Petunia, Dudley, and Vernon stood in the front yard with Harry. His trunk was packed, Hedwig was waiting on her perch, and they were all waiting for Sirius. Since they weren't hooked up to the Floo network they had to come up with alternate means of transportation. Sirius said he had something arranged but wouldn't say what it was.
"Harry." Petunia pulled him into a hug. "You will always be welcome here. This is your home when you want it."
Vernon pulled him into a hug once Petunia let him go. "We expect updates. A letter a month at least. I've asked Dobby to look into getting an owl for ourselves." The stern words were undercut by his red, puffy eyes.
Hedwig ruffled her feathers at the mention of another owl.
"Oh?" Harry looked to her. "You want to deliver their messages too? You'd fly here every morning then back to me?"
She considered him for a long moment before turning away with a huff.
"She'll allow it." Harry chuckled.
Dudley gave him an awkward hug that was reserved for siblings since the dawn of time.
"Put in a good word with some of those birds, eh?" Dudley stepped back.
"Dudley!" Petunia gasped.
"What's your type?" Harry dropped his voice low.
"Harry!" Petunia shifted her attention to him.
Dudley had cleaned up his act a lot this summer. Harry liked to think he had a part in it. Not only was his cousin getting healthier, but he was kinder as well. People around the neighborhood noticed as well. The younger kids in the area didn't run when Dudley approached, and the rumor mill were practically starved for source material. At least the sort originating from Dudley's misadventures.
A horn honking brought their attention to an approaching car. It was a luxury town-car. The only thing that set it apart from the other vehicles were the blacked out rear windows. On the side was a logo for Fry's Executive Taxi Service. It came to a stop in front of the house.
Hugh Fry, dressed in a muggle suit, hopped out and opened the rear door. Sirius stepped out. The months as Rook and his recent freedom had been good to him. He looked healthier than he had ever was last time. There was even a sparkle in his eyes that Harry had only seen in pictures.
Lupin got out a moment behind him.
"Siri, Remus." Petunia wiped her tears away and gave them a smile. "Hello."
Harry watched as Remus crossed over into the wards. The strained, polite smile on his face vanished. His eyes actually flashed yellow for a moment as his expression shifted through confusion, rage, and sorrow.
"That goat fucking bastard!" Remus roared.
Hugh jumped at the sudden shift in the soft-spoken passenger.
"The wards." Petunia shook her head.
"I made sure to strengthen the protections." Harry looked back at her. "I don't want someone coming after you."
"Did he actually fuck goats?" Dudley asked.
"You know…" Harry thought. "I don't know."
"You mean it's not just a common wizard insult?" Vernon asked.
"No." Sirius shook his head.
"Should we do something about him?" Petunia asked motioning to Remus.
"Give him a moment." Sirius waved it away.
"Thank you for the concern, Padfoot." Remus glared at his friend.
"Please." Sirius shook his head. "I've seen you calmly disembowel a moose. When you're worked up like this it's the furniture that pays the price."
"A moose?" Harry asked.
"Prongs, Remus, and I traveled around North America summer of our sixth year." Sirius explained. "Did it the muggle way, for the most part. Hopped a plane, took a train, and rented an automobile. Thought your dad was going to kill us when he got behind the wheel."
"You let my dad drive?" Harry gawked. "An English, Pureblood wizard?"
"It was a good idea at the time." Sirius laughed.
"Harry." Remus walked over to him with purpose. "I owe you so much more than an apology. You as well Sirius."
"No." Harry met the werewolves gaze. "You don't. It wasn't you. Everything that has happened is his fault, not yours." He turned to his family. "He took our lives from us. Family, friends, love. All of it gone for his plans."
"Well." Sirius clapped his hands. "As enlightening as this has been, we do have a schedule to keep."
"Really, Padfoot?" Remus looked to his friend.
"Yes." Sirius nodded with a smile. "There are some people Harry needs to meet before we go."
"Go where?" Harry asked.
"The camp." Sirius answered, his attitude switching to one of nervous excitement.
"The camp? What camp?" Harry looked over to Remus, but the werewolf was still in his own world.
"I've reserved a spot at the World Cup for the week." Sirius was literally bouncing now. "We're going to spend the next seven days surrounded by witches from all over the world!"
Harry smiled so hard his cheeks hurt. "You old dog."
"Sirius." Petunia gave him her best 'mom' voice. "You aren't just going to be chasing women. You're supposed to be spending time with Harry."
"Petunia." Sirius turned his giddy energy to her. "Of course, I'm going to be spending time with Harry. How else is he going to learn how to woo a witch?"
Petunia tried to stay stern. She was almost successful until Vernon let out a loud guffaw.
"Get moving, you lot." Petunia shook her head.
"I'll send for Dobby once we're settled." Harry said.
Hugh slipped by them as they spoke. He loaded the luggage into the trunk and placed Hedwig in the car. The driver made sure to give Remus a wide berth. For his part, Remus was muttering and growling under his breath.
"Is he going to be alright?" Harry asked looking over at Remus.
"A scratch behind his ears and he'll be right as rain." Sirius replied.
Remus glared at him. The expression melted away into a smile. Harry gave his family another quick round of hugs before heading toward the open car door.
"Flea bitten mongrel." Remus snapped.
"Leg humping mutt." Sirius quipped.
"That was one time." Remus glared at him as he got into the car.
"One time?" Harry asked.
"Well, you see, around the full moon-" Sirius started.
"Shut it!" Remus cut in.
Harry slipped into the back of the car. He stopped to take in the surroundings. On the outside it looked nice, on the inside it was akin to a small yacht.
"Nice." Harry nodded appreciatively.
"He mentioned a car service the last time we took the bus." Sirius explained. "I added a bit to his funds to help get things settled. We can't hire him full time, it's dangerous like you said. I've already put in a good word around the Ministry."
"Why would you be at the Ministry?" Harry asked.
"I'm Lord Black." Sirius gave him a cheesy smile. "Do you think I'd let the seats on the 'Mot go to waste?"
"Didn't think you were the type." Harry shrugged.
"Thanks to you and those wards I'm thinking for myself these days." Sirius gave him a genuine smile. "I'm proud of you, pup."
"Enough mushy stuff." Harry cleared his throat. "What is the plan for today?"
"I'm going to introduce you to the good side of my family, then we're off to the camp." Sirius grinned.
"The good side of your family?" Harry asked.
"I'm as shocked as you are." Sirius chuckled.