Remus landed in Diagon Alley, and his first stop was Gringotts. Thankfully, it was very close to the apparition point because a small group of women had looked at him and pointed behind their hands at him. He knew he looked disheveled, but he was clean and honorable, and that was enough for him. At least that's what he usually told himself. Today, it was difficult to remember it.
Remus had more than a few years of scraping by with just enough to not look forward to buying new clothes. He arrived at Gringotts and spoke to a teller. He was very happy looking in his vault, looking at it made it even more real than seeing it on an account statement. He took a bit over a thousand galleons out of his vault and had some of it changed to muggle money. He knew Harry was still hiding in the magical world, and the muggle world would allow him some more freedom and planned to get him out a bit. Remus also enjoyed muggle clothes and it would stretch his money because of the generous exchange rate.
Remus bought more clothes than he had in several years combined. When he left to go to the ministry he was wearing a nice new black robe with blue accents. He had a crisp new dress shirt and new dress pants. He had also bought himself a pair of dress shoes that had secret compartments and he was very happy with his purchase.
It was a confident Remus Lupin that walked into his appointment with the head of the DMLE.
It was a happy, and nervous, Remus Lupin that was taken to the ministry cells after the meeting that lasted for more than an hour was over.
Amelia Bones, head of the DMLE, had wasted no time in bringing Sirius Black back from Azkaban prison. He was scheduled for a hearing in one week and until then Remus was allowed one ten minute visit per day. Madam Bones had also allowed a healer to be floo called and hired to come in once a day to start helping Sirius.
Remus made it to the cell Sirius was in and a guard brought a chair up for Remus. He sat down and looked into the cell. "Siri?" He said, wondering if Sirius was so angry he wouldn't speak to him. Remus had believed Sirius had betrayed the Potters after all, he would understand if Sirius was angry.
"Moony?" A skeptical Sirius asked, walking to the cell door.
"Yeah Padfoot, it's me." Remus said.
"Moony, I didn't do it, I would never betray James and Lily." Sirius said quickly.
"I know, I'm so sorry I ever thought it could be you." Remus said.
"I get it, I mean I'm angry but I know you were on a mission and didn't know we changed secret keepers." Sirius said and looked down. "Do you know why I'm here?" He asked.
"You are getting a new trial Siri." Remus said.
"I never got a trial, so this will be my first." Sirius said, and he heard Remus curse under his breath.
"Look, they are letting me bring in healers to help you, and I already floo called one for today. Your trial is in a week, will you see the healers?" Remus asked.
"Of course, thank you, but how can you afford it?" Sirius asked.
"Don't worry, when you're found innocent and the ministry gives you a big sum of money for an apology you can pay me back." Remus said with a smile.
Sirius smiled at his old friend. "Do you think they will let me take veritaserum?" he asked.
"Let you?! I think they will hand it to you on a silver platter. Are you sure you want to take it?" Remus asked.
"Yes! I know I'm innocent, and if I take it they will believe me." Sirius said.
Remus just nodded and there was a moment of silence.
"Moony… how's Harry?" Sirius asked.
Remus smiled and laughed a little. "Harry is perfectly fine, and he has a story to tell but it is his story and I will let him tell you. He looks like James but still has Lily's eyes. He's intelligent like Lily was, and playful like James." Remus said and smiled sadly, thinking of his friends. "He asked me to live at Potter manor with him today and I accepted. Are you alright with that? Remus asked.
"Of course, I'm glad you're with him." Sirius said.
"Where will you go once you are found innocent?" Remis asked.
"Probably rent some rooms, I don't want to go back to Grimmauld Place. I'm really glad you're with him, that's good." Sirius said.
Just then two Aurors came down the hall between the cells. "Time's up Mr. Lupin. Mr. Black, a healer is here for you." The first Auror said.
They let Sirius out of his cell and he went straight for Remus and hugged him. "Thank you." He said and went with the Auror to meet his healer.
Remus left in the other direction and signed out with the guard, who let him out of the ministry cell black. He knew Sirius was still in a cell, but with no dementors, proper food and a healer, maybe he would be doing at least a little bit better before the hearing.
Remus left Diagon alley for a while. He bought a new pair of trainers and a few pairs of pants. He bought a lot of chocolate and a few snacks that Amelia said he could take Sirius.
Remus was able to apparate to Potter manor and he saw that the Grangers were still there. They looked to be playing some sort of game on the table and there was loud laughter, a stark contrast to where Sirius was currently.
"Hi Remus, nice robe! How did it go?" Emma asked, the first person who noticed him.
"It went very well, but I have a lot to tell." Remus said, sitting down.
Remus told them about seeing Amelia Bones and providing his medical paperwork. "Madam Bones said she would add it to the evidence against Dumbledore, and the evidence is mounting up. They really are putting Dumbledore on trial. There is also Sirius. Harry, what do you know about the Godfather and Godmother rituals?" Remus asked.
Harry looked at Hermione and she shrugged. "Nothing." Harry said.
"Well, when a Godparent goes through the magical ritual they swear on their magic and their life that they will do nothing to hurt the child or the parents." Remus paused here because Hermione gasped, in understanding.
Harry still looked confused. "Harry, don't you see?" She asked but Harry shook his head no. "Your parents stated in their will that Sirius Black is your Godfather by right of the Godfather ritual. He's in jail for betraying your parents and killing muggles. He could never have betrayed your parents or he would be dead right now!" Hermione said.
"The ministry put an innocent man in jail!" Harry said.
"Yes, they did. Madam Bones also realized this and she had Sirius moved to the ministry cell so that he can have a new trial in a week." Remus said.
"I'm sorry to interrupt but we are meeting people for dinner and really must be going." Dan said after he checked his watch and realized the time. He held out his hand to Hermione.
"Could I stay with Harry and Remus? Please?" Hermione asked.
"No, you missed the last dinner we had with the Smyth's and their daughter was upset you weren't there. Say your goodbyes." Emma said.
Remus watched with amusement while Harry and Hermione whispered to each other. It was several minutes before they were done and he was having a difficult time holding in his laughter. They reminded him of James and Lily when they were older.
The Grangers left through the study room and Harry explained the bookcase to him. Remus was impressed with the magic of the bookcase that let the Grangers visit Potter manor without apparating. After that explanation Toney popped in to tell them dinner was ready.
During dinner Remus told Harry that he was allowed to visit with Sirius.
"How is he?" Harry asked.
"He's hopeful, but the years at Azkaban were not kind to him. Do you know about dementors?" Remus asked Harry.
"Yes," Harry said and paused as he ate another bite. "Hermione and I learned about them in lessons. Do you think he will be alright?" Harry asked Remus.
"I think he will be much better, given time and a mind healer. I called for a healer today and Sirius left to see them as I was leaving. He hugged me." Remus said and smiled at the memory.
"That's good, I know that like, everything you go through changes you a little bit, but if he can still be himself then he should be alright." Harry said.
Remus nodded. Then he asked, "So what do the elfs teach you about the magical world?"
The rest of dinner was spent talking over random things Harry had learned about in his magic lessons.
Over the next week Remus acclimated himself to the Potter manor. He had the main fireplace in the floo room connected to the floo network after explaining it to Harry. The elfs and Harry agreed to get the fireplace connected to the floo network so Remus had that set up. He went everyday to talk to Sirius and, after a few days, noticed that he was doing a bit better. Remus floo called everyday to find out what time the healer would arrive to see Sirius. Remus planned his visit to leave Sirius right as he would have to leave to see the healer. Sirius hugged Remus everyday and Remus saw that as a good sign.
He bought new clothes for Sirius and delivered them to Madam Bones so Sirius would have them for the trial. Remus didn't want the magical world to see Sirius Black for the first time in ten years wearing tattered prisoner clothing. He got Sirius the most expensive robe, and clothes to wear under it fit for the Lord of an ancient and noble house. They were expensive, but Sirius would look like the Lord of a house that he was, not a prisoner. That was the most important thing for the trial, he already had the truth on his side, Remus wanted him to look like a member of society.
The day before the trial Remus was having lunch with Harry and Hermione when he brought up what he had been wanting to ask Harry for a week.
"Harry, when Sirius is found innocent, could he stay here, at Potter manor?" Remus asked.
Surprisingly, Harry looked at Hermione, nodding and waiting for her opinion. She nodded back to him and smiled. Remus was amused. They were so young but already had their own way of speaking without words.
"Yes, that sounds fine. Could we go to the hearing?" Harry asked.
"I don't see why not, I need to ask Madam Bones and Sirius first. Hanbey." Remus called.
Hanbey popped in. "Yes Master Remus." Hanbey said.
"Harry asked if he and Hermione could go to the hearing for Sirius, what do you think?" Remus asked.
"I think that sounds fine, Dumbledore is still in custody, right?" Hanbey asked.
"Yes, he doesn't have a date yet for his hearing, I've been asking." Remus said.
"Then it sounds safe for Master Harry, we need to get permission from Mistress Hermione's parents. It could be educational" Hanbey said, happy to still be included.
"That's true, I will let you know what I find out. What lessons are this afternoon?" Remus asked and he saw Harry's face light up.
"Calculus, algebra and history." Harry said excitedly. He enjoyed any type of math.
"I have botany, algebra and history." Hermione said, taking her plate into the kitchen.
"Botany?" Remus asked Harry.
"We learn the basics about plants and some magical plants." He said.
"The Potter elfs have done a fine job with your education, I didn't learn anything about plants until Hogwarts." Remus said.
"Last year I grew corn, tomatoes, a mandrake and watermelons." Harry said proudly. "Hermione is growing beans, a mandrake, strawberries and pumpkins." Harry told Remus.
"And I have to replant my beans, something ate them!" Hermione said with her hands on her hips in the doorway. "I think it was rabbits." She said.
Remus left the room with a smile on his lips.. He took his plate to the sink, like the children had and then said his goodbyes. He was going to talk to Madam Bones about children attending the hearing and then see Sirius. He would ask the Granger parents when they picked up Hermione tonight.
The next day Harry, Hermione and Remus were sitting in the front row of the public area when Sirius was brought in.
Sirius nodded at Remus and his eyes grew watery at seeing Harry. Remus had told Sirius that he would be bringing Harry and Hermione so he could be prepared. Newly appointed Minister Fudge was presiding and was obviously unsure of himself. Sirius requested veritaserum, surprising everyone in the courtroom. Then he told his story and answered the questions put to him.
Hermione was holding Harry's right hand while Remus was holding Harry's left hand while Sirius talked about finding James and Lily dead. He knew the basics of what happened but hearing Sirius retell it was hard on him.
The vote was called by Augusta Longbottom who voted him innocent, along with the majority of the wizengamot. After a lot of words were officially spoken, Sirius was formally cleared of all charges. He was awarded three thousand galleons for each month that he was wrongfully imprisoned, after there was some haggling. He was surprised, but glad, there were still people on his side that helped him haggle. Then he was free and hugging Remus.
"Hello Sir." Harry said when Sirius looked at him.
"Hello Harry, it is good to finally see you again." Sirius said.
"This is my friend, Hermione Granger." Harry said when he noticed Sirius looking at her.
"Hello Sir, congratulations on being freed." Hermione said and shook his hand.
"Would you like to come to Potter manor? The elfs are preparing a good lunch in celebration." Harry said.
"Yes please, that sounds wonderful." Sirius said.
After Sirius was given his wand and personal effects back he talked to Madam Bones for a few minutes, then they went to the apparition areas in the ministry and called for Hanbey and Mairy to come and take them all to Potter manor.
"Wow. looks just like it used to." Sirius said after looking around Potter manor.
"You've been here before?" Harry asked.
"Yes, when I was fourteen I ran away and the Potters took me in. I lived here when school was out until your Grandparents died and James moved out." Sirius said, still looking around.
"Master Sirius!" An elf yelled before she ran to Sirius and was hugging his legs.
"Mistress Toney! It is good to see you." Sirius said, hugging the elf back.
"We had midnight snacks together." Sirius said, looking at a smiling Harry.
They gave Sirius a small tour, mostly of the classroom where Harry and Hermione had lessons. They talked about being homeschooled, showed him the bookcase that would let you pass between Potter manor and the house near Hampstead so the Grangers could get back and forth easily. They added a hair from Sirius and Harry added him to the ward book. Remus had already had a hair added to the bookcase.
They ate lunch with many of the elfs and stories were told about the mischief that Sirius, Remus and James used to get into. There were few mentions of Peter Pettigrew, but he did come up. Sirius got angry every time his name was mentioned. After another hour had passed Sirius got up and said he should go.
"Where?" Harry asked.
"What?" Sirius asked, surprised at the question.
"Where will you be living?" Harry asked.
"Well, I have a house that my family owns," Harry saw the distaste on his face when he talked about the house, " But I might take some rooms for a while." Sirius said.
"Will you stay and live here with me?" Harry asked. He looked at Sirius's face and he was surprised. "I mean, you're my Godfather, and Remus is living here and-" Harry didn't get to finish his last reason.
"I would love to live here with you and Remus, Harry." Sirius said.
Hermione and Harry hugged, Sirius looked at Remus with a raised eyebrow. Remus shrugged.
Sirius went to Gringotts to check on his vault and meet with his account manager. He was surprised that he was Lord Black, he thought his family had disowned him. He got the Lord Black ring and signed the right papers. He withdrew a lot of money, planning to pay Remus back and have some fun now that he was free. The ministry had awarded him three thousand galleons for each month he was imprisoned and he strongly felt it should be spent having a good time.
He bought a lot of new clothes, brooms for himself, Remus, Harry and Hermione, and a muggle motorcycle that he needed four elfs to get back to Potter manor. He went to a muggle grocery store and bought snacks of all kinds and enough chocolate for a year.
Sirius had two visits a day with a mind healer that were each an hour long. He was often tired, but usually very cheerful. The first week of his free life was mostly spent going to the mind healer, eating and sleeping.
He quickly learned that Hermione and Harry were both serious about their studies when he tried to interrupt their lessons with a game of exploding snap.
"We will gladly learn that game, but it is lesson time until noon." Hermione said firmly and Harry nodded his agreement.
Sirius had gone to sit at the dining room table with Remus. "I don't know if I've ever meant two children more serious about learning." Sirius said.
"Yeah, I know. What's funny is they are both at least a year ahead of where they should be at their age." Remus said.
Sirius shook his head. "What about their magic? Have they learned anything?" He asked.
"They are using James's and Lily's wands, and have learned some basic spells. I've learned something slightly alarming." Remus said.
He waited until he had Sirius's full attention. "Severus Snape is the potions teacher at Hogwarts." Remus said.
There were several words spoken about "Snivellus" that Remus wouldn't want to repeat.
"I've been thinking about talking to the elfs about their education. Since they are so far ahead in muggle subjects, what do you think about us teaching them first year potions and some defense lessons? I was thinking about waiting until they go to Hogwarts to look for a job, that would give me plenty of time." Remus said.
"That's a great idea Remus! I also want to teach them to fly. I ordered some brooms but I thought it would be a surprise." Sirius said. "I'll gladly help. My appointment with the mind healer is down to one hour a day, so I would have more time." Sirius said.
During the lunch break Sirius, Remus, Hanbey and Mairy had a talk about teaching Harry and Hermione potions, defense and how to fly. Harry and Hermione were outside trying to fly the kites Sirius had bought them. The elfs thought it was a great idea and they agreed that the 1pm to 4pm time would be for magic lessons, as long as the Grangers agreed.
There was some yelling and Remus started running to where the kids were, until he saw Sirius laughing. Remus walked back to Sirius and said, "So, I'm guessing you feel well enough to start playing pranks?" He asked.
Sirius was still laughing, so he just nodded.
"What is this?" Harry asked, his glasses still stuck on it.
"It's called plastic wrap Harry, my hat got stuck to it when I came in." Hermione said.
Sirius sat on the floor still laughing and moaned out, "His glasses are still stuck."
Remus helped Harry get his glasses off the plastic wrap. "Your Godfather enjoys playing pranks Harry, might have to be more aware." Remus said as he handed Harry his glasses back.
Remus saw Harry and Hermione look at each other. There was a determined nod between them, and he knew that Sirius had just started a prank war, even if he didn't realize it.
Remus and Sirius talked to the Grangers that evening. They were very agreeable since it would give Hermione a head start at Hogwarts. They were tense in the beginning when Hermione first started being homeschooled with Harry but as trust was built up they became much more relaxed. Hermione had been the one to ask to go to Potter manor during the day instead of the house, and they understood. The elfs were also more comfortable there.
Sirius and Remus went to Diagon Alley the next day to buy potions ingredients, cauldrons and all needed safety implements. They bought copies of the standard book for first year potions, 'Magical Drafts and Potions' by Arsenius Jigger. They also got multiple defense books since the first year book of, 'The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection' by Quentin Trimble didn't look very informative. They got a book about flying, because even though Sirius said it was something to be experienced and not to read about, Remus knew the kids would want a book about flying.
Remus and Sirius made it back to Potter manor to have lunch with Harry and Hermione.
"We have news." Sirius said.
"We talked with Hanbey and Mairy, and with your parents Hermione, and from 1pm to 4pm from now on Sirius and I are going to teach you first year potions and defense." Remus said.
"And how to fly." Sirius said with a wide grin.
"But what about my other lessons?" Harry asked.
Remus laughed.
"Harry, you're years ahead of where you should be and Hermione is quickly catching up with you. Remus found out who your potions teacher is and we think it would be a good idea to be ahead in that class. Defense is always a good idea to start early, and flying is wonderful." Sirius said.
"Hanbey said your schedules during regular lessons will be adjusted, and you will still have all your subjects." Remus said.
"It is a good idea to get a head start." Hermione said and Harry nodded.
"Thank you both, that sounds great. When do we start?" Harry asked.
"Tomorrow. Remus and I are getting the potions lab here ready and making a plan." Sirius said.
The rest of lunch was spent discussing their new subjects of potions, defense and flying.
After lunch Remus and Sirius went to the, recently cleaned by wonderful elfs, potions lab at Potter manor. The two worked all afternoon to get a few desks set up and Sirius went out to get a muggle blackboard so potions could be written larger.
That night after Harry had gone to bed he heard Sirius yell, and Remus running. He laid still though and laughed. During their afternoon break he and Hermione had put plastic wrap around the toilet in Sirius's room. They told the elfs what they did, in case one of them went in to clean and saw it.
Harry sat up as his bedroom door opened and saw Hanbey, dignified Hanbey, standing at his door giggling. "It happened, he's laughing now." Hanbey said, nodded, and closed the door. Then he heard Hanbey running down the hall.
Harry had a smile on his face as he went to sleep.
The next morning at breakfast Harry was looking over his notes again for a History test.
Hermione had started coming to the manor at 8am instead of 9am and she was eating breakfast while preparing for an algebra test.
Remus looked at Sirius. "I think we might have two Ravenclaws on our hands." he said and Sirius laughed.
"Raven claws?" Hermione asked. "You mean the houses at Hogwarts?" She asked.
"Yes. The Raven claws are very studious and usually get top marks." Sirius said. "That definitely describes you two." he said and laughed.
"I don't really care what house I'm in, as long as Hermione and I are together." Harry said and Hermione smiled at him. "What house were you two in?" he asked Sirius and Remus.
"Gryffindor." They both said, proudly.
"What house were my parents in?' Harry asked.
"They were also in Gryffindor, but Lily told us the hat almost put her in Ravenclaw." Sirius.
"Gryffindor, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff are all fine houses. I think you would have problems if you were put in Slytherin. The head of that house is the potions teacher we told you about that your Father had problems with in school." Remus said, referring to the conversation they had last night during dinner.
Harry nodded. "That's fine, it still gives us three options." Harry said, looking at Hermione.
"How are people called to the hat? How can we make sure we get the same house?" Hermione asked. She was nervous about her and Harry being split up.
"First year students are called alphabetically by last name, so you would be first Hermione. If you two decide what house you want you can ask the hat." Remus said.
Harry and Hermione nodded at each other and got back to their reading.
"And just so you two know, you won't find any more plastic wrap in the manor. I took care of that." Sirius said, without looking at them.
Hermione just hummed her agreement and looked at Harry out of the side of her eye. He was trying to hide his smile as much as she was, and she found that most amusing.
That afternoon they started potions. Hermione and Harry both made mistakes in their first attempt at the potion cure for boils, but they got their second attempt perfect.
The brooms had been delivered and Remus had been delighted with his new broom. They took Harry and Hermione outside for their first flying lesson after potions.
Harry had been a natural which delighted Remus and Sirius but flying scared Hermione who had a fear of heights. Sirius flew with Harry around the grounds while Remus worked with Hermione. By four in the afternoon Remus had Hermione successfully calling her broom into her hand and flying it about ten feet off the ground. She could also land it properly, and Remus told her he was proud of her.
They went inside for a snack and juice and Harry was full of praise for flying and Sirius was proud of him. Hermione had words about trusting a stick to hold you to fly about in the air.
That evening at 6pm the Granger parents came through the bookcase to have dinner at Potter manor. Hermione and Harry showed them how they could fly on a broom and the Granger parents made jokes about stories of witches on broomsticks.
That afternoon was the trial of Albus Dumbledore for mind magic against Remus Lupin and for knowingly going against a legal document that led to several things, the biggest being keeping the knowledge that an innocent man was behind bars secret for nine years. Albus had been confident going into the trail, he explained he did what he did for the greater good. He thought that was all that was necessary, until Amelia Bones spoke.
Amelia brought up the question that if magicals of Britain can go against documents that should be legally binding then why have them? She had enlarged the scans from Remus Lupin to prove Albus's magical signature was the one that had performed the spells on him. Augusta Longbottom spoke, and also talked about him leaving Harry Potter on a doorstep when he was a year old.
He was found guilty of all charges. He was fined the same amount that had been paid to Sirius Black for his illegal imprisonment, and when Albus heard the total he gulped. That would be over half of the funds he had in his own vault. He was also sentenced to twelve months in the minimum security wing at Azkaban, and lost his seat as Chief warlock on the Wizengamot.
Albus was upset. He had started yelling about harsh punishments and had to be removed from the courtroom. Augusta Longbottom was astonished, she'd thought the punishment was incredibly light considering what Lord Black had gone through.
Amelia Bones sent an owl to Remus and Sirius about the outcome of the trial and they both agreed it was a very light sentence. Sirius said a lot of words Remus didn't want to repeat.
They both wrote back to Amelia and thanked her for letting them know. She had said in her original letter she thought the sentence was light and they both told her they agreed with her.
Life continued to be good for Harry and Hermione. As a change of pace it was good for Remus and Sirius too. There were pranks played almost every other day and Harry and Hermione studied hard to include magic in their pranks.
One morning Sirius came to breakfast with what looked like very bright stars on his face. He said to the snickering children at the table, "Good morning little marauders, I just want to know how you accomplished this, I'm rather impressed." He said.
Remus spit out his eggs when he saw him. He was trying not to laugh but it was impossible.
"We made a potion to mimic the star Sirius and put it in the face cream you use. We used it ourselves to make sure it would work right." Harry said and Hermione nodded, squinting her eyes at the bright Sirius.
"You're really bright this morning Sirius." Remus said and laughed some more.
"I agree, and while this is a fabulous use of magic, how do I stop it? I tried finite, then finite cantatem, and it's not working. I tried meteolojinx recanto in case some element of weather was added. I also tried surgito enchantment in case it was an enchantment. Nothing is working." Sirius said.
Hermione looked at Harry and they both were smiling. "You just have to wash your face." She said and both Harry and Hermione started laughing.
Remus was laughing and muttering, "Just wash your face."
Sirius was back in a few minutes with a smile on his, now normal, face. "That really was a good bit of magic you two." He said, smiling with pride at his little marauders.
Since they had potions class with Remus and Sirius at least five days a week, and sometimes six days, they made it through the first year potions book and was on the second year book before Harry got his Hogwarts letter.
It was Harry's eleventh birthday and they were in the room where they practiced defense. He had no other lessons today, but Harry had been working on increasing his shield charm and Hermione was firing stinging hexes at him when Hanbey walked into the room with an owl.
"Master Harry, I believe your Hogwarts letter has arrived." He said with a smile.
Harry dropped his shield charm and the owl flew to him and dropped the letter into his hands. Then the owl flew out through the window.
"Thank you Hanbey, come see." Harry said to the elf.
Hermione, Remus, Sirius and Hanbey all crowded around Harry as he opened the letter.
"Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July." Harry read.
"But today is July 31st!?" Hermione said.
"I should go write the reply right now." Harry said, and he did. Hermione followed him.
Hanbey, the calm elf, wiped a tear away. "Are you alright, Hanbey?" Sirius asked.
"Yes, of course, I'm fine." the elf said and stood up straighter. "It's just, he's been my responsibility for almost ten years." Hanbey said.
"And you've done a great job. He may be going to Hogwarts, but that doesn't mean he's any less grateful to you." Remus said.
Hanbey nodded and wiped another tear. "Did you know they want to continue learning through the holidays from school? They want to sit the muggle school tests in case they decide to go to muggle university." He said.
"I didn't know, but it's a good idea. You've done a wonderful job with their education." Remus said and Sirius nodded.
They had a party that night to celebrate Harry's eleventh birthday. They had a fun time and tried to teach the Grangers exploding snap, which became hilarious. Harry had mixed feelings, thinking that in just a month he would be leaving home.
That Wednesday Sirius and Remus had a meeting that morning and were late for potions. Harry and Hermione had started without them, but they still questioned why they were late.
"Because we had a meeting." Sirius said, a whisper of a smile across his face.
"What type of a meeting runs for hours?" Harry asked.
"A good meeting, now, let's make a potion." Remus said and Hermione frowned.
Harry looked at Hermione with wide eyes.
"I had teachers in public school that were late all the time, the elves just spoiled us." Hermione said and Harry nodded, he knew he was spoiled by the elfs, in many ways.
They were making the swelling solution today. They had made it yesterday but it didn't turn out right. Harry had really hoped they made it correctly today. If it was correct they were moving to charms for a week.
A few days later, on a Saturday, the Grangers, Remus, Sirius and Harry went to Diagon Alley. They bought all the first year supplies the children didn't already own. Sirius bought them a few presents, fine silk dress robes for their first day and a top of the line magically expanded trunk that had a shrinking and feather light charm on it. The best feature was you could open a secret area and the trunk would expand to a room while remaining the same physical size. It opened up steps and you could walk down the steps into your secret room. Remus bought them fountain pens that would be easier to write with than quills. He told them they could probably only use them for homework, but they would still save their hands a bit.
The Grangers bought lunch in the Leaky Caldron after the shopping. Hermione was teary eyed when she hugged Harry goodbye. The Grangers were going to France for two weeks and it was probably the longest they would go without seeing each other since they met.
Still in the hug, Hermione whispered to Harry, "Don't learn too much without me."
Harry laughed a bit but hugged her tighter and whispered back, "I'm definitely going to." Then Hermione laughed a little bit.
Two minutes later they were still hugging, Dan said, " We have to leave sometime, Hermione."
Hermione finally broke the hug and then hugged Sirius and Remus. "Please tell Hanbey and Mairy I said I will see them soon, I know I already told them bye." She said, then hugged Harry again.
"I'll miss you." Harry whispered to her.
"I'll miss you too. Send me a letter as soon as you can." Hermione whispered back to Harry.
The Grangers left and Harry sat back down with Sirius and Remus. He was sad and he looked like it.
Remus looked at Sirius and nodded.
"We have a surprise that we have been saving for just this moment." Sirius said. "We're taking you to a muggle amusement park tomorrow." He said and smiled.
Harry smiled. "Thanks, that will be fun, Hermione showed me pictures of when she went to one when she was younger." he said, and they talked about how they would get there and other details.
They decided to buy Harry an owl, so he would have one to take to Hogwarts while Loki stayed at the Potter manor. He picked out a beautiful, snowy white owl and called her Hedwig.
Harry had also talked to Sirius about being his magical guardian, which Sirius gladly accepted. They went to Gringotts to get a copy of James and Lily's will and went to the ministry to get it changed.
A/N - I didn't expand on the court scenes because, for 1, I don't know how it would happen in the real story and I would have to go back through the books to find out and B, court always seems a little slow. I think that the most important thing is the outcome.
To be continued.