"Have you noticed anything wrong with Harry since you've had him? Things such as nightmares or behavioural problems? They're not uncommon in children from bad homes."
"No, nothing like that, he's been great. I'm surprised, really; I swear he handles some of the things better I do."
Joanne nodded. "He certainly is a remarkable young man. I'll be honest when I say I can see no cause for concern. Harry appears to be well adjusted and he's settled with you; however, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask. Harry mentioned being independent, would you explain that f or me?"
"I think it's from him never having an adult to rely on. He sometimes doesn't realise he's not alone - that he can ask for help. It's not a problem really, and since living with us he's got a lot better. I think he's realised that we're here for him and that we won't abandon him," Sirius said.
"That's good. Have you any idea about his school work? I heard that's he's in Ravenclaw, so I'm guessing he's smart?"
"He's top of his class. I was thinking about writing to Professor Flitwick about getting him some advanced tutoring if he's still so ahead by Yule. I know he gets advanced work in Potions already."
"That is remarkable," Joanne said, surprised at just how advanced Harry was.
"I'm guessing that he got Lily's brains. Me and James were more interested in having fun when we were at school, Lil's was always the smart one."
"Have you spoken to him about his parents and his past? Not just the abuse, but everything? With his history and his fame, it's important he has a good foundation and knows he can talk to you about these things." Sirius nodded. She had no idea just how much of his past and technically future Harry had shared. "At the start Harry was hesitant to talk but since then he's opened up. I think he's told us pretty much everything and he knows he can come to me and Remus. He's got pictures of his parents and I've explained about the last war and what it involved, not the gory details, but the basics so he would understand."
"He took it well?"
"He said that if the world wants to move on and get better then we had to forgive and forget. He doesn't like to dwell on the bad stuff, he says it hold people back."
"He really is a special young man," Joanne said. "I think that's everything, unless you have any questions for me?"
Sirius thought for a moment. "I was wondering about Dumbledore, actually. I mean, he was Harry's guardian yet he allowed for the abuse to go on for so long. Is there anything we can do?"
Joanne hesitated. "I was present during the trial, you know. I can't say much as the voting is bound by secrecy vows, but I can say this: Dumbledore's recent actions have brought quite a few suspicions to light and many people are starting to question him."
"Thank you," Sirius said, hiding his glee. He knew Harry would love this. "Now, if that's everything, I shall be going. Thank you for your time and hospitality, Lord Black."
Walking her out, Sirius practically ran to Harry, who was sitting in the library, to let him know about Dumbledore's growing troubles.
~
August London
31st
1992, Grimmauld
Place,
Harry watched as Remus fretted and Sirius paced. He had never had such mother hens in his life—even Mrs. Weasley wasn't as bad. Perhaps having to go through the process so many times with all of the older Weasleys had mellowed the manipulating witch.
"You've definitely packed everything?" the wolf said, looking between Harry's trunk and him like he would suddenly say no.
"Yes Remus, Kreacher and I packed everything."
"And you're sure you want to go to Hogwarts? I mean, I hear Beauxbatons has lovely gardens," Sirius said. In the last few days the animagus had become worried about Dumbledore's influence and what he might do to Harry while at school.
"Yes, I'm sure they're very beautiful, but still I want to go to Hogwarts," Harry said, amusement clear in his voice.
Harry was actually looking forward to the year. Sure, he knew Dumbles - the manipulative old coot - would try something, but honestly, as far as he knew, this year would actually be totally event free. There would be no opening of the Chamber as he had the diary safely locked up here in Grimmauld. So, as far as Harry could tell, he had nothing to really worry about. Instead, he would focus on stretching his magic in either the Chamber or the Room of Requirement and simply prepare for Tom's return. He would just have to be careful about the basilisk, but Harry was sure that if he spoke to her, then he would be able to get her on his side. He didn't want to release her or get her to harm muggleborns, he just wanted her not to harm him if he does decide to investigate the Chamber.
Yes, he would have to deal with the pompous peacock Lockhart for a teacher, but if he really couldn't cope he had already devised a plan for him. He didn't like cheats, let alone liars who made their fortunes off others, and he had planned to make it known that Lockhart was nothing more than a fraud.
Lost in his thoughts, Harry didn't realise he was smirking until Sirius spoke.
"You know, when you look like that I expect you to suddenly start cackling or talk about world domination."
Harry rolled his eyes playfully at his father figure. "I'm not into being a dominatrix, Siri," Harry deadpanned, making the animagus choke on air and Remus stumble.
"Little boys should not even know that word," Sirius said after eventually getting his breath back.
"I'm 19," Harry said, shrugging.
"That's more information than I ever wanted or needed to know," Remus said, shaking his head but his eyes were twinkling with mirth.
Sharing another look, Harry could no longer contain his laughter and suddenly burst out with it, his chuckles sending him, and eventually Sirius, to the floor. "I'm going to miss you, pup," Sirius said after finally calming down.
"I'll be back for Yule and I promise I will write."
"Daily."
Harry rolled his eyes. "No, but at least weekly."
Casting a wandless tempus, Harry saw the time and announced he was going to bed. He would be up early in the morning as he knew he would end up having to calm both Sirius and Remus down before actually getting to the station. He and his friends had arranged to meet at ten in order to find a good compartment and hopefully not get caught in the main rush which usually arrived around 10:30.
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