The train reached Platform Nine and Three-Quarters several hours later, and Harry smiled when saw Sirius waiting for him. The moment his godfather spotted him, Sirius lightly ruffled Harry's hair and said, "Everything's ready, kiddo. Come on."
Harry bid everyone goodbye and after returning Daphne's hug (much to the surprise of Daphne, her parents, and Sirius), he took Sirius' hand and Disapparated. When Harry opened his eyes, he could smell the salt water. They were standing on a beach, with the waves crashing on the white sand.
"A beach?" he asked incredulously. "I thought you were bringing me to your home!"
Sirius barked out a laugh. "I did bring us home. This island, owned by the Blacks, is off the coast of Cornwall. You can have all the privacy you need here. Come on, let's head inside."
The older man led Harry towards a path which was off the beach. They walked in comfortable silence and after a few minutes, Harry's eyes widened when he saw an elegant castle made of black stone. It was much smaller than Potter Castle, but still impressive in its own right.
"Welcome to Black Castle," said Sirius as he led Harry inside. "The other homes of the Blacks are in a state of disrepair. The house-elves are fixing them, but it'll take time. The ancestral manor in Scotland is where I'll be moving in once repairs are complete, but for the summer, it's more than enough. Besides, I like the seaside view."
"I've never seen a beach before! The Dursleys went to Nice once when I was six. I saw the pictures and since then, I've wanted to go there too."
"We'll go on a vacation to France later this summer, then," said Sirius as he led Harry to one of the bedrooms.
"Really?" asked Harry incredulously.
"Of course, Harry," said Sirius, fondly ruffling his hair. "We can go to different places every summer for a holiday. That's what families do."
The young boy was momentarily stunned and stopped walking. Sirius frowned. "Is something wrong?"
"You consider me family?"
"I have always considered you family, Harry," he replied patiently. "You're as good as my own son. I know that I made a mistake by giving you up all those years ago, but this time, I'm here to stay. I'll be with you all the way. I promised your parents that I'd take care of you, and I intend to honour that promise. You're not alone, Harry."
Harry's face was blank as always, but his lower lip trembled as he swallowed thickly. "Thank you," he said quietly before entering the room. He was quite touched by his godfather's words. He was feeling emotions he couldn't identify and that confused him more than anything.
Sirius just smiled slightly as he walked out of the room. Baby steps, he reminded himself.
...
Sirius had kept his promise.
On the twentieth of July, Sirius Black, Amelia Bones, and Harry Potter were at the International Floo Terminal in London. When it was their turn, they stepped into the massive Floo and were swallowed up by the green flames. When they emerged, they were greeted by the officials of the French Ministry of Magic in Paris. After their wands were registered, with Amelia flashing her credentials that showed that she was the Director of the British D.M.L.E, they Portkeyed to the villa in southern France that was owned by the Black family.
"So, what do you want to do first?" asked Amelia.
The relationship between her and Sirius had improved over the past year. He had still been frosty in the beginning, but after spending several months talking to each other, with Amelia convincing him that she had never forgotten him, things had slowly improved. They weren't back to how it was before he was chucked into prison, but their relationship was slowly mending itself. Apart from her fiancé, Amelia had also taken up the responsibility of being there for Harry too, and over the course of three weeks, they had become comfortable in each other's presence. The fact that Amelia had already gained Harry's respect and trust thanks to her involvement in his godfather's trial helped immensely, and hence, the latter wasn't as hesitant to open up to her.
"I want to learn and explore some of the magical culture here in France," replied Harry as he enlarged his bags with a wave of his hand. His wandless magic had grown over time and he tended to practice it as often as he could.
"I don't know about you, but I want to eat some of their food," grinned Sirius.
Amelia laughed and Harry too agreed that he was interested in sampling the local cuisine. After a heavy lunch, they went to Paris and toured one of the best shopping districts of Magical France. Harry found several pairs of beautifully designed magical wrist watches which he purchased while Amelia made Sirius buy clothes. The next two days went by in laughter and shopping.
On the twenty-third of July, Harry was nervous. He knew that he was very talented for his age, but he had never participated in a Duelling Championship before. There were witches and wizards from all over the world who would be taking part. Sirius and Amelia had helped him train ever since he had come back home from Hogwarts.
He had also been given tips by the portrait of Fergus Potter, his great-grandfather, who was an International Duelling Champion himself. He ate a light breakfast and dressed in appropriate clothes that didn't hinder his agility. Once they were ready, the three of them Apparated to the arena where the championship would be held.
There was a person outside checking the names of the contestants. Harry stood in line, with Sirius and Amelia behind him.
"Name and country?" asked the man, not looking up.
"Harry Potter, Magical Britain."
....
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