Chapter 1: New Beginnings

(Please note that neither I or Mystic Dodo, my co author, own any of the characters, and no copyright infringement is intended)

There were very few things that shook Sirius Black but standing at the entrance of the ruin that was his best friend's house, this was definitely one of the biggest. He had gotten an emergency message from James Potter, and to arrive at the house to find it destroyed… it was his nightmares come true.

He slowly stumbled into the house on trembling legs, avoiding the debris that Voldemort had caused. Almost immediately, he saw James' body, sprawled out across the floor. Familiar brown eyes stared into nothing, a frozen look of anger, fear and determination etched onto his face. Sirius fell to his knees, chest spasming with pain and blinded by tears. Shaking, uncaring for the ugly sobs echoing around the once beautiful home, he reached down and gently closed James' eyes, bowing his head in grief.

Moments passed, and the painful sorrow erupted into monstrous rage. This shouldn't have happened. Dumbledore had promised that they would be safe, that Voldemort wouldn't find them. The Fidelius Charm was supposed to prevent this unnecessary slaughter, especially with Remus being the secret keeper.

Remus Lupin. Sirius felt his canines elongate, Padfoot howling at the betrayal. He had known there had been a mole within the Order, but Remus? No, Sirius had never expected it to be him. He had trusted Remus, loved him… and yet the proof was undeniable.

The echo of a soft cry ripped Sirius from his thoughts, and he sprung to his feet. He raced up the stairs to Harry's bedroom, the sounds of the crying getting louder. The door was hanging off its hinges, the door cracked, and there was Lily on the floor, her dead eyes also open to the world, and yet… there was also another body. Sirius drew his wand, but Voldemort was clearly dead, charred and smoking. Sirius fired a killing curse at the body, just for good measure, just as a garbled babble came from the corner of the room.

Harry. His Godson. He was alive, unharmed...!

No, not entirely unharmed. Sirius picked Harry up gently, smiling softly at the one-year-old. There was a lightning shaped scar on his head, and some dried blood. Carefully Sirius wiped it away, confusion taking hold. What had happened? How had Voldemort been killed? Holding the wriggly toddler, all his anger, all thoughts of revenge melted away. Only one thing mattered now: protecting Harry. First things first, leaving the house before it collapsed. Sirius didn't want to risk Harry being buried alive in the rubble. Holding his godson close, he conjured a large bag and made his magic collect as many of Harry's belongings as possible, mind buzzing with the things that needed to be done.

He needed to let Dumbledore and the Order know what had happened – if they didn't already know. A funeral for his best friend and his wife. Get Harry checked. Remus...

The house groaned in warning and Sirius waved his wand to make the bulging bag follow the two as they quickly made their way outside. As they walked out of the house, Sirius saw the familiar, large silhouette of a friend.

"Hagrid," Sirius greeted him, feeling Harry turn in his arms to see the newcomer. "How did you find out?"

"Professor Dumbledore told me. It's true?" Hagrid asked, distress etched onto his hairy face.

Sirius narrowed his eyes. "How did he find out?"

"He got a message from Lily, begging for help," Hagrid replied, holding out a finger for Harry to take. "Are they...?"

"They're dead Hagrid. Lily and James… and so is Voldemort," Sirius looked at the large man for a reaction. He wasn't sure who to trust now, but the look of shock was real, mixed with relief and sadness.

"Dead? But how?"

Sirius wished he could answer that question. "I don't know Hagrid, but I'm getting Harry out of here," Sirius said.

Hagrid shuffled. "Th' thing is, Sirius, Professor Dumbledore sent me to get Harry, and bring him to his relatives."

Sirius shook his head, automatically stepping back from the man. "Not happening. He's my godson Hagrid, and right now, I don't trust anyone to keep him safe but me. Harry needs me, Hagrid. And I need him."

"Professor Dumbledore gave me orders, Sirius," Hagrid squirmed as he spoke. Sirius knew why; Hagrid didn't like to fight, and he didn't want a fight with Sirius. They were friends, after all.

"Hagrid, I know how much you respect Dumbledore, but I'm not letting anyone take Harry. I've got a house other than Grimmauld, and I'll raise him there. You can come with me, and we'll send a message to Albus. He can come and see me himself," Sirius said, steely determination lacing his voice. To his relief, Hagrid nodded.

Sirius looked at his flying motorcycle. "Take my bike, will you? It will take you to the Manor."

Hagrid nodded again, a small smile on his face despite the grim circumstances. Sirius grinned in return; Hagrid had always liked riding that bike. Sirius enchanted it so it would be strong enough for Hagrid, before apparating away from the house with a final glance.

As Sirius finished putting Harry down to sleep in the hastily conjured crib (domestic magic, who knew he would one day have to use it), there was a knock at the door. Sirius nodded to Hagrid, who opened it.

"Professor Dumbledore, sir," Sirius heard Hagrid greeting Albus. "Professor McGonagall."

That surprised Sirius. What was she doing there as well? A show of force perhaps? Sirius tensed up; his wand ready in case he needed it. As Albus and Minerva walked into the lounge, Albus's tired but pleased face broke into a smile. Damn that man, he could always put people at ease with that smile.

"Good evening, Sirius," Albus said. "Or perhaps a good morning? Regardless, thank you for your message."

"After Hagrid came, I knew you'd want to see me anyway," Sirius said. "Drink?"

"That would be most welcome, thank you," Albus replied, still smiling. "May I...?" he indicated to the rickety crib and, when Sirius nodded in permission, went to see the sleeping boy. Sirius went to the bar, and pulled out a bottle of fire whisky, as well as a large bottle of oak matured mead for Hagrid. A soothing magical energy caught Sirius' attention and he returned to the room to see that the crib had been fixed, a mobile with a stag, doe, dog and a rat playing with each other floating above it.

With a tight throat, Sirius finished pouring the drinks while everyone found a seat.

"Albus, I know what you're going to say, but I won't let anyone else raise Harry. I'm his godfather," Sirius started quickly. "Right now, with no offence to you, I don't know who to trust, not after what happened."

"No offence taken Sirius, I assure you," Albus said, with a nod. "I can understand your feelings perfectly."

"Especially after Remus…" Minerva started, but couldn't finish. "I…"

"Me either," Sirius agreed, taking a sip of his drink. "Out of everyone, Remus is the last person I would ever have suspected. He kept us all sane at Hogwarts."

"Yes, he was the voice of reason in your group," Albus agreed. "Before Minerva and I left to come here, I received an urgent message from Alastor. It seems that Remus has been caught, but it came at a great cost. Peter Pettigrew obviously heard and tracked Remus down. He attempted to bring Remus Lupin to justice, and according to some muggle witnesses, he demanded to know how Remus could betray Lily and James. Remus, sadly, killed Peter, but he was arrested by Cornelius Fudge. I believe he is on his way to Azkaban right now."

"Then it's over?" Sirius asked, frowning.

Albus shook his head. "I do not believe so. You see, Voldemort has been defeated," Albus started, with Hagrid and Minerva flinching at the name of the wizarding world's most hated enemy. "But he will return, and perhaps stronger than before. I do not think it will be soon, but it will happen."

"How? I saw his body," Sirius said. "Hell, I fired another killing curse at it, just to make sure."

"What you must understand Sirius, is that Voldemort," another shudder rose from Hagrid and Minerva, "has used magic unknown, and I am sure he will return. My plan was to put Harry with his muggle relatives, to give him a normal childhood, but to also prevent anyone from finding and harming him. After all, whilst Voldemort is gone, his supporters are many," Albus stated. "They are probably swarming Godric's Hollow as we speak, looking for answers and revenge."

"How would putting Harry with the muggles help?" Sirius asked, his eyes narrowing. He would die before he let anyone take Harry away. "Petunia hated Lily. What makes you think she would want to protect the boy?"

"There is an ancient form of magic that is formed through blood, though family, that can be used. It's similar to what we used to protect James, but stronger," Albus stated, stroking his excessively long beard. "Petunia Dursley is his aunt, and his mother's sister. That blood bond is strong and would give the protection needed to protect Harry, regardless of any misplaced animosity."

"Then do the magic here. James and I were cousins, and we have a blood connection," Sirius said. "You want Harry to have a normal childhood? Fine. We will live like muggles, especially if it protects Harry. This property is in a muggle rich area, mostly out of sight, and everyone who knew about this manor is dead. Nobody will know we are here, present company excluded of course. There will be no magic, nothing, until he attends Hogwarts."

Sirius saw the contemplative look on Albus' face, who finally nodded. "Yes, I believe it can be done, and perhaps this is the better place, with someone who will truly love him. But he must not know of the magic world until the time comes," Albus stood and returned to the crib, looking at the sleeping baby with a small smile. "Everyone will know his name in our world, and such a childhood would not be healthy for him. To live as a muggle is not going to be easy, but it will give him a true childhood."

"Hey, I can live as a muggle without a problem. Harry is what matters most to me now." Sirius said. "I'm magically strong if we are ever found and I can protect him."

Albus hummed in agreement and took out his wand, beginning to walk around the house, muttering several spells.

"Are you sure about this, Sirius? It won't be easy," Minerva asked.

Sirius nodded. "I've never been surer of anything. Harry is my godson, and I love him. I'll teach him about Quidditch and everything when the time comes, but we can live as muggles, and comfortably because of my wealth." He gave his old Professor a cheeky grin. The knowledge that he wouldn't have to flee with Harry again, and the soothing effects of the alcohol helping him relax. "You're always welcome to visit, of course."

"I'll take you up on that offer," Minerva told him. She finished her drink just as Albus returned to the lounge.

"The magic is in place. I have done all that I can, Sirius. The rest is up to you," Albus told him. "I wish you luck."

"Thank you Albus. No one will ever harm Harry, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep him safe," Sirius promised.

Hagrid got up and walked over to the crib, looking at Harry. "He'll be a great wizard," Hagrid stated.

"One day, yes. For now, he's just a young boy who needs to be loved," Sirius said, smiling. "Tomorrow, I'll redecorate, and make the house perfect for muggles, and for Harry."

"Sirius, the fate of the wizarding world may one day rest on Harry. Should you need anything, you have but to ask. Godspeed, Sirius," Albus said, tipping his hat before leaving. As Minerva and Hagrid followed suit, Sirius knew that Albus was right. Voldemort would return one day, and when that day happened, he would be by Harry's side, no matter what. Whatever the cost, no one would ever harm Harry Potter again.