AN: New chapter! Thank you for all the great reviews that encouraged me to post this new chapter!

Sirius walked slowly out of the latest meeting with his mind healer, Dewey Crawford his name was. Crawford knew surprisingly much about Sirius, James, Lily and even Harry and Sirius had no idea how he knew all that. He didn't think he had met the man before. Nevertheless, the man had done a thorough job with Sirius during the last nine months. Sirius didn't break down unexpectedly anymore or turn into Padfoot for the security of the form.

Just a couple of months earlier, he had been deemed well enough to uptake his responsibilities as Head of House Black and all the politics that entailed. It had meant a new player introduced to the Wizengamot and he had found that he had a lot to do there. It was difficult, starting from the beginning, forming alliances and friendships with the other houses. It didn't help that the reputation of House Black did not align itself well with Sirius own agenda. Needless to say, it filled his days and whatever time he didn't find himself mulling over a document of this and that, attending Wizengamot sessions, meetings or simply doing research on everything he had missed while in Azkaban, he was busy cleaning up his childhood home, Black Manor at number 12 Grimmauld Place. He had found, much to his displeasure, that the old house elf and caretaker of the place, Kreacher, was still alive and dedicated to the family. Not to Sirius, mind, but the family. Sirius was sure that Kreacher cradled trinkets of his beloved deceased masters, Sirius mother and brother, in his sleep. Despite that, it seemed like the house elf had let the house fall into rot. There were dark trinkets everywhere and Sirius had to be careful not to step on anything that might kill him while walking from the kitchen to his bedroom. It had taken a lot of work and persuasion to get the house elf to help him start cleaning the place up and it was well on the way to be hospitable once more, as much as the Black family house ever had been hospitable.

He found himself staring at the black spot that concealed a painting of his face on the tapestry covering the wall that showed House Black's family tree and all its branches. He hadn't even noticed that he had apparated from the mind healer. He did that sometimes, stare at the family tapestry, and once again he wondered whether there was some way to restore it. To uncover his face, and his cousin Andromeda Tonks as well. She had been blacked out (was that a pun? Sirius would have laughed if he could have) when she had married a muggleborn, despite her parents wild and even violent objections. It had ended with Andromeda running away after Hogwarts and then returning with the Muggleborn Ted Tonks as her husband some time later.

Healer Crawford had said that it was good that Sirius found himself busy and didn't have too much idle time and according to him, Sirius was getting better and better. Sirius supposed the man was right. He did feel a lot better, healthier. He had put on some weight on his previously too thin body and he had even gained a healthy colour to his cheeks. He had more energy than ever before, yet, his life seemed awfully dull and gray. He could still smile and laugh at jokes but it appeared somewhat hollow and fake. It seemed like Lily and James had been the ones to colour his world, to make his life bloom and when they were gone, it had all somehow transferred to Harry. Yet it had once again been taken away from him, just from under his nose. If he didn't know that Dumbledore and Crawford had people watching him, he would go off and search for Harry, he could probably be able to sneak past them anyway. If he could escape Azkaban, some friends of Dumbledore half-heartedly keeping an eye on him would be no problem, yet they would know of it just a couple of hours later. Doubtlessly, they were informed of his schedule. As it was, he would simply have to wait for Healer Crawford's statement that he was well enough to undertake any such project.

Now, he lived for the memory of Lily, James and the need to find Harry. While it filled his time, all the politics and things he found he had to do were nothing more than just that, things he had to do to pass the time. Sirius himself understood that, while it was better than before, it still was not a healthy way to live. He needed to find the will to live for himself, to enjoy life for himself. It was off the table, however. He could not see it happening. All he wanted to live for was Harry.

He walked into the kitchen and saw the newspaper lying there. Despite all the grumbling and mumbling that Kreacher did, Sirius believed there was a small part of the wretched house elf that liked being able to take care of a Black once more, even if he wished it was anyone of them but Sirius. He glanced at the date, September second, before his eyes got caught onto the picture on the front page. Sirius hurried into the bathroom and splashed water onto his face, slapping his cheeks hard to make sure that it wasn't a dream. After making sure that the pain was real, he hurried back to the kitchen where he had left the newspaper and drank in the picture on the front page. It showed a young man, slightly taller, slightly pointier and slightly harder, and slightly more alike to James than Sirius remembered. The young man was wearing a Hogwarts robe and standing in front of the castle. He looked slightly uncomfortable in front of the camera, nothing like what James would have been, but there was a deep intensity that hadn't been there before. It was like a knot had unravelled deep in his guts. Sirius would still need to find the will to live with himself, deep inside he knew that or at least he knew that Healer Crawford would say that, but now he didn't have to. The one to brighten his world was back.

"Kreacher!" He yelled and with a pop, the house elf appeared before him.

"Yes, master." Kreacher said with a condescending sneer. It was incredible how the miserable creature could make the word sound like an insult.

"Prepare a feast. Tonight we celebrate!" Sirius proclaimed and the house elf's eyes widened to impossible sizes when he looked up at Sirius in confusion. Sirius wasn't too surprised, he could almost feel the intensity burning behind his own grey eyes. Now he would pay a visit to the Greengrasses, Weasleys and Dumbledore. Dumbledore could inform all of the Order of Phoenix members, old and new. They would all have to cancel their plans. Because Sirius once again had something to live for and this time, this time he would not let it slip away. Just as he was about to floo to the Greengrass Manor a face flashed in his mind's eye. A face with hazel eyes, a plump nose and long dark brown wavy hair. He barked a dry laugh and shook his head as he threw the floo powder.

.

Albus was far from happy about the current situation as he watched the reporters prepare themselves and take a last look at their papers before beginning the press conference. He did not have much sway with the press at the moment, ever since he had been blamed for Harry's disappearance and despite his efforts and strong suggestions of Harry needing to catch up on his schoolwork, Cornelius had insisted on allowing the press onto the school grounds. They would be there during a lot of the school year anyway, so Albus supposed he might have to get used to it. He did not have to like it, however. A child should not have to worry about how their public persona. They should not even be required to have a public persona until they came of age. That was one of the reasons he had Harry live with his muggle relatives. Albus sighed. He had to admit to that being a mistake, a rather large one. Nevertheless, he still stood by his beliefs that no child should grow up with the eye of the public fastened onto them.

He broke out of his musings as he noticed the reporters still hadn't said anything. They all just stared at Harry who, to Albus' slight amusement and relief, looked slightly uncomfortable. In Albus eyes, that was one of Harry's most endearing traits and Albus believed it was a good one for what the future had in store for Harry. Albus himself had had a meeting with Harry the evening before, trying to figure out what exactly had happened during his time with Sangue. Harry had been very tight lipped about it. Dumbledore had only been able to draw out that Harry had been undergoing some very intense training and not only with his pyromancy. There was a power, a presence to Harry that had not been there before and Albus could sometimes almost taste something metallic in the air when he was around the boy. Harry had changed as a person as well. While he still might not be comfortable in front of the newspaper or large crowds, he stood straighter. He seemed more secure and sure of himself. Idly, Albus wondered how this boy would have faced the accusation of being Slytherin's Heir compared to his second year self.

"I think I will get straight to it." A female reporter with a sharp nose and big pointy spectacles broke the silence. Rita Skeeter, one of the most adamant and vicious in condemning Albus for Harry's disappearance. She had a magical quill floating in front of her and scribbling on a block as she spoke. "Who abducted you? Where did they take you? Why did they abduct you? What did you have to do to be set free? Is it true that you were betrayed by Dumbledore and the Greengrasses?" She threw a slightly superior glance towards Albus and he sighed and shook his head slightly. "I have heard from an anonymous source that you and the young Greengrass had, shall we say, the beginnings of a relationship? Will you be able to forgive her or are you here for revenge? The Boy Who Lived taking revenge on the ones selling him to mysterious abductors." It sounded like she tasted the words a little bit before giving a slight nod to herself as if satisfied. Harry had not even been able to answer yet.

"I was not abducted." Harry said after waiting a moment, making sure that Rita was done. It, without a doubt, elicited some startled expressions on the reporters. It was like the dam broke and the reporters all began to loudly exclaim their disbeliefs and follow up questions. Dumbledore allowed himself a smile. Despite all their questioning, Harry refused to tell them where he had been, who he had been with and what he had been doing and after half an hour, Albus could very gently with a satisfied smile escort all the reporters out to the gates of Hogwarts in spite of their protests. He had managed to ensure that much at least.

.

Harry watched Dumbledore usher the reporters towards the gate and wrapped himself in his bloodmagic that he had gotten so used to keeping up no matter what. He had a feeling Dumbledore could sense it sometimes, however and had to be careful not to let on too much. The old man would not have gotten to where he was if he wasn't sharp.

There was a lot happening now, however, and he had a lot to catch up on while he'd been away and it wasn't any easier for him when, just as the reporters had bombarded him with questions, his Housemates waited for him to appear in Gryffindor tower after his visit with Dumbledore the night before and probably would try this night again. The day, at least, had been relatively calm.

.

The common room turned quiet when Harry entered after his meeting with Dumbledore and all heads turned towards him, not for the first time Harry noticed with a slight smile twisting the corner of his mouth. Something else he had noticed was Hermione. She looked unexpectedly different and he felt a cold uneasy feeling whenever he looked her way. Before he had any chance to approach her, however, the twins approached him.

"Hey, my mysterious friend that can't stop surprising the Wizarding World year after year." One said. Harry thought it was Fred.

"Everybody's been speculating on where you've been." The other one, George, said and before the first one could continue, Harry interrupted them with a bit of an uneasy smile.

"Sorry, I can't tell. Not even you guys." Harry said with chagrin. He would have a meeting with the reporters from all kinds of newspapers the next day and tell only what he was allowed to say then. He didn't like repeating himself so they'd simply have to read the newspaper.

"We figured as much but would it be alright if we had some fun with this?" The Fred answered with a grin that was mirrored by George. Harry thought for a second, then nodded, a grin on his own. Then he leaned forward as to whisper something in the twins ears. They too played it cool and leaned in as if taking part in some big secret. Harry could feel everybody's eyes on them.

"Go nuts." Harry whispered and the twins immediately went to action. Just as the common room exploded into questions, they grabbed each of his arms and began walking slowly towards the stairwell up to the boys dormitory.

"Harry, tell us, where have you been?" Angelina Jolie asked.

"Apprentice Dark Lord coming through!" George bellowed which only set off more questions from the students.

"Is it true that you went to explore tombs in Egypt?" A first year who looked very similar to Colin Creevey asked.

"Can I get a picture?" The actual Colin Creevey asked and held up his camera.

"Everyone who doesn't bow to the new Dark Lord of Gryffindor Tower will be hexed!" Fred bellowed as well as he had to start shoving his way through with his elbows. He looked around flabbergasted as some first years actually bowed their heads but the majority only pressed harder. The twins kept trying to scare off the students but to no avail. Harry felt lucky though, he probably wouldn't have been able to get through without the twins help with their big bodies. Once they finally made it up the stairs and into the twins dormitory, he couldn't help but give off a relieved laugh.

"I don't think I've ever seen the two of you so unable to figure out what to do." Harry said and the twins both gave him affronted looks.

"Well, if you had sent us an owl or two in advance-" Fred said, catching his breath.

"We could have prepared for this but now-" George continued, hunched over as he did the same.

"We had to wing it, and that's-" Fred said.

"Never as good as a well thought out plan." George finished.

"Not even I knew I was coming back today, you know?" Harry sighed and sat one of the beds. The twins eyed and Harry immediately realized he had said slightly too much. "Listen, I can't really tell you anything and I might have already said too much. Just let it go and tell me what I've missed instead." Harry said a little nervously. The twins gave each other another worried glance but immediately settled into explaining all the happenings since Harry left. It was mostly about what the newspapers wrote and what their father, Arthur Weasley had told them of what the Ministry thought. Apparently Dumbledore and even McGonagall had been very close to losing their job but the Schools Board had just voted in their favour, despite Lucius Malfoy's persuasions. Harry knew exactly what kind of person Lucius Malfoy was and was happy that whatever he wanted was stopped. Eventually Lee came up and joined them in giving Harry his recap and it wasn't until late at night when Harry was sure everybody had gone to bed that he crept down to his own dormitory to sleep. Despite his precautions however, his dorm mates were still awake, all except Ron who laid snoring with his back towards Harry's bed. They were disappointed however, when Harry wouldn't reveal anything and soon after they all had gone to bed.

.

Harry turned to go back to the castle as Dumbledore and the reporters were out of sight.

"Hi Harry." A voice said carefully and Harry looked up to see Daphne Greengrass. She had grown since he had last seen her. She was taller, although he had grown even more so their differences in height had increased, and her body was more accentuated. Still, there was something slightly dark around her. There were creases under her eyes and her hair wasn't quite as full as it had been before and she seemed hesitant. Most of all, however, she looked beautiful.

"Bella," Harry whispered under his breath.

"Sorry, what?" Daphne asked and leaned her head to one side. Harry immediately shook his head.

"Hi, Daphne." He said and he could see something soften behind her eyes. He glimpsed a slight mist in them and immediately hid his bloodmagic. He had learnt one or two things about those eyes in his recent months and he didn't want to let on too much. He noticed that she hadn't said anything in response and felt his hands begin to sweat. Had she seen? "Everything alright?" He asked and she started.

"Y-you've changed, that's all." She said, looking him up and down.

"Have I? I have grown taller, but so have you." He began but she shook her head and walked slightly closer.

"Not just appearance, you hold yourself differently, speak differently, slower and with more weight." She took another step towards him. Harry frowned. Had he changed that much? Was that good or bad?

"Maybe." He said a bit insecure.

"It's a good change, you look good," Daphne hurried to say, "I mean, I like it at least." She then turned beet red and Harry couldn't help but smile. She looked down at the ground again and took another step closer. "It will be nice to have you back, in our house I mean. My whole family have looked for you like crazy." She was now within range of him to touch. She looked up at him and Harry saw that her eyes were slightly red. Her beautiful and very clear silver eyes. This time he turned his head away and looked at the Great Lake. He could see a tentacle from the Giant Squid peek up above the surface, hardly making any ripples.

"I can't." He said.

"Sorry?" Daphne said.

"I can't live with you guys anymore." Harry said.

"Why not?" Daphne asked, a little heat entering her voice and Harry idly wondered whether she still kept her Ice Queen persona at school.

"I... I can't say." Harry began, lost for words. What could he tell Daphne? She still was part of this, wasn't she? But how much can she know? Merlin, her lips looked kissable. "I don't want to... Sirius and everything... There are some things I have to-"

"I understand." Daphne cut him off and Harry stopped wondering whether she still had her Ice Queen persona. What met him now was the perfect face of a pureblood heir. A fake mask. She promptly turned on her heel and walked away, leaving him there.

Frustrated and feeling he had to speak to Sangue, Harry walked to the lake and jumped in, becoming one with the water.

.

As soon as she was out of his sight, Daphne ran into the nearest classroom and curled into a ball in one of the corners. Why wasn't he coming back to live with them? What had happened to him while he was away to change so much? What was this strange thing that was pulling her towards him? His green eyes had been smouldering as he looked at her and she had unconsciously stepped closer and closer to him. It all just made her very nervous and unsure what to do. She knew she had handled that badly. It was naive of her to think they could begin again exactly where they had ended last time. She took out the wand that was in her robe, she hadn't even given it back. He probably had a new one by now anyway. She threw it to the side with an offhand motion and immediately regretted it, creeping under a table to reach it. A haughty voice that she knew all too well made her bang the top of her head against the roof of the table in surprise and she gave off a small yelp.

"Greengrass, we need to talk." It said with a distasteful sniff.

AN: I hope the changes in Harry, although it was just a small taste, came through a little bit. You will see more of it hopefully.