Chapter 2
Harry went over everything in his head. He wrote to Neville, Dean, and Seamus hoping they might still be friends with him. He vowed to keep himself away from Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. He would make sure to keep an open mind about future friendships as well. He would also think about those in Slytherin that he was potioned to hate. He hoped that the Goblins and his lawyer would help him get back at the Dursleys and Dumbledore.
"Alright, Mr. Potter," Griphook spoke up, jarring Harry from his thoughts, "we have gotten all of the money back from those who stole it, plus interest. We have started a case against Dumbledore, and your lawyer is looking into Sirius Black's arrest and conviction. Mrs. Weasley has also been banned from Gringotts, if she comes here she will also be arrested and forced to work in the mines. We have summoned Remus Lupin, Severus Snape, and Minerva McGonagall to the bank. We will test them for potions and spells free of charge."
Harry nodded his head, "Thank you. What about Hermione, Ron, and Ginny?"
"Since they are minors, we just had the money returned to you and blocked them from getting your money again. We sent them letters closing their accounts, but not why. They will also never be allowed to have a vault in our bank and are on warning from our people. If they try to steal again, they will have harsher sentences. We also made sure to put in the notes to check you for potions and spells before agreeing to any marriage contracts or giving money."
"Oh, um. Thank you."
"Why don't you think about who you would like to take care of you while you wait."
Harry pondered the idea. While he liked Professor McGonagall, he wasn't sure he could trust her. Especially after she dismissed him first year and didn't help with the bullying this year. He was not willing to put up with Professor Snape's attitude at all. He had quite enough of his antics and bullying. He didn't know much about Remus Lupin, but where had he been all this time? He wouldn't go back to the Weasleys after what Mrs. Weasley and her two youngest did to him. He didn't know anyone else well enough to confide in or that might be willing to take him in. He would have to wait and see how they reacted when summoned to the bank.
Remus Lupin, Severus Snape, and Minerva McGonagall were confused about being summoned to the bank. They all agreed to be checked for spells and potions. They all had spells and potions against their true nature. Remus was potioned to be afraid of his wolf, become submissive with Albus as his master, ignore homosexual tendencies, and potioned to ignore bullying done by others. He was also spelled to stay away from his cub/pack members. Severus was potioned to hate all Gryffindors, bully Gryffindors, favor Slytherins, hate Harry James Potter, to accept abuse from others, ignore homosexual tendencies, love potioned to Lily Potter nee Evans, and loyalty to Albus Dumbledore. He also had many obliviations. Severus found some interesting evidence upon reviewing the memories that got obliviated. Minerva was potioned to ignore abused victims, favor Gryffindors, and loyalty to Albus Dumbledore.
Everyone was upset about what Dumbledore had done to them. They each got a cleansing done. McGonagall promised to do better but did not want to take Harry in before Dumbledore was arrested. Severus apologized to Harry but didn't think their relationship could be fixed overnight and decided against taking Harry in. He promised to help Remus if Remus wanted when it was the full moon. Remus cleared of potions was clearly angry and upset. He was glad to take in Harry with Severus' help on the full moon. He just hoped his mate would be fixed soon and they could all put this horrible thing behind them. He knew it would be a while before that happened though. Sirius would need therapy, cleansing, and healing, and that would take time.
Each person including Harry was given some jewelry to stop people from using legilimens, potions, and compulsion spells against them. Harry also took his heir rings, which would help him avoid being potioned again by warning him if his food or drink had something in it.
Remus took Harry to Marauder's Nest. It was a small cabin with four bedrooms, a kitchen, a library, a dueling room, a study, a dining room, and a large yard with a garden and a forest behind it. Harry settled in what used to be his "dad's" room. It was overly decked out in Gryffindor colors but had some stuff still in it that belonged to his father, so he was happy with the arrangement.
The lawyer contacted them a month later with an update on Sirius' case. Apparently, he had never even received a trial. The lawyer was lobbying the Wizengamot for his immediate release and setting a date for an actual trial. The evidence brought forth from Harry's cleansing and the Potter's wills was helping.
Harry heard back from Neville, Dean, and Seamus who were still willing to be his friends. He had written to tell them everything that happened. They believed Harry and told him that they had his back. Harry was glad for their support. Harry hadn't heard from Ron or Hermione. While he was glad for the break, he was nervous about seeing them again. He knew they would know about the vaults being closed, but not why. He didn't want to interact with them, but they didn't know he was going to be different now. They still thought they were his "friends". Harry would hopefully deal with it on the train and just ignore them for the rest of their time at Hogwarts.
Remus and Harry celebrated Harry's birthday with cake and visiting Godric's Hallow. Harry saw his parents' graves and their old house with the monument in front of it. Harry wanted to destroy the monument but kept it in honor of his parents.
Harry took the time to relax, be a kid, study more, do his homework, garden, and get to know Remus better. Harry still cooked but for fun this time. Remus shared all kinds of stories with Harry about his dad, the marauders, and even some of his mother. Severus stayed on the full moon. They got past their hatred and came to an understanding about their past relationship. They would never have a perfect relationship, but it was much better than it was.
Harry made sure to read everything he could about the wizarding world, their culture, politics, laws, and history. He also went back over his textbooks for the past two years. Severus also gave him an introductory book on potions and how to prep ingredients. They also practiced a few potions. Remus helped with homework and taught charms, transfiguration, history, and DADA. Remus also told him about the map and that he could try to find it next year while at Hogwarts.
Right before Harry went back to Hogwarts, they heard from the lawyer again. Sirius was set to have a trial in November. Dumbledore lost his ICW position and Supreme Mugwamp seat. He was also on probation at Hogwarts. Dumbledore was able to escape being prosecuted, but he lost a lot of support. The board and the Ministry would be watching Dumbledore and Hogwarts closely this year. That if anything happens, he would be ousted from his Headmaster position.
The Prophet ran a story about Lord Voldemort's demise and Dumbledore's misdeeds. The Weasleys were not mentioned because of the involvement of minors. Harry's name was kept out for the same reason.
Harry hoped this would not come back on him when he entered Hogwarts.
Remus signed his permission slip for Hogsmeade. He also took the offer for the DADA position. He knew Dumbledore would try and use it to get Remus back under his thumb, but Remus wouldn't let him. Remus was an alpha now. He had accepted his wolf. The transitions no longer hurt and he kept his mind. He still locked himself up on full moons to keep Harry safe. Harry changed his electives to Ancient Runes, and Arithmancy, and kept COMC.
On the train to Hogwarts, Harry sat with Remus. Neville, Dean, and Seamus joined them. They quietly chatted until Ron and Hermione tried to join them as well. Harry told them all about his trip to Gringotts and that the money was given back with interest. He straight-up told them he no longer wanted to be friends with them. The trust was broken. Ron yelled about selfish rich brats. Hermione just silently glared. She would fix him when they got back to Hogwarts. Hermione dragged Ron off after seeing the professor in their compartment. Malfoy tried to stop by but didn't do anything because he didn't once he noticed Remus, he didn't want to get in trouble.
At Hogwarts, Harry ignored the idiot trio and Dumbledore's stares. Once in the dorm, Harry summoned the map. Two people squawked, but Harry ignored it. Harry activated the map and found a name on there that didn't belong. It looked like it was with Ron. Then Harry remembered that his parents' wills said Peter was a rat animagus. "Scabbers!" That night he "borrowed" Scabbers, spelled him into an unbreakable cage, and brought him to Remus. Remus quickly sent the caged rat to the lawyer who would keep him until Sirius' trial date.
Harry stayed away from Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. They had tried to talk to him several times, but couldn't reach him because of Harry's other friends. Dumbledore couldn't do anything either because he was on probation. He spent more time with Neville, Seamus, and Dean. He also spent more time studying and practicing for Quidditch. He ended up starting to improve his grades.
In November, Sirius' trial went swimmingly. He was released with a full pardon and apologies from the court. He was given free therapy and 1,000,000 galleons for his pain and suffering. Peter Pettigrew was given his own trial and sentenced to Azkaban.
At Christmas, Harry met Sirius while staying with Remus. Sirius was happy to have his mate and pup back. Sirius bought Harry a Firebolt for Christmas to make up for all the missed ones.
After the new year, Harry continued to study, work hard, play Quidditch, and spend time with his friends. He even got to know some of the older students including some Slytherins.
At the end of the year, Harry went back to Marauder's Nest with Remus and Sirius. It was the quietest and best year at Hogwarts he had yet. Severus stayed over on full moons still. Harry had his first birthday party with his friends.