Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Sirius Black was fuming as he paced alone on a seventh floor corridor. The last few days had been harrowing to say the least and today it just seemed to get worse. First he had been trying to talk Dad Potter into letting him go back to his birth parents’ house, because he wanted to try to reach Regulus once again. He was so afraid his little brother would let their parents talk him into being a Death Eater if he couldn’t get through to him.

Today though, he had to watch James making moon eyes at Evans again. That was bad enough but to see her keep cutting James down made him so mad. It was bad enough that he couldn’t tell Prongs how he felt about him, but to see him get his heart stomped on time and again made the Black Heir furious. Evans wasn’t even good enough for his James, so what right did she have to treat him so horribly?

‘I just wish I could prove to James that Evans isn’t the one for him. I wish I could keep Reggie from joining Voldemort. I wish I could show Dad that he doesn’t have to worry if I go back to Grimmauld Place. Hell I wish I could make Grandfather realize just how bad Mother and Father are so he will help save Reggie.’ Sirius kept repeating this mantra over and over as he paced the corridor.

He had turned to make another trip back down the hallway when he noticed a large door he had never seen before. He glanced up and down the hallway, but nobody else was around. He walked over to the door and turned the knob more cautiously than a Gryffindor usually did. His eyes went wide when he saw the beautifully decorated room.

He walked in and the door closed behind him on its own. He had spun around at the sound of the door, but then popping noises were coming from behind him. He again turned back to the room to see bright blue lights to go with the noises. He was shocked to see that the sounds and lights left people where they went off. He watched as James Potter, Remus Lupin, Lily Evans, Charlus Potter, Dorea Potter, Regulus Black and Arcturus Black all appeared in the room.

Evans evidently hadn’t noticed the older people in the room, because she started screeching at James wanting to know what he had done.

“I didn’t do anything. I don’t even know where we are.” James defended with his arms held up in a placating way. He then seemed to notice his parents in the room. “Dad? Mum? What are you doing here?”

“I don’t know son. Like you we haven’t a clue where we are.” Charlus told his child.

“I want to know how I got here, wherever here is.” Lord Black demanded.

“I think it might be my fault you all are here.” Sirius stepped forward with a wary eye on his grandfather.

Charlus saw the way Sirius was looking at his grandfather and wasn’t happy, so he gave his own glare at the other man. “Why do you think that, Sirius?”

“A couple of reasons,” He said ruefully. “You see I’m the only one that walked through the door. Plus right before I did I was thinking about all of you except Mum and Remus. Oh by the way we are at Hogwarts on the seventh floor.”

“I’ve never seen a room like this at Hogwarts.” James was taking in the room as he spoke.

It was a large room with a fireplace. The walls were each painted a different color, one each of red, green, blue and yellow. The room had a couch, loveseat and three armchairs sat in a rectangle. In front of the red wall was a gold couch, the green wall had a silver arm chair. The blue wall had a bronze armchair sitting beside a bronze loveseat and the yellow wall had a black armchair in front of it. There was a wooden coffee table in the center of the rectangle of furniture.

All of a sudden another blue light appeared in the room but without the noise this time. When the light faded a book with a piece of parchment on it had appeared on the table.

Charlus and Arcturus had both pulled their wands at the sudden light, but it was Lord Potter who stepped up to the new addition to the room. He cast some spells, but he didn’t seem to find anything wrong, so he picked up the parchment to see it was a letter addressed to Sirius. He handed it to his second son.

“It is addressed to you, Sirius. Maybe you could read it out loud for all of us.”

“Sure thing Dad,” He didn’t notice the glares that his brother and grandfather were giving him.

“Dear Sirius,

You made some wishes outside this special room, and I decided to grant them for you. This is a magical room called the Room of Requirement, and it gives the user what they need, but I have decided to take it one step further for you. I have given you this book to read with these important people in your life to not only to let your wishes come true, but to give you another chance to have even more happiness.

You might be wondering why and how I can do this. The why is because you are a special man who will suffer a lot in the future. Yes, you read that right I said the future, but you still made an unbelievable contribution to the world and helped set things right. I’m giving you this book from the future and hopefully you can change some of the horrible things that came to pass. This book is not the horrible part, but to show you the contributions you made. The things that were bad are talked about in the book, so you will get to see what you need to change, but still see that some things turned out great in the end.

The reason I sent it this way is because you can’t change the people’s lives in the book. Those are set in stone, but with your wish I have opened a new timeline for you, so you and your loved ones hopefully won’t have to suffer some of what passed.

Read this book aloud together. Learn from the mistakes you made in that future’s past. You are worth this chance Sirius Orion Black, and please believe me when I say not to believe the things, the doubts about yourself that Orion and Walburga Black have put in your head.

There is a kitchen that the house elves will supply with your meals. The hallway to the right leads to private rooms and baths. Time is standing still outside this room so no worries about being missed or the full moon.

Hogwarts and the Founders.

Everybody was looking shocked at what had been read, but the Marauders were sharing a look of worry. They were not sure how the Blacks or Lily Evans would react to Remus being a werewolf. When none of them commented on the full moon comment they let out a relieved sigh.

“Well I guess we had better read it.” Charlus said as he picked the book up and joined his wife on the loveseat.

Lily didn’t look happy as she sat in the black chair. She didn’t understand why she had to be here with the Marauders. It wasn’t like she hadn’t spent almost six full school years trying to avoid them. It was only one more week before her sixth year was over, and she could get away from them for a couple of months.

James sat down on the couch between Sirius and Remus. He did his best to hide the disappointment on his face that Evans had chosen a chair instead of the couch.

Arcturus and Regulus took the last two chairs. They both looked upset to be here as well. Regulus sat in the bronze chair beside the elder Potters leaving the silver chair for his grandfather.

“If nobody minds I think I’ll read first.” Charlus said. “Making the Truth Known, that’s the title of the book. Chapter 1 The Truth Comes Out,” He added.

He stood at the doors looking into the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall and Hermione at his side. He was angry and trying to keep them from realizing just how angry he was. It was the welcoming feast of his third year at Hogwarts, but after everything he had learned this summer he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t want to make things right.

“I thought this was about Sirius?” Arcturus wasn’t the only one looking confused.

They were all wondering who this thirteen year old kid was. They were also wondering what could make him so angry that he would even consider not going to Hogwarts for his third year.

There at the head table was that manipulative old fool Dumbledore,

“Why would somebody say that about Professor Dumbledore? He’s a great man.” Lily looked outraged.

“I don’t know he sounds like a smart kid to me.” Lord Black was smirking at the Gryffindors especially his grandson.

Sirius and James opened their mouths to argue with the older man, but Charlus Potter gave them a look that had them shutting their mouths with a snap.

“We don’t know why the young man is thinking this, but maybe we will find out if you let me read.” He told them.

a man he had looked up to and admired until he learned the truth about him.

“It sounds like he found out something bad about the man.” Dorea frowned. She had always looked up to Dumbledore. Was she about to find out something to change her opinion of the man?

Now all he wanted to do was make sure the man paid for his crimes. He wanted to make sure that face never had a twinkle in his eyes again. And there also was Snape, a stinking, snivelling coward who had helped ruin his life.

“Wait what? What’s Snivellus doing at Hogwarts? How did he ruin this kid’s life?” Sirius demanded furiously.

“Don’t call him that.” Lily glared angrily at the Black heir.

“Why do you care? It’s not like you’re friends with him anymore?” Regulus was giving his own glare at the redhead. He knew how much the older Slytherin was hurt that Evans wouldn’t accept his apology.

“Maybe not but that doesn’t mean I want to hear them call him names either.” Lily didn’t want to admit that she had said it automatically without thinking.

He couldn’t wait to see his reaction when he realized that the gig was up, and he was going to be outed for exactly what he was by the son of his enemies.

“The son of his enemies? He must belong to one of us.” James looked excited to find out who the kid was now.

Also sitting at the table for the first time was the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. His name was Remus Lupin

“Moony, you’re a teacher. How could you do that to us?” Sirius wailed dramatically.

Remus couldn’t help looking pleased at the thought of being a teacher at Hogwarts.

and he had just saved Harry on the Hogwarts Express on the way to school from a Dementor.

“Charlus, why would a Dementor be on the express?” Dorea turned questioning eyes towards her husband.

“I don’t know Sweetheart, but I don’t like the sound of it.” He started reading again.

Even so Harry couldn’t help being angry with him.

This had all three Marauders raising their eyebrows in confusion. Why would this kid be mad at Moony?

The man had turned his back on one of his best friends only on Dumbledore’s word. Didn’t the man have any loyalty at all?

James and Sirius were glancing at their friend in disbelief. That didn’t sound like Remus to them.

“Wait a minute,” Sirius was glancing around the room expectantly. “Why isn’t Peter here?”

“Yes, where is he?” James asked too.

“I don’t know, but maybe we will find out later.” Remus answered, but his mind was wondering about why he would turn his back on his friend.

He needed to stop thinking that way or he would be in trouble again. His Dad got mad every time he let his anger show at his best friend, but he couldn’t help it, just the thought of him abandoning his Dad made him furious.

“It looks like it was this kid’s Dad you abandoned. No wonder he’s mad at you.” Regulus couldn’t help smirking at the Marauders. It still hurt that Sirius had picked them over him.

He noticed the sorting was done as he and Hermione made their way to the Gryffindor table to where the first friend he had ever made was sitting. Ron Weasley was a tall gangly red-headed boy that he had met on his first trip on the Hogwarts Express. Every since then they had been best mates, but now he had also learned the truth about him and it took everything in him to sit down beside him like nothing was wrong. He knew he needed to be close to Ron though for just the right moment.

“It sounds like this kid doesn’t like anybody.” Lily could see the kid belonging to either Potter or Black. They treated people bad. It sounded like the kid took after either one of those gits. She didn’t even stop to think that the passage said he found out something about the kid.

“He does sound like he is a little bitter about something.” But Dorea’s voice held worry and sympathy for the kid rather than the disdain that Lily’s did.

Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were both making their way to the head table now, since the tiny Professor had put away the Sorting Hat and stool. He had to do the sorting since McGonagall had called Harry and Hermione aside as soon as they entered the castle.

“Definitely belongs to one of you two. He sounds like he is a troublemaker just like you. He’s already called to Professor McGonagall’s office before the feast.” Lily said snidely.

Charlus had read ahead. “It wasn’t because he was in trouble.” He didn’t like the young lady’s attitude. She seemed awful judgmental to him.

Just thinking about the time in her office had his cheeks tinting red again. Why did Professor Lupin send that note ahead telling her he had passed out on the train? It wasn’t like the man cared two figs for him after all he had abandoned him as well on Dumbledore’s orders.

James and Sirius wouldn’t look at their friend. They didn’t like the sound of that at all.

Over at the Slytherin table he noticed that Malfoy was entertaining his friends by pretending to pass out. He knew this was because of him fainting on the train, but it made his insides squirm in anger anyway.

Oh why couldn’t his guests arrive already?

This caused some raised eyebrows. Why would a kid have guests coming to Hogwarts? He should have visited with people before he went to school. This didn’t make sense. The kid just had a summer break.

He had made sure they had received the invites hours ago. Until then he had to bide his time, but then the fireworks were going to start, and the Wizarding World was going to be shaken up, or his name wasn’t Harry James Sirius Potter-Black.

“What was his name?” Arcturus Black asked sitting forward in shock.

“Harry James Sirius Potter-Black,” Charlus responded as he kept looking at the name.

“Why would he be named after both of you?” Lily’s brow was knitted in confusion.

But Sirius was hoping this meant what he thought it did. Did that mean he got together with James and had a kid? He kept his head down so nobody could see the gleam of hopefulness in his eyes.

James was also thinking along the same lines. He had realized after the willow incident that he loved Sirius, but he didn’t think that his best friend would ever feel the same way. That was why he was still trying to get with Lily.

“I don’t know, but it seems like he is our grandchild.” Dorea beamed at her son and the young man she considered her son. She hoped it meant that James and Sirius had gotten together. She had known for some time now that Sirius loved James as more than a brother.

It was going to be a monumental moment that was for sure. He was rubbing his hands together in glee on the inside, just thinking of the chaos that he was going to cause. Evidently his Marauder side was coming out in spades now.

“Yes a mini-Marauder.” Sirius laughed happily as he high-fived James.

“Just what the world needs another Marauder.” Regulus snorted.

Sirius glared at his brother. He refused to let him see how hurt he was by that comment.

He felt the stares from almost all in the Great Hall, and he knew it was because quite a few were upset that he had disappeared for more than three weeks this summer, while most actually thought he had been murdered, and some probably hoped he had been.

“What? Why would people hope that a child had been murdered?” Dorea looked aghast at the idea.

“I don’t know, but I hope he isn’t right about people wishing that.” Charlus was worried about his grandson if he was right.

McGonagall had demanded to know where he had been while he was in her office, and got really angry at him when he refused to tell her. He had never thought anybody’s lips could get so white and thin at his comments, “I’m not telling you where I was as it isn’t anybody at this school’s business where I spend my holidays, or do you demand that all students give you an accounting of their vacations?”

“He’s got a point.” Arcturus couldn’t help saying.

“Mr. Potter,

“Potter? Didn’t he say his name was Potter-Black?” Remus had tried to keep quiet, since he had heard he abandoned his friend and this kid, but he wanted to try and make sense of what was going on.

“Yes he did, but it seems he is a Potter.” Lily replied. “McGonagall would know his name since she does the records for the school.”

“Well you would think the kid would know his own name.” Regulus pointed out.

the Headmaster is your magical guardian,

“Why would Dumbledore be his magical guardian?” James was truly confused. It didn’t make sense if he was a Potter or Black for that matter for it to be the case.

“I don’t know but it seems all we have are questions and no answers.” His Dad told him. “I really hope that changes soon.

and he asked me to find out where you were, and furthermore I do not appreciate your cheek,” she exclaimed angrily.

“Why because he told the truth, that it was none of your business?” Arcturus shook his head at the woman’s gall.

“Ma’am , I beg to differ with you, but no matter what Professor Dumbledore says , he is not my guardian, magical or otherwise, so I will not be answering that. I’m sorry that you feel I am being cheeky, but I feel you are out-of-line demanding to know about my personal life. Now if you are done I would like to get something to eat as I’m hungry.”

"You go kid.” Regulus was impressed. He really didn’t like McGonagall.

“Very well Mr. Potter, you may wait outside while I speak to Miss Granger about her schedule, and we will go to the feast together. I will also be taking ten points from you for your attitude.”

“Yes Professor.” Of course this was another one of the reasons he had been so angry when he entered the Hall. He had felt the point loss was unjust, but as he knew that he was going to be getting back at those present he just decided to use the anger when the time was right.

“I wonder what he means by that.” James looked intrigued. He was also excited as this must definitely be his son with Minnie calling him Potter.

Just as he turned to stare at the doors of the Great Hall waiting for them to open and admit his guests he noticed that McGonagall was talking to Dumbledore. The man turned to glare at him angrily as did Snape who evidently was listening in on their conversation but this just made him smirk. He didn’t care if they were mad or not as he planned to make them a lot madder before the night was over.

“The kids got brass balls if he doesn’t care if he makes Dumbledore angry.” Sirius was impressed.

“Sirius, don’t be crude. There are women present.” Charlus reprimanded.

“Yes Dad. Sorry Mum. Sorry Evans.” Sirius didn’t notice the glare Regulus was giving him.

It seemed that Lupin wasn’t too happy with him either if the frown he was shooting Harry’s way was any indication. Well that was just too bad, because Harry wasn’t too happy with the man either, no matter what his Dad said about him. He didn’t know him now.

“That sounds more like your kid than mine Padfoot.” James sniggered.

“Hey I care what Dad says. It’s my Father who I don’t care what he says.” Sirius reminded him.

“And I’m sure that you think that’s acceptable.” Regulus snarled at his brother.

“Yep,” Sirius didn’t seem the least bit upset by Reg’s attitude. “The man doesn’t care about me, so why should what he says matter to me?”

As the plates were finally cleaned and Dumbledore stood to give his start of term speech the door opened admitting quite a few people to the shock of all those in the Hall, only Harry was unsurprised by their admittance. Most , both students and staff were actually gaping as the people entered.

First to enter was the Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge,

“Fudge?” Charlus was gawping. “The man’s an idiot. How did he get to be Minister?”

“I don’t know but if he is Minister the wizarding world may be doomed.” Arcturus scowled at the thought.

his Senior Under Secretary Dolores Umbridge, who looked like a giant, pink toad, Director of Magical Law Enforcement Amelia Bones,

“But Dad you’re the Director of the DMLE.” James wasn’t the only one staring at the man worriedly.

“We don’t know how far into the future this is.” His Dad tried to reassure him.

Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt, his Junior Partner Auror Nymphadora Tonks,

“That’s Andi’s daughter. She is like three now.” Sirius was impressed that she was an Auror.

their boss Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour, Ex-Auror Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody,

“Alastor retired.” Charlus knew his friend would only retire if he wasn’t physically fit to be an Auror anymore.

Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office Arthur Weasley, as well as his wife Molly and their two oldest sons, Bill and Charlie Weasley, Ted and Andromeda Tonks, Augusta Longbottom, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, Reporter for The Daily Prophet Rita Skeeter and two very intimidating Goblins wearing full battle armour, though very few knew their names, besides Harry and Professor Flitwick, the taller of the two was Director of all Gringotts Operations Ragnok and his companion was Director of Potter Accounts Steelblade.

“That’s an odd collection of people he’s invited there.” Charlus couldn’t hide the grin at the thought of his grandson inviting such a strange assortment of characters.

Harry was metaphorically rubbing his hands in excitement as the moment he had been waiting for all through dinner finally arrived.

“He sounds like a little stinker.” Dorea grinned fondly.

“He’s a third year Mum. I don’t think a thirteen year old would appreciate being called a little stinker.” James snorted knowing how offended he would feel to hear his Mum call him that.

“Minister , may I ask what you and all of your companions are doing here,” Dumbledore asked in clear confusion , twinkle absent Harry was pleased to note.

Lily frowned. This boy was being disrespectful about Dumbledore. Yeah she could see the kid being James Potter’s son.

“I received an invitation to appear here tonight, Dumbledore, and I’m assuming the others have as well. I take it that you were not the one to send such an invitation then?”

“No Minister, I did not and I have no idea why you are all here or who could have invited you.” He turned to his staff asking, “Did any of you invite these guests here?”

“Nope, Harry did.” Sirius grinned. He just knew this kid was something special just from what they had read so far.

All were shaking their heads or saying no with the same look of bewilderment on their faces.

“Minister, I think someone has pulled an elaborate prank on all of you,” the Headmaster said.

“Yeah another Potter evidently,” Lily grumbled.

Charlus and Dorea was staring at the young lady. They couldn’t understand why she was here if she thought so lowly of their boys, but they knew she wasn’t making a very good impression on them.

“Not at all Professor Dumbledore, I was the one who invited all these good people here, and it is by no means for a prank, but to make some very important truths be known,” stated Harry while standing up.

“Potter, you have no right to invite anybody to this school. You are once again letting your arrogance show,” snapped Snape. ”That will be fifty points and a weeks’ worth of detentions for causing these people such an inconvenience on an arrogant child’s whims.”

James and Sirius were glaring hatefully at the book. Who did that sniveling bastard think he was?

“Well I think before the night is out you will find I can invite anybody I want here, also I will not be doing your detentions, and if you and Professor McGonagall will note that none of the points you have removed from me tonight have been removed from the Gryffindor counter.”

Every eye in the Great Hall turned to notice that the counter set at ten points, the exact amount that Angelina Johnson had earned for taking a young first year to the Hospital Wing after she was affected by the Dementors. The Gryffindor counter was the only one showing any points at all.

“Okay how did he do that? I want to be able to do that.” Sirius was bouncing excitedly his seat.

“I don’t have a clue.” James said impressed. He also wanted to know. They could really use that ability.

“Mr. Potter, you will fix the counter and also serve your detentions with Professor Snape, and you will also be losing another ten points for being disrespectful to your Professor,” Dumbledore argued sternly.

“Snape as a professor means that Hogwarts is definitely not the finest magical school in Britain anymore.” James groaned at the thought of that evil git ruining Hogwarts.

But everyone once again noticed that the points stayed the same, even with Dumbledore removing points. This was shocking to everyone but Harry and the Goblins.

Charlus had a pensive expression on his face. Why would the Goblins know what was going on?

"There is nothing wrong with the counter, Sir. It is exactly how it is meant to be. It will remove points that are deserved as well as only giving those earned, just the way the Founders intended. That way no professor, no matter who they are , can punish or reward a student unfairly. Which is what it states emphatically in Hogwarts a History, the original version.”

“What does it mean the original version?” Lily loved that book, but was there a different version of it that she hadn’t read?

“What do you mean the original version , Harry,” questioned Hermione, always eager to learn something new.

“Sounds like Evans and Moony.” Sirius snickered.

“Just because some people like to take their studies seriously doesn’t mean you have to be mean about it.” Lily was once again wondering why she was here with these idiots.

“I take my studies seriously. I do believe I received all O’s on my OWLS. I just like having fun too.” Sirius was wishing the redhead wasn’t here.

“I’m talking about the version the Founders themselves wrote, the one that states all the laws and rules for the school, not that copy that the Headmasters and Headmistresses along with the school Governors and Ministry changed to fit their agendas.”

“What? Did you know about this Arcturus?” Charlus asked the man.

“No,” He shook his head with a slight frown.

“And how , pray tell , Mr.Potter did you get such a copy of that book,” demanded Madam Umbridge.

“Well that is one of the things you will all be learning tonight. But before we go there I have a couple of questions myself that I need to ask. Madam Bones and Mr. Moody did you bring the bottles of Veritaserum that I asked you to bring?”

“Whoa he really is planning on getting to the truth of something.” Remus wondered who he wanted the truth serum used on.

“Who do you think you are to tell adults what to do,” screeched Umbridge, in a high girlish voice that hurt everyone’s ears.

“You don’t know who I am,” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “I thought everybody in the wizarding world knew my name or rather the name that somebody claimed was my name.”

“Wait. Why would everybody in the wizarding world know a third year kid’s name? That doesn’t make sense.” Arcturus was trying to figure what was so important about this kid.

“What does he mean somebody claimed was his name?” Dorea asked her own question. “Is that why he has been called by two different names?”

“Harry James Potter, you need to be more respectful to the adults around you, ” shrieked Molly Weasley.

“There you go! That’s the name everybody in the wizarding world claims is my name.

“So everybody in the wizarding world knows him as Harry James Potter, but he says his real name is Harry James Sirius Potter-Black.” Regulus stated this matter-of-factly.

All of them wondering why this was so. They were all still trying to figure out why everybody in the wizarding world was supposed to know his name. None of this was making sense to them.

By the way Mrs. Weasley, you are not my mother so please refrain from telling me what to do as I don’t like or appreciate it at all. Especially after the things I found out about you this summer.”

At this statement a few people noticed that Molly Weasley and Albus Dumbledore blanched.

Dark looks were being exchanged by the elder Potters. That sounded like Dumbledore and this Molly Weasley had something to hide.

“Who do you think you are talking to my mother that way after all she has done for you,” Ron snarled.

“All that she has been paid , quite handsomely , to do for me, don’t you mean,” asked Harry snidely.

“What are you talking about Harry,” wondered the twins together.

“Yes I want to know that too.” James snapped.

“ Why don’t you ask your mum that question and see what she has to say? I’m hoping at least some of you Weasleys will be shocked by the answer the way I was.”

“Mum, what is he talking about,” Bill asked looking at her with curiosity.

“I.. I have no idea,” she stammered unconvincingly.

“Just one of the many truths that will be exposed tonight, but first Madam Bones and Mr. Moody do you have that Veritaserum?”

“Yes!” they both said at once , wanting to get to the bottom of everything.

“Me too,” Sirius really wanted some answers, but he felt like all he was getting was more questions.

“Well, why doesn’t everyone get comfortable, because it is going to be a long night. Madam Bones as you are the Head of the DMLE I will let you decide what is to be our first topic of conversation, or should I say who we will be discussing first. Here are your options  Albus Dumbledore,  Severus Snape,  Bartemius Crouch, Sirius Black, Molly Weasley and at least a couple of her children, Peter Pettigrew, the Dursleys, Lucius Malfoy, Minister Fudge, Dolores Umbridge, heck we can even talk about the Founders. While you are deciding where you want to start, I need Rita Skeeter to come forward please.”

“But Sirius and Peter aren’t there. Why would they be talking about them?” Remus was rubbing his forehead as if he had a headache.

A blond woman wearing glasses with jewels around the edge stepped forward. “I’m Rita Skeeter. What did you want Mr. Potter?”

“I am about to give you some of the most exclusive and mind-boggling stories you will ever write, but I will only do that if you give me a magical oath that you will only write the truth that you hear here tonight, otherwise you will be kicked out and not allowed to hear the things being discussed tonight, and I will give the exclusive rights to these stories to someone else.”

“You can’t do that,” fumed Rita.

"I can assure you that I can. Maybe you did not notice the goblins standing by my side. They are two of the highest officials in the Goblin Nation, and they have promised to make sure only the truth will be told, and trust me they have the power to make sure that is true. May I introduce Director Ragnok, the Director of all of Gringotts and the Goblins and his companion is Director of Potter accounts Steelblade. Both have promised they will protect my rights against all and any who try to walk all over me. But just in case you feel I am asking too much of you, I will also give you a magical oath to tell you the absolute truth, so you know that I won’t ask any more of you than I expect of myself.”

“You’ll actually make a vow, too?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“He’s too young. He shouldn’t be making a magical oath.” Dorea fretted. She didn’t want her grandson to make a mistake and get hurt. Her husband held her hand to offer comfort even through his own worry.

“Fine! What do I have to say?”

“Just state your name and swear to tell the truth nothing less or nothing more about what you hear told here tonight.”

“Very well, I, Rita Marie Skeeter swear on my magic and my life that I will tell the truth, nothing less, nothing more about what I learn here tonight. So I swear it! So mote it be!” A magical blue glow encircled Rita to show that her oath was in effect. She then turned to Harry and said, “Now it is your turn.”

Harry raised his wand and stated, “I, Harry James Sirius Potter-Black hereby swear on my magic and my life that what I tell here tonight is the absolute truth. So I swear it! So mote it be!” As he finished his oath a blue light surrounded him proving that the oath was in effect.

“Well we now know what his real name is.” Arcturus seemed pleased to know the kid had the Black name.

Many gasps were heard at Harry’s name being stated. But the Minister was the one that asked the question. “Mr. Potter why did you claim that is your name? Your name is Harry James Potter, everyone knows that.”

“Well Minister than everyone is wrong, because I just gave you my true name which is quite obvious as I am still standing here alive, which means that you all are wrong about my name.”

“I told you Fudge was an idiot. That should have been obvious with his oath.” Lord Black grinned smugly.

“That isn’t right, Harry. I was there when you were born and that was not the name you were given.” Remus assured him.

Everybody turned to look at Remus. They couldn’t believe that he just said that.

“Remus didn’t you notice the oath he just took?” James questioned his friend.

“I did, but evidently my future self didn’t.” Remus grimaced.

“I assure you that I now know my real name, and there is a perfectly good reason that you believe the wrong name was my name. Isn’t that right, Dumbledore?”

“I don’t know what you mean Harry,” Dumbledore said with his usual twinkling eyes.

“Well we’ll see, won’t we? Have, you chosen where you want to start Madam Bones?”

“I think we had better start with Sirius Black, as he is the known criminal and murderer

“What?” was the outraged cries of everybody in the room besides Lily.

and we need to do everything we can to get him back before he kills again, Mr. Potter,” She answered. “Do you know where he is?’

“Yes Ma’am!”

“Then tell us now, boy,” demanded Umbridge. “Or you will be arrested for aiding a murderer and get you your own cell in Azkaban.”

“Did that stupid woman just threaten to send my thirteen year old grandson to Azkaban?” Dorea was fuming mad. Her husband pulled her close to try and calm her down even if he was angry too.

This caused an uproar from quite a few people, mostly from the Gryffindor table, though some of the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws also were shouting, plus a few teachers and some of the guests.

But Harry said very calmly, “I can’t help you there, you see he is under the Fidelius Charm and I’m not the Secret Keeper. But since Madam Bones wants to cover him first, you will hear everything about him and before I am done I’m sure he will make his own appearance.”

“This is so confusing. Why would you go there if people think you are a murderer?” Regulus was scared for his brother.

“I don’t know Reg, but do you really think I could have killed somebody?” Sirius was staring intently at his younger brother.

“No I don’t, but they seem to think you did. That means that you will be in danger if you go there.” He pointed out.

“Sirius Black will come here? Are you crazy? He will kill all of us,” shouted a lot of people.

“They really don’t think much of you do they Black?” Lily taunted.

“Actually it sounds like they think I’m capable of quite bit.” He corrected her.

“Sirius, that is not funny son.” Charlus scolded.

“Sorry Dad.” He hadn’t meant to upset the man, but Evans was getting on his nerves.

Head Auror Scrimgeour turned to Auror Shacklebolt and told him, “Go get a dozen more Aurors here.”

“They really are afraid of you. They already have three Aurors, an ex-Auror and the Head of the DMLE and they want a dozen more Aurors. You must really be one kick-ass bad guy.” James told his friend with a grin.

“James watch your language.” Charlus reprimanded his son.

“Sorry everybody,” He definitely didn’t want to taste soap today, but he had noticed how tense Sirius was. He wanted to try and put him in a better mood.

“That is not necessary, nor will it be possible for anyone other than Sirius Black to enter the school for the rest of the night,” Harry promised him.

“This kid is something else.” Arcturus liked the kid’s take charge attitude, even if he couldn’t figure out how he was going accomplish that.

“Harry, I am the Headmaster and I say who comes and goes in this school, and I assure you the Aurors are coming to arrest Mr. Black,” Dumbledore stated importantly.

“Well as the front door will not open and none of the Floo connections work I think you will find that impossible. The secret passages have also been closed for the night. So I don’t see how you are going to bring anyone else here.”

“Fawkes,” called Dumbledore. A blaze of fire lit up beside Dumbledore, and a beautiful red and gold Phoenix appeared when the fire dissipated. “Fawkes, I need you to go bring some Aurors here for me.” Dumbledore looked nonplussed when the bird never moved from where he was at.

“Oh, sorry I forgot to tell you I also asked Fawkes to not bring anybody here tonight or to take anyone away either, and he agreed,” Harry admitted sheepishly.

“How could he get Dumbledore’s familiar to listen to him and not the headmaster?” Remus was shocked beyond belief.

“I don’t know but I’m impressed.” James gave a cheeky grin.

Dumbledore wasn’t the only one looking shocked especially when the beautiful Phoenix was nodding its head at the words coming from the Boy-Who-Lived.

“Boy-Who-Lived? There we go with yet another question that needs answering.” grumbled James.

“Mr. Potter this has gone on long enough. I demand you stop this nonsense at once,” ordered McGonagall.

“I’m sorry Ma’am but I can’t do that. It is time for the wizarding world to learn the truth, and I am determined to make sure they do just that. Now you all can sit back and learn the things you should have learned years ago, or you can sit back and pretend it’s not happening, but the truth will be told here tonight. You all deserve the right to know what I have found out, because your world and lives are about to be changed, and as far as I’m concerned, it is for the better and about time, too.

“Now Madam Bones, I know it is illegal to give a child Veritaserum which is why I took my oath so you can be assured that what I say here tonight is the absolute truth. Do you agree that my oath will prove that?”

“Oh yeah, that is why I’m not happy that you took that oath young man.” Dorea scolded her book grandson.

“Yes Mr. Potter, you will have to tell the truth or risk losing your magic and life,” she acknowledged.

“Could he really lose his magic or his life if he lies?” Lily thought that was horrible.

“Yes magical oaths shouldn’t be taken lightly.” Charlus informed her.

“Good! I just wanted everyone to hear that from your voice so later people can’t say I was lying. So we were going to talk about Sirius Black. The first thing I have to say is Sirius Black is innocent! He did not betray my parents! He did not kill Pettigrew! He did not kill those muggles! Lumos!” A light shone from the end of Harry’s wand at the last word.

“They thought I betrayed Harry’s parents and killed Peter. Why would they think that? Why would anybody believe that?” Sirius looked as if his world was falling apart.

“I don’t know because only an idiot would believe that.” Regulus assured his big brother.

Gasps were heard all around the hall, when they realized that Harry Potter was telling the truth as proven by him still having his magic and alive. The loudest one came from Remus Lupin.

“How is that possible Harry,” demanded Lupin, as he came and got right in Harry’s face.

Sirius and James were both staring at Remus with accusing eyes.

Regulus was glaring. “Like I said an idiot.”

Dorea was watching her adopted son with concern-filled eyes. Seeing the devastation there had her jumping up and hurrying to his side. The sofa the three boys were sitting on expanded to hold another person leaving an empty space beside Sirius. She sat down and wrapped her arms around the distraught teen. She held him close with tear-filled eyes.

“I’ve got you, Sweetheart. Your Mum knows you would never do any of the things you are accused of even without Harry’s oath.”

“Why would Remus believe it Mum?” was the heartbroken question that Dorea Potter couldn’t answer.

“I don’t know Darling, but maybe we will find out when your Dad reads more.”

“Sirius,” Arcturus Black called out to his grandson. “Remember that the young man in this book told Lupin that he abandoned you on Dumbledore’s word. I think that old man convinced him somehow. I’m not saying it is acceptable, but I think the old fool is no light wizard, and we are going to find our proof with this book.”

“Of course Professor Dumbledore is a light wizard.” Lily cried indignantly, but everybody ignored her as Charlus continued to read.

“I think it’s about time you asked that question, Professor Lupin,” the young man sneered at him angrily. “Don’t you think you should have asked something along those lines when he was accused and sent to Azkaban without a trial or even being questioned?

Charlus Potter was livid. “How dare they send him to Azkaban without a chance to defend himself?”

The elder Black also looked like he could breathe fire. His grandson wasn’t even given his rights. Both men were going to make sure nothing like this could ever happen in the future for anybody, not just the young man they both loved.

After all, of all the people left alive you knew him the best, but you let one man convince you that one of your best friends betrayed the others without even caring to get his side of the story. Do you have no loyalty at all?”

“Siri… Sirius I don’t know why I would think that?” Remus looked devastated, but he wasn’t the only one.

Sirius looked like his world was ended. He knew in the bottom of his heart that James was dead in this future. If Harry was saying Remus knew him best of all the people left alive, then surely James was dead since he knew more about Sirius than Remus did. He didn’t want to live in a world without James.

James in the meantime had scooted closer to Sirius and threw an arm around his shoulder. This also had the desired effect of putting more distance between himself and Remus. How could Remus believe that of Sirius?

Remus Lupin jerked back as if punched in the stomach from the words and anger on the face of the boy he had always considered his cub.

Regulus’s eyes narrowed at the word cub, but he didn’t say anything. It seemed to him that Severus was right about Lupin being a werewolf.

He was too shocked to speak at the moment, but as someone else was talking the glare coming from Harry was turned from him, thankfully.

“Mr. Potter, what do you mean he had no trial or was questioned,” Bones commanded.

“Didn’t it say she was the Head of the DMLE? Shouldn’t she already know that?” James asked scathingly. He knew his Dad would never have let such a thing happen if he still held that position.

“Yes she should.” Charlus agreed.

“Just what I said, but why don’t you ask Mr. Crouch that question, since he was the one that threw an innocent man in that hellhole without a chance to defend himself,

“The job title he had mentioned earlier shouldn’t have made that possible,” grumbled Charlus even as he continued to read.

not just a man, but a scion of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, the second oldest family still in existence to this day, the man that is now the Lord and Head of the same family.”

“What? How is that possible? Mother and Father swore they would make sure I never became Lord Black. I’m a blood traitor after all.” Sirius said through his shock.

“Well as I’m Lord Black and I’ve named you as my Heir that should be obvious.” Arcturus told him in a gentler tone than Sirius would have expected of the man. “Your parents would never be able to sway me from my decision.”

“But I don’t believe the same things as the Blacks. I don’t believe that only purebloods matter.” Sirius tried to wrap his head around what was being said. It was easier to think about this than the fact he would be going to Azkaban without a trial and evidently as an innocent man.

“Sirius, you have proven to me that you are capable of being Lord Black by following your own convictions despite your parents trying to change your mind.” Lord Black reassured him. “I’m proud of you Sirius even if I haven’t told you that before in so many words.”

“Rea...really?” Sirius stuttered out.

“I thought you would know that when I named you as my Heir and gave you the ring when you were ten.” The old man admitted.

Charlus and Dorea smiled at the older man when the saw the smile blooming across Sirius’s face.

Regulus on the other hand looked shocked. His parents had always told him that Sirius was a disgrace, and that his grandfather had changed his mind and that Regulus was going to be the next Lord Black. He didn’t want to take that away from Sirius, because he loved his brother even if he did go against what the family believed in. That was why he never asked his grandfather when they were going to make him the Heir. He didn’t want to hurt Sirius that way, but he had still believed his parents when they said that.

“That is not possible, Black could not be the Lord of the family, as a convicted man could not claim Lordship and his grandfather was still Lord Black when he was imprisoned,” sputtered Fudge.

“If he wasn’t convicted but just thrown in there then he could have claimed his Lordship while sitting on that Island.” Both Lords said at once.

“That is true a convicted man cannot claim a Lordship, but as he was never convicted in a court of law, he had no problem claiming his birthright. After all being held captive against your will and rights is not a crime for the victim, but for those holding him there well that is a different story. It makes them kidnappers, and the criminals anyway you look at it.” Harry pointed out.

“You tell them Harry.” James yelled out proudly. He was so impressed with the way this third year student was acting. He could see that his Dad was thinking the same thing. This kid was a Potter, and he was truly something to be proud of.

“Just because you say he is innocent doesn’t make it true,” screamed Umbridge.

“What an imbecile. He took an oath to tell the truth.” Regulus actually snorted forgetting his pureblood upbringing for once.

“Oh! You want more proof other than my oath then.

Now the youngest teen was smirking. It seemed this young Harry was probably thinking what he had just said about her being an imbecile.

Alright here is your first piece of proof.” He said pulling his wand and shouting, “Accio Scabbers!” A grey rat flew from Ron Weasley’s pocket and into Harry’s open palm, which he closed at once over the squirming frantic rat.

“What kind of proof is a rat?” Lily said with gaping mouth.

But the three Marauders’ minds automatically went to one fat grey rat they knew. Was that Wormtail? What the Hell was going on?

“What the bloody hell are you doing Harry,” roared Ron. “Give me back Scabbers. You are scaring him and he is already sick.”

“What is this nonsense, Potter,” bellowed a more confident Crouch now that he saw what the boy’s proof was.

“Proof of at least one of the charges Sirius Black was accused of is false, isn’t that right Professor Lupin?” He asked, as he held the struggling rat out for the man to see.

“It’s him.” Remus was staring at the book in shock.

James was trying to wrap his mind around why Wormtail was in a kid’s pocket. Nothing about this story was making sense to him.

Madam Pomfrey hurried quickly to the side of the man as his face lost all color so badly she thought he was going to faint, but all of a sudden Remus Lupin instead of fainting was furiously angry and grabbed the rat from the boy in front of him. The rat was now frantically trying to get away until the man holding him put it close to his face and snarled, “STOP NOW YOU TRAITOR BEFORE I WRING YOUR NECK!”

"NO!” all three Marauders cried as if mortally wounded.

“Boys what’s going on?” Charlus demanded. “Why do you look like you just lost your best friend?”

None of them wanted to answer, but James was so used to answering that tone of voice from his Dad he did so automatically. “I think we just did.”

“James?” Dorea stood and had Sirius scoot down, so she could sit between her boys.

“Just please read Dad.” Sirius begged in a tone that left all of the ones in the room sending worried glances at the Marauders, even Lily was feeling sorry for them at the moment.

And to the watchers amazement the rat went completely still. None of them could believe the rat was acting like he knew exactly what was said.

Rats don’t act that way, was the thought that was going through everyone’s minds who was not in the know about a certain rat Animagus.

“What is going on Remus,” Professor Flitwick asked.

Remus Lupin looked at the man talking to him and then he turned and looked all around the room to see everyone looking at him in confusion. “This isn’t a rat, Filius, and Harry is right, this is proof that at least one of Sirius’s charges is false without a shadow of doubt.”

“I take it that rat is an Animagus.” Charlus was sending a stern look at the three boys across from him. His only answer was three broken-hearted nods.

“Of course he is a rat,” Percy and Ron yelled angrily.

“No he’s not,” Lupin argued.

“Please explain Professor Lupin,” Madam Bones suggested.

“This is an Animagus, a wizard by the name of Peter Pettigrew, and since he is alive Sirius Black could not have killed him.”

“I take it Peter is already an Animagus at this time.” Charlus Potter was looking at his boys with a stare that had them squirming in their seats. “I know that young man could not have become one on his own. I’m sorry to say that he is just not talented enough. That leaves me to think that my two sons helped him, since they both are extremely talented in Transfiguration. And I can’t see you boys helping him without becoming Animagus yourselves. Is there something you boys would like to tell me?”

“Uhh…” James and Sirius shared a look as they hedged answering the question.

“I believe I asked you a question, boys.” That tone said it would brook no nonsense at the moment.

“Yes Sir.”James twitched nervously.

“We’re Animagus too Dad.” Sirius was shifting around in agitation.

“We will be talking about this later, boys.” The stern father told them.

Both boys knew what that entailed. They weren’t looking forward to that discussion at all.

Lily couldn’t hold in her surprise anymore. “You’re actually Animagus?”

“Yes.” Neither boy looked at her as they answered. Both sets of eyes were on their Dad’s stern visage.

“What are your forms?” Regulus couldn’t help the impressed way he was feeling at the moment.

Sirius must have heard it in his younger brother’s voice though, because he pulled his gaze from his Dad to look at Regulus. “James is a stag named Prongs.”

“And Sirius is a grim named Padfoot.” James added.

“What is your form Remus?” Lily asked excitedly impressed despite it being the Marauders. They hadn’t even finished their sixth year and they were already Animagus.

“I don’t have an Animagus form.” Remus had a look of resignation on his face as he continued to speak. “I’m a werewolf.” He then turned towards Charlus Potter. “They became Animagus to help me during my transformations. Please don’t blame them Sir. It is my fault.”

“No it’s not.” The two Animagus denied hotly. “You didn’t even know we were doing it until we were successful.”

Charlus’s facial expression softened a little at all three boys’ words. “We’ll talk about it later boys. Let’s just get back to the story.”

“That is ridiculous,” Snape, Dumbledore and Crouch all fumed.

Before either Harry or Remus could say anything Moody snapped, “well that is easily proven or not.” He raised his wand and Stupefied the rat, and then performed a spell that immediately had the rat glowing as Remus dropped it. Then it started changing as a man started growing from it. Before everyone’s eyes lay a fat balding man who had a rat like look to his features.

“Peter Pettigrew,” gasped McGonagall.

“I guess it wasn’t as ridiculous as they thought.” was the sarcastic words of the younger Black brother.

“In the flesh, Professor, so please tell me how Sirius Black could have killed him if he is still alive,” demanded Harry. “Or maybe you could tell me the answer to that Mr. Crouch, since you are the one that threw an innocent man into Azkaban for killing him. For that matter Minister, maybe you will explain how this cowardly, traitorous rat received a Merlin First Class medal posthumously while he is still alive?”

“That is one smart young man. He does ask some interesting questions.” Arcturus couldn’t help feeling that this kid was someone special.

“Those are all good questions Potter, and I for one would like the answers myself,” growled Moody.

“Well as you have the Veritaserum might I suggest you use it on the rat,” Harry advised with a raised eyebrow.

“And he has some cheek there too.” Charlus chuckled. “I can just see Alastor’s facial expression at that attitude.”

At this Scrimgeour conjured up a chair with restraints and levitated Pettigrew in it. Then turning to Moody he asked him to administer the serum, before cancelling the spell on the rat. When Pettigrew opened his eyes he looked around in shock before the Veritaserum kicked in. His eyes took on a blank look at the same time Harry pulled a roll of parchment out of a bag Steelblade had handed him. Turning to Madam Bones he handed her the scroll while saying, “Madam, I know this is a shock to you so I took the opportunity of writing out a list of questions for you to ask Pettigrew. I hope you don’t mind, but these are some questions that need answered to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Sirius Black is innocent of all the charges, plus a few extras to help against other Death Eaters.”

Charlus wasn’t the only one chuckling now. It seemed they all were impressed beyond belief at the kid’s way of handling things.

Madam Bones opened the scroll and as she read it a small smirk appeared on her face. “These questions will be perfect Mr. Potter.”

“Well I didn’t expect her to say that, even as smart as he sounds that is amazing.” Charlus grinned as he continued to read.

“That is Mr. Potter-Black, Ma’am,” he corrected her.

“I’m sorry Mr. Potter-Black that is going to take some getting used to for most of the wizarding world.”

“Well if someone hadn’t lied and Confunded those that knew the truth that wouldn’t be necessary, but that will also be brought to light.” He promised, as he looked toward Dumbledore with a gleam in his eyes, which almost everyone noticed with speculation. They also noticed that Dumbledore looked angry at Harry’s words.

“Dumbledore Confunded people so they wouldn’t know this kid’s name? I knew the man wasn’t as good as he lets on, but even I didn’t see that coming.” Arcturus hoped this kid really did get people to see that the old coot was not a pillar of goodness.

“Why would he do that though?” Lily seemed like she didn’t want to believe what was being read.

“Well from what we read about the whole wizarding world knowing this kid’s name he must be very important for some reason.” Charlus’s eyebrows were scrunched up as he tried to figure out why. “I just can’t understand Dumbledore’s motives though.”

“Well, let us get on with this,” commanded Fudge.

“Very well, Minister,” Bones told him. She then turned to Pettigrew and started questioning him.

“What is your name?”

“Peter Lee Pettigrew!”

“Are you or have you ever been a Death Eater?”

“Yes!”

“Sweet Merlin! Pete becomes a Death Eater.” Sirius gulped.

“Were you the Potters’ Secret Keeper on Halloween 1981?”

“Yes!”

“Secret Keeper? What’s a Secret Keeper, Dad?” James heard a ringing in his ears. He didn’t know what it meant, but he could tell that it meant something dangerous for his family.

It was Lord Black who answered. “A Secret Keeper in the person who holds the information about the Fidelius Charm. The Fidelius Charm is the way to hide a secret usually a place inside of one person. The only way anybody could find that place is if the Secret Keeper told the secret voluntarily. You could be right outside the place and not see it if the Secret Keeper didn’t tell you or write it down for you to read.”

“So you’re saying that Peter was supposed to protect the Potters, but he sold them out to Voldemort.” Sirius’s voice was a monotone. “But why would the Potters trust Peter with that information? He isn’t that strong of a wizard.”

“I don’t know. It doesn’t make sense to me.” His grandfather hated seeing the pain in his grandson’s eyes.

Gasps were heard around the hall at the answers to the last two questions, but everyone quieted down from the glares Bones and Scrimgeour were shooting around at the people.

“Did you betray the Potters to Voldemort?”

“Yes!”

“What happened on the first of November, 1981?”

“Sirius tracked me down on a Muggle street. I shouted out ‘Sirius, how could you betray James and Lily?’ I then blew up the street with the wand behind my back. I sent a tickling jinx at Sirius, cut off my own finger then transformed into my Animagus form and disappeared down the sewer in the confusion.”

Sirius’s heart seemed to stop when he heard the words James and Lily. It seemed James was going to marry Lily after all. He had begun to think Harry was his and James’s son. He lowered his head so nobody could see the way those words broke his heart.

James also felt pain when he heard those words. It seemed he was going to settle for Lily after all. When he heard the name Potter-Black he had hoped that it meant he would marry Sirius. Hoped that his feelings weren’t all one-sided.

Lily was not happy that she was going to end up with James Potter, the egotistical prat.

“So you were the one that killed those twelve muggles not Sirius Black?”

“Yes, Sirius would never kill anybody.”

“Where have you been for the last twelve years?”

“Twelve years? Does that mean Sirius was in Azkaban for twelve years?” Regulus wasn’t the only one who looked sick at the thought. Sirius actually started shaking at the thought of spending twelve years with Dementors.

“I have been a pet with the Weasley family, first Percy and when he got an owl he gave me to his younger brother, Ron.”

“Why were you hiding out with the Weasleys?”

“I needed to find a wizarding family to stay with so I could keep up to date when my Master started getting stronger again.”

“Voldemort lost his power for twelve years.” It wasn’t a question but stunned hope from Remus.

“What were you going to do if you heard about that?”

“I was going to capture Potter and give him to my Master.”

Sirius and James jumped up. They were so angry that is was surprising smoke wasn’t coming from their ears, as they headed towards the door that Sirius had used to come into the room.

Charlus threw the book aside, as he hurried to grab both boys by the scruff of their necks. “Where do you think you are going?”

“To kill a rat,” They said in unison.

“I think not. What you are going to do is sit back down and let us read to find out all we can, so we can change things in this new timeline.” When both boys tried to pull loose and get to the door anyway, he gave both of them a small shake. “NOW! That is unless you want me to give you an incentive to obey me.” He whispered the last part so only they could hear.

Two disgruntled teens turned around and headed back to the couch, each once again sitting either side of their Mum.

“Did you take the Mark on your own free will?”

“Yes!”

“Can a person be given the Mark while under the Imperius or against their will?”

“No! The Mark won’t take unless the Witch or Wizard truly wants to take it.”

“That is some useful information to have.” Charlus tried to break some of the tension that his boys were feeling. He knew they were angry at him, but he wasn’t letting his kids end up in Azkaban for any reason this time around.

Lucius Malfoy was starting to sweat bullets from the glares he was receiving from Madam Bones and all of the Aurors in the room. But he wasn’t the only one as Minister Fudge looked like he had just been sucker punched.

“Looks like old Lucy used that to get out of trouble. I mean he is already a Death Eater now.” Sirius chuckled darkly.

“Who cast the Fidelius Charm that made you the Potters’ Secret Keeper?”

“Albus Dumbledore!”

“But if he knew that why did they believe Black betrayed the Potters?” Lily was stunned. Was Dumbledore really a bad guy?

Everyone was now glaring at Dumbledore with enough venom to kill a dozen giants at this revelation.

“Are you sure it was Dumbledore that cast the charm?”

“Yes, of course I am!”

“Well that is the last question on the list. Rufus do you have anything to add,” she asked.

“No, I think that covers everything,” he agreed. He Stupefied the man again and also cast a spell to make sure he couldn’t transform when he was awakened.

“Is that enough proof for everyone to prove Sirius Black’s innocence,” asked Harry.

Charlus raised his head. “That should do it alright.” Anger could be heard in his voice. “Of course if they had given Sirius a trial, and asked him questions under Veritaserum at the time that also would have been proof.”

“Yes!” Madam Bones, Scrimgeour and Minister Fudge assured him.

“That does not let him off the hook for escaping Azkaban though,” Umbridge seethed.

“I beg to differ with you Madam Umbridge, but as he was an innocent man never convicted of anything, he cannot be held accountable for leaving a place he shouldn’t have been in the first place. Isn’t that right Mr. Crouch,” Harry snarled.

“This Harry really is amazing.” Sirius smiled at the way the young man was defending him. “If he is this great at thirteen he is going to be a man to be reckoned with as an adult.”

Everybody couldn’t help but agree with him.

Crouch looked like a worm dangling on a hook as he stammered, “yes...yes, I guess that could be considered true.”

“So does that mean you guys are going to pronounce Sirius innocent of all charges and call the Dementors off,” pushed Harry.

“Yes, Mr. Potter-Black that is exactly what that means,” promised Madam Bones. “Isn’t that right, Cornelius?”

“I agree Amelia,” Fudge admitted. “Black will be freed of all charges.”

“Well it may have taken twelve years to prove my innocence, but all it took was a thirteen year old boy for my barrister.” Sirius couldn’t help being grateful to the young man.

“And of course he will be compensated for being illegally held, too,” Amelia included.

“I don’t think there is enough compensation in the world to make up for making an innocent man spend twelve years with Dementors.” James growled sounding more like Sirius’s Animagus form than his own.

“I have to agree with Potter there.” Regulus felt weird agreeing with the older boy. He had never liked James Potter, because he felt like he had stolen his big brother from him.

“Yes, naturally,” a pale Fudge agreed.

“Good! That means when he does show up nobody will give him a hard time, right,” questioned The-Boy-Who-Lived.

“I still want to know what that title means.” Dorea felt this was a bad thing. Why would a person be called that as if it was a name when there were millions of boys living in the world?

“You have my word that nobody will give the man a hard time, and if they do they will be arrested for harassment of a Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House. Is that understood?” She demanded as she looked around the room at all that was present.

“Since we have now covered Sirius, Pettigrew and even pointing out the fact that Crouch broke the law by sending a man to prison without a chance to defend himself, who would you like to discuss next? Dumbledore, Snape, Malfoy, Fudge, Umbridge, Molly Weasley, the Dursleys or the Founders are your options. Some of those will overlap just like the last ones did, but Madam I will let you choose again,” Harry instructed.

“I wonder who the Dursleys are.” Remus asked perplexed.

“My sister’s fiance is named Dursley.” Lily pointed out.

“But why would he have anything to do with James’s kid?” Dorea still believed that this Harry was the son of her two boys. It was a wizarding custom after all to give a first born son his father’s first name as a middle name, and Harry was named after both James and Sirius, not only their first names but their last ones as well.

“Mr. Potter, I demand you stop all this nonsense now,” ordered Dumbledore.

“Nonsense? He just proved a man’s innocence and another’s guilt, and that old fool is calling it nonsense. I’ll make him think nonsense for not giving my grandson a trial to begin with. It is his job after all as Chief Warlock, plus he knew Sirius wasn’t the Secret Keeper.” A furious Lord Black ranted.

“I’m the Headmaster of this school and I don’t appreciate the mockery you are making of Hogwarts and myself.”

“It seems like you are doing a good enough job of that on your own.” Charlus snarled in anger. All the respect he used to have for the man completely gone now.

Harry totally ignored the man and once again asked, “Madam Bones have you made a decision yet?”

  “Potter this total disrespect of the Headmaster will not be allowed,” sneered Snape. “You have just lost a hundred points and detention for the rest of the year.

“They’re at the opening feast and he’s trying to give him detention for the whole year. What a complete moron.” Dorea said scathingly. Her Slytherin side was showing through.

Lily wanted to defend her ex- best friend, but she could tell it wouldn’t go over well in this room especially now. She would have done it anyway if one of the Marauders had said that, but Mrs. Potter was an adult and deserved respect.

Again all heads turned toward the Gryffindor hourglass counter and it still read ten points.

“Albus, how is he doing that,” wondered McGonagall.

“I have no idea Minerva, but I don’t like it at all,” he replied.

“I don’t know but I want Harry’s power.” Sirius snickered.

“I agree Padfoot.” James was thinking about all of the points they had lost over the last six years with regret for not being able to stop them from being removed from Gryffindor.

“We would definitely have won the house cup every year if we could stop those unfair point deductions.” Remus smiled at the thought.

“Those point reductions weren’t unfair.” Lily was glaring at the Marauders in anger.

“Whether you believe it or not Evans quite a few of them were.” Sirius sneered. “There were many times we were punished when we didn’t do anything or because we defended ourselves. And believe it or not that was when we would retaliate and cause the more humiliating pranks. Because we were punished unfairly while the culprit got away scot-free.”

“Yeah right. You guys are nothing but bullies picking on innocents.” Lily was furious that Black was trying to pretend in front of these adults.

“Believe what you want. I for one don’t think your opinion matters that much to argue with you about it. I know the truth, and the ones that really matter do too. Maybe someday you will take those rose colored glasses off and see the truth, but until then I won’t lose any sleep over your opinion.” Sirius sat back and looked towards his Dad for him to keep reading.

Regulus was looking at his big brother wondering if what he said was true. Severus and some of the others had convinced him that Sirius and his friends were bullies, and he had begun to believe them having seen some of those humiliating pranks. Was it true though that they were paying people back instead of just picking on them? Everybody had always said that the Gryffindors always bullied Slytherins, but there was quite a few of his fellow Slytherins who were never picked on by the group including himself. Why had he never thought about that before?

“Mr. Potter-Black do you think you could explain why the Gryffindor counter is not taking off points,” Amelia requested.

“Yes please do.” Sirius pleaded.

James and Remus sat forward excitedly.

“Okay... so you want to talk about the Founders next. I guess we can do that first... and then maybe if we do, we can get rid of all these stupid point deduction interruptions,” Harry nodded slowly as he thought of how to begin.

“How does a thirteen year old in the future know about the Founders?”  Regulus inquired. “I thought most things except the commonly known stuff had been forgotten.”

“I don’t know, but let’s find out what he knows.” His grandfather told him. He truly wanted to know himself.

“The four Founders of Hogwarts, Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin built and owned Hogwarts. This means Hogwarts is privately owned, the Founders may be gone, but their Heirs are not and they are now the owners of this school and all the land that comes with it. That means the grounds, the Forbidden Forest and the village of Hogsmeade. This land is considered a Sovereign Nation, not part of Scotland or controlled by the Ministry of Magic, School Governors or Headmasters. They have been allowed to take control until at least three of the Four Founders’ Heirs could agree on how the school would be run, then they would once again take control of Hogwarts and run it like the founders wanted, or if they wanted they could even close the school and keep it as their home if that was their choice. This is in the original version of Hogwarts a History.”

All of them were listening to Charlus read with eager anticipation. None of them had known any of what was just read.

“To let you know there is at least three of the Founders’ Heirs found and in agreement that the way Hogwarts has been being run this last couple of years in no longer acceptable. They have decided it is time to take control of the school, since the Headmaster keeps putting the students in danger, the School Governors have allowed themselves to be either bribed or threatened on how to do their jobs and that the Ministry, by allowing the Minister to arrest and throw the gamekeeper in Azkaban without a trial,

“Hagrid is the gamekeeper. Does that mean he was thrown into Azkaban without a trial too?” Remus couldn’t believe his big friend had also spent time with Dementors unfairly.

“It sounds like it.” James didn’t like the way the future sounded at all.

 so the Ministry could look to be doing something, that was the Minister’s own words by the way, and also putting Dementors around the school, have shown they can’t be trusted to put the students of this school and their safety first.”

“What,” was shouted out by at least half of the listeners?

“Do you know who the Founders’ Heirs are Mr. Potter-Black,” Amelia Bones inquired, while glaring sternly around the room at the people who were shouting,

“Yes, Ma’am, I know who all four Heirs are.”

“What? How could a child know what adults don’t?” Arcturus demanded.

This caused a loud commotion as everyone started talking at once. They were all wondering how Harry Potter knew this when nobody else did. Dumbledore looked thunderstruck, as he only knew two of the Heirs himself and he knew those two would never agree on how Hogwarts was run. He was worried now because he knew what Harry said was true about what was in the book about the school. There was no way that he could let people wrest control of Hogwarts from him. This was his domain and his alone.

Lily’s mouth was gaping like a fish. That was Dumbledore thinking that. It sounded like the man really wasn’t the good man she thought he was.

“If you know so much Potter then tell us, or are you just trying to gain more attention?”  Snape barked out with an ugly look on his hateful face.

“I was just trying to figure out which Founder to start with. Does anybody have a preference?”

“That will cause an uproar.” Dorea gave a tinkling laugh. It seemed her grandson was quite the character.

At these words all four names of the Founders were being shouted out from the people from their own houses.

“Quiet! Mr. Potter-Black would you please start with Rowena Ravenclaw’s Heir,” pleaded Filius Flitwick, his squeaky voice filled with excitement.

“No problem Professor. The Heir and new Lord of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Ravenclaw is none other than Sirius Orion Black.”

“Say what?” Sirius looked dumbstruck.

“Well that might explain why you seemed to know everything without really studying.” Remus gave his friend a ‘how unfair’ look.

“You’re a descendant of Rowena Ravenclaw?” Lily’s voice was filled with disbelief.

“I don’t know. I never knew that. Did you Grandfather?” Sirius turned to the head of his family.

The man was shaking his head. “No I didn’t.”

“Then how did Harry find out?” Regulus couldn’t help blurting out.

“That’s a good question. Please continue to read Charlus.” Arcturus wanted to know more.

“That’s not possible,” came the angry voices of many Ravenclaws, Dumbledore and Snape.

“Well as I am yet again still alive and will once again prove I still have my magic I think that speaks for itself,” he pointed out. “Lumos!” A bright light lit up the tip of his wand at the incantation, proving that he was telling the truth again to everybody’s amazement.

"Well he is right about that. One day you will be Lord Ravenclaw.” Dorea smiled proudly at the son of her heart.

Charlie Weasley called out, “who is Gryffindor’s Heir?”

A blushing Boy-Who-Lived stammered. “That would be me, as the Potters are directly descended from Gryffindor.”

“Dad?” James sent shock-filled eyes in the man’s direction.

“I didn’t know that son.” His own eyes were showing a stunned look.

“You two are Heirs to the Founders.” Lily looked like she could be knocked over with a feather.

“It would seem so.” Sirius was too amazed to comprehend what he was hearing or to actually let it sink in maybe.

Shock was seen on even more faces, but one of the few not showing surprise was Albus Dumbledore.

“Dumbledore knew the Potters were descended from Gryffindor. And he didn’t bother to tell us.” Charlus couldn’t believe the more they read the more that he was starting to hate a man he once admired.

This was noticed by Madam Bones, Moody and Professor McGonagall, and they were not happy that he had not shared this information. If anybody had looked at Ron Weasley’s face at the time they would have noticed a very jealous expression flash across his face.

The Hufflepuff Quidditch Captain, Cedric Diggory inquired about the Hufflepuff Heir next.

To the amusement of the watchers, Harry Potter-Black turned even redder, but answered anyway. “That would be me again, as Helga Hufflepuff and Godric Gryffindor were married and their only great-granddaughter married a Potter around the time the last male Gryffindor died.”

“They were married. That is not known through history.” Dorea thought it sounded romantic. “And look Dear it tells how you are related to both of them.” She smiled fondly at her husband. She knew he would have been curious about that.

“You two could take over the school.” Lily was aghast, as she looked at the two worst Marauders.

“I doubt that we can at this time, since we do have people in our family older than us. I would think Grandfather and Dad would be the ones who could do that at this time.” Sirius was shaking head as he answered.

“Maybe not as it does say it has to be people that could agree with the way the school is run, and as you two are the first generation from each family in forever that could possibly do that.” Remus reminded them.

“Maybe that is why we didn’t know anything about being descendants of the Founders.” Charlus was eyeing Arcturus thoughtfully. He knew if he could agree with the other man they might have a chance to oust Dumbledore before he could ruin their families. Hopefully with Arcturus being the older Black here that meant the Ravenclaw side came directly down his side and not Pollux’s side.

“So you’re the Heir to two of the Founders,” asked Kingsley Shacklebolt.

“Actually more than that,” he admitted sheepishly.

“How?”

“Well as Sirius Black is my father, and I’m his Heir that should be apparent.”

“I’m his Dad.” Sirius’s face lit up with pure delight.

“But he just said he was descended from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff through the Potters.” Lily couldn’t see a way around that.

But Dorea Potter was beaming at both her boys with excitement.

“What do you mean Sirius is your father,” Remus Lupin demanded.

“Why do you think my name is Potter-Black?” He answered with a question of his own.

Dorea noticed both her sons had their fingers crossed. It wasn’t like there wasn’t more than one way this could be true, but seeing those fingers like that made her realize that James must love Sirius too. That she hadn’t known.

“I have no idea, but I would like to know,” he said.

“I’ll tell you in just a minute, but I’m sure the Slytherins would like to know about Salazar’s Heir. Until last June the Heir of Salazar Slytherin was none other than the man calling himself Lord Voldemort, AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle...”

“What does it mean until last June? And what does it mean his name is Tom Marvolo Riddle?” Regulus wondered out loud. He knew that Bella had told him that the Dark Lord was the Heir of Slytherin. He didn’t remember any purebloods named Riddle.

Dumbledore interrupted at this point. “What do you mean was? Tom is the Heir of Slytherin.”

“It seems Dumbledore knew Voldemort’s real name was Tom.” Charlus spoke through gritted teeth. That information could have been helpful to have while fighting this blasted war.

“Why wouldn’t he tell people that?” James sent an inquiring glance at his Dad. “Wouldn’t that be something we could use to fight him or maybe even find him easier?”

“I would think so James. It seems Dumbledore is playing us for fools even now.” The Director of the DMLE was the one speaking now. “And I promise he will be answering some questions when we are done with this book.”

“Isn’t that funny, last year when everyone was calling me the Heir of Slytherin you couldn’t be bothered to tell anyone that piece of information, now when it is no longer true you want to announce it,” Harry shook his head in disbelief. “Did you get your jollies off on me being ostracized by my fellow students, Headmaster?”

“That is my Great-Grandson the old fool is messing with. I won’t let that happen this time around.” Lord Black boomed out.

“Thank you Grandfather.” Sirius sent an appreciative look towards the old man that he always thought didn’t care for him at all. Here the man was saying he would protect his son. A little piece of the shield he had put around his heart when it came to the Blacks just slipped.

“Of course not, I just didn’t want to scare all the students.”

“Well that worked out so well.” He said sarcastically. Anyway as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted that changed last June when I was in the Chamber of Secrets.

“I thought the Chamber of Secrets was a myth.” Remus exclaimed in wonder.

“I wonder how a second year could have found it, let alone get into it.” Regulus would definitely be interested in seeing the fabled place.

“I don’t know but isn’t there supposed to be some sort of monster in it.” Dorea asked frightened for her grandbaby.

“Yes.” Sirius said through gritted teeth. “Why was my kid there?”

Evidently when I beat Voldemort for the third time,

“Excuse me?” Charlus head came up in shock.

“What?” Sirius was holding his heart.

“But he was only a second year, and he had already beat Voldemort three time?” James spluttered.

“Grandfather how could a child beat the most feared Dark Lord in a century once let alone three times?” Regulus eyes beseeched the man to explain this to him.

“I would have to say that young Harry is one very powerful wizard.” The man couldn’t help letting his pride show through.

“But even Dumbledore hasn’t beaten him.” Lily reminded them all.

“Another bit of proof that Dumbledore isn’t as great as he is made out to be. When a child has proven to do what that self-proclaimed Leader of the Light can’t do. Not once but three times in thirteen or less years.” Arcturus couldn’t help saying with a smirk.

Salazar Slytherin’s line now became mine, by Right of Conquest, which means last year while I was accused of being his Heir, I wasn’t, but this year I am. So between my Dad and myself, we now own Hogwarts and all the land that goes with it. And that is why I was able to lockdown Hogwarts and make sure that the Professors aren’t allowed to dock points unjustly. That is why my Dad, Sirius Black will be the only one allowed to enter the school tonight. Since he is my father, and the Founders and I have agreed that he should and has claimed the Lordship of all four Founders Lines until he feels I am ready to take over all but Ravenclaw.”

“Bloody Hell Sirius, you are the Lord of all the Founders Lines.” James was staring at his shocked friend with his own shocked eyes.

“Congratulations Sirius.” Charlus beamed at him proudly.

All of them then offered the stunned dog Animagus congratulations though Lily’s looked a little stilted.

“Are you saying Black has five Lordships,” questioned Lucius Malfoy indignantly.

“Actually he has more than that, including the Potter Lordship until I am older.”

Charlus stood up and walked over to pull his wife and son into his arms. He hugged them both hard before pulling Sirius up to hug him as well when he saw the tears in the young man’s eyes.

“I know you will make a great Lord Potter. You are as much my son, as James is never doubt that Sirius.”

“I don’t want to be Lord Potter.” He cried holding on to the three people that had given him unconditional love.

“Well that is rude.” Lily exclaimed angrily.

Regulus, Remus and Arcturus Black all turned disbelieving eyes on the muggleborn witch. The Potters and Sirius ignored her comment just offering comfort to each other.

“Lily don’t you realize that for Sirius to be Lord Potter that means James and his parents are dead?” Remus was shaking his head that she had not figured that out.

“Oh I didn’t realize that.” The redhead blushed realizing how her comment sounded now.

Remus got up and sat on the loveseat so the four people could share the couch. Sirius sat next to his Grandfather then Dorea, Charlus and James. The older Potter opened the book to where he left off and started reading again.

“How can he hold the Potter Lordship?” demanded McGonagall.

“Why is it any of her business?” Regulus said harsher than he meant too. He hated to see the tear-stained face of his big brother. He knew it took a lot for Sirius to cry. He had suffered punishments galore from their parents without ever shedding a tear.

“Well there is actually two reasons he can do that, the one being that he is my father like for the Founders’ Lordships and as for the other one, well would you like to explain that one Professor Dumbledore? I mean it is because of you nobody knows this information, isn’t it?”

Glares were directed towards the book again. What did he make people forget?

“I don’t know what you are talking about my boy,” Dumbledore exclaimed, but a few people noticed he looked worried at this point.

“Wow! You better hope your nose doesn’t start growing like Pinocchio’s from all the lies you are telling.” He said to a smattering of laughter from the Muggleborns and some Halfbloods in the room.

“What does that mean?” Regulus asked his big brother knowing he took muggle studies.

Lily opened her mouth to explain, but Charlus cut her off. “I’m sorry Miss Evans, but Harry does explain it here in the book.”

“That is fine Sir.”

“What are you talking about, Harry,” asked an excited Arthur Weasley?

“Pinocchio is a fairytale character whose nose would grow every time he told a lie, and as Dumbledore is lying through his teeth, he had better hope that he doesn’t have the same problem, because I think that crooked nose of his would look even worse if it grows a foot long or longer,” he answered with a smirk.

“Oh yeah Sirius’s side is coming out in spades in the kid.” Remus guffawed.

“Yay! I like hearing that.” Sirius grinned.

“Harry, please explain how Sirius can be your father,” begged Remus Lupin.

Harry looked at the man, as if deciding whether he wanted to answer him. Yes, he was the best friend of his fathers, but the man really hadn’t acted like it for the last twelve years. “Okay, if you insist. Sirius Orion Black was bonded in marriage to James Charlus Potter-Black and the two of them are my parents.”

“Yes I knew it.” Dorea shouted exuberantly. “You are going to be my son-in-law one day. I knew you loved him. I just wasn’t for sure if he loved you back.”

Sirius hugged his Mum happily afraid to look at his future husband in case he saw something that would make him know that James didn’t feel like that about him at least yet.

Everybody else in the room was looking shocked except James Potter. He was beaming not only from the words in the book, but what his Mum had said to Sirius. She said Sirius already loved him. He kept staring at the young man he had loved for more than a year now, ever since the willow incident around Easter of fifth year.

All hell broke loose at this announcement. The roar that filled the Great Hall was so loud it wouldn’t surprise Harry if it could be heard in Hogsmeade at the very least. Harry noticed with amusement the furious look on Snape’s face as he was yelling at Dumbledore.

“What the hell is it any of his business? Please tell me Snape doesn’t have feelings for one of us.” James begged.

“Oi Prongs don’t make me sick. That’s enough to make me lose all of the food I’ve eaten in my lifetime. “Sirius groaned holding his stomach as his face turned green.

Regulus and Remus were laughing at the faces both dark haired lions were wearing.

He also noticed the old man was clutching his wand as if in fear that he was going to be attacked any minute. Ahh... this was priceless, he knew his Dad was going to be upset he missed this. This was one memory he would have to share for sure with the man.

“Yes Harry James, you had definitely better do that.” Sirius pouted because he wouldn’t get to see it, but hopefully his older self would.

Ten minutes of continuous uproar was finally brought to an end by Amelia Bones and all the Aurors in the room sending up loud bangs and sparks to get everyone’s attention. The last person to stop yelling was Severus, mad-as-hell, Snape whose last words caused Harry to laugh out loud. “I’m not finished with you... you lying manipulative old goat!”

“Snape finally did something right in his life.” James crowed with laughter.

As everyone settled back down, Rita Skeeter asked the question that was on everybody’s mind. “How is that possible Mr. Potter when everyone knows that you are the son of James Potter and Lily ‘Evans’ Potter?”

“Say what?” Sirius was looking furious now. He just found out he got James after all, and the whole wizarding world that Lily got his man.

“It has something to do with Dumbledore.” Arcturus reminded him.

“First of all it is Potter-Black, second that is the story Dumbledore spread around and the people that knew the truth he either Confunded or Obliviated the information from their minds. Isn’t that right, Headmaster?”

“Dad please tell me when can do something to stop that bastard.” James pleaded.

“James Charlus watch your language.” The man told him sternly. “And trust me son I won’t be letting him ruin any of my loved ones lives.”

“Thanks Dad,” James and Sirius said together.

“I have no idea what you are talking about, Harry,” denounced Dumbledore, but many noticed the always present twinkle was now gone from his eyes, and the more observant ones noticed a fine sheen of sweat on his forehead. Those same observant people could tell things weren’t going the way he wanted.

“That is Mr. Potter-Black to you! And are you truthfully denying this? Why don’t you take the same magical oath that I did? And you can tell the truth and nothing but the truth here tonight.”

“I don’t need to take a magical oath as everyone here knows my word is my bond. I am above such petty things as lying as anyone can tell you.”

“Evidently not,” Dorea was furious that Dumbledore was going to hurt her babies in that other timeline, not only her sons but her grandson as well.

Harry scoffed, “I guess you forgot that Pettigrew proved that you are a liar when he was under the Veritaserum, but just in case you forgot, he said you were the one to cast the Fidelius Charm making him the Secret Keeper, yet you told the Wizengamot that Sirius Black was the Secret Keeper. That proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are not above lying.”

Growls and snarls were heard in the room. Everybody but Lily couldn’t wait to get their hands around that old goat’s neck.

Dumbledore blanched as everyone looked at him accusingly, but he was saved having to say anything when Hermione started speaking.

“Harry, you can’t have two men as your parents, so that can’t be true unless they adopted you.”

“She has a point there.” Lily told them.

“How long have you been a part of the wizarding world now Evans?” Regulus demanded. “Don’t you think you should have tried to find out more about it?”

“What are you talking about Black?” Lily didn’t like the way the younger Black was talking down to her.

“He means that it is possible for two wizards to have a baby. Their love and magic combined will make it possible for them to to get pregnant.” Remus answered not liking the way Regulus Black was talking to Lily. Remus had always had feelings for Lily, but because of James’s infatuation with her he had pushed it aside, but if Prongs was going to marry Sirius maybe he didn’t have to do that anymore.

Lily didn’t know what to say to this startling discovery. Men could have a baby. Why had she never seen anything about that in all of the books she had read since coming to Hogwarts?

“Ahh, Hermione that may be true in the Muggle world, and trust me I was just as shocked as you’re going to be when I found out, but that isn’t the case in the magical world. It seems two wizards or even two witches can have a baby together, since their magic will make that possible. My Da, James Potter-Black is the one that carried me and gave birth to me, not Lily Evans Potter. I am the son of Sirius Black and his husband James Potter-Black.”

“Oh James you are going to have a baby.” Dorea reached over her husband’s lap to take her son’s hand in her own.

This gave James food for thought. He hadn’t thought about being pregnant. He wondered what that would be like.

If that is true, why did you just call Lily a Potter?” snarled Snape angrily.

“I can’t help wondering that myself.” Lily’s voice came across quietly not meaning to be heard.

“Because she was, but not because she was married to James Potter, but rather due to the fact her parents were killed during the summer before her seventh year

“What?” Lily cried out in anguish. “My Mum and Daddy are going to die this summer?”

“Oh Lily I’m so sorry.” Remus got up and pulled the distraught girl into his arms.

 He let her cry on his shoulders while the rest of them stayed unnaturally silent. When her tears had finally stopped he led her back to the loveseat keeping a firm arm around her waist to offer comfort and support.

“Maybe we can find out what happen and stop it.” James felt bad for her. He may not love Lily romantically, but he had crushed on her for awhile so he did care for her.

and the only family she had left was Petunia who hated her and anything to do with magic, so my Grandparents, Charlus and Dorea Potter adopted her by muggle adoption and she became my Da’s sister.

“You adopted me? But you haven’t even met me before. Why would you adopt me?” Lily’s emerald eyes swam with pain and confusion.

“Lily just because I don’t love you romantically doesn’t mean I don’t care for you.” James explained.

“And besides that’s the kind of people Mum and Dad are. They love kids and would take in anyone that needed them.” Sirius added as he hugged his Mum.

They felt this would help her in both worlds, since the Potter name would give her a better standing with the Pureblood snobs, and as she wasn’t of age at the time in the muggle world. And since they were spending so much time together in their seventh year everybody thought they were dating, but they only told those they were closest to the truth. Lily Potter was not my mother but my Aunt and Godmother instead.” He explained to the utter astonishment of all those present. “As it was a Muggle adoption it did not show up on the records when she came back to school, so she just left it like that, and of course my Dad and Da thought it was a great prank that everybody thought those two were dating, when my fathers were already a couple at the time. They convinced those they were closest to not to tell anybody any different, including the three Professors that knew the truth.”

“So James and I get together between now and the start of seventh year.” Sirius couldn’t help smiling and for the first time since he heard that James married him he looked at the man he loved. He couldn’t help the heart-stopping smile when he saw James staring back at him with his own smile. He could tell by that one look into those hazel eyes that James loved him too.

“What Professors knew the truth?” McGonagall hissed angrily.

“That would be you, Dumbledore and Flitwick.”

“That is ridiculous,” Snape roared. “Lily was not adopted by Potter’s parents.”

“You know I always thought Severus was smart, but I see that was a mistake. Harry took a magical oath to tell the truth, so he can’t be lying.” Regulus shook his head that the man was such dunderhead.

At this Harry reached into his bag and pulled out an official document, but those watching noticed it wasn’t a scroll, but a Muggle paper. He handed it to Madam Bones. ”Please verify for Snape and everyone else that what I said is again the truth. You would think people would stop calling me on it since I made that oath and am still alive, but I guess it is like Hermione says, wizards just don’t seem to know how to use logic.”

“Don’t say that Harry. There are a lot of wizards that use logic. It’s just some are too damn stupid to try it.” Regulus told the book.

“Regulus Arcturus watch your language.” His grandfather scolded.

“Sorry Grandfather.” was the contrite reply.

As the woman perused the paper, she couldn’t help grinning at his words. “Mr. Potter-Black is right Lily Evans was adopted by the Potters on the 27th of August, 1977.”

“Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Potter.” Lily said feeling touched that these people would do that for her.

“Hopefully we can save your parents Lily so you won’t have to be adopted, but either way I think you should call us Dorea and Charlus. In the timeline we are reading you actually became our daughter, and if Merlin forbid we can’t save your parents this time you will again.”

“Thank you, Dorea.” Lily felt one lone tear slip down her cheek.

“Who all knew this information,” Remus Lupin asked, shocked beyond disbelief.

“The same people that knew my parents were married. That would be the three Professors I mentioned earlier, Remus Lupin, Pettigrew, my Potter grandparents, Frank and Alice Longbottom and his parents, Ted and Andromeda Tonks, Alastor Moody, Amelia Bones, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Marlene McKinnon and Fabian and Gideon Prewett. By the way all of which were on the list of people to take custody of me if something were to happen to my parents, except for Pettigrew, since they knew I didn’t like him when I was a baby, and Dumbledore as they felt he was too old for the responsibility. All these people were also present for my parents bonding ceremony, with Aunt Lily and Remus Lupin standing up with them. Those two were named my Godparents, also. Dumbledore actually performed the ceremony.”

“You named us Godparents?” Remus and Lily asked in shock.

“I would guess so as I doubt Harry lied about it.” Sirius was surprised that he agreed to Lily being Harry’s Godmother, but maybe he mellowed out with her some since he got James and she became his sister-in-law.

Arcturus and Regulus couldn’t help noticing that they hadn’t been at the wedding or named as possible guardians for the young man. Both tried to keep the hurt from being seen by making sure their masks were firmly in place.

“But Harry, you have your mother’s eyes, everybody who knew her says so,” Hermione argued.

“Oh that is because a manipulative old fool put a glamour on me as well as a lot of blocks and spells. I had all of those removed a couple of weeks ago thanks to my Goblin friends here.”

“I swear I will find some way to get that man locked in Azkaban.” Charlus was furious. “He could have damaged Harry with blocks on him.

He wasn’t the only one that was showing their anger. The more they read about Dumbledore the angrier they got.

“But you still have your mother’s eyes,” Ginny pointed out.

“No I don’t, Dad just put a glamour back on me until this all came out. Finite Incantatem!” Immediately his eyes changed to a silver grey, his hair grew to shoulder length and seemed to be more manageable, and his cheekbones took on a more aristocratic look. Harry Potter had been a very handsome boy, but Harry Potter-Black was drop-dead gorgeous, was the thought going through all of the female minds and quite a few of the male ones, too, at the moment. He now looked like a perfect cross between Sirius Black and James Potter, except for the fact he was too short and a lot thinner than those two boys had been.

“This is my real appearance,” he pointed out, as he removed the glasses he no longer needed.

“Oh he sounds so adorable.” Dorea cooed. “But I wonder why is smaller than you boys were?”

“I don’t know, but I have this feeling in my stomach that it has to do with Dumbledore.” Sirius couldn’t wait to have his son, a cross between James and him. The thought made him smile despite the feeling in his stomach. James was going to give him a son. And he couldn’t help wanting to start practicing making that baby soon.

A stunned silence followed this announcement, as everyone was trying to wrap their minds around what they had just learned. The only noise in the whole room was the scratching of the quick-quote quill Rita Skeeter was using. It wasn’t her normal acid-green one, but a blue one that only wrote what it actually heard. She was very quietly whispering the description of the changes made to Harry at the moment.

Finally recovering her voice Madam Bones began to speak again. “What did you mean about spells and blocks being put on you, Mr. Potter-Black?”

“Yes I want to know that too.” Both the Lords in the room growled out.

“Call me Harry, Madam, and just what I said, it seems somebody thought it was their right to cast spells and put blocks on me and my magic,”

“Who would do such a thing?” demanded Bones, McGonagall and Lupin at the same time.

“Well according to the magical signature the goblins found when they removed them all, that would be one, Albus Dumbledore,” glancing at the man with a look of intense anger on his face.

The angry words coming from all of those present, was so loud and confusing that nobody could hear exactly what the others were saying. The Black brothers and James thought this was a good thing, because they knew if the others heard the foul things they were saying they would be feeling the effects of the Scourgify right now.

The shock kept the uproar to a bare minimum at this announcement, but while it was going on Harry pulled another scroll from his bag and handed it to Madam Bones. “This is the list of spells and blocks put on me. I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t tell anybody that doesn’t need to know what they were, as it really isn’t everybody’s business what I can actually do. There are some that would love to use that knowledge against me.”

“Again I have to say my grandson is one smart young man.” Charlus said proudly.

“He really is a boy to be proud of.” Arcturus agreed. “It looks like you two are going to make a great kid.” He beamed at Sirius and James.

“Thank you, Sir.” James smiled back.

“Call me Grandfather since you are going to marry my grandson.” He corrected him.

“Thank you, Grandfather.” Both Sirius and James smiled gratefully.

While he was saying this Professors McGonagall, Flitwick and Lupin, plus Madam Pomfrey and Andromeda Tonks were yelling furiously at the supposedly greatest wizard since Merlin.

“I love the way he said supposedly.” Dorea couldn’t contain her happiness as they read about her grandson. Yes there were things they would have to change, but that little boy wasn’t one of them.

The man that so many had looked up to and admired for many decades was now being seen in a different light, and by the look on his face he wasn’t the least bit happy about this new turn of events. He was silently fuming and wondering how he could stop the train wreck he seemed to be on. Just the thought of all these people learning about his manipulations was horrible, but with Skeeter here and going to print this and with the knowledge about both her and the Boy-Who-Lived  making magical oaths about what was said and printed the outcome would be no less than horrific for him and his plans for the future.

“Why do I feel that means he plans on something even worse than he has already done?” Sirius was rubbing his stomach to try to get it to settle. He was truly afraid for his child. He was his Dad and it was his place to protect him.

Madam Bones read the list of spells and blocks with the utmost horror and revulsion that anyone, let alone Dumbledore would do this to a child, and not just any child, but the saviour of their world.

“The saviour of our world? He’s just a little boy.” Dorea wasn’t the only one looking horrified. “What kind of pressure have they put on that child?”

The mere thought had her fighting the nauseousness that was overtaking her. Just the thought that they had been foolish enough to trust that man to protect him, while all the while he had been doing this to a mere baby,

“Dad, that sounds like he saved the world as a baby. How is that possible?” James turned to bury his face in his Dad’s shoulder.

“I don’t know. I truly wish I did.” He tried to sooth his child, as he watched his wife doing the same to Sirius. Their baby, his grandbaby had been in danger as a mere baby.

it was too mind-boggling. If the man would do this to a child they owed so much, what had he done to all of the other children they had put under his care? Her own niece had spent the last two years under the man’s supervision after all.

“That is truly a scary thought.” Arcturus was watching the two young future fathers, as they listened to things that were tearing them up. Every time those two heard something to give them a small minute of happiness it was pulled away with some more horrible news.

Alastor Moody who was reading the list with Bones was shocked beyond belief, the man he trusted above all others had betrayed them all.

That made Charlus more determined than ever to make sure Dumbledore was stopped before he started. Alastor was one of his closest friends. The man was the Head Auror under him, and he had been the one to train the paranoid Auror when he first joined the Auror Academy. They had been friends ever since. He knew that Alastor trusted Dumbledore now and truly respected the man, so to find out that he could be shocked by Dumbledore’s actions told just how bad what was written on that list was.

There was no other way to look at it. He had heard what the boy had said about who was at the bonding ceremony and why none of them remembered it. The man who he considered his friend had messed with his mind, and not just his, he had lied and helped send an innocent man to Azkaban, and evidently stole a child from his father

“He stole my baby. I’ll make him pay.” A fire that showed Sirius was a true Black shown his eyes now.

“Sirius come sit between your Mum and me.” Charlus told his adopted son. He could see the young man was truly fighting to keep control of his magic.

“I’m fine Dad.” He got out through his grinding teeth.

“I didn’t ask if you were fine Sirius Orion. I said move over here now.” was the stern order.

Sirius wanted to argue, but he knew from that tone he wouldn’t like the consequences if he didn’t obey it. He gave an exasperated huff but followed the orders his Dad gave him. When the man wrapped an arm around his shoulder some of the tenseness left his body. And when James grabbed his hand across the front of their Dad’s body even more left him.

“We won’t let him do this to our son this time around.” James assured him. They shared a smile that held a promise of a better future for them all.

and placed him with people who had no right to even be near him, and cast spells and blocks on him for some reason only he knew. And then people wondered why he was so paranoid? It wasn’t paranoia if it was true that people couldn’t be trusted.

Rufus Scrimgeour was also reading the scroll with Bones, and the same thoughts were going through his mind as with the other two. How in the world had they let Dumbledore get away with such atrocities? Something had to be done, because anybody who would do the things that was coming out here tonight had no right to be holding any kind of power let alone three of the most powerful positions in their world. Just the things written on this scroll was enough to get the man thrown into Azkaban for the rest of his life, and that isn’t counting everything else they had heard here tonight.

“I really wish I knew what was on that scroll.” Charlus muttered angrily.

Lucius Malfoy, Severus Snape, Dolores Umbridge, Cornelius Fudge and quite a few of the Slytherins were actually happy at the new turn of events. They thought this was a wonderful thing as they all thought Dumbledore had way too much power, but even they were shocked at what the man had done. Though they were happy to see the man was getting his comeuppance.

All of a sudden the Great Hall doors opened, and as one everybody turned to see why. There standing framed in the doorway was a man with shoulder length black hair and grey eyes. He was a handsome man, if too thin, he was dressed in a expensive black robes with the Black crest on his left chest and on his right were nine other crests, in three rows of three but smaller than the Black crest.

“You have ten Lordships.” Regulus was astounded. “I don’t think that has ever been done before.”

“I believe you are right Regulus.” His Grandfather was showing true pride in his Heir.

The man by no means resembled the picture of the prisoner that had escaped Azkaban less than a month ago. Except for his weight and a look in his eyes no one would ever guess that this man had spent twelve years locked in the worst place on earth. But for all who had known the man or seen pictures of when he was younger, there was no doubt in their minds, that this was none other than Lord Sirius Orion Black. The females who had thought Harry’s new looks made him drop-dead gorgeous could definitely see the resemblance to his dad. The man may be in his thirties, but he was drool-worthy material.

James felt a twinge of jealousy go through his body. What right did they have to look at his Sirius that way? That was his Sirius.

Charlus felt his son’s body tense beside him. When he glanced over at him he had to bite his lip to keep from grinning ear to ear. It seemed that James was a little jealous of others looking at Sirius.

As he stood there at least three people weren’t thinking about his looks, but rather how much they hated the man and how they wanted to cause him pain. Of the three only Dumbledore didn’t attempt it right away, which he was thankful for when he saw the results of the other two’s spells. Severus Snape called out Sectumsempra at the same time Dolores Umbridge was also trying to cast a spell. Both spells were aimed at Sirius Black, but as he was unarmed and nobody else had a wand drawn what happened next was even more shocking than what had happened so far this night. Both wands that were firing spells exploded with no spell hitting Black. Instead the two castors were holding their wand hands and shrieking in pain both hands were bloody and burnt looking.

“Good they deserve it. Too bad they didn’t blow their whole hand off.” James stated with flashing eyes.

Sirius couldn’t help smiling at James’s defense of him. He couldn’t wait until they were alone, so he could talk to him about his feelings. He truly hoped it wouldn’t be long before he could kiss those lips that were defending him.

Fudge and Dumbledore were both shouting out, “Who cast those spells? The person or persons who did are looking at time in Azkaban or expelled if they are underage.” Both men were looking at Harry as they said this, but he just glared defiantly back at them as if they were idiots.

“They are trying to blame the child for hexing two people at once.”  Regulus couldn’t believe those two people were who were in charge of their little part of the world.

While Madam Pomfrey went to tend to Snape’s hand, Andromeda Tonks went to assist Umbridge, since she was also a Healer, even though the woman was a despicable creature she couldn’t in good conscience leave her bleeding like that.

“Yeah Andi’s too kind for her own good.” Sirius smiled when he thought about the cousin who had always treated him with love and kindness.

Dumbledore and Fudge were now, both in Harry’s face demanding for him to admit what he had done, but this really pissed Sirius Black off.

“I would guess so, since the one in the room here is also looking pretty ticked off at the moment.” Remus pointed out.

“He has a reason to be mad.” James agreed with Sirius’s anger.

Who did those two bumbling idiots think they were yelling at his son like that? He raised his wand and called Silencio twice, and the morons were silenced even though their mouths were still moving. By the time they realized they were making no sound Sirius Black was standing in front of them with his wand still pointing at the two.

"Good job Son.” Charlus praised Sirius even though it was the book Sirius who had done the job.

“Who the Bloody Hell do you think you are screaming at and accusing my son of something like that? Everybody in this Hall can see he is not holding his wand, yet you two idiots are blaming him. I noticed that neither one of you are yelling at your lackeys for trying to curse an unarmed man. That shows just what kind of people you two are, of course it doesn’t surprise me at all, but I think quite a few people here are finally getting their eyes opened to just what type of men they have representing them in their Government.”

“Go Siri,” Regulus called out happily. He was for once forgetting to keep his mask up and showing his brother that he still looked up to him.

His words and facial expression had Sirius just staring at his little brother. Reggie hadn’t acted that way around him see he had been sorted into Gryffindor.

“I’m the Minister of Magic, you will not speak to me that way,” roared Fudge, after Lucius Malfoy unsilenced him.

“I don’t have to listen to such disrespect,” fumed Dumbledore at the same time, since he wordlessly removed the spell on himself. ”Nobody else would have the audacity to shoot hexes at Professor Snape and Madam Umbridge with all of these witnesses other than Harry.”

“My son’s name is Mr. Potter-Black to you, old man, and nobody in this Hall hexed those two idiots. They did it to themselves, which you would think you of all people would know.”

“What do you mean they did it to themselves?” Lily was staring across the room at Sirius.

“I don’t know, but hopefully my older self does, because I would like to know that too.” Sirius smirked at her blush. It seemed she forgot that they were reading about the future.

“What are you talking about Black,” growled Moody.

“Well anybody who has read Hogwarts a History, the original version would have been expecting that to happen, and you would think that the Professors and high officials in the Ministry would have made sure to read that book, as it has all the laws pertaining to Hogwarts in it.”

“As I’ve never seen that book, what caused their wands to explode then?” questioned Madam Bones. “And where can I get a copy of that book?”

“Well truthfully the Headmaster, Deputy Head and all four Heads of Houses should have a copy, as well as the Minister, School Governors, Wizengamot, Department of Mysteries, the ICW and the head of the DMLE,

“It seems that I should have a copy of that book.” Charlus knew he had never seen it though. He wondered why he didn’t have one.

since it tells them what they can and cannot do in regards to what happens on this Sovereign Nation. Because even if Harry had shot those spells at those two, there is nothing anyone but me could do anything about it, as I am the Lord and owner of this land and my word is law here. As for what happened to their wands and hands, well they attempted to attack the Lord of Hogwarts, and she didn’t appreciate it. Just so you know the same thing would happen if you try to curse Harry as well since he is her Heir. I thought I should give you fair warning, but that is the only warning you get, because anyone trying to harm my child will find themselves being fed to the Acromantula colony in the Forbidden Forest and there is nothing anyone can do to me as I am the Lord of this country. And those who don’t like the way I plan to run the place can leave and never come back some will be leaving anyway and never be allowed to return when this night is over.”

“Sirius sweetheart, you can’t feed people to giant spiders.” Dorea tried to get her point across in a nice tone of voice.

“Why not Mum? It sounds like a good idea.” James said seriously. “He only said that he would do it to people who tried to hurt your grandbaby.”

“James,” but she couldn’t say anymore because she was giggling too hard.

“That is ridiculous. You are not above the law, Black,” Crouch thundered.

“He didn’t say he was. I believe he said he was the law there.” Regulus rolled his eyes.

”You’re right I’m not, I am the law here though.”

“I see a family resemblance there.” Lily had never noticed it before except in the looks department.

“Do you think we will let you get away with this? We will arrest you and throw you back into Azkaban,” Umbridge screeched through her pain.

Regulus didn’t bother saying anything this time. He just huffed in annoyance.

“You can’t do a damn thing. What part of a Sovereign Nation don’t you understand or do you think you could walk into France and tell their rulers what they can or can’t do as well?” This caused people like the Weasley twins to actually snicker at the woman’s stupidity.

“Lord Black, are you really saying you don’t have to answer to anyone on what you do here?” Flitwick asked.

“I answer to Hogwarts and her Founders, their portraits anyway, but other than them, no I don’t.”

“That sound like Hogwarts is sentient.” Remus looked impressed.

“I didn’t think any of the Founders’ portraits were still in existence.” Lily would love to see what they had looked like.

“Well that note when we got here was signed by Hogwarts and the Founders.” Sirius reminded them.

“But there aren’t any of the Founders’ portraits around anymore,” Professor Vector pointed out.

“Oh there are, Dumbledore just hid all those that were available for the public to see,

Once again the readers were left with gaping mouths. He hid the Founders' portraits. That was so wrong. How many people would be honored to see even one of the Founders?

but that didn’t mean he could hide the ones in the Founders and their Heirs’ personal quarters or at Godric’s Retreat, which is where Harry and I spent the last few weeks.”

“You get to stay at Godric Gryffindor’s place.” James looked awestruck, but then so did Lily and Remus.

“Personal quarters? Godric’s Retreat?” was being muttered all over the Hall.

Harry was pulling a large book out of his bag at this point, as he laid it on the table he asked his Dad to assist him. Nobody but Hermione could read the title of the book, but as her eyes lit up like Christmas lights, they all had a pretty good idea what it was.

Sirius pointed his wand at the book and said, “Geminio!” he repeated this over and over. He then handed a copy to Madam Bones, while Harry gave Hermione one. This made Hermione look like she had been given the greatest treasure on earth. Sirius then proceeded to send a copy to Flitwick and Sprout, two copies to McGonagall, while explaining the extra one was for the next Head of Slytherin, which caused Snape to glare furiously at him, and six copies to Madam Pince for the Library. When only the original was left Harry put it back in his bag.

“I wonder if they found the original copy at Godric’s Retreat.” James was hoping to see the place soon. “Dad, do you think we will be able to go there soon?”

“I don’t know James, but I sure hope so.”

“What about the rest of the people you said should have one,” asked Percy Weasley.

“I’m sure the Headmaster and the Minister have copies in their offices, the same for the School Governors and the Wizengamot. I don’t know about the Department of Mysteries, but if they need one I am sure Madam Bones can make them a copy,” he told him.

“I will definitely be trying to see if there is a copy of that book at the Ministry.” Charlus’s voice had an edge of steel to it.

“Now, that we have covered the Founders how about we go on to others. I know we have gotten some of Dumbledore out of the way, but why don’t we talk about the Death Eaters in the room and how they avoided Azkaban?” Harry changed the subject with a smirk.

“Death Eaters? We have Death Eaters here,” cried out at least a couple dozen voices in fear.

“I would say at least two besides Pettigrew.” Sirius responded to the book’s question. “I would bet half the Black fortune that Lucy and Snape are Death Eaters.”

“You better make sure you bet on a sure thing if you are going to bet that big.” Arcturus glared at his grandchild.

“Sorry Grandfather. I do think they are though.” He did look a little sheepish though for saying that in front of the man.

“Yes, we have two marked Death Eaters in this room right now, neither deserving to be here. One bribed his way out of trouble by claiming to be under the Imperius Curse, while the other had somebody vouching for him saying he switched sides at a personal risk to himself. Both stories were the biggest load of hippogriff dung there ever was.” Harry explained.

“Just because you say it is true doesn’t mean it is so.” Draco Malfoy roared. He was scared for his father and godfather and what was going to happen to them if Potter was believed.

“You’re right about Lucius, but man your cousin and that git really couldn’t have named Snape Godfather could they? I mean that thought is just horrible. They would have been better off to take him out and hand him to a bear to raise.” James couldn’t keep the disdain off of his face of thinking of Snape being responsible for a baby.

“Again my oath doesn’t seem to be enough, but that is okay I have proof. Since you brought it up Malfoy, why don’t we start with your father?”

All three Malfoys and Snape were now looking very worried. All of them could be seen sweating.

“Well it looks like the Black fortune is safe after all.” Arcturus couldn’t believe that Sirius knew that.

While Fudge who was worried about what would happen to his career if Lucius was found guilty, was now complaining. “You can’t accuse Mr. Malfoy of anything. He is an upstanding citizen who donates to many charities.”

“Bad guys can still donate to charities. It is a way to make them look more like an upstanding citizen.” Lily wasn’t impressed with what she was finding out about the wizarding world’s government.

“Yes, you would know all about Malfoy’s donations wouldn’t you Minister? You and Madam Umbridge have personal experience with those donations.” He said, as he pulled out a few scrolls and handed them to Madam Bones.

Narcissa Malfoy couldn’t stop herself. “What are those?”

“They are the personal records of all transactions for your husband, the Minister and Umbridge provided by the goblins,” he answered. “You’ll notice Madam Bones that withdrawals from the Malfoy account are the exact same amount to be added to either of the other two accounts on the same days.”

“How in the Bloody Hell did he get those?” Lord Black’s eyebrows had disappeared into his hairline.

“How did you get those,” demanded a steaming Minister, his toad lackey and Malfoy Sr?

“The goblins are not allowed to give out personal information on their customers.” Narcissa and Snape proclaimed loudly.

“Well you see the goblins would normally never do such a thing, but they take great offence to people who endanger or cause trouble for those they consider friends, and/or are their richest clients. Since Harry and I fit into both those categories, well I would think that would explain why they are helping us prove our enemies deserve to be in Azkaban, where they belong.” Sirius replied, to the astonishment of almost everyone in the Hall, except for Harry, Bill Weasley, Flitwick and the Goblins. Nobody else had ever heard of such a thing, where goblins helped a wizard before.

“I definitely hadn’t.” Arcturus was stunned to hear it now.

“Dad is friends with a few Goblins like Steeleblade.” James informed those in the room.

While most were trying to wrap their minds around such an astonishing fact, Madam Bones had decided to see why they would consider those three enemies to Lord Black and his son.

“What exactly have they done to be considered a threat or enemy to you two?”

“Well for one thing Mr. Malfoy almost got me and every other student in this school killed last year by making sure the Chamber of Secrets was opened.” Harry informed her.

“I’m not going to like hearing this am I?” Arcturus was truly regretting that he had let Pollux set up that marriage between Malfoy and Narcissa.’

It was as if an explosion went off, the noise was so loud. Many were pulling their wands and aiming them at the man who hurt or caused them so much fear the year before. Only Lord Black casting Sonorus on himself to get their attention and promising them he would handle it quieted them enough to hear his exact words.

Sirius was trying to peer at the book in his Dad’s hands to read this part for himself. He hated old Lucy as much as he did Snivellus. That evil git came to his family home though and strutted around like he owned the place. He had been getting Sirius in trouble with his parents even before he started Hogwarts, and it only got worse after he had been sorted into Gryffindor.

Charlus smiled fondly at the teenager but moved the book closer to James to tease the boy.

“Aww come on Dad. I want to read it too.” Sirius gave him a puppy pout.

“Now, now Sirius I’m reading this chapter.” The man teased him holding the book even farther away.

“Fine,” Sirius sat back with a disappointed huff to the amusement of all those in the room.

“Please, I understand your anger at the man, trust me when I say it can’t be any worse than mine, since my son was actually seconds away from dying because of that man’s actions,

“Seconds away from dying? What the Hell did he do to my Pup?” Sirius cried out in outrage. “I’ll kill him.”

“Sirius, remember Harry is fine in the book. Let’s see what actually happened.” Dorea cautioned as she again pulled him into her arms to try to calm him down.

Regulus who was watching all of this couldn’t decide if it was her, or the stern look Charlus Potter was giving his older brother that got him to settle down. The only thing he knew for sure was that the two older Potters really did treat Sirius like their own son, and that Sirius lapped it up like a cat with a bowl full of cream. Regulus had hated hearing Sirius call them Mum and Dad when he first got here, but he could understand it now that he saw the completely different way they treated him compared to their own parents. Bloody Hell they treated Sirius better than Regulus was treated by their parents, and he knew he was considered the favorite perfect son.

but I promise you if the Ministry doesn’t do their jobs and vow to lock the man in Azkaban for the rest of his life before they leave, then you have my guarantee the man won’t be leaving these grounds alive.

“Sirius, you just got cleared of murder charges, and you are threatening to kill someone.” Remus said exasperated.

“I’m pretty sure I wasn’t threatening him.” Sirius told him with a determined look. “I think you will find out I was actually making a promise.”

“You can’t do that in front of all those people Black.” Lily rolled her eyes at the Marauder’s stupidity.

“I think you will find out I can. Didn’t my book self already say I could do anything I wanted there and no one could stop me?” He reminded her with a smirk, when he noticed the look that clearly said she forgot about that part.

He is after all on land I control and endangered my son and Hogwarts’ Heir, and that isn’t something he will get away with.”

These words caused all three Malfoys to become as pale as ghosts, as they all aimed their wands at Sirius Black. But this just caused the man to let out a bark like laugh at their stupidity.

Sirius and James were also laughing as that was read out. Regulus couldn’t believe Narcissa was acting like such an idiot, while Arcturus was shaking his head in disbelief. The man hadn’t realized the Malfoy line was so stupid, and it seemed to have rubbed off on his niece.

Harry, who was also laughing at their idiocy said. “I see you people are as dumb as I thought, I have nothing against blonds, but you three are the perfect example why some people spout out dumb blond jokes.”

This had all three Marauders looking interested. They always liked any kind of joke.

“What’s a dumb blond joke?” James asked eagerly.

“I don’t know, but I think it must be something muggle related.” Remus wanted to know as well.

“It isn’t something I learned in Muggle Studies.” Sirius complained.

Lily opened her mouth to give an explanation, but stopped when Charlus told her that Harry explains in a minute.

This caused hysterical laughter from all that knew what dumb blond jokes were about, but Professor Sprout wanted to know why he said that.

“Well Ma’am, as I’m sure you can figure out that a dumb blond joke is a joke about people who are supposed to be stupid. There are those who think all blond people are stupid and make derogatory jokes about them. While I myself don’t feel that way, the Malfoys just showed why some people do. The three of them are blond and just pulled their wands on a man they know they can’t hex without them being the ones hurt, as proven earlier by Snape and Umbridge, thus showing their stupidity and the reason for those kind of jokes.” He explained with a snicker.

“Okay but I wanted to actually hear a dumb blond joke.” Sirius and James commented with a pout.

"Alright I’ll tell you one.” Lily couldn’t believe she was doing this, but all three Marauders had looked so pathetically disappointed she couldn’t help herself.

“Really Evans? You’re the best.” Sirius wasn’t the only one beaming at her.

“Okay. Did you hear about the blonde who gave her cat a bath?” She asked and giggled when they all shook their heads. “She still hasn’t gotten all the hair off of her tongue.”

The Marauders burst out laughing and it only got worse when Regulus said, “That’s disgusting. How can anybody be so stupid?”

“And that is why they are called dumb blond jokes.” Lily explained. “It is jokes that say blondes are dumb.”

The Malfoys were now blushing as they put their wands away, but Malfoy Sr. snarled, “Prove it!”

“I have a funny feeling that he can or it wouldn’t have been brought up.” James grinned at evidently his future husband.

This thought gave him an excited feeling in his stomach. He was actually going to marry Sirius and have his baby. Whoa he hadn’t counted on the one being pregnant when he thought of future kids, but as he looked at his best friend, the man he loved, well he could do that. It might be a little weird, but to be with Sirius and have his kids it would be worth it especially Harry, because that young man was a child to be proud of.

Harry put his own wand to his head removing a very long string of silver substance that he put in a bottle his Dad was holding for him.

“To bad we couldn’t see that memory ourselves.” Regulus was disappointed.

“I don’t know that I would want to see my grandbaby almost killed.” Dorea looked worried. “I mean it did say he was seconds from death.”

“Sorry Lady Potter I didn’t think about that.” Regulus apologized.

“It’s okay Sweetheart.” She smiled at him. “And please call me Dorea and my husband Charlus.”

“Thank you, Ma… Dorea.” He had corrected himself when he saw her raised eyebrow.

He then called, “Dobby!”

With a small pop a tiny elf with bat-like ears, a long nose and wearing a pair of black trousers with a red jacket with a gold crests on its back showing the Potter and Black crests, appeared before Harry, excitedly exclaimed, “Master Harry called for Dobby? What can Dobby do for the best Master in the world?”

“Wow, why don’t our elves talk like that to me?” James grumbled.

“Well at least your elves don’t go around causing you pain all of the time.” Sirius’s face had taken on a dark look when he thought about Kreacher.

“Kreacher is not that bad.” Regulus defended his elf friend.

“Not to you because you are the perfect pureblood son,” Sirius couldn’t hide the resentment at saying those words. “But when you are the shame of your parents’ flesh like me you would see it is a different story.”

Arcturus and Regulus were both staring at Sirius with concerned filled eyes, but James knew that Sirius wouldn’t want to talk anymore about that cursed elf or his parents, and if they made him he would become sullen and moody.

He turned to his Dad and begged. “Please continue to read Dad.”

“Dobby, I need your memories about everything you know about the plot last year to open the Chamber, and you are not allowed to punish yourself for showing me, since Dad and I are now your Masters.” He held the wand to the little elves head and said. “Just think about everything you know and I will do the rest.”

As the audience in the hall watched a silver strand was coming from the little elf, which Harry also bottled in another bottle in Sirius Black’s hand.

Madam Bones held out her hand to Lord Black for the two bottles, but he didn’t give them to her. “I’m sorry Madam, but these need to be shown here and now so everybody can see them, while also giving you the opportunity to make that vow, because I meant what I said earlier, the man will pay for his crimes one way or another.”

“That’s my Sirius.” James said proudly.

His words caused Sirius to almost glow to hear that.

He then pointed his wand at the bottle with Dobby’s memories, while saying something under his breath. To the amazement of all those watching, the ceiling suddenly started playing different scenes showing Dobby listening to Malfoy talking to Severus Snape about how to get rid of all the Mudbloods in the castle and how to cause trouble for that blood-traitor Arthur Weasley at the same time. In total there were at least five different scenes and every one of them included Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape. If anyone would have been paying attention to Dumbledore at the time they would have noticed the pure shock that was on his face, but everybody was too engrossed in the memories.

“So it was Lucy and Snape who almost got my Pup killed.” Sirius growled out.

As soon as the last memory was shown Sirius pointed his wand at Harry’s memory bottle, and just like before the ceiling became like a giant-sized TV screen.

“What’s a TV screen?” Arcturus asked curiously.

Sirius answered him. “It’s a muggle contraption that shows moving pictures that talk, but they can show different scenes and people not just the same thing like a magical portrait or picture.”

It showed Harry Potter-Black hiding in a cabinet in Borgin and Burkes listening to both Malfoy males and Mr. Borgin,

“What is he doing in Borgin and Burkes?” Sirius was not happy that his kid was in Knockturn Alley.

“I don’t know but he sure shouldn’t be there. That isn’t a place for children.” Charlus was frowning.

“Shouldn’t somebody be watching him?” James demanded angrily. He knew that if Sirius or he had gone there that his Dad would tan their backsides.

“Somebody should be.” Dorea said worriedly.

then it changed to show a group of people in Flourish and Blotts as Mr. Malfoy took a book out of Ginny Weasley’s cauldron, the fight that entailed and when Lucius Malfoy put the book back after the fight it showed a gap as if something was in it. Next scene showed a twelve year old Harry in a large chamber listening to a blurry looking sixteen year old talk and then they heard the older boy start hissing as a giant statue opened and then everything went dark on the ceiling, even though they could still hear things, when the ceiling started showing pictures again, many screamed in fear at the sight of the gigantic snake. They all watched in horror as the small boy fought and killed the Basilisk and was bitten by a fang from the snake,

“Sweet Merlin he fought a thousand year old Basilisk and was bitten by it.” Dorea cried out. She had tears running down her face at just imagining her grandson facing that at twelve.

“But how did he survive? Basilisk venom is one of the deadliest and fastest acting venoms in the world.” Arcturus was speaking as if he was talking to himself.

“Read Dad I need to know how my Fawn survived.” James was as pale as a ghost.

they watched as Fawkes healed him

“Thank Godric for that Phoenix.” Sirius’s words came out with heartfelt emotion.

and then he stabbed the diary, which to their amazement made Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA Lord Voldemort scream and disappear.

“What?” shouted out all three Blacks and Charlus. All four of them had a horrible feeling what that diary was.

“What’s the matter Dad?” James wasn’t the only one looking at the man with questioning eyes.

“I’m not going to say at the moment James. I’m hoping I’m wrong about that diary, if not maybe we will find out through this book.” He started reading again showing he had no intention of explaining.

The scene that appeared next was in McGonagall’s office, they saw Harry explain how he figured out things and part of what happened in the Chamber, never mentioning about how close he came to dying.

“He should have told them that. Some of the venom could still be in his system.” Arcturus said worriedly.

“I’m sure as soon as they run a diagnostic on him in the hospital wing they will find out.” Dorea smiled confidently at the man.

Then Lucius Malfoy and Dobby came in, they saw with amazement Dobby giving Harry hints about the diary and Malfoy, and to their amazement the last thing they saw was Harry tricking Malfoy into freeing the little elf, and the elf make the Head of the House of Malfoy fall down the stairs and leave.

“Oh our son is the perfect little mini-Marauder Prongs. He tricked Lucy into freeing his own house elf.” Sirius had trouble getting the words out through his laughter.

“It sounds like we are going to make an amazing kid together Padfoot.” James was also having trouble talking through his laughter.

“Yeah just remember boys that it will be your responsibility to keep that little guy from getting too out of hand.” Charlus grinned when his two sons stopped laughing to gulp worriedly.

“You always did say that when your boys got their own kids you hoped they would get the same kind of child, as a little payback for all the stress they caused you.” Dorea saw that the boys were now showing a little more fear than worry.

This caused everybody to laugh at the two worse Marauders in glee. Yeah it looked like they were going to get some of their own medicine with young Harry.

This scene caused instant laughter which Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape tried to use to their advantage, by trying to sneak out of the Great Hall, but to their dismay not only would the doors not open, but a caterwauling sound was heard when they tried to open it, bringing the attention of everyone on them and before they could try to defend themselves they were Stupefied by Madam Bones and every Auror in the room.

“Good.” Sirius smiled vindictively.

While Scrimgeour and his Aurors put magic dampening bracelets on the two men, Madam Bones gave her oath that what had been shown would be enough to get both men life-long stints in Azkaban.

“YES!” James and Sirius jumped up and gave a funny little happy dance that ended in them actually hugging each other.

When they sat back down they were now both in-between their parents with James by his Dad and Sirius by his Mum. The others couldn’t help noticing the two boys were holding hands as they sat side by side.

The loud clapping and cheering that met this statement, drowned out Narcissa and Draco’s complaints.

It took a few minutes for everybody to quiet down and then get all the implications for what they had seen straight in their mind. Madam Bones wasn’t sure if she could handle anymore tonight or if anyone else could either, she noticed Rita Skeeter talking quietly as her blue quick-quotes quill continued to race across the paper. This made her realize that tomorrow all of Wizarding Great Britain was going to be feeling like she was tonight. Harry Potter-Black was right their world was going to be truly shaken up after all the truths coming out here tonight.

“Oh this will definitely have a large impact on the wizarding world.” Charlus agreed with Madam Bones’s thoughts.

“And to think our future grandchild has been the one to bring it all out.” Arcturus shared a knowing look at Charlus. He could see the other man was as proud of that idea as he was.

It was Rufus Scrimgeour who asked the next question. “What has Minister Fudge done to cause the goblins to see him as your enemy?”

“Good question.” Regulus wanted to know everything, because he didn’t want any of the people that would be his brother or nephew’s enemies to have the same chance to hurt them this time around.

“You mean besides setting Dementors around a school, letting them search the Hogwarts Express, which would have probably seen me kissed if Professor Lupin hadn’t been on the train?

“Thank you for saving our Pup, Remus.” Sirius’s gratitude was easy to see.

“You mean our Fawn, Padfoot.” James corrected him.

“No I meant our Pup.” Sirius argued.

“Fawn.”

"Pup.”

“How about we call him Cub instead?” Remus piped in.

“No!” James and Sirius retorted together.

Laughter rang out in the room, but Regulus was the first to be able to speak. “I have a feeling the poor kid will be called all three names.”

The Marauders exchanged a look. “Probably.”

How about the fact that at least twice a year, since he has been in office, the goblins have been sending him information and requests about my Dad’s innocence and asking for him to get a trial as they had proof that he was innocent and he did nothing about it? Those things were enough to make sure that they wanted to see justice done for Fudge to show that he should have given my Dad a chance at justice.”

“Yes I agree.” Charlus was angry that the man hadn’t done his job.

Harry pulled out a pile of scrolls and handed them to Madam Bones. “These are copies of every attempt they made to get Fudge to do what was right.”

“What about Madam Umbridge,” asked Amelia Bones? She started glancing casually through a few of the scrolls just to get the gist of what they said, while listening to the next bit of information.

It was Sirius who answered this time, he knew his son was still upset with Remus

The guilty look that Remus was now wearing had Lily hugging him in comfort.

 and would be leery of this part, and he couldn’t let Harry’s anger at what he felt was betrayal from Remus ruin the chance to make that vile woman pay for her crimes. “That would be the new anti-werewolf laws she has put into effect.”

"Umm… Sirius I know you like Lupin, but making new laws isn’t a crime.” Regulus stated hesitantly. He didn’t want to upset his brother, but he didn’t see how he could use that against the woman.

“No, but it would make her my enemy, and it said earlier that the Goblins gave proof of her taking money from Lucy. That sounds like bribery charges to me.” Sirius explained.

Lily was staring at Sirius Black dumbfounded. She had always thought he was some sort of idiot, and his good grades were because Remus did his work. But he just showed that he truly was smarter than she thought possible.

“That isn’t against the law,” Crouch said with scorn. He thought it was great she had done that after all.

“Okay I’m going to make it one of my missions to get that man out of the Ministry.” Charlus declared hotly.

“I’ll help you.” Arcturus promised.

“Well let’s put it this way, Remus Lupin is a werewolf...”

Remus looked stunned. “You just outed me in front of hundreds of people.”

James turned to stare at his future husband. “Siri, why would you do that?”

“I don’t know.” He admitted. “But from Harry and my thoughts in the book I think you should trust me not to be trying to hurt Remus.”

James noticed the pleading look in those grey eyes that were staring at him. “You’re right. Sorry for even questioning you about it.”

Sirius was looking so relieved as he grabbed James in a hug. He had been afraid when James had asked him that. All he had been able to remember was the three weeks that James hadn’t spoken to him last year after the willow incident.

When he pulled back from the hug he turned to Remus. “Moony?”

Remus gave him a smile. “I trust you, Padfoot.”

“Thanks,” was the only word he could get past the lump in his throat.

Gasps of shock and horror were heard at this pronouncement. “You can’t let a werewolf be around children,” shrieked Molly Weasley. “That animal has to go.”

“Stupid Bint.” Sirius snarled.

Charlus reached behind James to give Sirius a small cuff to the head. “Watch that language young man, even if she does deserve to be called that. I don’t like you speaking like that.”

“Yes Sir.” Sirius rubbed the spot even though it hadn’t really hurt. “Sorry Dad.”

Anybody looking at Remus Lupin at the time would have seen a look of shame and resignation cross his face. That look made Sirius even more furious than just the words of Molly Weasley, and the reactions from the others in the hall.

“Of course it did. Remus doesn’t deserve that. He’s the greatest and I won’t have anybody hurting my friend.” Sirius tone brooked no argument.

“Thanks Sirius, but I don’t know how you can think that way after how I have acted in the book.” The werewolf had a shamed expression on his face.

“You’re my friend and evidently my book self has forgiven you so I will too.” Sirius voice clearly showed the subject wasn’t up for debate. This earned him a smile from most, a hug from his Mum, his hair ruffled from his Dad and the best of all was James squeezing his hand in support.

A loud bang came from Sirius Black’s wand and anger could be seen on his face as he snapped, “That is enough! Remus Lupin is a good man who I trust with my son and any other child. He will be teaching at Hogwarts and anybody who doesn’t like it can leave now to never cross this threshold again. I refuse to let him be punished and discriminated against for something he couldn’t help when he was just a small child.”

“Hear, hear,” James egged on the book Sirius. “You tell them Padfoot.”

Lily Evans was impressed beyond measure. She had not realized that the Marauders were such great friends to each other. She had always thought Sirius and James were too self-centered to care about anybody but themselves. She realized that she was seeing another side of the two boys that she had always seen as bullying, immature prats.

“But he is dangerous to us all,” Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy yelled together. This caused amusement from their fellow housemates, since they knew the two would hate saying the same thing.

“If there was any chance that he was the least bit dangerous I would never have made him my son’s Godfather,” he stated with finality.

“Thanks guys. It means a lot to me that you would do that. I swear if it happens this time around I won’t let you down.” Remus’s voice was filled with emotion.

“We know Moony.” They replied as one.

“But like I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, those laws hurt the man I see not only as my best friend, but my brother in all but blood. They also made it impossible for him to get my son out of that abusive house that he had to live at for the last twelve years.

Both black haired Marauders’ eyes were flashing fire. The anger coming off of them was palpable. It was Sirius that spoke though.

“My child had to live with abusive people just like me. That will not happen.” He turned to his Dad. “Please help me make sure that doesn’t happen to my Pup. I don’t want him to grow up feeling like I did.” His eyes had tears spilling out even though they showed anger.

All three Potters wrapped their arms around the distraught teen. “It won’t happen, Sirius. I promise.” Charlus Potter vowed.

Lord Arcturus Black felt like a complete failure. His grandson, his Heir had been abused by his parents, by Arcturus’s own son and he hadn’t known or protected the boy. No wonder Sirius seemed to have turned his back on the family and their ways. The man swore to himself that his son and daughter-in-law would pay for the abuse they had brought down on their own child.

So for that she has definitely become my enemy and hurt my family. I will see justice done against her, and that is why the goblins included her name and transactions for you.”

“Now we are down to Molly Weasley and a couple of her kids, the Dursleys or more on Dumbledore. Though talking about Mrs. Weasley and the Dursleys will include Dumbledore in both conversations, so between what we have already discovered about him and what you learn from those two conversations we may not really have to cover anymore, because truthfully with all the information so far and all that we will add, it really should be enough to get the man kissed.” Harry informed her.

Every one of them had once again become gaping fish. To know the so called Leader of the Light had performed so many atrocities that he should deserve the kiss was unimaginable. It was worse for those who had always looked up to and admired the man.

“How can you say that Harry,” Hagrid cried out in anguish and disbelief?

“Hagrid, I’m sorry if the things I say hurt you, but that man ruined my Dad’s life. He helped put him in Azkaban by lying about him being the Secret Keeper. You spent less than two months in that place, while being innocent, and I know it has affected you, imagine how my Dad feels, as he spent twelve years there while being innocent. You both could have been saved from that pain and suffering, by him telling the truth and/or getting you both trials. Since he was Chief Warlock, he had that power to make sure it happened. The man also ruined my life while using you to help him do it.”

“I wonder if that boy is going to be a politician when he grows up. He sure can make some moving speeches.” Arcturus said proudly.

“No,” James cried indignantly. “He will be a professional Quidditch player.”

“Even if he does become a Quidditch player he won’t be able to do it forever.” Charlus grinned at his son. “Maybe he can become Minister of Magic after he retires from Quidditch.”

“Fine, but only after he gets too old to play Quidditch. You know when he is fifty or sixty.” James had a gleam that said don’t argue with me in his eyes.

“I thought the oldest professional player had retired at forty-two.” Regulus pointed out with a smirk.

“That is because they aren’t as talented as my kid will be.” James ran his hand through his hair as he puffed out his chest.

“Of course I should have realized that.” Reg admitted in fake defeat.

“Yes you should have.” Sirius acted serious also, because he knew James really believed that.

“Whatcha mean Harry?” Hagrid got out through the shock he was feeling, as he hadn’t realized Dumbledore could have kept him from going to Azkaban.

“Hagrid, he had you kidnap me from my Dad and take me to people I wasn’t even related to. The man left me on their doorstep in the middle of the night, and he knew they were magic hating Muggles, because he knew about the adoption of Aunt Lily and the reason for it. Hagrid you have no idea what I went through at that house, it was Hell, I would’ve had a happier childhood living in Azkaban with my Dad, and a safer one, too, and you know from personal experience how bad Azkaban is.”

“He thinks Azkaban would have given him a safer and happier childhood.” Dorea couldn’t hold back a sob even as Sirius engulfed her in a hug.

Charlus stood up and had them, all move down on the couch, so he could offer his wife comfort. “I’m sorry Dorea, but we won’t let it happen to our grandbaby this time around.”

She turned and buried her head in his chest. He held her until she stopped crying all the while noticing that Sirius and James were finding comfort in each other’s arms as well. He did wonder if they would be getting together sooner this time around.

Kingsley Shacklebolt was the one to ask the question on everyone’s mind. “What did those Muggles do to you Mr. Potter-Black? How did they make your life Hell?”

Every one of them were listening with rapt attention. They all wanted to know what poor Harry had endured, even while they also didn’t want to know.

“The Dursleys hate magic or anything they don’t consider normal. There is a reason I’m smaller than my classmates. See I spent ten years of my life living in the cupboard under the stairs,

Gasps of shock were heard but Charlus didn’t stop reading. He wanted to get this part over with as fast as possible.

even though there was two spare bedrooms in the house. I was refused food for days on end while being locked in that cupboard for as long as two months sometimes. That is not even counting any physical abuse I suffered from all three of the Dursleys I lived with and Vernon’s sister.”

“Dear God,” Lily cried out in pain. “It really is my sister and her fiance that abused him. I’m so sorry guys.”

Remus tried to offer her comfort, as he held her trembling body close.

“You didn’t do it Lily.” James said from where his head was lying on Sirius’s shoulder. “We know you would never hurt a child like that, so we don’t blame you. But this does show us why Dad and Mum made you my sister. They wouldn’t have wanted you living with that kind of people.”

“But that just makes it worse James. Your parents took me in and gave me a home, but your son, their grandson suffered worse than I would have.” Her eyes were red from her weeping.

“None of us blame you, Lily.” Dorea reassured her. “Read Charlus.”

“You are a lying attention-seeking little brat,” screeched Madam Umbridge.

“Again my oath is not proof enough for some idiots. But as Fred, George and Ron Weasley had to break me out of the bedroom I was given when I received my Hogwarts’ letter, a bedroom that had bars on the window and the door was locked on the outside, I do have witnesses to the way I was treated.” He said in a tired sounding voice.

“Why didn’t they get him help?” Remus was feeling sick. He should have been taking care of Harry. The kid was his Cub and Godson, and he had abandoned him. No wonder the kid was angry with him.

“Maybe they didn’t believe what they were seeing.” Sirius wouldn’t look at his little brother. “Some people try to convince themselves that the kid is just bad, and the adults are just trying to get them to be good.”

Regulus hung his head in shame. How many times had he told Sirius that if he would just mind their parents that they wouldn’t have to be so hard on him?

Arcturus put a hand on his youngest grandson’s shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze. He could tell he was feeling guilty, but he shouldn’t be. He was just a boy, but Arcturus was a grown man, and his own guilt was eating him alive.

Sirius Black wrapped his arm around his son’s shoulder, pulling him close to give him the comfort he so desperately needed. The man knew this was one thing Harry hadn’t wanted to talk about in front of others, but it had to be done.

“But when I tried telling you that you refused Sirius,” Charlus said quietly.

“You know why Dad. It’s not because of them or even my own embarrassment and shame.” Sirius buried his face in James’s hair.

“Then what was it holding you back Sirius? Why didn’t you at least tell me?” Arcturus’s voice held pain in it.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Sirius said with finality.

The two older men shared a look. Arcturus could tell that Charlus knew why. He would have to ask him when they were alone. He couldn’t stand not knowing. He couldn’t stand knowing he let the young man he adored down in such a way.

Madam Bones looked toward the sea of redheads and said, “Mr. Weasleys?”

“He is right Madam, we did have to break him out, by pulling the bars off of the window, and pick five locks to get out through the door to get his trunk from the cupboard under the stairs.” Fred Weasley explained in a serious voice, to the shock of those that knew him.

“When we were getting his trunk we noticed a baby mattress on the floor of the cupboard, though we had no idea what it meant at the time.” George Weasley added, just as serious as his twin.

“He looked like he had lost at least ten pounds, since I had last seen him which had been less than five weeks before.” Ron told her.

Each word Charlus read had pain coming through loud and clear. None of them spoke as they listened to what a child related to all of them had to endure. Every one of them felt guilty they weren’t there to help him, to save him from such things.

The noise level rose again as people heard what their saviour had endured with the Muggles he had lived with. How was it nobody had been looking out for Harry Potter, who they all owed so much too was what many were thinking? Their shock making them forget that wasn’t really his name, just remembering all the stories they had heard about the wonderful life he had lived were what was going through their minds at the moment. If what they just heard was true, where had all those stories came from? Why had nobody protected their saviour?

“Dumbledore,” growled an angry Grim Animagus.

Minerva McGonagall was now in Dumbledore’s face, screaming at him in a way nobody had ever seen her do before. The woman actually looked like she was going to rip his beard out by the roots.

“Please do,” Dorea begged. She felt her heart was breaking for her poor grandbaby.

“You told me he would be safe and happy there, even after I told you those people weren’t fit to take care of him. You better hope the Ministry arrests you, because if not I will transfigure your bony arse into a rat and let my Animagus form have a nice snack.”

“Go Minnie!” All three Marauders yelled with evil grins.

“He will probably give her indigestion.” Regulus pointed out.

“She can take a stomach reliever potion.” Sirius reminded him.

Madam Bones was the first to recover from the shock. “Why didn’t you Weasleys tell someone this so your friend could be helped?”

“We did,” George told her.

“They told somebody, so why doesn’t anybody know about it before now?” Lily asked in confusion. She knew the muggle children services would have gotten him out of that house, so why didn’t the magical government?

“We told Mom,” Fred added.

“But she acted like it was no big deal,” continued George.

“I beg your pardon?” Dorea was letting her Black side show through. “That woman just became my enemy.”

This had Sirius and James scooting away from the woman as far as they could get on the couch. Sirius actually considered going to sit in the chair that Lily vacated. James could sit on his lap, but changed his mind when she turned and glared at them. Whoops they better stay where they were.

“And when we told Harry that we wanted to tell Dad,” Fred took over.

“He said it wouldn’t do any good,” George informed her.

“Because every time he told an adult about it before,” explained Fred.

“They acted the very same way,” George said with a frown.

“So he asked us to just forget it,” again Fred spoke.

“So we’re sorry to say we did,” they finished together, looking guiltier than anyone had ever seen them look.

“I think those boys are probably like their uncles Fabian and Gideon.” Remus spoke up. “They way they are explained as being more serious or guilty looking makes me see them as pranksters and jokesters.”

“You are probably right. I don’t know this Fred and George’s parents but Fab and Gid are great. I do remember them saying their sister is a real harpy. She is always yelling at them for something or another and acting like she is their mother.” Sirius had a frown on his face, as he remembered what he had heard about the twins’ older sister.

“Well Mrs. Weasley why didn’t you inform the DMLE about this,” demanded an irate Madam Bones?

“Because I knew they were just lying to get out of trouble,” she defended herself.

“She didn’t even check it out?” Charlus was furious. “No wonder Harry said it wouldn’t do any good.”

All three youngest Weasley boys shouted. “We would never lie about something as serious as that for any reason.”

“I would hope no child would, and for their mother to not even give them the benefit of the doubt shows she doesn’t deserve to be a mother.” Dorea said scathingly.

“Or was it Mrs. Weasley because you already knew all of that and didn’t want it known,” asked Harry?

Eyebrows rose towards hairlines at that question.

“That is ridiculous Harry,” she sputtered nervously.

“What are you talking about Potter,” growled Moody, while keeping his magical eye on Molly Weasley?

“Well it seems that Mrs. Weasley has been working hand in hand with Dumbledore to keep me nice and pliable for their plans for me. Isn’t that right, Mrs. Weasley?”

“Oh yeah that woman is definitely my enemy.” Dorea looked ready to kill. That woman had better stay far away from her family, if she knew what was good for her.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she snapped.

“Don’t you snap at my grandbaby you bitch.” fumed the very irate grandmother.

“Dorea!” Charlus was eyeing his wife in disbelief.

“What?” She demanded.

“Dear I don’t think I’ve heard you call anybody that in all the time I’ve known you.” He tried to explain under her glare.

“She deserves it.” She didn’t look the least bit remorseful.

“Yes Dear.” He started reading in case she thought he was placating her. His wife almost always deferred to him, but if she was really emotional about something well that Black side came out, and you didn’t want to tangle with her then.

“Really? You don’t have your own plans for me and ways to get a hold of my money?” He asked with a Snape worthy sneer.

“NO! Harry James don’t you have a Snape anything.” Sirius yelled out in outrage.

LIly, Remus and Regulus were laughing, as James tried to calm Sirius down even while looking a little green himself.

“NO, I DON’T!” she shrieked.

“Harry what plans are you talking about?” Arthur Weasley asked worriedly.

“Poor Arthur. He’s a nice guy. He works in the Misuse of Muggles office. I believe they already have three boys.” Charlus informed the others.

Before he answered Harry pulled another four scrolls from his bag, but at first he only handed one to Madam Bones. “Madam, maybe you can answer Mr. Weasley by telling him what that is.”

As Amelia Bones read the scroll her eyes got so wide the monocle she wore fell from her eye, luckily it only fell a couple of inches, before it magically returned to its original position. She looked first at Harry then at Arthur Weasley, a man she highly respected and liked, before telling him what the scroll said. “Arthur this is a betrothal contract between one Harry James Potter and Ginerva Molly Weasley signed by Albus Dumbledore and Molly Prewitt Weasley the 16th of March, 1982, with a bridal price of one million galleons to be paid out on the 31st of July 1996 when Harry Potter turns sixteen years old, and the marriage ceremony to take place one year later on his seventeenth birthday.”

There was so much in that paragraph that was read out that they were all trying to take it all in.

Sirius decided to push the horrible thought of those two setting his son up for marriage and instead concentrated on the good part he found out about his son.

“Did you realize that our baby will be born 31st of July, 1980?” He was staring at James in wonderment. “You are going to give me a son that day.”

He pulled the slightly shorter teen into his arms and his mouth came down on James’s lips. The moment their lips touched all thought of where they were and who was with them left them. Sirius had never felt such a wonderful sensation as they kissed. He licked James’s lips, as the kiss continued and was rewarded when James opened his mouth to him. Their tongues were trying to wrap around each other when they were abruptly brought back to their surroundings by the clearing of a throat. They reluctantly broke contact with just their lips before turning their heads to see Charlus Potter with a raised eyebrow.

“I think we should read some more now.” He told his boys though amusement could be heard in his tone.

Sirius waved nonchalantly. “Fine read you just ruined the best moment of my life to date. No big deal.” But he kept his arm around James’s shoulder. He would be damned if he let him go now.

“What?” yelled Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George Weasley.

“Wow that means they are going to have at least seven kids. Didn’t the Weasleys lose all their money?” Regulus asked.

“Yes they did.” Charlus frowned. “I definitely feel for the man. I know he is already having a hard time making ends meet with three kids. His office doesn’t pay very well.”

“Bloody Hell, Ginny wouldn’t even be of age at that time,” roared Bill Weasley.

“Harry wouldn’t even have finished his education by then and the girl isn’t even an adult in the magical world.” Lily looked shocked that a mother would do that.

“Well with that bridal price it sounds like she is trying to sell her daughter.” Arcturus sneered.

Quite a few people noticed that neither Ron nor Ginny were questioning this new bit of information, including Hermione Granger, who then turned to the two youngest Weasleys and demanded to know why they weren’t surprised by this revelation.

“I agree with your earlier statement about poor Arthur. It looks like his wife is going to continue having kids until she gets a daughter with it saying those two are the youngest.” Arcturus shook his head that the man would let such a thing happen, and it seems like she only wanted a daughter to sell her so she could be rich.

But it was Harry who answered her though, while at the same time handing the last three scrolls to Madam Bones. “Well Hermione there is a simple explanation to that question. You see our friends here are in on it with their mother. They seem to think they deserve to have my money, through me marrying Ginny or for them just being my friends. As the scrolls I just gave Madam Bones show they all have their own Gringotts accounts, as they were being paid out of my account. The only thing Dad, our Goblin friends and I can figure is that they have been being paid with my own money to befriend me and be nice to me.”

“Oh my poor Pup. That has to hurt.” Sirius wanted nothing more than to hold his future child in his arms and comfort him.

“It is beginning to look like our Fawn has had nobody who truly cared for him.” James’s voice rang with sadness.

“That’s not possible,” Arthur exclaimed in disbelief. He was feeling like his whole world was crumbling before his eyes.

“I’m afraid it is Mr. Weasley, money has been taken out of my account, while the same amount has ended up in their accounts. The first withdrawals from mine and matching deposits into theirs started the first of August 1991. Which makes the fact that Mrs. Weasley was talking about Muggles loudly at Kings Cross and having to ask what the platform number was, well that makes a lot more sense. They were supposed to meet me, all on Dumbledore’s orders I’m sure.”

They were all looking despondent. That poor child had been treated so badly. They really hoped they were almost done with hearing how many people screwed the poor kid over.

“If the Weasel and Weaselette had money why do they always wear secondhand robes and use old books,” smirked Draco Malfoy? Snickers were heard from his fellow Slytherins at the question.

“That I don’t know, evidently you will have to ask them as they haven’t  taken any money out of their vaults, except for Mrs. Weasley.” Harry answered.

“Harry maybe that means they didn’t have anything to do with it.” Hermione said trying to defend her friends.

“I’m sure Harry would like to think that himself. It doesn’t feel good to know you were betrayed by a friend.” Sirius snapped. He couldn’t help remembering that James was dead, because Pettigrew was going to betray them.

James in the meantime was remembering that Sirius was going to be framed by somebody they had considered a friend until they started reading this book. Sirius did not deserve to be in Azkaban. He had already suffered enough with the parents he had been born to.

“Okay but before I believe that I need to ask you a couple of questions. The first trip we took on the Hogwarts Express you walked all over it looking for Neville’s toad right?”

“Yes,” she answered with a questioning look.

“So it’s safe to say you would’ve noticed if all of the compartments were full or not, right?”

“Yes?”

“Were they?”

“Of course not. It’s a magical train that always has extra room, so people can move to a different compartment if they don’t get along with those they are sitting with.” James was the one that said this.

“I didn’t know that. How did you?” Lily was staring in shock.

“James read everything he could on trains when he was younger.” Dorea explained. “I think he spent the years from seven to ten learning anything he could about trains, demanding toy trains for his birthday and Christmas. All of our vacations in those years had to have him riding on at least one train.”Dorea explained fondly.

“Aww that’s so cute.” Sirius teased the blushing messy haired boy.

“Shut up Padfoot.” He grumbled.

“When we go on our honeymoon will make sure to take a train ride too.” Sirius cooed at his future husband.

Everybody was staring with wide eyes at the Black heir.

“What?” He demanded crossly when the staring didn’t stop.

Remus was the one to finally speak up. “Did you just propose to James?”

Sirius’s jaw dropped. “Why would you ask that?”

“Well you just talked about your honeymoon. You have to get married first.” Regulus explained.

“Well that’s obvious isn’t it? This book tells us we get married, so of course we are going to go on a honeymoon. That’s just common sense, but that doesn’t mean I proposed yet. You didn’t see me go down on one knee or offer him a ring yet. Did you? You guys are just being silly. James deserves a real proposal.” Sirius scowled at them all for thinking he wouldn’t go all out for James.

James decided it would be best not to comment, as he had so many things running through his mind at the moment. He just laid his head back down on Sirius’s shoulder and basked in the idea that Sirius had such a firm conviction that they would definitely marry.

“No of course they weren’t. There were plenty of compartments with only one or two people in them. Why do you ask?”

“Because the first thing Ron said to me when he came to the compartment was to ask if he could sit with me because everywhere else was full,” he explained.

“Definitely a dodgy comment,” Regulus wasn’t liking, the sound of this Weasley.

At this not only did Hermione, but Neville, the twins, Draco Malfoy, his goons and quite a few other students look at him with disbelief, since all of them had been roaming all over the train that day. They were all, but the goons, thinking that it really did sound like a set-up for Ron Weasley to meet and become friends with Harry Potter, more so because Ron’s face and ears were now a bright red.

Arthur Weasley and his five other sons were looking like their world had just exploded in front of them. How could any of what they were hearing be happening? The boys were thinking how could their mother do such things? How could she more or less sell their little sister into marriage? How could she take money to help a kid?  And then she didn’t even help him when he needed it. How could she totally ignore child abuse like that?

“I can see why that would bother them.” Lily felt sorry for those boys having to think about their mother that way.

“It’s a hard thing having to realize that your parents aren’t what they should be.” Sirius agreed.

It had taken him meeting the older Potters to realize just how bad his parents were. He had no idea that Regulus was comparing those same Potters to his parents and seeing his own parents coming up wanting.

“So Hermione, do you now see why I think they were in on it? There are too many things that now that I look back on them that don’t make sense to me. Like why for instance did Mrs. Weasley send a Christmas present to someone she had only spoken a couple dozen words to? Please don’t take offense Mr.Weasley, but how could a family that couldn’t afford to buy their son a wand of his own, be able to afford trips to other countries for the next two Christmas holidays? Why would Mrs. Weasley even do that instead of having her youngest children come home, especially when it would be easier for the older two to come to them and the whole family could be together? This and so much more have been running through my mind ever since I found out they were getting paid out of my vault.”

“He does bring up some valid questions.” Arcturus was thinking about just how bad that young man must be feeling. He remembered the first part of the chapter which had commented that Harry had seen the Weasley boy as his best friend.

“All very good questions, Potter,” said an impressed Moody. “All that you have brought up here tonight has been real eye openers.”

“Thank you, Sir. I hope they are questions Madam Bones will be asking of each of the people that I have brought to her attention tonight. Hopefully those that have committed crimes will be punished for them under the law, legally I might add. After all we don’t want more innocent people in Azkaban or more guilty people walking around still breaking the laws.”

“You tell them Pup.” Sirius couldn’t help the pride he felt in his future child. He couldn’t wait for that little boy to be born.

“He does sound like an exceptional kid.” Regulus added.

Sirius beamed happily at his baby brother. “Thanks Reg.”

“No thanks necessary, Siri. He sounds like a nephew to be proud of.” was the comeback.

“You have my word Mr. Potter-Black each of the people who you have proven has broken the law, by your word and oath will be brought up on charges they will have to answer for, but they will have the chance to defend themselves,” the head of the DMLE assured him.

“It sounds like she takes her job seriously at least.” Charlus was glad somebody like this woman would one day hold the position he held now.

“Hopefully she can make her promises come true.” James knew how much something like that meant to his Dad.

“Thank you, Madam! May I make a couple of suggestions about the procedure?” He asked imploringly.

With a smile on her face, the normally stern-looking woman said, “of course Mr. Potter-Black.”

“It’s just Harry to you Madam,” he corrected her. “I would like to suggest that you make sure you question Fudge, Umbridge and Malfoy each before you start their trials, as I feel their testimonies will help on all being convicted. And even more importantly I think you should make sure Dumbledore goes before Snape’s trial that way you can ask why Dumbledore thought he had changed sides.”

“I like the way your mind works, boy,” Moody growled.

“Now that is a great compliment.” Charlus told the others. “Moody rarely gives out compliments.”

“Yeah he’s a gruff old codger.” James agreed.

“He’s not that old James.” Charlus shook his head at his son’s words.

“Seems old to me,” James argued back.

“I have to agree with James.” Sirius exclaimed. “The man doesn’t know how to have fun so he has to be old. He didn’t even laugh at my joke last Christmas.”

“Oh well that explains it. You boys are right that definitely makes him old.” Charlus said sarcastically.

“We knew you would see the light Dad.” They chimed in together.

“Harry those are some great suggestions, but from the way you said that about Dumbledore and Snape makes, me think you know something you aren’t saying.” Madam Bones said with a knowing look on her face.

“She has a point. I wonder what it is.” Remus looked interested.

“Probably that they are lovers,” Sirius seemed deadly serious with this suggestions.

“Ooh Sirius that’s gross.” James smacked a hand on his hopefully boyfriend’s leg. “You’ll give me nightmares thinking about those two together.”

“I’ll give myself nightmares.” Sirius gave a shudder at the horrible picture that went through his mind.

“Well you deserve them after making all of us think about that coupling.” Regulus was grimacing at the mere idea.

“Well Ma’am as I have taken an oath to tell the truth, and what I suspect is just hearsay, I am afraid I can’t go into that without endangering my magic and/or life, and even if the magic from the oath lets me get away with that, my Dad wouldn’t, as he seems to think I am no longer allowed to put myself in dangerous situations.”

“Well I would hope not.” Sirius and Charlus said together.

“It looks like you think like Dad when it comes to raising kids.” James had not expected that.

Sirius just shrugged his shoulders. “That must mean I will be a great Dad. He is definitely who I see as a role model especially when it comes to raising kids.”

Charlus had to clear his throat before he could speak. “Thank you Sirius. That is the nicest thing you could have ever said to me.”

“It’s just the truth Dad.”

Laughter filled the hall at this pronouncement, since most people there knew Harry had done many dangerous things over the last two years.

“Say what? What does it mean many dangerous things?” Sirius’s eyes wide with fright for his child.

“I don’t know but I truly don’t like the sound of that.” James seemed just as scared for his son.

Lily was again shocked at the two boys that she had always thought would never grow up. She could actually see them as the father to this kid with their attitude now.

But while they were laughing, Sirius Black was scowling down at his son. He really didn’t like the implications of that laughter.

Regulus laughed. “Yes that is quite noticeable here too.”

“It’s not funny Reg. Remember that is your nephew that could have been hurt. We have already heard that he almost died from a Basilisk bite.” Sirius groaned thinking his kid sounded like he would get into more trouble than the Marauders.

“I think you two will be getting grey hair from that kid.” Remus chuckled at Sirius’s horrified glare, as he ran a hand through his black hair.

This had everybody but James joining in laughing at Sirius’s reactions. James was also holding his hair as if to protect it from grey.

As the laughter finally died down, Sirius said, “ Madam, as I haven’t taken an oath I can tell you what my son knows better than to say,” while shooting a stern look at his son.

Laughter again rang out. It seemed they all thought a stern Sirius would be a funny thing.

“I heard the Death Eaters in Azkaban screaming out in their cells that Snape was the one that told their Master the information that led him to going after my family the night of his downfall.”

“That ba…” Sirius caught himself in time before he cursed, but everybody could tell by his eyes that he was cursing in his mind. “It is because of him James is dead.”

This had all of them looking sad now as they watched Sirius clutch the slightly smaller teen to him. It was obvious to all of them that Sirius Black truly did love James Potter already. The pain in his eyes could not be hidden.

“Please don’t die and leave me.” He begged the love of his life.

“I’m not going anywhere Siri. Thanks to you we can change things.” James promised him.

“What?” rang out from all sides.

So you see that is why we think his trial should come after Dumbledore’s,” Sirius explained.

“I’m not having a trial as I will not be arrested, since there is nobody here able to take me into custody.” Dumbledore stated arrogantly.

“Arrogant is definitely the word for it.” Arcturus truly hated that man even before reading this book.

But to his shock all the Aurors and Madam Bones yelled, “Expelliarmus!” Thus disarming him and knocking him out at the same time. Kingsley Shacklebolt then proceeded to put magic-dampening cuffs on him.

“Not the great wizard that he seems to think he is.” Sirius sneered though it didn’t seem to have much feeling behind it. He couldn’t get his fear of losing James out of his mind.

Then all the Aurors proceeded to arrest and put magic-dampening cuffs on Fudge, Umbridge, Molly Weasley, Pettigrew and Crouch, as Snape and Malfoy were already wearing them, while Madam Bones told Arthur Weasley that he was to take his two youngest children home with him and keep them under house-arrest until they could be questioned about their activities. Then she looked to Sirius Black and promised all four Dursleys would be arrested on child abuse and endangerment.

“That is a lot of arrests.” Charlus seemed happy at the thought.

“Those same people have become our enemies in this timeline.” Dorea added.

“You’ve got that right Mum.” James agreed. “We have to make sure they don’t hurt us this time around.”

“Thank you, Madam! I do appreciate all you are doing here tonight. Please also know that I will be backing you to be our next Minister for Magic, and I will be using all ten of my seats on the Wizengamot to help that become a done deal,” Lord Black said with conviction.

“I wonder what other four seats and Lordships your future self has.” Regulus was trying to figure it out, but he didn’t have a clue.

“I don’t know but maybe the book will tell us at some point.” His Grandfather also seemed really interested in knowing.

“Well that seems to be everything to be covered here tonight. I hope you all learned that everything isn’t as it seems and nobody is above the law. Dad, do you have anything to add?” Harry concluded his part of the evening.

“You did good Harry James Sirius Potter-Black.” Dorea praised her future grandson.

“He really did. Didn’t he Mum?” James was happy his Mum thought his kid did a good job.

“He is definitely a child you two can be proud of.” Arcturus also praised his future great-grandson.

“Yeah Kiddo, I just have a few things to add. Madam you and your entourage are free to go whenever you feel like it, as the doors are now unlocked.” He said waving his arm.

“My brother’s got some moves.” Regulus boasted. “It didn’t say he waved his wand but his arm.”

"I always knew you looked up to me little brother.” Sirius teased not really believing it.

“Of course I do. You’re my big brother.” The younger Black’s face showed nothing but seriousness.

The words and the look had Sirius’s jaw dropping open again in shock.

“I swear Padfoot if you don’t stop doing that you’re going to catch flies.” Remus taunted his friend.

“But for those of you who had your memories messed with by Dumbledore, the Goblins have offered to help you retrieve them at my expense, so I suggest you make an appointment with Gringotts at your earliest opportunity.”

“That’s impressive Sirius.” Lily complimented him. She didn’t notice that it was the first time she had called him Sirius as she usually called him Black.

The others did notice and not wanting to draw attention to it Charlus started reading again.

He continued, “Miss Skeeter that is all for you as well, but remember you gave an oath and even if you only lose your magic if you lie in that article or articles, know that I will hire the best attorneys out there to make you sorry for lying.”

Then turning to Mrs. Malfoy he added, “Narcissa, I will be talking to you later, because I am Lord Black, with a higher standing in society than the Malfoys, I am your head of family. You have a lot to answer for, and depending on your answers, well let’s just say that could decide whether you stay a member of the Black family or not.

Sirius wouldn’t look at his Grandfather or brother. He figured they would both be glaring at him for that statement.

Looking at his other cousin and her husband he smiled saying, “Andromeda, I will be talking to you as well, but be prepared to be brought back into the fold when I do so with all of that being said, all guests are free to go.”

Sirius decided playing with James’s fingers was the best thing to do. He also decided that staring at them was very important. He kept waiting for the roar of anger that he was sure his Grandfather would throw his way, but nothing came. He was too nervous to check out the expressions the other two Blacks were wearing.

Harry was thanking the Goblins for coming to support him and his Dad. Then Sirius turned to them to add his own thanks with promises to talk to them within the next couple of days. All of the guests in the Hall turned and left, including the three eldest male Weasleys while taking Ron and Ginny with them. Harry knew he would have to try and talk to Mr. Weasley later but for now he would let it go. He knew they had to have time to process what they had learned here tonight.

“He seems to care about Mr. Weasley’s opinion.” Lily thought that would put the young man in a tight spot.

“He does seem to be a caring boy.” Dorea smiled gently thinking about her grandson.

Sirius then turned to the students and staff saying, “You are all free to find your beds now, tomorrow there will be no classes, but everybody needs to be in the Great Hall at nine a.m. so you can find out the new rules for how Hogwarts will be run.

“You’re going to change things?” This actually made Lily nervous. She might be seeing a different side of Black, but she hoped he wouldn’t turn the place into a school of pranks and chaos.

“Well it sounds like some things need to be changed.” Sirius pointed out. He didn’t seem worried about it. He was sure he would handle the situation fine.

There will be new staff, new rules and new classes. Some of you may not want to continue on here at Hogwarts with the way the school will now be run and that will be your choice along with your parents. Those of you who are connected to the Floo network will be allowed to Floo call your parents to tell them your choice so they can have input in your decision. For the Muggleborns or those with no Floo connection if you are thinking about leaving we will have a Professor take you to talk it all over with your family as well. Nobody has to stay if they are uncomfortable with how things are going to be done. The school owls are of course available so you can write your parents to let them know what is going on, but please wait until the morning so you have a full understanding of what is happening. Goodnight and sweet dreams.”

Sirius basked in the proud smiles that his family was giving him. He really did want to make them proud of him.

James squeezed his hand again. “I can’t wait to see the changes you make. I know you will do wonderful.”

Sirius kissed his cheek in gratitude.

At his final words Professor McGonagall stood up and said, “Prefects please lead your housemates to your houses, but all students please make sure you are here for the meeting in the morning.”

The students all left the hall after this announcement, except for Harry who was still standing beside his Dad, by the Gryffindor table, and Hermione and Neville who were waiting at the doors for Harry to come with them.

When Harry realized they were waiting for him, he said, “go on guys, I’m staying with my Dad tonight. I will talk to you tomorrow.”

Sirius couldn’t keep the wide grin off of his face at those words. His kid wanted to be with him and not his friends.

“Lord Black, are you going to tell us what you are planning?” Professor Flitwick asked with curiosity.

“Not tonight Professor. It has been a long day and Harry needs to get to bed. I really think most, if not all of you will like the changes I have planned. I feel that you all also need the chance to let everything you learned here tonight to sink in, before I add more to it. So I will wish you all goodnight. Come on Pup lets go.”

“Well it looks like my son is going to be called Pup, since I’m not there to call him Fawn.” James said in mock exasperation.

“Prongs even if you were there I would still call him Pup.” Sirius smirked at the glare he was getting.

“Sirius?” Remus Lupin said with a questioning voice.

“You can come with us if you want Remus,” he told his best friend.

“Thank you.” Remus smiled gratefully.

Sirius waved the words off. “Don’t thank me you’re my best friend.”

“And what am I?” James pouted.

“You’re the man I love that I never thought would love me back.” was the reply he got.

Those words definitely wiped the pout off of James’s face. He was now glowing with happiness.

And the staff watched with amazement and wonderment as once again Black, Lupin and a Potter, even if he was a Potter-Black, left the Great Hall together. All the while wondering just how much more chaos those three were going to cause them and Hogwarts.

“They have good reason to worry.” Lily and Regulus said together. This caused the Marauders to huff in annoyance.

“That’s the end of the chapter.” Charlus told them. “Would you like to read the next chapter Arcturus?”

“I don’t mind if I do.” He took the book from a man he rarely got along with. “The next chapter is called ‘Can Hogwarts Adapt’.”

 Well this was the first chapter of my new story. I thought it was a way for me to write a Character Read story and the Marauders younger at the same time. I hope you enjoyed it.