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Chapter 5: Memories Cost the Most

Harry woke up and looked at his surroundings. He was still in the trunk. He didn't want to leave, but he knew Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Weasley would be getting worried. He changed into the day clothes he brought down and grabbed everything he found that he needed to take with him.

He went to leave when he saw a room off the living room that he hadn't seen before. It was a kitchen. It was really cozy and nice and Harry had almost decided to eat there when he felt a panicked feeling hit his mind. He knew immediately it was Ginny and ran out of the trunk as fast he could.

As he stepped out, he bumped into her again. She started laughing and so did he. They stopped and she looked at his trunk. He closed it and said, "Lock."

"What is that?" she asked.

"It's the reason I was down here all night. It's my parents' trunk where they used to live sometime when they were on the run I'm guessing."

She nodded and asked, "Did you find anything that you were looking for?"

"Yeah," Harry replied. "Actually, I was going to get your mum and dad so that I could talk to them about it. Would you like to be there, since you already know?"

"If you don't mind," she answered.

He shook his head no and said, "I like it when you're around, Ginny."

She blushed and Harry left to find her parents before he said something really stupid. He found Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Weasley in the kitchen.

"Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Weasley, would you come to the living room with me and Ginny, please?"

They nodded and followed him into the family room with Ginny following them.

"What do you need, Harry?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"First, I wanted to show you and discuss some of the things I found; second, I need to contact Siri and Remus because I need there help and third, I would love your help figuring this stuff out." They smiled and he continued. "Well, I found several letters for me and one for Professor Dumbledore, Remus, and Sirius. Next, I found an invisibility cloak that was my dad's that he passed down to me."

"Blimey, Harry, that's amazing," Mr. Weasley said.

Harry nodded and said, "I also found my parents' will and proof that Sirius is innocent, but that Professor Dumbledore knew my parents' Secret Keeper was going to betray them."

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley gasped and so did Ginny.

"Are you sure, Harry?"

He nodded and said, "I also found my dad's pensive and I want Siri and Remus to be here when I see the memories because that was what my parents' asked. Also, I found several photo albums that I'm going to keep with me."

They said, "Of course."

"Also, no offense to Ron, but he does snore loudly," Ginny laughed and he continued, "I'd like to have permission to sleep in there. I feel closer to my parents and it makes me happy."

"Of course, dear," Mrs. Weasley said. "In fact, you can stay in there and in the mornings just come out for breakfast."

Harry nodded and said, "Shrink," to the trunk. It shrank until it was small enough to fit in his pocket and he put it in there. "I think I'm going to write my letters to Siri, Remus, and Professor Dumbledore and then, I would love to join you guys for breakfast."

Mrs. Weasley smiled at him and went to start breakfast. Mr. Weasley grabbed him some parchment, a quill, and some ink and left to help Mrs. Weasley. Ginny looked unsure what to do until Harry motioned that she could come sit beside him.

"Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Of course not, Gin, I'm just writing to them asking them to come out here tomorrow around seven o'clock that way it's after dinner."

Ginny nodded and smiled at him when he called her 'Gin.'

Harry wrote the letters the same way each time and gave them to the family owl to send to Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore. After they were sent, he and Ginny sat at the table and waited for Mrs. Weasley to serve breakfast.

Mr. Weasley gave Harry his medicine and he took with a grimace and was happy when Ginny had him a glass of juice to wash it down. He smiled a thanks to her and Mrs. Weasley served them breakfast.

After breakfast was finished, Mr. Weasley left to degnome the garden and Harry walked over to Mrs. Weasley.

"Mrs. Weasley, do you mind if I go for a walk? I won't go to far, but my back is stiff and I want to see if I can walk it out."

"Okay, Harry, just be sure to head back if it starts hurting."

Harry nodded and started toward the kitchen door when he heard footsteps behind him.

"Do you mind if I come with you?" Ginny asked.

Harry smiled and replied, "Of course not, let's go to the meadow."

She nodded and lead the way because Harry couldn't remember how to get there. She walked slowly so he could keep up and when they got there, they sat side by side.

"Harry," she whispered.

"Yes."

"Can I come with you when you look into those memories?" she asked nervously.

He looked at her and replied, "Yeah, I'd like that."

"Do you want to know why I want to come?" Harry nodded and she replied, "I want to come because when we're apart and I feel your feelings like when you're afraid or scared then I get scared and I don't want you to be alone or me to be alone when we're scared."

Harry smiled and said, "Then I'd be happy if you came with me."

She smiled back at him and they watched the waterfall for a little while.

"Harry," Ginny said some time later. "Harry, wake up."

Harry jerked awake and saw Ginny sitting next to him.

"We need to head back, Mum will be worried sick."

Harry nodded and they started the walk back.

When they walked in the back doorway, they were both tackled by Mrs. Weasley.

"Where have you been?"

"Sorry, mum, we walked out to the meadow, but when we began to walk back, Harry started feeling bad so we kept taking a lot of breaks. We're sorry," Ginny apologized.

Mrs. Weasley sighed and said, "Alright, Ginny, you go set the table and Harry, let's go upstairs and put some salve on your back."

Harry nodded and walked upstairs to Ron's room. Ron wasn't in their so he assumed he was down at the Quidditch Pitch with his brothers.

Harry took off his shirt and waited for Mrs. Weasley. She came upstairs and closed the door while putting a privacy ward up.

"Alright, Harry," she said as she started to rub in the salve. It felt cool and amazing and Harry could feel the tension leave his body. He almost fell asleep standing when he realized he had to put some on his chest. He put some on and Mrs. Weasley said, "Well, Harry, you're all done. You look tired. Why don't you go inside your trunk and get some rest?"

"Okay, Mrs. Weasley," Harry yawned as he took the trunk out of his pocket and placed it on the floor. "Grow." The trunk grew as Mrs. Weasley left and Harry said, "Open." It let him in and Harry closed and locked it behind him.

He walked into his parents' room and put everything that was in his pockets on the bedside table. He laid down on the bed and in a matter of minutes, he was asleep.

When Harry woke up, he was sweating and he could feel the fear of his nightmare crawling down his spine. He had just watched his mum die.

He didn't know what to do so he curled in a ball and started crying. His mum had been protecting him and had died because of him. His dad had been downstairs and had tried to whoever it was off so they didn't get to him and his mum

After what seemed like hours, Harry got hungry and took a shower. He got out and put on the clothes he had on and went outside the trunk to find Ginny curled in front of it.

He shook her awake and whispered, "Ginny."

She woke up and looked around scared.

"What happened, Harry? I felt your fear and I came running up here, but the suitcase wouldn't let me and I fell asleep after the fear left, but then I dreamed you were crying."

Harry sighed and said, "I'm sorry, Ginny, but what happened was I had a nightmare and it made me cry."

"Do you want to tell me about it?" Ginny asked gently.

"Not right now, I'll tell you later when Siri, Remus, and the Professor get here because I want to know if it was true." Ginny nodded and Harry turned to the trunk and said, "Lock and shrink." It did so and Harry put it in his pocket.

Ginny smiled and said, "That was wicked, Harry."

Harry smiled back and they walked downstairs to the kitchen.

When they walked in, they saw Sirius, Remus, and Professor Dumbledore all sitting at the table.

"What time is it?" Harry asked.

"I do believe it's just after seven, Harry," Remus replied. Harry nodded and hugged him. Then, he ran to Siri and jumped into his lap.

"Hi, Siri," Harry said and hugged him. Sirius hugged him back and Remus smiled at the two of them.

Sirius said, "Hey, pup, you wanna tell me why we're here."

Harry nodded and jumped off Sirius' lap.

"Okay, now I want everyone's attention because the next couple hours are going to be long," he said with a voice that sounded much older than he was. "First, my mum and dad wrote all three of you letters." Harry handed them each there letters and waited.

When everyone finished reading their letters, Dumbledore looked calm, Remus looked sad, and Siri was crying silently.

Harry hugged Siri and slowly he stopped crying. Harry let go and stood up.

"Next is my parent's will," Harry said and Dumbledore gasped.

"You found it?"

"Yes, sir. They left it where they knew I would find it and if you don't mind, I'd like to read it and my mum and dad's note."

Dumbledore nodded and Harry read the will. When he finished, Dumbledore was in shock and Harry could see the despair on his face. Sirius looked angry and happy at the same time. Remus just seemed to understand.

"Next, is the note that my mum left that proves Sirius innocent." Harry read the letter out loud and when he finished, everyone was staring at Albus Dumbledore.

"YOU KNEW!" Sirius screamed. "YOU KNEW HE WAS A TRAITOR AND YOU STILL LET LILY AND JAMES MAKE HIM THEIR SECRET KEEPER! HARRY HAS LOST EVERYTHING BECAUSE OF YOUR MISTAKE!"

Remus tried to calm Sirius down, but it wasn't until Harry walked over to him that Sirius looked down and saw him.

"Daddy, I promise that it's okay, I get to come with you now and that's all that matters, please."

Sirius picked him up and hugged him close.

"I want custody of him, Dumbledore. It's what James and Lily wanted and it's going to happen," Sirius said.

"And where will you take him, Sirius?" Dumbledore asked.

"I'll take him where he belongs, his home," Sirius said. "I'll have the elves fix it up, but I'm taking him to Potter Manor next week."

Dumbledore nodded and looked at Harry, who was clinging to the man for dear life.

"Harry, may I have your permission to copy these documents so you may keep them?"

Harry nodded and Dumbledore copied them and left.

"Harry, what else did you need us for?" Remus asked.

Sirius put Harry down and he replied, "My dad left me a pensive in the trunk and I wanted you guys to go through the memories with me and my parents' asked that you did too." Sirius nodded and so did Remus. "Also, someone else is going to go through it with us."

"Who?"

"Ginny," Harry replied. "I don't know why, but she can feel my feelings and I can feel hers, so we decided that if we went through pensive together then we could help each other through it."

Sirius nodded and Remus said, "Okay, Harry, you go get her and we'll meet you in the family room."

Harry went upstairs and knocked on Ginny's door. She came out and he said, "Let's go."

She smiled and followed him to the family room.

"Remus," Harry said as he entered the room. "This is Ginny Weasley. Ginny, this is Remus Lupin."

Remus shook her hand and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ginny."

Ginny blushed and said, "Nice to meet you too."

Harry took the trunk out of his pocket and set it on the floor. "Grow," he said and the trunk grew to its normal size. Sirius and Remus looked at it with wide eyes and Harry smiled. "Now, when we go inside, I just want you to know that there's a lot of pictures of you guys and my parents."

They nodded and everyone walked slowly into the trunk. Harry helped Ginny down and Ginny looked inside amazed.

"This place is...," she said.

"Yeah, I know," Harry replied and led them to the study where the pensive was at. Remus and Sirius were the first to notice where it was at and Harry opened the glass doors.

The pensive moved out of the alcove by itself and there were several vials next to it. Harry counted nine in all.

"Okay, now, the plan is to go through all of them, but if I need to or either of you need to, we can stop," Harry said with a lot more wisdom than a nine-year old. Sirius and Remus nodded and Ginny smiled at him. "Okay, let's start with the first one. I think they're in order."

Harry opened the little glass vial and poured it into the pensive.

Remus said, "Here, Harry, we'll show you how to do it."

Harry nodded and watched as Remus and Sirius put their heads in the water. Harry and Ginny followed their lead.

It was summertime and Sirius and James were playing at the Quidditch Pitch in their back yard.

"I'm going to beat you, Siri," James said as he put another goal in one of the three hoops. "James Potter scores and the crowd goes wild."

Harry watching this almost fell over laughing. Sirius had a grin on his face and so did Remus. Ginny was just watching Harry's reaction.

James and Sirius land and walk inside. Mrs. Potter is in the kitchen making supper.

"Did you have fun, boys?" she asked like this was an everyday thing.

"Of course, mum, I beat Siri again," James announced.

Mrs. Potter laughed and Sirius blushed.

"It isn't my fault. He's a chaser and I'm a beater."

"Of course it isn't, Sirius. Now, you boys go get washed up now. Supper will be ready in five minutes."

They both ran upstairs and did their business. When they came back down, they were both dressed casually, but nice. They sat down at the dinner table as Mrs. Potter put the food on the table.

Mr. Potter sat down at the head of the table and Mrs. Potter sat down next to him.

"How was your day, boys?" he asked once the food had been served.

"It was great, dad, I beat Sirius again in Quidditch," James said.

"That's good, son, but you shouldn't play with just Sirius. You know it isn't fair because he's a beater."

"Thank you," Sirius said loudly. "Someone finally gets it."

Everyone laughed.

As the memory came to an end, they all pulled their heads out.

"Wow, you guys looked so happy. Like a real family," Harry said.

"That's because we were, Harry," Sirius replied. "The Potters' took me in when no one else would and made me feel like I was one of them."

Harry nodded and Remus gathered the memory and put it back in the vial. Harry placed it back where he found it and grabbed the next one. Harry poured it in and they all followed Harry's lead.

It was so bright. Christmas morning came and Sirius jumped on to James' bed.

"James! James! Wake up, dammit! We've got presents."

James pushed Sirius off, he landed with a thud to the floor, but got up anyways with a grin on his face.

They both ran downstairs like little boys even though they'd be Seventh years this year.

Mr. Potter screamed in warning to his wife, "Here they come, Dorea, they're coming for their presents.

Mrs. Potter walked into the living room just as James and Sirius landed in front of the tree.

"Ah, no, you don't," Mrs. Potter said. "You can wait until after breakfast to open presents."

"But, Mum!" "But, Mrs. Potter!" James and Sirius whined at the same time.

Mr. Potter laughed and said, "You might as well."

Mrs. Potter nodded and James and Sirius grabbed all their presents and started opening them.

Sirius jumped up and hugged Mrs. Potter when he found his new broomstick.

"This is the newest in the line, thank you so much," Sirius said.

Mrs. Potter smiled and said, "It was worth seeing the smile on your face, Sirius." Sirius smiled and went back to opening his presents.

James had gotten a new broomstick too and a couple of things from the joke shop from Sirius.

James smiled and said, "Thank you for the presents."

They both said, "You're welcome."

The memory ended and Harry smiled, despite the tears in his eyes. Sirius had tears in his eyes too.

"That was our last Christmas before they were killed," Sirius whispered. Remus had gathered the memory and put in the vial. Harry took it and grabbed the next one.

He poured it in and Remus said, "If this is the one after Christmas, I know what it is."

"So do I, Remus," Sirius said.

"What is it?" Harry asked.

"Your mum and dad's first kiss," Sirius replied, sadly.

"Why do you seem sad about that?"

"Because, Harry, the reason it happened was my fault," Sirius replied.

"Why did it happen?"

"Harry, we were mean people sometimes," Sirius said. "We never meant any harm, but one day, we all got in a huge fight and when-," Remus cut him off.

"Harry, first thing you need to know before Sirius finishes, is that I'm a werewolf."

Harry nodded calmly and said, "Okay, Remus, but why does that matter?"

Remus smiled at Harry and Sirius continued, "When the full moon came around, we were still fighting and James and I were going to go down before and make up with him, but I found Snape following James and told him how to follow Remus. The worst thing in the world, Harry, is being a human around a werewolf at a full moon. James went to save him and managed it too, but he almost died."

Harry nodded and they all put their heads in the pensive.

James walked through the portrait hole and was greeted by a large crowd. He grinned and patted people on the back as he was hugged by lots of people.

Then, Lily came running up to him and he hugged her and spun her around. She was crying into his shoulder and James heard her say, "I thought you were going to die."

"And leave you, never, Lils," James said and she looked into his eyes. There was something there that he hadn't seen before and he slowly realized, it was fear. Fear that he was going to die and never come back to her. "I'm right here, Lily. I'm not going any where."

She smiled and did something she wished she hadn't waited so long to do. She kissed him. James was shocked at first. 'Lily Evans is kissing me.' Then, he started kissing her back. They let go to breathe and smiled at each other.

Harry left the memory with a smile on his face. Sirius gathered this one and placed it back and Harry grabbed the next one. He poured it in and they followed Harry.

'I can't believe I'm doing this,' James thought as Lily rode behind him on a broomstick. The path was getting shorter and the closer they were to his surprise, the more nervous he was.

He stopped and asked, " Lily, what do you see?"

Out in the middle of a meadow, was a small pile of flowers.

"I see lilies," she replied.

James landed and asked, "Why don't you go look at them?"

Lily looked at him skeptically, but walked over and looked through them. She made it to the middle and gasped.

It was a yellow lily in all the other colors, it was the only one. She smiled at her favorite flower and bent down. She went to pick it when the petals opened and she saw an emerald ring.

She turned around to find James bent on one knee. He picked the lily and asked, "Lily Evans, I love you more the world itself. Will you marry me?"

Lily hugged him and he waited for an answer. When he didn't get one, he looked at her.

She said, "If you think I'm not going to say yes, you're dumber than I thought, James Potter."

James grinned and picked her up and spun her around.

This was one of the happiest moments of his life.

Harry pulled out of the memory and saw Remus and Sirius grinning at each other.

"I never knew he was such a sap," Sirius said and Remus laughed. Sirius gathered this memory and put it back in its place. He handed the next one to Harry, who poured it in and they all went at once.

It's the most beautiful wedding in the wizarding world. James was standing at the front with Sirius, Remus, and the man he didn't recognize and the preacher was standing next to James.

The music began and the bridesmaids walked down the isle. It was three beautiful women that Harry didn't know, but he saw how Sirius and Remus jumped when they saw two of them.

Then, his mum walked down isle. She looked so beautiful and she smiled happily at James as her father walked her down the isle.

When she made it to James, all she could was look in his eyes. He held her hands in his and the preacher began.

When the ceremony was finished, everyone dispersed as the reception began. People were dancing and Harry could see Sirius dancing with a pretty blonde woman and Remus dancing with a brunette.

They all pulled out at the same time and Harry looked at Sirius and Remus. Ginny had taken Harry's hand sometime during the memory and now she let it go and blushed.

"Who were the people you guys were dancing with?" Harry asked.

"Gabriella Greengrass," Sirius replied in a distant voice. "She's still alive, but she doesn't know that I am."

Remus sighed and seemed to be almost ready to cry when he replied, "Her name was Violet, but her and her family were murdered by deatheaters."

Harry asked, "What are deatheaters?"

Sirius came back to earth and Remus shook his head.

"That can wait, Harry," Remus said as he gathered the memory and placed it back with the rest of them.

Harry nodded and Sirius poured the next one in. They followed Sirius in.

It was hurting Lily so much. I almost wish I hadn't gotten her pregnant.

James was watching Lily as she tried her hardest to get their little boy out. She was screaming and James could barely take it.

"Lily, you're almost there," the doctor said.

The next few moments all you could hear was a baby's cry as it was born.

The doctor handed the baby to Lily and Lily smiled at him.

"Hi, my sweet boy. Welcome to the world. I wish it was a better time, but with you with us, you'll make it all worth while."

James took him next and smiled at his son.

"Hello, son, I'm your dad."

Baby Harry opened his eyes and James gasped.

"Lily, he might have gotten my hair, but he has your eyes," James said as he handed Harry back to her. "I'll go get Siri and Remus." James kissed her hand and left.

He came back of few minutes later with Siri and Remus.

Remus and Sirius smiled at Lily and James said, "Well, Siri, you know you're the godfather, so why don't you hold him next?"

Sirius gasped and took Harry. Baby Harry smiled at him and Sirius smiled back at him.

"He's so much like you, James, but then, he has Lily's eyes," Sirius said.

Lily nodded and James kissed her on the lips.

The memory ended and Harry smiled at Sirius.

"Oh, Harry, you were so cute as a baby," Ginny said and Harry blushed.

Harry hugged Sirius and Sirius hugged him back.

Remus gathered this memory and grabbed the next one.

"I bet I know this one," Remus said. "It's when Lily and James brough you home the first time, Harry."

Harry smiled and went into this memory.

It was early in the afternoon when James and Lily Potter walked into Potter Manor with little baby Harry with them.

They opened the door and people inside screamed, "Welcome home, Harry!"

Baby Harry, who had been sleeping, woke with a start and started crying.

"Great, now, you did it," James said as Lily tried to calm him down. Baby Harry stopped crying and looked at all the people curiously.

Sirius and Remus walked over and James smiled at his best mates.

"How are you, Lily?" Remus asked.

"I'm alright, Remus, but I am tired and so is Harry because you guys decided to wake him up from his nap."

Remus laughed and Lily took Harry upstairs.

James stayed behind and looked at Sirius.

"You alright, mate?"

"Yeah, James, it's just how can you trust me with that little boy if anything happened to you and Lily?"

"Because, Siri, you love him more than anything, except Gabby. Remus loves him, too, but you love him the most besides me and Lily and that's why we decided to give you custody of him."

Sirius nodded and Remus smiled at him.

"Well, let's get to partying," James said and everyone laughed.

The memory ended and Harry was crying slightly. His mum was so protective of him and his dad was too. They really loved him.

While Remus gathered the memory, Ginny hugged Harry.

"I think we should stop for the night," Sirius said. "You don't need to see anymore, Harry, because they're only going to get worse from here."

Harry nodded and said, "Then, I want to go through them first thing in the morning. One of them has to be how my parents' died and I need to know if my dreams are real. I know I'm young and I know it'll hurt me, but not seeing it is hurting me more."

Sirius nodded and Remus said, "Alright, Harry, but at any time during the rest of the memories, you want to stop and never see them again, we'll understand."

Harry smiled at them through his tears and let go of Ginny. She didn't let him go far though and was watching him with concern in her eyes.

"Harry," Ginny said. "I need to go, but will you wait until later to look at the memories and tell me when you do?"

"Yeah," Harry replied. Ginny smiled and left.

Sirius led Harry to the bedroom Harry had been sleeping in and Sirius helped into it. They fell asleep side by side and Remus slept on the couch.

Ginny walked out of the trunk and felt Harry's peacefulness through their bond. She was only eight and she'd seen more than she'd ever needed to, but she was doing it for him. For some reason, he was her best friend now and she wasn't going to let him do it alone.

Harry was only nine and even though he felt older than that now. His tears showed his age and Remus couldn't help, but feel sorry for the poor boy because he didn't deserve this. The memory of seeing his parents die was going to kill him, but he had a plan. It might postpone Harry from seeing the memory until he was at least ready to.

It would probably be soon, but at least it wasn't now.

Remus sighed and fell into a fitful sleep.

.

.

.

Chapter Six: The Ministry of Magic

Harry woke up in Sirius's arms and felt refreshed. He hadn't slept so well since...well...ever.

Sirius looked down at him and smiled.

"Good morning, Harry," Sirius said.

"Morning, Siri, what time is it?" Harry asked.

"I don't know, pup, you wanna go check?"

Harry nodded and they walked out to the living room. Remus was awake and smiled at them.

"Remus, are we going to look at the rest of the memories?"

Remus sighed and replied, "No, Harry, those memories were meant for you to find when you were going to start Hogwarts, but if you want, we'll go through them with you then, but it's too soon for you to go through now."

Harry nodded, but he understood. He knew he wouldn't be able to handle the memory of his parents death and was glad Remus had said something.

"Come on, Harry," Sirius said as he led them to the kitchen.

Remus pulled Sirius away from the stove and asked, "Do you remember the last time you used the stove, Sirius?" Sirius grinned and Remus said, "You almost burned Potter Manor down to the ground."

Harry broke out laughing and said, "I'm going to go change, I'll be back in a minute." They nodded and Harry walked to the entrance. He stepped out of the trunk and saw Mrs. Weasley sitting on the couch.

"Good morning, Harry," she said. "How are you?"

Harry smiled and replied, "I'm fine, Mrs. Weasley, but I would love it if you could grab my medicine so I can take it after I change."

Mrs. Weasley nodded and Harry ran upstairs. He was halfway up when he ran into someone coming out of the bathroom.

He tumbled and almost fell down the stairs, but the person grabbed.

Charlie looked at him like he was crazy and asked, "You alright there, Harry?"

"Yeah, sorry, I was going upstairs and didn't see the door open."

Charlie nodded and Harry went the rest of the way upstairs a little slower. He walked into Ron's room and grabbed his stuff. Once he had everything, he walked downstairs and into the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley handed him his medicine and he took it with a grimace.

He walked into the family room and into his trunk.

He walked to his parents room and left most of it on the bed. Then, he took an outfit and changed.

He walked into the kitchen, ten minutes later, and smelled food. He sat down at the table.

Remus set the food on the table and Sirius and Harry fought as to who got to eat first. In the end, Remus ate first. They ate and talked, but Harry realized they'd both have to go soon.

Remus was the first to notice Harry's look and asked, "What's wrong, Harry?"

"It's just...you guys have to go soon and I'll miss you," Harry replied.

Remus smiled and said, "It's alright, Harry. We'll come back to see you."

Harry nodded and Sirius hugged him.

"Harry, no matter what happens we'll always be a letter away," Sirius said.

"I know, Siri, but it doesn't mean I won't miss you," Harry said.

Sirius smiled and Harry heard a knocking noise. He walked out of the kitchen to the entrance of the trunk. He opened the trunk and saw Mr. Weasley standing in front of him looking like he had rushed from somewhere.

"What happened, Mr. Weasley?" Harry asked.

"Sirius...Ministry...now."

Harry left the trunk open so Mr. Weasley could walk in and saw the amazement on his face when he saw the inside. Mr. Weasley followed him through the trunk and Harry walked into the kitchen.

"Siri, Mr. Weasley needs you," Harry said and Sirius stood up.

"What do you need, Arthur?" Sirius asked.

"Ministry of Magic, trial for custody of Harry and they want to prove you are innocent."

Harry was grinning from ear to ear like he just opened a Christmas present. Sirius nodded and Remus stood up.

"I'm going with you," Remus said.

"So am I," Harry followed.

Sirius looked at Harry like he wanted to say no, but Mr. Weasley shook his head.

"He has to go, Sirius, it's a battle for custody too."

Sirius nodded, but wasn't happy about it and Harry just smiled. Remus nodded understanding as always and Mr. Weasley led them out of the trunk.

"Alright, there's too many people for us to apparate, so we'll go by floo."

"What's floo?" Harry asked.

Sirius laughed and replied, "I forgot you weren't as old as you were acting Harry." Harry nodded still looking confused. "Okay, floo or floo network is what witches and wizards use to get places when they cannot apparate or don't have a broomstick."

Harry nodded and asked, "How does it work?"

Mr. Weasley replied, "How about we show you, Harry. It'll be easier for you to figure it out."

Harry nodded and followed Mr. Weasley to the kitchen. They all gathered around the fireplace and Harry looked around even more confused.

Sirius laughed at Harry's expression and Remus smiled.

"Alright, Harry, I'll got through with you and Remus and Arthur can follow after us," Sirius said and Harry nodded looking a little scared now.

Mr. Weasley picked up a flower pot and tossed some powder into the fire. The fire turned as green as Harry's eyes and Harry looked even more afraid.

Sirius stepped into the fire and Harry looked at him like he was crazy.

"Harry, it won't hurt you. Trust me."

Harry looked a little less scared as he stepped into the fire next to Sirius and Sirius called out, "Ministry of Magic!"

Harry felt exactly what he felt when he'd been aparating, but before he closed his eyes from getting sick, he saw the fireplaces they were passing.

When his feet touched the ground, he opened his eyes. All around him were people walking to different places. One went to another fire, another went to an elevator at least that what he thought it was.

He looked at Sirius because he was scared and Sirius saw. He picked Harry up and Harry hid his face.

"Why are there so many people?" Harry asked.

"Because, pup, a lot of people work here," Sirius replied.

"I'm scared, daddy. I've never seen so many people before," he whispered.

Sirius stroked his hair and Harry calmed down a little, but didn't let go of Sirius.

Remus and Mr. Weasley came through and found them like this.

Remus rushed over and asked, "Is he alright?"

"Yeah, but, Remus, I'm going to do something I might regret to those people that 'took care' of him. He's never seen so many people before."

Remus shook his head and said, "Sirius, you need to be strong for him. He's been though a lot and he needs to take this slow."

Sirius nodded, but didn't put Harry down. They walked over to the elevator with Mr. Weasley leading them and Mr. Weasley said, "Lower levels: Trial Rooms."

The elevator took off in a flash and Harry almost felt like he was back in Gringott's. It stopped a few minutes later and they followed Mr. Weasley to whatever room they were to be in.

When Harry first felt Sirius walk in, he felt his back go rigid. He lifted his head from Sirius's neck and took a peek. He saw a lot of people all sitting on benches. Harry hid his face again and felt Sirius stroke his back.

Remus looked around and saw that almost all of the Wizengamot was here. He saw how Sirius was stroking Harry's back again and realized he must be scared out of his mind. They all took seats in the stands and the trials began.

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Chapter 7: Trials and Decisions

Harry moved his head from Sirius's neck and looked around. There were a lot of people and he could tell a lot of them had mean feelings toward Siri. He looked to where, he guessed, the judge was and saw an oldish woman and next to her was Amelia Bones. Harry wanted to smile at her because she was one of the nice people that wanted to help him.

He held himself back when he saw all the other people staring at him and hid his face.

"This trial is for the release of Sirius Black for all sentences, which are life in Azkaban prison until the dementors...," the old woman stopped.

"Excuse me, Madame Bagnold, but there is a child here and he doesn't need to hear that," Sirius said courteously.

Mrs. Bagnold nodded and continued, "As of, we are also holding a trial for the custody of one, Harry James Potter, because he found James and Lily Potters' Will. Also, there will be other things discussed as regards to the will."

Everyone agreed and the first trial began. Sirius had to stand in front of the council and gave Harry to Remus. Harry went only because he knew Sirius couldn't take him with him.

Harry watched as Sirius stood before them and Madame Bagnold began.

"Sirius Black, you were charged with life in prison for the deaths of Lily and James Potter, how do you preside?"

"Not guilty," Sirius replied confidently.

"Also, I see we have three witnesses that wish to speak in your defense and the letter from Lily and James."

Sirius nodded and Albus Dumbledore stepped up first.

"I believe this man is not guilty because, not only Lily and James' letter, but because I am the one that recommended Peter Pettigrew to them, not knowing that he had changed sides."

Everyone gasped and Madame Bagnold spoke.

"Yes, that is a worthy defense. Thank you, Professor Dumbledore. Next."

Next, was Hagrid.

He stood before them and spoke in his booming voice, "Mrs. Bagnold, I believe Sirius is innocent because the night L-Lily and J-J-James died, Sirius was there and pulled Harry from the rumble. He wanted to take Harry with him, into hiding, but I had Professor Dumbledore's orders to take him to his only living relatives, the Dursley's."

Hagrid stepped away and Madame Bagnold continued.

"Thank you, Rubeus, next please."

A woman stepped out and Harry recognized her from the pensive. It was Gabriella Greengrass.

"I speak on behalf of Sirius Black because he may be a scoundrel, a hot scoundrel at that, but he loved James like a brother and when Lily and James were married, he stood by them completely even though he felt he was losing one of his best friends. And when Harry was born, I've never seen a man love a child more than Sirius loves Harry. That should prove him innocent enough."

Sirius was looking at her in shock and felt his heart beating rapidly. He wanted nothing more than to run to her, but he knew he couldn't.

"Thank you, Mrs. Greengrass." Sirius jumped out of his stupor when he heard that and felt his heart breaking.

Gabriella turned to leave, but looked at Sirius and winked. She left and Madame Bagnold spoke once again.

"That is all the witnesses and everyone in the room has read the letter from Lily and James and now, we must decide your sentence. Everyone who believes Sirius Black should be released raise your hand." Almost everyone in the room raised their hand and Harry almost ran to Sirius, but Remus held him back. Sirius grinned as Madame Bagnold stated, "Then, from this day forward, Sirius Black is freed from all charges."

A lot of the members clapped and as Sirius walked back to Harry, Harry ran into his arms. Sirius swung him around in a huge hug and Harry was grinning from ear to ear. He was so happy. Sirius sat back down with Harry hugging him tightly like he was never letting go.

"Okay, next up, is the trial for the custody of Harry James Potter," Madame Bagnold said.

Sirius walked Harry down, but Harry felt fear crawl down his spine when Sirius walked away. Harry stood before everyone shaking slightly in fear.

"Now, Mr. Potter, it states here that you found your parents' Will."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said, quietly.

"Okay, then, you know that Sirius Black is on the top of the list to take you in," Madame Bagnold said.

"Yes, ma'am. I want to live with Siri. He loves me a lot more than the Dursley's do and if you looked at the medical report Madame Pomfrey wrote, you really wouldn't send me back there because of what they did to me."

Madame Bagnold searched her papers and when she found the report, she read it. When she finished, she was looking at the poor boy in surprise.

"You are a strong, brave boy, Harry Potter and I believe you are right about your Godfather." Harry nodded and Madame Bagnold said, "But, Mr. Potter, Mr. Black was just relieved of his sentences and it says here that next person is Remus Lupin. Now, Mr. Lupin, I believe has already stated that he cannot take you in for the fact that he is indeed a werewolf, but also because he does not have a way to provide you with the proper care that you need. The next person, after Mr. Lupin, is Andromeda Tonks. Now, Mrs. Tonks believes she can take care of you, but also believes, like Mr. Lupin and several others, that you would be in better care with Mr. Black.

"Now, after Mrs. Tonks, is Frank and Alice Longbottom, but they are indisposed and are not able to take care themselves and their own son, let alone another. After that is Molly and Arthur Weasley, they said they would take you back in a heartbeat if you wished it, but that your place is with Mr. Black above all others. After them, is Albus Dumbledore, but as Professor Dumbledore has already told everyone before you arrived. He has a school and other students to take care of and that he believes you belong with Mr. Black also. Now, your godmother, Minerva McGonagall, believes you would be happier and safer with Mr. Black because she has the same complications as Professor Dumbledore, but has agreed that if you do go to that she will visit weekly to make sure your health and well being are improving and that you are growing up properly." Madame Bagnold took a breath and Harry slowly began to breathe again. "Mr. Potter, I do believe you know what this means." Harry nodded and she continued, "I now turn over custody to Mr. Sirius Orion Black and hope that all is well with both of them."

Harry ran to Sirius and Sirius picked him up. Harry hugged him as tight as he could and Sirius breathed again.

"I've got you, pup," Sirius whispered.

"It's true, I get to go with you and you don't have to leave and you can be my daddy now."

"Of course, Harry," Sirius whispered.

Harry smiled and didn't lose it until he heard Madame Bagnold clear her throat.

"Now, we have another charge to deal with. Albus Percival Wilfred Brian Dumbledore, how do you plead for the deaths of Lily and James Potter?"

"WAIT!" Harry screamed as he jumped out of Sirius's arms. He walked up in front of Madame Bagnold and said, "Madame B-Ba-gno-ld, I don't blame Professor Dumbledore for the charges because he didn't know that Mr. Pettigrew was a bad guy, so I ask that you please let him go for the charges."

Madame Bagnold looked at him in amusement and said, "Alright, Mr. Potter, I release Albus Dumbledore for all charges."

Harry ran back to Sirius and jumped into his arms. He hugged Sirius and Sirius held him tightly.

"This court is dismissed," Madame Bagnold stated and everyone dispersed.

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Chapter 8: Meetings/ Picking Up/ Home

Harry was so happy. Sirius hadn't let go of him yet and told him he had to leave. Remus was still with him and Harry was still so happy when people started coming up and introducing themselves.

Amelia Bones came over and smiled at Harry.

"Hi, Mrs. Bones," Harry said.

"Hello there, Harry," Amelia said. "I just wanted to say congratulations and that I hope you'll come over some time, my daughter would love to have a new friend."

"I'm sure we can work something out, Amelia," Sirius replied. Harry nodded enthusiastically and Amelia waved good bye as she walked away.

Another woman walked over and Harry recognized her from the pensive, it was Gabriella Greengrass.

"Hello, Harry, Sirius," she greeted as she came to a stop in front of them.

Sirius seemed to swallow hard and Harry said, "Hi, Mrs. Greengrass, thank you for supporting Siri, I don't know what I'd do without him."

Gabriella smiled at Harry and said, "It was my pleasure, Harry, I'm just glad that I could help."

"How have you been, Gabby?" Sirius choked out.

"I've been alright, Siri, but it would have been nice if you had written a letter or two," Gabriella replied. "What about you?"

"Hiding," Sirius replied. "What's this 'Mrs' thing about?"

"I'm married and I have two daughters, but I kept my maiden name," she replied.

Sirius nodded and didn't seem to want to say anything else.

"I'd love to meet them," Harry said. "Are any of them my age? I don't have many friends besides Ginny, Ron, and Remus."

"I'm sure they'd love to meet you, Harry," Gabriella replied. "Where should we meet, say Saturday evening that's two days away?"

Sirius seemed to snap out of his stupor and said, "Potter Manor, of course, you can come over for lunch and maybe stay for dinner."

Gabriella nodded and whispered in his ear, "I wish they were yours, Siri, I wish things were different and maybe they can change."

Sirius gulped and nodded. The hopeful gleam in his eye was a spark in her heart as she walked away.

"We should go," Remus suggested. "We need to get back to the Weasley's and get Harry's things."

Sirius nodded and they walked back through the Ministry to the strange elevator. They reached their destination and walked over to the flames. Harry held tight to Sirius again as Sirius stepped into the flames.

"The Burrow!" Sirius shouted.

They landed just inside the kitchen and stepped away so that Remus had room when he came through. He landed a few seconds later and they walked into the living room. No one seemed to be around so Sirius put Harry down.

Harry walked over to his trunk and said, "Shrink!" The trunk shrank and Harry put it in his pocket.

He walked back over to the kitchen and grabbed his medicine and placed in a bag. He handed it to Remus so he didn't break the vials. He climbed back into Sirius's arms and rested his head in the crook of his neck.

"You ready to go, pup?"

"Uh huh, I'm tired, daddy," Harry yawned.

Sirius kissed his forehead and said, "We'll go as soon as we find Molly and tell her we're leaving."

Harry nodded and Sirius walked out to the steps.

"Molly," he called out. She came down a few seconds later with everyone following her.

"Yes, Sirius, you've gotten the whole house."

"We were just leaving and wanted to say good-bye," Sirius said.

Mrs. Weasley nodded and came down to stand in front of them. She looked at Harry and smiled. Harry smiled back and Sirius put him down. Harry hugged her.

"Thank you for everything, Mrs. Weasley," he whispered.

"It was a pleasure, dear," she replied. "And don't hesitate to come by or maybe Ron and Ginny can come over while the boys are at school. They leave in just two weeks."

Harry jumped back in surprise. Only a week and half ago, he had been an orphan with no one, now he had everything he'd ever wanted and more. Plus, he had just turned ten a couple of weeks ago.

"What is it, dear?"

"Nothing, I just realized that a couple weeks ago I had turned ten," Harry replied.

"Oh, we must celebrate and we didn't get to have Ginny's birthday party either. We'll be able to do it together and have a going away party for the boys, it will be perfect. I'll make a special birthday dinner and two cakes."

Harry blushed and Sirius said, "That's a great idea, Molly, we'd be delighted to come."

Remus was nodding and everyone else looked excited.

Harry looked at Ron and grinned.

"So, mate, you wanna come over tomorrow?" Harry asked.

"That would be awesome," Ron replied. "Mom, can I?"

"Yes, that's fine. You can help Harry set up his home and I'm sure there will be some shopping involved tomorrow, right, Sirius?"

"Yes, Molly, we have to go get Harry and I some new clothes, shoes, and a couple of other things, but most of the ground work the house elves have done."

Molly nodded and Ron looked excited.

Harry looked at Ginny and she smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"Maybe you can come over this weekend, Ginny, we have people coming over Saturday, but maybe Sunday?"

Ginny nodded and Harry gave her hug.

"'Bye, Harry," she whispered.

"'Bye, Ginny," he whispered back and he let go. He climbed into Sirius's arms again and said, "Good-bye, everyone, thank you for being nice."

They all nodded and Sirius walked outside.

"Are we aparating?" Harry asked.

"Yep," Sirius replied as he set him down on his feet. "Hold on tight, now."

Harry nodded and they were gone

When Harry opened his eyes, they were standing if front of a large house, but house couldn't really be what it was called, it was more of a mansion.

It was huge and looked like it had recently been cleaned, painted, polished, and trimmed.

"Is this where we're going to live?" Harry asked.

"Yes, it is, pup. This is where you lived before your mum and dad took you into hiding," he replied.

Harry nodded and they walked up together. Remus popped in a few seconds later and he joined them. They walked up and Sirius opened one of the doors. A large entrance way was there with stairs leading to next floor in the middle. A huge chandelier hung in the entrance way.

"Wow," Harry whispered. Remus and Sirius were smiling.

Sirius picked him up and Remus said, "I'm going to go start dinner." Sirius nodded and smiled at Harry.

"Well, upstairs or downstairs, pup?"

"Downstairs, so we can eat and then upstairs after we eat," Harry replied.

"Alright, pup," Sirius said and carried him into the room to the left of the stairs. "This is the living room." Harry looked around in amazement.

The ceiling was high and had an even large chandelier than the one in the entranceway. The furniture was perfect for the room and looked like it belonged there along with the couple of rugs and end tables with a coffee table in front of the couch. There wasn't a television like at Uncle Vernon's, but there were paintings and a fireplace.

"It's amazing," Harry whispered and Sirius laughed. He carried him over to one of two rooms off the living room and it was a library. "Wow," was all that Harry could say as he looked at the thousands, maybe even millions of books that never seemed to end.

"Yeah, but what's cool is the outside area."

Harry nodded and Sirius showed him the other room, which was a study that seemed to mean more to Sirius than Harry.

Sirius then carried Harry outside to the back patio, which the door was behind the stairway in the entranceway.

Outside, was a huge, well, Harry had never seen anything like it.

"What is that?"

"It's a Quidditch Pitch, it isn't as big or grand as Hogwart's, but it's great practice," Sirius replied.

"Daddy, would you teach me how to play?" Harry asked.

Sirius smiled at him and said, "It would be my pleasure, pup."

Harry smiled and saw that to the right of the patio was a large, but not too large pool and a grill with patio chairs and a couple couches on the deck they were standing on.

"This is amazing, Daddy," Harry said. Sirius smiled at him and carried him back inside. He walked them back to the entranceway and to the other side of the stairway. They first walked into a dining room and then, the kitchen. It was like no other kitchen Harry had seen before. It was huge and had everything a witch or wizards' kitchen would need.

Remus smiled at Harry's face and said, "Lunch is ready."

Harry grinned even wider and Sirius sat him in one of the chairs that was set next to an island. It was kind of like a breakfast bar and Harry liked it.

"Okay, I made chicken noodle soup and ham and cheese sandwiches and I made enough for everyone."

"Are you sure, Remus," Sirius asked.

Remus laughed and replied, "Yes, Sirius, I made enough to feed an army."

Sirius grinned and mumbled, "Sometimes that isn't even enough."

Harry laughed and they had a pleasant lunch, after Harry took his medicine.

After lunch, Sirius picked up Harry and asked, "You ready for the rest of the tour, pup?"

Harry nodded, but was a little tired.

Sirius carried him upstairs and opened the first door on the left. It was red and gold and Harry smiled.

"Who's room was this?"

"This was my room, pup, when I used to live with the Potters'."

Harry nodded and Sirius closed the door and walked to the next one on the right. It was red and gold also, but it had a lot more posters on the walls.

"Whose room is this?" Harry asked.

"Your dads', Harry, we had our rooms right next to each others because we shared a bathroom in between the rooms."

Harry nodded and Sirius walked next door on the right. He opened the door.

"This was your mum and dad's room when they lived here."

Harry smiled as he saw a couple of pictures.

He closed the door and opened the one next door to that one.

"This was your room when you were a baby," he said as he opened the door.

Harry nodded and Sirius closed the door.

He stopped at the next room, which was on the left across from Harry's old bedroom.

"This is your new room, Harry, I had the house elves do it so let me know what you think and whatever you don't like we can change."

Harry nodded and Sirius opened the door.

Harry's eyes widened in amazement. The window was the first thing he was drawn to. It had a window seat underneath it, but then, he looked up and saw the ceiling reflected the night sky.

"Does it change?" Harry asked.

"Yes, it changes during the day."

Harry nodded and looked at the walls. It was weird for a second they seemed like a forest and then another second it looked like a mountain range.

"What's wrong with the walls?"

"Nothing, Harry, it's reflecting the night sky. You can stop it on whichever scene you like the best, just ask it."

"Stop at the forest scene," Harry stated. It stopped and Harry smiled. He looked at the bed and noticed the covers were starred and dark blue with white sheets underneath. It had two end tables on either side and it was a double bed. The end tables had two lamps that seemed like they would be good for reading. "I love it, daddy."

Sirius smiled and said, "That's great, son, now, how's your back?"

"It's a little stiff, would you mind putting some of my medicine on my back, daddy?" Harry asked tiredly.

"Of course not, Harry, I'll be right back just let me go get it," Sirius said as he left.

Harry took off his shirt and took his trunk out of his pocket. He placed it on the floor and said, "Grow and open." The trunk grew to normal size and opened for him. He stepped inside and walked to his parents room. He grabbed the clothes from where he left them on the bed. He left and closed his trunk. "Lock," he said and it did.

He changed into his pajama pants real quick and laid down on the bed.

"Harry, you still awake?" Sirius asked as he walked in a few minutes later.

"Yes, Siri," he replied and Sirius sat on the side of the bed next to him. He massaged some of the cream into his back and Harry's back relaxed and the muscles became less tense. When Sirius was done with his back, Harry sat up and put some of the cream on the scars on his chest. When he finished he looked at Sirius and asked, "Daddy, will this cream do anything for the scar on my forehead? I don't know where I got it and I've had for as long as I can remember, but I get stared at a lot for it and I want it to go away."

Sirius sighed and replied, "Harry, that scar is from a long time ago and it will never go away because the way it was put there was a horrible way."

Harry nodded and looked really sad, but smiled anyways.

"Good night, Daddy," Harry whispered as Sirius tucked him in.

Sirius kissed his forehead and whispered, "Good night, Harry."

Harry was watching the forest scenery when he saw a silver light just inside the trees. He tried to see what it was, but he couldn't tell. It comforted him and he smiled at it. It seemed to smile back and Harry felt warmth spread through him and fell asleep, but not before he heard, from a picture that must have been in his night table, say, "Welcome home, son."