A/N: Welcome readers. This story is my fourth to be posted on FanFiction dot Net, and seemed like a good way to start off the new year. My two shorter stories are fairly wholesome fun, and the third is significantly more mature. This story is definitely on the MA side, with character bashing, deaths and a fair amount of smut. If this is not the sort of story you're interested in, then please check one of the other fine authors on this site, or even AO3. We're into the busiest part of the year for my job, so updates will NOT be particularly swift or regular. Sorry, but paying bills takes precedence.
Chp. 1: The Departure
Michael Boot, senior partner, came into the law office of Boot, Goldstein & Turpin and followed his usual routine. He said good morning to his personal assistant, Ms. Erika Brocklehurst, and walked into his luxurious office where he promptly hung his formal robes on a brass stand and sat behind an ornate mahogany desk. He was quickly followed by Ms. Brocklehurst who put a cup of coffee in front of him, leaning in more than necessary.
"Big news day today," she said in a breathy voice as she put several Wizarding and Muggle newspapers in front of him.
Barrister Boot only grunted without quite looking into her hazel eyes, and followed her swinging hips as she walked out of the office. Absentmindedly he took a sip of coffee and picked up the copy of "The Daily Prophet". As he read the banner headline the coffee that he was drinking came spraying out his nose.
"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back" it announced. Below the banner, sub-headlines announced; "Battle at the Ministry of Magic", "Escaped convict Sirius Black killed by Death Eaters" and "Harry Potter vindicated after daring Ministry raid".
After drying his face and desk with some tissue, he read the main body of the article.
"A reliable source at the Ministry of Magic has confirmed that several eyewitnesses, including the Minister himself, saw The Dark Lord at the Ministry for Magic Atrium after a duel with disgraced Hogwarts ex-headmaster Albus Dumbledore, and Harry Potter, a.k.a. The-Boy-Who-Lived. As the Ministry Auror force arrived at the scene, the Dark Lord disapparated, escaping capture. These events, which happened more than a week ago, are just coming to light despite efforts by the Ministry to suppress them.
The source informs The Daily Prophet that the evening events started when Harry Potter led a raid into the Department of Mysteries with five additional, and as of now, unidentified fourth and fifth year students of Hogwarts Wizarding School. The students were engaged in a running battle with a dozen Death Eaters who had previously infiltrated the Ministry. Being at a numeric disadvantage, the students were about to be overcome when five combatants from a mysterious organization, known as The Order of the Phoenix, and who were led by Sirius Black, joined the fray and turned the tide of the battle, leading to the capture of eleven Death Eaters. Despite suffering multiple injuries, some serious, all Hogwarts students are expected to make a full recovery. Their identities are being withheld because they are all underage, and not public figures like The-Boy-Who-Lived. During the battle, Azkaban escapee, Bellatrix Lestrange, killed convicted murderer Sirius Black. She was attempting to escape but was thwarted by Harry Potter, who chased her into the Ministry Atrium. However the appearance of the Dark Lord at that moment facilitated her escape, as Potter became engaged in a duel with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named himself. The duel was then joined by Hogwarts ex-headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Several eyewitnesses confirm that there was extensive damage to the Atrium as a result. Our inside source also confirms that there was extensive damage at the Department of Mysteries. There is speculation that the Death Eaters had infiltrated the Ministry in search of a prophesy regarding The-Boy-Who-Lived and the Dark Lord, but that this prophesy was destroyed during the battle. It's not known if the contents of said prophesy were revealed.
The Ministry is expected to make a formal announcement this afternoon about these events. In an effort to diminish the political damage, Minister Fudge is expected to claim he was waiting for a full investigation before revealing to the world the return of the Dark Lord. It is also expected that he will restore Albus Dumbledore as Hogwarts headmaster, and that in a gesture of reconciliation with the maligned Harry Potter, a full pardon will be issued posthumously to Sirius Black for his heroic actions at the Ministry. Harry Potter had previously claimed that his godfather had been falsely convicted and that the true murderer was Peter Pettigrew, who, according to Potter, helped The Dark Lord return last year. As our readers will recall, these claims were officially dismissed by the Ministry as the fantasies of an attention seeking youth, but in light of recent events lend credence to the belief in the innocence of Sirius Black.
The Daily Prophet will have full coverage of today's announcement in our next issue.
See page 3 for a list of captured Death Eaters, including members of prominent families.
See page 4 for a report on the disgraceful tenure of Fudge appointee, Dolores Umbridge as Hogwarts headmistress."
"Ms. Brocklehurst, come immediately," Michael Boot called urgently through the intercom, "and bring the Sirius Black file with you!"
OoOoO
Harry could feel that this was going to be the worst summer ever. As soon as they had arrived from King's Cross his uncle had slapped him so hard on the back of the head that he had seen flashes of light for the next minute. He had warned him to keep any correspondence with members of the Order in a positive tone and not give his "freaky friends" any reason to come snooping to Privet Drive, or else. Harry hated the fact that he had meekly agreed. He especially hated that he was cowed by his uncle despite the fact that he was just a pathetic, overweight bully. He was supposed to rid the world of Voldemort, and yet he couldn't help but being intimidated by this over the hill, sorry excuse of a human being.
The next two days Harry hardly ate, slept or even came out of his room. The events at the Department of Mysteries kept replaying in his mind. A million "what ifs" kept popping up in his head, but it always ended with guilt. Guilt for Sirius's death most of all, but also guilt for the injuries to Hermione, Ron, Neville and Ginny. Oddly enough, the person one would least expect had been the person most unscathed from the whole fiasco, Luna.
Was she for real?
Harry couldn't figure out the blond Ravenclaw, but there was something about her. Luna's words at the end of term had been the only consolation he had been able to find, and when he thought about her words he could still find solace in them. She seemed so absolutely certain about seeing her own mother again, that Harry could not help believing he would also see his mother, father and Sirius again. And yet, she was so strange, so dotty, so bloody loony, that even when she made sense, one doubted what she said. Then there was the business with the Veil. Harry wondered why she could hear the voices behind it, and Neville, who could also see Thestrals, apparently couldn't. He tried to wrap his mind around the concept of the Veil and all he could get for his troubles was a gigantic headache.
The other surprise for him that night had been Neville. In spite of his clumsiness, his fierce, almost reckless bravery had impressed him. He no longer doubted that he belonged in Gryffindor. The fact that he too could have been saddled by the burden of the prophecy made Harry feel a kind of kinship with him.
Ginny, he couldn't consider a surprise. Her stubbornness and determination were legendary among the Weasley brothers. They all seemed to have a healthy fear of her. Judging from the way she had confronted him at the forest and forced her inclusion into the Ministry raid, they had good reason to be wary. That day at the forest he had behaved like a prat in general, but he had been particularly insufferable with Ginny. She just refused to be intimidated by him. Harry remembered with fondness Ginny's fierce brown eyes, and her pretty face flushed with anger. He regretted his condescending behavior, and hoped he could make amends somehow. At the Ministry, by all accounts, Luna and Ginny had carried out a brilliant fighting retreat out the 'Planet Room', where both witches managed to protect an incapacitated Ron. Despite a broken ankle, Ginny had kept fighting and refused help until her brother was led to safety by Luna. He would not underestimate them ever again.
Hermione and Ron, on the other hand, were a known quantity. He knew they would go to the ninth circle of hell and back for him, but that only made him feel more responsible for their injuries. Hermione had been right all along. He had fallen into a trap like an idiot. It was sheer luck that Hermione hadn't been killed by his stupidity. He was not sure what was worse; having to admit he had been wrong, or Hermione inevitably reminding him she had been right.
A shudder ran through his body when he thought about his friends. Bellatrix knew or could easily find out who had been with him at the Ministry. His friends had put themselves in the line of fire and now were undoubtedly prime targets for the wrath of the Death Eaters and Voldemort. His only options were to push them away completely and leave them to their own devices, or to pull them in closer and risk the danger that his proximity would bring. He struggled with both ideas, but could not decide what was the right thing to do.
After two guilt ridden days, full of wallowing in misery and self-pity, Harry got really angry. His seething anger fell squarely on Albus Dumbledore. Up to now his life had been dictated and run by the headmaster. He was the one that set him up for a life of misery and abuse at Privet Drive. He either had not cared enough or had not bothered to find out about the living hell he was being subjected to by the Dursleys. His anger reached a crescendo when he remembered the conversation he had with Dumbledore at the end of term.
"I cared about you too much. I cared more for your happiness than your knowing the truth, more for your peace of mind than my plan."
How dare he say he cared about him, much less cared about his happiness when he was stuck once again with people who hated and abused him? Dumbledore could not really claim ignorance. Even if he didn't get a hint when his admission letters where addressed to "the cupboard under the stairs", Harry was certain that he must have known of the condition he was being kept in after the rescue from the Dursleys before his second year.
Maybe it was all about Dumbledore's "plan" and nothing else after all. Why on Earth did the headmaster seem to think that being miserable was going to help him defeat Voldemort was something he couldn't comprehend. Had Dumbledore been playing with his psyche all along for his own purposes, or had he simply not cared enough?
"…my plan."
What right did Dumbledore have to have a plan for him, and what part in that plan did Snape play? Surely the headmaster was not so clueless as to not know that having Snape teach him Occlumency was a recipe for disaster. Once again, Dumbledore had willingly, and knowingly, put him in the hands of someone that hated him, to be abused. He had to know that a man so full of hate and pettiness as Snape was not qualified to teach anyone, no matter how good a Potions Master or an Occlumens he was.
Harry's anger flared at the thought of how his failure at Occlumency had led to Sirius's death, and to his friends' injuries. Surely most of the blame was his, but part of it lay squarely on the headmaster and his choices.
Then there was the matter of the prophecy. All of Dumbledore's benevolent excuses for keeping it secret from him seemed hollow when he thought about the misery he had been subjected thanks to the headmaster. Knowing his destiny was no more painful than leading the life he had been subjected to. Besides, he already had started suspecting that he would play a vital role in the defeat of Voldemort. That was the only explanation for the bastard's obsession with him. It was a heavy burden, but one he was glad to have.
Maybe that was Dumbledore's plan all along; make him hate his life so much that he would be happy to die ridding the world of Voldemort. His parents and his godfather were dead, and at that moment, isolated in Privet Drive, it seemed that he had no reason to live for other than revenge. Death would be a welcomed liberation from the pain and guilt he felt. Surely Ron and Hermione would mourn his death, but even if they didn't realize it yet, they at least had each other. He, on the other hand, wouldn't be a loss to anybody.
It was now obvious to him that Dumbledore simply wanted to manage his life until the moment they saw fit for Harry to confront Voldemort. Dumbledore saw himself as the puppet master and Harry as the puppet that had to be kept in the dark until it was time to perform. What Harry could not understand or forgive was the fact that Dumbledore did not see the need to prepare him for the inevitable confrontation. He had not bothered to teach him anything at all, despite the fact that Voldemort had tried repeatedly to kill him. Instead, with the exception of Lupin, he had managed to appoint a string of incompetent Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers. The list included a teacher possessed by Voldemort, a Death Eater in disguise, and how to forget the self-promoting fraud, who managed to keep his job an entire year despite the fact that his incompetence was evident to everyone. What was Dumbledore waiting for? What was he playing at?
The realization of what he had to do hit Harry like a ton of bricks. He had to become a killer. No matter how much one tried to sugar-coat it, the reality could not be denied. In all likelihood it was going to be more than just Voldemort. What did that make him? Did it make him a monster like Voldemort and his servants?
Fate had placed him in a kill or be killed situation. Other than letting himself and his friends be mercilessly murdered, he had no choice. Voldemort and the Death Eaters on the other hand, did. He hated them even more for being forced into this decision. He would never be a murderer, but he would become a killer if he had to.
There was a difference. Wasn't there?
He would never kill the innocent, the wounded, or those who surrendered. However, those wielding wands against him, he would make pay a price. He would not allow them to act with impunity if he could help it. Maybe Dumbledore was a better man than him, or maybe he was just a fool. The headmaster believed in giving everyone a chance at redemption. Harry was happy to let the old man be the Redeemer. He would be the Avenger.
Harry hoped that Hermione would understand. He was afraid she would never go along with a more proactive stand against Voldemort since she had a rather extreme view of what fairness and justice were. But this was war, and if he was not mistaken, Muggles had rules for such a thing. Hermione could research some rules for him.
A grim determination set over Harry at that moment. He was going to face his destiny with or without Dumbledore's help. He was a marked man, most probably marked to die, but he would do everything possible to take Voldemort with him. The days of pussyfooting, and Expelliarmus charms were over for him. From this day on he was going to relentlessly get ready for his appointment with destiny.
Later that night, as he lay in bed and some of his earlier exuberance had faded, Harry felt the immense weight of the responsibility that the prophecy had trusted upon him. He was woefully unprepared, and if Dumbledore was unwilling to prepare him, he was dead.
The prospect of dying didn't scare Harry. But the prospect of what would happen to the Weasleys, Hermione, Neville and Luna, did.
Harry had to get ready for what was coming, and he had no idea where to start.
OoOoO
The next morning Harry was awoken from a restless sleep by the sound of an owl tapping his window pane. It was an eagle owl he had never seen before. Harry let it in, and removed an envelope from its leg. As soon as he did so, the owl simply turned around and flew out the window. Inside the envelope was Muggle silver coin, and a high-quality piece of parchment with a heading that read "Law office of Boot, Goldstein & Turpin" in gold lettering.
Dear Mr. Potter,
Our law office has been retained by your late godfather, Mr. Sirius Black, to handle his last will and testament as well as to manage his and your estates and other legal matters in the strictest confidentiality. The coin included in this letter is a special Portkey protected by attorney-client privilege from detection, and will automatically be activated tomorrow at 11:00 AM to transport you to our offices. Should you fail appear for this appointment, the Black estate will revert to the nearest blood relative, Narcissa Malfoy, ne Black. Your godfather anticipated you might be suspicious about this letter, and in particular about the Portkey, therefore he requested us to inform you that confirmation of the veracity of this letter and our claims could be obtained by asking Mr. Remus Lupin, who is of your acquaintance.
We look forward to a productive business relationship with you.
Yours Truly,
Michael Boot
Harry quickly made a note to Remus telling him what had just happened, and asking for confirmation before sending Hedwig on its way. Harry lay down on his bed, his mind racing. The idea of Sirius leaving him anything when he was directly responsible for his death distressed him a great deal, but the alternative was simply unacceptable. There was no way he could allow Sirius's money and property to fall in the hands of the Malfoys. He carefully examined the coin he had received in the letter. It was a Chinese 20 Yuan silver piece that had a dog engraved on one side.
He smiled despite himself at his godfather's sense of humor. He thought about the time he had spent with Sirius and regretted having shared so little with him, and not being able to fulfill the dream of one day moving in with him. He fought the tears that started filling his eyes until, amid a torrent of memories, sleep claimed him.
Several hours later he was awoken by Hedwig pulling at his ear. Hardly able to contain his excitement and apprehension, he took the parchment from the bird's leg.
Dear Harry:
I hope the Muggles are treating you well, and most importantly, that you are treating yourself well. Please don't punish yourself for things that aren't your fault. You don't need to thank me about the Ministry. Even though I'm not your godfather, you're the last link to James and Lily that I have. Going to the Ministry to help my friend's son was the only honorable thing to do.
Sirius and I had many conversations during the last summer and winter breaks. I can tell you that he loved you dearly and wanted nothing more than to be a father to you. I can also tell you that he was sick of being locked up at Grimmauld Place on Dumbledore's orders, and was working in setting up some things for both of you. He did not fully disclose what those things were to me. Sirius was getting ready to fight because he wanted to go on the offensive. He knew the risks and also knew that dying was a possibility. It was his choice. He said to me that he wanted to leave you all the necessary tools in case anything happened to him, and that if a silver dog arrived, you should take it. I don't know what he meant by this, but judging by your letter you probably know exactly what it means already.
Remember that you are not alone and that you have friends that care for you and are ready to stand by your side in the hard times that are sure to come.
Your friend,
Remus
Harry's curiosity was piqued be Remus' response. The morning could not come soon enough.
OoOoO
Harry landed in the corner of a conference room, wand at the ready on his right hand, and the silver coin on the left. There was a large crystal table in the center, and four black leather chairs around it. An attractive blond, probably in her mid-twenties, was standing on the other corner wearing a black skirt that complemented her body, and a white blouse. She looked at Harry with curiosity for a moment.
"I'm Erika Brocklehurst, executive assistant to Mr. Boot. Please take a seat Mr. Potter. I'll notify Mr. Boot you've arrived." She started walking towards the door, but he didn't put the wand away until she had turned her back on him.
His eyes, though, kept following her swinging hips until she disappeared from sight. Harry had been so distracted by Ms. Brocklehurst that he hadn't noticed there was another figure in the room until it started laughing.
"I'm very disappointed, Harry. If there is a Death Eater as fetching as Ms. Brocklehurst, you are doomed," Remus Lupin said coming out of the far corner. "We'll need to work on your situational awareness."
"Professor Lupin," Harry said startled. "I hadn't seen you."
"It's Remus, Harry; I'm no longer a professor."
Harry sat on one of the chairs on the side of the table, and Lupin sat facing him. They waited, looking at their surroundings. Everything in the room was modern, elegant, and expensive looking. Harry was admiring a glass sculpture that was on a niche on the wall when a tall man with greying hair and wearing a black Muggle suit walked in smiling and extending his hand at him. Harry got up and the man shook his hand vigorously. Ms. Brocklehurst walked in right after him with several files and something that looked like a small Pensieve. Mr. Boot shook both Harry's and Remus's hands before they all sat down.
"I'm Michael Boot; it's an honor to finally meet you Mr. Potter. I had already met Mr. Lupin long ago," he said appraising Harry with his eyes. "As you know, my firm was retained by your godfather to handle your affairs. I must also say that I considered myself a friend of your godfather. We went to Hogwarts at the same time, even though my house was Ravenclaw. You have your mother's eyes..." he said suddenly, as if remembering something.
"So I'm told," Harry replied. "You knew my mother?"
"Not socially, but everyone who went to Hogwarts during those years remembers her eyes, I'm sure."
"Are you related to Terry Boot?"
"Yes. He is my nephew. He is very proud of being of your acquaintance, but does not talk much about it, though. He just says he is part of some sort of school club, and that you lead it. I believe that Susan Bones is also a member of your club. You probably know that her aunt is Amelia Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and member of the Wizengamot. Susan has spoken very positively about you and the school club to her aunt. That is fortunate for your case because Madame Bones views you very favorably. I don't think it's all for altruistic reasons, though. She is making a political statement by asserting the separation of powers between the judicial and executive branches."
Harry was happy to see that the DA members were still keeping the confidentiality clause. After seeing what had happened to Marietta Edgecombe, he doubted anyone would be talking idly about the DA. One thing he had not envisioned was the social networking possibilities. The DA was a diverse group of students that probably contacted many levels of the Wizarding society. That could become useful in the struggle against Voldemort.
"Let's get started with business, shall we?" Mr. Boot said with a wide smile. "As you probably know, Sirius was your legal guardian but was prevented from exercising his rights as guardian because of his legal troubles. With his death the guardianship issue became very murky, but we were prepared to aggressively follow his wish of granting you emancipation," seeing Harry's puzzled face, he elaborated, "basically legally declaring you an adult. He originally wanted to pass the guardianship to Mr. Lupin, but his status as a werewolf presented a legal challenge. The guardianship issue was unexpectedly made a lot simpler by the pardon that the Minister granted your godfather. I'm sure he did not envision this consequence, but basically it will make Sirius's stated wish in his testament to grant your emancipation virtually impossible to contest. On the other hand, all our legal maneuvers have been helped tremendously by the friendly disposition of Madame Bones to your case."
"Does that mean that I'll be able to Apparate, once I learn of course, and do magic anywhere?" Harry asked, excited about the possibility.
"Once we read the testament and sign a few papers, yes. Should we proceed to that?" the barrister asked as he handed him and Lupin several pieces of parchment. "These are copies of the testament so you can read along. Also attached is a summary of the properties, assets, investments, and cash involved. There is also a message from Sirius that he left for both of you to view in a Pensieve. As far as testaments go, this is pretty straight forward but if you have any questions I'll answer them after I've finished." He cleared his throat and started reading.
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
I, Sirius Black, resident in London, England, unmarried, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, and being over 17 years of age, and not being actuated under any duress, menace, fraud, mistake or undue influence, do make publish and declare this to be my last Will, hereby expressly revoking all previous Wills and Codicils, previously made by me.
I. Executor: I appoint Remus Lupin as the Executor of my Last Will and Testament and provide if this Executor is unable or unwilling to serve, then I appoint Nymphadora Tonks as alternate Executor.
II. Guardian: In the event I shall die as the sole guardian of the minor Harry James Potter, I declare my wish that said ward Harry James Potter be granted emancipation with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of an adult.
III. Bequest: To my friend Remus John Lupin I leave the amount of 250,000 Galleons, amount that shall be transferred from the Black vault at Gringotts Bank. In addition I bequeath him my property at 12 Grimmauld Place in London along with all its contents.
IV. Bequest: To my cousin Nymphadora Tonks I leave the amount of 500,000 Galleons, amount that shall be transferred from the Black vault at Gringotts Bank.
V. All Remaining Property: I give, devise and bequeath all of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, of whatever kind and character and wherever located, to my godson, Harry James Potter.
There followed several technical clauses about additional powers, waivers and provisions that Harry frankly did not understand. He was just too astonished to have been left practically everything Sirius had ever owned to pay much attention after that point.
After he finished reading, Michael Boot gave Harry and Remus a quick glance. "Any questions?"
Both just stared and him blankly, so he continued, "If any come up later, feel free to ask. Now, if I can draw your attention to the attached documents Mr. Potter, you'll see a summary of the assets of Mr. Black of which you will now have full control. The Black vault at Gringotts contained as of yesterday 4,575,984 Galleons in cash, which means that after Mr. Lupin's and Ms. Tonks bequeaths are transferred out, you'll have 3,825,984 Galleons in cash. The investment portfolio which is handled by our money management division, is estimated as of yesterday to be worth 6,685,122 Galleons. You'll need to decide today if you want our firm to continue to handle those investments."
"Of course, that'll be satisfactory," Harry said still trying to grasp the amounts discussed.
"Excellent. Since you'll legally become an adult after we sign all the paperwork, you will come into full possession of the Potter estate as well."
"The Potter estate?" Harry asked looking confused. "I have access to a vault with about 100,000 Galleons right now."
"That's only your trust fund vault, Mr. Potter. If you look at the next attachment, the Potter vault at Gringotts to which you will now have full access, has as of yesterday 2,158,957 Galleons in cash plus many valuable family items and heirlooms. The investment portfolio of the Potter estate totals 4,854,844 Galleons."
"Blimey!" was all that Harry could say.
Remus Lupin was looking confused about the amounts being discussed "What does all of that mean?" he asked.
"It means that Mr. Potter is a rich man.." He then turned to Harry. "Our law firm and money management division deal with both a Wizarding and Muggle clientele and investments. I feel we are uniquely qualified to handle your needs Mr. Potter. Do you want us to continue handling the Potter assets as well?"
"Err… Yes," Harry replied.
"Great. Finally, before we move to the Pensieve message, let me give you the keys to the flat your late godfather had got for himself in London, and which now becomes yours," he said pushing a set of keys to Harry. "It was Mr. Black's intention to move in there with you once it was finished. It's a three bedroom, three bathroom flat located at 5 Monck Street. As per Mr. Black's instructions it was modernized and decorated sparing no expense. Ms. Brocklehurst here is Muggle-born, and was in charge of the renovation and decor," he turned to his assistant. "Could you give us a brief report, Ms. Brocklehurst?"
"Certainly," she said confidently. "Your godfather's only instructions were to keep the colors light and to keep in mind that he was planning on bringing 'babes' over some day," she said with a sly smile. "I had a standing invitation."
Harry and Remus laughed out loud when she said this.
"The Muggle character has been kept to the maximum. The only ward is an Owl Confundus charm that will only allow your familiar to find it. There is only one magical secure room; the training room, which is warded, and has everything for Magical and Muggle fight training. You can, of course, Apparate out of the room in case of an emergency. According to the latest magical census, this area of the city has the smallest density of wizards, so, with a few basic precautions, you should blend in easily."
She pushed a set of Muggle photographs to Harry who started viewing them. As he saw the photos, he pushed them to Lupin in turn.
"Did Sirius want us to move in into this lightly warded flat? Is that safe?" Harry asked turning to Lupin.
"It's called 'hiding in plain sight', Harry. I understand it can be really effective, but there are of course no guarantees. Remember that Voldemort and his followers have contempt for all things Muggle. Sirius thought that a flat in the middle of a big city like London is the last place they'll think of as a hiding place. I tend to agree."
Harry nodded and turned to Ms. Brocklehurst. "You've done an excellent job, miss. I really like it," he said approvingly.
"Excellent," Mr. Boot chimed in. "You, of course, also come into ownership of the property known as Godric's Hollow, but that property is as of now, still in ruins. Your godfather thought it was up to you to decide if you wanted to rebuild it, leave it as it is, or renovate it."
Harry thought about the place where his parents had died for him, and were his life had forever changed. He had no feelings about the place. At the moment the possibility of surviving to live at Godric's Hollow seemed so remote and unlikely that any rebuilding seemed like a waste.
"Can we see the message from Sirius now?" Harry said sidestepping the issue.
"Of course," answered Mr. Boot as Ms. Brocklehurst placed the Pensieve between Harry and Lupin. She took out a phial with a silvery mist from a case that contained several labeled phials of the same shape. She then extracted it with her wand and placed it in the Pensieve.
Harry and Lupin inclined their heads into the Pensieve and fell into a white room in which Sirius was already sitting on a comfortable chair. The only other things in the room were two more chairs in front of Sirius. Harry and Lupin looked at each other and took a seat. The sight of Sirius brought incredible sadness to Harry as the figure didn't move for several seconds. He contemplated his godfather's once handsome features, and the ruin caused by his years in Azkaban. Suddenly the image of Sirius began to talk.
"Harry and Remus, first let me apologize for dying or getting myself killed regardless of the circumstances. Please understand that any death was better than the slow death I was suffering at Grimmauld Place. After several months stuck there on Dumbledore's orders, I was either going to go crazy, or kill myself. The only things that kept me going were the thought of you, Harry, and the promise I made to you to one day live as a family together. I was a fool for letting Dumbledore dictate my life, and telling me what I should or shouldn't do. Please understand, Harry, that Dumbledore is a great man, but he is just a man. He has made many mistakes, and I'm afraid he is losing his edge. When I look at your life, and see how you've lived so far with those despicable people, dressed in rags and suffering all kinds of outrage at their hands, I cannot but feel guilty at having failed James and Lily in taking care of you. Dumbledore's reasons for keeping you there are suspect at best.
He of course claims to have a bloody plan, but so far it seems his plan is just to wait, do nothing, and tell no one about his bloody plan. I'm alarmed to see your level of training in dueling and fighting techniques. It may be excellent for someone your age that has been mostly self-taught, but it's really lacking for someone who seems to be attacked at least once a year by Voldemort himself. Why Dumbledore hasn't taken up your training himself is a mystery to me. In view of this situation, I decided to take matters into my own hand as I should have done from the beginning. You should know that you can count on Remus and Tonks to train you to the fullest extent of their knowledge. They will remain members of the Order, but they are also growing weary of Dumbledore, and are committed to you first. I also trust Moody and Shacklebolt. I think you should too. They are for a more aggressive plan of action instead of Dumbledore's Fabian strategy.
For several months I have been taking steps to help you on your mission, and to accelerate your learning if something happens to me. The first step is to get you out of Privet Drive and Dumbledore's control. I have planned for you to be granted emancipation and to move into my flat in London. Dumbledore does not know of its existence. Since it's a Muggle flat, its magical signature will be minimal. He of course would not approve of any of this, and will try to persuade you by any means necessary to do as he says. Keep your whereabouts secret. A special Portkey has been created to transport you to your flat from any location you are in. Beware of Dumbledore's bloody twinkling eyes. I'm convinced it's some sort of glamour or sympathy enchantment. He is a manipulator, and when he thinks he is right about something, will do some downright underhanded, even immoral things to get his way. He is not used to anybody questioning his decisions or motives.
The other step I have taken is for Remus and Tonks to train you whenever you are not in school. It will be intense and tiring, but you will be safer for it. I also left with Michael, your lawyer, a set of phials that contain knowledge in magical and Muggle fighting techniques. It works on the same principle as the memory Pensieve and memory extraction. The difference is that the phials contain knowledge to be introduced into your brain. You can only do one phial a day to allow for the knowledge to be assimilated. Once the contents are in your head you will instinctively know all the movements and techniques of that particular subject. Remember you will have knowledge, but not practice. You will still need to practice what you learned, and develop the muscle memory necessary to refine your technique. There are also phials to learn Occlumency, Apparition as well as other things I consider might be useful to you. All of the phials were obtained from the best sources I could find in their respective fields.
Remember that knowledge is not a substitute for education or training. I expect you to finish school at Hogwarts and get good grades. The purpose of education is not just to put knowledge in your head. Its main goal is to forge a man out of you; one that has values and a moral center. The friends and contacts you make in school will be decisive for the rest of your life. Just imagine how poorer your life would be without the friendships and experiences you have acquired at Hogwarts. I hope I didn't sound too much like Molly Weasley just now. (Sirius's image laughed)
To finish, let me make clear that I don't think Dumbledore is evil, or that he does not have a role to play in this mess. I just think his approach is wrong and that he has made horrible decisions when it comes to you. His judgment is slipping. I still hold hope that he will see, and accept, his mistakes."
At that point Harry felt himself pulled back from the memory and landed on the leather seat in the conference room. He sat back thinking of what Sirius had said, but his thought were interrupted by Remus.
"Harry, I know this is all very sudden, but you need to make a decision now. Are you going to follow Sirius advice, defy Dumbledore and leave Privet Drive, or would you rather keep things going as they have been?"
There was a tense pause.
"How soon can I leave?" Harry said with a sly smile.
Lupin smiled back. "All you have to do is pick up your things and then use this." He handed him a gold coin with a stag engraved on one side. "It's a special and highly illegal Portkey. It will activate only for you, but you may carry passengers. All you have to do is say 'Domus' and it will take you from anywhere you may be to your flat."
Harry admired the beautiful engraving of the stag for several seconds. A thought crossed his mind.
"Could you make more of them if necessary?" Harry asked Remus still fingering his coin.
"Sure. Just keep in mind there's a hefty payment to the Ministry employee that makes them to let himself be Obliviated. What do you have in mind?"
"The friends that went with me to the Ministry will become targets, and they cannot Apparate out of trouble. I want to give them something in case of an emergency."
"I guess you are right. It's also very thoughtful of you. Should I commission five more?"
"Not yet, I want them to be special. Something to show my gratitude. I'll tell you when I'm ready." After a brief pause he continued. "Can I tell Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna I'm OK when I leave? I'm sure Dumbledore will interrogate them as soon as he finds out I'm missing. I won't tell them where I am. At least not yet."
"That's probably a good idea."
Harry turned towards Mr. Boot. "Where are the phials mentioned on the message?"
"That, Mr. Potter, is the most valuable legacy your godfather has left you. I'll give them to you when you arrive at your new flat... let's say in two hours?
Harry nodded his agreement, and turned towards Remus. "When will you start my training? I want to get started. Too much time has been wasted already."
"Tonks will stop by the flat later today to show you how to use the phials, but take a day to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings," his former and future professor replied. "How about if the day after tomorrow Tonks and I pay you a visit in the evening so we can work out the details for the rest of your training?"
"Excellent," Harry replied excited about the new life that awaited him.
OoOoO
After spending almost an hour signing papers and reading a lot of small print, Harry Portkeyed back to Privet Drive with the Chinese coin. He started gathering his things and putting them in his trunk. He decided to leave most of the clothes behind and just take enough for a few days. After he finished packing, he stepped out of his room and walked down the stairs. He stopped in front of the cupboard under the stairs and made an effort to leave all the negative feelings and hate that he had for this place behind. He took a deep breath and felt much lighter. He took a last peek inside, but found nothing of his. Only the monsters and the nightmares remained.
He went back to his room and wrote five letters that were pretty much identical. Five people had proven themselves to be the most reliable, and loyal of friends, These were friends who had signed up for a suicide mission for him, and they deserved no less than him returning that loyalty.
Dear Ron,
Shortly after I finish writing this letter, I'll be leaving Privet Drive forever against Dumbledore's wishes. I expect him to arrive at the Burrow fairly quickly to raise hell and interrogate you. All I can tell you right now is that I'm OK, and that I'm leaving for a much better place. You may not hear from me for several weeks at a time as I expect to be very busy. In any case I will see you on September 1st on the Hogwarts Express.
Your friend,
Harry
P.S. You can show Dumbledore this letter.
Harry gave the letters to Hedwig and instructed her to make sure she was not followed back. Hedwig dipped her head two times to indicate she understood. "Smart girl," Harry said scratching her head before the owl flew out the window.
Harry figured it was best to let someone know he was leaving, but his uncle was out working and his aunt apparently had left to gossip with a neighbor. Harry could hear the sound of video games coming out of Dudley's room upstairs, so went up and knocked on his door.
"What do you want, freak? Didn't dad tell you not to come out of your room?" Dudley bellowed from inside.
"May I come in? I just need to tell you something quickly."
The door burst open and his cousin's piggy face peered out scowling. "What is it?"
"I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving, Big D. If you and I are lucky, this is the last time we'll see each other."
Dudley's scowl transform into an expression of puzzlement. "Are you running away?"
"You could say that. People, or rather freaks, as you call them, may come looking for me. Just tell them I left on my own, and that I'm Okay. I really would be grateful if you could do that."
Dudley just stared blankly as if he could not grasp what Harry was saying. Harry turned around and walked to his room. Once inside he grabbed the handle of his trunk with one hand and took out the gold coin and grabbed Hedwig's cage with the other. Just as he was going to say the word, Dudley appeared on the door.
"Is this for real?" he asked is a low voice.
"Yes, Big D. You can start the party preparations. I'm sure your parents will be delighted."
Dudley looked very uncomfortable and stared at the floor before he raised his head. "Good luck, Harry," he said finally.
"Thanks, Dudley. Domus." Harry felt a familiar tug behind his navel. The last thing he saw was his cousin's surprised face.
Just like that, Harry Potter left Privet Drive forever.
A/N 2: Hope you enjoyed the start. I look forward to your comments. Mahalo!