"That's our daughter!" Ted was all smiles and he kissed Dora on the cheek.
"Aww thanks Daddy," Dora said, blushing mightily but enjoying the affection, hugging him tight.
"We could not be more proud of you," Andromeda praised as she too hugged and kissed Dora.
Dora preened. She had finished her Auror training and became a full-fledged Auror. She was technically a year early, however, being mentored by Alastor Moody, one of the most decorated veterans of the Auror Corps, and also being taken under Amelia's wing, meant that she had worked incredibly hard and drew the attention of the Senior Aurors and the Auror General. They voted to accelerate her and see if she could handle the increased load.
She had risen to the occasion. She worked hard, endured grueling hours and tests, performed well on tests and practicals, and obtained the coveted badge that she had dreamed of. One of the youngest ever to attain the rank.
Ted and Andromeda were a little worried truth be told. Being an Auror was dangerous. Even in the relative peace that followed the War, there were still plenty of Magicals that were inclined towards the Dark, not to mention plenty of criminals that were not above fighting violently for their right to break the law. They knew Dora was tough and talented, albeit slightly clumsy here and there, but their worry was a parent's worry for their children in a dangerous profession.
They supported her however, knowing it was something she truly wanted. They could only hope that she would never find a challenge that would be insurmountable or fatal.
Sirius took them to one of the finest Magical restaurants in the city to celebrate. They ate and drank together, happy to celebrate this milestone with her.
The only thing that kept her from being completely happy was that Harry was not there. He was at Hogwarts of course but she felt his absence all the same. It did not damper her enthusiasm too much though. Her fingers kept touching the slim badge case that hung off her belt, feeling the weight of it, feeling the weight of responsibility it brought.
When they arrived home, she was delighted to see Hedwig waiting for them. The snowy owl hooted in greeting, flying to Dora and resting on her shoulder, nuzzled her face. "Hi girl," Dora greeted her. "Did you bring me something from Harry?"
Hedwig bobbed her head, fluttering to the coffee table where she had deposited a slim case wrapped in paper. Dora tore open the wrapping and opened the box, gasping when she did.
"Oh my, that is gorgeous," Andromeda said as she looked at it. "Say, I recognize that bracelet."
"It belonged to Lily," Sirius said with a glimmer in his eye. "James got it for her. It's a bastion bracelet. Lots of protections in it. Just a thing an Auror could use."
"I can't wear that," Dora whispered. "It belonged to Aunt Lily…"
"How did Harry get it?" Ted asked.
Sirius smiled. "Harry asked me a bit ago what to get someone becoming an Auror or Hit Wizard. I mentioned protective gear is good, especially stuff that can be worn all the time. I looked around a bit for him but then I remembered that Lily had one. Luckily it made it back to their vaults. I dug it out for him and he had it cleaned and all the charms and spells reworked and enhanced."
Dora picked up the slim silver chain with trembling fingers. It tingled at her touch. It looked flimsy but it felt incredibly sturdy. Each link was carefully made and she could barely make out fine runic etchings on each link.
"He even had it elongated," Sirius said looking at it. "It's a lot longer than when Lily had it. Must have kept your powers in mind. This will move with you and expand to fit you when you shift."
"You might as well accept it and wear it," Ted said with a soft smile. "It's an incredible gift. I can feel the protective magic coming off it."
"But…I don't know," Dora fretted.
Andromeda took it gently and wound it around Dora's left wrist a few times before securing the clasp. "Harry took his mother's bracelet and had it changed for you. It is a precious gift. Wear it proudly and use it well," she said lovingly.
It felt right on her wrist and Dora could feel the care it held. "I love it," she whispered.
After writing a letter back to Harry and asking Hedwig to give Harry an extra affectionate greeting from her, Dora eventually laid in her bed, holding her wrist up to the window. The moonlight reflected gently off the bracelet and it glowed softly. She slowly drifted to sleep, holding Binky in her arms and grateful once more that she had found Harry again.
-0-
A few weeks later Hedwig came flying into the Tonks' home. She hooted in greeting, flying around before dropping in front of Sirius. After Sirius removed the letter from her leg, the owl flew to Dora, plumping down on her head.
"When did she start doing that?" Ted asked with a grin.
Dora giggled, reaching up to scratch Hedwig's belly and the owl nibbled her fingers playfully. "After I told her to give Harry extra snuggles that one time. Apparently, he told her to do this in retaliation but jokes on him, I like it. It's like a warm adorable hat."
"Sure looks it," Ted agreed. "So how's our boy?" he asked Sirius.
Sirius looked up from the letter. "Pretty good overall. He wanted to ask if my offer was still standing."
"Offer?" Andromeda asked.
"To put Snivellius in his place. Apparently the greasy git has been extra oily lately and he has written down a lot of examples as to why, not just from him but from other Houses too." He handed a long piece of parchment to Andromeda.
She read it swiftly. "Well this is just absurd. How can any professor act like this to anyone?"
"Right? And apparently a few students tried to appeal to the headmaster but Dumbledore said he'd give Snape a warning but of course that did next to nothing. Apparently, it made things worse." Sirius gulped his wine.
"So, how does Harry want us to go about it?" Andromeda asked.
"Well, since Harry also mentioned that little Malfoy has been a little too big for his britches about his daddy being on the School Governors Board, I think we should do something about that," Sirius said. "Since the Blacks have historically helped fund the school, I'll just visit the board and mention that if Lucius goes on a fit or tries to get any of his agenda done…"
"-we cut funding," Andromeda said smoothly with a smile. "That will make every other Governor very anxious indeed. Not to mention Lucius did put in that he should be on the Board due to his relations to the Blacks…"
"-which he has recently been written out of." Sirius looked positively savage. "So in fact, him losing the tenuous hold he had on the hereditary seat should really pop a seam in his trousers."
"We really should install someone else in his place. It is the Black seat after all," Andromeda said.
"What do you say Ted?" Sirius asked.
"Me?" Ted's eyes widened. "As a school Governor?"
"You'd be good at it. You're a Healer so you have patience."
"Patients."
"Patience with patients. You're a Muggleborn which means you provide valuable insight that the others usually ignore. You were a good student. And people actually like you. I think you'd do great," Sirius said.
Ted sat back. "It wouldn't interfere with my job really. They only meet every so often and I can work my schedule around it. It would be nice to do some good at Hogwarts actually."
"You should do it Daddy," Dora said. "You could make those changes that you wish you had when you were there."
"And it would really stick it to the other Purebloods, wouldn't it?" Ted asked, amused.
"And they would not touch you for obvious reasons," Andromeda said, her eyes smoldering.
Ted chuckled. "And with me on the board, I can bring up concerns like certain instructors not behaving right. You know, I think it just might be worth doing. I expect a reward for the headache though."
"I will provide plenty," Andromeda said huskily.
"Ew gross," Dora complained.
Sirius chuckled. "Then I'll pop by the castle and inform Dumbledore that the Board will be taking an active interest in things and it'll give me a time to have a one-on-one talk with old…friends."
"I will start the procedures tomorrow morning," Andromeda said. "Should not take longer than a week for everything to settle properly." She took a sip of wine. "I must say, I thought I would be rather bored when Dora finished her training to be an Auror but with Harry back in our lives, he has provided ample entertaining things for me to do. Perhaps I should be paying him for allowing me to work for him."
"Three chips then?" Dora suggested with a smile.
"I will get him a chip shop," Andromeda laughed.
-0-
It was a week later after sending the letter home and Hermione looked at Harry with worry. "I do hope we didn't bother them."
Harry shook his head. "If they couldn't or wouldn't do anything, they would say something. Sirius already offered to help before and Auntie Andi would definitely tell me no if there wasn't anything that could be done. Don't worry, they won't be mad."
"I just…it feels wrong to me," Hermione fretted. "I'm never one that wants someone else to fight my battles for me. And to just throw around a name makes me feel like…"
"Malfoy?" Harry suggested.
Hermione sighed. "Yes, precisely."
They looked over at the Slytherins who laughed and made nuisances of themselves.
"Still, they've been getting worse," Ron groused. "Them and Snape. I don't know how much more I can take and I'm not the only one."
"That's why I reached out," Harry said firmly. "Auntie Andi and Sirius say that sometimes it takes a connection to beat a connection and you have to fight as dirty as the other person."
"Mum and Dad said that too," Hermione said. "They said to trust Andromeda and Ted so…I just hope it's the right thing."
Hedwig came flying in with the rest of the post owls. She flapped her wings, gliding in to land gracefully in front of Harry. She gave an eager hop-skip dance, standing still for him to remove the letter from her leg before she started to eat the bacon off his plate.
Patting her back, he opened the letter and pulled out the parchment within. "Hang tight, the cavalry's coming," he read. He then pulled out three chips that were somehow still warm.
"What does that mean?" Hermione asked. Ron looked equally mystified.
Harry grinned and ate the chips. "It means we're about to get a lot of help and it's going to be awesome."
-0-
"Hello Sirius," Dumbledore said. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Sirius had changed dramatically since Dumbledore saw him last. His hair was neatly styled and tastefully shoulder length. He wore a dark grey shirt with black pants and fitted overrobes in midnight black. His signet ring gleamed on his hand and he looked every inch like a Head of House. "I came to bring you a letter from the Board."
"Of School Governors?" Dumbledore could not hide his surprise. "I wasn't aware you were a part of it."
"Technically, I'm not. Can you imagine me, with all the trouble I caused, to be on the Board? No, though the Blacks have always had a seat on it. I sponsored a proper representative to the Board but I'm not directly on it. Nor will my representative do whatever I say either. The family trusts him implicitly."
Dumbledore read the letter, his eyebrows growing more-narrow as he did. "Well, I have no complaints with Ted being on the Board. He was an excellent student and can provide valuable insight. Lucius will be disappointed, I'm sure."
"And we don't care," Sirius said smoothly. "He took too many liberties with the Black name and will be punished accordingly. Honestly, he should have been sacked completely after last year's fiasco but somehow clung on so I'm told."
"Indeed." Dumbledore hesitated. "Now, about this inquiry into Severus-"
"Don't bother trying to stop it. There has been documented proof, well documented. Potions is an important core class and to let someone so obviously biased to act with impunity is a disgrace to the class and the institution."
Dumbledore stiffened. "This proof. There is a chance it is biased."
"Ah, so you are aware that Snape is particularly cruel to Harry then?" Sirius glowered at Dumbledore's silence. "And you did nothing about it?"
"And I am sure you were aware of the…history between Severus and James," Dumbledore retorted.
Sirius laughed. "Sure am. I was there. But Harry isn't James. Why is Snape treating him like he is? And don't give me that bullshit that Harry looks like James and that's reason enough."
Dumbledore pinched the bridge of his nose. "I have tried to speak to Severus about toning his feelings down."
"And if this is how he is with his feelings toned down, then it's worse than we thought. Besides, it's not just Harry. Amelia spoke to her niece and a few other parents reached out to their children here. Pretty much everyone is in agreement."
Dumbledore looked pained. "The headmaster has always had the authority over the instructors here without interference from the Board."
"And yet, you've let it go for this long. Nothing has improved. The Board will make the determination now."
"I have had more pressing matters to attend to," Dumbledore said weakly.
"And to us, nothing is more pressing than this." Sirius held up his hand. "And I have another message to pass along. From Andromeda. She says to remember her warning, especially if you try to talk to Harry concerning the inquiry."
Dumbledore gave him a sour look. "I had hoped her temper would have lessened by now."
Sirius laughed. "You don't know her at all then. Oh and just so you know, I'm fully on her side on this." His good humor evaporated and he gave Dumbledore a positively frigid look. "Do not mess with my godson. Am I clear?"
The older wizard resisted the urge to bristle. "Have I not proven my good intentions since receiving her first warnings?"
Sirius shrugged carelessly. "So you have, for seven or eight months. Ask again when you can say the same after twelve years. You know, the length of time that you ruined Harry." He turned, ignoring the look of devastation on Dumbledore's face. "I'm going to go have a talk with a couple of classmates before leaving."
"I do not think that is wise," Dumbledore said slowly.
"I wasn't asking for permission or your opinion," Sirius said and walked out of the office.
-0-
Severus Snape was not happy.
Truth be told, he never was a happy person. He existed in a perpetual state of discontent. He gleaned moments of grim pleasure when he could insult others, prove his superiority. He did enjoy holding power in his hands, using it gleefully or hoarding it miserly. He did enjoy the times of solitude where he could brew or experiment to his heart's content.
Lately, within the last few days or so, he was very much unhappy.
He learned of the inquiry from the Board. He learned that his actions and behavior were being judged. To make matters worse, there seemed to be ample evidence against him, taken from the students that hated him. And if that was not enough, he had to endure Lucius' indignant squealing about being removed from the Board. Unfortunately for him, that meant his biggest supporter had been removed and his position was now incredibly tenuous at best, absolutely dire at worst.
To add the cherry on top of the disastrous sundae, Snape realized his third worst enemy was standing in the doorway to his office. His hand twitched towards his wand, half reflex half desire, before he realized Sirius already had his wand out and pointed in his general direction.
"You know, they say that a man's office is a reflection of his character." Sirius looked around the dimly lit room, at the odd things in jars that lined the walls. "They might be right about that."
Snape sneered. "What does your office look like then? Ragged and insane?"
Sirius laughed. "Not too far off the mark before but I'm a bit better kept and saner these days. But don't worry Snivvy, I'm ready to fly off the hinges when it comes to you."
"What do you want?" Snape spat.
"To give you a warning." Sirius' false friendliness slid off his face and he bared his teeth in a feral snarl. "Leave Harry alone. He's not James. You want to hate his dad, fine. Hate him. Harry isn't him."
"Harry is the spawn of his father. He is arrogant, spoiled, and an idiot!"
"Wow, you really need better lighting in here if that's what you see." Sirius shook his head. "Harry does look a lot like James but he really isn't like him aside from flying. He's more like Lily."
"He's nothing like her!"
"He's more like her than he is James! But that's not the point. How pathetic do you have to be to bully the son of someone you hated? And you allegedly cared about his mother, you think she would think well of you treating her son like this?"
Snape had gone for his wand but at the last statement he paused.
Sirius snorted. "Whatever, I've got better things to do than waste time with you. I just wanted to tell you to leave Harry alone."
"Or else what?" Snape asked coldly.
Sirius glared at him. "I know you like to say that I tried to kill you way back. Trust me, that was a very badly thought-out prank. If you keep messing with Harry, I will kill you, I won't try. And what's left of you, Andromeda will finish off." Sirius scratched the inside of his left arm deliberately. "You know what Andromeda's like, right?"
Snape fought the bile that threatened to rise in his throat.
"Do we have an understanding?" Sirius asked softly.
"Yes," Snape said quietly.
"Good. I'd say it was nice to see you, but that'd be a lie." Sirius turned and left.
Snape stared into open space for a long time, and shivered.
-0-
Remus Lupin looked up at the knock. He sighed deeply when he saw Sirius standing there. "I suppose it's time for this," Remus said softly, putting his quill down.
Sirius raised an eyebrow and walked in. "Good to see you too I suppose."
Remus smiled weakly. "Sorry. It is good to see you Sirius."
"Strange way of saying it," Sirius said as he leaned against the wall.
"Honestly, I thought you would come a lot sooner than now," Remus said.
"I've been taking time recovering, healer's orders."
"The Sirius I knew wouldn't listen to a healer save for Poppy."
"Well I listen to Ted or else I'll get it from Andi so take that as you will." Sirius stared at his former good friend. "I want to know why."
"I thought you got a trial!" Remus nearly shouted. "I thought you were found guilty and I believed it! I thought you were capable of betraying James and Lily and I hated you for it! That's why I never wrote or tried to contact you." He immediately regretted how he said it. He had thought of a way to apologize for months now, ever since he saw in the paper that Sirius would be getting a trial. He had been deeply ashamed of his behavior to Sirius, sickened for doubting him.
The stress at trying to say the right thing to excuse himself turned his words into something he did not mean to say quite like that. Yet he was wholly unprepared for Sirius' response.
"I don't care about that. Even if I'm pissed that you of all people could think I betrayed James and Lily."
"Then what are you talking about?" Remus asked, confused.
"Why did you abandon Harry?"
"I…what? I didn't abandon him! He wasn't my responsibility."
"Bullshit! He was the son of your best friend!"
"But I didn't have any legal responsibility! How could I?!"
"But you didn't even try to check on him! You never visited him once! You promised you would help take care of him. I know you did. So why didn't you?!"
"What did you expect me to do?! The only people I cared about in the world were dead or in Azkaban and they all killed each other as far as I knew. I had nothing left."
"You had Harry! You were responsible for him too!"
"Dumbledore told me that he was well taken care of, I had no reason to not believe him."
Sirius' face twisted. "You trusted him?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Remus felt a chill. "Why? What happened?"
"I'm not telling you. Since you couldn't be bothered to find out, you don't deserve to know. Which leads me to this, why haven't you talked to Harry this year."
"I'm his professor. I speak to him often."
"You know what I mean. You haven't told him you were friends with his parents. You could have provided him a lot of care and comfort. Why didn't you?"
"What would you have me do?! Just come out and say 'Hello Harry, I was a good friend of your parents. Never mind why you've never heard of me until now. Here, let me share some anecdotes of the times I shared with your parents.'"
"Yes! That's exactly what you do!"
Remus sputtered. "Well, it's, uh, it's not that easy!"
"I did it. Through letters. If I can do it then you certainly can." Sirius caught his look and sighed. "So it's the same old shite. You're scared, you bloody coward."
"Don't call me that!" Remus rose from his desk. "Yes, I'm scared. I'm always scared. I always have to worry about how people react to me. What I have to lose. You don't have that burden."
"I'm a bloody Black and the black sheep of the Blacks. I know about burdens and reputations and yes, it's not the same as what you got and I'm not trying to say I'm worse off than you because we both know that I'm not. I'm just saying I can understand the fear you have. I always have. I just never thought you would assume Harry would act like that, especially given his parents."
He pointed a finger at Remus. "You had a responsibility. You swore to James and Lily to watch over him. You failed."
"Like you did a better job of it," Remus retorted and once again, immediately regretted what he said.
Sirius snorted. "I'm not saying I didn't fail too. I sure as shit failed. And I'm going to spend my life trying to make up for it. That's what I'm doing now, making sure Harry has the support he needs." He shook his head. "Fine. You don't have to Remus." He turned to walk away.
"I'll try to do better," Remus whispered.
"Don't try. Do," Sirius said back quietly before leaving Remus to his misery.
-0-
"Hey Sirius! Wow, you clean up good," Harry said with a smile.
"Don't I? I have to say, I can definitely look the part," Sirius preened. He inspected himself in the gleaming breastplate of a suit of armor. "Still prefer my leather jacket but I make this look good."
"Good enough you mean," Harry teased.
Sirius laughed. "Gosh you sound like Lily when you talk like that. Don't know if that's a good thing or not." He ruffled his godson's hair. "Mind if I join you for dinner?"
"Oh that'd be great, please."
Sirius followed Harry, his arm thrown over his shoulder. He looked around at the other tables with interest when they entered the great hall before settling down at one end of the Gryffindor table. Hermione and Ron joined them and more than a few looked at them curiously.
"Oh Ron, this is Sirius Black. Sirius, Ron. Sirius is my godfather."
"Nice to meet you," Ron said. He looked faintly wary, much like his mother did when they met in Diagon all those months ago. However, he tried to seem polite, not saying anything like he did on the Express.
"Likewise," Sirius said easily, shaking his hand.
"I hope we didn't do anything inappropriate from sending the letter," Hermione said.
"No it was a good thing. With us knowing what's going on, we set a few things in motion." Sirius smiled fondly as the food appeared. "I missed Hogwarts food. But yeah, good news all around really. Ted's now on the Board of Governors and Lucius isn't."
Everyone turned to look at the Slytherin table. Malfoy was definitely more subdued. His usual rowdiness was absent and there was a general note of stillness there.
"He looks so pathetic," Ron said gleefully.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well, he shouldn't have lorded his father's status on us for so long."
"Yep. So yeah. We got a good person on the Board. They're aware of what's going on here now and Snape is under an inquiry so he better be on better behavior for a while. It helped that you recommended the Board members to talk to their family that attend here or recently graduated. Pretty much everyone is angry so they circumvented the usual 'the Headmaster's authority' nonsense." Sirius chewed his steak with sharp tearing motions. "All thanks to you lot." He ruffled Harry's head.
"It's about time," Harry said. "Thanks for the help."
"Hey, it was a legit pleasure. Help my godson, be a good godfather, smack down Snape, smack down Lucius, and tell Dumbledore to deal with it. That was a whole lotta good for me."
Ron and Hermione looked a little uncomfortable at that last part of the statement, which grew when they saw that Harry looked unfazed by it. "So, uh, any luck finding Pettigrew?" Ron asked awkwardly.
"The Aurors are looking for him but it's a bit hard to find a rat in all of Britain, if he didn't flee the country." Sirius growled before forcing himself to calm down. "But I'm hopeful. Well I'm hopeful I get to find him but I'm more focused on other things right now."
"Say, what happened to the Crouch guy?" Harry asked. "Doesn't he still work for the Ministry now? That's what Dora said."
"Oh yeah he got a good shellacking in front of the Wizengamot." Sirius' smile was all teeth. "They had to pay me a lot of money for compensation and a good chunk of it came from his private vault which made it sweeter. Still kept his job though. He was able to cling to the defense of 'the chaos and stress' at the time or whatever. I don't care, I hit him where it hurts: his money and his reputation."
"At least he was caught," Hermione said. "And that others who suffered like you did get justice."
"Oh yeah. And the other good news is that there is a new branch in the DMLE that is going to double check things. They're going to audit records and what not so things going forward will be more on the level. Will also keep those that like to bribe in check too, knowing there'll be a lot more scrutiny. So all in all, a bit of improvement."
Their conversation turned lighter. Sirius listened with interest about their classes and offered suggestions about future careers and things to focus on. After a while, McGonagall approached them with a faint smile on her lips. "Well, you certainly look more presentable now then you ever did as a student."
Sirius grinned at her. "It was bound to happen. How're things?"
"Quiet this year, thankfully. Though seeing you about makes me wonder. Luckily the year is mostly over."
"Hey, my scholastic troublemaking career is over. Now my troublemaking will be completely adult and for the benefit of others." He tipped Harry a wink making him smile. He matched the smile and they both looked up at McGonagall.
She shuddered. "I just had a sense of terrible déjà vu just now, with you two smiling like that. You and James turned me grey."
"You can't blame all of that on James and me," Sirius argued. "I'm pretty sure you always were grey. Those pictures I found of you way back proved it."
"Those were black-and-white photographs," McGonagall said with pink cheeks and a very severe tone.
Sirius winked at Harry and his friends who were grinning. "Just saying is all."
She huffed. "Despite your terrible insight, it is good to see you again." She looked awkward. "I am terribly sorry that I ever entertained the notion that you were guilty of the crime. I should have known better."
Something flashed in Sirius' eyes and he shrugged. "Lots of people should have but it's in the past now. I'm not focused on that. I'm focused on making sure things are better." He narrowed his eyes at her, looking deliberately between her and Harry.
She looked further chagrined. "A laudable goal." She bid them farewell and left.
"You don't have to make people feel bad on my account," Harry said quietly.
"I'm not," Sirius said. He grinned at Harry's snort. "I mean, not just your account. There's plenty of guilt to throw around and I'm just reminding people that me not raising a fuss over what I went through doesn't mean I've forgotten or forgiven. And that's nothing compared to what I'll do for you."
Harry flushed but looked touched. "Thanks."
They finished dinner and Sirius accompanied them to Gryffindor tower. "Better get going," he said reluctantly. He shook Ron and Hermione's hands and gave Harry a hug. "Any messages you want to pass on?"
"Just hi and thank you. And hug them for me please. Can't wait to see them soon."
"Will do. Oh by the way, Dora loved her bracelet." He winked at Harry.
Harry looked pleased. "Oh good, I'm glad. Hopefully it'll keep her safe."
"She's keeping it real safe too. Alright, I'm off. Keep doing good and don't get into too much trouble."
"As long as I don't do what you did, I won't," Harry teased.
Sirius laughed. "Exactly."
-0-
Sirius walked into the Tonks' home, humming softly. He walked up to Ted first and gave him a back-slapping hug without saying anything. Andromeda was next and she looked at the others with mild bemusement as she was hugged firmly. Dora squealed in protest when Sirius picked her up and squeezed her tight. She managed to knee him in the stomach, making him drop her.
"What was that for?" he wheezed.
"Don't just pick me up like that," she said with pink cheeks. "Also I didn't knee you that hard."
"Did you teach her to do that when she's hugged?" Sirius asked a grinning Ted.
"Me? Certainly not." Ted walked over and hugged his daughter who rolled her eyes but hugged him back easily, prompting Sirius to huff.
"Well I'm telling Harry that your response to him asking me to hug you was to be assaulted," Sirius sniffed. "Shows how much you care about getting hugged from him-OW!" He shook his hand, glaring at Dora and her wand. "I thought you'd be more mature after becoming an Auror."
"Count your lucky stars that it was just a Stinger," Andromeda said blandly. "Did things go well then?"
"Yep! Dumbledore isn't happy about the inquiry and I reminded him of your warning. Snape is definitely not happy about the inquiry and I threatened him and used you too. And I gave Remus a talking to so we'll see if he listens. Harry's good so yeah, good day overall." Sirius accepted the cup of wine from Dora. He sniffed it suspiciously for a moment before grinning at her eye roll.
"With Teddy on the Board, perhaps Hogwarts can improve and actually be worthy of the self-proclaimed title of 'most prestigious school in Europe'," Andromeda snorted.
"It'll take some work but so far it's been good," Ted said. "A couple of the more conservative Governors have already complained about me but the rest have liked the discussions I've brought up and overall things have been positive." He smiled at his wife's look. "No, I won't tell you who. At least not yet."
"Fine." She rolled her eyes too but kissed him back eagerly.
Sirius leaned back in his chair. "Things really are looking up. I guess for now we'll keep working on our objectives and it'll be summer."
Dora smiled. "Can't wait. Harry'll be home."
"Where he belongs," Andromeda said.
-0-
Harry helped Hermione with her trunk off the train. The Platform was a riot of noise and motion, the usual chaos of students disembarking and reuniting with their families. Harry used to hate it. He was always jealous of all the others who got to see people they wanted to see, family that wanted them. It usually meant a few months of hell for him, suffering in his solitude with the Dursleys. Thankfully that would never happen again and just like the others now, he was eager to see the people waiting for him.
"Ooof!" He had stopped to look around but found himself tackled. He smiled as he recognized her arms and presence, stumbling slightly before managing to not fall over. He hugged Dora back enthusiastically. "Hi Dora!"
"Welcome back!" she replied, kissing him on the cheek. Her hair was long and wavey and soft pink. Her blue eyes sparkled as she squeezed him. "I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too!" He sighed happily before she let him go. His eyes went to her wrist and he smiled at the silver chain there. "I'm glad you like the bracelet."
"I love it! It's already saved my arse. The other day a runner tried to stun me and it bounced off. Gave me a tingle and made me stumble a bit but didn't knock me out. I was able to trip the bastard and tie him up." She waved her wand and shrank Harry's trunk as well as Hermione's and the Weasleys' as they were all standing and watching their reunion. "Come on, our parentals are all waiting at the end where it's quieter."
She draped an arm over his shoulder and led them back to the small cluster of adults that stood and chatted together.
"Hey!" Sirius was hugging Harry but was bumped out of the way by Andromeda after a few moments.
"You had enough time," Andromeda said and hugged Harry tightly. "You saw him a few weeks ago as well."
They stood and visited, chatting and laughing as they waited for the platform to empty. Molly was more cordial to Andromeda, and they spoke easily. After a while, Dora noticed the youngest Weasley giving her an appraising look. Dora resisted the urge to glare back and edged to Harry's other side where Hermione was standing. "Hey," she whispered to Hermione, "what's with little ginger giving me the eye?"
Hermione snuck a glance. "Oh, that's Ginny. She's probably wondering what your relationship with Harry is. She has a crush on Harry."
"Does she now." Dora waited for Ginny to look away before she gave her a closer look. She looked back at Hermione. "And, how does Harry feel, do you know?"
"Nothing as far as I know. Harry's polite to her but that's probably more that she's Ron's little sister though he doesn't dislike her either."
Dora hummed softly and pushed Ginny out of her mind. She smiled when Harry leaned against her and she rested her chin on his head.
Eventually the platform thinned out enough for them to leave comfortably. Ron mentioned that his family would be trying to go to the Quidditch World Cup that summer. Sirius said he would see if he could get tickets as well and they would all go together. After making some plans with the Grangers for the summer, everyone left for their homes.
"Is something wrong, love?" Andromeda asked when they arrived home when Harry stood at the entry way for a long moment.
"No, the opposite really," Harry said. "I'm just, I'm really thankful I ran into Dora that day. Normally I'd be back at the Dursleys now, unsure about what I'm going to eat and Vernon probably locking up my things and yelling at me. It's a little weird not having to feel like that." He rubbed at his eyes. "Sorry, being silly."
"Do not be sorry and you are not being silly," Andromeda said. Her tone was cold but her eyes blazed. "If I ever run into those terrible excuses for people I will ensure they regret everything." She hugged Harry firmly. "This is your home for as long as you wish."
"Forever?" he asked as he hugged her back.
"Forever," she said. Her eyes twinkled. "We can kick out Sirius if space becomes an issue."
Sirius snorted. "You're already doing that."
"Wait really?" Harry asked, concerned.
Sirius smirked. "No not really. I mean, I am moving out but just next door. I have no desire to move back to our ancestral home and the house next door went up for sale. I put down an offer on the house and got it. As soon as the previous people move out, I'm getting Gringotts to bring their best wardmakers and cursebreakers to put down as many wards as we can around both properties. We'll have our own little neighborhood in a neighborhood here."
"That's awesome!" Harry exclaimed.
"Yeah! And you'll have a room at my place too. That way you can stay wherever you want when you want."
"We're actually thinking of taking down the back fence," Ted said. "Make a big combined back yard with a fire pit and all that. Maybe a small pond fixture." He snickered. "Maybe a peacock or two."
"I'm not blonde enough or dumb enough to act like a Malfoy," Sirius laughed.
"If I see a peacock, I'm going to pluck it and kill it," Andromeda said severely.
"Can you eat a peacock?" Dora asked Harry.
"I have no idea. We can try to find a cookbook later," he replied seriously.
"I'll stick with chicken," Ted laughed.
-0-
The summer flew by. Sirius took them to Number 12 Grimmauld Place and Harry thought the name matched the place perfectly. It was dark and dismal and the portrait of Walburga Black made things even more horrific. He also formally met Kreacher, the last House Elf belonging to the Blacks. He and Sirius had a very belligerent relationship to put it politely but was fine following Andromeda's orders, now that she had been brought back into the Black family. After some tense negotiations, Kreacher agreed to serve Andromeda primarily and would flit about the three properties.
They did their best to get what Sirius and Andromeda wanted from Grimmauld to take to their homes. Sirius knew he would have to spend time properly cleaning and cataloging the place eventually. Throughout the rest of the summer, he would go over for a few hours or so and Harry went with him. Sirius taught him spells and things while regaling him with more stories.
After things were finalized, the hired cursebreakers surrounded the two houses with all sorts of wards and protections. After they left, Sirius and Andromeda looked over the Black family magics and chose more spells they personally cast. In the end the two homes were some of the best protected locations in all of Britain.
Harry learned a lot that summer. He learned more about his parents and Sirius had taken him to Gringotts for him to explore the vault that contained their last possessions, letting him go through and see what he liked and wanted. He learned all sorts of useful spells from Sirius and Dora, healing and household spells from Ted, and the ins and outs of Magical law from Andromeda. Ted had put his foot down at some of the spells that Sirius, Andromeda, and Dora wanted to teach him.
The Grangers were frequent visitors to the Tonks' home and Hermione was envious about Harry being able to use his magic and learn. She was then invited to come every so often to learn more spellcasting and to practice. The Grangers became close friends with the Tonks and Sirius, something that delighted Hermione. Her parents always felt a little disconnected from the Wizarding World at large but now that they were good friends with witches and wizards, especially a fellow Muggleborn that could share their thoughts and concerns, it made things much better for them.
Sirius had a few visitors as well. Amelia became a frequent one to his home, something that amused Andromeda and Ted and vaguely weirded Dora out. However, she got used to it and even she could not deny that Amelia was a good influence on Sirius' behavior.
Remus visited a few times and each occasion, he tried to spend some time with Harry. Harry appreciated the effort and the stories, but he did not grow too close to the man. He did not care that Remus was a werewolf, something he learned from that spitefully given essay that Snape had assigned once. It was more that the man did not make any attempt at talking to Harry beyond his classwork during the year.
"Is it unfair of me to think that?" Harry asked Dora one day.
"No, he should have told you sooner," Dora said firmly. "He could have helped you earlier and he chose not to."
"I mean, I kinda get why he didn't. But, I don't know. It's not like he owed me anything."
Dora flopped onto his back, squishing him into the couch. "No, but he was a friend of your parents and he could have done better. Mum, Dad, and I tried our hardest for a long time and when we found you, we did our best."
He wriggled a little until comfortable. "Yeah. You guys are the standard I should measure others to."
She laughed. "Now that's a little unfair. It's not easy being as awesome as we are."
"That means others should try harder then," he replied with conviction. Lying down, he missed her happy blush. "Say, you're lighter today. Are you feeling okay?"
She blushed harder. "You can tell when I'm lighter?"
"Yeah?"
"Oh, well, don't worry. I'm okay. I just didn't feel like squishing you right now."
"That's good. I was worried you weren't feeling well. I knew you were still eating the usual amount, actually more, and-ooof!"
Dora, blushing even more, increased her mass and squashed him into the couch. "What was that?" she asked as he flailed.
Andromeda sighed as she walked past them. "Do not crush the poor boy, Dora."
"He can still breathe," she muttered but shrank a little. She snorted as she felt Harry snicker beneath her. "You're not funny."
"I'm a little funny," he argued.
She shook her head. "It's cute that you think that."
"So I'm cute? Is it better to be cute or funny?"
"Funny and I personally think you are a delight and cute," Andromeda called from the other room.
"Ha! See, told you," Harry said smugly. He coughed and laughed when Dora increased her mass again.
-0-
Harry had his first real birthday that year.
He had told the Tonkses and Sirius that for the longest time, he never knew his actual date of birth. That in growing up he was lucky to not do chores on his birthday and had something to eat, much less anything else. When the Tonks family had been upset when they did not know about his birthday the prior year, he confessed it was the day they found him in Diagon. He did not have the heart or the bravery to tell them that it was, and that being saved by them had been the greatest gift he had ever received.
After swearing bloody murder on the Dursleys again, something Ted joined them on this time, they vowed to give Harry a proper birthday that year. Harry had asked for a few friends to visit and to otherwise spend time with his desired family. They threw him a party in the new combined backyard and Harry was beyond happy. Sirius and Andromeda fretted on how mundane it felt but Harry assured them that he was the happiest he had ever been. He had a family, he had friends, he had a home. He honestly did not want for more.
Later, he mused that this was not something the Mirror of Erised ever showed him. Perhaps the magic of the mirror could not accurately show him what he truly desired. He was certain that if he looked into the Mirror now, he would be how he was.
Happy.
-0-
The Quidditch World Cup came to England and Sirius got tickets for himself, Harry, Dora, and Hermione. Andromeda and Ted demurred and took the days off for a personal holiday while the others headed to the Cup. Sirius got a camping spot beside the Weasleys and brought his own tent for them to share. Harry had been astounded by the sheer number of Magicals visiting. After visiting the vendors and souvenir sellers, they walked together to the stadium. Arthur had obtained top box seats for his family and they went to their seats. Sirius got a small but private box fairly close.
"I could have gotten seats in the top but I found out the Malfoys got seats there so I figured you wouldn't want that," he said.
"No I think this is loads better," Harry said and Dora and Hermione agreed.
The game was very exciting and there was a moment of hilarity where Sirius had been entranced by the Bulgarian Veela Cheerleaders, almost jumping from the box to prove something to them. Harry had been momentarily confused by the Veela, feeling light-headed, but managed to stay in his seat. He laughed with Hermione when Dora stung Sirius to keep him from doing something silly.
That night, there was some mild noise and commotion but increased Auror presence as well as Amelia being there seemingly prevented things from getting too out of hand. Dora had run off to lend aid but came back moments later, saying it was nothing more than some rowdy Irish fans fighting with Bulgarian ones.
-0-
"What's wrong?" Harry asked Dora. He had heard her sigh heavily as they sat together on the couch.
She sighed again and snuggled him closer. "Nothing," she said insincerely. "Just, summer holidays is about over and you'll be back at Hogwarts again. I like having you around."
It was his turn to sigh. "Yeah. I guess I was weirdly lucky my first two years where I didn't have a good home so I was eager to leave. Now that I have a good home, I don't want to go as much."
She growled softly and hugged him closer. "One of these days, you're going to tell us how to find the Dursleys."
"Not until you three promise you won't kill them," Harry said seriously. "I'm not risking you three for them. Not risking any of you for anything."
She sniffed. "Fine. Be that way." She chewed her lip slightly. "Hey, so I want you to be extra careful this year."
He stiffened a little. "What does that mean?"
"I heard boss' Boss complain not too long ago about something happening at Hogwarts. Didn't hear much beyond that. Could've been about anything but with her it's usually some kind of security thing so I want you to be super careful."
"Thanks for the warning. Is that why you and Sirius and Aunt Andi been teaching me more magic?"
"Yeah. Wanted you to be ready for stuff. Oh and speaking of." She summoned something out of her bag and handed it to him. "This is a two-way mirror. Sirius gave me his pair and I'm giving you one of them. Just say my name and my mirror will let me know you're trying to reach me. We'll get to see each other and talk in real time."
"Oh neat! Just like a telephone. That's handy. Why aren't these things more common?"
"They're tricky to make and expensive. So they're kinda rare. Sirius is getting more made for us but we wanted for you to be able to get ahold of us in an emergency so here you are. If you need any of us, I'll get the mirror to whoever will help the most."
"Thanks!" He twisted in her arms so he could hug her tightly and she returned the gesture. "I'll do my best to lay low. You know me. This last year was amazing because it was so normal. I want things to stay that way."
She gave him an odd look but decided not to pry, not wanting to ruin the mood.
"Thanks again," he said. "I feel so much better knowing you and the others are here for me."
"We got your back," she said. "No matter what."
After a moment of silence, she felt him wriggle around her. "What are you doing?" she asked as she moved with him, giving him room. As soon as he slid behind her with his back to the couch she knew what he was doing but it was too late to prevent him from kicking her off the couch. She fell with a screech, punctuated by his laughter. "You're dead!" she yelled as she grabbed him by the leg and dragged him off.
They wrestled on the ground, laughing and gasping. "Got you!" Dora crowed, pinning him with an arm around his neck.
"Hedwig!" Harry gasped out. "Help!"
"Cheater!" Dora shouted before she got a face full of owl. Hedwig was watching them with mild interest until Harry called for her. She launched herself gleefully at Dora, flapping her wings and shoving her tail feathers into Dora's face.
The adults of the house eventually came to the living room, smiling at the sight of Harry and Dora in a heap on the ground with a proud Hedwig perched on Dora's head.
"Beaten by an owl? Pathetic," Sirius snorted.
Hedwig did not even wait for Harry's command, flying directly at Sirius. She chased after him as he ran around the room, hooting scornfully at him as he yelled. The others laughed as he tripped over Dora's leg and Hedwig sat on his head with smug satisfaction.
"You are such a good owl," Andromeda cooed, giving Hedwig a big owl treat.
"Your owl is a menace," Sirius grumbled.
"I know, isn't she great?" Harry laughed in reply.