To clarify why I've chosen Millicent for the role in this chapter, I want to point out she strangled Hermione at one point and was displayed as a very unpleasant character (in fifth year joining the inquisitorial squad) and so I have continued her depiction as a bully.
I also want to say I'm not researching what houses are what in the Harry Potter universe for politics but am choosing myself which are Noble and Ancient, just Noble etc so please don't review saying it isn't accurate as I know that and am choosing to do something different.

Also, if you like the Sirius/Harry relationship in this story check out another of mine 'The Order reads Harry Potter' which follows the same theme.

lady sesshomaru sama 949 – you'll see Mr Weasley's reaction in this chapter!

Arnie1701 – that is correct, neither have claim to the Hufflepuff title. Honestly I hadn't planned for there to be an heir to Hufflepuff as there was never any plan to control Hogwarts? It was more that Gryffindor and Slytherin for Harry worked and for Hermione being the heir of Ravenclaw… I suppose it just felt like it could work and I wanted to put emphasis on a muggleborn having such a prestigious title (and will when she becomes more active in politics).

BellaK26 – it was quite a wild chapter wasn't it? While this chapter doesn't contain as much drama I hope you'll enjoy Mr Weasley's reaction!

Chapter 10

The sounds of clattering trunks along with shouts of goodbyes and tears whipped around them as Harry flung his arms around Sirius. Hermione was tactfully saying goodbye to Remus, knowing he wouldn't like the attention and making Ron follow her example. "Promise you'll write." Harry's voice was muffled in Sirius's coat who immediately agreed as he played with his godson's hair, a habit he had developed over the last week Harry had been living with him.

Harry eventually let go as the whistle blew and let Hermione and Ron say goodbye to Sirius while he did so with Remus, already feeling a pang of homesickness at leaving his family behind. His family. The thought that had casually drifted through his mind as he boarded the train hit him full force, they were his family. The warmth that came with that realisation faded as worry curled in him. He'd never had a family before. What if he messed up? What if he couldn't live up to everyone's expectations? Sirius had already sacrificed so much for him; he couldn't mess it up for his godfather.

"Harry? We have to go for the prefects meeting but I swear we'll be back as soon as possible," Hermione said earnestly but Harry waved a hand, dumping his trunk in the compartment alongside theirs.

"Don't worry about it, I'll save the compartment for you guys. Is there any food you want me to get from the trolley?"

After taking the few items Hermione wanted and Ron's full on shopping list, Harry settled by the window, taking out a book his godfather leant him an animagi. Sirius had promised that he would help the three of become animagi but they had to wait to do the practical part till the summer holidays as he wanted them to be proficient at wandless magic. This was fair enough as Sirius had told them honestly that it was risky enough he and James had done it unaided but the fact they hadn't mastered wandless magic increased the risk of them transforming and being unable to turn back, along with other unwanted side effects.

It was about half an hour before Hermione and Ron returned, meaning they still had about seven hours to go till they arrived. Hermione settled in next to Harry while Ron flopped opposite them, rolling his eyes at the sight of Harry reading a book. "She's cursed you," he moaned. "How could you Hermione?"

The witch in question rolled her eyes, muttering something Harry chose not to hear.

"Nice Umbridge won't be back," Ron said as Harry shoved the book back into his trunk.

"Agreed. Honestly, I've never hated a teacher as much as I hate her, even Snape."

"You know when you're more hated than Snape that you're an awful person," Harry broke in with a laugh, causing Ron to snort and Hermione smile. "At least both are gone now."

"So it's true? Snape's definitely gone then?" Neville asked, entering the compartment and smiled when Hermione gestured for him to sit.

"Not sure how he'd be teaching us in Azkaban," Ron said nonchalantly. Harry grinned at that while Hermione huffed at the uncaring attitude he portrayed. While she may hate him she disliked Azkaban just as much, believing it to be inhumane for prisoners. He was just waiting for her to announce her idea to clear the dementors out of Azkaban.

"He's in Azkaban?"

"Haven't you read the prophet recently?" Hermione asked curiously and Neville shook his head.

"Gran refused to buy it remember after it spewed all that nonsense about you last year. Still hasn't restarted her subscription so I haven't really heard anything apart from Dumbledore has been sentenced for aiding and abetting child abuse. Like what the hell?"

"You got that right," Ron replied grimly, a scowl settling on his features. "You know he would've manipulated Harry into basically committing suicide for 'the greater good'."

The disgust in Neville's face was obvious. "Thank Merlin Gran always ignored whatever he advised her to do with me or my father's title which she holds until she thinks believes I'm ready to take it. Merlin knows what would've happened to me if she had listened to him."

"And thank goodness Sirius saw through him and forced through a trial for him. He told us though Amelia wanted to she was doubtful he would be convicted so didn't see the point in trialling him," Hermione added grimly.

"Why? He did awful things," Neville cried.

"It would destroy hers and Sirius's reputations if it were found that they were the ones who put him on trial and he was found either innocent or there wasn't enough evidence to convict him. No doubt Sirius would've lost custody of Harry as well and he'd be put back with the Dursley's as Dumbledore would've twisted the custody battle."

"Like I would've gone back," Harry snorted. "The wizarding world could stuff themselves in that case. If they want their beloved 'chosen one' they get Sirius as well. We're a package deal."

Neville smiled at that proclamation. "Enjoying living with Sirius then?"

"He's great," Harry said enthusiastically, a grin spreading on his face. "We stayed in Cornwall and we played Quidditch, did some baking –"

"Which it turns out they are both rubbish at," Hermione interjected, laughing.

Harry pouted at her, "It's Ron's fault it burnt! He distracted me!"

"And who's fault is it that you forgot the flour!" Ron shot back. "I mean, did you even look at the recipe?!"

"That was Hermione's job," Harry huffed, crossing his arms.

Neville laughed, "Sounds great, though maybe avoid baking for the future."

Harry grumbled something under his breath as Ron kicked him and Hermione scolded them.

"Apparently you guys were spotted talking to Lord Greengrass and Lord Davies," Neville remarked. "Is that true?"

Hermione glanced nervously at Harry, confused. Should they not have been talking to them? Sirius was with them and seemed to think it was fine, even setting up a meeting so? "Um, yes? Is there something wrong with that?"

"Oh no," Neville shook his head violently. "Just, some people are surprised as they classically both hold a neutral stance and you are the poster boy of the light side. Some people have accused Sirius of beginning to turn you to the dark side –"

"What?!" Harry exploded. "Sirius would never! He hates that he has any connection to it at all through his last name!"

"That's why. Some people don't believe that he could be good just because his last name is Black," Neville said seriously.

Ron rolled his eyes, snorting. "Well, hopefully Sirius can change his reputation soon now he's involved in the Wizengamot. Once he's got a few houses in an alliance he can start trying to push through new laws or remove old ones such as the ones Umbridge and Fudge forced through."

The door of their compartment then slid open to reveal Millicent Bulstrode, Crabbe and Goyle either side of her. Hermione immediately turned to Harry at Malfoy's apparent replacement.

"What happened to Malfoy?" Ron's voice reflected the shock they all felt at the absence of the spiteful blond.

"The little coward is probably crying in his compartment," Millicent said brusquely, a smirk crawling up her face. "Poor little Malfoy, all scared of the big bad Black protecting itty bitty Potter. Well, he's not here now, is he?"

"So what? We can handle things without Sirius," Hermione snapped back, irritation painted on her face as she stood up. Harry glanced worriedly at his girlfriend. She rarely got angry and almost never approved of fighting so her behaviour was off to say the least.

Millicent stepped forward, her bulky stature towering over Hermione whose hand was white as she gripped her wand tightly. Harry jumped up the minute Millicent moved along with Ron and Neville, wands pointed at her. At this the first appearance of hesitation flittered across her face, now outnumbered and since her henchmen were Crabbe and Goyle the Slytherins were easily out skilled.

Having clearly realised this, Millicent sneered at Harry "Just because you've got rid of you know who and Malfoy to much of a scaredy cat now doesn't mean people won't make you pay, however high status you are."

Watching her flounce away, Crabbe and Goyle glaring at them menacingly as they left the trio and Neville exchanged a mixture of nervous and confused looks when the door slid open again. They moved to get their wands before recognising some of Neville's Hufflepuff friends.

"We saw Slytherins, wondered if you needed help," Hannah Abbott said, stepping in. She wasn't alone, followed by Susan Bones, Justin Finch-Fletchley and Ernie MacMillan.

"We would've been happy to turn them into slugs again, clearly Crabbe and Goyle didn't learn their lesson from last year," Ernie declared as they took the remaining seats.

"Auntie Amelia wanted me talk to you guys as well, especially Harry and Hermione," Susan said, gaze flickering between the two in question.

"Is she okay?" Hermione asked, concerned. She frowned when Susan laughed, Hannah, Ernie and Neville joining in. Seeing her confusion Neville spoke up, saying "Both you and Harry hold prestigious titles in the Wizengamot and she probably wants to become allied with you two and I'm assuming Sirius as well?"

At that he glanced at Susan, who nodded. "Auntie has always been on the light side but she never really liked Dumbledore that well as she thought he held too much power for one person. Clearly she was right as it corrupted him, or he was never the good guy he said he was in the first place. She said she can see Sirius shaking up the Wizengamot and being his godson and his godson's best friend, you will likely have similar ideas to him."

"I'll definitely get her in contact with Sirius but Hermione and I won't be able to use our titles yet as Sirius hasn't taught us enough –"

"Surely you must know bits already though Harry," Ernie proclaimed, looking as confused as Harry did when he responded negatively.

"Who would've taught me? My aunt and uncle?" Harry pointed out.

"Most people didn't know you lived with them so many assumed you already knew how to behave like a pureblood," Hannah interjected, causing Harry to groan and Neville to shake his head sighing.

"Well apart from the Slytherins I don't think most people were offended by how you behaved," Neville said thoughtfully, getting horrified looks from Hermione and Justin.

"People were offended by how Harry behaved? Why?" Justin cried, Hermione looking just as upset. Harry was less bothered, not only was it not his fault as he never realised he would be involved in politics and what he assumed were strictly pureblood houses.

"Purebloods hold house politics to the highest standard, always trying to increase their wealth and power which is often done through alliances. Hogwarts is one of the best places to form alliances as people in these noble and ancient houses take note of who your friends are and who you associate with to determine whether you would be a suitable candidate for an alliance. Being in an alliance it means you can rely on other houses if something happens to you and also far easier to draw up marriage contracts, something that is still very common," Susan explained, Hannah and Ernie nodding in agreement.

"Do we have to do marriage contracts?" Hermione asked, looking sickened.

"Oh no," Neville shook his head quickly. "While many houses still do them, it's completely optional to draw up one yourself. The only time you wouldn't have a choice is if… let's say Ernie's father Lord Macmillan got a marriage offer from, I don't know, Lady Amelia Bones between him and Susan? Ernie's father could except and they would have to get married whether they wanted to or not."

"However as you both hold your titles already, this won't happen as you'd have to be the ones to draw it up," Hannah added. At that Hermione relaxed, squeezing Harry's hand gently.

"One thing you will need to watch out for is marriage offers though as you will probably get a lot now, especially Harry as most people still don't know you're Lady Ravenclaw," Neville said, looking at Hermione.

"How will those come about? Like do they just walk up to you and ask if you want to get married?"

Ron laughed at Hermione's question, rolling his eyes. "God no. Purebloods do it very formally and offer alliances in doing so."

Hannah broke in then, saying "For instance, if we use Susan again as an example, she may decide to approach Harry for marriage since Harry is wealthy and has three titles and is heir to the Black fortune meaning he is one of the most eligible bachelors in Hogwarts. And he's handsome, that always helps." Giggles broke out among the girls at that statement and Harry flushed, embarrassed while Ron clapped him on the back. "Anyway, Susan would go up to Harry and politely say something like 'Heir Potter, may I talk to you privately for a second?' or 'Lord Potter' depending on if he had the title yet but usually at this age you wouldn't."

"Even if she already knows him she'd call him Heir or Lord Potter? Or could Susan say Harry?" Justin asked curiously, unsure how this worked.

"Using his title shows it is official business," Susan pointed out. "Using just 'Harry' would be disrespectful if it was anything to do with politics as it could be seen as undermining his position and you would likely to be declined then even without hearing what they wanted."

"Anyway, once Susan had pulled him aside she would say something like 'As both out houses are on the light side and we are arranging an alliance, to strengthen both our positions as Noble and Ancient houses I extend an offer of marriage between the Noble and Ancient house of Bones and the Noble and Ancient house of Potter'. Harry would then either agree or decline. Of course, it's getting less and less common as people are doing what lower down houses have taken to doing – dating. This is because you can't marry a Noble house if you are an Ancient and Noble house for any of the previous reasons, the only reason you would marry someone in a lower position than you is for love."

The compartment was silent for a while after that conversation until Ron brought out some games the twins had given them and they spent the rest of the journey playing, Ron beating everyone at chess and then moving on to exploding snap.

When heading up to the school Hermione kept a tight grip on Harry's hand. Obviously she had known that he would be popular with the girls considering he was the 'chosen one' and though disgusted, she had grown used to girls sending him gifts or worse, edible gifts often dosed with amortentia. But now with all his titles? What if a beautiful girl offered him a great deal? How could she compete with that?

Apparently sensing her spiralling thoughts, Harry turned and gave her a sweet kiss. "You okay? We don't have to hold hands if you're uncomfortable."

She shook her head quickly. It would be better if they were seen to be obviously dating, then people would know to keep their mitts off her boyfriend. Hermione smiled and gave him a kiss back, gleefully revelling in the shocked faces of nearby girls.

"Who's that?" Ron murmured as they entered the Great Hall, indicating to the new woman at the professor's table.

"The new DADA teacher?" Neville suggested and Hermione sighed, Harry and Ron pulling faces.

"What's the chance she'll have it out for Harry," Ron said, snorting.

Harry grinned, eyes flicking over her before shrugging. "She doesn't look too bad actually. No pink to be seen."

That caused laughter to break out among them, including Dean and Seamus who joined them, dropping into the empty seats next to them. Silence descended on the hall as McGonagall stood, the new headmistress. Everyone wondered who was to be announced as her deputy. Under her control, what was going to happen to the school?

Sirius drummed his fingers impatiently as waited outside Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. He'd taken Harry, Ron and Hermione here just before going back to school to see the business booming and he was proud Harry had decided to invest in this. Sirius had even pulled the twins aside, offering any help where needed whether that was money or prank ideas.

Two minutes later the man he was seeking appeared. Arthur Weasley. He felt bad as he looked at the exhausted man, clearly suffering the brunt of his wife's anger.

"Arthur," he greeted, shaking the man's hand.

"Sirius. How are you?"

"Getting better," he said as they headed into the shop, Fred and George having leant them a side room to have the discussion in as Sirius refused to go to the Burrow as Molly would be there and wouldn't open the floo as he didn't want Molly to have access so he chose here, somewhere Molly would rather die than go to.

"You wanted to talk about Molly?" The tired look on Arthur's face suggested he already knew about the argument though he had left for work while Ron was packing so had not been there to break it up.

"I want you to understand why I can't have my godson associating with her and am reluctant to let Ron go back."

"Bill told me the gist of the argument, but I'm worried he omitted some of the details so not to hurt mean," Arthur admitted, his face drawn.

"The argument isn't just what I wanted to talk about, but her behaviour as a whole."

At Arthur's confused frown, Sirius elaborated. "I'm sure you've heard by now that the Dursleys were abusive to Harry. What people don't know is that back in Harry's second year, when Ron and the twins took the flying car to rescue Harry," at that Sirius winked at Arthur, who blushed "but when Molly caught them they told her that he had been locked in his bedroom with bars on the windows and that he was starved. Her response? If they aren't careful she'll do the same to them."

Arthur took a deep breath, a broken look settling on his face. "She ignored them and threatened to do the same to them? I mean, I knew she rarely listens to what Fred and George say as she believes they're pranking her but it – it hurts me that she thinks so low of them and believes they'd lie about abusive to get out of trouble."

Sirius felt awful at the devastation on Arthur's face. He knew he was a good man, just trapped by a domineering wife. It hurt him to reveal what had been going on at home to his children while he had been stuck in an underpaid job at the ministry working as hard as possible to provide for his family.

"I also don't want Harry to be around someone so clearly disrespectful of me, his guardian. The whole summer while stuck with the Order at Grimmauld she constantly undermined me, especially when Harry was concerned, even accusing me of seeing James instead of Harry and believed I could never be responsible for him. She seems to think that because her son is friends with him that gives her authority over Harry which is blatantly untrue. The fact she is so desperate to be seen as a parent to Harry ever since she first met him when he was just a stranger concerns me and unfortunately forces me to agree with Hermione point that it seemed she was interested in Harry's titles and money rather than Harry himself, which explains why she was so supportive of her daughters obsession of my godson."

"I was horrified at Ginny's accusations of Hermione stealing Harry," Arthur said tiredly. "I had no idea where she got that idea from that she could treat him as her possession until, well, Bill told me what was going and now this? It's awful that Molly would be feeding these ideas into her head for power and money. I know we're not rich but she never seemed to mind in the beginning, nor did she want status. I don't know what's happened to her."

"Another thing I wanted to ask you is that in Dumbledore's trial he said that he stationed the Weasley's to come at the same time as Harry. While I'm grateful for that in a way as it gave him a great friend in your son, I'm curious to know if you 1) agreed to this or was it just between her and Dumbledore and 2) what she got in return as I doubt she did this without some reward."

"I didn't know about it till she mentioned it after but told me not to worry as it was just a favour for Dumbledore and now Ron had made a good friend. She also mentioned it was good as Harry was heir to the Potter fortune but I paid no mind to that bit, just thinking she was listing everything she could think of. Going off what's happened recently I'm guessing that was a main attraction? Maybe Dumbledore promised her just by being connected to Harry that since Ginny already had a crush on him, she would now actually have a chance?"

Sirius felt ill as Arthur theorised and judging by the blood slowly draining from his companion's face as he considered his wife's reasonings, he wasn't alone in that feeling. "Merlin," Arthur rubbed his face, the gentle man looking like he was about to cry. "Is there anything else?"

There was a dash of hope that Sirius would have nothing to say and the man in question felt so guilty as he nodded. Arthur's shoulders sagged but he didn't look surprised, clearly expecting more.

"Her disrespect of her children. Berating the twins for what has become a remarkably successful business, for Bill and Charlie not going into the ministry and instead doing well paid jobs that they enjoy. Criticising Bill's choice in a partner for not living up to her standards and being bigoted against her so Charlie now hides any of his relationships to prevent them from being driven off –"

"Charlie has got a girlfriend?"

"They've been going steady for five, six months now I believe and yet Molly's made him too scared to even say anything because no one matches up to her high standards."

Arthur looked shattered at the revelation. "I had no idea she was driving our children away like that. Merlin. I need to have a talk with her about all of this and I'll also have a word with Ginny about Harry."

"Thanks Arthur, you're a good man."

Arthur just smiled sadly at him as they got up, weaving through the packed store. Just before he left, Arthur turned around, asking hesitantly "About Ron –"

"I've told him he can stay with us as long as he wants. It's the least I could do."

Arthur gave a bitter laugh, dragging a hand over his face. "It really isn't though, especially with how my wife's treated you."

He then apparated before Sirius could say anything and he sighed. It really wasn't fair what Arthur had been put through and Sirius was planning to do all he could to help him, starting with de-corrupting the ministry so Arthur could get the pay he deserved rather than a docked for his liking of muggle related things and associating with muggleborns. Casting his mind to his godson, he hoped he was enjoying Hogwarts now that Umbridge was gone. Hopefully things should start to look up.