A/N: For Sunchild because I love you!

Flight; Chapter Four:

Jacob watched as Bella waved before driving off. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to think anymore. Bella had made it perfectly clear that she was with Edward; so why was she down here? She was confusing him, taking advantage of his wolf's need to love and protect. She knew he wasn't very fond of the Cullen's, yet she persisted on showing up after being with him; deliberately driving the scent into the air around him.

Things had changed after Italy. One of the Cullen's had been driven off, something that would normally make him ecstatic, because of her antics; the big one's mate he thought. At this point Jacob was feeling more pity than hate for the leeches, and he was beginning to wonder if he needed to speak with the council. There were ways to make people forget; perhaps the Cullen's, if approached correctly, would help.

~oOo~

Daily Prophet; Issue 1001245: May 30th

He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named Returns in a Reign of Terror; The Boy Who Lived Speaks

This reporter has it on great authority that late last night Britain's boy hero faced the darkest wizard of our time. Harry Potter, who has for months been ridiculed by this very paper and witches and wizards all over the world for proclaiming the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, has been proven to have been speaking the truth.

Witnesses who include Mr. Potter's best friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger speak of our Hero's conviction. "Harry never backed down on what he believed. Every day he would get up and face Professor Umbridge and wouldn't allow her to convince us that (our brave Miss Granger said His name, but in deference to the public we will not print it) coming back was a lie. I am ashamed to say that while our House (Gryffindor) mostly stood by Harry, we did so in such a way that inevitably contributed to his torture by that woman. He would step up and take the blame for our actions, our retaliations, and Professor Umbridge would torture him with a blood quill in 'detention'."

Needless to say this reporter was shocked by this revelation, especially as blood quills had been outlawed as devices of torture. I asked our young Miss Granger what Mr. Potter was forced to write with this blood quill to which she responded with much anger, "I Must Not Tell Lies."

This revelation led me to also ask why the students did not report this to their other teachers or Headmaster. Neville Longbottom, a young man who also stood by Harry Potter in the ministry last night where he faced Him, said "We did report the use of the blood quill. I personally told the Headmaster about what she was doing to Harry; he told me that it was Harry's own fault. Headmaster Dumbledore told me that we needed to lay low, to not rile up the ministry. I could not believe it. How could our Headmaster allow this to happen?"

Dear Readers, my response is more of a theory that has been substantiated by comments from other sources; unfortunately I am unable to print it at this time. However we do have a letter addressed to the Wizarding World from our very own Boy Who Lived!

To The Wizarding World,

As you look to me for so many things, things that never should be put on the shoulders of a 15 year old boy, I am left with the feeling that it is once again my duty to explain.

One year ago I told you. I told you HE had returned. What happened next? You read the papers, you sent the letters and the Howlers, and yet I stood up once again for you. Why? Why must I, a 15 year old boy with the most minimal of training, be expected to defend you when you won't defend yourselves? Because of something that happened when I was a toddler? Because a headmaster of a school claims that I'm the only that can defeat Him? Because this same person, a person who you're trusting the lives of your children to, has proclaimed that a prophecy dictates it to be true? Has anyone seen or heard this prophecy? Have you never questioned why you haven't? How about the validity of a prophecy?

"A prophecy may only come to pass if the individuals named in said prophecy believe it." The most famous Seer in our world, Rowena Ravenclaw, explains this. One of the founders of Hogwarts says this.

I have never been presented with a prophecy dictating that I'm the only one who can possibly defeat Him; therefore I do not believe it. What I believe, is that the Wizarding World is content to sit BEHIND A CHILD as he fights for his life and for your life. If it was your child, would you thrust him at the head of the army and expect him to come out victorious with no help? Would you do that to your child? Why then are you content to do that to me? Why? Am I not allowed live? Because I haven't, not yet.

For the last five years I have lived with your up and down opinions of me. I have lived with the lies and the manipulations. But I haven't lived. It is my shame, my shame to say that muggles are better than wizards. Never in the muggle world has a child been expected to fight IN FRONT of an army. I am a child, and I am ashamed of you.

The purpose of this letter; I am telling you all that until I am legally an adult, that I will not fight. The day I turn 17 I will gladly pick up my wand and stand in the front lines BESIDE my fellow wizards and fight for our lives and our freedom. It is unfair and cruel of you to expect me to do so before then. When the time comes, if your fully trained witches and wizards have been unable to defeat one man with only a few followers, then I will fight, I will lay my life on the line for you.

At 15 it is cruel and inhumane to expect me to fight our war alone. It would be cruel to expect me to do so at 17. What does this mean? This means that I, Harry James Potter, am ashamed to be a wizard.

-Harry James Potter

This readers, is only one of the several letters that the Boy-Who-Lived sent out late last evening and early this morning. What does this mean for the wizarding world? No one is quite sure yet. We know that Harry Potter faced death eaters and You-Know-Who in the Ministry last evening, and we know that the Minister of Magic has confirmed that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned, and we also know that Harry Potter's letter was accurate.

To our shame we have been hiding behind a child. Is it our right to demand that he do more than we are willing to do? What I know readers, is that if that by the time our Boy Hero has reached his majority and He is still here, I will stand by his side and raise my wand in battle. Until then, I will do my part. I will fight for our lives, for our children. We should be the ones protecting them, not a child.

Rita Skeeter, Freelance Reporter

Lord Sirius Black Innocent

Readers of the Daily Prophet, new evidence was provided to the Ministry Department early this morning clearing Sirius Black of all charges. A little over 14 years ago, it was thought that Lord Black betrayed the Potter's, giving away their location to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He was then accused of the murder of Peter Pettigrew and 12 muggles. Pensieve evidence has proven that not only was Lord Black NOT the Potter's secret keeper, but that a signed statement attached to the Potter's will appointing Peter Pettigrew as secret keeper was. This evidence alongside the CAPTURE of Pettigrew during the fight in the ministry last night has irrevocably cleared Lord Black of all charges. Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge has this to say:

To wizarding Britain, multiple pieces of evidence have made it into our custody clearing Lord Sirius Black of all charges. It is with deepest regrets that we had an innocent man behind bars for 12 years. A settlement has been processed and released to Lord Black in the name of compensation. Our apologies and regards; Lord Sirius Black is free.

Readers, it is our hope that Lord Black and his godson Harry Potter are together and happy. We at the Daily Prophet wish you happiness and health; and one day, we hope to see you again.

Rita Skeeter, Freelance Reporter

Sirius threw down the paper amazed. He had been all set to by crucified in the press, not to mention Harry as well. He would have thought that Harry's letter alone would have brought down the wrath of Rita Skeeter; the boy who lived saying good bye. "I don't get it."

Harry finished gulping down his juice then grinned. "I happen to know more than one illegal animagus; and I used that information to ensure that my letter not only was printed exactly how I wrote it, but the facts and evidence about you and the rat were printed correctly as well. The stuff about standing next to me if I choose to come back, that was all her."

Draco was also grinning, "I think maybe Father had a little to do with that as well."

"Well it wasn't in any of the plans that I knew about, Peter getting caught. I expect that was Lucius as well." Remus nodded approvingly. "This makes things so much easier. They have no legal grounds to take Harry from us, it's not kidnapping."

Sirius snorted disdainfully, "Not that that is going to stop Albus."

Harry's grin dropped. "I forgot about him. Maybe I should write to Ron and Hermione."

"About that Harry," Sirius grimaced. "Cissa mentioned that you might not want to trust the two youngest Weasley's."

Harry waved his hand. "I already know I can't trust Ginny; Ron and Hermione actually came clean to me in our first year. I knew they'd been 'asked' to spy on me. That's why I asked about things being removed from my vault, I think Dumbledore has been paying them with my money. We weren't actually sure where the money was coming from, so Ron and Hermione set up a vault."

Draco's jaw dropped. "You mean Dumbledore was paying two students to be your friend?"

"Three actually," Harry smirked. "We're not that dumb Draco. I believe Ginny was promised more than money though."

"But what about 4th year?"

"Contrived," Harry knew Draco was referring to Ron's 'abandonment' of him during the beginning of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. "We thought a little teenage angst would go a long way into placating Dumbledore. He'd been getting on my case a lot; I wasn't properly cowed at the thought of the tournament. Ron's 'anger management issues' helped keep Dumbledore off my case; he spent the time trying to convince Ron to make up with me, instead of actually watching me."

"Geez Potter, are you sure you're a Gryffindor?"

"Actually," Harry smirked, "The hat had wanted to put me in Slytherin, but I had just met this blond prat who made fun of my first friend."

Draco had the grace to blush. "You know Harry-"

"I know Draco," Harry smiled. "You had to do what you had to do, and so did I. It's no one's fault. I think since we are practically cousins that the truce we worked out yesterday, wow was it only yesterday, anyway… I think we have the beginnings of a good friendship." Harry looked down at his plate contemplating how he wanted to continue. "Family is very important Draco, but you grew up knowing that. Ron and Hermione, they were my first family, a brother and a sister. Dad and Papa, they're the only parents I have ever known. All I want is to live with my family and be free. I can't be free here. The wizarding world, well the British portion anyway, they expect me to just lay down my life for their freedom when they are not even willing to grant the same courtesy to me."

"Which would be why we sent the same letter to other publications in other countries not under British Ministry control," the blond smirked.

The four were startled from their conversation when the door opened to admit the only human they had seen since last night.

"Bill," Harry shouted. He stood up and launched himself into the tall red heads arms.

"Thank Merlin," Bill tightened his hold and kissed the top of the ravens head. "Tonks only told me so much and I was worried, about all of you." He looked up meeting Sirius and Remus' eye. "Your dad told me to tell you he loves you and you will be together again." He directed the last at the lone blond.

Draco looked down and tried to hide his tears. He was startled out of his revere when arms wrapped around him.

"We're family," Harry whispered in his ear, "don't forget."

"I know what the paper said," Bill said claiming a seat, "but since I hadn't seen any of you, I still wasn't sure how much was set up prior to last night. Mum is furious by the way."

Harry and Bill exchanged smirks. They knew that it wasn't a good idea to get on Molly Weasley's bad side. "I bet."

"Ron said not to forget to empty the Prongs' vault, whatever that means."

"Oh," Harry paused, "I'd forgotten about that. I think I'll transfer it to the twins instead. I know they said with the Tri-Wizard winnings they had enough to open their shop, but I want to make sure."

"That was you?" Bill raised an eyebrow.

"On the condition that they buy Ron new dress robes," Harry agreed.

"Hate to interrupt," Draco drawled. "But I thought we needed a plan to get out of here."

"About that," Remus stood up and begun to pace, "Wherever we end up needs to be after Harry's birthday; both Draco's and Harry's inheritances are going to be powerful, and with Harry having a creature inheritance on top of that, the power surge is going to give our location away."

"Well, I've already arranged housing for us with Billy." Sirius spoke up.

"Who's Billy?"

"A relative, a very distant relative, but Remus and I have been with them before."

"Wont' that be one of the places that Dumbledore checks then?" Harry asked worriedly.

"Remember when it took so long for me to get back to you last year about the dragons? It's because Hedwig had one hell of a time finding me. She's the smartest owl I've ever met."

Harry nodded in agreement.

"Albus had no idea where Remus and I were." Sirius continued. "And when we put up the wards we have a curse breaker to help; no one or owl should be able to locate us."

Bill smiled, "You can get a message to me through any Gringotts. Dumbledore has no way of intercepting that way. And Harry, I know that Hedwig probably won't like it, but you should consider spelling her a different color. She's a very distinctive owl, and most people who know you, know her."

Harry nodded.

"Well," Bill said getting gracefully to his feet, "I first, just wanted to make sure my little brother was safe, and second, make sure that you had plans."

"I think we are going to city hop through Gringotts until August, then head for our final destination. Just because legally I haven't kidnapped the boy who lived, doesn't mean that Albus won't try something. If you can, make sure Severus is watching Longbottom, Lovegood, and Hermione and Ron." Sirius sighed heavily. "You know Harry'll blame himself if anything happens to those four."

Harry frowned faintly, "Because it would be my fault."

Draco sighed and rolled his eyes, "Never mind, Gryffindor all the way."

~oOo~

That afternoon the company of four made their first hop and ended up in Düsseldorf Germany, and to Harry this was the official beginning of his new life. Once they were situated in a muggle area he finally took the potion that would make him a Lupin-Black.

"That tasted awful," Harry grimaced.

Remus laughed and kissed his forehead. "I know cub. Take the pain potion and muscle relaxant as well; this is going to be a rough night for you."

"I can't wait to be yours and Dad's," Harry sighed, "but I really hope I keep my eyes. Everyone says I have Mum's eyes."

"Yours are a little brighter I would say," Remus sat on the side of the bed. "She had very green eyes, but yours are a more… brilliant green, like the perfect colored emerald."

"Do you think there's any way to request a few things? I want to be taller and broader, I want my hair the same color but to be like Siri's; and I think I would look good with your mouth. What do you think?"

"I think with four such beautiful people as parents you're going to look gorgeous any way you turn out; but I do admit that would make a good combination." Sirius was leaning in the doorway watching his son and mate.

Harry laughed before yawning hugely. "I think I'm tired now."

Remus chuckled and kissed his son's head once more before quietly shooing Sirius out of the room and shutting the door behind them. "He'll look gorgeous, all the Black's do."

"Of course we do," Draco drawled. He was seated in the living room watching the TV avidly. "Please tell me we are going to end up somewhere I can understand what the hell they're saying?" He gestured at the actors on the screen. "And what is this think called again?"

Remus laughed and spent the next few hours explaining the wonders of television before sending the tired teen off to bed.

"I'll stay up Rem," Sirius kissed the werewolf. "I'll wake you in a few hours to take over."

Remus smiled tiredly and kissed his mate back. "Alright."

Sirius watched over his family, checking in on Harry every half hour, until dawn before finally waking Remus.

~oOo~

Harry was silently studying himself in the mirror. It seemed the fates had been listening to him last night… mostly. He wasn't as tall as Draco, but at least the blond no longer towered over him. And he'd broadened in the chest a little more. He would still be considered androgynous looking, but at least he had a little more of a masculine appearance. His eyes were still a brilliant emerald, but somehow the DNA in him had mixed enough to actually ring his pupil in silvery blue, the same shade as Sirius' eyes. And his hair, well that was definitely interesting. He couldn't help but think that maybe a little bit of his creature inheritance was showing a bit early. It was still the raven black color of before, and thankfully now fell in soft waves to his should just like Siri's, but it was the shocking lock of deep red, almost auburn colored hair that flowed from his right temple that made him blink. Probably from his mum he supposed. His face had rounded a tiny bit like Remus' and he defiantly had the man's mouth. Harry smiled. All in all he was definitely happy. He still looked like James a bit, but he also looked like Sirius and Remus.

"You look much better," Draco's drawl interrupted Harry's perusal.

"I looked ok before."

Draco nodded, "You looked ok, now you're gorgeous like a Black should be. I like the hair by the way."

Harry fingered the red lock of hair. "Yeah, and my eyes are pretty cool to."

Draco stepped forward to look him in the eye. "Did you know you aren't wearing those hideous glasses?"

Harry blinked; he hadn't noticed. "Wicked," he yelled before pulling Draco into an undignified happy dance.

Remus and Sirius came running into the room in time to see Draco valiantly trying to escape the other teen. "I take it you're ok with the new look?"

"I still look like me only better!"

"Gorgeous babe," Sirius grinned. "Us Black men are always gorgeous."

Remus and Harry snorted. "What?" Draco and Sirius exclaimed as one.