Making the Truth Known

by V. L. Crawford

This is a non-canon story. Harry lets the Wizarding World know the truths about all the lies and manipulations that abound. He shakes Magical Britains very foundations. There is slight reference to slash and male pregnancy, but only as something that happened in the past. it does have bashing of some characters. More inside. Warning: Spankings T rating for mild cursing.

7. Chapter 7 Uncomfortable Conversations

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and the characters from his universe belongs to JK Rowlings.

From: Guest

:Lol of course you'll have spankings next, that's what people do here when they want to have readers. Lot of perverts around who enjoy writing and reading about a kid getting a spanking and who cares if this is an abusive way to raise a child.

My answer:

LOL! Yes, we perverts must stick together, and you must count yourself as one of them as you are still reading my story. At least I have the courage to put a name on my reviews whether they are good or bad. I hope you continue to enjoy the story even if you have to leave reviews like this to make you feel less like a Pervert. LOL! I have received too many of these people. They don't bother me anymore, because evidently the ones that leave them read my story ignoring the warnings so on with the next chapter.

Chapter 7 Uncomfortable Conversations

Sirius woke up after a wonderful night filled with the dreams of being with the love of his life. He hated for the dreams to end, but as he lay in his bed he was thankful he had his son back in his life again. Thinking about his son reminded him of the conversation he needed to have with him. He hated to have to tell Harry the news, because he knew the kid would be angry and even hurt that he was letting the Weasley kids come back, especially Ron Weasley.

He still remembered when they found out the information about the Weasleys. Harry had acted so unemotional about it at Gringotts and all that evening, but when Sirius was going to bed that night he had checked on his son like usual. What he found broke his heart. He had found Harry crying, his face buried in his pillow trying not to make any noise. He had pulled his son onto his lap and listened to him sob out the pain and heartbreak of knowing somebody he had trusted and loved like a brother had only been using him.

Sirius Black had sworn that night that nobody would ever hurt his child like that again. That was when he decided to make sure everyone that had hurt his Pup would pay for the pain and misery they had caused him. The next day they started planning and working on outing all of those that had become their enemies. Here it was just days after making all they learned known to the wizarding world, and he was going to tell his son that the one that had hurt him the most emotionally was coming back to Hogwarts. Harry was not going to be happy.

Sirius got up and prepared for the day. He decided today he was dressing as a muggle. School was not going on, and he really hated robes. He donned a pair of skintight black jeans and tee shirt before grabbing his leather jacket. He headed to Harry's room to get this over with as soon as possible. He knocked and opened the door at the quiet enter he heard from his son.

Harry had just walked out of the bathroom when his Dad knocked. When he saw the man standing there he realized they were dressed alike except his black shirt had a Batman logo on it while his Dad's was just a plain one. He donned his leather jacket as he said.

"Morning, Dad. Is something wrong?"

"Why would you think something was wrong?" The man's nervousness was showing through.

"I don't know maybe because you came in here this early instead of waiting for me in the sitting room." Harry said with a cheeky grin.

"Fine, I need to talk to you, Pup. Please sit down." Sirius sat on the bed and patted the space beside him.

Harry had a feeling of dread fill his stomach as he sat down next to his Dad. "What is it Dad? What is wrong?"

Sirius took a deep breath. "Harry did you see Amelia when she came to find me last night when I was in my meeting?"

"Yes, I answered the door for her." A frown was on the teen's face.

"Well she wanted to talk to me about the two youngest Weasleys and their questioning." Sirius explained.

"What did she find out Dad?" Harry's hands were clenched tightly.

He put his hand on his son's tense back rubbing soothing circles on it. "It wasn't as bad as we thought. They didn't know anything about the money or the actual marriage contract. They were told you were going to marry Ginny when you were older, and they would all be rich." Harry just continued to stare at him so he went on. "Ron was told to befriend you and to keep the others away from you, so that you would become dependent on the Weasley family." He admitted quietly.

Harry's jaw was now clenched as tightly as his hands, but he just continued to stare. He could tell by his Dad's body language that there was more that he had to say, and that Harry wasn't going to like it.

"Pup they never broke the law and as despicable as they have behaved, they have not done anything that justifies them being expelled from Hogwarts."

Harry's mouth dropped open in shock. His eyes now held anger and hurt in their depths. He knew what his Dad was going to say, and he couldn't believe it.

"I sent Arthur Weasley a letter last night saying that they could come back to Hogwarts if they wanted to." The man faltered in what he was saying when his child turned his head away from him. "I told him they were to stay away from you. That if you wanted anything to do with them you would go to them. I also said they were on probation, and if they hurt you again no matter who liked it they were out of here."

Harry stood up and walked over to Hedwig's cage. The door was left open, so she could come and go. He started petting the beautiful owl while his mind raced. He was not going to speak, because he knew he would start yelling if he did. The teen knew and understood why his Dad had made the decision he did, but that didn't make it any easier to hear. He wanted to rant and curse at his Dad, but he loved the man too much for that.

Sirius walked over and put his hand on his kid's shoulder. "Pup I know you are angry, and you have every right to be, but we agreed when we were making our decisions about how Hogwarts would continue that we wouldn't hold how the students were raised against them. We said we would let everyone that wanted to stay at Hogwarts be judged on their merits, and if they were willing to try and change. I felt I had to give these two a chance to overcome their mother's teaching."

Harry nodded, but still didn't speak. He was still turned away from his Dad petting Hedwig.

"I guess this means I'm getting the silent treatment." Sirius's disappointment was plain to hear. "I love you, Pup. I'm sorry I hurt you." He turned and walked towards the door. "When you're ready to go to breakfast come on out." He shut the door quietly behind him.

Harry turned and looked at the door. His mind was in turmoil. His Dad was right they had agreed to those conditions, because they had hoped to help those who had not been taught any better. But he was hurting to know his Dad was letting Ron come back. Ginny didn't matter to him. He had only ever seen her as Ron's little sister.

It was Ron's betrayal that had hurt so badly. He had five people he had trusted at all before his Dad came back into his life. Hermione, Neville, the twins and Ron were it. Ron had been the one he trusted above all others. When he found out that the other boy had not really been his friend it was as if somebody had stabbed a knife in his heart. The pain had hurt so bad that he thought he would die from it.

He closed his eyes while pinching his nose. It was a habit he picked up from his Dad without even realizing it. The man did that when he wanted to calm down his emotions. Harry was feeling guilty. He knew his silence had hurt his Dad beyond measure. The child in him could not stand the thought of knowing he was hurting his Dad, even as he himself was hurting. He left the room to go find the man.

Sirius had walked into the sitting room. He had a dejected air about him as he sat down on the sofa. He really would have rather Harry had yelled at him as to give him the silent treatment. He closed his eyes with his head down and just let the guilt of knowing he had caused his son pain wash over him.

"Are you okay Sirius?" Godric asked.

He had spent enough time in the man's presence to know the only thing that could put the dejected look on the man's face was guilt. Sirius Black blamed himself for every pain emotional, physical or imaginary his son had ever or would ever endure. The boy was the man's pride and joy, but he was also the man's biggest weakness.

"I'll be okay." Sirius answered slowly. "I just let my kid down and caused him pain."

"I gather he didn't take the news of the Weasleys return well." Rowena smiled sympathetically at the man she had grown to love as her grandson.

The man shook his head but never spoke. He just gave them a sad grimace.

"I actually expected to hear lots of yelling." Salazar clearly surprised that he hadn't. "Did you put up silencing charm?"

"No. He didn't yell," at their disbelieving looks he added, "He is giving me the silent treatment instead."

"Ouch," Godric exclaimed. "I always hated when one of my kids would do that. They were expected to be respectful, but I would rather have them yell at me then stop talking to me. It makes it harder getting the hurt feelings and problems taken care of and put behind you."

"Yeah, I agree," was the sad reply.

Harry was walking into the room and heard what was being said. The words made him feel even guiltier. "Dad?"

Sirius whipped his neck around so fast that it popped. His eyes took in the guilty look on the kid's face. He smiled reassuringly at him. "Hey Kiddo come and sit with me."

Harry hurried over and sat down beside the man. "I'm sorry." He muttered miserably.

Sirius wrapped his arm around his son's shoulder. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I know that you were going to be angry and hurt Pup, and I'm sorry that I was the cause of it."

"But you're not Dad. We did agree to the conditions you said." Harry rubbed his neck sheepishly. "I guess I didn't even think that there would be a chance Ron would be back, or maybe I hoped he wouldn't be."

"I can definitely understand that Pup."

"Dad, may I ask you something?"

"You can always ask me anything. I'm not always saying I will answer, but I will do my best to unless I think it is something you are too young to hear."

Harry frowned at that. He wasn't a kid anymore. It was as if his Dad read his mind because he said.

"Yes you are. What was it you wanted to ask me?"

"Would you really have been okay with me yelling?" He couldn't help thinking his Dad wouldn't have been.

He shook his head as he looked at his child. "Would I like it if you yelled at me? No I wouldn't. Would I have understood it? Yes. Would I have punished you for being disrespectful? No not under these circumstances. Harry I expected yelling, because I knew this was going to hurt and anger you, and I can never make you understand how sorry I am about that." Sirius looked at him remorsefully. "But I truly felt I had to go with this option."

"You were right to agree to let them come back." Harry said with real conviction. "So yelling is okay under some conditions?"

"Not really okay but understandable." He said ruffling the kid's hair.

"Dad," he whined. "I just fixed that. I finally have hair that doesn't look like it's never seen a comb, and you mess it up."

A bark like laugh was his answer before the man sobered up and said. "Pup I don't want you to think you have to hold all your emotions in. I want you to know that I'm here for you whether you're angry, sad or happy. I want you to feel you can trust me." His look had love and concern showing through. "You can yell and still be respectful you know there is a fine line after all. It just takes awhile to find it. I never did find it with my parents, but with the Potters I did. It all boils down to if you really respect the person I think."

"I respect you." Harry promised.

He looked at his son with love and pride. "Thank you, Harry James that means a lot to me. You're a great kid. Did you know that?"

A flush crept up the teen's cheeks, but he couldn't help the small smile at the praise. Nobody before his Dad had ever praised him, and he had to admit it felt good to hear those words.

"Thanks Dad," he changed the subject. "Are we ready to go to breakfast?"

He grinned wickedly. "Do you want to fix your hair first? It is a mess after all."

Harry stood up and started walking back to his room, but not before he stuck his tongue out at his father to the delight of those in the portrait.

Draco Malfoy woke up in a spare room in the Arithmancy professor's quarters. He lay in the bed wondering why he was here in the first place. What was Lord Black planning for him? He didn't know why, but he felt his life was going to take on an even bigger change. He got up and got ready for the day. Regulus Black had called for an elf to bring his things from the Slytherin dorm last night before bed, so it was an easy thing to do.

The fact that all of his stuff was in the room was making him even more apprehensive about what was coming. The man had told him it was so nobody would mess with his stuff, but he still felt it was some sort of omen.

When he entered the sitting room of the professor's quarters it was to find him in his Professor Vector persona. He couldn't help thinking that he liked the man better as Regulus Black. He was also wondering how those in the school were going to react with they found out the truth this morning.

"Good morning Draco. Are you ready for breakfast?" Regulus asked using his real voice and not the one he had been using for Professor Vector all of these years.

"Yeah sure let's go." Draco drawled leading the way out of the rooms.

Draco walked ahead of the man trying to put as much distance between them as he could. He couldn't shake the feeling that the man was going to play a big part in his future, and truthfully he couldn't tell how he felt about that. He was brought from his musings when he heard Zabini call out to him.

"Hey Malfoy. Where did you spend the night?"

This had about two dozen people who were in the entryway turning to look at the blond with raised eyebrows. Draco knew before the day was over all kind of rumors would be going around the school. That was when he noticed Black and his son were coming down the stairs. He felt a rush of anger when he saw the smirk on Potter's face. It didn't matter that he understood that the other boy was taking pleasure in Draco getting back some of what he had caused him to have to endure that last couple of years. He glared at all of those present before walking in and joining the Slytherin table.

Sirius gave a look that had all of the other students rushing into the hall as well. He gently tugged on his son's ear when only Reg was left with them.

"That wasn't nice Pup."

The boy gave him a look that said 'oh come on.'

"Even if it was understandable try not to be as petty as your old Dad was when he was a kid." Sirius gave him a hopeful look.

He laughed. "I'll try Dad, but no promises."

"That is all I can hope for I guess." Sirius laughed while trying to mess up the kid's hair which he dodged to Reg's amusement.

"Let's get breakfast, guys." Regulus urged as he headed into the Great Hall with the other two following.

Harry ducked another swipe at his hair from his Dad and hurried over to join the Gryffindor table. Sirius couldn't keep the grin off of his face. His boy really was something special. He took in all of the staff at the head table as he walked over to take his seat. He noticed everyone but Remus was there.

"Good morning everyone, I hope everybody slept well." He said as he poured himself a cup of coffee. He took a drink before adding, "That hit the spot. I really needed that this morning."

"Rough morning Sirius," Andi looked at him concerned.

"It could have been worse I suppose." He admitted, but her questioning look had him continuing. "I had to tell Harry that I said the two youngest Weasleys can come back to the school."

McGonagall looked shocked to hear the news. "I didn't think you would let anyone who was a threat to Harry in."

Sirius raised his eyebrow at her comment. "And I won't let anybody who is a threat to my son be here no matter what anybody says or does. Harry and his safety is my first priority, but the Weasley kids while hurting him emotionally and making it harder for him to trust people, didn't break any laws. I have said they can come back, but they will be on probation, and they are to stay away from my son, unless he wants something to do with them." His eyes darkened. "I will give them a second chance, since they were just following their mother's teaching. I mean if we threw every kid out that was taught wrong by their parents, then we would be throwing out at least half the purebloods and some of the halfbloods."

"Well that is the truth." Moody growled lowly.

"Al that isn't nice." Minerva gently scolded which had the old ex-Auror looking sheepish.

Sirius's bark-like laugh rang through the Great Hall. "Thank Merlin you two got your memories back. Minnie you are the only person in the world can make this cynical old guy seem like a naughty schoolboy."

"Shut up Black." Moody snapped.

"You're just mad because you know I'm telling the truth." Sirius smirked. "But it is good to see that the Goblins were able to help you with those scars."

"Yeah and I like walking on my own two legs again." Moody looked pleased at the thought. "But they wouldn't let me pay them. Sorry but they took the money from your account."

"Don't think twice about it. I'm glad to help." Sirius waved it off as unimportant. "I see you have that engagement ring back on Minnie's hand. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the wedding."

Minerva blushed but had a small smile on her face. "We have decided to get married the day after Christmas break starts."

"So you can have a honeymoon I see." Sirius wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Mr. Black!" Minerva yelped.

"What?" He had a fake innocent look, but a minute later he added. "All kidding aside I hope this means the real Minerva McGonagall is back."

The woman looked contrite. "I owe you an apology Sirius."

"You didn't remember because of that old coot. Let's just go forward from here and see what happens." Sirius told her. "I want Harry and the others to know the real you, the professor who would invite a student in to her quarters for tea and biscuits or maybe a quick game of chess when they were upset, the one who always listened before passing judgment, even if she had to wait for a while for them to get up the courage to explain. The woman who made you feel like you had an adult who cared about you even if you were in a boarding school."

Minerva wiped a tear from her eye. "Oh Sirius is that really how you saw me?"

"It is how all of the Marauders and Gryffindors saw you. I know that some of the other students did, too."

"I don't understand why he would make you change that part of you." Andi commented.

"It was because of Severus." Minerva noticed the questioning looks. "I thought about it a lot while Alastor was resting yesterday. The first few months he was teaching here I was complaining about his bullying my lions. I remember going to Albus and telling him I had enough with him not taking action against the man, so I was going to the Board of Governors. He must have Confunded me as I went to storm out, because I never did go to them, and I don't remember ever complaining again."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Sirius snarled angrily.

It was at that moment the Great Hall had the post owls arriving. Sirius noticed glancing up as a Daily Prophet landed in front of him. He couldn't help pushing his anger away as he read the headline. 'Regulus Black, Reformed Death Eater Alive and Cleared of all Charges.'

"Sirius what does this mean? Do you know anything about this?" Andi asked frantically.

He gave her a happy grin. "Oh yes Andi and I couldn't be happier." He stood up and called for quiet. "Settle down please. I have an announcement to make."

All eyes turned to him. "I see some of you have seen the headline and might have even started reading the paper. I want to inform you that yes Regulus Black is my younger brother, and he was a Death Eater. He was convinced to take the mark when he was just sixteen years old and a little over a year later he almost died trying to make it possible for Voldemort to be killed."

Almost everybody in the room shuddered or screamed at the name.

"Enough of that people it is just a name, and as you saw the other night it wasn't even his real name." Sirius's disappointment was showing through. "But as I was saying my brother changed his allegiance which almost cost him his life. He proved this in a questioning yesterday, so he earned his freedom. The thing I want to tell you this morning is that Regulus Black is a Professor here at Hogwarts."

A small second year Hufflepuff stood up and yelled. "You can't do that. You can't let a Death Eater teach here. I thought you said you were going to protect us."

A Hufflepuff prefect with long dark hair stood up and pulled the younger girl down beside her. "Amy, please it's not polite to interrupt Lord Black. He has shown us we can trust him, so we need to hear him out."

"What is your name Miss?" Sirius asked the prefect.

"Isabelle Taylor, Lord Black."

"Thank you for standing up for me Miss Taylor."

"It is no problem Sir." The prefect never noticed the grateful look the Boy-Who-Lived was giving her.

"I was saying that Regulus Black was a professor here. He has been a professor here for the last eight years." A shocked silence met this announcement. "Regulus if you please."

Every eye was on Professor Vector as he stood up and pointed his wand towards himself. When the glamour fell they saw a man who looked almost identical to Sirius Black. The students who had been taught by the man could not believe he was once a Death Eater. The man was nice and always helped everybody the same.

"For those of you have had him as your professor or gotten to know the man since he has been here you will realize the man has never given you reason to doubt his trustworthiness. I'm hoping you will help the others realize that he is a good man as well." Sirius was speaking with an authoritative voice. "I am just going to remind you that if you don't like the thought of being taught by Professor R. Black you are more than welcome to leave Hogwarts. He is here to stay there will be no discussion about that. He is after all a direct descendant from Rowena Ravenclaw. You are all to be respectful towards him just as you were when he was acting as Professor Vector." He sat down and waved for Regulus to do the same.

The noise level in the room rose as the students and staff were talking about what they had just learned. But Sirius turned to Andi.

"Do you know where Remus is?"

But it was the portrait of Godric Gryffindor who answered him. "He is in his office. He said he would come to the tower to talk to you when breakfast was over."

"Thanks Granddad. Please tell him to meet me there in fifteen minutes."

He was smiling at the way Andi was hugging Reg at the time though. But while he was finishing his breakfast he asked Salazar to keep an eye on Draco, and Reg to meet him at the tower about five after one.

Ten minutes later he was standing by the Gryffindor table. "Are you ready to go Pup? I have to meet your Uncle Remus in a few minutes."

Harry stood up but he couldn't hide the grimace on his face. "I'll see you guys at one in the Library." He called over his shoulder as he walked towards the door.

Harry hurried towards the door not wanting a lecture about giving Remus a chance again, but right before he got there the door opened to allow four redheads to walk in. Harry jerked to a stop with a start. Arthur, Bill, Ron and Ginny Weasley were standing in front of him. He felt a comforting hand on his shoulder, as his Dad came to stop beside him. Nobody seemed to want to speak at first.

"Mr. Weasley I see you took me up on my offer."

"Yes Lord Black and I thank you for your generosity in letting the kids come back. They will not give you or Harry any trouble."

"Their new Head of House is Professor Lupin. He is not here at the moment, so I suggest they talk to Headmistress McGonagall right now. Harry and I have a meeting so if you will excuse us." He steered Harry around the redheads and out of the Great Hall.

When they had climbed a couple of flights of stairs Sirius finally broke the silence. "Are you okay Pup?"

"I'm fine Dad." The dull monotone told him this was far from the truth.

"I'm so sorry Pup." Sirius's guilt was eating him alive.

"Why Dad? You haven't done anything wrong." The teen turned to him surprise evident on his face.

Sirius didn't look convinced, but he decided to let the subject drop until Harry brought it up. When they reached the door to the tower he gave the teen a sharp glance that Harry took to mean 'behave'. But neither one actually said anything because Remus was standing there. Harry could not believe the red eyes the man had. He was actually feeling sorry for the man when he realized that getting his memories back had caused him pain.

When they were inside he said. "I'll leave you two to talk Dad. I'll be in my room if you need me."

Remus watched the young man go and didn't even bother to say hi. He was so mixed up inside all he wanted was to talk to Sirius. The pain he was feeling at the moment was tearing him up inside.

"Sirius how could he do that? How could he make me forget my own wife? I trusted that man so much, and he took every memory of my time with Lily away from me." The tears were flowing down his face again. It felt like he had spent most of yesterday and last night crying. Grieving for the wife he had been made to forget.

"I'm so sorry Remus. I couldn't bring myself to tell you that you and Lily were married. I couldn't be the one to cause you the pain of knowing you hadn't even had the chance to grieve for your wife." Sirius hugged his friend close trying to give the other man comfort.

They spent the next three hours talking through the pain and went right into happy memories of the two couples. They cried and laughed then they started over again. By the time Harry came out of his room to ask if they were going to lunch they were both feeling a little better.

"Hey Dad are you guys ready to go to lunch? I'm kind of getting hungry."

Sirius checked his watch and realized that it was already noon and felt bad. Harry had spent the whole time since breakfast in his room so he and Remus could talk. He did notice his son had his schoolbag on his shoulder.

"Yep let's go. Does that have the books you are going to be studying in the Library in it?"

"Uh... yeah I can still go right?" Harry asked nervously.

"Of course you can Pup. I told you from one to four, but you remember the rules you are to follow there right." Sirius stared at him with a stern look.

"Yes Sir." Harry answered though he was feeling uncomfortable having this conversation in front of Remus Lupin.

"The rules," his Dad asked quietly.

"I have to stay in the Library until you come back for me. I have to stay where the portrait of Grandma and Grandmother can see me. But I don't have to stay where they can hear my conversations." He ticked off a little bit of resentment coming through even though he tried to hide it.

Sirius knew his son was embarrassed, so he didn't call him on the attitude. He did remember how it felt to be a teen after all and others knowing you were in trouble. He had always swore when he was a kid he wouldn't bring up his child's punishments or rules in front of others, but it seemed it was one of those things that a parent did to try to make sure their kid didn't get in more trouble before one punishment was done.

He pointed to the door. "Okay lunch time and then you can spend the time with your friends in the Library." Sirius told him as they all left the room.

They were on the moving stairs when Remus spoke. "I'm sorry I didn't speak to you earlier Harry. That was very rude of me."

"It's okay Sir. You were upset and I understood." Harry's compassion coming through loud and clear.

Remus smiled and took this as a good sign. "Thank you Harry, but I want to say it is good to see you again, and I hope we can get to know each other better soon."

Harry noticing the look his Dad was giving him quickly assured him. "I'm sure we will Sir."

Harry did not enjoy his lunch at all. He barely ate anything instead he spent the time pushing his food around on his plate. The reason for this was the two redheads that were now at the Gryffindor table. Ginny didn't bother him as much, but every time he saw Ron even out of the corner of his eye he got angry again.

Ron was sitting about seven places away on the opposite side of the table with Dean and Seamus. Whenever he turned to talk to Hermione he was able to see the other boy stuffing his face as if there was no tomorrow. To top it off he acted like there was nothing wrong.

When Harry would turn to talk to Neville on his other side he would see most of the professors casting concerned looks his way. He knew if he hadn't been grounded he would have left the hall five minutes after he sat down, but he had to stay and wait for his Dad to walk him to the Library.

He decided to stare straight ahead when he wasn't looking at his plate. Angelina and Fred were sitting across from him but there was enough space between them that he was looking at Draco most of the time. He noticed the blond boy was glaring daggers at Ron most of the time. It made him feel good to know the other boy hated the redhead as much as he did. When Draco glanced up at him Harry couldn't help giving him a small smile which almost turned into a smirk at the confused look the other teen was sporting.

When lunch was over and he was finally on his way to the Library accompanied by his Dad and friends Harry felt more lighthearted. He would have appreciated it if his Dad hadn't made sure they stopped by the restroom first. When Harry had asked why he explained.

"You aren't to leave the Library until I come back at four. I just want to make sure you aren't uncomfortable in that time."

Harry blushed but decided his Dad had a point, so he and Neville headed to the boys while Hermione went to the girls. His Dad finally left them in the Library after reminding Harry to follow the rules her had been given. They sat down and pulled out their books. They had been working for about an hour when Draco walked in.

He walked up to them and demanded. "Why did your Dad let the Weasel come back?"

"He felt he didn't have a just cause for keeping him out." Harry admitted, but everybody near them could tell by the frown on his face that he wasn't happy about it.

"Can I sit down?"

"Of course Draco," Harry pointed to a chair across from him.

Neville didn't look happy as he was now sitting beside the other boy, but he didn't complain. Hermione on the other hand looked ready to burst.

"Harry?"

"What Hermione? He is allowed to sit here as long as he doesn't say anything rude about my friends." The warning was for both Hermione and Draco's benefits.

"I don't plan on saying anything rude about your friends unless you say the Weasel is still your friend." Draco promised with a raised eyebrow.

"No he isn't my friend. I wish he wasn't back, but I do understand my Dad's reasoning, even if I don't like it."

Hermione wanted to defend Ron. He had been their best friend for two years. It was instinctual to want to speak up, but she realized that Harry would not take this well. It really was hard to know what to do. Ron and Ginny had both approached her in the Gryffindor common room before lunch and tried to get her to still be their friend. She had told them she had to think about it. Neville hadn't said anything about it, but she could tell he was disappointed in her for not telling them no right away.

"So you're just going to let him get away with treating you like that?" Draco had a sly gleam in his eyes.

"Why did you have something in mind?" Harry leaned toward the other boy. He had a matching gleam in his eyes.

Sirius met Regulus as he came around the corner on the fourth floor. They approached the lion door together.

"What did you want to talk to me about Siri?"

Sirius opened the door and let the younger man go through first. "I have a problem I need your help with."

Reg took a seat on the sofa as Sirius sat in one of the armchairs. "I'm all ears."

"Umm... I don't really know how to say this." Sirius shifted uncomfortably.

"Sirius what is it? You can ask me anything. You have given me a second chance to prove that I can be a good brother to you and an uncle to my nephew."

Regulus really hated Sirius looking so unsure of his self. His brother had always been the most confident person he knew. It didn't matter who he was talking to even their parents who treated him horribly. He stood up to them and would never back down. This was a side of Sirius that he would have rather never seen, and it irked him to know it was because he was talking to him that he acted this way.

"You know I talked to Cissy last night."

Reg nodded wondering what this had to do with anything.

"I dissolved her marriage, took Draco from her and cast her out of the Black family. She has been arrested as a Death Eater." He gave a small smile at the gaping mouth of his brother. "The thing is what to do with Draco."

"What do you mean? You will have to raise him now that you claimed him for the Blacks and cast Narcissa out." Reg exclaimed.

"I can't do that." Sirius spoke with a decisive manner.

"Why? You have to." Regulus was stymied. He didn't think Sirius had a choice.

"Because of Harry," Sirius continued when he noticed the confusion on his brother's face. "He has spent his whole life being shoved aside because of another boy being raised with him. How do you think he will feel if almost immediately after he gets his Dad back the man takes in another kid, a kid that was his enemy until a couple of days ago?"

"Oh, so what are you going to do?" Regulus had no idea where this was going.

"I'm going to have another family member take him in." Sirius smirked. His brother was a smart person, but he could see that he wasn't putting the pieces together.

"I think Andi would be great with him."

Sirius laughed. "Andi are you nuts? He would never except Andi or more importantly Ted. He has been raised to believe muggleborns are lower than flobberworms. I would just be asking for more trouble if I put him with those two."

"Then what are you going to do?" Reg asked at a loss of where this conversation was going.

"I'm going to become an uncle."

"Huh?" The former Slytherin was gaping like a fish out of water.

Laughter rang out from the portrait on the wall from the two male founders while the females were trying to discreetly giggle into handkerchiefs.

"Why little brother I'm proud to announce you are going to be the proud Daddy of a bouncing thirteen year old." Sirius told the flustered man.

"Are you bloody insane? I'm not going to be a father. Why would you even think I would? Have you lost leave of your senses? I'm not bloody Dad material. I was a Death Eater for Salazar's sake. That is not somebody who should raise a child." Reg was fuming as he stalked back and forth across the room.

"Regulus calm down." Sirius ordered sternly.

"The hell I will. I'm out of here." He said as he stormed towards the door.

"Regulus Arcturus Black, you stop acting like a child right now and sit down, before I treat you like the child you are acting and take you over my knee." Sirius bellowed as he pulled his brother around and got in his face.

The younger man's disbelief was clearly evident. He didn't believe the other man would ever do such a thing with that thought in his mind he tried to jerk his arm free and leave. But he had seriously underestimated his brother, because the next thing he knew he felt a hard swat land on his arse.

Regulus jerked away yelping in shock. He couldn't believe his brother swatted him. He also couldn't believe how bad it hurt. He gave the offended area a discreet rub.

"I said stop it now unless you want me to take you over my knee and treat you like you deserve right now." Sirius stern voice had a steel edge to it. He pointed to the couch. "Now sit down."

Regulus Black sat down while his face was flaming. His brother had smacked him like a child and right in front of the four founders. He was mortified. The truth was nobody had swatted him since he was ten years old and that had been Sirius, too. He watched Sirius pace as he tried to calm himself down. He kept his mouth shut, because he could tell Sirius was ready to follow through with his promise, if he said the wrong thing.

Sirius was able to get control of his emotions a couple of minutes later. "Reg I need your help. Draco is at a stage that he needs a strong role model to bring him back from where Lucy and Cissy were taking him. Yes, you were a Death Eater, but you realized it was wrong. That is what Draco needs. You were both raised with the same beliefs, but you fought against it finally and won. Draco needs you to help him with that, so he doesn't become what Lucy intended for him to. He needs you and so do I." Sirius pleaded.

"I've never raised a kid. I don't know how to raise a child let alone a teen." Reg tried to make him see reason.

"I'll help you. I'll guide you and tell you all the advice Dad Potter gave me when James was pregnant." Sirius vowed fervently. "Draco needs a Dad, and when you blood adopt him he will be your son."

"You don't just want me to be a guardian but to actually adopt him?"

"He will need the stability of having a father, and you can give it to him. I have faith in you Reg."

When he saw the trust in his brother's eyes Regulus found he couldn't say no. "So we live in my quarters or do I leave him in the dorm?" He asked giving in.

"Actually I think it would be better if you two lived in my quarters here in the tower." Salazar spoke up. "That way you both will be safe, but Draco will feel more at ease since he is a Slytherin."

"Well what do you say Reg? Do you and your soon to be son want to live in the founders' tower. We will be close but still have our own homes. The boys can become cousins but have their own Dad's to themselves." Sirius gave a hopeful grin.

"Fine, but you get to tell Draco?" Reg capitulated.

Sirius snickered. "I think we will need to tell him together. You are going to have to show that you are committed to this or it won't work."

Reg huffed in annoyance. "Alright but I'm doing this under duress."

"Don't worry you are going to be a great Dad, Reg I have faith in you."

"Yeah so much faith you smacked me like a child." Regulus pouted. "I can't believe you did that."

"You deserved it and you know it." Sirius didn't look the least bit remorseful which just made Regulus pout more.

"I'm a grown adult Siri, not the little kid you used to take in hand." Regulus whined despite himself.

"You were acting like a little kid. I did what was needed." He didn't sound the least repentant. "But I love you Little Brother even when you act like a child." He teased.

Regulus decided to change the subject. "When are we telling Draco?"

"As soon as we find him and get him up here for a private talk."

"He is in the Library with Harry and his friends." Helga informed them.

"What? Are they fighting?" Both brothers asked at once.

"No, they seem to be having a nice conversation." Rowena smiled. "We can't hear what they are saying, but Harry and Draco seem to be very animated about whatever they are discussing."

"They are actually reminding me of Sal and Godric when they were up to no good." Helga cautioned.

"The young man with them seems to like what they are saying, but the young lady looks like she is definitely against it. Wouldn't you say Helga?"

"Actually her face kind of reminds me how you would act when you heard some of these two's plans." Helga giggled.

The brothers exchanged a look. "Maybe we better go get them now and nip this in the bud." Sirius stood up fast.

"It is only three o'clock Sirius." Godric pointed out. He wanted to help the boys with whatever they were planning. "Harry still has another hour."

"Yes, but we can get Draco." He called over his shoulder leading the way out at all most a run.

Regulus was following at a fast pace. "Why are we running? It can't be that bad surely."

"Reg my son is the child of the two worst Marauders, and Draco is a sly Slytherin. I hate to think what they are planning."

Reg sped up when those words sunk in. He gulped when he saw the looks on the boys' faces. Oh yeah, he had seen those expressions before on Sirius and his friends' faces right before they did something to the Slytherins. This did not bode well for somebody.

When the boys saw them they all stopped speaking at once. This just made both men more worried about what they had planned. Harry checked his watch.

"You're early Dad. Is something wrong?" He couldn't help glancing over his shoulder at the portrait of his grandmothers. Had they heard something of their plan?

Sirius felt a twinge of happiness when he saw his son's shifty attitude. It brought back many happy memories of seeing James doing the same thing.

"Nothing is wrong Pup. We are here for Draco actually. Your uncle and I need to talk to him. You can stay with your friends for now, and I will be back at four for you." He smiled reassuringly at his kid.

He was glad to see the teen relax, but he knew that just proved his suspicions that he was planning something. He just hoped it wouldn't be something that would get his son into too much trouble.

"You wanted to talk to me." Draco was frowning.

"We do Draco. It is something of importance so if you don't mind." He gestured to the door.

"Can I have a minute?" He decided to tack on, "please?"

"Alright we will wait over by the door for you." Sirius told him as the two brothers turned and walked away.

"Are we still going to do it?" Draco inquired of the other two boys, and at their nods he said. "I'll get my share then, and we can do it tomorrow when Harry is supposed to be in here."

Hermione started in on the boys as soon as Draco and the Black brothers left the Library. "Harry I can't believe you are going to do this. This is really mean of you. I thought you knew better than to do such things."

"Hark who's talking. Aren't you the one who stole from Snape last year? Or what about making an illegal potion?" Harry arched his eyebrow. "This is just a harmless prank. He deserves it Hermione after the way he treated me."

"Come on Hermione we aren't going to do anything but scare him. I promise to get ones that won't hurt him." Neville added.

Hermione finally gave in to the two boys' persuasion, but none of them realized that Draco had not made the same promise that Neville did, and he had the same type of job. Ron Weasley was not going to have a good day when the prank was pulled off.

On the way back to the tower Draco tried to get the two men to tell him what they wanted to talk to him about. The problem was neither was talking and it was infuriating.

He couldn't help noticing the way the two seemed to be communicating silently as he sat on the sofa. Neither man seemed to want to speak. This gave the blond boy a terrible sense of foreboding of what was to come.

"Oh would one of you just tell me already?" He shouted in annoyance.

Sirius glared at the teen. "I don't like your tone young man. You might want to think before speaking to me or Reg like that again, because I can promise you won't like the consequences if not."

Draco squirmed in his seat. 'Okay that could have gone better,' he thought. "Sorry Sir, but you guys are making me nervous."

Sirius looked at the kid while rubbing his finger across his bottom lip. "I can understand that I guess, but you need to be respectful. It is something I expect from my son, and I won't accept any less from you."

Draco didn't like it, but he nodded in acceptance anyway. "Sir would you please tell me what is so important that you both seem nervous about it."

Sirius knew he had to speak up because Reg already told him that was his condition, but he had hoped the younger man would change his mind. He had already had to have three uncomfortable conversations today. Couldn't he get a break?

"I had a meeting with your Mother last night. I don't know if you knew it or not, but your Mother is also a marked Death Eater." Sirius was not surprised to see no shock on the boy's face. "I'm sorry to have to tell you, but Madam Bones came in while we were talking and saw your Mother's mark. She has been arrested."

"But you didn't let her take her, right? You gave her sanctuary like you did your brother and she is in the castle." He said this like it was a done deal.

"No Draco I'm sorry, but I didn't. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but your Mother never changed sides, and she will have to stand trial and let the Wizengamot decide her fate." Sirius explained as calmly as he could.

Draco jumped up his hands balled into fist. It was obvious he wanted to attack the Lord of the Black family.

"Draco sit down." Regulus ordered as he got between the two. "Sirius is trying to talk to you man to man, and you need to not act like a child when he does it."

Sirius couldn't hold back the almost silent snort at Reg's words. He had to swat the younger man for his childlike tendencies earlier, but he was telling a thirteen year old to listen like a man. Regulus turned to look at his brother and stuck his tongue out while crossing his eyes, because he knew what the older man was thinking. He wasn't helping at all.

Draco not noticing the exchange between the two sat back down and waited for them to start speaking again. He couldn't believe both of his parents had been arrested. Yes he knew they both were Death Eaters. How could he not when they were so proud of the fact? But he really didn't think anyone ever thought his Mother was one.

"I'm sorry Draco, but I cannot help her, but I promise I will not work against her. I have agreed to abstain from the vote. She will be given a fair trial and that is all we can hope for." Sirius promised the boy.

"But if you have so many seats on the Wizengamot wouldn't your votes help her?" Draco scrunched his face in confusion.

"No, because I'm sorry I would probably vote for her incarceration." Seeing the boy's anger rising again he continued. "From our conversation last night I know she has not changed her mind about her beliefs in Voldemort's reign. I'm sorry if that hurts you, but that monster and his followers cost me my husband and Harry his other parent. I'm not forgiving of such an act, and I will not allow somebody to walk free just because we are related."

"But you let your brother." Draco growled furiously thinking the man was being unfair.

"He convinced me he had changed sides. He almost lost his life to bring the man down. You heard the story. He also convinced Madam Bones and a couple members of the Wizengamot under the influence of Veritaserum as you very well know." Sirius reminded him with a pointed glare. "Your Mother will have her day in court."

Draco huffed angrily as he sat back with his fist clenched. The man could have helped if he wanted to. It didn't matter if she changed sides or not. Now what was going to happen to him? Both of his parents were locked up awaiting trial.

He couldn't stop the question coming out. "What about me then? My parents have been arrested what is going to happen to me?" The fear was evident in his grey eyes.

"I have dissolved your parents' marriage. You Mother has been thrown out of the Black family, and I have claimed you for the House of Black?" Sirius explained as gently as he could.

The blood teen looked like his world was falling apart. How could he do this to his family? They were Malfoys. They didn't deserve to be treated this way. It was taking all of his self control not to pull out his wand and hex the man. He was only fighting it because he knew if he did the castle would make the wand hurt him instead. How could everything have changed so fast? His family was top of the food chain just a few days ago and now he had no one or nothing.

"What does that mean exactly?" He finally got out through his gritted teeth which were starting to hurt from how hard he was gritting them.

Regulus sat down beside the boy and wrapped an arm around his shoulder in comfort. "Sirius has decided that you deserve to have a new parent. Somebody who will love you and guide you on a way that will not lead you on the same road to destruction your parents travelled."

"Who?" The boy was totally freaking out. He didn't want a new parent, but he didn't want to be alone either. His parents and his Godfather were all imprisoned, and he was going to be given to somebody else. This wasn't fair. He would cry if it didn't go against all he had been taught. Malfoys don't cry they were too strong to cry.

Regulus looked at Sirius pleading for him to break the news gently. He could feel the poor kid's tense body. He knew the boy was terrified of what was in store for him in the future.

Sirius nodded with a small grimace. "I have decided that you will be raised by a member of the Black family. You are a Black and I will not let anybody but a Black handle your upbringing."

Draco tried to pull out of Regulus's hold as he tried to jump to his feet. "I'm not being raised by my Mother's blood traitor sister and her mu...muggleborn husband." He snarled venomously.

Sirius's face took on a stern look." You are very lucky you caught yourself young man before you said that vile word."

His eyes were flashing so angrily Draco could not help leaning into the side of the man who was still holding onto him. He knew if he had said the word he would not be happy at whatever the man would do to him.

"I do not expect you to live with Andi and Ted Tonks." He gave a rueful smile at the teen's shocked eyes. "I know that would not go over well for any of you, but you had better remember that they are your family, and I expect you to be respectful to them. They are also your professors." He added as if it was an afterthought.

"Then who else is there? Are you going to raise me?"

Shaking his head he said. "No I can't do that. I have a few reasons for it." He could see the question in the pointed face before him. "I don't think you would adapt that well as my son, as you have been raised to see me as a blood traitor. I also cannot do that to Harry. He has just gotten his father back, and he deserves the chance to have me to himself. Plus I don't think you two would do well as brothers. I am hoping that being cousins will be easier on both of you."

"But then who?" Draco was nervous. He couldn't imagine who would be raising him. It never even crossed his mind that the man he was leaning into for comfort would be the one. He was just into much shock to even think clearly.

Sirius opened his mouth to speak, but Regulus beat him to it. "We were hoping you would find me an acceptable Dad for you." He looked into the upraised eyes while showing his own sincerity.

"You'd willingly be my parent? And what does that mean anyway?" he added after a minute of contemplation.

"Yes, I would be honored to Draco." His eyes promising he wasn't lying. "I would blood adopt you, and you would become my real son as if you were born to me."

"Blood adoption?" Really, you would go to that extreme?" Draco could not believe this man he barely knew would be willing to go to such lengths for him. Why would he even consider doing such a thing?

"Yes, I really will adopt you Kiddo." Regulus vowed solemnly. "But that means you will be my son in every way. You will have to follow my rules and my guidance. I'm going to do my best to make you see that there is another way to believe than the pureblood supremacy. I know that will be hard for you to accept. But as your new father that will be my main job in life. I will try to finish raising you to be the great young man I know you can be."

"What makes you think I can be great, that I can change at all?" Draco asked his doubt evident from the slight tremor in his voice.

"It's because I have already seen you starting to change these last few days from the boy who has walked these halls in the last couple of years." Reg smiled in understanding at the young teenager. "Everybody in this castle knew of the animosity you and Harry have held for each other, but just today I saw the two of you sitting together having a lively conversation. You were both smiling, and you were also accompanied by two others you have shown a great dislike for up until this time. That gives me great hope that you can be taught to learn to judge each person on who they really are, not their bloodlines or magical prowess."

Sirius had been sitting quietly watching the exchange. He had such high hopes that this really was the best situation for Draco when he saw the kid still leaning into his brother. It gave him encouragement that they were doing the right thing.

"So what do you say Draco? Are you willing to become the son of one Regulus Arcturus Black, a hero that tried to help bring about Voldemort's destruction?" Sirius gave a sly grin. He could see the kid was thinking of the ramifications of being considered a hero's kid.

Draco looked uncertainly up at the man beside him. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes Draco. I think you deserve somebody who will put you and your well-being first, and I promise that if you agree to this I will make you my first priority in life." The vow could be heard clearly ringing out in a truthful manner.

Draco nodded his assent. "Fine, I will let you blood adopt me." He hoped he was doing the right thing, but he knew he had to try. Nobody had ever put Draco first in anything, and this man was swearing to do just that. He had to take the chance and hopefully Regulus Black would be there for him like the man's brother was for his son.

"Good I'm glad that is settled." Sirius stated rubbing his hands together as he stood up. "We will do the adoption as soon as possible. Oh and by the way you two will be moving into Salazar Slytherin's personal quarters. It is on the third floor of this tower." Draco had an excited gleam hearing this. "Grandfather will tell you how to get in there, as I need to go get Harry now." He left the room before anybody could say anything.

Harry was lying in bed later that evening. He wasn't tired since he had the way to early bedtime due to his punishment. But it did give him time to think about the things that had happened over the day. He had been flabbergasted when his Dad had told him that Uncle Reggie was going to blood adopt Draco Malfoy and that meant they would be first cousins.

Draco had not spoken to him since the Library, so he didn't know how the other boy was taking the news. But Harry knew that he wasn't as upset, as he would have been if he hadn't spent time with Draco the last couple of days. The other boy could be nice and fun when he wanted to be. Yes, he had a snarky way about him, but Harry had noticed that it wasn't so bad if the other boy wasn't mad at you.

He turned over to close his eyes. He wasn't tired it was way too early for that. He wondered as he yawned if Draco was still going to help with the prank. He hoped so because he was depending on him to collect some of the specimens and Draco had promised to teach him that spell he needed to use. The last thought in his mind before he drifted off was 'maybe it wouldn't be so bad having Draco for a cousin. He needed a friend to replace the hole Ron left in his heart anyways'.

Another chapter done. For those that read my other story as well I'm sorry I haven't updated that one yet, but I will continue to work on it. As you can see this didn't have the spanking but the next one will.

I would like to know what you thought of Reg's swat. A friend and fan asked for that so I added it, and I of course I know it will get me more bad reviews but so what at least you are reviewing I guess, so it shows you are reading.

The prank that gets out of hand will be in the next chapter as well as the punishment for it. This is your WARNING if you don't like don't read.

Now the fifth year Hufflepuff prefect that I named Isabelle Taylor. I named her that in honor of my fan lightningspride's deceased grandmother who was an avid Harry Potter fan, and her granddaughter thought she would be tickled to have her name in a story.