CHAPTER 78

Hermione was in a bit of shock despite her previous explosions headed up to the library, the one place anywhere that could put her at ease and help her deal with surprises. Harry was concerned about his best friend, well Cousin. He was surprised yes, the excitement of the development had more strength. For Harry it was knowing that he had more family out there even if they had never heard of him until Hermione started at Hogwarts. It was going to take some getting used to, referring to Hermione as his Cousin and not just simply one of his best friends.

Harry looked around at each of his friends and Remus and saw they all were also concerned about Hermione.

"Is she going to be alright?" Ron asked.

"Yes, I believe that she will, she just needs a little time to truly comprehend what happened today. If in a day or two she hasn't snapped out of it then I'd say we should worry. But I am sure that she'll be just fine a day or two."

"Who will be fine in a day or two?" Asked Molly Weasley.

"Molly, how are you?"

"Fine thank you. I do apologize, how are all of you?"

"Fine." Remus replied not quite convincingly.

"We just got back from Aviemore."

"And how did it go this time?"

"We actually saw the houses and looked around in them. Well, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and myself looked around both houses. It turns out that Hermione is my Cousin. I don't know the whole story, but it seems there had been a falling out with the family and one brother kept the name Evans while the other took Granger but apparently they made up. Hermione is in shock needless to say." Harry explained as briefly and as informative as he could.

"I quite understand. Where is the dear?"

"Upstairs in the library." Ginny answered.

Molly headed on up and stayed up there for a while.

"She'll be fine. She's strong so don't worry about her too much. I'll be going, I just wanted to see how things were going over this way." Molly said just before disappearing in a green flame.

"Keep an eye on her will you?"

"Sure Harry, but where are you going?" Remus asked

"To go find my Aunt and Cousin."

"Do you know where they are staying?"

"No. I suppose I should find out."

Remus smiled and nodded in agreement.

Harry thought about apparating to Grimmuald Place but changed his mind. He instead walked to the fireplace, grabbed a pinch of floo powder, tossed it in the fireplace and said 'Grimmuald Place'. Harry then kneeled on the floor and only stuck his head through.

Once the dizzying sensation subsided and Harry was able to see clearly he called out for his Godfather.

"Master Harry." Kreacher happily croaked out.

"Kreacher is Sirius around?"

"Yes Master Harry. Do you want Kreacher to get Master Sirius for you?"

"Yes please."

Though only several seconds later it felt to Harry that it had been minutes maybe hours by the time Sirius arrived.

"Harry is everything alright?"

"Yes. I was just wondering where my Aunt and Cousin are at."

"I offered for them to stay here. It seemed that Petunia was considering it but she changed her mind."

"Why?"

"Do you really have to ask 'why'?"

"Oh. I don't see it that they went back to the house on Privet Drive…"

"Actually they are staying there. They have made some changes to make it more comfortable. You can check there first if you want. Though if they are not there don't worry. I am sure that they are either just out or they have decided to stay at the Leaky Cauldron."

"Thanks Sirius."

"Out of curiosity, why are you looking for them?"

"Evans Estate of course."

"I see…um…Harry, maybe I should go with you. It is going to be quite a shock to find out…"

"I see your point. Should I just come over to your place and then we can go from there?"

"Sounds like a good idea to me. I'll meet you here shortly, I'm going to let Violet and Marie know what's going on. And it is not a problem that I take off with you for a bit. I have a lot of time to catch up with my daughter."

"See you in a bit."

Twenty minutes later Harry and Sirius appeared near a tree along Privet Drive. It wasn't broad daylight or was it in the middle of the night. It was just dark enough to not be noticed appearing out of nowhere. Both made sure that no one else in the vicinity were outside for whatever reason. Once both were certain that it was clear enough to proceed they stepped out and made their way to Number Four. Once they stepped up on the porch Sirius raised his hand to knock, Harry on the other hand just opened the door and walked. Sirius quickly followed Harry.

"Aunt Petunia, Dudley." Harry called out.

Petunia quickly emerged from the kitchen. At seeing Harry and Sirius she smiled for a moment and then a look of concern spread across her face.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes. I wanted to talk to you about something. Well, it's something that I recently found out."

"Harry I think it would be best if we were sitting down somewhere comfortable. And maybe even have Dudley present unless you'd rather explain it twice."

"Good point."

Petunia gestured for Harry and Sirius to make themselves at home in the living room as she went to get Dudley.

As Harry and Sirius walked into the living room, Harry immediately noticed changes that had been made since the last time he had been there. For starters he could see photos of his parents as well as himself all around in various areas. As much as it was heart felt it was confusing as well. Most of the photos were Muggle one's, the subjects of the photos did not move but there were quite a few that were moving. The photos of when his mother was just a baby all the way up to sometime prior to his parent's death. He was the most surprised to see pictures that were clearly from when his parents got married, photos that included his father also there were photos of Harry. Not just the few depicting the first year or so of his life but ones of his time at Hogwarts as those were the only ones that existed of him aside from the first year of his life. It was nice to finally see photos of himself inside the house on Privet Drive, it was also confusing. The furniture was different, some pieces were different not just size or style but also color. The furniture was also arranged different, completely the opposite of how it had been. It actually felt warm, loving, welcoming and inviting. The whole room had a loving, warm feeling to it. For the first ever in his life standing in that living room he actually felt that he belonged there, felt that he was welcome, felt that he was family and most of all he felt loved and wanted. Something he had never really felt in the Dursley's. Harry then realized that he was not in the Dursley's house, it was his Aunt Petunia Evens house.

"Harry…"

"I'm fine Sirius, I promise. It's just…well where did all these photos of me and my parents come from?"

"Well I managed to get a hold of photos of you and gave them to your Aunt, she wanted photos of you. As for the ones of your parents I can't say other than guess that the ones of your mum as a child…I would say your Aunt already had them. I am sure she would not mind answering your questions about the photos."

Harry shrugged and made up his mind that he was going to ask, before informing her of what he found out.

Harry and Sirius took a seat and became very comfortable in next to no time at all. A few minutes later Petunia and Dudley entered the living room and took a seat.

"Before I get into what I found out, I was wondering where you got most of these photos."

"I've had all of them all along. Well, not the ones of you from the past few years. I kept them hidden from V…Vernon down in the cellar. Every photo and letter that your mum sent…I did not throw them away…I never opened them, I just hid them in a box down in the cellar. I didn't know that I would ever get the chance to…I hoped that one day I would be able to find out, to know what she sent me, what she wrote. To be honest I had forgotten that it was all down there until recently. It was shortly after you and Dudley returned to school after the Christmas Holiday, I was determined to clean up this house. Whether or not Dudley and I stay…or if I sell the place. I went down into the cellar and found the box. I must admit that at first seeing the box I wasn't sure what was in it until I opened it. I am still a bit puzzled…I remember the box being quite a bit smaller. I am guessing that it has to do with magic…I recall hoping, wising that the box would be big enough to accommodate whatever my sister sent…"

"Aunt Petunia…basically even back then you were showing signs of magic ability. It's not always the big, extravagant things. Mostly it's little things like what you did with the box in the cellar."

"Hmmm."

"Okay Harry, what did you want to talk to us about? My apologies for being or seeming rude that was not my intention."

Harry explained everything beginning with his inheritance from his father. Petunia and Dudley were horrified as to what the Minister of Magic had done in an obvious attempt to keep Harry from claiming his inheritance. Harry did leave out the part of Voldemort's soul being attached to him before it was removed. He did explain as much as he could about Merlin. Thankfully Sirius knew quite a bit and explained in as much detail as possible while making short. Harry then got to the part of discovering that there were other inheritances, Evans and Granger.

"It can't possibly mean that…"

"Actually Aunt Petunia, it does mean that you are a half blood witch and not a Muggle born."

Sirius quickly explained what is meant by 'Muggle born'. Sirius also explained about the detection of new witches and wizards.

"Oh." Was all Petunia could muster to say to this revelation.

"You say there is a house?"

"An Estate. It's quite grand to be honest. I have Potter Manor so…well, I was thinking that you and Dudley should get the Evans Estate."

Dudley and Petunia were sitting still, both slightly pale due to the shock of everything that had been explained to them.

"If you want it…take some time to think about it. If you chose to take it, get word to Sirius and he'll let me know."

"Sure. I need to think…I need to…I don't know." Petunia sputtered out softly.

Dudley was speechless.

"We'll let you think about it and talk it over with Dudley." Sirius said as he motioned for Harry to stand.

The next second Harry found himself standing in the middle of Grimmuald Place.

"That went better than I thought it would have. I'm pretty sure because you were there to help me explain. Which, thank you for that."

"No problem Harry. Are you going to stay here for dinner or are you expected back at Potter Manor?"

"Though it would only take a moment to return, I think that I'll stay here for dinner. I certainly do not want to eat before eating dinner."

"I'll let Kreacher know that you will be here for dinner. If you feel up to it, let everyone at Potter Manor know that you'll be here for dinner."

"I'd rather not. But you can go ahead and do so."

Sirius chuckled as he headed to the fireplace.

A few days had gone by and Hermione was still in a bit of shock over finding out that she is a half-blood witch. It wasn't so much as a shock really anymore as it was being furious at the Ministry for more than one thing. One, obviously has to do with the Ministry not staying on top of the detection of new witches and wizards and secondly, that they did not let witches and wizards know that they have inheritances. She could sort of understand Gringotts for not informing anyone of his or inheritance who wouldn't think that wizarding families wouldn't let another know of such things. Hermione just wanted some time alone to think things through, she was not looking forward to dealing with the Minster nor was she looking forward to talking to her parents. As far as her parents were concerned she was not sure how they would react to it. She wondered if they would want to move in to the house or would they not want it? If they did not want it, what would happen to it? Would she be able to one day move in to the house? She really wanted to have the option to be able to move into it even though at this point she was not sure what she wanted to do.

Some time that day a light, bordering on a toasted, creamy caramelized, brown owl flew in through a window and landed in the middle of the table trying desperately to get Harry's attention.

"Oi, Harry."

"Huh?" Harry said as he turned around to see an owl in front of him. He quickly removed the scroll of parchment from the owl's outstretched leg, unrolled it and read it.

"So…" Ron began.

"It's from Sirius. My Aunt and Cousin would like to see Evans Estate."

"When?"

"Now."

"Well, what are you waiting for? Go take them to see it. There's enough of us here, we can keep an eye on Hermione. She'll be okay. Since we all know where you'll be we can send for you if we need you."

"I can't find a thing to argue about."

"Really?" Ron asked surprised since almost everything he said could be argued in one way or another.

"Yes, really. I'm not sure when I'll back, providing I am not called back here."

"I'll let Muri and Sparky know that you might not be here for dinner or for a few days but that you also might just be late in returning."

"Thanks Ron."

"No problem, really I mean it no problem."

Harry smiled and then disapparated on the spot, seconds later standing in the middle of the living room at Grimmuald Place.

"Hello. Anyone here?"

"Oh hey Harry."

"Violet where's Sirius?"

"He went to get Petunia and Dudley, he should be back any second."

"So how have you been?"

"Good. Not better than that. It would be even better if Marie was…"

"Of course." Harry said comforting.

"Thank you for that Harry…it sounds like they're here."

"Not to be rude or anything…I just…"

"Don't worry about it."

Harry nodded and took off to where his Godfather, Aunt and Cousin were.

"Well I see you wasted no time in coming over." Sirius said teasingly.

"Ha, ha. Well I really want…I know, I know."

About an hour later Harry, Sirius, Petunia and Dudley were standing in the clearing with the Estates in plain view. The closer to the gate leading to the Evans Estate they became the faster Harry seemed to walk.

"Harry, slow down a bit would you." Sirius loudly called out to Harry.

"Sorry." Harry said very apologetically as he slowed down his stride.

Once all four were standing in front of the gate Harry could sense that Petunia and Dudley both were unsure about touching the gate. Harry kindly touched the gate and it swung open for them to enter.

As they walked towards the door, Petunia and Dudley stayed fairly close to Harry and Sirius as they looked around trying to take it all in but doubtful that they'd ever be able to take it all in. Once standing on the porch Petunia and Dudley's eyes were transfixed on the emblem that was embedded in the door. At hearing sounds of approach Harry looked to his right to see Able heading in their direction.

"Hello Able."

"Ah, Harry Potter you have returned."

"Yes, this is my Aunt Petunia and my Cousin Dudley."

"Able is happy to meet both. Is they's staying?"

"I don't know. They haven't known of the existence of the Estate for long. They wanted to take a look."

"Able understand. Able hope they's be staying."

Harry smiled, turned back towards the door and opened it. Harry remained silent as he watched his aunt and Cousin do their best to take in the entryway and the staircase leading upstairs. Not much later Harry led them to the living room. Petunia and Dudley sat down on the nearest couch looking a bit overwhelmed.

"If I'd known of this I would have left the big bully a long time ago. Harry…"

"No need to apologize anymore. I now understand the situation of before."

"So what would I have to do to claim or whatever?"

"Just declare yourself as the head of house."

"And how would I do that?"

Harry briefly explained how one would do that. He gave the example of what Sirius had done as well as what he had done and left his aunt to think about it. After a few minutes Sirius suggested that Petunia and Dudley have a look around the house and grounds.

Petunia and Dudley walked back in the house just as the final preparations for dinner were finished. It was silent all through dinner. Petunia and Dudley were eating slowly, not that Harry and Sirius ate like starving pigs. Once Harry and Sirius finished eating they excused themselves to the living room. As the time passed Harry started to worry about his aunt and Cousin, mostly his aunt. This was a lot to take in, Harry did notice though that they were taking this quite a bit better than Hermione and taken to finding out that she was a half-blood witch after believing and being treated as a Muggle born. But he did not doubt that Hermione would bounce back so to speak. She did know of the possibility beforehand bouncing around in her head. The time finally got to Harry and he had to check on his aunt and Cousin. Sirius followed Harry out of the living room and into the entryway to find Petunia standing in the middle of the entryway with Dudley standing slightly off to the side of his mum.

"I, Petunia Evans, the last of the line aside from my son Dudley and nephew Harry, declare myself as the Head of House of Evans Estate."

Harry was delighted to say the least. He was aware but not surprised of the surge of magic that filled the entryway. As quick as the surge was felt it dissipated. Harry noticed that an elegant, feminine necklace appeared around his Aunts neck. He also noticed that a bracelet, not unlike a medical bracelet that would be seen in the Muggle world, appeared around his Cousins left wrist. Both items Harry could tell bared the Evans crest, in miniature.

"Sirius, I know that you are getting to know your daughter and helping her guardian but would it be possible for you to help Dudley and I move our things over here from…"

"It will be no problem helping you move everything over. Although I wonder if we'd be able to set up a temporary floo connection to the house on Privet Drive and here? Petunia, would you and Dudley be up for a trip to the Ministry?"

"I suppose so."

All four disappeared from the entryway of Evans Estate and appeared in the Ministry. Harry really hoped beyond anything that there wasn't a run in with the Minister of Magic. He had, had enough of the old coot and did not fancy seeing him anytime soon. Although if he ever saw Cornelius Fudge ever again it would be too soon.

"Shit." Harry grumbled softly.

"Harry…"

"Don't look now Sirius but it's none other than the Minister of Magic."

"For the love of Merlin why now? Harry please do your best to just ignore the daft poor excuse for a Minister."

"I can't promise anything but I will try. If he starts in…I will defend myself with whatever means come to mind."

"Fair enough. Brace yourself he's heading over this way."

"What brings you here? Haven't you and Mr. Potter done enough? Don't tell me that he's claiming and declaring more? I am aware that there are two Estates…"

"Minister excuse me but my nephew and his Godfather are just escorting myself and my son to the floo network to inquire about a temporary connection from the dreaded place on Privet Drive to the Estate I recently claimed by means of declaring myself as the Head of House. Though I do appreciate the help you provided to my son and I, I would appreciate it more if you would stop badgering my nephew over securing into his possession what is rightfully his. You would do better to allow anyone to claim what is rightfully his or hers as that would prevent one so young from having to do what is necessary to secure what is rightfully his or hers. If you don't mind, actually I don't care if you do or not, I would appreciate it if you would step aside so that I can see if there is a simple and quick way to move into my Estate."

Sirius could keep a straight face and as a result a chuckle could be heard coming from him. Harry was beside himself, he admired his aunt so much more for the way she stood up for him and stood up to the Minister. It was difficult for Harry to not bust up laughing near to hysterics at the shocked expression on the Minister's face. Suddenly Harry realized that he was standing in the corridor alone with the Minister. Harry quickly slipped into the Floo Networks office instead of doing something that would not end up benefiting him…in long run that is.

It had not been a problem with making a temporary connection from the house on Privet Drive to the Evans Estate considering it was for the sole purposes of moving. Once that was done, Harry and Sirius assisted with connecting the Evans Estate with a few other places that would make it easier on his aunt and Cousin. Of course this included Potter Manor. Once it was done Sirius altered the witches memory in regard to Potter Manor, Harry used the charm that Hermione had found or had come up with to disguise the written part concerning Potter Manor.

Once they were finished at the Ministry the four of them flooed to Grimmuald Place. Sirius explained to Petunia and Dudley that they would be apparating to the front gates of Potter Manor and that Harry can indeed apparate and gave Dudley the choice of apparating side-a-long with Harry or apparition with him and his mother. Dudley was not all that comfortable with apparition in the first place but chose to go with his Cousin. Seconds later they were standing in front of the gates and the bone chilling voice emanated and rumbled around them, this did not affect Harry or Sirius in the slightest as they were used to it. Petunia and Dudley on the other hand looked a bit frightened.

"Harry Potter and Sirius Black escorting my aunt Petunia Evans and Cousin Dudley Evans."

The gates swung open allowing them to pass through the gates. Harry could only smirk as he heard his aunt and Cousin gasping at this or that as they made their way to the porch. Once inside Harry introduced his aunt and Cousin to Sparky and Muri. As each witch or wizard came to see what was going on Harry introduced them. About an hour later Sirius escorted Petunia and Dudley back to Privet Drive.

Over the next few days Petunia and Dudley moved their belongings with the help of Sirius, Harry and Remus. Sirius and Remus alternating which one helped and which one stayed with the rest of the guests at Potter Manor. Hermione finally snapped out of it and felt that she was in a better state of being to talk to her parents about the Granger Estate as well as hopefully get an answer to a question that had been on her mind.

The first opportunity Hermione had she walked up to Sirius and asked if he could take her to her parents and help explain about Granger Manor as well as convince them to take a look at the Estate plus there had been something nagging at her conscious. Sirius kindly agreed as it was not a problem or an inconvenience.

Shortly after Hermione and Sirius left there was a 'pop' sound. Harry headed over to see who was arriving at the Manor. To his surprise and slightly fear he saw Draco with Dobby.

"Draco…"

"It's okay Harry. I was just stopping by to drop off the books I said I would bring over for Granger."

"I'll make sure that she gets the books. And thank you for bringing them."

"Where is she? Just curious."

"She's with Sirius at her parents' house discussing something that we found out. She has been in shock."

"Not to be nosey or anything but…"

"She…"

"Ron don't. You know that Hermione will kill you or nearly kill you if you say what you're thinking about saying. I will tell you, hopefully, for the last time that it's up to Hermione to tell anyone about it."

"Fine."

"Though I am not that much more curious I won't pester you for an answer. I'll just have to wait until she's ready to say anything. I must admit that this is going to on my mind…constantly."

"I'm sure she'll tell you…"

"Soon…"

"Not what I was going to say Ron, I was going to say eventually. It's a lot to process, I'll tell you that."

"Oh, hello. Since Draco is here why don't we continue with…"

"That sounds like a plan Ginny. Thanks." Harry said with a smile.

"Unless Draco, you need to get back." Ginny amended.

"Not really. I had difficulties or well, Rosie had difficulties with getting the books. In fact I actually had to retrieve the books. Don't worry it was really late and my dad is a deep sleeper, he doesn't wake easily so it was not a problem getting them. Although I am surprised that he had them in the library, usually he keeps these ones and a few others locked up tight in his office."

They worked on more defensive and protective spells for a few hours before Draco decided to return to his attic.

Once in the attic though Draco had spells and charms up to keep his whereabouts quiet he could hear his father yelling and demanding to know where a few books were. He couldn't hear his mother though which meant that she was further away or speaking softly. On further thought he realized it was more than likely that it was both. Desperately wanting to know what was going on Draco called for Rosie.

"Young Master calls Rosie?"

"Yes. Rosie what's going on down there? I mean I can hear my father as I know you are aware but I can't hear my mum. Is she okay?"

"As far as Rosie can tell Mistress is okay. Mistress knows not where Master's books are and suggest that Master should be more careful of where he leaves his books if he worried 'bout anyone finding them. Mistress also say that it's not her problem that Master lost his books. Master not like that at all. Mistress faster than Master and Mistress vanish to private room. Master really not happy."

"Were you asked about the books Rosie?"

"Master ask Rosie yes. Rosie tell Master Rosie know not of books since Rosie not know what to do with books. Master ask no more questions about them."

"Rosie you did good. Real good. I am happy to have you serve my family."

"An honor for Rosie to serve family. Specially young Master and Mistress. Bad Rosie…"

"No Rosie you are not a bad house elf and I forbid you to punish yourself in any way. Thank you for telling me what was going on down there."

"Anything for Young Master."

"Feel free to go back down there to whatever I pulled you away from."

Rosie bowed and disappeared with a 'pop'.

A/N: Sorry for the long wait on this chapter. It has been a bit crazy…family visiting took up most of my time…it was nice seeing them. Also life tends to get in the way at times. Also my beta was on vacation…: (

Any way enough rambling from me…

I plan to have the next chapter ready to go soon.

Any thoughts? All are welcome.