Disclaimer: I do not own anything classic of this story. Harry Potter and all of the notable characters belong to J.K. Rowling, aka, God. All original characters are copyright of me, however.

Magnolia Crescent

Chapter Fourteen

Discussions

Sirius and Lupin exchanged glances as the four men headed to Dumbledore's office. "Sorry Sirius, I really did think you did it," Lupin apologized. Sirius patted his friend on the back.

"Don't worry about it. I wasn't exactly model paragon of sanity when they brought me in," Sirius said with a shrug. "But it feels good to walk these halls as a free man," he smiled. The gargoyle jumped aside, revealing the spiraling staircase. They quickly moved up; upon entering, Dumbledore waved his wand and four chairs and a table appeared in the spacious center of his office.

"Now then, I think we should all take a seat. This isn't going to be a pleasant discussion," Dumbledore admitted. Sirius seated himself across from the Minister, not really sure how this was going to work out. Nobody wanted to speak, instead glancing back and for the between each other.

"I have a question," Lupin said, drawing everyone's attention. "Is my friend, since the truth about Peter has been revealed, getting a full pardon?" he asked.

"But of course," Fudge nodded. "Falsely imprisoning a man is a terrible accident. We will put in a full notice to the Daily Prophet," he explained.

"What about my estate?" Sirius asked, glancing at the man. Fudge didn't hesitate.

"All yours, since you are the only remaining Black family member – not incarcerated, that is," he muttered the last part. "The whole estate is yours," Fudge admitted.

"What about lost time? That was twelve years of his life. Shouldn't Sirius get something to help readjust? I mean, it would be unheard of for him to sue since he didn't get a trial," Lupin went on. Sirius smiled at that, glancing across to Fudge. "After all, falsely imprisoning a man for twelve years with no trial would be a terrible crime."

"Damn you, Crouch," Fudge muttered. "Of course, it would take some time to get everything in order. It would be appreciative if Black would go on record accepting our apology," Fudge explained. Sirius's face darkened a bit. He knew that Fudge could draw out whatever he could get if he didn't at least appear to be on good terms with the Ministry of Magic.

"Well, I would feel much better if the will of James and Lily Potter could be gone over. As the named godfather, I was originally supposed to take in Harry, should anything happen to his parents," Sirius smirked.

"I have no issues," Fudge replied. "But I do not know if Harry will go along with it. After all, he is living with other relatives." Fudge shrugged. Sirius glanced over at Dumbledore.

"Somehow, I feel that's not going to be the issue," he replied. "Harry was responsible for the recent string of proof in my favor and has shown some interest in leaving." Sirius met Dumbledore's eyes. "His current family are Muggles after all, and it can be difficult to raise a magical child," Sirius finished. Fudge either didn't notice or didn't care about the small amount of tension between the two men.

"Well then, if you want, we can finalize the paperwork next Friday. You won't mind if I have a press release on all of this?" asked Fudge, but his tone left little room for argument. Sirius nodded; he didn't have any issues since he was technically an unregistered Animagus and that would involve a lot more time in Azkaban.

"No problems. I do have something I need to look into but I can put it off for a while," Sirius replied. Fudge looked like he wanted to ask but decided not to. "As it is, I was also wondering if I could take a couple of tests – I don't have any job prospects. You wouldn't have any opening available, would you?" Sirius asked. Fudge seemed to think for a moment.

"We can let you test your magical skills out, but to be honest, we don't have any openings," Fudge admitted. Sirius frowned a little in disappointment. "However, I am sure Dumbledore could use a man of your skills," he added, passing the buck to Dumbledore. Dumbledore looked like he was about to speak but someone else spoke first.

"He is more than welcome to my job. I was planning on leaving at the end of school year," Lupin informed. Everyone looked at him, a little confused. "It has gotten out about my full moon issue and I believe it would be best for me to seek other employment," he sighed. Sirius frowned a bit, not sure if he liked the idea of taking his friend's job, even if he thought he could do it.

"I don't believe I would be qualified for the job," Sirius admitted. Lupin waved him off.

"Well, you survived Azkaban and you fought in the war against Voldemort," Lupin said. Fudge shuddered, looking over at Dumbledore. "Not to mention other things," he mumbled as an afterthought.

"Well, I don't see any issues," Fudge shrugged; as long as he didn't get bit for it, he was fine.

"I'll think about it," Dumbledore finally said after a long moment. "Now then, Sirius and I have some things to discuss if you two would be so kind as to leave," Dumbledore said. Fudge put his hat on, glad to get moving. Lupin glanced at his friend, an unsure look on his face, but with a nod from Sirius, he followed down the stairs as well.

After they had left, Sirius turned to speak but Dumbledore cut him off. "Look, Sirius, I know what you are going to say. I admire your desire to protect Harry but there are reasons I set him up with his aunt and uncle," Dumbledore explained.

"Dumbledore, he ran away from home," Sirius spelled out for him. "What good is any spell if he is miserable? Not to mention, he knows very little of the wizarding world and his parents."

"So, are you saying that his happiness is more important than his safety?" Dumbledore asked. Sirius snorted at that.

"He got attacked by a giant snake last year – that's your idea of safe? I could have killed him a hundred times over myself. That's hardly safe; not to mention, we both know there are safer places than a home in the suburbs," Sirius said, trying his best to control his anger.

"It's a magic caused by Lily before she died. So long as he is under his aunt's roof, he is safe," Dumbledore replied.

"In the house, maybe, what about after that? Does Harry even know?" Sirius said, exasperated. "Why does he need to be protected? Voldemort is more or less dead. Even if he did come back, do you honestly think Harry will be inside the house all the time?"

"I am not having this argument, Sirius. I know what is best for Harry's wellbeing," Dumbledore tried, but it was clear this discussion was far from being over. Sirius frowned; something was up.

"Dumbledore, what is it you know that I don't?" asked Sirius. The man ignored him for a moment.

"There is a prophesy about Harry: 'Neither can live while the other survives. He will mark him as his equal.' Voldemort has tied Harry and himself together. With his mentality, he will hunt the boy down. That house is one of the safest places in the worlds, thanks to Lily's magic. Taking him away will do him no favors," Dumbledore explained. Sirius frowned but didn't get a chance to retort as Professor Flitwick entered the Headmaster's office.

"Headmaster, I would like to know what is – Sirius Black!" he shouted, reaching for his wand. Dumbledore raised his hand in an effort to calm the tiny professor.

"Is innocent. Mr. Black and I were discussing Harry's wellbeing and where he should be staying," Dumbledore explained as if the fact that Sirius was getting more and more aggravated with the conversation was nothing important.

"Oh, my apologies, Mr. Black," Flitwick bowed. Sirius smirked a little at the display but didn't pay it any mind. "What about Harry?" asked the professor.

"Yes, as his godfather, I was asked to take him in. However, Dumbledore sees to believe he is safest where he is at now. I believe otherwise."

"Interesting, but might I insert my, how the Americans say, two cents?" He thought for a moment before continuing. "What does Harry want? I mean, the boy has proven to be very skilled and resourceful. I would imagine he has good judgment and would prefer it if you didn't argue over his wellbeing," Flitwick shrugged. "Now then, I best be off and leave you to it." He smiled as he turned to leave. Sirius smiled smugly, liking the idea though Dumbledore didn't seem to be as thrilled.

"Well Dumbledore, all the same, I do have some things I have to take care of. Now then, I do believe I will show myself out. I don't want to fight you o this; I have someone I need to see during summer. But when I get back, you and I need to have a proper conversation about this," Sirius said. "I respect you Dumbledore, but I want to fulfill my duties to James and Lily. So unless Harry doesn't want to come live with me, then I don't see why you need to argue with me about it." Sirius closed his eyes as he moved towards the office door.

"I understand, Sirius, but there are things that need to happen and I know you don't want them too. I need you to trust me on this. Harry needs to stay at Privet Dr." Dumbledore paused, hoping Sirius would see it his way.

"I don't think you really understand. I saw myself when Harry ran away," Sirius replied, not looking the man in the eye. "It took a lot to push me out that door. I knew Lily and I knew James; it took a lot to get them mad enough to walk out. If he is living somewhere where chancing the outside world is more acceptable than staying, than it's my job as his godfather to get him out." Sirius turned a hard glare on Dumbledore. "Think of it from that perspective." Sirius nodded, moving down the stairs and out of the office. He quickly made his way to the hospital wing.

"Whatever happened to turn Harry into that snake needs to be looked into. I don't like the idea of not having the answers when he needs them. And I know just the man to talk to and find out." He smirked to himself as he entered the infirmary. Harry was lying on his bed, wide awake. Hermione and Ron had already left for bed, which gave him time to talk to Harry without any problems.

"Sirius," Harry smiled as he noticed his godfather. Sirius blinked, swearing he saw James talking to him for a second.

"Good to see you are feeling better," Sirius nodded, taking a seat near the bed. "I talked to Fudge and Dumbledore. Fudge gave me a full pardon and I will be getting my parents estate back, so I will have a home if you are interested in joining me," Sirius informed, not too keen on seeing the place himself, but he wasn't going to live on the streets if he could help it.

"I would love that, Sirius," Harry said, visibly brightening at the idea. Sirius frowned at the fact that Harry would be so quick to take him up on the offer.

"Excellent. I would have to fill out some paperwork and it would take some time. I also may take over a teaching position here as well. But, before you get too excited, it is in the air right now." Harry nodded but Sirius could tell Harry wouldn't mind him being a teacher.

"That would be awesome," Harry smiled. Sirius was struck with sudden remembrance of Lily. He chewed on his lip for a second. "Something wrong, Sirius?" Harry asked, noticing the change in behavior.

"I need to look into something. The event in the forest has me a little concerned. I plan on heading to America. I should be back before school gets out. I'm going to see the man who man who taught us about our little gift," Sirius said with a wink. Harry nodded in understanding, but seemed to frown at the reminder of the forest.

"Well then, I need to get moving, to be honest. I have a lot of things to take care of and little time to do it in," Sirius replied.

"You know, I have a means of transportation that may help you out," Harry started with a smirk as he looked around. "And it would be very helpful to Hagrid if you would take it," Harry said in a hushed voice. Sirius blinked before realizing what he was talking about.

"I would have no problems," Sirius shrugged. He leaned in close as Harry whispered the creature's whereabouts. Sirius nodded as he stood up. "I will see you soon and I will hopefully have some answers." Harry smiled as Sirius turned from the room and walked out. "Now to find that bloody bird," he mused to himself.

So another chapter is up. This chapter was written by SWD. R&R as always, we love it when you guys review our work. It makes us so happy to read such awesome reviews! And yay! We've crossed 100 reviews!

~LE