Black Bells

Sirius Black sat upon the aging stone steps of Hogwarts castle. This was the day Dumbledore and he'd had planned for nearly six months. The ministry was coming, and they had no clue as to what they'd find. A cough made Sirius turn around. Dumbledore stood before him, old but strong as ever.

"We should get you back inside. They should be here any moment." Sirius nodded and cast one last searching look out onto the grounds, then he followed Dumbledore. "I want you to go down into the dungeons. Snape is waiting in his office for you. I want you to stay in there." Sirius nodded. "What about Harry, sir?" He asked quickly. "Minerva will be leaving," he checked his watch, "right about now to get him. Go on, I will alert Snape when I am ready for you."

Sirius nodded. "Good luck. And- thanks. I really…" Dumbledore nodded. "Go." He went fast. A knock on the great oak doors came. Dumbledore opened it. "Ah. Fudge…Percy…welcome, come on in. We'll be going to my office…ready?" Percy looked at Fudge. "Yes." He said and off they went.

* Meanwhile *

Sirius made his way back to the office he felt he had no business in. But Dumbledore was smart. Who would suspect long time enemies would be in the same office of will. Actually, it was more for his life than anything. He knocked, and the icy voice of Severus Snape said enter.

"Ah. Black. Finally arrived, have you?" He said barely audible. "Yeah. Do you know how McGonagall went to get Harry?" Snape rolled his eyes at mention of his least favorite student. "Floo powder I believe. I heard his aunt and uncle were most relieved to have him taken away for the rest of summer."

Sirius' mouth dropped. "That's right Black…Potter will be spending a whole month in this castle." Snape grinned mischievously.

"I shall make him most at home while he is here," he said sickly. "You won't do anything Snape. Dumbledore and the Staff will be here. Along with me." Snape scowled. "I wasn't informed that you would be staying. Quit talking nonsense murderer. "You still call me murderer. Even though you saw the whole thing." Snape nodded. "No reason to give you my vote." Sirius nodded, nothing had changed that's for sure.

*Dumbledore's Office *

"Sit, sit Cornelius, Percy. Do sit." Dumbledore said to the pair. They sat and looked around, as if expecting some large surprise to attack. "Don't worry Fudge. The surprise is a guest of mine, and I assure you it is somewhat human." He chuckled to himself and seated himself in front of them.

"I wanted to speak to you both in person about Sirius Black. I realize the ministry doesn't have time to fool with such matters with Voldemort back. I feel that this is most needed now than ever." Neither spoke. Percy looked uncomfortable and seemed to be regretting coming.

"I have evidence with me. I will let you see, commune, and utterly bother the evidence as much as you wish, as long as certain matters are taken. Under no circumstances…do I want you to attack. The evidence is perfectly reliable and will not attack you either." By now, both had caught on.

"Hold on." Dumbledore cut them off. He called upon his beautiful phoenix, Fawkes. "Go," he said petting it. With that, the scarlet and gold plumaged bird soared out and after Sirius and Snape. Dumbledore then whistled. A snowy white owl, by the notorious name of Hedwig soared in. He handed a note to her, and she left quickly. "Hold on, they will be here shortly." He said to the pair. They then sat strained in incapable silence.