All seemed normal at Number Four, Privet Drive. The leaves on the trees were changing, the occupants of the houses went along with their evening as the crisp November air surrounded them. No one noticed the owls that swept by or the strange cat that had placed itself on perched up in a tree, laying lazily.

The cat laid there, a gleam in its eye, almost as if it was waiting while the colors of fall fell into the early darkness of the season.

It was only when the busy street went to sleep that the cat moved. Jumping down the tree with grace and ease, the cat moved to the lamppost at the end of the street.

Hidden under the lamppost was a man, with a long beard and spectacles that he wore low from his blue eyes.

"There you are, Minerva." The man addressed the cat. The cat promptly turned into a woman who looked severe with her dark hair was swept into a tight bun, sharp nose, and tired eyes.

"Albus, you cannot be serious. These people live to prove the Muggle stereotype correct. No magical child should be left here. That man will sap the magic out of him!"

"Minerva, I promise you, all will work out for the greater good."

"The greater… Albus, you will not spout that nonsense at me. I am not a child meant to blindly follow. I am an adult who can see reason. And as an adult who can see reason, I am telling you that this is by far the most idiotic plan I have ever had the misfortune to hear! And I had the Marauders for seven years!"

"This is the only way, Minerva," he said calmly as a noise above head grew in the quiet night. She didn't need to look up to know who was coming, the giant on a flying motorcycle wasn't a sight she saw everyday, but it was the small baby flying with the giant that had her concern.

McGonagall scoffed as the bike found skidded on the pavement. "Albus! Every child in our world will know his name."

" All the more reason to leave him here."

"So he can be verbally and physically abused until he is eleven? You have gone insane in your old age, haven't you?"

"No one would do that to family, Minerva. Trust the plan. It will all work out…"

"For the greater good." Minerva interrupted. "Yes, you've said. I just wonder whose greater good you're interested in."

Hagrid held the one year old in his arms, tears slowly falling down his face. "No," she demanded, pulling the sleeping child from the giant's arms. "It won't happen like this! Find us when you have more common sense." She scolded, disapparating with a crack in the night.

Appearing in front of the Burrow, Minerva hoped her plan would work. Molly Weasley already hand her hands full, Merlin knew, what with those clones of Fabian and Gideon. The thought made her pause. So many lives lost in this war. If only Albus had handled that boy earlier. Clearing her head, she walked down the dirt path and knocked on the door.

"Minerva, is that you? What has Bill done to warrant a home visit?" Arthur Weasley said, answering the door and allowing her in.

"Bill hasn't done anything, Arthur. I have a favor to ask of you and Molly, but you must never tell Albus. If that will be an issue, I'll go to Frank and Alice."

"Minerva, what is it? Wait, is that… I heard about the Potter's, of course, but I didn't think… How did this happen? Albus said they were safe." Molly started, staring at the bundle in Minerva's arms.

"James and Lily were killed by You-Know-Who late last night, yes. Before I go any further, you have to vow never to tell Albus what happens here. I cannot stress enough that you shouldn't contact Albus the minute I leave." Minerva said, tight lipped.

"Why, yes, yes of course." Molly said with wide eyes, opening the door with a baby in her hands. "I'll just go put Ginerva down."

"I'll follow and lay Harry down with her, if you don't mind."

"No, not at all. What is it that you need from us?" Arthur said, following the woman. "You know we are will to help, after what happened to the twins."

"I need a safe place to keep Harry, only until I can find a more permanent place for him," She told them, watching the two little children sleep, as if nothing was wrong.

"Is he gone then?" Molly asked, sniffling a few tears.

"We can't be for sure, but his followers are still out there, and Harry isn't safe until everyone is in jail. I need to go find his Godfather, before this mess gets any worse." Minerva sighed. "But knowing Sirius Black, he is already in trouble."

The next day the Ministry was still cheering and celebrating the defeat of the Dark Lord. No one noticed as the professor walked into a lift, her head held high. It had only been two days since the Potters were murdered. Two long, tiring days. So much had happened, and Minerva couldn't catch her breath from the chaos, let only a good night's sleep.

The Longbottoms were still sane, that much she had put together from Dumbledore's ramblings.

Sirius Black was sent to Azkaban for the murder of Peter Pettigrew. Barty Crouch was on a warpath, attempting to put any wizard or witch in jail for the even muttering the words Death Eater.

When the lift stopped, she took a deep breath and pushed her way through the doors of The Magical Law Enforcement Office. She didn't stop to say hello to the secretary, but pulled out her wand and pulled out the file on the one person who she knew would care for Harry Potter like he was his own father. After all, they were brothers by choice.

Pulling up the sleeves of her robes, she marched into the office of Amelia Bones and Barty Crouch. Both had papers that exceeded a simple stack on their desks, and flowing onto the floor. "I would like to speak with whoever is in charge of the case against Sirius Black."

Neither of them looked up from their desks, quills moving in haste. With a simple flick of her wand, the papers scattered, becoming birds and flying across the room. "I will not ask again," she said firmly in the mess.

"Professor McGonagall!" Bones screamed over the noise. "This is not how we deal with murder charges or any case of magical law in general! Sirius Black killed a dozen muggles and Peter Pettigrew!"

"Technically, Amelia, it's, yes, 12 muggles and Peter Pettigrew. But, I believe this department has a history of not caring about muggle lives. So let's focus on the one you do care about: Peter Pettigrew. Would you care to tell me exactly which curse causes a man to disintegrate so wholly that a finger is the only thing left? And, if such a curse exists,why is the finger the only thing left? I assume, since you were so swift to toss him into that soul sucking hell hole you call a prison, you know the answer." Minerva said, giving the two adults a look she reserved only for students misbehaving severely.

"Now, wait just a second, Minerva!" Barty Crouch huffed, offended that a mere professor would question his ability to do his job. "We didn't need a trial! He confessed! We found him laughing at the remains, saying 'I killed them! I killed the Potters!' If that's not a confession, then I don't know what is!"

"I suggest you go back to school, then, Bartimus. He needs a trail. Every other assumed Death Eater is getting one. You will not condemn a man to death without hearing what he has to say. Use Veritasium." Minerva's tone brokered no arguments.

"Minerva, you can't come in here and demand these sorts of things. If we allow you to do this, we'll lose control." Amelia Bones tried to argue.

"Amelia Bones, I expected better out of you. If you refuse this man a trial, I will personally make sure every witch and wizard begins to question the justice system. I am a teacher, as you both well know, and I will use that power to undermine you the best way possible. I will get students to become adults who ask questions and demand answers. Those are the basics of education, in any case, so I wouldn't be abusing my position. Now, shall I go get Sirius Black or will you be sending Auror Moody. Merlin knows he's the only person in the entirety of the MLE who isn't a massive screw up." Minerva replied, eyes gleaming fire undisclosed rage.

"Send the owl to Moody," Crouch hissed, attempting to turn the papers back into papers.

"And then will the trail be? Minerva demanded, "Or will I need to turn one of you into a clip board to make sure this is done properly?"

"Give us two day, that's the best we can do," Amelia groaned.

The waves crashed on to the rocks as the wind howled against the prison. The air was frozen, like the water on the walls.

Sirius Black didn't notice.

His back was plastered onto the wall in the dark corner, whole body shivering in fear and cold. He was getting used to the noises, the screaming and voices that echoed words from the past. People were reliving their worst moments, and he was one of them. The Rat Bastard running away from him, his eyes seeing only red as he ran to avenge two of his closest, non judgemental friends. This place wasn't for him, it was for his deranged family members. He let out another laugh, the irony of his running away from this life. It caught up to him in the end.

The knocking on his cell didn't pull him from his thoughts, but the sounds of the shackles to bind him by the skin snapped him into focus.

"C'mon, Black, time to prove your worth," The grunting voice of Mad-eyed Moody came.

"No one will believe me," His croaking voice came, a deadpan laugh echoing in his voice. "They all think I'm crazy."

"Well, they will keep thinking it if you don't get up and come with me. Your choice, Black. Stay and rot, or claim your innocence."

"What?" was the most intelligent thing that Sirius could come up with. "What do you mean I get to claim my innocence? How did that happen? Thought I confessed, or whatever?"

"Seems Professor McGonagall doesn't think you're confession what good enough. Demanded that Bones and Crouch give you a full trial." Moody said gruffly, ready to get out of the dank prison. "Best be on our way before I decide to leave you here."

"NO! No, take me with you." Sirius begged, pride all but gone after the last few days.

"I plan to. Shoulda heard the row McGonagall had with Bones and Crouch. I ain't comin' back without ya."

"Good job, Minnie." Sirius said tiredly, wearing out quickly from his excitement. Damn Dementors already had him conditioned not to feel.

"Now, Black, we're late!" The grumpy man added, as the twist of apparition overcame him.

It took a few seconds for Sirius to get his bearings, but when he did, he was met with a vicious crowd. It seemed everyone thought he would betray James. This war really has done a number on people.

He wanted to scream back at them, but instead he was pulled to a chair, his hands and feet shackled to the ground. Veritaserum was shoved down his throat without his consent, not that it needed giving. He felt the potion take control of his mind.

"On this Fifth day of November, 1981, we call the Wizengamot to order. The case of of Sirius Orion Black is first on the docket. Veritaserum has been administered, let the questioning begin."

"What is your date of birth?" Amelia Bones questioned.

"The third of November, 1959," His voice spoke.

"Who are your parents?" Amelia continued with the list of required opening questions.

"Walburga and Orion Black." Sirius' monotone voice rang out once again.

"And your siblings?"

"Regulus Arcturus Black"

"Where were you on the eve of October 31st, 1981?"

"In hiding. Trying to get Voldemort to follow me." Sirius answered in a monotone voice.

"Skip this hogshit, Amy. Who was the Potter's Secret Keeper?" Mad-eye asked, frustrated.

"Peter Pettigrew." That was all it took for hell to break loose in the chamber.

"Peter Pettigrew is dead. He can't defend himself!" Barty Crouch yelled over the hysteria of the chamber.

"Ask Remus Lupin, he can verify that!" McGonagall's voice rang from the crowd. "By all means, let's get this over with. Sirius Black, did you lead Voldemort to the Potter family?"

"No." He responded in a monotone voice that didn't match his inner struggle.

"There you have it, Barty and Amelia. Let him go and locate Peter Pettigrew." McGonagall ordered.

"Minerva! We are not done here! Sirius did you or did you not kill Peter Pettigrew and- make sure this gets in the records Mafelda- 12 muggles?" Amelia shouted over the din.

"No. The Rat Bastard did it. He cut off his finger, blasted the street in, and ran away." Sirius replied, voice still listless.

"How, Black, did he get away? We've been up and down that street. There is no evidence of apparition, portkey-"

"He is an animagus. He turns into a rat." The silence was instantaneous.

"And how would you know this?" Amelia inquired.

"Well, what else would you like to know about him? I lived with him for seven years. He likes to hum show tunes in the bathroom, hates peas, and is a coward."

"Sirius Black, are you an animagus?" Barty Crouch jumped in, eager to throw Black in prison, if only to maintain his sterling reputation.

"Yes, black dog. Hasn't been time to register, what with the war on and children having to fight it so that men like you don't lose their reputations." Sirius said, monotone voice proving that truthfulness was often callous.

"Don't you think this is enough?" Moody's voice loomed. "I have a killer to catch!"

"Yes." Amelia Bones snapped out of her daze, her brain trying to sort through new information. "Sirius Black, the Wizengamot hereby declares you innocent. Your five days in prison shall suffice as punishment for being an unregistered animagus, provided you register by year's end. Case adjourned. Next is…"

Sirius opened the windows to the manor, but it didn't feel like the same home he had ran to when he was just sixteen. With a flick of his wand he opened the drapes, letting life slowly fill the halls and rooms. He put his hands on the mantle over the fireplace. A picture of the Potter family was waving at him, pulling at his heart.

The candles lit again, as if nothing had changed in the house as he jogged up the steps into his old room. His fingers ran the length of his dresser, landing on a picture of him, James, Remus and the Rat Bastard in his seventh year. It was the day that Lily Evan had agreed to go to Hogsmeade with James. They had snuck out into Shrieking Shack to celebrate. It was James's idea to take the picture. Picking up the picture, he ripped off the right end of the picture, and incinerated with his wand.

"Black?" McGonagall's voice echoed from down the steps. "Black for goodness sake! I save you from the dementors and then you run off?"

"Sorry, Minnie," He yelled from the room, putting the picture back down before going down the steps to see her holding a one year old in her arms. He was awake, trying to get down onto the floor to play.

"Pa'foo! Pa'foo!" The boy said, recognizing the man. "Mum? Dad?"

Sirius rushed the the boy, sweeping him up into his arms and holding him a little too tightly. "Harry! I'm here. I'm here Prongslet. I'm here." He reassured the child, tears in his eyes.

"Miss Jones is the only one available to come help you until we can find Mr. Lupin. I assume you will be to take care of Mr. Pot-Harry until she arrives?"

Sirius nodded, letting Harry wiggle out from his tight hold and onto the floor to play.

"You go grade your papers, Minnie, Prongslet and I are good." He said, wiping his eyes.

"Black! Black, where are you?" Hestia Jones was not in the mood to babysit. She's lived in Gryffindor Tower for six years with the Marauders and wasn't looking forward to what she assumed would be the unpleasant task of raising both Sirius Black and Harry Potter. "Black, for the love of Merlin, answer me!"

"Up here, Hestia! We're in the bath!" was the reply. Hestia chose to follow the giggling sounds she heard until she found the 'bath' that Sirius had occupied.

She was not prepared to find a half naked Sirius in the bath with baby Harry. Hestia Jones was made of stern stuff- had to be to survive the war- but she wasn't immune to hormones. At that moment, her hormones were greatly attracted to the sight of a healthy male taking care of a child, and doing it well.

"Judging from the look on your face, you forgot that Prongs and Lily were cooped up alone for over a year. The only time they got out was when Remus or I would babysit," Sirius explained, blatantly ignoring Peter's role in the first year of Harry's life. "There were several nights a month that Remus or I would have to get little Prongslet here ready for bed all by ourselves. Just like we are tonight, right Prongslet?"

"Pa'foo!" Harry said, dumping water onto his head and giggling.

"I suppose you lot have eaten, then?" She asked, confused at the responsible Sirius in front of her. Things were going to have to be re-evaluated and she wasn't sure how that made her feel.

"Yep, had Aida the house-elf make up some spaghetti. That's why we have to have a bath now, isn't it? Got it everywhere, didn't we?" Sirius asked Harry, who laughed.

"I'll just… what room should I take. I assume you'll need help for at least a few days and I've got nothing better to do." She said, still confused by the fluttering in her chest.

"Well, Harry's in Prong's old room," Sirius said pulling him from the tub. "So, pick one of the six others."

"Will you stay in your old room?" She asked hesitantly, not wanting to open old wounds.

"The Potter's room isn't- yes." He whispered as Harry shook his moppy head, splashing water.

"I'll just use the one downstairs then. Keep a watch out for anything out of the ordinary." She told him, looking down to the floor and walking out.

"Hey, Hes," Sirius said clearing his throat. "Thanks for coming."

"Yeah," She nodded. "Once you finish with Harry, you can find Moony and everything will be better. Speaking of Moony, do you have any idea where he might be hiding?"

"I sent an owl to find him. My guess is back to his parents old house. They built a little cottage for him in the woods before they passed."

"It's late, maybe you should wait until tomorrow?" Hestia suggested, grabbing Harry from him with a smile. "Hi Harry, remember me? I'm Aunty Hestia."

Harry stuck out his tongue and made a spitting noise.

"Did Uncle Pads teach you that? I'll be forever cleaning up after him, making sure you have some semblance of manners!" She said, negating the statement by sticking her tongue out at Sirius. She was only 20, after all, and not a bit prepared to be even a part time mother.

"Pa'foo! Pa'foo!' Harry cheered, wanting the black haired Marauder back.

"Come on Prongslet. Let's get you to bed." Sirius said pulling him from her arms. "Leftovers are in the kitchen." Sirius threw Harry up in the air and catching him before leaving the bathroom and Hestia in their wake.

The next morning, Sirius woke up to the smell of something wonderful. He pulled on his sweatpants and walked down to the kitchen, following his nose. "That smells glorious, Aida." He said before entering the room and seeing Remus Lupin standing over stove with a chocolate chip pancake in his mouth. Hestia was sitting at the table, reading the paper, a piece of bacon in one hand, a pen in the other. Harry had chocolate smeared all over his face.

"So glad of you to finally join us," Hestia commented without looking up from the paper.

Remus, who had been staring in disbelief, finally registered exactly who was residing in Potter Manor. With no thoughts of the tot next to him, he crossed the room and punched Sirius Black in the face.

"Well, it wouldn't be the first time you needed one of those," Hestia shrugged, her eyes never leaving the paper.

Kat: Hey readers! Gabs and Kat here!

Gabs: This is how the story should have gone. With common sense.

Kat: J.K. Rowling still owns all of the characters, the main plot, yada, yada, yada… That still doesn't mean we don't like comments!

xoxo Kat and Gabs