grinning, even as Sirius gave him a raspberry.

The healer added his reply, "Well, next time don't be so insulting towards your Mediwizard or Mediwitch. We're perfectly capable of dealing with recalcitrant patients." The healer smirked as Sirius shuddered.

Harry decided to avoid needing a healer whenever possible.

Finally, Sirius was given his parole. "You have to keep taking an absorption potion for about a week and eat plenty of food. You also need about a month more on a weekly Paracelsus." Harry grimaced. He knew the taste of the two.

Sirius also grimaced. The healer said with some amusement, "At least it isn't every two or three days anymore. So be a good boy and take the medicine."

Sirius nodded, much aggrieved at the lack of sympathy. Remus just chuckled.

Sirius was almost bouncing as he walked out to the lobby. He was just fifty feet away from freedom. Sirius waved to all of the wizards in line and leered a bit at the Welcome Witch. Remus smacked him across the head. "You're a grown man! Time to stop acting like a teenager!"

The Welcome Witch nodded with a smile at the worn-looking Remus.

Sirius pouted as Harry giggled.

They approached the floo. "So, Diagon Alley?" Remus asked.

Sirius nodded. "I have to replace my old wand." He smiled a bit bitterly. "It was snapped by the Aurors when I was sent to Azkaban." He visibly shook himself out of his thoughts. "Anyway, I'll need a new one. And a visit to Gringotts. And to pick up that package."

The three flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. Tom look up and saw the three. "As I live and breathe! Sirius Black! 'Twas a damn shame what happened to you. I'm glad to see you out and about."

Sirius smiled. "Thanks, Tom." He turned to Harry. "Tom's one of the best. If you ever need a good ear, Tom's the man."

Remus nodded.

"Just come on back when you're up for a pint."

The three moved back to the entrance to the Alley. Remus opened it and they moved through. A number of people gave a startled look when they saw Sirius Black walking down the street. Most had heard about his exoneration. Some still moved across the Alley to avoid him. Sirius didn't seem to care.

Remus was annoyed. "Merlin, you would have thought that the fact you were innocent would have stopped that."

Sirius shrugged. "Don't care. If they don't want to know this manly man, then it's on them." He turned his head toward Harry. "Never care what people think. You can't control it, so don't get upset by it."

Harry nodded dutifully.

The three moved on to Ollivander's. They heard a voice. "Sirius Black. Eleven and a half inches, Maple, Unicorn Hair, good for Charms and Healing. Welcome back to society."

Ollivander enjoyed making customers jump.

Sirius turned toward the voice. "Thank you. I have come to replace my wand 'cause the Aurors snapped my first one." Ollivander nodded and began measuring Sirius, like he would any candidate for a wand.

He returned with several boxes. He took one out and handed it to Sirius. "Thirteen inches, Walnut, Unicorn Hair." Sirius waved it and not much happened. Ollivander handed him another. "Eleven and three quarters, Ash, Phoenix Feather." Once again, Ollivander snatched the wand and handed him another. "Cherry, Twelve and Three Quarters, Heartstring of a Hebridean Black."

This wand caused a number of sparks to cascade through the air.

Ollivander clapped. "Very good! This wand is good for Offensive and Defensive magic. Cherry indicates renewal and rebirth. It is time for you, Sirius Black, to become the man you were meant to be."

Sirius nodded. Harry piped up, "He'll also need a wand holster."

Remus nodded and Sirius was a bit sheepish for forgetting. He still wasn't totally one hundred percent, even if he was close to it.

The three moved to Gringotts. The Goblins bowed the three inside. Sirius went up to a free teller. "Sirius Black. Here to check out my accounts and to hire services."

The teller nodded abruptly and moved to the back. He returned with another goblin. "Slipnose will deal with taking you to your vault and then the Services department."

The three had some fun in the cart on the way to Sirius' vault. It was larger in size than Harry's. Sirius looked at a number of items that were around, many odd looking. He turned to Harry. "The Black family has a history of collecting odd and cursed items. Don't touch anything unless I tell you it's okay. Some of these things could take off your hand – or worse."

Harry nodded and moved away from a shelf with several artifacts.

After Sirius had taken a large bag of Galleons and a few papers, they left and made their way back to the Lobby. Slipnose led them to an office. "This is the Services office." Slipnose left them in front of it. Sirius knocked. The door opened and the three made their way inside.

A goblin sat behind a desk in a tall chair. He was making notes on a ledger. He looked up. "What?"

Sirius stood forward, "I need to hire a Curse Breaker," Sirius looked at the little plaque on the desk, "Grimlock."

The goblin looked Sirius up and down. "Curse Breaker for what?"

"I have a House and a Vault with a number of items my family collected." Sirius had sneered when he said family. "As I will have my Godson over and he is likely to inherit some or all of it eventually, I want to make certain there's nothing that would be dangerous."

The goblin took a few notes. "Vault?" Sirius gave the vault number. 711. "Address?" Number Twelve Grimmauld Place was the answer.

The goblin looked up. "What are you willing to spend on this?"

Sirius asked, "What are the options?"

Grimlock sat back. "The Vault will not cost anything as this is part of the fee we take to maintain them. The house will cost 1000 for inspection. Simple creatures can cost between nothing or 500 each for removal and we are free to do as we like with them. Any you want to save for some reason may cost an additional amount." Goblins had uses for odd magical creatures. "Cursed items can be as low as 20 and as high as 1500."

Sirius replied, "How much can I save if I volunteer to return a number of Goblin-Made items?"

Grimlock looked at Sirius with a piercing look. "What items?"

Sirius thought about it. "I have several silver goblets and plates with the Black crest. A few knives. I'm not certain what else."

The goblin nodded and got up, "I have to talk to someone else."

After the goblin left Harry asked, "What was that about?"

Remus answered before Sirius could, "Goblin-Made items are prized because of their exquisite workmanship. However, Goblins do not have the same views of property ownership that Humans do. A number of conflicts in the past have occurred because Wizards deed such items to others when they die. Goblins traditionally consider the owner of such items to be their makers – not their purchaser. They expect them to be returned when a Wizard or Witch dies."

Harry was confused. "If you buy it, don't you own it?"

Sirius laughed. "That's the human view. To a Goblin, the item itself is not what you are paying for. You're paying for their skill. The item is a rental which contains the skill. To them, you don't pay for the item because you can't. After a particular conflict between Wizards and Goblins, an agreement was reached that items already in the hands of Wizards could be kept – but no items could be newly bought. Anything sold now has a contract which specifies return upon the death of the purchaser."

Harry thought about it. "Why not just return the items, then? Won't they consider it an insult to hold on to it?"

Sirius nodded, "Some of the more conservative goblins DO consider that. However, the treaty specifies that such items could be kept and sold back to Gringotts. Goblins are touchy about it, but they are sticklers for agreements. A goblin breaking an agreement would be severely punished by its own kind. Profit and Honor are the watchwords with goblins. Don't waste their time. And follow all contracts completely. Whether they like you or not is immaterial to those two concepts."

Grimlock, who had stopped outside and listened to the explanation, swept in. "I'm glad to hear that at least some Wizards teach their young proper procedure." Grimlock looked at Harry as he sat. "Listen to Black and deal fairly with Gringotts. We detest thieves, Oath-breakers, and those that waste our time. Time is Gold."

Grimlock looked over to Sirius. "For each item non-Cursed Goblin-Made item returned, we will remove one lethal curse on a non-Goblin made item or two non-lethal. Any curses on Goblin-Made items of any kind will be 1500 or surrender of the item."

Sirius nodded. "Okay then. When will a Curse Breaker be available?"

Grimlock looked over his ledger. "Friday next, Tuesday the 6th, or Tuesday 3 September."

"I'll take Friday the 2nd. Better to get it over with."

Grimlock made a note. "Be here with a Portkey to the property at 9:00. We will provide our own to return or for subsequent visits. The Vault will be done before the week is out."

Grimlock presented a contract for Sirius to sign, laying out the terms. Sirius looked it over. "I need a clause for information on all curses removed."

Grimlock took the contract back and made a number of changes. "That will be 5 Sickles per item listed or one Galleon per page – whichever is more," he said as he handed it back to Sirius.

Sirius nodded. He looked it over and then signed it. Grimlock retrieved it and signed as well. Sirius was presented a copy. "Just put it in the Vault. Much safer." Grimlock nodded.

Sirius led Harry and Remus back out of the bank. Harry asked, "Kind of a surly sort, aren't they?"

Sirius replied, "Yeah, a bit. Wizards and goblins have had several disagreements. The Ministry calls them Rebellions but in truth Goblins are their own people. We wizards are a bit stuck up and try to control everything Magical, sentient or not. The more sentient the creature, the more trouble we have with it. It's the main reason that most Magical races don't really like wizards as whole, although many get along with certain wizards."

Harry nodded. "So, what are the other races?"

Sirius thought about it. "Goblins, Centaurs, Merpeople can't be understood above water, House-Elves, Dragons might be sentient but we can't talk to them, various magical snakes only understood by Parseltounge, Acromatulas can talk human languages when they get over about 40 years, pixies and gnomes each can learn the understand humans but we have a hard time learning their languages, Hippogriffs also can understand humans, Phoenixes understand humans but more on an empathic level, … that's about all I can think of. Fairy's look human, but aren't actually on the same level. Griffins are related to Hippogriffs but aren't sentient." Sirius looked over at Harry. "Magic tends to make creatures much smarter. The more magical the creature, the more likely it is to be sentient. Best to learn how to deal with each one as they go."

Harry nodded, trying to remember everything.

The three found their way to Quality Quiddich Supplies. The clerk greeted them. "Last week Remus here submitted an order for me, Sirius Black. Is it ready?"

The clerk moved to the back and returned with a large chest. "Everything is here, the funds have already been withdrawn."

Sirius nodded. "Can it be shrunk?"

The clerk shook his head. "Better not to. You could do it, but some of the items don't lend themselves to working properly if you do. You can use a Locomoter charm."

Sirius nodded. He waved his wand and the trunk followed them out. "Let's make our way to the Leaky Cauldron. I'll floo the Burrow and see if anyone's home."

Sirius set the trunk down and ordered drinks before making his way to the secondary floo used for communication. The main floo was for travel and it was likely as not that someone would knock you over if you tried to use it to floo-call someone.

After a few minutes, Sirius returned. "We're in luck! Everyone's home, even Arthur. He worked late last night and won't have to go in until tomorrow. We're expected at 12:00 for lunch." Sirius grinned. "You haven't had a proper meal until you've been to Hogwarts – or the Burrow. Molly Weasley is famous for her cooking."

Harry was looking forward to it. The three had their drinks. When Sirius tried to pay Tom, he shook his head. "First one is on me. I listened to the gossip same as most, and didn't question your guilt or innocence. Least I can do is provide a round on my own Sickle."

Sirius thanked him. He had decided that anyone who apologized, he would accept it gracefully and move on: Much less work than absolving everyone who had apologized.

After that, Remus and Sirius helped Harry to pick out a gift for Neville. Neville liked plants, so Harry got him a large book on exotic plants from around the world.

The three finished their drinks and moved to the floo at 11:55. Sirius said to Harry, "I'll go first. Moony'll send the trunk. Then you. Then Remus." Sirius paid several sickles for the floo powder as Harry nodded.

The trip was rather quick – but Harry still had some trouble making a smooth landing despite the instructions Professor Dumbledore provided.

Sirius was on the other end to clean Harry off. When all three were presentable, Sirius greeted Arthur, who was waiting by the floo. "Arthur! I'm glad everyone's home. I wanted to discuss the capture of Pettigrew, but it can wait until after lunch."

Arthur Weasley nodded. "Well, welcome to the Burrow! I was happy to get that rat out of the house. Remus Lupin, welcome! And who is this? Harry Potter? Welcome! Come in, come in. Molly almost has lunch ready."

Harry shook the man's hand. "Thank you, I'm glad to be here."

Arthur talked as they moved to the dining room. "I heard you've been living with Muggles. Fascinating people, Muggles. Why, I've got a whole collection of Muggle plugs and battries in my shed. I've been researching how eckeltricity works."

Harry was a bit sheepish as he replied, "It's electricity."

Arthur beamed. "Oh is it really? I'll have to look in to that!"

Harry understood what Professor Dumbledore said about how Wizards viewed Mundanes.

The group arrived to the dining Weasley was levitating in a platter with a very large bowl of soup and a several pies.

Molly set the large platter down and then turned to the three. "Welcome! I'm glad to see you out Sirius Black! And who are these?"

Arthur smiled, "Well, Molly, this is another friend from the days of the Order, Remus Lupin. You never really met him because you were busy with the children usually when he attended. And this is Harry Potter!"

Molly gasped. "My word! Harry Potter in my house? Welcome! Come and eat!" She led Harry to a chair. "You're dreadfully thin. We're going to have to fill you up! You too, Mr. Lupin and Sirius!"

Harry could have been offended by her comments, but he saw that she wasn't being derogatory but concerned.

Molly stood back beaming at the three. "Let me just call our brood in." She turned her head toward the door. "LUNCHTIME!" Mrs. Weasley's voice was just about the loudest that Harry had ever heard.

Several quick footsteps could be heard. The door opened up and several red-haired teens and pre-teens moved in. "Don't run in the house! You could fall and hurt yourself!"

The various red-heads stopped abruptly when they saw the visitors. "Come in and sit down! We have guests for lunch. This is Remus Lupin." Remus nodded. "Sirius Black." The Weasley children looked at Sirius with a little awe – all knew he had just been let go out of Azkaban. "And this is Harry Potter!"

The young girl in front of the four boys eeped and took on a shy look. Harry said, "Hello. Don't mind me, I'm just Harry."

The boys slowly moved to the table. The twins sat down and said, "It IS Harry Potter. We didn't realize Harry Potter …"

The other twin said, "… was such a specky little thing." Both twins were grinning.

The girl yelled out, "Hey!" When Harry looked over, she blushed and tried to hide her face.

Harry laughed at the twins. "Well, I do wear spectacles so it isn't really an insult."

Arthur interrupted, before the boys got too involved. "Sirius, Remus, Harry, these are most of our children. This is Percy," the older buy with glasses of his own nodded, "Fred and George," the twins grinned, "Ron," the boy wearing bright orange gave a little wave, "and finally, Ginny." The girl blushed and hid her face again. The Weasley boys were a little shocked because normally Ginny was never this quiet.

Harry said, "I'm Harry Potter. I grew up in the Mundane world; I just found out I was a wizard last week."

All of the children looked amazed, even Ginny. Ron, the youngest boy, asked, "Just last week? Didn't you grow up in a castle?"

Harry looked at Ron with amazement. "Where did you hear that?"

Ron looked certain. "All the books say so!"

Harry looked at Sirius and Remus. Remus was a bit sheepish. "There are several children's story books that were written. They are actually fiction works, but they don't say so."

Harry was shocked. "Wow. Someone needs to fix that." He looked over at Ron. "Nope, no castle here. My Aunt and Uncle don't have magic and I didn't know I had any until Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall showed up last week! I didn't know anything about being famous or anything."

The Weasley children were all shocked. Mrs. Weasley interrupted, "You can ask more questions after we eat! These three are entirely too thin!"

The Weasley children were used to their mother and rolled their eyes.

Harry had never met a woman more motherly than Molly Weasley. She refilled his plate until he insisted he was full. She did the same for Remus and Sirius.

By the end of the meal, the Weasley children were snickering at the three as they leaned back, completely unable to move, even Ginny who had relaxed as the meal went on.

Sirius said, "Molly, that was the best meal I've had in years!" Harry nodded in agreement, as much as he could being so full. Remus did as well.

Mrs. Weasley beamed. "Well, I'll just pack up the leftovers so you can take it with you later!"

Arthur grinned. His family might have a history of being poor, but no one left their table hungry. It was a matter of pride to the man and his wife. Molly's cooking was one of the reasons he married her – one of them.

Seeing as they had a captive audience, the Weasley children asked several questions. Sirius and Harry answered with a few comments added to by Remus. After a fifteen minute cool off period, the three visitors could finally move about without being sluggish.

Finally Sirius sat up. "I think I can move around a bit now." He grinned. "Arthur, I came to thank you and your family personally for apprehending the traitor! As a thank you, I have something for your family."

Molly and Arthur began to protest. "We already got a reward for that! No need to add to it, it's already too much."

Sirius shook his head stubbornly. "I won't hear it! Neither will Harry or Remus. You're getting a thank you and that's the end of it."

Arthur signed in resignation. He really didn't like anything that might be charity. He would see what Sirius brought.

Sirius stood up and said, "Why don't we all move outside?"

Harry got up and walked with Ron, who was his own age. When they got outside, Harry looked up at the building. Ron was a bit embarrassed when he said, "I know it's not much."

Harry looked incredulously at Ron. "Are you kidding? This is brilliant. I think it's the best house I've ever seen!" He looked back to the Burrow in amazement. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley beamed at the comment. Percy preened. The twins grinned. Ron was shocked. Ginny blushed.

Remus gave a soft smile and Sirius grinned. The Marauders' cub was good with people.

Sirius moved the trunk so that no one could see inside of it. There was no company logo on the trunk. He opened it and looked through it. Harry grinned. Sirius asked, "Now, I know that you Weasleys are all Quidditch mad. So, I brought a few items to say thanks for what you did for me and Britain!" He looked around. "What positions do you all play?"

The twins grinned at each other. "Beaters!" Ron yelled, "Keeper!" Percy smiled a bit, "Some Seeker and Chaser." Ginny quietly said, "Chaser."

The boys looked at Ginny in amazement. None of them knew she could even fly a broom. The parents actually knew she that she often snuck out early in the morning. They were Weasleys (and Prewitts) – flying was in the blood.

Sirius beamed. He brought out two brooms. "Two Cleansweep Eights! Great brooms for beaters!" He handed them over to the twins.

"A Cleansweep Seven! Good for most positions!" He handed this to Percy.

"A Cleansweep Nine! A Keeper's broom!" He handed this to Ron.

He looked at Arthur. "You're going to have to train her to use this one, but for Chaser it's one of the best." He took out a broom. "A Nimbus 1700!" He handed this to Ginny. She was in shock as she cradled the broom in her arms. It was as long as she was!

Sirius took out another broom. "For the Mrs., a Bluebottle!" He grinned at Molly. "I know you don't play regularly but it's great for traveling."

"And for the man of the house, a Nimbus 2000!" He looked at Arthur, "I figure you can trade with Ginny when she gets more used to a faster broom and gets a little older."

He took three more brooms out. "And for my Godson, a Nimbus 2000! A Cleansweep Eight for me! And a Cleansweep Seven for Moony!"

Suddenly the twins, who had been inspecting their brooms closely, looked at Remus. "Moony?" One asked.

Sirius chuckled and Remus smiled. "A nickname I acquired when I was younger."

The twins looked at each other and back to Remus. "Moony, of Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs? Moony of the Marauders?"

Sirius and Remus looked at each other. Sirius said, "Well, yeah. He's Moony and I'm Padfoot. Harry's Dad was Prongs. We don't talk about Wormtail."

The twins moved swiftly until they were in front of the two. Both got on their knees and bowed. "Oh great Marauders! Our Heroes! Purveyors of Pranks and Mischief! We are not Worthy! Teach us, Oh Great Ones!"

Harry was amazed. The other Weasley children were rolling their eyes. The parents were alarmed. Sirius and Moony were laughing. Mrs. Weasley yelled out, "Fred and George! Get up!"

The twins grinned. Sirius whispered as he helped them up where Mrs. Weasley couldn't see him do it, "Later!" Sirius had a good idea of how the twins knew about them.

Sirius laughed as the twins moved back to the other Weasley children. Sirius brought out several boxes. "Broom care kits." He handed them out.

He grinned. "And finally!" Sirius brought out a case which was at the bottom of the large trunk. "A regulation set of Quidditch balls!"

Arthur really wanted to protest. However, his children were too enthusiastic and he didn't have the heart to say no. Finally he sighed. "We'll only accept if you agree that this pays back any debt you might have. We do not accept charity!"

Sirius laughed. "This isn't charity! It's a thank you! I was going to get pets too but didn't have time."

Arthur shook his head. "I will get them pets! This is it. I accept; it's done." He looked stubbornly at Sirius.

Sirius sighed. "Alright, alright. This makes us even. But you have to accept the two extra Cleensweep Sevens for spares!" Arthur agreed ruefully.

The Weasley children cheered.

The Weasley children wanted to immediately try out the brooms, but Sirius yelled out, "First we have to teach Harry to fly!"

The Weasleys looked amazed. Harry Potter didn't know how to fly?

Harry was quite looking forward to it.

It was quickly found that Harry was a natural on a broom. The Weasley boys were amazed that Ginny could easily handle the slightly older Nimbus. Arthur was out of practice and decided immediately that he and Ginny should switch now rather than later.

One team had Ron as Keeper, Fred and Ginny as Chaser, and Percy as Chaser and Seeker.

The other team had Arthur as Keeper, George and Sirius as Chasers, Harry as Chaser and Seeker.

Remus agreed to be Referee. Molly just watched. They decided on no Beaters as Molly didn't want to have to fix up any injuries and it wasn't a regulation pitch..

Ginny had fun beating her father several times. Her brothers were amazed at how quickly she moved. Percy was a bit slow at Seeker and finally switched with her for the dual position.

George and Sirius were both beaters by temperament but did okay at Chaser. Ron was young and wasn't as good a Keeper as he could be. This meant that it was a fairly decent matchup. Harry was quick. He didn't throw the Quaffle that well but was smooth on the broom.

The Snitch showed up several times. It disappeared quickly too. This was the impetus for Percy asking to switch with Ginny.

After a two-hour match, the Snitch finally made its final appearance. Harry and Ginny were neck and neck in trying to catch it. Finally, Ginny – who was slightly smaller, was on the same type of broom, and had a lot of secret practice – just caught the snitch in front of Harry whose hand was only a couple of inches away.

Her brothers congratulated her enthusiastically as did her father. Ginny said to Harry, "I only caught it cause this is the first day on a broom for you. You seem like you're as good as my brother Charlie – and you'll likely get better."

Harry was quite enthusiastic, even if he lost. "Thanks. I just enjoyed playing."

George was a bit comically maudlin at having been on the losing team, but Fred pointed out that it was only right as the other team was ALL Weasley. Ron was ecstatic for being on the winning team.

Sirius landed. "We'll get you guys next time!"

Ginny, who had lost much of her shyness, blew a raspberry at Sirius and grinned at him.

The Weasley brothers laughed.

Harry landed as well. "That was BRILLIANT!"

Arthur looked at Harry. "Well, you three are welcome at any time."

Harry looked at Sirius. Sirius said, "It's fine with me! The Burrow is one of the few places you can always find enough people to make up teams. I think we should leave our brooms here since I can't think of another place we could use them."

Harry and Remus agreed, as did Arthur.

Molly shooed them all in for a snack. That the snack was the size of a full meal was not commented on. Quidditch was hungry work.

The Weasley children had warmed to Harry quite quickly and the youngsters, sans Percy who chatted with his father, were jabbering at each other quite cheerfully.

Finally, it was time to go. Harry was going back to Number Four. Remus was going home. Sirius was staying with Remus until his house could be ready.

Before Harry left, Arthur brought up something to the two Marauders and Harry. "Harry, I found out recently that I was supposed to be the Executor of your parents' will. I didn't know until it was unsealed. I could do it or Albus could do it if I decided I shouldn't. What do you want?"

Harry quite enjoyed spending time at the Weasleys and had taken quite a liking to the quiet man – even if he was a little odd when it came to Mundanes. Harry looked at Sirius, who nodded. Harry replied, "If my parents named you, you should do it."

Arthur agreed. "We should get together at some point after I inspect the Will fully. It shouldn't take more than a few days. I wanted to wait to meet you and ask your opinion and Albus agreed with me. We figured a two-week wait wouldn't change much and we wanted Sirius to be available as well."

Harry thanked the Weasleys for the opportunity to visit and told them he would be back in a few days.

Sirius and Remus waited until Harry was on the Knight Bus and then made a few comments to Molly and Arthur. Both were quite thrilled with the idea Sirius had.

It was a nice day when Harry got up on Wednesday, 31 July 1991. Sirius was scheduled to pick him up at 12:00. Hermione and Neville would be picked up as well and Neville, Hermione and Harry would be spend the day together. Where, Harry didn't know. Sirius had just told him that they would be together. Harry had held off on sending his gift for Neville until today, as had Hermione.

When Harry made his way down to breakfast, Vernon and Dudley just grunted at him. This was acceptable to Petunia. She wasn't overly concerned about being nice. She wasn't fond of Harry, but she didn't dislike him as much as he might have thought. That was mostly Vernon.

When the dishes had been rinsed and Harry had loaded the dishwasher, Petunia grabbed her purse and keys. "Come on. We have things to do."

Harry shrugged. He often had to help his Aunt with groceries and things. "I have to be back by Noon. My godfather is picking me up then." She nodded with a pinched face.

After they got in the car, Petunia drove to a local retail park. One of the stores was an inexpensive clothing store. Petunia took Harry to the boys section. "Pick out two pairs of trousers and three decent shirts. No pullover shirts, only buttoned."

Harry looked at Petunia in amazement. Normally he got second hand or Dudley's hand me downs.

Petunia said sharply, "Well, hurry up boy! We don't have all day!"

Petunia moved over and looked through the undergarments. Harry had never had to wear his cousin's underwear because Petunia considered that nasty.

Harry tried on some denims and a blue shirt.

He came out and asked Petunia her opinion. Petunia looked him up and down. "These are acceptable for casual. Ensure one pair of trousers is suitable for more formal things."

Harry was very amazed.

He found black trousers and a white shirt. He also found a light grey shirt.

Petunia inspected him while wearing them and once she was satisfied she had him take all the items to the checkout counter.

She had Harry carry all of the bags. She took Harry and bought him a personal sized cake. "It's your birthday and I won't begrudge you a small cake. Don't expect such things otherwise."

Petunia was not comfortable in treating Harry well. She was so used to following Vernon's lead. However, she had taken Professor Dumbledore's comments to heart. She might not take the time to bake a full cake as she would for her son, but she would improve his conditions at home and prevent the Dursley men from being too obnoxious. He would only live at home two to three months a year and she could enforce civility for that long.

Harry was gobsmacked. He decided he would take the cake home and eat it after he had time to consider his Aunt's changed attitude.

In the past, Harry only got second hand clothes via Dudley or the charity shop. He hadn't been starved, but he never got to eat as much as he liked or perhaps even as much as he should. Vernon had encouraged Dudley to show Harry his place and Petunia had never made an effort to stop it. She had even encouraged it on occasion, even if more rarely than Vernon did. She had put him to work on many chores at a young age. She had taken time to teach him kitchen safety – if only to keep the boy from burning down the house. One mistake with a knife where he cut himself had been enough for him to avoid that in the future.

He had never, however, been treated to anything that cost a decent amount. And though it had been an inexpensive store, the clothes she bought him were new. And she bought him cake. It wasn't large and it wasn't the best type, but it was his. Harry didn't quite know how to react.

The two made it back to Number Four. Harry changed in to the blue shirt and the black trousers. He had put the denims and an older shirt in Dudley's old backpack in case Sirius had plans with a more active content. He did want to show off a bit his less scruffy look, however.

Harry thought about the interaction with his Aunt. He decided that if she was making an effort, he could as well. He still didn't like Number Four, but he could tolerate it during school holidays if he had to.

Harry heard the rumblings of a motorcycle. He hadn't heard that sound since he was a baby! He raced out of Number Four as quick as he could.