After two years of murder attempts and terrible summers, ominous letters from the Ministry and adults who act like they care but never actually do anything, Harry decides to grab the basilisk by the horns. In the few weeks he has before school begins, Harry learns more about himself, his family, and his role in the magical world. When third year starts, he just hopes he's ready.
[A canon retelling starting in PoA through DH, with a Harry that's just a bit more perceptive, a Sirius with changed priorities, and a caring Theo]
Caustic Harry falls in love with Slytherin Theo. I loved this AU. Potter wakes the fuck up and starts to plan his life instead of just following along. He starts critically looking at everyone and everything around him and so many changes happen. If I had to pick, my favourite would be them saving Sirius in third year. It was so stupid that they had a time Turner and didn't capture the rat. Harry, Theo and Sirius change everything after that. It was really entertaining. Plus Theo and Harry are quickly becoming my favourite pair in fanon. In every AU they complement each other so well.
3rd year + Sirius takes in Harry after 3rd year Rituals Not good friends with hermione and Ron Sarcastic Good student Fox animagus Dark Good black paintings