A Leap Forward

The next day, Harry made his way to St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries in London. Sirius was still there, getting his body repaired due to the damage caused by his prolonged stay in Azkaban. After the routine security check, he was led to one of the private suites. He knocked on the door and entered to find Sirius reading the Daily Prophet.

"Harry!" exclaimed Sirius, with a broad smile on his face. "Come on in."

Harry smiled slightly as he sat down on one of the armchairs. "How are you doing?"

"Just fine," he answered dismissively. "It'll take another few weeks of healing before my body stops looking so frail, but I'll still have to seek the help of a Mind Healer for another year to come to terms with what happened. I'm just glad most of the damage can be repaired."

Harry saw that Sirius' eyes still had a haunted look. After an awkward pause, the man exhaled. "Look, I know that it has been ten years –" began Sirius, but Harry interrupted him.

"Why did you hand me over to Hagrid instead of taking care of me?" he asked suddenly, the barest hint of anger and hurt colouring his voice. Sirius was, after all, his godfather and closest family after his parents had been murdered.

Sirius sighed. "I expected this question ever since I revealed it at the trial. It's not like I had a choice, Harry. Look at it from my point of view. Pettigrew had disappeared and I found out that he had betrayed your parents; I had just seen the corpses of the two people who were the closest to me; my godson was crying his heart out and it took me several minutes to calm you down and put you to sleep. Just when I was about to leave, Hagrid, of all people, showed up and demanded that I hand you over. I protested; I swear I did, but you can't really reason with Hagrid, especially when he has been ordered by Dumbledore."

He literally spat out the last word. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he continued. "I didn't want to fight him, so thinking you would be safe at Hogwarts, I handed you over to him and went to find Peter. I was blinded by rage, I admit. It was foolish of me to do so, not to mention reckless. My first priority should have been you. But you have to understand Harry. At that point in my life, James was closer to me than my own brother. Sure, we were second cousins, but we were more like siblings! Losing him and Lily blinded me to what should have been done. I failed you and I'm really sorry about that. Can – can you forgive me?"

Harry looked at the older wizard for several seconds. A small smiled played on his lips as he finally nodded. He didn't know if he could ever have a relationship with his godfather, but it wouldn't hurt to try. He would also need Sirius' help if he were to get a new guardian. Sirius looked relieved.

"So, you're engaged to Madam Bones?" asked Harry, changing the subject.

Sirius nodded slowly, his face burning with fury. "Yes," he admitted. "But I'm not exactly in a forgiving mood. Everyone believed that I was guilty of betraying your parents, including Amelia. It should not have been possible because I am your oath sworn godfather! But no ... that fact was easily forgotten as I was branded a Death Eater and the so-called right-hand man of Lord Voldemort! How could Amelia, of all people, think I would be capable of something like that?!"

"I'm not sure what her motives were ten years ago, but Sirius, do you have any idea of the political manoeuvres Madam Bones did behind the scenes to get you into that courtroom?" asked Harry slowly. "I don't have a clue about what she did, but I'm pretty sure that it was nothing short of a miracle that she got you out of Azkaban and into the Ministry building at all. Yes, Dumbledore set you up knowing you were innocent. Barty Crouch just wanted to show that he had captured a Death Eater. Lucius Malfoy wanted your title and money. Those are dangerous combinations, Sirius. If I had not captured Pettigrew through pure dumb luck, it would have been impossible for you to have been cleared of any wrongdoing. All of them wanted you imprisoned for their own benefit."

Sirius snorted. "I guess my mother was right," he said wryly. "Never trust anyone."

"I agree with her," nodded Harry. The older man sighed. No eleven-year-old child should say something like that.

"I'm really sorry you ended up with Petunia, of all people," grimaced Sirius. "I know that she is a nasty horse-faced bitch."

"It's fine," said Harry stiffly, wanting to avoid that topic. "I escaped when I was seven years old. My life has been much better since. There is something else you should know. Because of a contract set up by my ancestor, I'm now betrothed to Daphne Greengrass."

"Betrothed?" exclaimed Sirius, his eyes wide with panic. He was in shock for a few minutes as Harry explained the situation to him. He finally calmed down, but still looked wary. "The Greengrass family? I know that they are quite neutral in their political dealings, but there were no Death Eater activities linked to them during the war. Be careful, Harry. Maybe I should talk to them on your behalf as such families are deep-rooted in tradition."

"Yes, I think you should."

Traditionally, Harry should never have met Lord and Lady Greengrass without his guardian, but the circumstances did not, unfortunately, permit the interference of Albus Dumbledore.

"Also, I was wondering if you would like to be my guardian. I've accepted the headship of my family, but I still need a guardian until I'm seventeen. Dumbledore is currently my regent and guardian –"

The older man sat up straight. "Do you have the papers?" he asked sharply, interrupting the boy.

Harry handed over a file containing sheets of parchment which Sirius read through, frowning in concentration. Fifteen minutes later, he grabbed a quill and signed his names on multiple copies. The documents glowed. A copy was automatically submitted to the Ministry of Magic, another to Gringotts and a copy remained with Harry. Since his godfather was his primary guardian as listed in James Potter's will, not to mention the closest blood relative, the guardianship transfer could be done automatically. It could be rescinded by the Wizengamot if someone raised a petition against it and if the body ruled against Sirius, but right now, no one would be willing to do that. The Sirius Black scandal was already tearing the Ministry in two.

"Thank you, Sirius. When are you claiming your Lordship?"

Sirius rubbed his face. "Once I'm out of this place. I'd actually thought that I was disinherited; my mother certainly would have done her best to see that happen. But from what I found out last week, my father Orion didn't think it was a good idea. After all, he had one son on either side of the war. It was practical to keep his options open so that he could side with the victor once the war was over. I have a lot of work to do once I'm free."

"I'll send you another contract which appoints you as my regent on the Wizengamot," said Harry.

Sirius nodded. They then spent the rest of the afternoon talking, with Sirius telling Harry stories about his parents. Harry was actually quite interested to know more about them despite the fact that he had read their journals. After a few hours, Harry decided to leave.

"I'll be attending the Yule Ball at Greengrass Manor tomorrow. How about we meet after that?"

"Sure, that will give me some time to talk to Amelia," said Sirius softly, looking conflicted. Harry soon went back home.

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

The evening of the twenty-first of December saw many important people of the British magical world at the ancestral manor of the Greengrass family. At Potter Castle, Harry checked himself in the mirror. He was wearing greyish blue Acromantula silk dress robes, tailor-made to fit his body perfectly. He was also sporting dragon hide boots and his silver locket with the Potter crest was hanging prominently over his chest. Once he was ready, he made his way to the Floo and disappeared in a flash of green flames.

When he stepped out of the fireplace at Greengrass Manor, he immediately dispelled the soot that might have collected on him. There were many people milling around the place. A house-elf led him to the Grand Ballroom where several prominent members of the British magical society could be seen. Harry searched for his fiancée and relaxed when he finally spotted her.

"Hey Daphne," he said quietly. The girl in question turned and smiled at him. Her wavy dark-blonde hair was expertly styled. She was wearing a flowing purple dress made of multi-layered thin fabric. "You look beautiful," he said after a pause, feeling a bit uncomfortable. There was still some awkwardness between them, not having figured out each other's personalities. Harry mentally decided to spend more time with Daphne at school when the next term began. After all, he did agree to befriend her.

"Thanks, Harry," she said, smiling shyly. "You're looking quite good yourself. Come on, there are several people who want to meet you."

And thus the evening began; Harry spent the next hour meeting many of his schoolmates; some of them were in his year, but many were older than him. They were all curious about him because he didn't really talk much at school, having chosen to be by himself. Harry made it a point to talk to everyone, even if it was frustrating to socialise. He was then dragged to meet the older people. At one point, he met someone who had a powerful, yet dangerous aura about him.

"Mr Potter," said the man smoothly. He nodded his head in greeting. "Lucius Malfoy; it is a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine, Lord Malfoy," said Harry as he bowed slightly in respect. "Lady Malfoy."

The woman merely inclined her head. "Nice to finally meet you, Mr Potter," she greeted him. "I was wondering if my cousin was here too. It's been far too long since I've last seen him."

"He's still recovering from his terrible ordeal, Lady Malfoy," replied Harry, with a tight smile on his face. "I doubt it's a good idea for him to come to a large gathering such as this so soon after being released from Azkaban. What happened to him was a travesty. So many people seem to have an unhealthy interest in him. To think they could stoop so low ..."

Lucius' lips curled. "Yes indeed," he said softly. "None of us are able to digest that Albus Dumbledore could do such a thing. Sending an innocent man to prison without a trail ... I wonder if he is fit to be the Chief Warlock anymore."

Harry took a sip of his drink as he pondered the answer. Was that a trap? He realised that he would have to pay more attention to how people speak and how to respond to trick questions. He really had to develop his social skills, for they were lacking. "That's not something I can answer, Lord Malfoy. As you know, I'm not eligible to sit on the Wizengamot yet or mature enough to make such decisions. I'm only eleven, after all. However, Lord Black, my guardian, would be more than happy to talk to you about it."

"Lord Black?" repeated Lucius, with his forehead creased and eyes narrowed. "I believe there is no Lord Black alive as of this moment. Arcturus Black died several months ago. A pity; it will take several years for the House of Black to rise to its former glory."

"Several years?" asked Harry, feigning shock. "I'm not sure what you mean. My godfather, Sirius Black, claimed his lordship just this morning."

Harry was mentally cackling in delight as he saw Narcissa pale slightly. It was true. Sirius had gone to Gringotts just that morning and claimed his Lordship. He would have to tell his godfather about this. It was priceless! Who knew that such an innocent statement could cause so much damage? He would have to use it repeatedly while talking to others so that they would know about his godfather's new position too.

"Sirius Black?" whispered Lucius, his eyes burning with fury. "I don't think you understand, Mr Potter. Sirius Black was disowned by his family and was branded a blood-traitor."

Harry chuckled and shook his head. "I'm afraid you are mistaken, Lord Malfoy. Lord Black wasn't disowned at all. While it is true that his mother did push for it, Lord Orion Black tended to be a bit more practical in his approach. As someone said, it was a very wise thing to do considering he had one son on either side of the war. I'm sure he would want to talk to you very soon. You are, after all, family."

Lucius looked into the emerald green eyes of the boy in front of him, trying not to let the nervousness and anger show. The Blacks were notorious for their blackmail material; if Sirius Black had indeed gained the Lordship, there was no telling what information he had at his disposal. He would have to think things through.

"It was good meeting you, Mr Potter," said Narcissa as she led her husband away, whispering heatedly in his ear.

The ball continued for several hours as dinner was served soon after. Harry stuck to Daphne the whole time, letting her introduce him to important people, one of them being the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge.

"Ah, Harry Potter," the wizard exclaimed jovially. "It is simply marvellous to see you, young man. How wonderful it is that you're finally able to join us!"

"It's an honour to meet you as well, Minister Fudge," Harry greeted him. "I've heard wonderful things about you. I apologise that my godfather is not present here tonight. Lord Black is still feeling under the weather because of his unlawful incarceration, but he told me to send you his regards."

"Lord Black?" blanched Fudge. After regaining his bearings in a matter of seconds, he forced a smile on his face again. "In that case, please let him know that I wish him a speedy recovery. I can't believe the previous administration allowed such a travesty to occur. It's something I cannot even comprehend!"

"Indeed, Minister," nodded Harry in agreement. "You certainly are a respectable man and I thank you for all that you have done to help my godfather."

"Oh, no thanks necessary, Mr Potter," said Fudge, smiling brightly as he puffed up at the praise. "Please tell Lord Black that he can visit me anytime once he has recovered. It was a pleasure meeting you, Harry. May I call you Harry?"

"Of course, sir. You are the Minister of Magic while I am just an eleven-year-old schoolboy. You have every right to address me by my first name. Please take care of yourself."

"That I will, Mr Potter, Miss Greengrass," he said as he walked away.

"And you were telling me you didn't like the politicking that went on in Slytherin?" whispered Daphne angrily in his ear. "What else are you doing now? You keep mentioning to everyone that your godfather is Lord Black, you mentioned his illegal incarceration too many times to count, and the way you handled Fudge was ... well, you pushed his buttons ... wait, how would you know to do that?"

"I was tutored by your father over the Floo last night," shrugged Harry. "I wouldn't have lasted five minutes with these people if not for him. I barely know how to talk to my classmates, let alone several politicians and businessmen. But it was a good experience, even if very annoying. I still have a lot to learn."

Just then, they heard the sound of clinking glasses. Everyone turned to see Cyrus and Elizabeth Greengrass standing at the end of the ballroom.

"My wife and I would like to thank all for being here tonight," said Cyrus. "But this ball is not just about us all socialising with each other or celebrating Yule; it is to announce the newest member of our family. We met him only recently after circumstances forced us together, but we hope to develop a strong bond with him in the days to come. I would like to take this opportunity to tell everyone present that because of a contract signed by one of my ancestors, my eldest daughter Daphne is betrothed."

There were whispers throughout the room as people tried to guess who the boy might be. Some were smart enough to realise who Cyrus was talking about; Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy's faces reddened in anger but they both kept their tempers in check as they drew conclusions. After all, the said boy had been with Daphne Greengrass the entire evening.

"This betrothal contract was created by Lord Steffen Greengrass and Lord William Potter more than one hundred and fifty years ago and seems to have come into effect recently. My wife and I would like to take this moment to toast Harry Potter, the newest addition to the Greengrass family."

Harry simply smiled and nodded to the couple respectfully as people started clapping, though somewhat hesitantly. There were many discussions going on about it, so when the music resumed, people immediately congregated around Harry and Daphne on one side and Cyrus and Elizabeth on the other, all wanting answers.

"Betrothed?" Tracy exclaimed in awe. "Wow!"

"That wasn't our first reaction, to be honest," said Daphne wryly.

"Why not?" asked Theo Nott, frowning.

"Because we weren't given a choice," explained Harry. "It was something that was forced on us, but I think we can make it work. We were advised to become friends first and let it grow from there."

"Better you than me," shrugged Theo. "I don't even want to think about marriage this soon. It's ridiculous."

"Oh, is that the new ring you're wearing?" asked Susan Bones excitedly.

"Yes, he gave it to me two days ago, actually," Daphne smiled as she showed them her ring. "I actually thought it was pretty sweet."

"A ring, Potter?" asked Blaise Zabini, his eyebrows raised. "This soon?"

Harry shrugged. "I had no idea what that meant until my grandmother's portrait insisted that I present Daphne with a ring. I was told it was tradition, so I just went with it."

Blaise hummed in response.

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

Lucius Malfoy was led inside a luxury suite at the Pendragon Hotel, one of the best upscale hotels in Magical Britain. His cousin by marriage, Sirius Black, had requested a meeting with him. His ebony cane continued to make tapping noises against the marble floor as he entered the room. Sirius Black was already there.

Gone was the gaunt and pale form of the former prisoner of Azkaban. The new Lord Black was dressed in expensive silk robes and the potions regimen prescribed by the Healers seemed to have helped him because he looked moderately healthy. He wasn't back to how he was; Merlin knows those haunted grey eyes were proof enough, but it was a far cry from the mangy look from a month back in the Wizengamot. He was now clean shaven and his curly raven black hair was cut short, no longer long and unkempt. Lucius swallowed as he saw the black diamond ring gleaming in the sunlight as it reflected off the platinum band.

"Lucius," said Sirius, sounding ebullient and happy, though the other man knew very well his cheerfulness was fake. "It's been far too long since we've seen each other. Please, take a seat."

Once Lucius was comfortable, Sirius looked up and asked, "Would you like some tea?"

Lucius' lips pursed as he nodded. Sirius waved his wand as the teapot released steam, lifted off in the air and poured tea into two cups. The cups levitated themselves and carefully landed in front of the two men. Lucius discreetly scanned the drink for any poisons or potions, something the other wizard didn't miss.

"Oh, come on Lucius," Sirius frowned. "Don't insult my intelligence. I'm a free man now. Do you think I'm stupid enough to poison you?"

"You can never be too careful," said Lucius smoothly. "Especially when you have as many enemies as I do."

"Oh, I know about having enemies, alright," Sirius chuckled as he reclined in his chair and observed the blond man in front of him. "The Wizengamot was very persistent in denying me a trial even when they realised there was a possibility that I might be innocent. Why, the Director of the D.M.L.E. was even accused of consorting with Death Eaters! That is really unfortunate. What has happened to our government? The stories I've heard from different sources ..."

"And what stories would those be?" asked Lucius, his eyes narrowed.

Sirius stayed silent for a minute as he sipped his tea. "Let me come straight to the point, Lucius," he said coldly. "I don't like you. I never have. You're too slippery for your own good and I don't trust such people. At the same time, I've been briefed about the status of the Wizengamot and the Ministry of Magic. The influence of the Black family has dwindled and you capitalised on that, however, you're still no match for someone as powerful as Albus Dumbledore. I've had time to glance at some of the laws passed over the last ten years and the ones that are to be passed in the future, and I must confess that I don't like it."

His grey eyes narrowed. "You know exactly the power I have at my disposal, Lucius," he said quietly. "I'm also the regent of House Potter. Being Lord Black gives me access to information people can only dream of. Right now, I don't want you as my enemy. If you choose to work with me, it will serve you well for the moment. If you don't, I have a few dirty secrets that would bring House Malfoy to its knees. I don't even need to mention that your wife is a daughter of House Black. We both see Albus Dumbledore as a threat. I propose that we work together; at least for now. Ten years in Azkaban has made me think things through. I don't need to point out that the rest of the traditionalists will follow me no matter what you decide now. Think carefully, for your future is vested in this decision."

An hour later, Lord Sirius Black smirked as he exited the hotel. Lucius Malfoy was in the bag after a bit of struggle on the former Death Eater's part, but Sirius was able to handle it. Soon, the rest of the traditionalists will follow suit. It was time for the Houses of Potter and Black to rise again.

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

It was two days before the end of the winter holidays. Harry had spent his time alternating between spending time with his godfather and the Greengrasses. The regency and guardianship were made official with the Ministry and the news of the betrothal had spread like wildfire. People were mostly shocked because none of them had known about the contract at all, especially since one of the parties to the contract was the Boy-Who-Lived. Of course, not everything was rosy. There had been an article in the Daily Prophet about the betrothal, written by Rita Skeeter. The reporter had penned it in such a way that it sounded as though the Greengrass family had tricked the young hero into marrying their daughter. That certainly had brought down the mood of the holidays.

Currently, Harry was with his godfather in the Ministry of Magic building, sitting in front of Madam Griselda Marchbanks, the Head of the Department of Magical Education. Harry had no idea if Dumbledore would give his consent to the accelerated program at Hogwarts, even though he had threatened the old headmaster. Amelia had suggested that they go meet Madam Marchbanks. The wise witch would surely take a more neutral approach, not to mention was qualified to approve it.

"Your grades over the first term have been very high, Mr Potter," Madam Marchbanks observed as she looked at the file. "But I'm not sure I understand why you wish to enrol yourself in the accelerated program at all. It existed in my time, yes, but it was incredibly rare. Over the centuries, I believe less than twenty to thirty students were given the opportunity. What makes you think you are qualified?"

"I've been studying magic since I was seven years old, ma'am. I know that it is hard to believe, but I'm more than capable of going through with it. I would be severely stunting my education by being in the regular program. I don't mind taking up the end of year exams to prove to you or any professor at Hogwarts that I am indeed capable of handling this."

Madam Marchbanks looked at him speculatively. "What do you think about this, Lord Black?"

"Harry has my full support, Madam Marchbanks," answered Sirius. "I know it is difficult to believe it, but I've seen him cast advanced spells. There is no harm in letting him take the end of year exams for the first and second years. If, after that, you still believe he's not qualified for it, then I will ensure he gets his education elsewhere. I can move to Hogsmeade so that Harry can become a dayboy instead of a boarder so that I can coach him myself, or I will have him privately tutored full time and pull him out of Hogwarts. I'm willing to support him in his endeavours in any manner possible."

Harry looked at Sirius with a look of surprise on his face. He was really touched that his godfather had actually considered doing that just for him. He felt something warm in his chest but didn't know how to describe it.

"Alright, young man," said Madam Marchbanks. "But I will administer the tests to you myself, here at the Ministry. If you are willing, you can take up the end of year exams for the first and second years. When can you do so?"

"Anytime, ma'am," Harry replied confidently. "I'm ready now, you'd like."

"Now?" asked Madam Marchbanks in surprise.

Harry simply shrugged. "I'm ready, ma'am."

The old woman smiled. "Very well, then. Go sit in the examination room. We can finish the first year exams today and the second year exams tomorrow."

"Good luck," whispered Sirius as he led his godson out of the room.

Harry waited in the exam room for ten minutes when finally, an assistant came inside and handed him sheets of parchment, a quill and question papers for all his subjects. With a smile on his face, he began writing. He wanted to prove to Madam Marchbanks that he was worthy. The biggest motivating factor was that if he got through these exams, he wouldn't need to ask Dumbledore for any favours.

Several hours later, Harry was done with his written portion of the exam, feeling drained and exhausted. Sirius took him for a late lunch and they soon returned for the practical portion, which was a walk in the park. Harry took the opportunity to show off, so by the end of the practical exams of Charms, Defence and Transfiguration, Madam Marchbanks and Professor Tofty – an old friend of the former and another member of the Wizarding Examinations Authority who had wanted to see his practical work – were positively raving about his abilities.

"That was an outstanding display, Mr Potter," exclaimed Professor Tofty as he clapped enthusiastically. "That spell chain was beautifully done! I didn't think someone your age would even attempt to put together spell chains!"

"Indeed," smiled Madam Marchbanks. "You certainly were not kidding when you said you knew how to cast advanced spells. Some of those are taught in the third year and the Blasting Curse is taught in the fourth! Jolly good. I think we can consider this an exam for both your first and second years. Tomorrow, you can write the rest of the second year papers and take up the practicals for Potions and Herbology."

Harry breezed through the practical for Potions as well. The two old professors were very impressed by the way Harry used magic to stir the rods automatically the precise number of times, the spells used to control the temperature of the fire and also the timer on the potion itself. Harry's ingredients were meticulously cut so that they were perfectly equal. This was something that was ingrained in him as Alfred Potter was very thorough when it came to teaching Potions. Even the slightest of mistakes in cutting the ingredients would result in the entire potion being vanished by a house-elf even if the potion was nearly complete. It was a frustrating method to learn, but very rewarding. Once all his exams were done, he found himself once again seated in front of Madam Marchbanks with Sirius.

"I must admit that you have managed to astound me, Mr Potter," she said with a large smile. "Never in my career have I encountered an eleven-year-old boy who is so talented! I can understand your frustration in having to be a first-year student. Your practical work checks out and I have people evaluating the theory you wrote this morning. Your first-year theory papers are already graded and you scored an Outstanding on each one of them. I've gone through the second year papers too, and though they aren't graded yet, I can tell that you have performed very well in those too. Would you still like to go through with this?"

"Yes ma'am," said Harry, smiling happily. He couldn't contain his excitement. He didn't care if he was grinning like a five-year-old child with a chocolate bar in his hand. Finally! He would be able to skip those ridiculous classes he had attended in the first term.

"You do know that in the accelerated program, there will be some aspects of self-study?" asked Madam Marchbanks sharply.

"Yes, ma'am, I know, and I'm willing to work hard for it."

"Very good, because I expect nothing less," she said, looking stern for a moment. "You can begin third-year classes this term, but I don't think you'll have trouble catching up on anything other than the electives. The professors have study groups on the weekends taught by the older students which will help you catch up. That is how it's going to be for you because that's the way the accelerated program works. Self-study is an integral part of it along with classroom education. But I would advise you to use two whole years for your N.E.W.T.s. You might be very smart, Mr Potter, but the concepts taught in those two years are quite hard to grasp. I advise – no – I will tell you now that I won't compromise on that. You can burn yourself out and I cannot allow that."

"I understand, ma'am," Harry nodded. He didn't have a problem with that. He could take up his N.E.W.T.s at the end of what would have been his fourth year. He could begin his higher education three years in advance! That was bloody fantastic!

Madam Marchbanks spent the next ten minutes writing on a sheet of parchment. Once done, she multiplied it with a flick of her wand. Each copy folded itself neatly and entered an envelope, with one of them floating in front of Harry.

"This is my authorization letter that enrols you as a student of the accelerated program at Hogwarts," said Madam Marchbanks. "A copy will be given to Albus Dumbledore and the other members of staff as well. Good luck, young man."

Harry swallowed as his emotions got the best of him. "Thank you very much, Madam Marchbanks," he said, trying to make his voice sound even but failing miserably. "I deeply appreciate this. I won't let you down."

"You have my gratitude as well," Sirius told her, bowing with respect. "Thank you."

Madam Marchbanks smiled fondly as the two of them left her office. Harry Potter definitely was an enigma. She would have to keep a close eye on the boy. He would surely scale new heights.

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

Once they were back in Potter Castle, Harry couldn't help but start jumping around with joy. He had never been this carefree before in his life and part of him was horrified at the way he was acting, but he was too ecstatic to care.

"I can't believe it actually worked!" he exclaimed. "Now I don't have to ask Dumbledore for permission!"

Sirius barked out a laugh. "I'm glad you are happy, kiddo," he said fondly, as he ruffled the boy's hair.

"I can't wait to see Dumbledore's face when he reads this," smirked Harry. "Or Snape's for that matter."

Sirius frowned. "You tell me if Dumbledore or Snape create problems for you, understood? I won't have them walking all over you. You're not alone, kiddo. I'll be with you the whole way."

Harry didn't know how to respond to that so he just nodded as he regained control of his emotions. It was certainly a new experience in having someone care about him. Sure, there was Alfred and the portraits, but Sirius was a living, breathing person.

"Thanks, Sirius," he said finally.

The older man just nodded. "Come on, off to bed. You must to exhausted. You have to leave for school tomorrow."

"Good night," muttered Harry, watching Sirius walk towards the Floo and disappear with a flash of green flames. He looked at the letter in his hand and smiled again.

"I'll make you proud, Mum and Dad. I promise."