Family First Chapter 17: January 2

Disclaimer: I do not own anything.

A/N: As always thanks to everyone who has reviewed, followed, or favorited this fic. This fic is almost finished, and I have a few ideas for what I may want to write in this fandom next. The first involves Sirius, and the other idea involves strangely cheerful dementors (although Sirius will be in that fic too) any thoughts? Before I move on to the story, I want to address a few different questions I have received from multiple different people.

Why didn't James tell Harry about Sirius? There are a few different components for this answer. First of all, I have to think that there would be some rules for what exactly James could tell Harry. I didn't specifically state this in the fic, so feel free to through that explanation out, but that's just how I would imagine that would go. More to the point though is the fact that James time with Harry was very limited. His first priority was to get Harry to accept the Malfoys as family. Had James had the time and ability to tell Harry something important, I doubt that it would be about Sirius. Don't get me wrong, James sees Sirius as a brother (and I personally love Sirius as a character) but Harry is his child, and overall there would be more important things to tell him. For example, if I were to write James telling Harry something that would effect the future in that way, it would be about the horcrux. Had Harry known about the horcrux, it would have practically eliminated the entire war, because Voldemort would have died in Harry's first year. James cares about Sirius, but if he could have said something, it would have been something that saved his son.

Sequel, Epilog, Follow-ups? Umm. Probably? I can't imagine never writing anything in this verse again. That being said, I don't have anything immediate planned, and when (if) I do decide to write something in this verse, I have no idea what it will be. I do have some Ideas for one shots, but I don't want to post them if I decide to write an entire sequel or continuation.

Beta'ed by Jasper's Mom

"I could have it ready in just a matter of days, if the boy agrees to it." Severus spoke to the other two adults in the room

"But how do you ask something like that?"

"You just do. I think that the boy would be willing, after that little display last night."

"He called me Mum." Narcissa spoke softly, and then with a voice sharpened a bit with worry "You don't think that we've pushed him into it. You don't think that he feels that he has to do this, or that we expect it of him."

"No, Merlin knows that the Harry is stubborn. If he had thought that you were pushing him into it, then he would have gone in exactly the opposite direction."

"Severus is right, Harry wouldn't be pushed into this." Lucius assured his wife.

"Still perhaps we should wait a bit before asking him."

"If you wish Cissa, but we do need to ask him. I think the adoption would benefit everyone, and it would be a shame not to even ask Harry."

"Of course, but let's wait just a bit."

Albus Dumbledore landed, both feet firmly on the ground, at the end of the floo in his office. The magic of the castle kept the room a pleasant temperature, but he could see by the snow flurries fluttering by an enchanted window that he was most certainly not in the Caribbean anymore. None the less it was good to be home. Well, mostly good he corrected himself upon looking over the state of his desk.

It was literally decorated with all sorts of letters, the remanats of a few howlers that had clearly exploded in his absence were also easy to spot. It wasn't that he didn't normally get a lot of mail but really, this was quite obsessive, he mused to himself. Carefully he walked over to his chair, it wouldn't do anyone any good if he slipped on one of the letters that had missed his desk.

It was back to work he supposed, and really there was no reason to delay the inevitable. He picked up the first letter, written on a rather pleasant lilac shade of parchment, and sealed with white wax. He was quite certain that that was the letter he wanted to start out his day with, until he read the first line, which simply read 'How Dare You.".

Albus placed that letter down, instead choosing a nondescript letter addressed to 'Headmaster'. This letter started out much politer. It read:

Headmaster,

You simply must do something. This whole situation is simply horrid. Things cannot stand as they are now. I have contacted everyone else and no one seems to be able to do anything. In just a few moments my sister and I are off to see a muggle lawyer, in hopes he can help with this simply disastrous situation. Please you must do something, you may be the only one able to help.

The note ended there, without any sort of signature, or perhaps more importantly, an explanation as to what exactly the problem was. Albus then decided that he would simply have to organize this mail to get through the workload. That was quickly sorted, leaving him with three piles. The first was from official senders, the second was from the general public, and the third was from people he was a bit closer to. The third pile consisted of a hefty pile of letters perhaps 6 inches high. The second stack consisted of several stacks of 6 inch high letters. What would people do without him, Albus mused to himself.

Luckily enough, the first stack of letters seemed to only have two letters. The first was a request for an interview by the Daily Prophet. The second was from the Ministry. He decided to start with the letter from the Ministry

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore,

Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Order of Merlin, First Class; Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot.

Upon order of the Ministry of Magic, the Muggles Petunia and Vernon Dursley no longer have guardianship of the orphan Harry James Potter. The Dursleys no longer meet the requirements of proper guardians of wizarding orphans. As such, this is an official notice to stop all communication with the Dursleys in regard to Harry Potter's records, marks, grades, or otherwise sensitive and confidential information.

Regards,

Humphry Huffelton,

Secretary to Winfric Wiaz, head of the department of Wizard Muggle Relations, Child Division.

This simply must be a mistake. Nothing else was even conceivable, and yet looking around his office, letters piled high, he knew that it wasn't. Molly would know what was going on, he was quite certain. Perhaps the boy was even with her at the Burrow, and yet looking at all the letters, he knew that was not likely.

It didn't take him long to find himself on the other side of the Weasley's floo. Usually coming through the floo without announcing yourself was unforgivably rude, but these simply were not normal circumstances. In the week that he had been gone, something had gone horribly terribly wrong.

"Molly!" Albus Dumbledore did not shout out in a panic, ever, except in this one very drastic situation.

"Molly, where are you?!"

"Where have I been? Did you just ask where I have been! I've been right here. The only real question is where you have been. I wrote over and over, and not once did you respond. Do you know what has happened? Harry, right at this very moment could be in danger, and you have the nerve to ask where I have been." Obviously Harry wasn't at the burrow. This was simply an unacceptable state of affairs, and one he intended to sort out right away.

"I placed a charm on myself to ensure no letters reached me on my vacation. Now I can see that action has led to problems. However, right now, what is even more important than me providing an apology or an explanation, is you telling me exactly where Harry is."

"Oh Albus, It's simply horrid, and the Ministry has approved it and everything. The poor dear is living with the Malfoys." She spat out the last word, and Albus took a few seconds to absorb the information. When it became clear that she was not joking, he felt his stomach clench in horror, though he made sure to keep his feelings and thoughts on the matter off of his face.

"Ah, in that case Molly, I feel that I must bid you goodbye, I must make my way to the Ministry. You wouldn't mind if I used a bit of your floo powder would you?"

"No, that's quite fine Albus."

For the third time that day, Albus calmly stepped through the floo, making his way towards the minister's office. As normal, he was invited straight in, forgoing any necessity for an appointment or a weigh.

"Albus." The minister greeted, "It's wonderful to see you. I do have a few questions I wanted to run by you."

"Ahh, that's all fine, and I would love to help you answer some of the inquires you have, but first I have a question that I need to ask you."

"Of course, I would love to help you Albus." The minister puffed up a bit at the Idea that he could be of assistance to the headmaster."

"What can we do about the Harry Potter situation?"

"Harry Potter situation? I wasn't aware that there was a Harry Potter situation, everything has been rather calm as of late."

"Cornelius, I'm referring to the boy's living situation."

"What of it?"

"The fact that he is living with Lucius Malfoy."

"Yes."

"First let's establish how this came about."

"Very simply actually. It came to my attention that Mr. Potter was being mistreated in his former home. All the necessary evidence and documentation confirmed that. As such the boy became available to a new guardian. Considering who the boy was, I feared that the child would be in danger, and so when an upstanding member of our community offered to take guardianship of the boy, I pushed it through rather quickly to ensure that no one unsavory had the chance to compete for guardianship. Now I know that you normally prefer to be informed about such occurrences, but you must understand, there was simply no time. None at all."

"I do understand Cornelius, but I fear that the Malfoys are not the best family for Harry. If they would like to take in another child, I am sure one can be found."

"What do you mean 'not the right family'. I'm quite sure that they will do a splendid job with the boy. Why did you know that their son is currently ranked number two in his class at Hogwarts, and a darling boy he is."

"I'm sure he is, and as I said, the Malfoys would do wonderfully with other children. However, you must realize, there have been whispers."

"All nonsense Albus. Lucius Malfoy was proven innocent in court. Are you implying that the Ministry justice system does not work, or are you saying you take more stock in backroom whispers than an official Ministry pardon?"

"Of course not. But, this is important. If there is even the slightest indication that a family is not right for a particular child, then that child must not be left with that particular family. Our future is too dependent on them."

"So you are saying that you do take more stock in the gossip of old hags than in ministry justice."

"Not at all. I just wanted to ensure that you understood the consequences of what could happen."

"Yes, of course I understand. I am the minister, and I have overseen dozens of these placements. More than any other minister you know."

"Yes, I was aware. However, I'm sorry to say that I cannot support you on this particular placement. I will be applying for a home removal and a change in guardianship for Mr. Potter. I shall be recommending myself as the guardian, so we all can be sure that Harry is in good hands."

"Well I'm sorry you don't trust my judgment Albus, but I simply must stand by my decision. Harry has settled in the Malfoy home, and to my knowledge is quite happy there. I will not willingly uproot him again."

"Will you be trying to directly work against me?"

"No I will not make a direct effort against you. Lucius Malfoy is quite powerful, and can fight his own battles. He does not need myself to aid him in his fight."

"Alright then. I have a few errands to run, and must be on my way."

"Albus, I thought you were going to answer a few of my questions."

"Of course I will. Write them out and send me a letter, and I will respond as soon as possible. However, the errands I must run are quite time sensitive, and must be carried out as soon as I possibly can I fear."

"Of course Albus. Well I shall send you the questions. Have a good day then."

"You too Cornelius." With that Albus made his way out of the Ministry. He decided that his best course of action would be to return to Hogwarts. He may have been able to floo directly into the Burrow, but any attempt to do such in Malfoy Manor would end most unpleasantly. No, he would have to fire call first. Once he requested to see Harry thought, it would be almost necessary for them to allow him to meet with the boy. To refuse would not be exactly rude, but also would not meet up with the cool polite demeanor that the Malfoys liked to portray in public either. More than that though, it would be suspicious.

A house elf answered the call, politely asking what 'Mr Headmaster Sir' would like. Not surprisingly it seemed a little hesitant fetching Lucius, but it did as requested.

"Ah, Mr. Malfoy, I was wondering if it would be at all possible for me to floo though, and speak to Mr. Potter. It is of utmost importance." Albus chose his words carefully. Lucius Malfoy was a skilled politician, and along with that very skilled with words. He had political support and means. If Albus tried to directly side-rail him as he did many of his opponents, Albus would be the one coming out of it with a bad image.

"I have no issue with you coming through. However, now is not an opportune time, Are you free for tea. I'm sure my family and myself would love to entertain you."

"Tea should be lovely. I shall see you then."

"Feel free to floo straight through around one, I shall open the wards to allow you through."

"Very well, until then."

"Until then." With that, the conversation ended. Well, there wasn't much he could do until tea.

"I don't want to talk to him."

"Nor do I, but we haven't much choice. Albus Dumbledore is very respected in England, and more than that, he is the headmaster of your school. If we refuse to let him see you it will look exceedingly suspicious. He will use that to get a change in guardianship. I cannot allow that Harry."

"Is there no way at all we can get out of this?"

"Without seeming suspicious, no."

"Well, why did you have to invite him over for tea? Couldn't we just have seen him in your office and then have been done with it?"

"We must always be seen on the right side when it comes to this. Inviting him to tea proves that we are open, which proves that we have nothing to hide."

"Fine, but I don't have to like it."

"Harry, you don't have to like it, but you will be respectful and polite. Is that understood?"

"Yes Papa."

"Good, I'll hold you to that."

Albus Dumbledore flooed into the house, looking around with a slightly veiled curiosity. The house was pleasant enough. Larger than average, but not anywhere as grand as he had expected.

"This way sirs." a house elf insisted.

Albus followed the elf into a small dining room, where there were already six people sitting.

"Headmaster. Please take a seat. As you are already acquainted with everyone else in this room, I see no need to introduce everyone."

"Of course not." Albus took a seat as he spoke each person's name in greeting.

"Narcissa."

"Headmaster." She returned politely, if a bit cold.

"Cornelius."

"Headmaster. I hope you don't mind me sitting in on this little meeting, I had some business with Lucius."

"Of course not." He replied, before he moved on.

"Severus."

"Headmaster."

"Draco."

"Headmaster."

"Harry."

"Headmaster." Harry's cool reply was just as polite as all the rest of them, but it shocked him nonetheless.

"I was hoping that I could have a private conversation with Mr. Potter before tea."

Lucius took a moment to respond, but did give the expected answer.

"Of course. There is a room you can use just to the left of here, Harry can show you the way."

"Thank you"

"Most welcome" Lucius tone implied anything but.

"Harry, my boy, I am doing my absolute best to get you out of here. It shouldn't take long to get you away from the Malfoys. I feel that I must apologize to you. Had I been available, this whole situation could have been avoided. I will be asking your guardianship be given to myself. However, so long as Molly is alright with it, and I assure you she will by, you will be staying with the Weasleys."

"Headmaster. I don't want to live with the Weasleys."

"Well in that case I am certain I could find another family to take you in. Or perhaps even better, there is an auror program run in the summer. Usually it is reserved for the brightest fourth years and above, however, with just a bit of work they would be sure to accept you. In fact a good friend of mine, Alastor Moody, is considered one of the best aurors of all times. If you would like I could ask him if he would be willing to take you under his tutelage. Of course apprenticeships don't usually start until you're a bit older, but I'm sure an exception could be made."

"Headmaster, I want to live with the Malfoys. Thank you for trying to help me out of what you believed was a bad situation, but I don't need any help. I'm happy here, and I really wish you would not do anything to compromise that happiness."

With that Harry Potter turned and walked from the room before the headmaster could reply. Mum and Dad and Mum and Papa would be proud of that one. He was polite and he still one upped the headmaster. Not many people could say that.

Alright y'all, here's the deal. Tonight I have to work closing at the restaurant I work at... and it's Christmas Eve, the outrage (Although I am happy to report we're closed Christmas, one of my coworkers is being told she has to work Christmas day at her second job)! Ah well, we are closing a bit early, so hopefully I won't be there all night. Anyways, like a good employee, while I'm at work I put my phone on airplane mode so it doesn't constantly make all sorts of crazy noises. It would make me feel really amazing if when I turn off airplane mode I get a barrage of emails showing off all the people who favorite, follow, and (my personal favorite) review, my story. Please...Please?

Anyways, the last chapter in this fic will be going up tomorrow. For all of you that celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve, for all the rest of you have an amazing day!

Smile :)