Sirius could tell by the look on the faces of his seventh years students that he was about to be bombarded with dozens of questions that had nothing to do with what the class was about. There wasn't a desk that didn't have the mornings Daily Prophet, with the exception of the four empty seats that belonged to some missing Slytherin's. He scanned the class and noticed that the students from the Houses that were present were clumped together. The exception was Longbottom he sat apart from his housemates. He gave off an air that left the impression that he was above sitting with them. The other Gryffindors didn't seem all that heartbroken about it.

The door to the classroom opened and three pompous looking Slytherin's walked in. A greasy white hair boy led the pack. He looked too much like his father to be anyone but Draco Malfoy. Sirius thought of his cousin Narcissa, and was glad at least she was able to escape that life.

"Mr. Crabbe, Goyle and Malfoy while in some circles it might be acceptable to be fashionably late, my classroom is not one of those places. Now, drop and give me twenty push-ups."

"What? I will do no such thing. I'm a Malfoy. You must have me mistaken for a common wizard like Weasley."

"Well, if you three lack the physical strength to do a simple push-up, who am I to point out your short comings? I will just leave it up to you, to explain to your fellow Slytherin's how you lost fifty points each to your house." Sirius waved it off as he turned to walk to the front of the class. His broad grin was hidden well from the class. It took a total ten seconds of murderous stares from their fellow Slytherin's to make them comply with Professor Black. Draco of course was the last to drop to the floor.

"Now, Mr. Weasley will you please come over here."

"Oi! What did I do?" Ron jumped up out of his seat and answered in a voice that was an octave higher then he intended it to be. Hermione rolled her eyes at him and then pushed him toward Professor Black.

"Nothing, but since Mr. Malfoy here chose to take a shot at you, I thought it was only fitting that you help me administer the discipline." Ron looked down at Draco, whose face was at Ron's feet, and smashed one fist into his other hand. It made a smacking sound and he followed through by grinding his fist into his open hand. "Love to."

"Good, when Mr. Weasley gives the count, you three will lower your bodies one inch off the ground. As you come back up, all three will say, I will not be late for class again Professor Black. Be warned boys, if just one of you fails to say it, all three of you will repeat the push-up. Do I make myself clear Gentlemen?"

"Yes Professor Black."

"Very well, take it away Mr. Weasley."

"All right...1"

"I will not be late for class again Professor Black." Crabbe and Goyle said at the same time. Draco made no attempt to comply.

"Sorry Malfoy I didn't hear that." Ron gloated. Draco received two punches to his arms by his partners in crime.

"So help me Draco, it you get us in anymore trouble, I'll beat you myself." Crabbe warned him with a look that told him that Vincent meant business.

"Yeah, daddy's not here to buy you out of trouble anymore." Gregory added with a look that was as fierce as Crabbe's. Draco started to realize that he wasn't as foreboding without the threat of his father.

"Let try that again, and 1."

"I will not be late for class again Professor Black." This time all three of their voices were crisp, clear and could be heard by anyone that would have passed the class in the hall. Ron put them through the paces, with the biggest smile on his face. When they got to fifteen, Sirius decided to start the class.

"While they finish up, who would like to tell me what the best defense against the Avada Kedavra?"

As usual Hermione's hand was the first in the air. Before, Sirius could call upon her a voice from the back of the class answered first.

"That would be, to not be hit by one Professor." Daphne said as she stepped over her fellow Slytherin's.

"Ouch! Stupid witch!"

"Sorry Draco, was that you hand?" She said with total lack of sympathy. "I apologize for my late arrival Professor. I was escorting a lost first year to class...Professor?" Sirius was looking at her as if he had seen a ghost, and not the kind that wandered the halls of Hogwarts. After a few seconds he shook it off.

"Sorry about that. You look like someone I use to know. Anyway, you're quite right. My first choice would to not be hit too. So we have avoidance, are there any others?"

"Hey! Why isn't she doing push-ups? She was late too."

"Because she told me why she was late, you three haven't. If you have something that you want to share, by all means fell free, but be warned boy's, I despise lairs." He got silence in response. Sirius turned his attention to the rest of the class. He saw Hermione raising her hand as high as it could possible go without standing up.

"What about you, Ms. Granger?"

"Professor, there is no spell that can stop an Avada Kedavra." Hermione said in a matter-of-fact kind of way. Sirius chuckled to himself. There's one in every group.

"Don't put too much faith in what you read Ms. Granger. I stopped that spell in a graveyard two years ago, by summoning a headstone. Sadly, the headstone didn't make it, but as you can see...I did. Sometimes you have to think on your feet. Try to remember that the simplest of spell if used colorfully can win the day."

"Professor Black, excuse me for saying this, but what makes you qualified to teach us DADA? If I understand it correctly, you and the Potters tuck you tails between you leg and ran after I killed Voldemort." Neville didn't bother wait to be called upon, hell he didn't even bother to raise his hand. He wanted to discredit him right from the off, and in doing so Potter as well. Even though Professor Black looks amused by it, Hermione was fast to scold him.

"Neville! He is a Hogwarts Professor and you will show him the proper respect!"

"Hey Lungs, I don't recall asking your opinion." Both Ron and Hermione jumped to their feet. Neither could believe what he just called her. True their friendship was strained of late, but they both had his back for the last seven years. Did he really think so little of them? Ron's Weasley temper was about to explode, when a firm hand was placed on his shoulder and he was forced back on his seat. Sirius looked down at him. He shook his head no. He then leaned over and whispered something into Hermione's ear. She snapped her head at Professor Black with a look of shock and amazement. "I can do that?"

"Are you not Head Girl?" Hermione turned and smiled wickedly at Neville. Screw what Dumbledore had told her. He was a spoiled little pampered prat, and he needed to be taught a lesson. Plus, after this no one would dare call her Lungs again.

"Mr. Longbottom, as Head Girl I will not tolerate disrespect to me or any other Professor. Therefore, for the remainder of the week you will be aiding the house elves cleaning up after supper. When they are done, you are done and you are not allowed to use magic of any kind what so ever."

"Well said Ms. Granger. With your permission, I would be more than happy to supervise Mr. Longbottom's detention."

"Thank you Professor Black."

"You can't do that to me! I'm...I'm-"

"A spoiled little princess?" Even as the words reached her ears, Daphne couldn't believe that had come out of her mouth. By the reactions of everyone in the room, neither did they. She was Daphne Greengrass the Ice Queen of Slytherin; she never spoke in class unless called upon. Now in the span of an hour she had took pot shots at both Draco and Longbottom. She was breaking her own rules and it alarmed her. What surprised her more was that she didn't really care if she did? What's happening to me?

There was an odd silence in the room, until Dean Thomas started clapping. Seamus quickly followed and then the rest of the class joined in. Neville shot daggers at Daphne, then Hermione and finally Sirius.

"When Dumbledore hears about this." Neville threatened.

"I fully support Ms. Granger on this manner, and will give testimony before the Governors if the Headmaster wishes to challenge the Head Girls punishment. Personally, I would have had you cleaning the Owlery, but that's me." Sirius then addressed the class as a whole.

"Now, as much as the Chosen Princess rolls of one's tongue." He stopped to give a wink for the good cheek to Daphne. "I believe Longbottom's question still needs answering. I see all of you have today's copy of the Daily Prophet. That should be all the explanation that you need or that I will give on this matter. However, I can see that you have questions, so I will allow a few before we get back to class."

For the first time in his life, Ron's hand shot up before Hermione's. Sirius gestured to him and he stood up. "Professor, I have never seen robes like that before. My brother works with dragons and we still have a poster of all the different types of dragon hide there is in his old room. So my question would be what exactly is that wicked looking thing?"

"Well Weasley, the wizards across the pond call this a Trench Coat. It's all the rage over there and helps us blend in with the Muggles. The reason that you don't recognize the hide is that it isn't Dragonhide. Care to tell him what kind of hide it is Longbottom?"

"Basilisk" Neville answered reluctantly. Hermione gasped at his answer. The horrors of her second year played in her head. She should have recognized it, but then again, she tried to block out most of those memories. Occasionally, she would wake up screaming with visions of cold yellow eyes.

"That must have set you back? I hear that it's very rare and expensive."

"That it is Ms. Davis, but I got it for free. If you want the details of that story, I suggest you ask my godson. He was the one that killed the bloody thing."

When Duncan popped back with the Goblin Griphook in tow, Harry dropped to one knee and bowed his head. He addressed him in a language that Ginny had never heard before. Griphook in turn bowed to him and spoke the same language. Her brother Bill had told her once that the Goblins had their own language, until today she had never heard it before. Harry apparently spoke it fluently. Again the question she asked him just moments ago rang in her head. Who the bloody hell are you?

After the initial greeting, they broke into a long conversation. They were speaking in goblin tongue, and every once in a while Harry gestured to her. Griphook then looked over at her with a look of anger or shock. It was really irritating her that they were speaking about her and she didn't have a clue just what they were saying. At one point Griphook started to rant as he paced back and forth, all the while his voice was getting louder and louder. It wasn't until Harry placed a hand firmly on his shoulder that Griphook calmed down.

Their conversation continued in a more civil tone from that point on. The enraged look in the goblins eyes may have dimmed some, but it was far from going out. After a minute or two they bowed to each other, marking the end of the conversation that she was not allowed to partake in. Potter had better have a damn good reason for leaving me out of this, or he is going to become intimate with my Bat-Bogey Hex quick, fast, and in a hurry.

"Master Griphook, I have the honor to introduce you to Ms. Ginerva Weasley, but if you value your life I would address her as Ginny." Ginny gave a quick curtsy, then gave Harry a quick glare. Your going to pay for that one Potter. "Ginny, this is Master Griphook. He will be aiding you today."

"It will be an honor to be of service to you." Griphook bowed to Ginny in response. He then turned to Harry. "All that we have discussed will come to pass. A full investigation will be mounted and the guilty will be punished. You have my word on it."

"That is all I can ask of you. Please take good care of her for me. I will be back here in...Two hours is it?"

"Yes Lord Potter."

"Wait, you're not coming with me?" Ginny moved over to Harry. In the beginning she wanted to do this alone, but Ginny found that she kind of liked having him around. Harry motioned for her to follow him away from Griphook. The goblin understood that they needed a private moment and stayed where he was. Once by themselves, Harry noticed a stray clump of hairs in Ginny's face. Her eyes kept looking at it. Ginny hated it when her hair didn't cooperate with her. Harry however, found it completely adorable. It was so very Ginny.

"You said you needed to do this on your own. I might not like it, but I'll respect your wishes. All I've done was clear the path a little bit. I'll leave it up to you to kick the doors in." He spoke softly to her, as he caught the stray hair between two fingers. He tucked it gently behind her ear and took this opportunity to play with her earlobe. Her hand came up and cupped his when he started to pull away. She rather liked that sensation and didn't want it to end.

"Oh...I did say that didn't I." Harry gave her a nod.

"Now, I suggest you set up a tuck and roll account."

"A tuck and roll account?"

"How did you think we kept under I'm-an-old-fart-that-thinks-he-knows-what's-best-for-you radar for 16 years."

"Radar?"

"Don't worry; I'll have you speaking Muggle in no time."

"Muggle, I'm still trying to decipher your bloody Yank."

"Whatever, it was how we hide our gold when my family was on the run. Griphook has agreed to keep your assets hidden until you are of age." Ginny looked down for a few seconds to gather her thoughts and she bit her bottom lip. She wasn't sure what amazed her more the fact that he was unlike anyone she had ever met before, or how much he was being there for her. When she looked back up at him, Harry swore he had never seen more beautiful chocolate brown eyes before. They pulled him in so deeply that he didn't even register it when she pulled his face to hers. Their lips met and the waves of their emotions came crashing together. Ginny grabbed two fists full of his untamed hair and held on tight. He wasn't going to pull away this time without a fight.

His arm snaked around her waist pulling her into him, as a hand slid up her spine until it came to the base of her head. The sensation made Ginny's toes curled. Harry had no intention of letting her go anytime soon. The panther in him was fighting to get out again, however this time he was too caught up in the moment to care. Ginny was in the same boat. She had totally forgotten that they were currently in the lobby of Gringotts and that it was full of witched and wizards. Both of them were oblivious to the flash of a camera going off just a few feet away. Ginny was the one to pull away this time. They rested their foreheads together as they took in some much needed air.

"Thank you for...well, for everything I guess." Ginny whispered as she tried to get control of her breathing.

"You're welcome."

"Well...I suppose I better go then." Though, it was the last thing that she wanted to do. Harry watched he go off with Griphook. She looked back at him and smiled before she disappeared into a swarm of people. Once she was completely out of sight his smile dropped and was replaced by a fiercely determined look. He hopped that she would forgive him, but there were a few doors that he needed to kick in himself. It was time to do things the Marauder way.

Malcolm Douglas knew that one day his sins would come back to haunt him. He knew what Dumbledore asked him to do was wrong, but the man had a way of making you do what he wanted. Even if your own common sense tells you it's wrong.

Dumbledore told him it was for the girl's protection, that in the end it would be for the best, it was all for the greater good. Oh how he came to hate that phrase. It haunted his sleep. Then again, that's the price you pay for making a deal with the devil.

This realization came one day too late. For at this very minute his feet were dangling a foot of the floor of his office. His right arm was broken in three places, he had two cracked ribs, and the only reason his jaw wasn't broken was that he needed to answer questions. His throat was now slowly being crushed by the hand of Lord Potter.

"That was an attention getter. I have your attention right?" Garry growled at him. The man managed to nod his head. On a different day Harry might even feel sorry for the man. Unluckily for Malcolm, today wasn't that day. Mercy was something he would find at the hands of Harry Potter.

"Now, we could play the game where I ask questions and you lie to save your sorry ass. The truth is I don't have that kind of time. I despise using this technique, it makes me like him, but this isn't about me."

With that, Harry ripped his way into Malcolm's mind. He was surprised to find that Dumbledore put a guardian in the man's mind. The old fart really did cover his bets. The problem was that the guardian wasn't there to protect, it was there to destroy the man's mind if anyone got that far.

A massive stone Gargoyle with huge claws jumped up the moment Harry entered the man's head. It immediately started to rip apart the man's mind from the inside out. Even though the Gargoyle was impressive, it was no match for Harry's hybrid form. The battle was fierce, but in the end it was Harry that was standing over a pile of crumbled gravel.

"Thank you. He's been holding me prisoner for so long." Harry turned around to see a small boy of about seven. He gathered that this was the man's innocence, or maybe it was his conscience.

"You're welcome. However, I am not your friend. You have helped to hurt someone that I...that is very precious to me." Harry corrected himself.

"I know of who you speak. I tried to change his mind, I really did. I almost had him convinced too, but the old man came and put that thing in here." The boy said as he pointed at the fallen Gargoyle. Harry understood. He knelt down so that he could look the boy in his eyes.

"I need your help. I need to know everything that the old man made him do."

"Well heck! That's easy." The boy put his hand on Harry's head and all the memories came in at once. Harry saw everything…everything that they had done to control Ginny. That bastard is going to pay!

"I need him to help her. Can you make him help her?"

"Yes, he never wanted to do it in the first place. It's just, he's a..."

"Coward?" The boy nodded. "If he helps us, I can protect him."

"He said he will do anything you ask." Harry grinned.

Madam Bones was just sitting down to have some tea when her secretary rushed into her office. It was well known that this was her private time of the day. As head of the M.L.E, her day was often stressful and she found this calm time before the storm as they say was crucial to keeping a steady head in the most difficult of situations.

"This better be good Alice." She scolded her secretary.

"Lord Potter is here to see you Madam Bones. He said it was quite important." Alice squeaked out.

"Harry's here? Well, just don't stand there with flies coming out your mouth. Send him in girl." Amelia ordered her. She stood up and adjusted her clothes and looked into the mirror to see if her hair was in place. She then rolled her eyes and scolded herself for acting like a silly little school girl. She was old enough to be his mother. Who am I kidding? I'm old enough to be his mothers much older sister. Lily would kill me if she knew I had such thoughts.

"Madam Bones thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Harry greeted as he walked across the room. Amelia offered her hand to Harry. He took it and bowed down and kissed the back of her hand, and then from the position, he looked up and gave her a little wink.

"Alice hold all my appointments until this is concluded."

"Of course Madam Bones." Alice said as she did her best to keep from smiling. She had never seen Madam Bones blush before, though she couldn't blame her. He was quite yummy. As soon as the door closed, Amelia slapped Harry in his arm.

"Wicked boy! You made me blush in front of my subordinate. You know I'll never hear the end of this. Oh dear, now I've gone and encouraged you."

"You cut me to the quick Madam Bones."

"Don't you dare start with that! I do believe that you have earned the right to call me Amelia. If it wasn't for your family I would have died at the hands of Voldemort. That bastard has killed most of my family."

"I'm just glad we were able to get there in time. It was my godfather that uncle Lupin that held them off. I was just transportation."

"That's rubbish and you know it. I saw you take out a few of his followers before you got to me. Plus, you aided your mother in healing me. She's quite the healer, your mum. "

"Well, Sirius and I gave her lots of practice on that front."

"Poppycock! I was at death's door and your lot pulled me back. That is a dept that I can never repay, but enough of that. I assume you're here for a reason?" Harry pulled three vials of memories and placed them in front of Amelia. She looked at them questioningly. One by one she viewed them in her pensive, while harry patiently waited. She returned to her desk with a look of disgust.

"Before you ask how I got that last memory, let's just say, ignorance is bliss. First he has to make right what he help cover up, but before this day is over he will surrender himself to the goblins. I promised them first crack at him."

"Perhaps that is for the best. I might kill him myself. What he did is unforgivable."

"Now you understand why Dumbledore must be brought down."

"Indeed, it will not be easy though. The man has serious connections and he's damn good at the game. I'll need more proof than this."

"I expected that. From some of the stories that were being passed around last night. This isn't an isolated incident. Perhaps an investigation is in order."

"It would have to be undercover. By the look on your face, I see you have someone in mind."

"With her natural ability's, she is the perfect choice. Officially, she could be sent as security. She's all ready in his Order so he won't suspect her. If anything I bet he'll ask her to spy on me."

"The only problem I see is that she's worked hard to gain the respect of her peers. You know how Metamorphmagus's are viewed in the wizarding society. You wouldn't be suggesting this because she's pregnant?"

"Please, my mum raised me better than that, but I won't lie to you. Possibly, the next Lord Black rests within her womb. I don't doubt her skill, but Butthead came after me when I was just a baby. So yes, I want to keep those that are important to me close. I won't apologize for that."

"I understand. I'm guessing, if this came from me, she would be more receptive?"

"You were her inspiration to become an Auror. She holds your opinion in very high regard."

"I agree with you Harry, she is the best woman for the job. I want you consider that this could get very ugly. Even with you backing her when this goes before the Wizengamot and with overpowering evidence, it will be a hard battle. Since the Department of Mysteries incident Longbottom and Dumbledore have become untouchable. Much of what really happened there has been kept quiet. Dumbledore has even Obliviated some of his own people's memories. Only a select few know that it wasn't the flawless victory that was portrayed in the Daily Prophet."

"Are you one of those few?"

"I am. Before you ask, I must tell you that I had to swear on my magic. I cannot speak of what happened in the Department of Mysteries. But as Head of this Department, I have access to other information. What I can say is that Bellatrix Lestrange took a prisoner that night. Thankfully she was recovered a few days later." Amelia was choosing her words very carefully and emphasizing the right ones. Harry went from relaxed to alert in half a second. He leaned forward in his seat.

"A girl with white hair?" Now it was Amelia that was on the edge of her seat. She should have known.

"Lestrange's prisoner was under a Glamour Charm, and, a very powerful one at that. Thank Merlin; those who rescued her weren't fooled by it. She did say that an old woman with a pet kitty healed her up. If I remember correctly, she said the woman had green eyes. Now, why do I get the feeling that she wasn't the only one under that charm...Shadow?" Without a word Harry stood up and walked to the door. He stopped and looked back at Amelia with a smile.

"Then I would say that is the reason that you're the Head of this Department."