Prologue
The prison was in riot. Well, not really a riot. Every prisoner was howling, screaming for mercy or death, rather than the torture inflicted by the ghost-like beings that were draining their happiness. They wanted out, obviously. They wanted to be saved, just like that prisoner who was being led out of the prison.
Several prisoners shakily rose to their feet, clamoring to the bars of their cells, in order to get a better look at the now free man. Long, curly dark amber-gold hair was matted over his forehead and to the sides of his lean face. Stormy gray-blue eyes of a mauve shade held an unbreakable pride and unshakable determination in them, as he followed the two Aurors, head held loftily high, even though he was dressed in rags.
Silence reigned as the prisoners gaped in awe. Many of them were Death Eaters, and it was more than a little surprising that this man, one of their most formidable enemies, had been thrown into Azkaban on account of being one of them. It had made them question their Minister's sanity several times over.
The man disappeared from sight as he and the Aurors used the Floo Network, to get to the Ministry. In a matter of seconds, the three of them stood before the Wizengamot. This was the Department of Mysteries, the department that dealt with the most secretive, sinister mysteries presented to the wizarding world.
"Get the Veritaserum." The former prisoner looked up, almost amused, at the man who had spoken: a short, chubby man who wore a bowler hat, and currently looked as though he had a bad taste in his mouth.
One of the Aurors uncorked a small vial, and handed it to the convict, who drank it without hesitation.
"What is your full name?" The man who had ordered for the Truth Potion, Cornelius Fudge, questioned.
"Sirius Orion Black." The answer was steady, and still, that slight look of amusement never left his eyes.
"Did you kill James Ignotus Potter and his wife, Lily Evans-Potter?" Cornelius asked, with a soft sigh.
"No." There was an angry glint in his eyes, as he looked steadily at the pot-bellied Minister for Magic.
"Explain who killed them, and how, as you are known to have been their Secret Keeper?" A challenge.
"James and I made it known that I would be the Secret Keeper, but since it became obvious, we secretly changed the idea. Peter Pettigrew was the Secret Keeper. He sold them out to Voldemort," – several of the present members flinched at his calm use of the name – "and he killed them, that Halloween."
"You are free of all charges, Mr. Black," Cornelius said wearily. "But before you leave, there are some things you would want to know. Most of it is with regards to the last will of Mr. and Mrs. Potter."
Two Aurors stepped forward. One of them held some documents, and the other looked slightly queasy.
"Mr. Black, according to the new regulations introduced to the Law of Magical Inheritance, no Death Eater shall inherit family wealth or property, while there remains a family member who isn't a Death Eater. In accordance with this regulation, three fourths of the Black fortune and property, belongs to you. The other one fourth has been inherited by your cousin, Andromeda Black Tonks," said the queasy looking one.
"Also, in accordance with James Potter's will, you are hereby the legal guardian and custodian of Harry James Potter. He is currently living with Muggle relatives, upon Dumbledore's wishes. You are allowed to collect him at your convenience. Erm … that will be all, then, Mr. Black. Here are the documents." The second Auror handed him the documents, and a satisfied smirk settled on the once handsome face.