DUMBLEDORE HAD EYES AND EARS EVERYWHERE and Charlus was certain that he had some sort of informant working at Gringotts. But in reality, if they were going to survive while being on the run, it was best to have as much money on them as possible. There was no telling where they were going after the Grimmauld Place, as Maeve couldn't confirm her idea just yet. Between the Potter family fortune and the inheritance left behind to Sirius after his Uncle Alphard's passing, there was more than enough to let them live comfortably for quite some time.

And he wanted to give Maeve a chance to collect her money as well, after all, she had worked hard for her money it would be a shame to leave it behind. But Sirius and Charlus were in for quite the surprise because they weren't the only ones with fortunes to their name apparently.

The goblin that assisted them did not look pleased over the idea of three people taking out all their savings, especially when it was some of their wealthiest accounts. When asked why they were removing all of their money, Charlus noticed the suspicious look on the goblins face, but they claimed that they were moving and needed to relocate their money to a local bank for easier access.

Begrudgingly, the goblin had no other choice but bring the respective clients to their vaults. Sirius was first, forever thankful for his late uncle's kindness, as Alphard Black had left him his share of the Black family's fortune when he passed away. And risked being disowned posthumously by his own sister.  After living with the Potters, Sirius always felt guilty about Fleamont and Euphemia spending their money on him, even though they were never hurting financially. And having his own money helped ease his mind after Hogwarts, especially as they headed straight into war.

Charlus knew he and his brother were quite privileged growing up due to the Potter family fortune. And while they were quite spoiled in regards to getting things they asked for, they learned very early on that not everyone was as blessed as they were. Peter had been the first example of someone growing up with very little money to their name, and it was a very humbling experience when one year he claimed his mother couldn't afford the books for the upcoming term.

Naturally, they were all willing to help but suddenly, Charlus and James didn't feel like they needed to spend so much money. They realised the things they wanted weren't the things they necessarily needed and while it was nice to splurge some money here and there, they didn't have to do it all the time.

But when it came to Maeve's vault, Sirius and Charlus had to admit, they were quite curious to see how much she had accumulated since becoming a Healer. It was no secret that Healers were paid well, especially when they were high in demand. But as she stepped out of the cart to enter her vault, the men were left somewhat speechless. Apparently, Healers made better money than they thought.

"How much overtime were you putting in at St Mungo's?" Sirius asked, leaving Maeve to chuckle as they were leaving the bank. "Or am I missing something here?"

"Well, I wish I could say I earned all of this money by myself but that would be lying," Maeve answered. "Truth is, I told you that my father remarried, and my step-mother comes from a very wealthy family. When I set out on my own, they were both worried that I wouldn't find employment right away. Not because I wasn't qualified with my skills, but I didn't have a famous school to follow my name. The name of Beauxbatons and Hogwarts carry a lot more weight than being simply homeschooled. But nonetheless, they sent me off with some money, just in case."

"Just in case you wanted to buy a manor?!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Yes, well, my step-mother is unable to have children of her own, so she and her family really did spoil me once I came to live with my father. She treated me like I was her flesh and blood and that was more than I can say for my own biological mother."

"Maeve," Charlus reached for one of her hands, " you shouldn't be getting involved in this. What about your family?"

"Charlus, who do you think I've been in contact with since this all started? I've told my parents about you before you even woke up in St Mungo's. And when you finally did, they were thrilled. Of course, now they are worried because of everything taking place, but they want to help. Where do you think I get it from?"

Never in a million years did Charlus expect so many people to come to his aid, even people he had never met before. And now, some of them were even willing to help with Harry's escape, even if it meant putting their own necks on the line.

"When I told my parents about Harry's situation, they were both ready to jump into action. My step-mother's family has a lot of connections, so she went to see how they could help. We just have to play the waiting game for now. But first, we need to get Harry, don't we? I can't wait to meet him finally."

"We better get a move on," Charlus said, " I have no doubt that Dumbledore is going to learn that we all withdrew our money and if that doesn't raise his suspicions, what will? Once Remus gets back from his father's home, we'll head to Privet Drive and pray for the best."

Returning to the flat, the three were happy to see that Remus had returned, but they could clearly see that he hadn't returned alone. Charlus and Sirius hadn't seen Lyall Lupin in many years, but not much had changed about the man. He still resembled an older version of Remus, replacing brown with greying hair and scarred skin with wrinkles. At first, they all believed they were in trouble, thinking that Lyall had come to tell them that they shouldn't go through with the plan. However, as soon as Lyall spotted them, he let out a happy cry and pulled Charlus and Sirius into a hug.

"Mr Lupin, it's good to see you," Charlus said, " it's been so long, but what are you doing here?"

"My son finally comes to visit me in person," Lyall said after releasing them, " no more communicating just through letters to hear the good news. He shows up and tells me that he's leaving and wants to say goodbye. Now tell me, Charlus, what father is going to stand by idly and just let his son go with the idea of never seeing him again?"

"Clearly, you never met my father," Sirius muttered under his breath. "But go on..."

"He tells me your plan and at first, I can't help but think he's gone mad. But he tells me more, he tells me about little Harry Potter and still, he expects me to let him go. Sure, fine, I tell him, I'll let you go, but I'm coming with you."

Everyone, except Remus, froze in place as Lyall fixed his the straps of his suspenders over his shoulder with a proud smile on his face.

"Before the lot of you even attempt to argue with him, he's already made up his mind," Remus said. "He doesn't care where we go, he's going too."

"I always knew the Ministry was corrupted, even when I worked for them," Lyall added, " and seeing you take down Fudge like that, Charlus, it was absolutely beautiful. Now, Dumbledore helped me in the past with letting Remus attend Hogwarts, but if he's trying to play games like this, I won't support it. Every child deserves to grow up in a loving and caring home. And I know if you go through with the plan, no one is going to give me a moment's peace anyways. I'm sure the Ministry will come knocking and if they don't get the answer they want, they'll watch my home. I'd say let them watch, I don't do much besides scratch my arse on the hour, but if I can be of help, please let me."

"Well, the saying is the more the merrier," Charlus said finally, scratching the back of his head. He didn't know what else to say, even though he was technically an adult, it still felt wrong to tell Lyall what to do.

"Good, good, besides, I do know something about raising a child," Lyall said, " you all liked how this one came out, don't you?"

"It's very nice to meet you, Mr Lupin, I'm Maeve Elpis-"

"No need to be so formal, Maeve, call me Lyall. And I know who you are, my son told me plenty about you in such a short period of time. Could I bother you for some tea? I've had an itch in my throat for a couple of days."

"Of course, of course, come with me!" Maeve said motioning him to follow her. "Now, you said you've had an itchy throat, any other symptoms?"

Laughter cleared the tension away as Remus turned bright red in the face, watching as his father and Maeve left to the kitchen. He quickly turned to Charlus and Sirius with an apologetic expression.

"I couldn't say no to him," he said, " he started crying when I told him I was leaving. He said he understood but he didn't understand why he couldn't come. And then he started saying that I didn't show my face very often and that he didn't want it to be the last time we saw each other. He didn't want to die alone. Then he brought up my mother, then I started crying. It was a mess. When I told him the risks, he said he didn't care, that the Ministry could kiss his arse."

"Your father is amazing, Moony," Sirius chuckled, " I like his spirit. The only thing he's going to have to put up with is dealing with my mother while we're at the Grimmauld Place, but seeing how he carries himself, he'll be just fine. Besides, I told her my family was coming to stay. You're my brother, so your father is welcomed too."

Upon hearing the word "brother" Remus smiled and looked to be on the verge of tears again, but nodded his head to hold the tears back. "Thank you, Sirius, thank you so much."

They turned around to see that Charlus was grinning at them before he cleared his throat.

"Alright, so a little change of plans," he said, " Remus, you wait here with your father and Maeve. Sirius and I will go get Harry. We'll go the Grimmauld Place first, and then Sirius will come back for you three, and Moose and Marmalade."

"You two think you'll manage on your own?" Remus asked.

"I don't think the Dursleys are going to put up much of a fight."

Charlus would never admit out loud but he was feeling nervous about leaving to the Dursleys. He wasn't sure what to expect upon arrival, he didn't care about the Dursleys, he cared about Harry's condition and his reaction. Even though Harry had contacted him back requesting help, Charlus hoped he wasn't too late and he hoped that his nephew wouldn't hold it against him for not being there earlier.

Sirius seemed to sense Charlus' nerves, even if he remained quiet about it. Reaching out, he grabbed both of his partner's hands before they were to disapparate from the scene.

"Don't worry," Sirius told him, " he's going to be so happy to see you and he's going to love you so much. We're doing the right thing, Harry is going to grow up happy and healthy because of you. Everything you've done since waking up comes down to this moment and it's all going to be worth it for you and for Harry. And naturally, the rest of us are going to be happy as hell too. So, are you ready?"

"Let's go."