His head rose at the sound. Something was different this day. Normally the door to where his cell was opened twice a day. A guard would come in with his meal. Otherwise, he was left alone. As alone as anyone could be with Dementors floating about anyways.
However, the door opened at a time that was not the usual. Listening close, he heard a different sound accompanying the heavy boots the guard wore. They were sharper, clicking on the hard rough stone. He looked up slowly and his jaw fell open as he looked at the woman standing on the other side of the bars.
"Andi?" he croaked, his voice hoarse from disuse.
"Sirius," Andromeda replied, looking down at Sirius Black. She flicked her head at the guard and despite the fact that he normally should be watching her interact with the prisoner, he promptly fled and closed the door. She flicked her wand and cast a privacy charm around them.
"What are you doing here?" Sirius asked.
She ignored the question as she stared at him. Her eyes unnerved him a little. "Did you betray James and Lily?"
"No!" he shouted. "Never!"
She nodded. "Did you kill all those Muggles and Pettigrew?"
Sirius growled and he crawled towards the bars. "No but I wish I killed him. When I get out of here, I will kill him."
She raised an eyebrow. "Pettigrew is dead, how do you kill a dead man?"
Sirius chewed his lip and turned his head.
She snorted softly. "I suppose I deserve that considering I never visited you all these years. I regret to say that I believed what they said about you. I should not have. I should have known you would rather die before betraying James."
"You should have," Sirius whispered. He looked at her. "Why are you here now?"
"You are getting your trial."
His heart almost stopped. "W-What?"
"You never got a trial. I got you one. In a few weeks' time you will be tried before the Wizengamot. Tell the truth and you will be free. I cannot represent you but a colleague will. I trust her and she will do her best but you must behave."
"Anything to get out of here!" Sirius' smile was ecstatic madness. "Thank you! I will tell them everything they want!"
"Good. I will be there to support you. Endure, Sirius. Gather your wits and present yourself. Then you will be free."
"I will!" Sirius was almost drooling. "Oh I will. Yes, freedom. I'll do what I must."
Andromeda started to walk away. She stopped and turned slightly. "We have Harry. We found him a few days ago."
Sirius' eyes gleamed in the gloom. "Harry! He must be so big now. Wait. What do you mean you found him? You weren't caring for him?"
"No. There were complications that came to light but we have him now. Your trial was gained from me investigating what happened to him actually."
"How…what." Sirius looked forlorn. "He should have gone to you. I was his godfather. You took my responsibilities. What happened?"
"I will tell you after so behave and do your best. He deserves it as much as you."
"I will, I will," Sirius repeated. Long after Andromeda left, well into the night, he still repeated the words to himself. He felt something burn in his chest. It was a kernel of hope that not even the Dementors could extinguish. It kept him warm.
-0-
"I'm sure you have better things to do than to help me shop," Harry said reluctantly.
"Better things? No, I would not say that," Andromeda said. "You would not cast your dear Auntie Andi away, would you? On the eve of returning to Hogwarts and leaving her alone?"
Harry chuckled and hugged her. It had taken him a few weeks but now he felt comfortable with hugging the Tonks family, starting with Dora. Now he did not flinch when they touched him and was even eager to hug them first when he could. He also felt okay with saying Auntie Andi and Uncle Ted, able to ignore the bad connotations of the words.
"You won't be alone," he said cheekily. "Uncle Ted and Dora will still be around."
"I suppose they sufficed this long," Andromeda said with a mock-weary sigh.
"Your face suffices," Dora grumbled.
"That does not make any sense," Andromeda sniffed.
The trio waited at the Leaky Cauldron. When Hermione and Ron returned to England, they sent Harry messages, asking if they could get their school things together. Andromeda had willingly agreed and she and Dora came with Harry to help shop and to meet his two best friends. The Weasleys and Hermione were all staying at the Leaky Cauldron overnight, and Harry and Dora were too.
"Be nice to Auntie Andi," Harry said to Dora.
"Harry! We're supposed to be ganging up on her!" Dora exclaimed.
"Be nice to Dora," Harry said to Andromeda.
She kissed his temple. "Okay, but only because you asked me to."
"Well this is a lose-lose situation," Dora muttered. "You listen to him and you're nicer to me, or I get upset if you listen to him and not me and you get snarky with me."
"Excellent analysis love," Andromeda cooed at her daughter, making Harry laugh.
"Harry!" Hermione came running over and launched herself at him. He stumbled slightly but managed to keep upright, hugging her back.
"Well now!" Andromeda exclaimed with a small laugh. "And who is this lovely enthusiastic friend of yours?"
"Auntie Andi, Dora, this is my best friend Hermione. Hermione, this is Andromeda Tonks and Dora Tonks. They're my new family."
Dora had given Hermione a careful look the whole time, but as soon as Harry introduced her, she smiled and offered a hand, "Nice to meet Harry's best friend," she said warmly.
"Oh it's very nice to meet you both." Hermione was more than a little intimidated by Andromeda and Dora. Dora seemed friendly, even with her pink spiky hair and punk style clothes. Andromeda however radiated an air of propriety. She was dressed in very neat witch robes and she looked like someone you did not want to cross.
As if sensing her thoughts, Andromeda smiled pleasantly at Hermione. "Nice to meet you, dear. And are these your parents?"
A man with a guarded look and broad shoulders nodded warily. "David Granger," he said. "And this is my wife, Jean Granger." A woman who looked like an older version of Hermione nodded genially. "Just so you know, we're Muggles."
They were unprepared for Andromeda's easy smile. "A pleasure to meet you. My husband is Muggleborn, much like your daughter here. If you have any questions, I am sure my husband and I will be happy to help."
They were floored. "Really?" David asked, incredulous.
"Of course. Teddy, well his name is Edward Tonks but I call him Teddy, is always amenable to helping Muggleborns like himself. My name is Andromeda. This is my daughter, Nymphadora."
Dora grimaced. "Just Tonks will be fine if you please."
"My daughter is not fond of her name for some reason," Andromeda sighed.
"There's many reasons. Want me to list them?"
"Not in front of Harry's friend's family love. No need to embarrass him."
David and Jean laughed and Hermione looked astonished. Harry grinned, not embarrassed in the slightest.
"I hope you can forgive our earlier attitude," David said, much less guarded. "We came with Hermione last year and it was a bit of a shock."
"A lot of the wizards and witches we met were rather short with us," Jean continued. "Not to mention there was a bit of an incident."
"Unfortunately, there are many that look down on Muggleborns," Andromeda frowned. "I will confess my old family was one of them but ever since I met Teddy, I learned the foolishness of that. I do what I can now. What happened last year? Were you harassed?"
Harry remembered what happened last year. "Mr. Weasley got into a fight with Mr. Malfoy," he said. "And Mr. Malfoy was very rude to the Grangers."
Andromeda scowled. "That does not surprise me in the slightest. Lucius Malfoy puts the big in bigot which is ironic considering how small minded he is."
"He's probably small elsewhere," Dora muttered softly, making Harry snort and Hermione look at her with wide eyes.
"Dora," Andromeda chided with a hint of a smile. "Oh! You have a telephone, yes?" she asked the Grangers. "We have one but Teddy is the only one who uses it. If you give me your number thing, I will have him call you so you can have his number thing."
"We'd really appreciate that," David said eagerly. Jean scribbled the number down on a piece of paper and handed it to Andromeda.
"Anything for Harry's best friend," Andromeda said warmly, taking the paper and putting it in her pocket carefully.
"So you're Harry's aunt?" Jean looked a little confused. "I thought I would recognize her and you are very much not her." She almost took a step back at the look of pure anger that flashed over Andromeda and Dora's faces. The expressions were not missed by David or Hermione.
"No, we have no blood relation to my dismay. Harry's rightful godfather is currently indisposed and I assumed his legal responsibilities. We have taken custody of Harry's wellbeing this summer on." She visibly pushed her anger away. "It was a crime that he was kept from us for so long and we have much to make up for."
"Oh Harry!" Hermione hugged him tightly. "I'm so happy for you!"
Harry's smile was wider than she had ever seen. She now noticed how different he was. He was not painfully thin, did not have an air of pain or neglect. He looked genuinely happy. "It's been great," he said happily. "They've taken really good care of me."
The Floo flared and from the hearth poured a tide of redheads. They argued with one another, talking over each other before being wrangled by their mother and father. The youngest boy saw Harry and Hermione and waved, coming over. "Hey!" Ronald Weasley shouted.
The rest of the family came over and Molly smiled down at Harry. "Hello Harry," she said warmly. She looked up and the warmth on her face disappeared. "Andromeda Black," she said stiffly, looking at the other witch with surprise and suspicion.
"Molly Prewett," Andromeda replied, almost blandly.
Everyone stood still and stared at them with varying degrees of shock and worry.
Molly bristled. "It's Weasley as I'm sure you know."
"Of course it is. My surname is Tonks. Perhaps you were unaware?"
The temperature dropped a few degrees.
"Aunt Andromeda is my new Guardian," Harry said quietly but firmly to an astonished Molly and Arthur. "She and Uncle Ted have been taking really good care of me with Tonks." Dora slid up behind Harry, giving the Weasley matriarch a flat look.
"Oh! Well then, that's…good to hear dear." Molly laughed awkwardly. "Got away from those Muggles then?"
Harry did not miss the way David and Jean looked at that and he cleared his throat. "I left my aunt and uncle, yes. They were unkind to me."
Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the Weasley children stared at him. Harry had never outright said how his relations treated him. Some had noticed the state of his clothes, and of course last summer the twins and Ron had rescued him from the Number 4 Privet Drive. Yet Harry never ever admitted out loud how the Dursleys treated him.
Andromeda had caught what Harry had done and she smiled proudly, letting the action override her distaste for Molly. "They were unqualified to raise Harry for many reasons, being Muggles is not one of them."
The awkwardness grew.
"So." Everyone looked at Dora. "You two ever get that slipping prank of yours to work?" she asked the twins.
Fred's eyebrows rose. "You knew about that?"
"Sure did."
George's eyes narrowed. "How?"
She smirked. "Because I did it first. You two should know, you got caught up in it."
They laughed. "So you're the one that caused the pile up in the dungeons," Fred said admiringly.
"Care to help some fellow pranksters?" George asked.
She shrugged. "I'll think about it."
The exchange dispelled the frosty awkwardness but things still felt tense as the families left the Leaky Cauldron and entered Diagon Alley proper. David and Jean drifted to Andromeda's side, much to Arthur's dismay. Harry walked with Hermione and Ron while the twins tried to cajole Dora to help them. Percy disappeared on his own and Molly kept Ginny close to her.
They went to Gringotts first and Andromeda, Dora, and Harry waited for the Grangers to exchange money and the Weasleys to go to their vault. "What was that about?" Harry asked.
Andromeda huffed. "Molly and I went to Hogwarts at the same time roughly. She inherited her family's preconceived notions that a Slytherin was not to be trusted, nor was a Black."
Harry frowned. "You didn't do anything to her, did you?"
"I did not. I found her tiresome to be honest and avoided her."
"I don't like the way she treated you, but she was nice to me last year. Let me stay for a while at their home."
Andromeda smiled fondly and hugged him. "Children should not fight the battles their parents started. Do not let her feelings of me affect your friendships with her children."
"I won't," he said, "but I still don't like it. I guess that's where Ron gets it then, dislike of Slytherins."
"You don't share that, do you?" Dora asked.
He shrugged awkwardly. "I mean, I'm not friends with any of them right now. Most of them are either really rude and mean to me or pretend I don't exist. I don't care that you were one, Auntie." He smiled sheepishly. "It makes a lot of sense actually. You're scary smart and sneaky."
"Such a sweet boy," Andromeda said, hugging him tighter.
"Were you one too?" Harry asked Dora.
She snorted. "Nope. If I was, Snape would've poisoned me himself I bet. I'm a 'Puff."
"That makes sense too. You work really hard and you're super loyal," Harry mused. He coughed and blushed when Dora hugged him very hard, lifting him into the air slightly.
"And you're quite the Gryffindor," Andromeda praised. "Much like your parents. You are brave and you endure. And I see how much you care for your friends."
"I don't feel brave a lot," he confessed.
"There are different kinds of bravery," Andromeda said. "For example, your father had a rather strange sense of bravery when it came to flirting with women."
"What?!" he exclaimed.
She smiled, reminiscing. "Oh yes. He would flirt with literally anyone. Me and my sisters included and there were many who would not dare that. It was rather annoying if I am being honest. Flattering I suppose, but annoying. Oh and do not worry, that was before he and your mother got together of course."
"I don't know if I want to hear those stories of him," Harry laughed.
"I can't believe Uncle James was like that," Dora sniggered. "Aunt Lily had him whipped."
"Like I said, before he wised up and Lily started tolerating him," Andromeda chuckled.
"That's a relief," he said snarkily, making the two witches laugh.
Shopping went better overall. Molly and Andromeda remained cordial if reserved with one another, letting the task of getting what everyone needed fill in the awkward moments. They shopped around, getting everything on their school lists. David and Jean got Hermione a bandy-legged orange cat as an early birthday gift, smiling as they watched her coo over the new pet. She was going to get an owl but Harry saw how much she wanted the cat, so he offered the services of Hedwig for Hermione.
Ron sighed as he watched Hermione play with her new pet. "I miss Scabbers," he said sullenly.
"What happened to Scabbers?" Harry asked, concerned.
"He went missing. Just disappeared the last day or two. We couldn't find him anywhere at the Burrow. Mum said she'll keep looking after we go back to Hogwarts but it really feels like he's gone."
"I'm sorry, that's rough," Harry said sympathetically.
"Yeah, he didn't do much but he was a decent pet," Ron said.
Harry nodded, thinking about maybe getting Ron a new pet for his birthday or Christmas. It'd be difficult to do, knowing how prickly Ron was about gifts and money, but he would try to figure something out.
It was approaching late afternoon and Andromeda looked at her watch. "I must get going unfortunately. I have an appointment to keep and then I should hurry home. It was a pleasure to meet you," she said to David and Jean and Hermione. She nodded politely at the Weasleys.
Her cool demeanor warmed as she hugged Harry tightly. "Do take care of yourself, love, and write me plenty of letters or else I will come to Hogwarts," she said to a smiling Harry. "Or send Dora, or both."
"I will. Thank you for everything," he said. "I really appreciate it."
"It was my pleasure. I will look forward to seeing you at Christmas." She kissed his forehead and hugged him one more time. "Make sure he gets to the train safely tomorrow, Dora."
"Yes Mum."
Andromeda hugged Dora just as tightly and kissed her cheek before leaving. David and Jean hugged Hermione and said goodbye to everyone else, saving Harry and Dora for last. They too left and the Weasleys and Harry and Dora and Hermione gathered in a private sitting room for dinner.
It was a noisy dinner, like any dinner with the Weasleys. Conversation ran up and down the table with multiple going on at once. Dora, normally gregarious at home, was a little more reserved. She traded prank talk with the twins and talked about the upper year courses with Hermione, but spoke the easiest with Harry. He did his best to make sure she did not feel too out of place and he could tell she appreciated it.
She and Harry sat beside each other and as they usually did, sat close enough so they could lean on each other. Even when their attentions were split, they had that casual contact between them. At one point, Dora noticed Molly frowning at them and she stared boldly back at her before Molly looked away. Dora snorted under her breath but relaxed when Harry pressed against her.
After pudding they broke off to their rooms to pack and get to bed early for the trip to King's Cross the next day. Harry and Dora carried his things together and opened the door they were assigned to. Dora looked inside. "Huh, I think there's been a mistake. Only one bed."
"Oh, Tom must have given us the wrong room key. Want me to go ask?"
"Nah, I'll go. You start getting your stuff packed."
Harry did as suggested, starting to arrange things neatly into his trunk. Normally he was a little more haphazard but Andromeda had taught him how to pack things carefully over the summer so he was a bit more organized now. He looked up when Dora returned.
"So yeah, mistake but apparently there aren't any more rooms. And I'm rubbish at conjuring furniture." She chewed her lip. "I guess I can head home and then come back over early to take you to King's Cross."
"That wouldn't be fair to you," Harry said. "I can kip on the ground or we can get a camping cot or something."
"You're not sleeping on the ground. I'd feel really bad and Mum would skin me. Bed's plenty big and we've napped together on the couch plenty of times. We can share a bed." She looked shy all of a sudden. "You don't mind, do you?"
Harry smiled to put her at ease. "Not at all, I like napping with you on the couch. As long as you don't kick me off the bed."
Dora flushed, her hair turning soft pink like her face. "One time. I accidentally kicked you off the couch one time and you never let me live it down."
"It was more than once."
"Don't tell me that," she said, looking more embarrassed.
"You only woke up the first time because I yelped when I landed."
She looked stricken before suspicious. "You're messing with me." She threw a pillow at him when he sniggered. "I'm going to kick you off the bed so many times tonight! Every time you start to fall asleep you're going to have a rude awakening!"
They chatted and laughed as they finished packing his trunk. It got a little awkward when they changed for bed, taking turns using the bathroom to do it, but as they lay on the bed later, Harry reached out for her hand. It was like the very first time he slept at the Tonks' home, holding her hand to fall asleep. He felt comforted by it, and she did as well.
"Good night," he said sleepily.
"'Night," she replied softly.
-0-
Harry woke slowly.
He had never felt this comfortable before. Not even while at Hogwarts. The first time he slept in the large four-poster bed felt incredible to him. Sleeping in his bed at the Tonks home was a different level of comfort. Yet those times paled in comparison to how he felt now.
He slowly realized that his back was incredibly warm, that he felt a gentle comforting pressure around his middle. He slowly realized that Dora was snuggling him from behind, her arm thrown around his middle, her body curved and cuddled around his. His hand rested on hers.
A jolt of panic went through him and he almost stiffened. When he napped with Dora on the couch, they never quite got this close. Pressed against each other, sure. Leaning against each other was normal for them. But how they were now was incredibly close and he felt like he should be dreadfully embarrassed by it.
But it felt incredibly good. He felt safe. A comfort he never had before.
Dora grunted, pulling him closer to her as she mumbled inarticulately. She squeezed him again and her brow creased as she too began to wake. Her eyes fluttered open and it took a few moments for her brain to catch up. "Oh," she said softly. "You're not Binky."
"Binky?" he asked, his voice hoarse from nervousness.
"My teddy bear. I'm really sorry." She let him go and scootched back a little. "I should have warned you I get really clingy when I sleep."
"No it's okay!" he said hurriedly. He was glad he was facing away from her, his face felt hot enough to start a fire. "It…it was really nice."
"Oh, well, yeah I should hope so. I am pretty awesome," she teased weakly.
"Yeah you are," he said with a shy chuckle. "I can't remember the last time I felt that comfortable and safe."
"Oh. I'm…glad I can help you feel that way. It felt really nice to me too." She focused on what he said. "You never felt safe before?"
"Not really," he admitted. "Not like that."
She said nothing and he felt worse somehow. He felt the bed shift beneath him, felt her slide close to him again. She tentatively reached her arm around him again. He pressed back against her and hugged her arm close. He breathed out, feeling at peace.
She cuddled him close, holding him to her protectively. "You're safe," she said firmly.
"Thank you," he whispered. He drifted back to sleep.
-0-
The alarm charm woke them up and they both groaned in mutual annoyance. After trying to ignore it they gave up and decided to wake up fully. She asked if he was really awake and when he said he was, she grinned mischievously. Too late he caught the tone in her voice and the next thing he knew he was falling, propelled out of bed by a firm kick.
He gave her a look of deep indignation over her betrayal and watched her laugh hysterically for a few seconds before he joined in. He pulled her off the bed kicking and squealing and they laid on the ground laughing heartily.
After tidying up and changing, they carried his trunk down stairs and waited in the main area for the rest to join them. Hermione showed up next and Harry helped her with her trunk. They sat and chatted, waiting for the Weasleys. Tonks ordered breakfast for the three of them and they ate, glancing at the clock and listening to the Weasleys rush about and argue.
"Are they always like this?" she asked, exasperated.
"They were last year, and first year they cut it pretty close," Harry said.
Dora finally lost patience and coolly informed Arthur and Molly that she was taking Harry and Hermione to the train station first. She shrank their trunks for them and the trio left the Leaky Cauldron, needing only to hold Hedwig's cage and Crookshanks' basket with their trunks in their pockets. They took their time and reached Platform 9 & 3/4s with time to spare.
"Well, you two better get on the train and pick out your compartment." Dora looked at Harry sadly.
He felt a pang in his chest. Normally he was very happy to leave King's Cross to go to Hogwarts. For the first time, he felt legitimately reluctant to leave. He never guessed he would get so attached to the Tonks family, Dora especially. They had changed his life incredibly, fighting for him, wanting him. He could still barely believe it sometimes.
He opened his arms and sighed happily when Dora stepped into them, pulling him up and squeezing him tight. "I'm going to miss you," he said softly in her ear.
She teared up a little. "I'm going to miss you too. I got really used to having you around all the time." She sighed gustily. "I expect a letter at least once every couple of weeks. More preferably."
"I will," he said and was surprised that he truly meant it. "Thank you for everything Dora, really. My life is so much better now because of you. I owe you."
She tried to smile cheekily but her tears and the tremble to her lips ruined the effect. "Well, just remember that when it comes to the holidays and my birthday." She brightened. "I'll try to pull Hogsmeade patrol duty on one of your visiting weekends. Mum signed your permission form so I can see you when you visit."
He smiled wide. "I'd like that a lot."
"We'll have that to look forward to then." She kissed his cheek. "Talk to you soon." She turned to Hermione and she noticed the odd look she was getting from the other girl. "It was good meeting you Hermione," she said, offering her hand. "Feel free to send me a letter if you have any questions or need some help. Harry's friend is my friend."
Hermione shook her hand. "It was really nice meeting you too. Thank you. Oh, and do thank your mother and father again for me please. My parents were really happy to meet your mother and really appreciate her offer."
"No problem. Keep an eye on Harry for me, will you?" Dora waited for them to get on the train and waved when they found a compartment. After a moment she left, her steps a little heavy. She truly was sad to see him go but seeing him how he was now, a far cry different from how he was when they first met, was heartening. The potions and healing had helped and while he was still shorter and thinner than perhaps he should have been, he no longer looked or felt neglected. He wore clothes that actually fit him. He walked confidently.
It was wonderful.
The winter holiday was not too far off and she was pretty sure she could pull Hogsmeade duty. She felt better about that.
-0-
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Harry asked.
Hermione flushed slightly. "Sorry, didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
They were sitting in the compartment they chose. Dora had taught them how to unshrink their luggage and their trunks sat on the racks at full size. Crookshanks and Hedwig were released to explore the compartment and become better acquainted with one another. Harry had sat and looked out the window for a little bit before he realized Hermione was looking at him pensively.
"Do I have something on my face?" he asked, making a show of wiping it with his sleeve.
Hermione snorted. "No. It's just…you've changed this summer, haven't you?"
"Yeah."
Her voice was quiet. "You said the Dursleys were unkind to you? You've never really said anything before…"
He sighed. "Because I didn't really want to. But things got really bad this summer." He told her of being punched in the face by Vernon, about throwing him back with his magic. Then his flight from Privet Drive and being found by Dora and taken in by Andromeda and Ted.
"Oh no," Hermione whimpered, tearing up. "I had no idea. I'm so sorry."
He winced. "That's not even the worst of what they did to me."
"There's worse?!" she nearly shrieked.
"Yeah but it's in the past. I don't have to go back anymore. I have a home now where I can be safe." He saw how upset she looked and slowly opened his arms to her.
She goggled for a moment. In the two years she had known him, he had never tried to initiate any physical contact with her. The moment passed and she eagerly hugged him, squeezing him tight. "I'm so happy to hear that," she said tearily.
The door to the compartment opened and Ron appeared, out of breath and pulling his trunk along. He took one look at them and stopped, frowning.
Harry and Hermione broke the hug and Harry got up, helping Ron put his trunk up. As they were doing so, the train began to move. "Cutting it a bit close," Harry said teasingly.
"Well, it's family tradition after all." Ron slumped into the bench opposite, looking at Harry with an uncharacteristically serious expression. "Mum wasn't too happy you two left without us. Said you could've waited."
"Well, Dora was getting a little impatient and I rather be on the train earlier," Harry said easily.
Ron did not say anything to that. An uneasy silence filled the compartment and after a few moments the door slid open again, revealing Percy, Fred, George, and Ginny. They walked in and closed the door behind them. Ginny looked uncomfortable, the twins looked less than merry, and Percy looked resigned.
Harry had an idea of what was coming and he sat back into the bench. "Alright then," he finally said when the Weasleys kept looking at each other, mentally begging someone else to start talking. "What's this about?"
"Harry," Fred began, "just so you know, this wasn't our idea."
"If anything, we don't think we should be doing this at all," George said slowly.
"Mother…demanded for us to speak to you," Percy said, looking very uncomfortable.
"About what?" Harry asked as calmly as he could.
"About Andromeda Black," Ron said.
"Her name is Andromeda Tonks," Harry said stiffly.
"But she was born a Black and the Blacks were all…well they were crazy and dark," Ron said in a rush.
"Ronald!" Hermione cried. "That's rude!"
"Unfortunately, he's not wrong," Percy sighed. "The Blacks were notorious for being a very dark Pureblood family. They also all shared a predilection for…mental instability."
"I can't believe I'm listening to this," Harry said angrily.
"I mean, there is something called the Black Madness," George said with a wince.
"Or Madness of the Blacks," Fred unhelpfully expanded.
"Mum's worried about you," Ron said. "Said she didn't want you going down the wrong path."
"And what path is that?" Harry asked, seething. "No, you know what, I don't want to hear it. I won't let you all say terrible things about them. Dora, Auntie Andi and Uncle Ted have been nothing but kind to me. They helped me when I needed it and took me in without question. Auntie Andi has investigated so many things for me to help me."
"We've helped you too!" Ron retorted. "Or did you forget who busted you out last year?"
"I haven't! And I will always appreciate that! But what happened when you told your mum that there were bars on my window? About the locks on my door and the cat flap?"
Hermione looked aghast. "You had bars on your window? What…a cat flap?"
The Weasleys all winced. "She said she would talk to Dumbledore," Percy muttered.
"And he made me go back to the Dursleys this summer," Harry said tiredly.
"Mum said he had good reasons," Fred said quietly.
"I don't see them," Harry said just as quietly. "I had to leave. I had to get out and Dora found me and instantly helped."
"Isn't it suspicious that they did?" Ron persisted.
"No. Their family was close to my mum and dad before they…before they died. I met them when I was a baby. I have picture proof."
"How did they attain legal custody?" Percy asked.
"Sirius Black is my legal godfather and Auntie Andi is his cousin. She assumed his legal responsibilities."
"But that proves it! Sirius Black is a mass murderer! He's in Azkaban!" Ron shouted.
"He never got a trial! He was thrown into Azkaban for life without a chance to defend himself!" Harry shouted back.
"What?!" Percy, the twins, and Hermione exclaimed.
"That's something else she found out. Also I was illegally taken to the Dursleys! I could have gone to them when I was a baby, I should have been! I could have had a decent life…" Harry angrily wiped his eyes. "I'm not saying Sirius isn't guilty but he should have the chance to prove if he is or isn't. All I know is that the Tonkses have been nothing but kind to me and I'm grateful for it. I like them. I want to be with them."
As Ron opened his mouth Percy put his hand on his shoulder. "Enough Ron," he said softly. "We did our part and made Mother's…opinion known. It would be unkind to persist." He looked at Harry with a kind expression. "I am sorry Harry, but, well, you know our mother."
Harry took a deep breath and nodded. "I do and…thank her for her concern but she has nothing to worry about. I am actually happy. I feel safe with them."
"Then that's what's important," Percy said firmly. He looked at his siblings and they all nodded, Ron reluctantly so. "I really am sorry Harry," he said sincerely. "We did not wish to speak to you like this."
"I get it," Harry said, feeling tired. "I appreciate the concern. Just, I'm okay. Better than okay, really."
"Good. Do let us know if you need anything." Percy herded his siblings out of the compartment, dragging Ron with him.
Hermione waited for the door to close and she turned to look at Harry who slumped onto the bench. "I had no idea," she said softly.
"You couldn't have," Harry said. "I haven't even told them everything the Dursleys did. They found out most things when Uncle Ted did an in-depth medical exam on me but not everything."
"Why haven't you told anyone?" she asked sadly.
"Because…I'm ashamed to," Harry confessed. "I don't want to be weak or pitied. I get pitied enough. Plus in the past, the few times I told someone never helped. If anything, things got worse." He smiled wanly as Hermione clutched his hand. "Also," he looked at the door and his voice dropped to a whisper, "don't tell them but I didn't tell Dora and Auntie Andi everything because they're a little…ruthless."
"Ruthless?"
"Yeah, they said they'd do anything for me and they seem rather…blasé about how far they'll go. Like, they said they would murder for me."
"I'm sure that's just a figure of speech."
Harry shrugged. "Not when they say it. I actually believe them."
She shuddered a little. "That's a touch concerning."
"Yeah but it feels nice in a weird way. I've never had someone besides you and Ron who really care, you know? It feels nice to know they care. I mean Mrs. Weasley cares but you see how she is. Auntie Andi always asks me before she acts in my stead for legal things. Wants my opinions and gives me all the options before she offers her opinion. Uncle Ted includes me in conversations and is the same, asks and explains things before doing. Dora takes super good care of me."
Her heart melted a little at his expression. "I really am happy for you. And…well, you do look and feel very different now. You look happy and cared for." She groaned and shook her head. "I can't believe I never really realized before. Comparing who you are now to then is a giant difference."
"It's okay." He caught her look. "Okay, well, maybe not okay. But things are better now. And you'll be getting more help too and your parents. Uncle Ted is a Muggleborn and he'll definitely help you and your parents."
"Mum and Dad are really relieved," Hermione said. "They felt much better after meeting Mrs. Tonks."
They lapsed into companionable silence.
"So, you and Dora seem awfully affectionate with one another," Hermione said.
Harry blushed lightly but smiled. "She hugs her parents a lot but yeah, she's really nice and has helped me get over my fear of being touched."
"You had that? Did I bother you when I hugged you?"
"No, not really. You're the first person that ever hugged me, from what I remember. Auntie Andi said my parents hugged me all the time and Dora did when I was a baby. But I never had a memory of it and well, yeah like I said, you were the first. It's taken me a while to sort of…get used to positive physical contact. That's what Uncle Ted calls it." He blushed and looked at his feet. "Hugs are really nice."
Hermione's heart broke and she gently but firmly hugged Harry. She sniffled when he hugged her back. She always wondered why he reacted like that the few times she hugged him in the past. She had immediately realized that he was always a bit stiff before relaxing slightly. She thought that it was because of her, not the act itself. Feeling him be more comfortable, hugging her back and even initiating it, was incredible to her.
If Dora and her family had helped Harry this much, that would give them a lot of leeway for her despite what others said about them.
The door reopened and Ron stalked in. He sat down again with a huff and stared out the window for a while before speaking. "I was just doing what I was told," he said shortly.
"That's fine," Harry said. "I get it. But please don't speak badly of them and don't try to convince me otherwise." He let an edge build in his voice. "I won't listen."
Ron gave him a long look before nodding. Tensions eased as they traveled to Hogwarts and things felt almost like they used to.
-0-
"Well," Ted said slowly, "obviously you're in rough shape after all those years in Azkaban, but nothing that can't be undone with some physical therapy, decent rest, and potions and medicine. It'll take some time but I'm fairly sure you'll get back to good physical shape."
Sirius beamed at him. "I have the time now! Thanks to my wonderful cousin and an overly embarrassed Ministry!"
It had taken a couple months but Sirius had been completely exonerated of his charges. He had sat in front of the Wizengamot and testified under examination, going so far to willingly take veritaserum and submitting his memories for review. Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, had eagerly latched onto the excuse Sirius' solicitor lobbied, that Sirius' injustice was a product of the previous administration.
Amelia had presented several other incidents of misjustice, garnered from Andromeda's investigations. Sirius magnanimously accepted the Ministry's written apologies, as well as substantial monetary compensation. Now he was at St Mungo's being fully examined by Ted with Andromeda and Amelia in the room.
"Glad to see your spirits weren't sucked out," Ted smiled.
"Despite their best efforts," Sirius snorted. "Guess I should figure out where to stay and all."
"No need for that," Andromeda said. "We have converted our basement into a small apartment for you. That way Ted will be there to take care of your health and ensure your recovery while you and I go through all the assets and affairs that have built up over the years."
"Thanks," Sirius said with obvious relief. "I feel much better about that. I still can't believe I remained heir and inherited everything."
"I managed to keep the majority of things despite Lucius' best efforts," Andromeda sniffed. "Now that you are free and legally Lord Black, we can go through everything and make sure things are where they should be."
"When can I see Harry?" Sirius asked eagerly.
Andromeda smiled. "Not until the winter holidays. He is at school and does not need you distracting him. But he will be back then."
"I can't wait," Sirius said happily.
"Sirius…" Amelia gulped. "I have to apologize for everything-"
"Nah you don't," Sirius said. "You didn't know."
"I should have. I could have tried to figure things out."
"Sure but I also got myself into that mess too. You were just a junior Auror anyways. Besides, on the list of people that should've known and should've tried, you and Andi are low on that list."
Someone knocked on the door and a medi-witch poked her head in, whispering to Ted. He frowned and looked at the others. "Dumbledore's here. He wants to see you. Want me to keep him out?"
Sirius' smile turned feral. "No, by all means, let him in. I want to talk to him."
Ted rolled his eyes. "Do I need to ask for security to be here?"
"I am sure we can handle him between Amelia and I," Andromeda said. Her smile was also predatory.
Ted shook his head but told the medi-witch to bring Dumbledore. After a few moments, Dumbledore entered the room. His smile faltered slightly at the expressions from Sirius, Andromeda, and Amelia. "Sirius my boy, it is good to see you."
"Dumbledore," Sirius greeted none-too warmly. "Glad to be free."
Dumbledore frowned. "Surely you do not blame me? I was not Chief Warlock at the time."
"No you weren't but you didn't think to ask around when you became Chief Warlock? Didn't think something was strange?"
"I had assumed justice was carried about appropriately," Dumbledore sniffed. "Erroneously obviously, but nothing at the time made me think otherwise."
"You knew I would do nothing to betray James and Lily," Sirius snarled. "Don't you try to deny that. You knew I was Harry's godfather."
Dumbledore looked away. "I…did not know what to think. There are many things I did not know. Such as you being an animagus and Peter as well, much less Peter being Secret Keeper. You cannot fault me for not knowing things."
"I fault you for not trying. I fault you for doing what you did to Harry." Sirius had been livid when Andromeda and Ted gave him a very broad look of Harry's non-existent childhood.
Dumbledore looked stern. "What I did was for Harry's good, his safety!"
"Do I need to show you his medical report again?" Andromeda asked sweetly.
The Headmaster looked at her sourly. "That will not be necessary. I assume you will be reasserting your Guardianship of Harry?" he asked Sirius.
"I'm fine with letting Andi take point and I'll co-help. We'll do it like a family." His grin became sharp. "I trust Andromeda."
"And you do not trust me?" Dumbledore said in a hurt tone.
"I did," Sirius said simply.
"Well I am sure you will find it in you to trust me once again." When Sirius only stared back at him, Dumbledore sighed deeply. He turned to leave.
"Remember what I said Dumbledore," Andromeda said. Her voice was no longer sweet. "Interfere with Harry's life at your own risk."
He said nothing and left.
Ted closed the door behind him and Andromeda threw up several privacy charms. "Now I know I am the paranoid Slytherin of us but I have many suspicions right now," she said.
"I'm the Pureblood paranoid Gryffindor and I agree," Sirius said. "I'm also mentally unstable due to my incarceration but that's beside the point."
Amelia snorted. "Yeah, glad it's not just me. Why would putting Harry in an abusive environment be for his own good? Okay, maybe he didn't know it would be abusive but from just hearing what you said, not to mention the wills, why was putting Harry with his aunt and uncle a good idea? If he really did care about his safety, he should have checked or placed him somewhere safer, even more under his control."
"He knows more than he is letting on," Andromeda said. "He always did love his secrets."
"Maybe I should have played it better," Sirius grunted. "Buttered him up some."
"No, that would have put you into a weaker position," Andromeda mused. "He would have even less reason to confide in you. Now he knows you expect him to lie and if he does, it proves us right. So he either has to tell us the truth or risk alienating us even more. What do you think Teddy?"
Ted shrugged. "He does seem a little more blunt now. Before he used to talk circles around you, saying what you wanted to hear but not what you actually wanted him to say."
The others nodded at his words.
"So what's the play?" Sirius asked.
"We should remain united in this," Andromeda said slowly. "We now know he is not the paragon he tries to appear to be. We bide our time and listen to him carefully before acting how we see fit, now how he wants us to."
"No need to fight him directly yet," Amelia agreed. "But at least we're on somewhat equal footing now."
"And make sure Harry is taken care of," Ted said.
"Of course." Andromeda looked at Amelia. "I appreciate you being on our side for this."
"I'm glad you came to me when you did. Something always didn't sit right with me on a lot of things Albus says and does. Problem is, anyone who isn't with him completely is seen as one of the worst of the worst. I don't disagree with some of what he says and does, but everything I've learned since makes me cautious."
"Agreed. We will stand apart for now and do what is best for us first," Andromeda said.
"If I need to get in touch with you discreetly, I'll go through Tonks," Amelia said.
"How is Nymmie?" Sirius asked. "She's already in the Auror program?"
"Doing well to be honest," Amelia said. "I have high hopes for her. She's been pretty serious about her work too lately."
"Harry's influence," Ted said fondly. "She's gotten really attached to him and she works hard to take care of him."
"Just like old times," Sirius said wistfully.
"We do have her to thank," Andromeda said proudly. "She found Harry first after all."