A New Daddy for Harry

Molly Weasley prepared to leave the Burrow. She was going to pick up Harry from St. Mungo's.

"Arthur, I'll be home soon. I have to pick up Harry," said Molly as she was buttoning her cloak.

Arthur glanced up from his place at the table where he was supervising Ron as he was trying to feed himself and making a mess.

"Okay, Molly," answered Arthur.

"Okay, Mama," said Ron.

Molly went through the floo network and arrived safely at St. Mungo's. After getting directions at the front desk, she entered Harry's room.

Molly could see that Harry already had two visitors. She recognized them as Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. She looked at Harry for the first time. He was an adorable baby. His had a cute smile and bright green eyes. He was dressed in light blue footy pajamas. Sirius was holding Harry in his arms and trying to amuse him by making funny faces.

"Good afternoon, Sirius. Nice to see you, Remus," Molly greeted them.

"Hi, Molly," said Remus. "I heard you and Arthur were going to be Harry's foster parents."

"Yes, Arthur and I are happy to take let Harry stay with us. We love children," said Molly.

"I'm glad he's going to be staying with you instead of with strangers," remarked Sirius. "Everything that's happening must seem overwhelming to Harry."

"He'll only be staying with us until a permanent guardian is selected. I don't know who has petitioned for Harry's custody," said Molly.

"I have petitioned to be Harry's guardian," said Sirius.

Sirius started addressing Harry. "You want to live with me, don't you, Harry?"

"You, Pafoo!" said Harry.

"You?" said Molly. She was surprised that someone like Sirius would want to take on the responsibility of raising a child.

"Of course," answered Sirius. "I am his Godfather. It's my duty as his Godfather to take care of him and I love Harry."

"I hope you realize that raising a child isn't all fun and games. Children need a level-headed, responsible parent. You will not be able to continue the carefree bachelor lifestyle you've enjoyed. Harry must be your first priority," Molly lectured.

Sirius knew that Molly meant well, but he couldn't help but feel a little angry with her for preaching at him as if he were the most irresponsible person in the world.

"Molly, I know how to be a good parent. I used to be Harry's babysitter," said Sirius. There was a trace of anger in his voice, but he tried to maintain a normal speaking voice. He didn't want to yell in front of Harry.

"Babysitting and parenting are not quite the same thing," said Molly.

"I'm aware of that. James and Lily wouldn't have made me his Godfather if they didn't think I was capable of taking care of Harry," said Sirius.

Sirius felt that Molly didn't have the right to question his parenting skills. It wasn't up to her to decide if he should get custody of Harry.

"The Child Protection Council is going to recommend me as Harry's guardian," said Sirius.

Sirius didn't know this for a fact, but the Dursleys were certainly not fit to raise Harry.

"How do you know for sure that they're going to recommend you as a guardian?" asked Molly.

"You know what the Dursleys did to him!" Sirius snapped.

The sound of a whimper drew Sirius' attention to Harry. Harry's bottom lip was trembling and his eyes were shining with unshed tears. Sirius rubbed Harry's back and spoke softly to him.

"Hey, Harry I'm sorry that I scared you when I raised my voice," said Sirius. His voice was barely a whisper.

Harry calmed down and rested his head against Sirius' shoulder.

"Sirius, we all want what's best for Harry. Molly is just concerned for Harry's well-being," said Remus. He then addressed Molly.

"Molly, I know you care about Harry, but I know that Sirius will be a great new daddy for Harry. Sirius can be very responsible when he needs to be." "Remus, it's good to have you around as the voice of reason," said Sirius. "Molly, I appreciate your concerns about Harry, but I love Harry too much to mess up my chance to be a good Godfather."

"That's reassuring to know, Sirius," said Molly.

Harry's healer, Hr. Harrison, entered the room. He addressed Molly

"Are you the foster parent?" he asked.

"Yes, I am," Molly answered.

"I'm Hr. Mark Harrison. I've been monitoring Harry's care during his stay here. I am ready to release Harry to your custody. I just need you to sign these papers, and you can take Harry home with you," said the healer.

After the papers were signed, it was time for Sirius and Remus to say goodbye to Harry.

"I'll see you again soon, Harry," said Sirius as he handed him over to Molly.

"We'll bring you home soon, Pup," said Remus as he gently patted Harry's back.

"You're both welcome to visit," said Molly. She was feeling a bit guilty for what she had said earlier. She knew that Sirius really cared for Harry.

Harry was confused about what was happening. He wanted to stay with his Pafoo and Mooey. They were familiar people from his past and he was comfortable with them. He didn't mind being taken away from Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. They never showed him any affection and they were mean.

The red headed stranger who was holding him, starting walking away from his two favorite people in the world. Harry let out a whimper and started to cry.

Sirius and Remus weren't any happier about this arrangement. They both knew it would only be for a few days, before Harry could live with them, but they wish that they could skip the formal process and take Harry home today.

"I know it's rough, Sirius, but it won't be long before we can take Harry to Marauders Manor," said Remus as he placed a comforting hand on Sirius' shoulder.

"Harry obviously can't wait to come home either," said Remus.

"He was so upset when Molly took him. He must be very confused right now," said Sirius worriedly.

"The Weasleys will take good care of him," Remus assured him.

"Yeah, I know," said Sirius.

Harry cried for several minutes after they had arrived at the Burrow. Harry was scared by the unfamiliar surroundings. He was very confused. Who were these people?

Molly settled in the rocker that she had been given at her very first baby shower. She loved rocking her babies. The motion of rocker calmed Harry. The redheaded woman who was holding him reminded him of another redheaded woman from his past.

Arthur stood by his wife and looked at the baby.

"He looks a lot like James with that hair, the nose, and the shape of his mouth," observed Arthur.

"Have you noticed his eyes?" asked Molly. "Those are Lily's eyes."

Molly sighed sadly. The Potters were good people. It was a shame that they died. Molly and Arthur had become associated with the Potters through the Order. Molly vaguely remembered the Marauders when they were First Years at Hogwarts, but she had been a Sixth Year at the time and stuck to her own crowd of Sixth Year friends. When you're young, the age gape between eleven and sixteen seems more significant than the age gape between twenty-four and twenty-nine.

"The potions arrived while you were gone," said Arthur.

"That's good," replied Molly. "I'll send a thank-you note to Severus after I put the kids to bed tonight." Fred, George and Percy gathered around the rocking chair. They looked curiously at the baby in their mother's arms.

"Mummy, do we have a new brother?" asked Percy.

"What's his name?" asked Fred.

"His hair isn't red, Mummy!" exclaimed George.

"Kids, this is Harry. He will be staying with us for the next five days," said Arthur.

Molly rose from the rocking chair and placed Harry in the playpen where her youngest son, Ron was playing.

"Ron, dear, you don't mind sharing your toys with Harry, do you?" said Molly.

Harry was hesitant to play with any of the toys at first. He was never allowed to play with Dudley's toys. Harry picked up a brown teddy bear. When the red-headed boy didn't make a fuss, he started playfully hugging the bear.

Ron was very talkative. He knew more words than Harry, but they didn't seem to have a problem getting along.

Molly was getting ready to cook supper. She kept an eye on Harry and Ron. They were playing with Ron's toy Quidditch balls. She was pleased that Ron now had a friend. The twins didn't usually involve Ron in their games, Percy preferred to play by himself and Ginny was only a few months old. The two older boys, Charlie and Bill spent most of the year at Hogwarts and they had their own crowds.

In the following days, Sirius visited Harry twice. The visits lasted a couple of hours and usually ended in tears. Harry was too young to understand why his Godfather would leave him. He made friends with the Weasleys kids. Harry and Ron became quick friends. Harry's vocabulary extended to include 'bear', 'quitish' (his word for 'Quidditch'), 'ball', 'Ron', and a few other words including a couple of naughty words he learned from the twins.

Marauders Manor - Feb. 18th

"Good morning, Moony," said Sirius cheerfully as he sat down for breakfast and started spreading jam on his toast.

Remus looked up from the 'Daily Prophet' that he had been reading.

"Morning, Padfoot," said Remus.

Remus debated on whether or not he should let Sirius see the article he had been reading. Remus' decision was made for him when Sirius spoke.

"What's that on the front page?"

Remus handed the paper over to Sirius. On the front page was an old wizard photograph of Harry. The photo had been taken on Harry's first birthday. Harry was sitting in a high chair and he was eating chocolate cake. There was frosting covering his mouth. Harry took a handful of cake and stuffed it into his mouth. He glanced up at the camera and smiled cutely.

Sirius remembered attending this party. Lily had taken the photo. It didn't surprise Sirius that the media had managed to get this photo. James had placed a replicating charm on it and sent out dozens out to family and friends. Since Harry had gotten the reputation as the Boy Who Lived, this was photo that was most often used by the media. Since the media didn't have access to Harry, they couldn't take a more recent photo.

The headline next to the picture said: BREAKING NEWS: Harry Potter's Guardians Under Scrutiny by Rita Skeeter.

Harry Potter a.k.a. the Boy Who Lived was unexpectedly removed from the home of his Muggle guardians on Feb. 12th. Sources close to the case have indicated that the Muggle couple, Vernon and Petunia Dursley are the subjects of a covert investigation by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. This reporter believes that there is a link between the investigaion and the removal of baby Harry form the Dursleys home. The Child Protection Council and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement have refused to comment. Have Harry Potter's guardians mistreated him? That is a question that many people within the magical world are now asking. According to sources, the Boy Who Lived was taken to St. Mungo's for reasons that the hospital has yet to disclosed to the public. Harry Potter is currently residing at an unknown foster home. This reporter thinks that the public has every right to know about Mr. Potter's whereabouts, his health and what the mysterious reasons are for his removal from the Dursley residence. I will be keeping a close eye on this intriguing case and bring you updates as they happen.

"Oh, great," said Sirius sarcastically. He dropped the paper in disgust. "Doesn't that Skeeter woman understand the concept of privacy?"

"Apparently not," said Remus. "Judging my that article, she doesn't know much."

"She knows more than she should," said Sirius.

"At least she doesn't know where Harry is staying. She would have printed the Weasleys' address and there would have been a media frenzy at the Borrow."

"It's good that we took the time to cast a repellent charm on Marauders Manor," said Sirius.

The repellent charm would lead uninvited guests away from Marauders Manor and they would eventually end up at the Three Broomsticks.

Ministry Courthouse

It was another busy day at the Ministry Courthouse. Lawyers, judges and anyone who had business to conduct in court were scurrying about to get to their appointments. Courtroom #22 was designated for custody disputes and adoptions. It was a closed courtroom which meant that the media wasn't allowed to attend. Those who were waiting for their court dates languished in the corridor. The court date for this custody hearing had been kept top secret to avoid a huge crowd.

The door opened and several lawyers and other people exited the room. A bailiff, who stood in the door way, made an announcement. "All those who are here for the Potter custody dispute, please enter the courtroom now," said the bailiff.

The name 'Potter' struck a chord with many passer bys. Some people who didn't belong in the court attempted to enter the courtroom, but were held back by the security guards who were stationed outside the courtroom.

Sirius, Vernon and Petunia along with lawyers and social workers entered the courtroom and took their seats.

Everyone in the courtroom rose to their feet when Judge Hugh Masters walked into the room and took his seat behind the bench.

"This is a closed hearing. Only the parties with an interest in the custody of this child are allowed to attend this hearing-that includes Mr. Sirius Black, Vernon and Petunia Dursley, the lawyers and social workers."

The judge addressed the lawyer representing Sirius Black.

"Mr. Howell, you may make your opening statement." Mr. Howell, a smartly dressed middle-aged wizard in navy blue robes, rose from his chair and made his speech.

"My client, Mr. Sirius Black would like to be given permanent guardianship over Harry James Potter. He has played a prominent role in Harry's life since he was born. Harry's parents chose Mr. Black to be Harry's Godfather and they entrusted their son to Mr. Black's care whenever they needed a babysitter. Harry responds positively to Mr. Black's presence and he has clearly formed an emotional attachment to his Godfather. Mr. Black can provide a stable and loving home for Harry Potter. That concludes my statement."

"Thank you, Mr. Howell," said Judge Masters. The judge focused his attention on the lawyer who was representing the Dursleys.

"Ms. Morgan, you may make your opening statement."

Ms. Morgan, an elderly squib who had been appointed to represent the Dursleys, stood to address the judge.

"Your honor, my clients have decided that they will not contest Mr. Black's petition for custody of Harry Potter. They respectfully request that their guardianship of this child be terminated immediately."

Judge Masters raised an eyebrow in surprise. When he had seem the name 'Harry Potter' on the case file, he had expected a messy custody battle. Who wouldn't want to raise the hero of the wizarding world?
"Very well. I would still like to hear the recommendation from a representative of the Child Protection Council."

A wizard who had been sitting behind Sirius and Mr. Howell rose from his chair.

"Your honor, I'm Paul Brenson from the Child Protection Council."

"Yes, Mr. Brenson, what is your recommendation?"

"I recommend that the child be placed in Mr. Sirius Black's custody. I base my recommendation on the interviews that I conducted with Mr. and Mrs. Dursley and Mr. Black, and we can't overlook the findings of the healer's medical report."

Thank you, Mr. Brenson," said the judge. "Let's get the paperwork signed."

Sirius was overjoyed that the Dursleys weren't even trying to keep Harry. He knew that the Dursleys didn't love Harry, but he had half expected them to fight for Harry just to spite him.

The judge handed the paperwork to the lawyers, and Vernon and Petunia signed away their rights to Harry while Sirius signed the legal agreement that officially made him Harry's guardian.

"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, your rights to this child are terminated," said Judge Masters. He turned his attention to Sirius.

"Mr. Black, you are now Harry Potter's guardian."

"Thank you very much, your honor," said Sirius. He had a big smile on his face.

"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, you are currently being investigated for allegedly mistreating your nephew. If the authorities decide to pursue charges against you, you will be visited and possibly taken into custody by Aurors from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. This hearing is now over."

Sirius left the courtroom. He felt happier than he could remember feeling in a long time. He was thinking about finding a fireplace so he could floo over to the Burrow when he heard someone calling him. He turned around and saw Molly with Harry in her arms walking towards him. Harry was sucking his thumb. He was wearing a light blue cloak, a white shirt with the words 'Future Auror' printed on the front, and little light green cotton pants.

"What happened?" asked Molly. "Did you win custody of Harry?"

"I sure did," said Sirius smiling happily.

"I'm happy for you Sirius," said Molly as she placed Harry in his arms.

"Hey, Prongs Jr. Are you ready to go home?" asked Sirius.

"Pafoo! Go home!" said Harry excitedly.

"He's a quick learner, Sirius. He learned quite a few new words."

"He's a smart boy," said Sirius proudly.

"Boy!" said Harry.

"You're welcome to come and visit us anytime," said Molly. "Harry and my youngest son, Ron have become good friends."

"Thanks, Molly. We'll see you soon," said Sirius.

Sirius carried his Godson out of the building. It was the beginning of a new life for both of them.

End of Chapter 5 - Guardianship Awarded