The next morning found Sirius trotting down the street with Harry half-asleep behind him. Sirius wanted to get to Gringotts before it got swarmed by people and he would be unable to speak to his goblin friends. He had stopped by before he had rescued Harry and grabbed some gold and knew they were expecting him but he'd rather not chance missing them. The two wizards guarding the outside ignored the pair as they passed both looking sleepier then Harry which Sirius had to drag out of bed by his shirt and was even now having to stop and headbutt him to keep Harry from falling asleep walking. Okay so maybe 5am was a little early for the kid specially since Sirius had put him to bed past midnight.
Not even getting into Diagon Alley had gotten his attention but Gringotts seemed to do the trick. His eyes widened and he looked around amazed.
Your gonna eat a fly if you don't shut your mouth. Sirius thought wishing he could figure out a spell that would allow Harry to speak dog. But for now he'd have to hope Harry could speak for himself as he trotted up to the long counter looking for the familiar face of a goblin. Larc was young only 24 and he looked absolutely bored sitting behind the counter staring at a large ruby. He had black hair that fell to his shoulder but was currently pulled back into a pony tail. He was listening to a red headed wizard that Sirius thought he might have known. Harry trailed him staring at everything but focusing on his godfather as Sirius reared up and placed his large paws on the counter and let out a booming bark. Larc jumped about a foot cursing and Sirius gave him a dogish grin. The goblin threw Sirius a murderous glare.
"Excuse me Charlie. I think I'd better find this dog's owner." Larc clambered over the counter and grabbed Sirius by the scruff of his neck. Sirius nipped at the arm his tail wagging as Larc dragged him into his office behind the counter and slammed the door nearly hitting Harry who slipped in after them. The room was small with nearly half of it being taken up by the oak desk. Larc barley acknowledged Harry as he turned glaring at Sirius. "What the hell were you thinking Sirius Orion Black?"
Sirius smirked and willed himself human. "Ouch the full name Larcy?"
The goblin glowered at him. "Not cute at all Sirius. You could have been seen."
"All anyone saw was an overgrown dog. And they haven't even noticed I'm gone."
"They will today. What if Lupin tells someone? I don't trust him. You should be in hiding. And who the hell is that behind you?"
Sirius turned and realized Harry had been hiding behind him and he grinned pushing his godson forward. Harry smiled shyly and waved.
Larc took one look at Harry and began to hit his head into the desk. "Harry Potter? You break out of prison and kidnap James's kid? What the hell is wrong with you?"
Harry gave Sirius a look that clearly said Is this guy stable? But Sirius found Larc's antics amusing he'd known Larc since forever and the goblins dramatics were completely normal to him. He flopped down in one of the chairs gesturing for Harry to sit beside him and kicked his feet up on the desk earning himself another dirty look from the goblin. "Why would I break out of prison if it wasn't to protect Harry?"
"I don't know maybe to prove that you're innocent!" Larc got up and began to pace back and forth behind his desk. "God Sirius what did you get yourself into this time? And how the hell am I suppose to fix it?"
Sirius rolled his eyes at the ceiling. Why did Larc always think he needed help? "I don't need any favors kid."
"You've been saying that since before I was born when my poor mother had to put up with you."
Harry was shooting Sirius confused looks but apparently he was still to shy to come out and ask what was going on so Sirius decided to explain.
"Larc's family and me go back quite a ways. They were friends of my Uncle who was the only family member of mine that I could stand. He fought to get the goblins some more power in the Ministry. After he died they took a liking to me. Your dad and I saved Larc and his sister back when they were babies so they owe me and since you are James's kid they have a debt with you too." Sirius explained deciding to not mention that Death Eaters had gone after the goblins in retaliation for James and him throwing a police car at them trying to protect a clan of the creatures.
Larc glowered at Sirius. "So I'm stuck trying to keep this moron alive. I nearly got caught the other day sneaking you money out of your vault you know."
The Animagus shrugged knowing that most likely the goblin was exaggerating. His idea of almost getting caught was someone asking about his day while he had the gold in his pocket. "Larcy what I need today is actually legal."
The long fingered being gave him a disbeliefing snort but he seemed slightly hopeful. "Please say you only need me to do a simple withdrawal."
"Yep. You got that spare key to the Potter vault out of my vault right?"
The goblin nodded producing a silver key from the pocket of his vest and handing it over to Sirius. He examined in and was pleased to see the Potter coat of arms engraved on the key. Only goblins could get the coat of arms so small and yet have so much detail
"Does it still work? I figured someone would have canceled my keys when I was thrown in Azkaban."
"Actually it was. I reactivated the key which should be fine. I think most people think its just to some random Black vault very few people know you were made the child's guardian. The doors will only work for Harry or his guardian unless they have the master key which I am unable to find. But you have the Potter heir with you and by goblin law you are his legal guardian so for the trust vault you should have no problem getting in.
"Good." Sirius didn't let his confusion over whatever the goblin had meant get to him. He hardly ever understood the odd ways some goblins thought. Though from what he gathered Larc made it so the key would work to get Harry his gold and for some reason Harry didn't have the Master key to his trust vault. He'd have to have Larc look into that. " You can take us to get the gold out of Harry's trust."
Larc looked even more relieved if that was possible but he wouldn't have survived all these years as a friend to two Marauders if he didn't have to make things difficult. "You are lucky I trust you so much Black. Any sane individual would have called the Dementors if you had shown up in their office."
"Most sane individuals don't get their choice of anything goblin made in my vaults." Sirius shot back rising to his feet and motioning for Harry who had been silent this whole time to follow him. Larc had touched the wall and a door had appeared leading right down to the tunnels so Sirius didn't have to change back to a dog. He had already whistled for a cart and it was barreling towards them.
"You mean it Sirius? You will give my family back what yours stole?" The little creature looked up at him hopefully and Sirius grinned. He knew to anyone else the goblin would have been a miserable little bastard that you wanted to kill. But once you were a goblins friend they were the most loyal interesting creatures. Sirius knew that it was only the goblins who had fought to get him a trial. No wizard or witch had stood up for him but the normally hated and distrusted metal workers had. They alone had believed he wouldn't betray James and Lily. And for that Sirius knew he would forever be in their debt. Of course no one had listened to them but Sirius didn't care. It was the thought that counted.
"Yeah. I don't care about any of the heirlooms in there. Tell your sister she can have her pick to. Hava deserves it after putting up with your paranoid ass for so long."
"Shouldn't you watch your language in front of your godson?"
Sirius snorted. "Hell no. If I had my way his first word would have been a swear. Swearing is healthy and it makes the teachers faces turn such interesting colors when the whole point of your essay is to see how many you know and then find the best combinations of them."
Harry giggled and Sirius ruffled his hair climbing into the cart and helping Harry in beside him. Larc hurried in after them and the roaring wind made talk near impossible. Harry hung of the cart staring at everything and twice Sirius had to grab the back of his shirt to keep the kid from tumbling out of the cart. He had not gone through all this trouble for Harry to become a grease spot on the tracks. They skidded to a stop in front of the Potter Trust Vault and Sirius froze. He hadn't been here in years not since James and Lily had dragged him here so the doors would learn his touch in case he had to take guardianship of Harry. Thankfully he wasn't a dog or else he would be overwhelmed by James's scent. Lily's would be there to but fainter since she had only used the vault for a few years. Sirius shook his head and stepped forward knowing that Harry wouldn't move if he didn't. He handed Harry the key and gestured for the kid to open the door starring off into space. Not even realizing he was doing it he sent a silent plea to James and Lily.
I can't believe how much I fucked up guys. I went to kill Wormtail and left Harry by himself. I failed him... I failed you. I never thought he would have gone to your family Lily. I thought... Honestly I wasn't thinking. I was lost without you Prongs. You were always the person who guided me. When I lost my temper you kept me from hurting anyone. Loosing you was like having part of my soul ripped out. I had this hole inside me and if I'm telling the truth its still there. I thought killing Wormtail would make it go away but I failed at that. The bastard blew himself up. I went to Azkaban and I deserved it. I should have made you guys make me Secret-Keeper. But I was to much of a coward. I knew Voldemort would come after me and I was scared I would break. And of course you wanted to protect me Prongs. Lily you should have talked him out of it. I should be dead right now not you two. I would have died happy knowing that you were alive. I don't even know where to start with Harry. I thought it would be like having you back James. A cocky arrogant bastard I could handle. But he's nothing like you Prongs. He acts a little like you Lily but he's so shy. He's been so badly hurt I don't know if I can fix him. He doesn't talk unless I ask him questions and he's so scared. If I move to fast or even show any annoyance he cowers like he expects to be hit. I haven't been with him 24 hours but I love him just as much as the last time I saw him if not more. I don't know if my word means anything to you after I failed so much as his godfather but if it does I swear that as long as I'm breathing Harry will be safe. I won't die until until I know Harry is living in a better world and can care for himself.
Sirius was pulled out of his thoughts by Harry tugging on his arm. "Sirius are you okay?"
He nodded and smiled ruffling the unruly black hair making it stand up the way James's always did when he was trying to show off. "I was just thinking pup. Did you get your money?"
Harry nodded and showed Sirius a bugling bag full of gold. "Alright then if Larc would get the cart moving again we can go shopping. I'll tell you what if you want I'll buy you something super amazing. I'm not sure what but it will be good."
The kid smiled a little more confident then Sirius had seen it before and clambered into the cart followed by his godfather. Just as the cart began to move a burst of warm air whipped in their faces and Sirius's nose picked up on the musky woody smell of a stag and the slightly gentler more feminine scent of a doe.
When they reached the surface Sirius only had a chance to shake hands with Larc before being forced to transform into a dog as another goblin led a family around the corner. Harry waved bye to the goblin as the pair set out Harry keeping his lightning bolt scar hidden from view by his bangs. A few people starred as they passed but Sirius growled and they kept their distance. He wasn't in the mood to deal with them. The smell in the tunnels had him confused. He knew it must be sign from Lily and James. Or was he maybe just imagining it? Had James really been speaking to him in Azkaban telling him to change into Padfoot to escape the Dementors, reminding him to eat when he was so lost in his misery, telling him to save his strength for the long swim? But if James and Lily had been able to help him from the great beyond why hadn't they helped their son? No, it was far more likely that Azkaban had driven him slightly mad and he was imagining smells now. Odd how the thought of him being crazy was comforting.
He shook himself all over as if trying to shake water from his coat before looking at Harry who was watching him warily. Great he'd scared the kid. Sighing he nudged Harry's pocket a few times before Harry understood that Sirius wanted to see his supply list. They stopped at the side of the road so Harry could open and it and read it over with Sirius being plenty large enough to see it himself so it didnt look like he was actually reading the list.
First-year students will require:
■Uniform
■Three Sets of Plain Work Robes (Black)
■One Plain Pointed Hat (Black) for day wear
■One Pair of Protective Gloves (dragon hide or similar)
■One Winter Cloak (Black, silver fastenings)
■Please note that all student's clothes should carry name-tags.
■Books
■The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
■A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
■Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
■A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
■One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
■Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
■Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
■The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
■Other Equipment
■1 Wand
■1 Cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
■1 set of glass or crystal phials
■1 telescope
■1 set of brass scales
■Students may also bring an Owl OR a Cat OR a Toad.
■PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS.
"Padfoot this says I can only have an owl, a cat, or a toad. How are you suppose to come to Hogwarts with me?" Harry asked.
That rule is never enforced pup. Even if it was they would have to get me away from you which isn't happening unless you send me away yourself. Sirius tried to explain but it was useless since he was a dog. So he settled for giving Harry a reassuring lick on the cheek and setting out towards Madam Malkins's Robes.
Inside the shop was warm and would have been brightly lit except for the hundreds of racks of clothes. Sirius remembered the place well and led Harry quickly through the maze of robes and some muggle clothing. In the middle of the store a young boy around the same age as Harry was getting his robes fitted. He was slightly taller then the pup with pale blond hair and a thin face. He smiled at Harry and Sirius as Madam Malkin yelled that she would be with them in a second.
"Hi I'm Draco." He held out his hand for Harry to shake and when the kid hesitated Sirius stepped on his paw wincing as he realized it was the hurt one.
Harry quickly recovered and shook hands. "I'm Harry Potter."
Instantly the blond's eyes widened and his gaze flicked towards Harry's forehead. "I'm sorry I should have recognized you sooner." Draco looked around clearly wanting to change the subject and his eyes fell on Sirius who was attempting to scratch his ear while standing up all while not putting weight on his injured leg. "Is this your dog?" The boy knelt down much to the annoyance of the witch pinning his robes up and held a hand out to Sirius.
Sirius stepped forward and let the boy scratch his ears enjoying the sensation. Honestly the world would be a better place if people just started rubbing one another ears. You couldn't be mad when you were getting a good rubbing. World Peace until the scratching stopped.
"Yeah, he's my dog. His name is Padfoot."
Draco grinned as Sirius licked his face but stood back up so the witch could finish his robes earning a whine from the dog. "So your going to Hogwarts this year?"
Like that the boys began to chat about what Draco knew of the school. The blond boy was aghast when he learned Harry had no clue what Quiditch was and launched into a lengthy explanation of the sport that would have made James proud. Sirius settled down at Harry's feet watching as Harry's robes were fitted and Harry placed an order for a new wardrobe of Muggle clothing
Draco was in the middle of complaining about first years not being able to have brooms while he waited for Harry to pay for his robes. Sirius was starting to wonder where the kid's parents were but he didn't mind watching the pup as long as Harry seemed happy making friends with him. The two boys began to make their way down the street with Sirius between them both boys tangling their fingers into his fur with their other hands holding their parcels.
"Um Draco do you know where I can get some stuff for Padfoot. I just got him yesterday and I need to get him a collar and a leash and stuff." Harry grinned at him and Sirius growled. He had the odd feeling this was payback for kicking the kid out of bed so early.
"Sure can I help? My parents can find me later."
With Sirius still grumbling behind them they made their way to some pet shop or another. As they entered the shop the saleswitch smiled and told them to have a look around. The store was crammed with cages in the middle and lined up against the walls in dozens of rows were every pet supply needed from dog leashes to phoenix food. The boys went straight to the dog section and began to browse the clothing and accessories with Sirius sitting staring at the wall and trying to pretend this wasn't happening. So he didn't see Draco wandering far to close to the dress up clothes and only got a glimpse of something flying at him before he found a hot pink bandanna tied around his neck. "What do you think Harry? Is it his color?" Draco asked keeping his hand out of biting range.
Sirius glared at Harry trying to put his thoughts into the look. I am so getting back at you for this.
"I don't know I think it needs a little something..." Harry looked around and found a purple clip on bow that people used on small girlish dogs and clipped it into Sirius's hair right on his forehead. Oh god if James could see this he'd be peeing himself from laughing so hard. The great powerful Sirius Black reduced to getting dressed up like some doll. But Sirius endured it all for the simple reason that Harry was smiling. As the stuff the large black dog was wearing became increasingly frilly and girly Harry even began to laugh. And if anything could make Harry look that happy Sirius would take it. Though a little firewiskey would make it a hell of a lot easier to put up with.
When the saleswitch finally came over to investigate the cause of all the noise Sirius had been forced into a red sweater that read "Gold Digger." in gold letter, a few more clip on bows in varying colors, purple dog booties, the pink bandana, neon green sunglasses that strapped behind his ears, a cowboy hat, and of course a matching set of pink and purple fake pearl necklace and its matching bracelet which was on his right paw. She took one look at his miserable face and began to liberate him from the stuff scolding Harry and Draco lightly but the boys were to busy clutching their sides laughing. As the last bow came free Sirius shook himself hard shivering. That was horrible. Never again would he make fun of those purse dogs they were truly brave little creatures to endure that day after day.
The saleswitch pulled a dog treat from her pocket and gave it to him. "What a good boy he is!" She cooed and got a face full of kisses for her saving him and also the treat. "Now you boys pick out what you need for him no more messing around." She gave the three of them a firm look like Sirius had actually agreed to the doggy dress up before going back to her counter. The pups though seemed over their misbehavior and Harry chose a thick military style collar for him in green camouflage that said K-9 and came with a small attached brown pouch and a military styled dog tag which his name could be added to. Draco found a matching camo leash and with him wearing the collar and the leash draped loosely over his shoulders they started through the rest of the pet stuff with Harry purchased a pair of red and gold bowls for him and a large bag of dog food, and a box of dog treats (as a dog Sirius found the stuff quite tasty and knew it was to keep up appearances), a red Frisbee, a tug of war rope, and perhaps most interestingly and showing the laziness of his pup a doggy backpack so Sirius could carry Harry's stuff for him. The backpack was camouflage to match his collar though with black straps and inside a collapsible dog bowl was tucked along with a decent supply of treats, and a few bottles of water and the camo leash encase they ran into someone who thought the dog should be on a leash. The collar held anti-flea charms and the backpack had charms to make it grow large but not heavier so Sirius could easily carry Harry's school stuff if he wanted to. After paying for the supplies and having everything but the backpack and collar now engraved with Padfoot sent back to Harry's room the trio set off to finish their shopping Draco inviting himself along. The next few hours passed uneventfully as Sirius babysat the pups as they finished shopping for everything but their wands. Draco's parents hadn't appeared yet so they sat outside an ice cream shop the boys enjoying their ice cream while Sirius devoured his own bowl of plain vanilla. He looked longingly at the mass of hot fudge on Harry's banana split and decided that being a dog did have some disadvantages. He loved chocolate but it made him throw up if he ate it as a dog.
"So what house do you think you'll be in?" Draco asked around a mouthful of ice cream.
"Houses?"
"Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor or Slytherin. Ring a bell?"
"No."
Draco starred at Harry in concern which Sirius mirrored. He'd hoped he could educate Harry at least a little more about his the magical word before he was thrown into it. Harry lack of knowledge could prove life threatening if he didn't understand even the basics of wizard culture. Okay maybe not life threatening if he didn't know what a Slytherin was god knows that Sirius was still trying to forget the he knew about them. If Harry had been muggle born their would be no problem but as it was Harry the heir to the Potter legacy and Sirius's own heir which meant he would have plenty to people trying to win his favor at such a young age before Harry learned who to trust. This was so not going good.
Harry threw Sirius a look as if asking him to do something but luckily they were saved by a somewhat familiar voice yelling "DRACO!"