“Where is he?” he snarled at them.

“I am right here,” replied a cold voice from behind him.

It was Voldemort.

“Are you satisfied? I have come to meet you,” the cold voice mocked.

“That remains to be seen.”

“You are forgetting your place!” Voldemort spat with cold furry

“No,” said the dark man evenly. “You are forgetting yours. I am not your servant, you are not my master. If you want Dumbledore and the boy dead you will listen to me.”

“I could just kill the boy—”

“You know you can not.”

The two men stood facing each other until Voldemort controlled his anger and broke the silence.

“What must I do?”

The dark man drew out a roll of parchment

“My instructions are here. Follow them to the letter. You know how to contact me when you have finished.”

Voldemort took the parchment from him. He opened it and began to read a few lines, a cruel smile crawling onto his face.

The dark man watched this and continued. “And no more pointless attacks on the boy.”

Voldemort looked up with anger, but the dark man had already disapparated. Instead Voldemort turned to the four men at the table who cowered before him.

“Crucio!”

One of the men fell from his chair jerking violently. Voldemort lifted the curse and pointed his wand at another of the men. The man shrank back, waiting for the curse to come.

“It’s time to leave,”said Voldemort and he turned to go.

***

Scorn stepped out of the fireplace quickly. She looked at Tipsy who was scowling and covered in soot while Trouble and Jasper were looking the room curiously. Scorn moved over by Tipsy and they exchanged glances. Neither one would be traveling by floo powder anytime soon. Scorn kept half an eye on Mrs. Figg as she tried to clean herself up. The humans were all looking around in amazement at the room when Scorn heard movement from another room. Trouble, Jasper and Tipsy heard it too, and they all headed towards the noise to see what it was. They got halfway there when the lights suddenly went out. Scorn looked back at Mrs. Figg, who had her wand out, and lighted, looking in their direction.

Just then someone burst into the room. It was the human werewolf and the three younger humans. The cats passed them by and entered the kitchen.

“Can you smell her?” asked Trouble.

“I can,” replied Tipsy wrinkling her nose.

“We should split up and look for her,” suggested Jasper.

“In pairs,” Scorn state firmly. “Trouble come with me, Jasper, Tipsy, check over there.”

The cats split up Scorn and Trouble made their way into another room. They searched for a while, but turned to go back when they lost the scent. They had entered the kitchen again when they heard Tipsy call out.

“Scorn, Trouble, here!”

The two cats raced side by side. They found Tipsy standing over a deathly still Mirth.

“We found a rat attacking her, Jasper chased it off, quick go find him!”

Trouble ran after them, Scorn however ran as fast as she could back to Mrs. Figg. The humans were all crowded around a group of chewed wires. Scorn could sense their worry, but ran up to Mrs. Figg and bit her ankle. She then went to Arabella and bit hers as well. Having got their attention she started to run back yelling over her shoulder to Mrs. Figg.

“Mirth is hurt, Tipsy says it was a rat. Jasper and Trouble went to find it.”

Mrs. Figg got very pale, but ran after Scorn followed by the rest of the humans. When they reached Tipsy Mrs. Figg hesitated. She told the three younger ones to try and help her, which they did with insolent stares. Scorn had to slow down now. She didn’t know were the others had gotten to. She continued through the house when there was a loud scream from a room. Scorn, followed by the humans lunged into it. There was Jasper, lying on the floor and a small man with watery eyes clutching Trouble by his tail.

Scorn didn’t stop to think, but jumped onto the face of the small man, scratching hard. She heard Trouble hit the floor and a very strong hand pull her off the man’s face. He held her by her head in front of him, crushing it very slowly. Scorn tried to escape, but his hand was too strong. This was it, she thought as she lost consciousness, he would crush her head in.

***

Harry watched as Hermione tried her best to help the cat. He was very confused. After the lights had gone out they had met Dumbledore, Sirius, Mrs. Figg, Arabella and Penelope. Dumbledore had tried a few spells to get the lights back on, but they didn’t work so Harry, Hermione and Mrs. Figg went in search of the fuse box. What they had found was broken wires looking like they had been chewed. Mrs. Figg tried to fuss with the wires while Hermione and Harry offered suggestions. The rest watched asking questions like “what is that?” and “why are they colored?” Ron announced that they should call his dad who was very interested in ecletriticy, but Harry was secretly glad Mr. Wesley was not here hovering over them, trying to help.

It had only been a few minutes when the white cat had shown up. She had ran in full speed, bit Mrs. Figg and Arabella and ran off again. Mrs. Figg had ran after the cat followed by Dumbledore and Arabella. After a few confused seconds the rest ran after them as well. Mrs. Figg only stopped long enough to tell Harry, Ron and Hermione to watch the cat laying on the ground, and Dumbledore had not stopped at all.

Ron looked at Harry.

“What do you suppose happened?”

Harry shook his head. “I don’t know. It must be something bad though. Maybe whatever chewed those wires got the cat.”

Hermione looked up. “I wonder what could have done that? It must have been very small to chew the wires without anyone noticing, but if it was so small then how could it have hurt the cat?”

The three of them sat in silence.

“I’m going to find them,” Harry said standing up.

But before he could go anywhere Mrs. Figg, Arabella and Penelope came in the room, each with another cat in their arms. They were followed by Dumbledore whose eyes were twinkling strangely. Next came Sirius and Lupin when Harry saw them his heart stopped. They were both grinning ear to ear and directly behind them was a stunned Peter Pettigrew.

Harry ran over to Sirius and hugged him tightly. Sirius hugged him back. This was what Harry had wanted more than anything else in the world. His godfather would be free now, and Harry would finally have a home.

***

Harry had forgotten all his problems within five minutes. Despite the late hour no one even considered sleeping. Mrs. Figg and Dumbledore managed to revive the cats very quickly. Mirth explained that she had chased after the rat, but it had attacked her. It left her out in the middle of nowhere, but somehow she had picked up Mrs. Figg’s scent. She supposed the rat had followed her to the house, because it had attacked her after she found a way in. Everyone seemed to believe her, Harry thought, except for the white cat which was sitting stiffly on a chair looking disapprovingly at Mirth.

It wasn’t too long before the Weasleys and the Grangers showed up. Mr. Weasley had spent the day touring muggle London with Hermione’s parents, and was very anxious to talk about it until Dumbledore told him what had happened today. At this both sets of parents turned pale, but all worry’s were forgotten when they saw Peter.

Dumbledore had done a binding spell on Peter, and something else Harry didn’t understand. He had spent quite a bit of time examining the new silver hand which had been a present from Voldemort. He seemed satisfied after his examination and Harry didn’t ask the headmaster what he had been looking for.

Arabella, Penelope Mrs. Granger and Mrs. Weasley were soon in the kitchen making mountains of food. Mrs. Figg joined them supervising Penelope as she made a special chicken for the cats. It wasn’t long before the chairs in the main room were pushed to the side to make room for a long table. Remus was setting the table when he looked up at Dumbledore.

“There is one less seat at the table.”

“I will not be joining you Remus,” answered Dumbledore. “There is much business I have to finish tonight. You understand that if we are going to prove Sirius innocent there is much work that needs to be done.”

He looked right at Harry when he said it. Harry’s heart fell. Now that they had Peter Harry had assumed that Sirius was as good as free, but at Dumbledore’s words he realized that it wasn’t so easy. Even with Peter they would still have a lot of work convincing people of his godfather’=s innocence.

“Now Harry,” said Dumbledore putting a hand on his shoulder. “We will worry about tomorrow when it comes. For now you must enjoy the celebration, have fun tonight, opportunities like this can not be missed.”

Harry looked at Dumbledore. His eyes were sparkling behind his glasses merrily and he was smiling broadly. Harry smiled back at him.

“Yes, sir.”

With that Dumbledore disapparated.

Harry couldn’t help having a good time. He couldn’t decide what the best part of the night was. Penelope and Arabella throwing whip cream across the table at each other, the look on the cat’s (Tipsy) face when a stray glob of the whip cream hit her, or Remus hiding a windup jumping frog in his godfather’s mash potatoes. And the food was excellent when it wasn’t being thrown around the room.

Remus, Sirius, Arabella and Penelope soon started reminiscing about their days at school. Hermione asked many questions about the classes and teachers while Ron rolled his eyes and asked Sirius about the pranks they had pulled.

Arabella was in the middle of a story about a prank involving a few peeled grapes and a sock when she stopped abruptly. Mrs. Figg was looking at her daughter with disapproval.

“I thought you said you had nothing to do with that episode.”

Arabella sifted in her seat uncomfortably.

“Well, you see- er- well,”

“It was me,” Penelope laughed. “I was getting revenge on some girl, Jules or something like that, she had-”

Now it was Penelope’s turn to shift in her seat. Harry noticed that Sirius was looking very strangely at Penelope.

“That was YOU?” he asked.

“Yes.”

Remus burst out laughing uncontrollably. “YOU! and all this time we were so sure it was Olivia! That had to be one of the best pranks ever pulled, even us marauders were impressed. I salute your cunning Penny.”

With that Remus gave her a mock salute and got a face full of gravy from Sirius. After that more food ended up on the floor, ceilings and walls then did in people’s mouths. Even the adults got into the fight, Mrs. Weasley threw a platter full of cranberry sauce full into Mr. Weasley.

Things calmed down once Arabella brought out desert, and the cats came back into the room looking disdainfully at the messy party. As if to set a good example the white cat started washing her tail. Mrs. Figg eyed her cats and told them that they were welcome to go to bed if they did not want to join in the fun. The white cat glared at Mrs. Figg, and they all sauntered off.

After dinner Mrs. Figg and Mrs. Weasley showed Mrs. Granger how to clean up using magic while Mr. Granger showed Mr. Weasley how a lamp worked. Sirius and Remus offered to do the dishes while Arabella and Penelope looked on, and Harry, Ron and Hermione sat by the fire. They had started out talking about all the things that had happened that day, but ended up sitting in silence watching the happy expressions on the adults.

“Do you get the feeling this is the last time everyone will be together like this?” Harry asked.

“Come on Harry, you can’t possibly be depressed now,” said Ron trying to cheer him up, but letting out an involuntary sigh.

“I think you are both being very silly,” said Hermione critically. “Look at them. Not one of them has had an easy life, but they all survived, and they can all still laugh.”

Harry was startled. Not too long ago he had been thinking the exact same thing, but he didn’t have time to dwell on it. It was now very late, and the Grangers and Weasleys said their good-bye’s. After they had left Remus and Sirius showed Harry to the east wing which was full of bedrooms. Mrs. Figg, Arabella and Penelope all said goodnight before going to bed, and Remus followed shortly after them. Harry got into bed and took his glasses off. Every bone in his body was tired and he had a hard time staying awake, but his godfather stood next to his bed for a second before bending over and brushing the hair from Harry’s forehead.

“Goodnight,” he said kissing Harry gently on the top of his head.

Harry mumble goodnight staying awake just long enough to hear Sirius whisper “I love you.”

**

The next month before school flew by. Harry had never had such an enjoyable month. Arabella, Lupin, and Harry worked non stop finding people who would believe Sirius’ innocence, while Sirius himself was gone most days off on some mission for Dumbledore. Penelope stopped by every so often to check on her cousin and Aunt, Mrs. Figg, who spend a great deal of time treating her cats and watching over Peter.

Harry had gotten the chance to learn the cats names, and he admitted that they were useful. He especially liked Jasper, who seemed the most friendly. Trouble was fun, but a little too crazy, Scorn was very dignified and serious, Tipsy was prissy and Mirth was friendly, but didn’t spend a lot of time with the others.

Right before the start of term Harry met Ron and Hermione in Diagon Alley to buy their school things. After an exhausting trip they settled down for some ice cream. They were chatting pleasantly when three unwanted people showed up. Malfoy strutted over, Crabbe and Goyle, as usual, not far behind.

“AWhat do you want Malfoy.”

Ron was standing before Draco had a chance to get close. He looked like he was ready to hit Draco right there, and Hermione, seeing this, put a restraining hand on Ron’s arm. Harry had never seen Ron so worked up, and then looking at Draco he realized that Draco was just as worked up. They both stood glaring at each other, Malfoy so angry he couldn’t even speak.

“Well, speak up or get the #*$$ out of here Malfoy!”

Malfoy couldn’t even manage a fake smile, he spoke with animosity dripping from every word.

“You better watch out Weasley. Don’t turn your back on me this year- or I’ll kill you.”

Hermione gasped, Draco had spoken with such calm and clarity. Harry looked at Ron, he was seconds away from lunging at Draco, and Hermione wouldn’t be able to stop him. Quickly stepping between Ron and Malfoy he looked Malfoy straight in the eye.

“Clear off Malfoy.”

To Harry’s surprise he did clear off, but not before giving Ron a nasty look.

Hermione was shaking now.

“Ron, what was that all about, Malfoy, he wasn’t, he wasn’t serious was he?”

“Oh, I=’m sure he was.” Ron said darkly.

“Alright Ron, what’s going on? Why did Malfoy say he wanted to kill you?” Harry watched as his best friends faces faltered slightly. When he spoke his voice was steady.

“My dad led another raid on the Malfoy Mansion a week ago. He got an anonymous tip from someone, and he ended up finding a whole bunch of illegal dark magic items. Malfoy denied he knew anything about it, but after Voldemort’s first attack the Ministry has been keen to set an example. They fired Lucius, and he’s facing an inquiry. Rumor has it that he’s been using most of the family fortune to bribe high ranking officials and blackmailing those he doesn’t bribe, but everyone is too scared of Voldemort to be frightened of Lucius. Draco is mad at me because my dad is the cause of his father’s downfall, the git. If he wasn’t such a lousy-”

“But Ron,” Hermione interrupted. “Why are you so mad at him? I thought you were going to explode the second you saw him.”

Ron looked down, stammered and turned red. It was all too obvious that he was trying to hide something.

“Just tell us Ron.” Harry pleaded.

Ron took a deep breath and looked up again.

“Lucius tried to kill my dad,” he said evenly. “He came to our house one night, he was so mad, and he was about to curse my dad when a man in a dark cloak with a hood appeared out of nowhere and stopped him. I thought for a second he would kill Lucius, but he just told him to get outY And then the dark man left. Not a word to anyone.”

Harry and Hermione didn’t know what to say. It was all very strange, who was the man who had saved Mr. Weasley?

***

Lucius Malfoy burst into the room. Usually calm and cool, no one had ever seen him so angry. A few death eaters stepped back from him as he entered the small room.

“Something wrong Lucius,” said Voldemort in a very cruel voice.

Lucius’ eyes went from Voldemort to a dark figure beside him. His eyes narrowed and he restrained his temper slightly. When he spoke it was with his usual chilly voice.

“You. You are the one who interfered tonight.”

“He is Lucius. And it is very lucky for you that he did. If it wasn”t for Theavolos I would have killed you by now.”

Lucius steamed at Voldemort’s words.

“Theavolos is it. Why exactly would you kill me? It was a personal matter.”

“You no longer act as an individual Lucius, you are my servant. Or have you forgotten?” It was barely a whisper, but Lucius went pale.

“You have denied me for the last time, the next time not even Theavolos will be able to stop me from killing you.”

Lucius bowed very low and shuffled out the door very quickly. He could hear Voldemort’s hellish laugh as he left.

***

Harry and Hermione did all they could to comfort Ron, but it wasn’t much. There was no way to reassure him about anything except that they would not let the bloody &@%%*& git Malfoy so much as look nasty at Ron.

At home Sirius listened to Harry’s story about Ron.

“Hmm,” he said thoughtfully. “I suppose it’s good that someone was there. Looks like Arthur has a guardian angel.”

“But Sirius, we don’t know why that man saved Arthur, and if Lucius did what he said don’t you think that he could be a dark wizard.”

“umm,” said Sirius noncommittally. “Seems like we don’t have enough information.”

Sirius caught Harry’s worried look.

“Tell you what, I will see Dumbledore tomorrow, I’ll ask him about it. Will that make you feel better?”

Harry’s face lit up with a smile.

“Yes! Thanks Sirius!”

Sirius hugged Harry and tucked him into bed. Harry fell asleep instantly.

***

It seemed that Harry had hardly shut his eyes when Mrs. Figg was shaking him gently.

“Harry dear, time to wake up! The Hogwarts express leaves at eleven!”

Harry sat up. It was September the first. Although Harry enjoyed staying in his new house he missed Hogwarts. After dressing Harry went into the kitchen, the smell of bacon and eggs greeting him as he opened the door. Jasper meowed at Harry as he came in, and rubbed against his leg.

“Morning Jasper. Morning Arabella.”

Arabella smiled at Harry as she set a plate on the table and dished him some eggs, bacon and toast.

“Good morning Harry, excited for school? Sirius had to leave early this morning, but there is a note from him on the table.”

Harry frowned and picked up the note as he sat down at the table.

Dear Harry, I’m sorry I can’t see you off to school today, but I had to leave early. With any luck next year I will be able to wave goodbye to you from Platform 9 : IN PUBIC. Behave yourself on the train, and at school. I will be checking up on you frequently, but don’t be afraid to send Mrs. Figg and Arabella owls. I’ll ask Dumbledore about the mysterious man.

Love, Sirius

Harry put down the note.

“Everything okay Harry?” Arabella asked.

“Yeah, fine,” said Harry.

He pushed the uneasy feeling from his head and concentrated on eating his breakfast. Arabella asked him a question about the Gryffindor quidditch team, and soon they were in a debate about keeper tactics. Mrs. Figg came in the kitchen 45 minutes later.

“Harry! Arabella! You need to leave now, or Harry will be late!”

Arabella jumped up.

“Oh my gosh, Harry are you packed! If you are late I’ll never forgive myself.”

Harry laughed at her. “I’m ready, don’t worry, I’ll grab my trunk and we can go.”

The car ride to Kings Cross was uneventful. Harry and Arabella talked more quidditch, and by the end Harry decided that if she and Oliver ever got together there would be no stopping them.

***

Voldemort looked skeptically at Theavolos.

“The train?”

Theavolos scowled at Voldemort. “Yes, I’ve already explained it to you once, I won’t do it again.”

“Very well, but what about Wormtail, he is missing.”

“I’m afraid Wormtail was not as loyal as you thought. I wouldn’t count on seeing him anytime soon, there are many rats in England.”

Voldemort was getting more angry with word out of Theavolos’ mouth. As soon as Voldemort was through with him he would kill him, but for the present…

“Fine, I’ll send someone else. Crabbe! Goyle!”

Two men slunk forward from the group of death eaters.

“Make sure the train never reaches it’s destination.”

The two men groveled on their way out of the room.