Hi all! I'm still here, the muse is still here, I'm just going through a lot of life changing events right now.. divorce sucks! Hope you enjoy, I have another chapter in proof and half of a second written up :)

Much love!

Jwall

Chapter 7.

"But Remus!" Harry argued. He wasn't happy about being forced home while his parents were still in that chamber with people trying to kill them.

"No Harry, I'm sorry, James gave the signal for you lot to come home, Lily will have his back as will Amelia. They will be fine and will come home with Sirius, I'm sure." Remus said firmly. He too didn't want to leave either, but an order was an order.

Harry was still riled up, his anxiety was at an all-time high, he had just gotten his parents back so he couldn't stand the thought of losing them for a second time. Hermione had reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze just as a gleaming doe came bounding into the room.

"Harry dear, I know your worried about us, but we are fine. We will be home in roughly an hour or so or as soon as we can grab Sirius. We are not in any danger and will floo home from Amelia's office. Please don't worry and please don't blame Remus."

His mom's soothing voice calmed him down the rest of the way. "Sorry Uncle Moony"

"It's alright Harry, I was feeling the same things you were, but my main priority was you lot." Remus said with a sigh. "But I did tell you they would bring Sirius home."

The smile on his face let Harry know he was excited for his friend.

"Why don't you kids go get changed, we have a little bit before your parents are home and I think Remus and Dan could use a drink." Jean said looking towards her husband.

A surround sound of 'Yes Ma'am' was heard and the children ran up the stairs.

/*-/*-/*-/*

Albus Dumbledore was in deep dragon shit. How the hell was he supposed to explain his reasons to James and Lily? What the hell happened in that chamber after he was petrified?

Albus thought back on everything he's done since he had Hagrid pull Harry out of the rubble. He knew they would find his work in getting Sirius in Azkaban, he would also pay dearly for the Dursleys and sealing their will.

He didn't think he could be connected to the whole Frank and Alice situation but would have to watch closely on that one.

Then there was the matter of Harry's bank account. He was sure that was going to turn around and bite him in the ass too!

He had to start getting his story in order and make it so that he didn't take the blame for anything. He may have to pull a few favors, but he won't end up in Azkaban over this, he would do what was needed for the greater good.

How in the hell are they still alive? He pondered.

/*-/*-/*-/*

Sirius had once more received a bowl of broth and some buttered bread to eat, he thought he would take another stab at it seeing as though his first time was interrupted and he didn't eat much.

Now however he had an appetite. He was almost free!

He was just dunking the bread into the broth when his cell opened, and James walked in.

"Hey Paddy, ready to blow this joint?"

"Can I eat first? I really am hungry Prongs." Sirius said pouting.

"I was under strict orders from Janbey to bring you home so he can nurse you back to health." James said with a smile knowing that Sirius loved the elf's cooking.

Sirius threw down the piece of bread and stood up. "Am I free to go?"

"Yes" came Amelia's voice from behind James. "You all are going to take the floo from my office, we aren't taking any chances. Estelle here will be covering your backs as we walk."

Sirius said hello to the pretty … brunette? He wasn't sure now as her hair was changing rapidly through all the colors of the rainbow.

"Madam Bones, can I drop the act please?" Estelle asked then added in a whisper, "He's family"

"Oh, how could I have forgotten of course you can" Amelia said then re-introduced the lady auror to the group.

"I'm sorry for the ruse guys, may I present Nymphadora Tonks"

Sirius' eyes went wide, "Andi's kid?" He asked curiously.

"The one and only! But I prefer to go by just Tonks please, some people shouldn't be allowed to name children!" Tonks said while giving her boss some side eye for using her full name.

"How is my dear cousin who took the piss out of our lovely family?" Sirius said laughing.

"Still loving my muggleborn father and is one of the top healers at St. Mungo's, I had to keep quiet on everything recently but I'm sure she's dying to see you." Tonks said with a blush.

"We will set something up dear, right now we have worried children at home, so we have to grab Sirius and go." Lily said a little rushed. Sirius nodded and followed Amelia out of the holding cell area and into her office.

"Whoa! You're the big boss now huh?" Sirius said with a smirk and a wink.

"Yes, and don't you forget it!" Amelia laughed before continuing in a more formal and serious tone, "Sirius, James, would you both like to be present for when Peter goes through the veil?"

They both said yes at the same time, James added in Remus as well, he deserved to watch the rat pass over just as much as they did. Thinking about his friends made him think about Harry and the Grangers.

"We really must be going Ami, send us an owl or patronus to let us know where you would like to meet tonight, and we will be there." With that James grabbed Sirius's arm and floo'd home Lily following on his tail.

The reunion at Potter Manor was a loud one full of tears. Remus slammed into Sirius the moment he was free of the fireplace, and much to everyone's amusement a little elf followed in his wake and clung to his leg.

Sirius was always Janbey's favorite of his master's friends and having him back made the little elf's world perfect. After his display of affections, the little elf popped away proclaiming dinner will be served in ten minutes.

Harry walked up to Sirius and reached out a hand, "It's nice to finally meet you uncle Padfoot"

Sirius wasn't having any of that, he took the offered hand and pulled him into a tight hug, he felt the young lad tense up but eventually ease into it, it screamed abuse. Sirius would know, he was the same way as a child.

"I'm so sorry Harry, that I messed up and wasn't around for you. I hope to make it up to you and to be the uncle and Godfather you deserve." Sirius was pretty much crying by the end of his declaration.

To Harry this was everything he ever dreamed about, he had wonderful parents, two uncles, his best friend, a whole family who pretty much adopted him and an army of house elves that loved him dearly. To top it off he never had to go back to the Dursley's again!

Life couldn't get much better.

"Harry dear, if you are up for it tomorrow, I would like to pay a visit to my dear sister to gather the rest of your items and to have a discussion. I would like for you to come along" Lily then glanced towards the Grangers, "You all as well, I think together we will find out more information than we know what to do with. It's obvious that Petunia knows something if she knew Harry had to be at her house for a minimum of two weeks."

"It would be our pleasure to accompany you" Dan said with a wicked smile causing James to grin. Sirius saw the look in Dan's eyes and immediately liked the man.

With his parents and uncles looking at him Harry gulped. "Uh, okay."

Harry felt Hermione slip her hand into his and give him a small squeeze. Smiling at her he nodded to her unasked question on if he was alright.

"Bloody hell, he's way ahead of you in the game Prongs!" Sirius chuckled looking at the two kids.

"I knew what I wanted, someone else was just stubborn" James said with a pout as he looked at his wife, "But I got her in the end!"

"Wore me down is more like it." Lily laughed as she winked at her husband and smiled at her kids, Hermione was from the moment they met, her child now too; almost as if they were a packaged deal.

"Dinner is served" Came the squeaky voice of Janbey, "We made all of your favorites!"

Everyone made their way into the dining room laughing at the little elf who was bouncing with excitement.

"So, what happened to Peter?" Remus asked after having his second helping of cream of potato soup, a personal favorite of his.

"He will be passed through the veil at midnight tonight, Amelia wanted to get some statements out of him first. You and Sirius are invited to join us, I also asked Arthur Weasley to join us as the Rat owes him an apology." James said with a growl.

"Serves him right, the rat bastard ruined all of our lives." Sirius said while stabbing a piece of pot roast with his fork, displacing the glazed carrots in the process.

"Can I be there?" Harry asked quietly with his eyes down at his plate.

James locked eyes with his wife across the table before nodding and glancing at the Grangers. He was looking for everyone's thoughts on the matter, Harry was after all, part of their family too.

Jean took the lead in the conversation, "Are you sure you want to face him Harry? Right now, at this point you could set his memory aside and have a good chance of forgetting him, watching a man die isn't an easy thing to do."

Harry understood, he didn't know why he was so invested in watching a man die, but he felt in his gut that he had to be there, that he wanted to witness the end to this particular traitor.

"Yes, I know it might sound crazy, but I think it will help me put everything behind me. He was after all one of the main reasons I had to live the way I did, he sold Mum and Dad out." This time Harry raised his eyes and looked his dad straight in the eye. "I can do this."

"Okay son, I think I understand. We will bring you with us, but if at any point you don't feel comfortable, we will understand, okay?" James said in a soft tone. Harry nodded, glad that his parents understood.

With everything settled the group dispersed, Sirius still needed a good hot shower, even though he took one at the ministry it wasn't the same as home. Remus wanted to run to his flat and grab everything to bring home, and the Grangers wanted to retire for the evening.

Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and walked towards the quidditch pitch, he still had a lot of pent-up jitters, and a good flying session will help him relax, he was hoping he could get Hermione to throw some golf balls around for him to catch.

Walking hand in hand out to the pitch found Harry and Hermione alone for the first time since before she was petrified. The two basked in the silence and comfort each provided to each other.

"How are you feeling Harry?" Hermione asked quietly while giving his had a small squeeze.

"Honestly?" he asked, stopping to grab her other hand and look into her eyes.

"I'm nervous and excited, and a little sad."

Hermione let go of his hands in order to wrap him in a tight hug, she felt as he melted into her embrace and slowly move his face into the crook of her neck.

"Why are you a little sad Harry?" She asked not daring to pull away, she was enjoying having Harry this close.

She felt as he took a deep breath and squeeze her a little tighter. "I'm sad because I was looking forward to spending the summer with you, and now I'm down to a few weeks. I'm excited that I have my family, but it almost feels like I'm losing some family too… you know?"

"Harry James Potter, you will never lose me or my family. They love you Harry, I love you! You'll never lose that! Besides I don't think we are going to have to spend much time apart this summer, our parents seem to have taken the joint custody approach." Harry pulled back when Hermione said this.

Looking her straight in the eye he asked, "You love me Hermione?"

This time Hermione pulled him back into her and buried her face in his neck, blushing furiously before mumbling, "Of course I do Harry."

She felt him playing with a strand of her hair as he whispered, "I love you too."

Harry didn't think he knew what loving someone really meant, but when it came to Hermione, he couldn't put any other words to his feelings. He couldn't imagine his life without her.

The pair stood like that, wrapped in each other's arms, Hermione with her face in Harry's neck while he played with her curls for several minutes before Harry made the break in silence.

"Would you fly with me Hermione?"

"I thought you wanted to fly like a maniac and catch golf balls?" She asked with a smirk.

"I'd rather take a nice, controlled flight with my girlfriend?" He said with his own smirk firmly in place.

Hermione gasped rather loudly before squealing and launching herself back into his arms.

"Is that a yes to both questions Hermione?" Harry asked laughing.

"Yes, oh yes Harry, to both!"

Off in the distance, near the tree line, a rather large stag and a scruffy black grim trotted back towards the house before turning into men.

"He was soooo smooth!" James gloated.

"Way smoother than you Prongs!" Sirius added laughing.

"He was smoother than both of you!" Remus said while taking off the invisibility cloak from his person.

The trio laughed together at that as they walked toward the manor.

/*-/*-/*-/*

Amelia was dog tired, having been questioning Peter Pettigrew since the end of the trial and getting plenty of information out of him. They maintained the veritaserum in his system from the trial in order for him to answer with one hundred percent honesty.

On top of that Amelia had Madame Pomfrey and Kingsley Shacklebolt present during the questioning to have two additional memories to collaborate with her own guaranteeing no falsified information. She wasn't going to be told she was altering her memories in the future.

She wanted to cover all her bases, so she asked a wide array of questions to the spineless welp of a man. He answered more than she had anticipated, it seemed that he was privy to some details on cold cases from the war.

Happy with what she got, she invited James, Sirius, and Remus in to ask any questions they wanted answered before he would pass thru the veil. She was pleasantly surprised when Arthur showed up and asked several detailed questions about how Peter came to be in his family's possession.

The greatest shock however came from Harry Potter himself. When the young lad asked Peter why he did everything, a question so simplistic that none of the adults seemed to think of it to ask, Peter's answer surprised the lot.

"Revenge."

That one-word answer opened the flood gates to further questioning and blew the lid off of Peter's sick and twisted mind. The man was apparently in love with Sirius' mother and felt the best way to get on her good side was to bring down everything her bastard of a son stood for, then with the power of the Black family at his beck and call he would be the powerful wizard he always dreamt of.

The thought made Sirius sick to his stomach, and he lost the wonderful meal that Janby prepared him earlier that evening.

With everything well documented and memories taken from everyone involved. Including Harry, Amelia had Shack prepare the rat for transfer to the department of mysteries.

At two thirty in the morning Peter Pettigrew passed through the veil to his death. Harry's stomach was turning watching how easy it is to take life from this world but knowing in his gut that this was the right decision. Now all he had to do was face his relatives tomorrow.

/*-/*-/*-/*

The following morning came early for Harry and the group. Lily was set on making a big show of making her sister pay for her crimes, Harry didn't even want to know what she had planned for his Uncle Vernon.

Every time someone said the name Dursley, she would cuss under her breath and swear they will pay. Even Sirius knew better than to discuss them in front of her.

The group arrived at Number 4 right around breakfast time, which was quite early for most of the group who were at the Ministry until the early hours of the morning.

Lily had everyone prepared for her plan, Harry was to knock on the door with the Grangers at his side. He was supposed to be coming home for the mandatory two weeks after all so this wouldn't seem out of character. The Grangers were to ask to come in and talk about his stay while the rest of the group stayed outside waiting for the signal.

James and Lily would then make their grand entrance and let hell loose from there. That was the plan anyway.

Harry walked up to the door with the Grangers in tow but as soon as the door swung open, he noticed an immediate change in his aunt that had him scratching his head. She smiled and welcomed him home.

Hermione's eyes locked on to his asking if this was some kind of joke or if he thought they were being set up. Harry just shrugged his shoulders in response, this was as strange and unusual as it gets.

After taking a seat Petunia asked if the Grangers would like some tea as she called for Vernon to come downstairs. When everyone declined, she simply nodded and waited for her husband to make his way to the lounge.

The moment Vernon entered the lounge things became even more strange and unusual. He promptly walked up to Mr. Granger to shake his hand and kissed Mrs. Grangers hand in greeting, he then ruffled Harry's hair and welcomed him home as well.

What in merlin's beard is going on here? Harry thought.

"I'm sorry if this comes off as rude," Mr. Granger started, "But are you both okay? You are both acting drastically different from our last visit here."

Vernon bristled a bit at the comment, but it was Petunia who answered the question. "I can assure you we are both perfectly fine, I'm not sure how we are coming off strange, but this is how we always act, we greet our guests courteously and offer tea."

"Well for starters you are treating me like an actual human being instead of the dirt under your shoes." Harry said point blank, he was done with the games.

"Harry, you aren't the dirt under our shoes, you are our nephew for goodness' sake, why would we ever treat you like dirt?" Petunia said with a gasp.

"Aunt Petunia, I have scars that say otherwise, the fact that you're acting very unusual and that you don't remember giving me these scars worries me. Would you mind if I invited some friends into double check on things?"

Harry didn't think they would go for his request, after all they hated anyone who had anything to do with Harry because to them that meant they were freaks. Which is why it shocked him to his core that both his aunt and uncle agreed to be checked out by his "friends".

Harry, not waiting for them to change their mind, walked to the door to speak to his parents. Something was going on here and he couldn't tell if it was malicious or not.

The moment that Lily walked into the lounge to confront her sister was the exact moment when her sister feinted. Vernon didn't feint but he was having a very hard time coming to terms with the couple who now stood in the entrance to his lounge area.

With his permission, Lily brought Petunia back around and set her on the lounge chair with some tea. The fact that Vernon gave permission for her to use magic proved to Lily that something strange was happening here. She needed answers and wanted this documented so sent a patronus off to Professor McGonagall.

Lily asked several questions while they waited for the Professor to arrive. The Dursley's did not in fact have knowledge of the abuse that Harry had suffered at their hands. In fact, they couldn't really piece together Harry's life while he was in their care at all, they said it seemed foggy and unclear except for the very beginning.

They could tell that they used to be angry at him quite a bit but for what they couldn't remember. Vernon admitted that he was wary of magic, but wouldn't necessarily call them freaks, and Petunia cried when she saw the scars on Harry's back.

"This scream's memory charms" James said with a scowl.

"But how could they effect the memories from Harry's entire life with them, that's a very long time and would require a very strong wizard." Sirius countered.

"Or it could be that they had been affected by a certain dark piece of magic that was being hosted by Harry and amplified by additional magic." Lily added in.

Both the men looked at her as their eyes grew wide. The actions of those who are in daily contact with a horcrux have been known to turn hateful and spiteful of the object, as at the very core of it, a horcrux is a very dark, evil way to keep yourself tethered to the earth. Add to that an overpowered charm and you have a recipe for disaster.

"We will need a medical exam to confirm or deny that though." Lily said.

The group pondered that idea until they heard a knock on the door. Lily stood up to answer as the Dursley's were still quite shocked at their appearance.

Answering the door had Lily face to face with Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey. "Perfect! I don't know how you knew to bring Madam Pomfrey Professor, but I am eternally grateful!" Lily said while hugging the older professor.

"When you asked me to meet you here, I thought we might be in need of her services for the blood bath you would cause in your wake, I am shocked though to see the pair sitting comfortably in chairs." Professor McGonagall said with a thicker brogue than normal.

"Well, it seems, Professor, that my sister and brother-in-law have had a change of heart where it concerns for Harry. This is all rather unusual so naturally we wanted to run some tests, and I wanted you here as a witness. But since you have brought Madam Pomfrey, I think she would be the most qualified to assist us in this matter."

"What do you mean by change of heart?" Madam Pomfrey asked shockingly.

"Well, it seems they either had their entire memory of Harry altered, or my other thought was that they suffered from close contact to a dark ritual that was being hosted by Harry since he was brought here up until this moment." Lily hoped that the pair would read between the lines, she really didn't want to discuss the horcrux in front of them in case they were visited by someone else.

"I see." Was all she said as she walked over to Petunia to start her tests.

/*-/*-/*-/*

"So, what I got from all of this, is that my life could have been so much better if it wasn't for the horcrux that was behind my scar all these years?" Harry stated shocked.

"Yes dear, it seems that when you were a baby, Petunia did in fact take care of you just like she did Dudley, now that's not saying that she didn't despise having to take care of you or anything, but she actually treated you decently." Lily sighed as she looked at her son.

"It wasn't until you had been with them for a few months that the real issues came about, about the time you turned two, the horcrux had altered their personality enough to start taking their anger out on you. Something that we are assuming Dumbledore saw, and instead of bringing you lot to professionals, tried to handle it himself.

Lily had only thought that she didn't trust Albus Dumbledore before, now she certainly didn't trust him, or any of the things that come out of his mouth. His judgement was apparently so far off the mark, that he would endanger an innocent child in the process.

Poppy had confirmed that the Dursley's were in fact suffering from close contact to a horcrux, and that their sudden change in attitude was directly related to their separation from it along with a fresh cheering charm placed on them within the last day. If she had to guess, she would say that the Dursley's behaviors mellowed out during the school year while Harry was away at school and away from the effects of the horcrux, and then boosted by Albus before Harry got home.

This would explain their horrible behavior the first few weeks of him being home.

"It's still strange though" Harry said as he worried his lip.

"I know sweetheart, it seems that Dumbledore has more that he needs to answer for."

Lily sighed and then continued "In any case, you won't have to face them anymore. We got them set up on a potion regiment to help flush away the brain fog caused by the additional spells, hopefully they remember their actions towards you and repent them. That really is a best-case scenario, however Poppy doesn't think they will regain their memories of hurting you because she believes they were induced by the horcrux itself, however it's still a possibility if they were memories altered by the charms placed on them. Only time will tell" she hugged her son into her side while they walked into the dining room.

Janby had prepared enough food to feed an army, he also declared that he made more than enough pumpkin pasties for Harry as a treat. The elf really was a saint.

Taking a seat with everyone, Harry was glad to finally be surrounded by family. His dad surprised him when they got home and set up a date for the Weasley's to come over and have a friendly quidditch match later tomorrow afternoon. He couldn't wait, it seems like his life was finally heading in a good direction.

/*-/*-/*-/*

Lots of shouting and laughter could be heard from inside the manor making Lily smile. It had been forever since she felt as comfortable as she did now. Although they got to watch everything through Harry's eyes as he grew up it still didn't replace the time they lost thanks to Tom Riddle.

She was currently going over all of their finance reports that were sent to them from Gringotts, every page of the very substantial report had proof that a conniving whiskered wanker had even more to answer for. Merlin she could strangle Dumbledore with his ridiculously long beard.

She couldn't believe how much shit he finagled around to get what he wanted, and she was almost sure that almost no one knew. She had already had some time set aside to speak with their account manager at Gringotts, with everything she was finding now however she felt like Amelia should maybe be present for the meeting too. She sent off a letter with Hedwig and went to find her husband.

Walking down to the quidditch pitch she immediately found herself smiling as several red heads were flying around her dark-haired wizards. Harry was daring as always, swooping down then shooting straight up into the air with his father following right behind him.

James could be heard proudly yelling, "That's my boy!" after each stunt.

Sirius and Remus were playing beaters but were decidedly outmatched by Fred and George. She knew that the twins would instantly get along with all her boys, being in the prankster trade tended to do that.

What shocked her the most however was seeing Hermione up there on her own broomstick talking with Ginny Weasley. Ginny appeared to be giving her pointers on how to fly and even though she couldn't hear what was being said, Lily could see the confidence build within her son's girlfriend.

She knew it would happen eventually, but even she was surprised at how soon her kids figured out their relationship.

Lily didn't want to interrupt the fun, so she decided to take a seat next to the Grangers who were sitting on a blanket under a tree.

"Good afternoon, Lily, James said we would most likely not see you this afternoon, is everything alright?" Jean asked.

"Oh, just taking a break, I needed James for a few minutes but didn't want to interrupt him." Lily responded while watching her husband once more in the distance, then an idea presented itself to her.

"But while I'm here with you both, I wanted to go over a few things that should in turn make your lives much easier!" She spoke enthusiastically to the couple.

Lily explained how much of a difference blood status really makes in the long scheme of things, she herself was shocked once she took up the mantle of Lady Potter, just how much the purebloods put the muggle born through.

Things that include exchange rates from muggle money to wizarding, extra tax costs, even extra school fees that purebloods don't pay but muggleborns do. It was quite ridiculous and unjust, the kind of things that they wanted to put a stop to in the past.

"I know you consider Harry like a son, and I hope you know we feel the same way about Hermione, she has her own room here to decorate as she sees fit as well. But I think we both know that there is something special between our kids, even beyond their new titles of boyfriend and girlfriend."

"Oh, we know, we knew it from Hermione's very first letter home." Dan said with a smile.

"To be fair she did mention Ron and even a boy named Neville, but Harry was who stood out the most, then when she came to us with his predicament, we knew we had to take action." Jean said solemnly.

Smiling Lily explained what she wanted to do, with both of their agreements she got up and left to speak with her husband. They could no longer push off going to the bank, things needed to be taken care of, and they needed to see just how far Dumbledore's manipulations went.