Chapter 3

June 24, 1995

Harry's demand quickly broke the stupor the rest of the room sat in, as did the aurors flooding into the Chamber, alerted by the wards. Lady Bones met the Head Auror by Pettigrew's body and was having a rushed, whispered, conversation. Albus returned to his seat and fell into it heavily. Fudge and Malfoy were whispering amongst their group, occasionally shooting a glance in Harry's direction. Only two members, who sat to either side of the killer before he disappeared, still sat in shock.

Harry watched as the team of aurors took pictures of the crime scene, before carefully levitating Pettigrew's body out of the Chamber. Lady Bones followed them, only to return after a moment. She was livid. She stormed up the steps to Dumbledore's seat, and whispered something in his ear that caused his look of exhaustion to deepen.

The Chief Warlock banged his gavel just once, before standing to absolute silence.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a tragic night indeed. Along with the losses of Messrs. Diggory and Pettigrew, Barty Crouch Jr. has been found dead in his cell. Evidence points to the Killing Curse."

The collected members, still too shocked to really descend into chaos, whispered amongst themselves for a moment. Dumbledore held up his hands, and was given the silence he wanted.

"In light of what has happened, I propose we adjourn for the evening, and call for another session on Monday to deal with the pardon of Sirius Black."

"It isn't as easy as that, Albus," Fudge interrupted, glancing down at Malfoy. "We will require an investigation into Black. That monster was capable of murdering one of his best friends, and countless innocents. It would be easy for him to have somehow messed with Pettigrew's mind."

"Fudge," Harry interrupted heatedly. "The 'best friend' he was to have murdered just gave this august body his testimony, yet you still claim he was murdered by Black? Are you confused in the aftermath of the attack, or simply a moron?"

"It's Minister Fudge, Potter," Malfoy interrupted before Fudge could respond.

"It's Lord Potter to you, you pompous jackass. Do your investigation, Minister," Harry continued, leaving Malfoy to fume in rage, as quiet laughter could be heard throughout the Chamber. "It will be a novel experience, as there wasn't one the first time around. But do it fast. And you better believe I'll be checking your work."

Harry returned to his seat, seeing the obvious confusion around him at the revelation there wasn't a primary investigation into Sirius' 'crimes'.

The Wizengamot sat in an exhausted silence, none present used to this kind of action in a session. Dumbledore finally stood, gavel in hand.

"We shall reconvene on Monday the 26th of June, at ten a.m."

He banged the gavel once, and members began to gather their things as they left the room. Harry noticed that Lucius was the first out the door, without a backwards glance. As Harry stood and prepared to leave the frying pan and return to the fire, he was approached by Malfoy's better half.

"I just wanted to say welcome to the Wizengamot," Narcissa said softly, empty hands raised slightly, noting Harry's skeptical look. "There hasn't been this much mayhem in my entire time in the seat."

"Thank you, Lady Black," Harry responded formally. "I intend to see justice done for your cousin."

"I don't doubt that for a moment, Lord Potter. I hope this seat serves you better than it has me."

Without another word, Narcissa swept past the boy and out of the room. With a quick nod to Lord Boot, and a promise of an owl to Lord Greengrass, Harry walked towards Dumbledore.

"Headmaster, I'm dead on my feet. Do you mind if we hold our inevitable conversation until tomorrow?"

"Of course, dear boy. I was going to suggest the same. From here, I am headed to the DMLE to make sure the 'Kiss on Sight' order for Sirius is repealed. Can you find your way back to school, or shall I escort you?"

"I have one stop to make, sir," Harry responded with a grateful smile. "But I shall be back within the gates in an hour at the latest."

"Very well, Harry," Dumbledore replied, choosing to trust the young man to act responsibly. "I shall put Sirius up in my guest rooms for the evening, and we shall see you tomorrow. The password is 'Gobstopper'."

"Thank you, sir. Have a good evening."

Harry made his way out of the Chamber and into an empty elevator. Once on the main floor, he moved through the lobby towards the designated Disapparation Point. Not having actually apparated in his physical form, Harry made sure to clear his mind and truly focus. What had become second-nature on the other side would only come with practice in this one. He closed his eyes, pushed with his magic, and opened his eyes to the view of a beautiful wrought iron gate.

The gate was at least twenty feet tall, his family crest standing proudly in the center. He had a small glimpse of an overgrown courtyard beyond, but his view of the Manor itself was blocked by shrubbery. He elected not to enter the premises, preferring to get some rest tonight.

"Dobby," he called, and almost instantaneously, the named elf appeared with a pop.

"Master Harry Potter, sir!" the excitable elf cried, his eyes open wide in anticipation.

"Hey Dobby, it's good to see you."

"Master Harry Potter is too kind to Dobby! What can Dobby be doing for Harry Potter?"

"First, just call me Harry," the boy chuckled. "Second, I know you are happy at Hogwarts, but I was wondering if you knew of any available elves looking for work. I'm willing to pay them if they'll accept it, but I need at least three."

"Dobby will be Master Harry's house-elf," Dobby exclaimed immediately. "Professor Dumbly said Dobby is free to take other jobs if offered!"

"That's great, Dobby," Harry returned the elf's enthusiasm. "But are you sure you want to leave Hogwarts?"

"Dobby would do anything to serve the Great Harry Potter, sir!"

"Well okay, then! That's great! First order, Dobby…" The elf stood more still, but his grin was still enormous. "It is now officially an order to only call me 'Harry'. 'Master Harry' can be used if we have important guests, but I want us to be friends, and friends use first names."

Harry watched as the elf's large eyes welled with tears, and he smiled softly while holding out a hand. The diminutive elf shook it proudly, and they both felt the ripple of magic that constituted a bonding.

"Second and last 'order' I'll ever give you, Dobby. Absolutely zero punishments. If you make a mistake, we will talk about it as friends and come up with ways to stop that mistake from happening in the future. Do you understand?"

"No punishings?" the small elf asked confusedly. "And no orders?"

"None. I'll ask you to do things when I need to, but it will never be an order. Your free will is important to you, so it's important to me. We will work together. Deal?"

The tears returned to the elf's eyes as he nodded comically. "Deal, Mast… er… Harry," he corrected sheepishly.

Harry laughed, clapping the elf on the shoulder lightly. "Great! Could you find two other elves? The first priority we have is to get Potter Manor back up to scratch. As you can see, it's been unused for years. Maybe one elf to help you in the Manor itself, and one for the grounds?"

"Dobby can be doing this, H-Harry," the elf responded quickly. "Dobby is knowing one elf called Pocky who worked the property here as a young one. Dobby will ask if Pocky would return."

"That's perfect," Harry agreed.

"Can Dobby be asking Winky to be inside elf," Dobby asked a bit nervously.

"That's a great idea, Dobby," Harry smiled, and the elf's eyes lit up. "I have a question for you. This land is under a fidelius, among other wards. How is it that you could 'pop' to me when I called for you?"

"Is being house-elf magic, H-Harry. If a house-elf is called, wards won't be stopping the elf. But elfs can't be popping through wards without being called. Dobby's new bond means Dobby can come and go as he needs."

"How interesting," Harry mused, deciding to research the magic of other beings. "Thank you for agreeing to join me, Dobby. You may go find the other elves, and get started whenever you'd like. They can also bond with me, of course, though if they'd rather be free that's fine too. I would appreciate you cleaning the whole place, but don't overwork yourselves. Start with the kitchen, a sitting room, the dining room, a bathroom, the library, and a couple of bedrooms. We can begin with that, and work towards the rest of the house when we have the time."

Dobby smiled and nodded, "Dobby be doing it, Harry."

The elf popped away, and Harry thought through what had been accomplished since he returned. It hadn't exactly gone as planned, but Harry felt good about the results so far. With one last look at the family crest, the boy followed the elf's lead and vanished.

—

When Harry finally made it back to the Gryffindor common room, it felt like he hadn't seen it in months. And, in a way, that feeling wasn't terribly far off. The room had always felt like home, but now, after so much time with his parents, that feeling wasn't as strong.

The girl snoozing in the armchair in the corner, however, would always feel like home. Harry approached the girl and knelt, brushing her hair away from her face.

"Hermione," he called gently.

"Mmm.." she murmured sleepily, before her eyes snapped open. "Harry! What took so long, we were worried sick!"

Harry chuckled as he collapsed length-wise onto the nearby couch, eyes staring unseeingly at the ceiling.

"I have a feeling the Wizengamot will always take longer than I expect it to. After everything at the ministry, I went to visit Potter Manor to get the elves started on renovations."

"Elves?" Hermione hissed dangerously.

"Yes, Hermione," Harry responded patiently. "Elves. Dobby agreed, and is recruiting Winky and an elf named Pocky."

"Harry James Potter," the girl began quietly yet heatedly. "How could you?"

"Hermione, take a breath and listen for a moment." He turned his head to the left to make sure she was listening before continuing. "First of all, Dobby will be paid, and will never be given any orders. The other two I will allow to bond to me in any way they choose. I would prefer a bond similar to Dobby's, but I won't force anything on them. I want them to feel happy and comfortable working with me, and that will only happen if they are content with their bonds."

"If you don't give any orders, how will Dobby do all the disgusting things you'd rather not do yourself?" Hermione's derision was easy to hear.

"He's a friend, Hermione," Harry explained sincerely. "Maybe not as close as you and Ron, but he's a friend. I wouldn't have completed the second task without his help, and his help is very happily given. You know me better than this. You know I'd never mistreat an elf. I plan on him working with me, not for me."

"I know you wouldn't mistreat them, but you're only exacerbating the bigger problem."

"And it's a problem I intend to fix when I have more power in the Wizengamot!"

Harry's patience was beginning to wear thin, but he knew it was due to tiredness, not annoyance at his friend. He took a calming breath before continuing

"I spent some time looking into house-elves when I was on the other side, and I'd guess that I understand more about their bonds than you do at the moment. The majority of elves can't survive without a bond. It would be a disservice to free them before that issue was resolved, but the resolution is on my to-do list, I promise."

He watched Hermione deflate with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Harry. I know you're a good person, and will always look out for Dobby and the elves. It's just such a barbaric institution. I can't help how angry it makes me."

"That's why you're going to help me fix it," Harry said, laughing at the surprise on her face. "Not tonight, Hermione. Probably not even as soon as you would like. But I promise we will get there."

"I can live with that," Hermione replied with a smile. "It's still so hard to believe that you've spent months with your parents. What else did you learn? And when can you teach me?"

Harry was a bit surprised it had taken this long for her to ask.

"I'll teach you everything I can, when we have the time. But the things I learned and the ways I trained were personalized for me. I also realized earlier tonight, that even if I had the expertise and ability to do things on the other side, this body still needs to learn how to do them. It's not a direct transfer, I don't think.

"Which is why I got the elves started on the Manor. I'll be living there over the summer, and plan to use that time to get myself up to where I need to be. The wards are also strong enough to disrupt the Ministry's ability to detect underage magic, so even though I wouldn't get in trouble regardless, my friends will be able to come over to learn and train too."

Hermione's eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas. "Oh Harry, that's perfect! I'll write to my parents tomorrow to make sure they'll be okay with it!"

"Who says you're invited? You used my government name just a minute ago!" Harry mock pouted. "I think I'll invite everyone but you."

Hermione squealed at him in mock frustration before pouncing on him with a pillow. Harry returned fire, and before long the two were laughing, side by side on the couch, covered in goose feathers.

"Having fun?"

The two turned to look at Ron, who had come down the stairs to the boys' dormitories with a sour look on his face. The two laughing friends turned to look at each other simultaneously, and then back at Ron wearing identical mischievous looks.

Ron, not liking the look, backpedaled slightly. "Wait one min…" was all he got out before he had two very punch-drunk teenagers pelting him with half-full pillows. After a few seconds of being defenseless, he fought his way over to the couch to arm himself. What followed was an all out war, fought with comfort, and Harry was betrayed by his ally halfway through.

As he laid on his stomach, Ron sitting on his back and Hermione carefully shoving feathers in his ears, he finally admitted defeat.

"I give! I concede! I yield! I surrender! Uncle! Uncle! UNCLE!" The last word emphasized by one last pillow smash to his butt, courtesy of the friend atop him.

Ron finally rolled off, allowing Harry to remove the feathers from his ears, glad to be free of the tickling things. He sat up and leant his back on the couch next to the redhead, with Hermione following suit against the chair.

All three were breathing heavily with huge smiles on their faces. Looking between the two, Harry knew he made the right choice to return.

—

June 25, 1995

Harry found himself in the Headmaster's office a few short hours later, with a terrible kink in his neck. As he tried to stretch it out, Sirius entered, shooting the boy a quick concerned look.

"Pillow fight injury," he supplied without being asked.

Sirius chuckled and shook his head, while Dumbledore leaned forward in his chair.

"Ah yes," the Headmaster mused seriously. "I once spent three days in St. Mungo's after a serious pillow fight. They can be quite dangerous. Minerva was not pleased."

Harry, not knowing if the man was joking or not, could do nothing but stare. Finally noticing a slight twitch of the man's beard, he began to laugh.

"Sir, with your reputation, you could get away with saying just about anything."

"I can, and I do, my boy. A benefit of a life well-lived. I trust you slept?"

"Leaning against the base of a couch and a Weasley, but yes, I got a few hours."

"How is Ron?" Sirius asked. "He seemed a bit off last night."

"Yeah I noticed. I think he may be a bit overwhelmed by everything that's happened in the last twenty-four hours. The pillow fight broke the tension nicely, but I'll talk to him soon."

"Good," Sirius nodded. "I know the two of you have had your issues this year, but he's a good friend."

"The best," Harry agreed with a smile. "Both of them are, and I don't plan on losing them."

"You shouldn't," Sirius said before practically bouncing on his seat. "Now come on. You gotta tell us what it was like with Prongs and Lily!"

He laughed at the man's excitement and saw it mirrored, though more maturely, in his Headmaster.

"I'm happy to, Sirius, but you have to remember that for me, it's at least six months of memories. I can't just tell you everything that happened or we'd be here until next school year."

"I didn't think of that," Sirius responded. "How about we start with anything you need to tell us, and you can share your other memories more organically."

"That's what I was hoping for," Harry said. "The most important thing to start with, is how incredible my time was. I feel whole for the first time in my life. I know what my mother's laughter sounds like, and I can picture my dad grinning like an idiot after intentionally riling her up. All the little things I missed out on, I now have a piece of. And it's unbelievably precious to me."

Sirius, with watery eyes, grabbed his Godson's shoulder. "I'm so happy for you, Harry. For how terrible last night started for you, it seems like it was worth it in the end."

"Indeed," Dumbledore agreed, his sparkly blue eyes a bit misty too. "It is truly a remarkable gift you've been given. And no one deserves it more." Harry nodded in gratitude before the Headmaster continued. "To briefly speak of the nightmare that led to this gift, is there anything you didn't tell us about the graveyard?"

"Honestly, Professor, one of the things I learned while I was away, is that transparency is healthy. Unless given a reason to lie or withhold information, I won't. Not from people I trust. I think you got the whole story."

"Very mature of you," Dumbledore said. "That isn't a lesson many people learn, and one I struggle mightily with myself."

"No shit," Sirius muttered under his breath, forcing a snicker from his godson.

Dumbledore pinned the animagus with a look, before turning his attention back to Harry.

"I hope that you felt my trust in you last night, Harry."

"I did, sir. But honestly, I was a bit confused by it."

"I guessed as much," Dumbledore responded with a smile. "From the moment you returned from the graveyard, I saw the difference in you. Like you, I can also sense magic, and your magic is different in ways I can't quite put my finger on. I'm sorry to say that you haven't always been the most confident young man, Harry. But that insecurity has left you, it seems. For you to take control of every situation you found yourself in last night, has led me to believe that perhaps the Cup did right by you after all. I still can't approve of your language towards Lucius, though."

Sirius turned to the boy, and before he could ask Harry answered, "Called him a 'pompous jackass'."

His godfather let out a loud bark of laughter, but tried to control himself as the Headmaster turned the 'stern' look in his direction. "Sounds like a simple statement of facts to me."

"Yeah," Harry responded with a chuckle. "I also told him to call me 'Lord Potter.' It'd be fun to keep messing with him if he wasn't so dangerous."

"I'm glad you don't underestimate him, Harry. Even beyond being gifted magically, his stance in our government will cause us all sorts of problems in the coming days," Dumbledore sighed. "Last night was far from a normal session."

"Yeah I figured," he responded quickly. "My plan felt far too easy to achieve."

"It was helped by the chaos of the evening," Albus agreed. "The end of the Tournament combined with the tragedy that befell Cedric paved the way for everyone to not be at their best political acumen. I doubt we'll be so lucky again. I do need to ask, though. How did you get Greengrass, Boot, and Narcissa on your side so quickly? If they hadn't spoken for you, you would have had a much more difficult time accomplishing what you managed."

"I'm not really sure, sir," Harry responded honestly. "I spoke with Robert and Daniel briefly before the session, and asked for lessons in politics from Daniel, but I didn't even speak to Mrs. Malfoy beforehand."

"Naricissa spoke up for you? Wait.." Sirius paused, considering his priority. "You asked for lessons from Greengrass, and he accepted?" Sirius asked, surprised.

"Easily," Harry confirmed. "Even refused my offer to pay him for his time. Why?"

"Daniel Greengrass is a bit of an enigma in our world, Harry," Dumbledore explained. "He has money, and lots of it, but doesn't use it to gain political power, or relationships with powerful people. In fact, I believe the only time I've seen him since he graduated Hogwarts is at sessions. He chooses not to attend the many events that members use to rub elbows and buy votes."

"Doesn't sound like a bad guy," Harry mused, confused as to why the two men were concerned about Daniel.

"He may not be," Dumbledore agreed. "But he is unknown. He was a Slytherin, but I don't remember any problems between himself and other houses. If I had to guess, I'd say he isn't a Death Eater, but he has an uncle who was. I'm only concerned because it seems he helped you, and has agreed to do so again, for nothing in return."

"He was friends with my dad," Harry defended. "Dad even mentioned him specifically when I asked if he had anyone I could try to build an alliance with inside the Wizengamot."

"He was?" Sirius asked in surprise. "I don't remember James ever mentioning him, and we didn't keep many secrets."

"They got to know each other through subcommittees," Harry explained. "He said that he didn't bring him around you guys because he knew how tense everyone was about Slytherins at the time. Dad trusted him."

Sirius sat in thought for a moment, before finally nodding. "If your Dad trusted him, I'll trust him. It wasn't easy to get close to Prongs those days."

"If it makes you feel better, Dad said he'd checked in on Daniel a few times, and believes him to be a strong ally still."

"What do you mean, Harry?" Dumbledore asked. "How would he have checked in on him?"

Harry, realizing this is one of those moments where his experiences will seem quite hard to believe, answered hesitantly.

"People on the other side can somehow see how the people they care about are doing on this side. I'm not sure how it works, it wasn't part of my time there. I guess since I wasn't a permanent resident, I didn't deserve that perk. Just minutes after meeting Mum, she began rattling off things I'd done that had made her proud."

"Fascinating," Dumbledore muttered to himself. "So we may all be occasionally performing for those that have left us."

"I guess so," Harry responded, nervous to drop the next shoe. "Er… before I came back, we decided to give people there a chance to relay messages through me to people here. The magic of the place was a bit confusing, and I couldn't meet just anyone. But it was easier to meet people related to those I cared about here, and I guess you both counted. I have a message from your grandfather, Sirius. And one from my parents… And Marlene."

Sirius just blinked at him, unable to form words.

"Professor, I only have one for you. From Ariana. She asked that you view it with your brother, if you can."

Albus Dumbledore may have been the most powerful wizard alive (something that would frustrate Fudge to no end), but at this moment, he didn't look it. At Ariana's name, he shrunk into himself completely, his hand shaking as he reached for his cup of tea.

"What an incredible thing to hear," Dumbledore finally whispered. "Boys, I think I need a moment to myself. Could we reconvene after lunch, perhaps?"

"Of course, Headmaster," Harry replied, seeing the agreement in Sirius' eyes. "I'm sorry to have sprung this on you."

"I don't think an easy way to say that to someone exists, Harry," Sirius responded without looking at him. "You go find Ron and hash things out, I'm going to take a walk."

Harry's nod went unnoticed by the two men, but he decided to follow his Godfather's advice regardless.

—

"Ron!" Harry called, seeing his friend heading towards the library. The boy waited for Harry to catch up, a guarded look on his face.

"What are you doing right now?" Harry asked energetically.

"I was heading to the library to study with Hermione," Ron responded, clearly not looking forward to the activity. "She said she wants to learn about house-elf magic again for some reason."

"Blow her off," he grinned at him, unsurprised. "Let's go flying."

"Deal! But you have to tell Hermione," he said, matching the expression.

Harry laughed, leading the way into the library. Quickly spotting their bushy-haired friend, he sat opposite her with a sigh.

"Hermione, I told you this wouldn't be a quick fix."

"I know that, Potter," she responded distractedly, not looking up from her book. "But if I don't get started, it'll just take longer."

"Fair enough," Harry said, before sliding the book she was reading out of her hands and closing it. Hermione, in response, attempted to drill a hole through his head with her eyes.

"Look, check this book and two others out, and after a fly, Ron and I will help you study in the stands of the pitch," he offered with a significant look.

She took a long moment to deliberate before finally agreeing. "Fine, give me just a minute to find two more books."

Twenty long minutes later, the trio were traipsing down to the stadium, books and brooms in hand.

"You boys go do your flying," Hermione said distractedly. "I'll be in the stands."

Harry grinned at Ron before hopping on his Firebolt and rocketing into the sky. Ron, on Fred's Cleansweep Five, quickly followed. The boys spent a half hour chasing each other through the air and throwing a conjured quaffle, swapping brooms every few minutes. Eventually, Harry gestured to his friend to fly close.

"Ron, we need to talk," he began awkwardly.

Their friendship had always been an easy one. If they were angry they wouldn't speak to each other. If they were sorry, the apology was quick. If there was tension, it was ignored until they were angry. Harry wanted to change that cycle.

"About what?" Ron asked warily, his eyes surveying the wreckage the quick removal of the maze caused the quidditch pitch.

"About what's been happening," Harry began. "Trust me, I understand it's a lot to take in. It's a lot for me too. Technically, I went to bed two nights ago a normal 14-year old in a shitty situation, and woke up today, a legal adult who watched a friend killed right in front of me. Add in my time on the other side, and it's a bit overwhelming."

"I know," Ron said adamantly. "After our problem earlier this year, I made a promise to myself to try and see things from other people's perspectives. I've been thinking all day about how hard this must be on you, but it's not easy to understand."

"I really appreciate that, Ron," he answered with surprise. "Honestly. I think that's been one of our problems the last few years. Our lives and backgrounds are so different, it's tough to put ourselves in each other's shoes. When did you get so wise?" Harry finished with a grin.

Ron laughed. "You know good and damn well it was Hermione that mentioned it to me. It was after I took her aside to apologize for my behavior at the Ball. She bit my head off, and didn't stop until she was sure I got the point."

"Yeah," Harry agreed with a laugh. "That sounds like her. So what's going on with you now?"

"Honestly," the boy began nervously, slowly drifting in the air a bit closer to his friend. "I'm just worried about us. I felt what it was like to not be your friend, and I hated it. And all of a sudden you're an adult. A Wizengamot member who has a 'Manor'. You're telling the Minister for Magic what to do, and slapping Lucius Malfoy down at the same time. You're off having meetings with Professor Dumbledore, planning who knows what, and I feel like I'm getting left behind."

Harry was surprised by his friend's effluence, but understood where he was coming from.

"Ron, I get it. Honestly, I do. The last couple days have been a whirlwind. I don't think my mind has stopped spinning yet. But I'll tell you which two moments stick out to me.

"It was returning to Hogwarts after escaping with Cedric's body and Pettigrew, unsure of what I was returning to. And in the chaos, without a word between us, my two best friends followed me into the unknown. You squeezed my shoulder when it was exactly what I needed most."

Harry forced his eyes to remain dry, as he bared his soul to his best friend.

"And it was sitting with you against the couch last night, after Hermione betrayed me," he continued dramatically, drawing a chuckle from his friend. "And looking at both of you, realizing I was right choosing to come back."

"What do you mean 'choosing', Harry? I must have missed that part last night." Ron asked in confusion. Harry took a deep breath, trying to find the words.

"I didn't have to, Ron," he eventually began. "I could have stayed. Part of me wanted to so badly. It would have been so much easier. I just met the family I had always wished for, and spent months with them, each moment better than the last. And I had to choose between them, and coming back to a world I'm sure will soon be at war. A world with Voldemort. A world with death, and danger. A world with Snape," he finished with a shudder, trying to lighten the mood.

"But in the end, it came down to the fact that I wouldn't leave you in this mess alone. Or the rest of you crazy redheads. Or Hermione, Hagrid, and Sirius. But obviously, most importantly, Hedwig," he said it jokingly, drawing a smile from his friend, but he mentally made a note to go see the motherly bird today.

"I know you would never give in to a monster like Voldemort," Harry continued, ignoring Ron's shudder at the name. "So I came back to stand next to you. And maybe a bit in front of you if you'll let me."

Ron, not expecting the eloquence, or the sentiment, from his friend, wasn't sure how to respond.

"If things are going to get as bad as you expect," he finally offered. "I wouldn't have blamed you if you stayed with your parents."

"I appreciate that, Ron. But I couldn't have left you to it without suffering alongside. I'm with you to the end. And I'll tell you a secret," Harry said conspiratorially. "From what I've seen, the end isn't so bad."

Ron laughed, glad to break the tension. "They have brooms on the other side?"

"Like you wouldn't believe," Harry smiled. "My Firebolt feels slow in comparison, and me and Dad had all day to play around."

"That's really great, Harry," Ron said with true joy. "I'm happy for you."

"Thanks, Ron. That means a lot."

Harry kicked his broom into motion, feeling much better about his friendship.

"Oh, and Harry," Ron called from slightly behind him. "I'm sorry again for being a jerk about the Cup. I promise I'm working on it."

"I can see that, Ron. And it's definitely working. You're still as slow as Malfoy on a broom, though," he finished, taking off at full speed.

Ron laughed, knowing he had no chance to catch his friend on his Firebolt, and instead floated over to Hermione. When she noticed his shadow falling over the book she was reading, she looked up with a smile.

"Good chat?"

"Very good chat," Ron replied seriously. "I promise I'm trying, Hermione."

"I see it, Ron. Keep it up."

—

"It seems this is a tough conversation to finish," began Dumbledore.

Harry was once again cloistered away with his Headmaster and Godfather. This time, however, he had requested Arthur to join them.

"Let's all agree to at least get through ten minutes without tears this time," Sirius sarcastically added.

Arthur, looking very confused, spoke up. "Harry, not that I'm not happy to be here, but I feel I've missed something."

"You have, Mr. Weasley," Harry responded. "But for the sake of productivity, I'll catch you up after."

"Fair enough," the easy going man replied. "May I ask why I'm here?"

"I asked for you," said Harry simply. "From the moment I met you, you've been steadfast, open, and accepting. My parents had only glowing reviews for you. And most importantly, last night, without knowing the situation, you stood up for me." Harry met the man's eyes sincerely. "That's not something I take lightly, and it meant the world to me. I can count on one hand the adult wizards I trust implicitly, and you three are at the top of that list. Thank you, sir."

"At the request for there to be no tears for ten minutes," Arthur responded, his voice thick with emotion, "I'll just say you're welcome, and let us move on."

"Thank you," Harry said with a grateful smile. "And Sirius, please fill Remus in next time you see him. He's also on that list."

"I will, Harry. Now, Albus and I were attempting to uncover your devious plot before you blindsided us earlier."

"Oh sure, guilt trip the orphan boy," Harry responded with a smirk before relenting. "I'll go into more detail as we go, but to start, I learned a lot more than politics from my tutors on the other side.

"I was taught Occlumency and Legilimency by Dorea Potter, and I've already begun building my shields since I've returned. I was taught large combat tactics by her husband Charlus. I was taught exactly what my cloak is," Harry said with a significant look to Dumbledore. "I was taught how to fight by Arcturus, Charlus, and my father. And I was taught about when Sirius transformed for the first time, ran into Professor McGonagall, and chased her around the grounds until she shifted and cursed him with a hair-growing spell," he finished with a grin.

"He said he would take that to the grave!" Sirius spluttered in indignation.

"He did so, Pads," Harry replied evenly. "Just like the promise he made not to tell anyone about your greatest fear."

"Don't you dare," Sirius said dangerously.

"I won't," Harry laughed. "Just you knowing that I know is enough for me. I also got a brief rundown of the blood magic Mum was researching that ended up saving my life. I think she was really on to something, but I know it's a bit taboo."

"It seems your time was quite productive, my boy," Dumbledore smiled. "And it sounds quite entertaining as well. What is it you plan to do with this information?"

"First things first, I need to train my body here to accept the things I learned there," Harry explained. "It will take some time. Much of the magic I learned was pretty advanced, and it will take some practice. I've stolen a couple of your elves, Headmaster, to begin renovating Potter Manor to give me space to do so."

"My head elf mentioned his populace was more under control today," the Headmaster said with a grin. "Tell Dobby from me that he will always have a place here."

"I will, sir. He mentioned you gave him permission to call him a 'barmy old codger'," Harry laughed. "That meant a lot to him."

"I enjoyed his eccentricities," Albus smiled.

"Second things second," Harry continued. "When I made the decision to return, I began trying to figure out what to do when I was back. Through some talks with the people closest to me, I realized I'll need support. Unwavering support," he added, a bit nervously.

"You have it, Harry," Dumbledore quickly replied.

"No sir, you aren't understanding. This will be a war. I learned of the prophecy, and I don't resent you for not telling me. I wasn't ready. I'm still not. Mr. Weasley, Sirius, there's a prophecy that says only I can defeat Voldemort. I don't believe it, but he does. He won't stop coming for me."

The two men took the news in stride, their love for the boy overriding their concern.

"We'll help protect you, Harry," said Sirius, Arthur nodding in agreement.

"Thanks, Pads. I appreciate it. But it's not protection I'm asking for," he responded heavily. "It's trust. I asked the people I knew best on the other side who I could trust to have my back, to fight for me. To trust unreservedly. I got four names in response. Albus, Sirius, Remus, and Arthur," Harry finished, glancing at the Weasley patriarch.

"Me?" he asked in surprise. "How?"

"You were a few years older than my parents, sir," Harry explained. "And though you weren't at Hogwarts when they were, your reputation remained. They heard stories about your skill with a wand, and your fierce dedication to what was right. There was a story about a Slytherin girl being bullied by Gryffindors that ended with you in detention for protecting the girl."

"Well yes, I remember that, but that's such a small thing to base this trust upon. And please, Harry. Call me Arthur."

"You're right, Arthur, but they remembered your name as they watched me grow. And they saw how easily you welcomed me into your family. You may not have known my parents, but you have two very loyal friends waiting on you when your time is done. Mum named you immediately," Harry finished, his gratitude evident in his face.

"I'm honored," Arthur said after a moment. "Truly honored, and I promise to live up to their expectations, Harry. You just tell me what you need."

"That's the tough part," Harry said, running a hand through his hair in discomfort. "The Ministry will hesitate. They'll take a moment to breathe, and to think, and they'll hand the initiative to Voldemort. Doing so will cost lives. I was given four solid names of people who could help stop that from happening. To help me fight.

"It won't be tomorrow, I'd guess Voldemort would take a moment to consolidate his power," Harry finished with a look at Dumbledore.

"That's what Severus has informed me," Dumbledore offered honestly, proving his worthiness of James and Lily's trust. "I believe we'll have a few months, if not a year, of peace, before things really kick off."

"That was our guess as well," responded Harry. "That gives me time to prepare, to consolidate my own power, and to ready myself and my people to fight back."

Sirius nodded immediately, "You know I'm there, Harry. And Remus."

"I shall help however I can, of course," Dumbledore added.

Harry looked to the third man, who seemed to be thinking quickly. Arthur, noticing the boy's gaze, shook himself.

"I'm not hesitating for myself, Harry," he explained. "I'm only wondering which of my boys to ask to join us."

Harry smiled, touched beyond words that Arthur's support was immediate.

"Let's pause here then, please. I'd like to figure out an Unbreakable Vow for us before we continue. I've learned a hard lesson in regards to trust from my parents. Can I invite you all to visit Potter Manor once Dobby has it up and running?"

"I'll watch for Hedwig," Arthur said quickly, speaking for the other two.