With Fire and Blood
Description: VERY AU! Sirius Orion Black, Heir Primus of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, never imagined himself as a father, much less the father of his dead best friend's abused son who was rescued by squibs of the family. Watch as he finds himself the unwilling paterfamilias of the Black family, deals with the muck that is wizarding politics, and fights with fire and blood to keep his godson safe from all who wish him harm.
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Do not own.
Additional disclaimer: One of the following scenes was inspired by and adapted from Marauder by the lovely Everliah and is used with permission from said author. If you haven't seen her work yet, go check it out, it's pretty amazing.
Onto the story! Please enjoy and R&R.
o.o.o.o.o.
Prologue: The Dog Star Years
October 26, 1959 – Maternity Ward, Blackstone Hall, Wiltshire
A piercing wail broke through the halls of the Black family manor as trained healers rushed around the maternity ward around the still form of Walburga Irma Black. It had been a difficult ten hours, but soon enough a swaddled cloth bundle was placed in Walburga's arms as the rest of the family entered led by the indomitable form of Lord Arcturus Sirius Black.
"A boy, Orion. It's a boy. We have an heir."
"Wonderful my dear. Just rest now, we'll take care of the rest." And so saying, Orion took his son from his wife's unprotesting arms as the rest of the family cooed around him.
o.o.o.o.o.
November 3, 1959 – Black Cathedral, Blackstone Hall, Wiltshire
Nine days had passed since the relatively difficult birth of the babe and all members of the Black family were gathered in the Black Cathedral. Arcturus stood silent and unmoving at the front of the large, grand hall on a slightly raised ornate dais and waited for silence. Slowly, the room quieted as the family regarded their lord.
"It has been nine days since the birth of a son of our house. As per Black tradition, I call now upon the stars to witness the Naming of this child." He paused as the entire hall became pitch black and the ceiling lit up with stars and constellations. All in all, the effect was something like floating in space among the stars. "I call now on Orion Arcturus Black and Walburga Irma Black to present their child."
Orion and Walburga calmly walked forwards from their seats until just before the dais and bowed. "Father, Lord of the House of Black, I present my first born son and heir for your benediction." He intoned ceremonially while kneeling on one knee and holding up the swaddled and crying babe.
Arcturus carefully took the bundle and inspected him for a moment. Seemingly understanding the gravity of the situation, the babe quieted somewhat as the rest of the Blacks looked on in approval. The silence lasted a few moments before Arcturus spoke. "What is his name to be?"
"Sirius, after grandfather," came the quick reply from Orion.
"Appropriate," muttered Cassiopeia. "He had quite the pair of lungs on him too."
Ignoring the slight distraction, Arcturus continued the ritual. "And what will be his tie to this family, that bonds him to us over all others?"
"He will take my name as a second name." whispered Orion. "As per tradition." Arcturus nodded thoughtfully before speaking.
"Very well. I call now upon the stars to bless this child, Sirius Orion Black, son of Orion Arcturus Black and Walburga Irma Black. Let the Dog Star come forward."
Slowly, all the star projections went out except the star Sirius, which began to glow brighter. Soon, a ghostly apparition of a Cerberus appeared and strode slowly towards the child. The middle head of the apparition looked closely at the child and sniffed once. Seemingly pleased at what it found, it touched the child with its nose in the middle of the forehead before retreating a few steps, barked once, and faded from view along with the star. The child gave off a light silver-blue glow before returning to normal and gurgled happily. As the apparition faded with the star, the rooms silver torches lit up, casting a silver tinge on everything and illuminating the large Black family crest surrounded by four glowing diamonds on the wall behind Arcturus.
"I, Arcturus Sirius, Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, Earl of Wiltshire, do welcome Sirius Orion Black, son of Orion Arcturus Black and Walburga Irma Black, to the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. In the name of Aldebaran, Regulus, Antares, and Formalhut, may the years of the Dog Star be blessed."
"Invocatio Stellarum," replied the gathered family members. The torches went out as light returned to the room from the large suspended chandeliers and the babe was handed back to his parents.
For the next few hours, the Blacks would congregate and offer their thoughts and opinions on the child and present the traditional silver Naming Day gifts. It was very late when the parents of the newly named Sirius Orion Black were able to retire to their abode at 12 Grimmauld Place, the traditional residence of the Black Heir Primus.
o.o.o.o.o.
September 1, 1971 – King's Cross Station, London
A brooding eleven year old Sirius Black stood silent and unmoving with his family. Tall for his age and dressed in only the finest acromantula silk robes of midnight blue, he stood out among the crowd as whispers flowed around him.
"Papa, did you hear? Sirius Black is coming to Hogwarts?"
"Oh, well, that is a surprise. Walburga seemed dead set on Durmstrang last I heard."
"Now remember, Sirius, you must show them your power. You are Sirius Orion Black, the next Heir Primus of House Black, and you will act with the dignity of your station!" admonished Walburga sternly.
"Yes, mama." Sirius drawled in annoyance and a roll of his eyes.
With a final glare, Walbuga huffed and turned to leave with Orion and Regulus. Before he could get too far, Sirius reached out and grabbed his brother's robe sleeve.
"Reggy, watch out for yourself yea? I won't be able to protect you when mama goes into her rages. Write me if she does anything, alright?" He quietly whispered, concerned.
"Come on Siri, I'll be fine. She won't do anything too bad to me. And you know Uncle Alphard and Aunt Dorea will keep an eye on her."
"You know how I worry Reggy. Promise me you'll be careful?"
"Siri-"
"Promise me. I need to hear it."
"Alright, alright, I promise."
"Regulus, we need to leave now," came the call from Orion.
"Coming." Regulus said. "Have a good year, I'll see you for the winter holiday. Bye Siri." He walked off as the fog of the station swallowed up his small ten year old form. Sirius watched sadly and prayed that the stars would watch over his brother while he couldn't.
With a heavy heart, he got on the train and found a quiet compartment with the small form a scruffy, slightly ill looking, sleeping boy. His trunk identified him as a R.J. Lupin. Sirius placed his trunk on the rack, and sat down to brood until he heard voices he recognized in the corridor.
"Now, James, didn't I tell you to pack earlier? Of course the compartments are full at this time. Just find somewhere to sit so your poor papa doesn't have to float that trunk of yours around."
"Fine, mama. Here's one that's not full yet." Came the slightly sullen response. The door opened, and revealed his Aunt Dorea, Uncle Charlus, and cousin. James looked at the sleeping boy, dismissed him as boring in the way only eleven year old children can do and turned to look at Sirius.
They made eye contact for all of two seconds before James launched himself at Sirius in a fierce hug, matching grins breaking out on the boys' faces.
"Merlin, Siri! I wasn't sure you'd be coming. I thought Aunt Walburga had you shipped off to Durmstrang!"
"Didn't know myself until yesterday when Grandfather put down his foot. You should have heard him. He was all 'A Black has not received education outside the British Isles since the time of the Norman Conquest. I will not stand for it. Sirius will be going to Hogwarts. Do I make myself clear?!' It was amazing."
"Well, it seems like Cousin Arcturus certainly had an exciting evening. Now why don't you boys sit down and we'll take care of this trunk," replied Lord Charlus Ignatius Potter, Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, and husband of Dorea Ursula Potter (nee Black) as he floated James' trunk with the other luggage. The boys happily sat and regaled each other about what they had done since their last letter exchange.
"Papa got me a new broom. The new Cleansweep, it's supposed to have advanced comfort charms and acceleration due to the streamlined tail twigs. It's amazing, you'll have to try it next time you're over." James babbled excitedly.
"That sounds amazing. I wish mama would let me have a broom. It's always studying the family history or learning special magic with her." Sirius complained.
James wrinkled his nose. "How boring. Well, we'll just have to get you over for the winter holiday then."
The boys settled in quite comfortably as the train departed.
They were still chatting some hours later, when the door opened and in strolled Bellatrix Druella Black and Andromeda Irma Black.
"There you are Cousin Sirius and Cousin James. We've been looking all over for you," exclaimed Andromeda.
"We were just stopping by to say hi, don't mind us. We'll see you in Slytherin, Cousin Sirius," remarked Bellatrix casually. "Hello Cousin James," she greeted James with slight distaste, violet eyes tightening in annoyance. "How has Aunt Dorea been?"
"Cousin Bellatrix, Cousin Andromeda," greeted James and Sirius. "Mama has been fine, she's fully recovered from the self-transfiguration accident last week." James replied neutrally, eyes tightening in mutual dislike as Sirius frowned slightly and made a non-committal hum in response to his sorting.
"Oh, well that is good news. Pass on our good wishes, will you, Cousin James?" Andromeda asked trying to break the tension. "Come sister, let's leave our cousins be. Jorgenson wanted to meet with us remember? Something about a business proposition for Papa?"
James nodded slowly as Bellatrix snorted. "Probably trying to negotiate for my hand in marriage. As if, the vile little slug. He's not even from an Ancient and Noble House. Imagine that, he fancies himself a prince," came the derisive rely as Bellatrix spun around and stormed off. Andromeda rolled her eyes and followed, a small smirk of amusement gracing her usually stoic face.
"Here now, don't worry, you'll be in Gryffindor with me. It's the best house after all! Who wants to be in that house with the slimy snakes anyway?" James boasted as he turned to Sirius.
"Thanks James, but you don't understand, all my family has been in Slytherin. There really isn't much hope. After all, haven't you heard? Black in name, black in heart?" Sirius replied bitterly.
"And why… should Gryffindor be the best house? You should be proud to be in Slytherin. After all, they use their heads before getting foolishly killed," came a sneer from the corridor.
"Hey butt out you! I don't remember inviting you to this conversation." James all but shouted at the stranger in the compartment across from him. Then he caught a glimpse of the red haired girl behind the boy, and his attitude did a one-eighty. "On the other hand, your lovely companion is more than welcome to join us. She could certainly do better than a greasy freak like you."
The boy's ears lit up as he ran away. "So how about it miss? Will you join us?"
The girl glared as hard as she could at the two boys and simply said, "You humongous utter arse of a prat!" before calling "Severus, wait!" and running after the boy, now identified as Severus.
James and Sirius retreated back into their compartment before they caused more of a scene and closed the door. All the noise seemed to have woken their companion and they spent the next few hours until they reached Hogsmeade talking amongst themselves. They had such a grand time and towards the end, James stood up and declared, "Boys, I think this is the start of something beautiful" with the evilest grin.
o.o.o.o.o.
September 17, 1971 – Room 261, Hogwarts, Scottish Highlands
It had been several weeks since the boys had arrived at Hogwarts and been sorted into Gryffindor, along with the redhead from the train, who they learned was named Lily Marie Evans. That Sirius Orion Black was sorted into Gryffindor was fodder for gossip for the students, the teachers, their relatives, and the neighbor's cat. Sirius had received no less than four Howlers from his mother and endured a screaming lecture when she showed up in the middle of dinner one night. But he bore it all with the grace of someone who was used to this, and at least grandfather hadn't thrown him out yet. Sirius wouldn't know what to do if he had.
Over the past few weeks, he had stuck close to James and Remus and tried as best he could to avoid his cousin Bellatrix. And he was successful… for the most part… ok, maybe not, but at least he only needed to spend one night in the infirmary.
James was incensed when he found out and decided that it was time for payback in the best way possible: Pranks. Bellatrix did so love when her robes were charmed permanently pink. James snickered at the thought. One thing led to another and now James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter Pettigrew were ensconced in an abandoned classroom off the Transfiguration Corridor planning their revenge. Peter was a recruited as a scout and sentry to distract approaching professors and students. James had invited him along to the meeting because Peter was "so ordinary and overlookable."
After a few hours of planning, Remus spoke up. "This is all fine and good, but how will we know if the plan gets FUBARed or what if something doesn't go according to plan?"
James and Sirius were stumped. Peter quietly spoke for the first time that meeting. "What if we had a safe word that would tell the others to proceed?"
The silence lasted all of 4 seconds before James leapt up and shouted, "That's brilliant Peter! I knew I saw something in you! But what will the safe word be? It needs to be suitably cool."
The boys sat back down and began to toss ideas around, until Sirius suddenly sat up and spoke. "There's this word I read… what was it. Meruders? Mareuders? No…" He trailed off as he though and suddenly snapped his fingers as he proclaimed "That's it! Marauders!"
James grinned and Remus and Peter followed suit. "I like it!" James declared. "Good thinking Siri." With that out of the way, the boys returned to their plans for that weekend to hopefully humiliate Bellatrix.
All that planning was worth it when their plan went off without a hitch and they heard the enraged screaming of Bellatrix as she threatened to curse everyone around her.
And so, the Marauders were born with their first successful prank of many.
o.o.o.o.o.
February 16, 1973 – Infirmary, Hogwarts, Scottish Highlands
Remus slowly woke up in the Infirmary, before quietly getting up and being escorted to his dorms by Matron Pompfrey after the obligatory health checks. Once he entered, he was quickly grabbed by the rest of the Marauders and dragged to the abandoned room.
Once everything was settled, James looked at him slyly and simply said, "So when were you going to tell us about your furry little problem?"
Remus paled, almost fell over, and spluttered, "What?"
"Oh, come on, how thick do you think we are? You disappear every month for a few days 'ill' for the last year and a half like clockwork and you expect us not to try and find out why?" replied Sirius with a grin. "We didn't really believe your excuses either, people just don't get sick that much."
"We know that you're a we-werewolf, Remus." Came Peter's quiet interjection. "And frankly, we don't care."
"I… I never wanted you to find out this way… but now that you know, I'll…" Remus trailed off before gathering his courage and finishing. "I'll understand if you don't want to be friends anymore…"
"Not be friends anymore?" Peter asked, his voice high from incredulity. "Why would we do that?"
"Because- Because I'm a monster…"
"You're being dramatic," James said good-humouredly. "You fold your socks, Remus, and then organize them by color and thickness. Forgive me if I'm not trembling in fear at the sight of you!"
"So you're not- you're not afraid of me?" Remus asked slowly and carefully, looking at them all intensely with a pained, yet unreadable expression on his face, as if he was judging their seriousness. "You don't… but…but, I mean… werewolves, they're not exactly… popular… or safe. For all you know, I could be dangerous!"
Sirius grinned, letting out a bark of laughter. "Really, Remus, what part of 'you fold your socks' isn't getting through?"
"And how many people can say they have a werewolf for a best friend?" added Peter, with a small shrug.
Remus finally allowed himself to smile and took a step forwards towards them. He ended up collapsing on the spot.
"Remus! Are you alright?" came James' worried exclamation as he, Sirius, and Peter moved forward to help their friend up.
"I-just," Remus faltered before laughing loudly. "It's just really nice to finally have friends…" Remus trailed off as tears spilled down his cheeks.
And he broke down as his friends (he had real friends now!) surrounded him and comforted him as best they could. Needless to say, none of them made it to class that day.
Remembering the scene of Remus on the floor crying later that day, all of them made a silent promise to never let something like that happen to any of them ever again.
A promise that would be sorely tested in time.
o.o.o.o.o.
November 12, 1974 – Room 261, Hogwarts, Scottish Highlands
The door banged open as James strolled in carrying a book. "I've found how we're going to stay with Remus during his time of the month!" he exclaimed. "See here" he pointed to a passage in the book as the other marauders crowded around him. Remus glaring slightly at James for the joke on his condition.
An Animagus (pl.Animagi) is a witch or wizard who can morph him or herself into an animal at will. It is a learned, rather than hereditary skill, unlike those of a Metamorphmagus or Lycanthrope. The difference is that an Animagus can change into an animal whenever they want, without a wand or an incantation. It is also separate from Transfiguration, because being an Animagus is an ability, and Transfiguring requires a spell. An Animagus still thinks as a human does when they are in their animal form, however, an Animagus' feelings are not as complex when they are in their animal form.
It is also important to note that lycanthropes are fundamentally different from Animagi. Lycanthropy is caused by a blood infection transmitted through the bite of a werewolf, whereas the Animagus skill is learned. Lycanthropes cannot keep their minds after a transformation, nor can they control themselves when they transform, while Animagi can do both. However, as werewolves only harm humans, Animagi, while in their animal forms, are safe to be in the company of werewolves.
The process of achieving this ability is long and arduous, and has fallen out of favor with the turn of the century. The experience for each wizard seeking this ability has varied greatly, with the only consensus being that it requires great strength of will and mind. The general steps to the Animagus transformation is outlined in Animal Self-Transformation: A study by noted druid enchantress Cliodna, with editing and translation by Vulcan T. McGonagall. Those attempting the transformation should note that it is rated as a Class C wandless ability by the Ministry of Magic and carries several restrictions and regulations.
One line stood out from the rest. Animagi, while in their animal forms, are safe to be in the company of werewolves.
"Gentlemen, it seems we have a new project: the Animagus Transformation" stated James seriously.
Two years later, the boys finally achieved their transformations, with Peter being the last, helped along by James and Sirius and accompanied Remus to the Shrieking Shack.
With their new status as animagi, even if unregistered, they decided nicknames would be appropriate and thus Prongs, Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail came into being. Later that year, they began to work on their finest creation yet, the Marauder's map.
o.o.o.o.o.
June 6, 1978 – Potter Basilica, Phoenix Hall, Cornwall
The day dawned bright and warm as James prepared to wed the love of his life, with Sirius as best man, and Remus and Peter acting as groomsmen. James would finally marry his long time crush Lily Marie Evans after a whirlwind romance in their seventh year. James, in all his Marauder glory, much to McGonagall's horror, had proposed in his Head Boy speech at graduation. They had excitedly talked of making it a summer wedding and their plans had finally borne fruit.
At the stroke of dawn, the doors to the basilica opened and Lily walked in. James was breathless and forgot where he was. Until Sirius quietly snickered and told them to close his mouth before a fly uses it as a toilet. And so saying, he conjured a fly to do just that, accompanied by matching snickers from his best friends.
The wedding went off without a hitch and the reception was appropriately pretentious with this Great Aunt of that family and fourth cousins twice removed as befitted the 'Marriage of the Century' (Daily Prophet) for a Most Ancient and Most Noble House. James and Lily decided to postpone their honeymoon in order to pursue Auror training and a Charms Apprenticeship, respectively.
o.o.o.o.o.
August 7, 1979 – Phoenix Hall, Cornwall
James and Lily Potter were awoken by James' personal house elf Mipsy in the middle of the night. They had just returned from the postponed honeymoon, due to James' Auror training and Lily's Charms Apprenticeship, and were staying with James' parents for the moment in the Ancestral Potter Manor Phoenix Hall.
"Mipsy, why have you woken us? It's the middle of the night?" James asked tiredly. "And I have work tomorrow too."
"Mipsy is sorry to be waking Master. Mipsy is a bad elf," was the distraught reply as he began banging himself against the bedpost.
"Never mind that now Mipsy. What's the problem?" questioned Lily rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Mipsy is being told by Hankey while cutting the rose hedge that Master Paddyfoot is outside the wards. Mipsy was told to get Master because it was an emergency."
"Sirius? What in the world is he doing here at this hour? Never mind that. Mipsy can you bring him to me?" James asked concerned.
"Of course, Master," came the reply as Mipsy popped out. Lily wrapped a robe around her nightgown as James threw on a shirt and pair of pants.
Mipsy popped back in not 30 seconds later with a bleeding and bruised Sirius Black. "Oh, Merlin. What happened to you, Sirius?" Lily asked shocked.
"My dearest mama and cousin Bellatrix decided it was time to have me swear to him since papa passed away last week and there was nothing from stopping them from using the Black heirlooms to locate me. I refused." Sirius all but spat before descending into a coughing fit. "They caught me as I was leaving the Chateau in France two days ago. Barely managed to escape."
"Enough of that, we'll figure something out. Who else knows you're here?" James asked.
Sirius shook his head no as he was still coughing but managed to weakly say "no one…" between coughs.
"Alright. Don't worry about it. I'll arrange everything. Mipsy go to St. Mungo's and fetch the first healer you see. Tell them the House of Potter demands their service and that they shall be compensated appropriately." James instructed. Mipsy nodded and popped out again. James turned back to Sirius. Here, why don't you sit for a bit while we get everything sorted?"
Sirius had been out of the country since the wedding due to differences of opinion between himself and the rest of his family. That is, until he was found and caught by his mother and cousin.
Mipsy returned with a female healer, identified by her badge as Healer Ephemia Western, who came storming over and all but rushed to her soon to be patient's side.
"How is he?" she asked worriedly.
"Not well. He just showed up out of the blue not ten minutes past," came the quiet response from Lily as the healer slipped a sleeping draught into Sirius' mouth.
"What a mess…" she muttered as she began to work to heal the cuts, bruises, broken bones, and fractured ribs.
What a mess indeed.
The next morning, Charlus and Dorea all but adopted Sirius into the family and bade him stay as long as he wanted. Sirius acquiesced after much grumbling and rolled eyes.
o.o.o.o.o.
A month later, Sirius moved into Marauder's Den once James packed up his things to be shipped to Potter Cottage at Number 42 Griffin Court. His Uncle Alphard had actually left him a sizable sum to inherit and so he settled down for a bit while he was working for the Aurors.
Voldemort had stepped up his war in the past few years. Even in their sixth year, students would wait anxiously at breakfast for owls to deliver notices of dead relatives. It wasn't uncommon to have several students brawling into their cereal and subsequently excused from classes for the week and sent to the Infirmary for a calming draught.
James and Sirius, as Aurors and Order members, had already faced the so called dark lord multiple times. That they lived to tell the tale was amazing in and of itself.
o.o.o.o.o.
July 31, 1980 – Potter Cottage, Godric's Hollow, Cornwall
James paced around the large living room as he held his son close to his chest. He had just returned from the Potter Basilica and the Naming Ceremony. The death of his parents the month before had weighed on him heavily and it fell to him to Name his child. After much deliberation, he and Lily had decided on Hadrian James Potter. He was the last Potter and James and Lily would die before they let any harm come to him. A statement that would become all too true in time.
He clutched his son close and rocked him slowly as Lily sat beside him and sung a lullaby.
Hadrian slowly went to sleep as James put him into his crib. Sighing heavily, he quickly prepared for bed and held Lily close, suddenly feeling the need to have her near him.
Later that year, the prophecy was leaked, and the Potter's went into hiding under the Fidelius with Peter as Secret Keeper. Sirius convinced James that he would be too obvious, and encouraged him to trust Peter in his stead.
A mistake he would live to regret.
o.o.o.o.o.
October 31, 1981 – Potter Cottage, Godric's Hollow, Cornwall
Sirius parked his motor bike, the only thought running through his mind being to make sure James, Lily, and Prongslet was alright. He had just stopped by Peter's hiding spot only to find him missing and the safe house abandoned for some time now.
Fearing the worst, he all but flew back to his motorbike and set a course straight for Potter Cottage. It was a scene from his worst nightmares made reality. The house was blown apart, with one side missing completely, and a number of broken oddities scattered across the lawn.
The entire scene was so incredibly surreal that he felt detached from himself. It was almost as if he was an observer in his own body. Those were the shattered remains of the toy broom that he had given Harry for his birthday this past year he idly noticed as he almost involuntarily continued onwards. There's the good china Lily kept in the kitchen cabinet. And the horrible vase Petunia sent for Christmas.
Suddenly a screaming cry tore through the air and Sirius felt his hopes soar as his heart almost caught in his throat. Could it be? Did Prongslet survive? Hoping against hope, he ran up the stairs two at a time, leaping over the fallen banister, ignoring the sprawled body of his friend across the floor, and stormed through the doors to the nursery. Lily lay dead on the floor, a pile of immaculate black robes next to her, with a screaming Harry crying on the broken crib flailing his little arms. Sirius thanked every god, deity, and higher power he could think of, and quite a few that he couldn't before picking up the one year old baby.
He strode purposefully out of the house, with Harry mostly cleaned up and swaddled with cloth, when he was met by Hagrid.
"Sirius! The Order just heard, I was sent to check everything while Dumbledore informs everyone. What are you doing here?!"
"Just checking up on them. Something felt wrong today. I feared the worst and found this." He gestured at the broken ruin of the house behind him and almost broke down sobbing. It was only the thought of the child in his arms that prevented him from breaking down completely.
"What about Harry? Dumbledore gave me orders to bring the baby to him if found."
Sirius looked at Harry and reluctantly passed him over before giving Hagrid a bag of Harry's things. "If he gets fussy, give him the teddy bear. He needs to nap after every meal, and I didn't get a chance to check him over too extensively. Make sure Poppy does alright?"
Hagrid nodded, Hadrian disappearing in the large man's hand.
Sirius looked at his motorbike, his broken expression turning into one of vengeance and determination. "You may as well take the motorbike. I won't need it where I'm going."
Hagrid nodded mutely before Sirius turned on the spot and apparated away with a tiny 'pop.'
o.o.o.o.o.
November 2, 1981 – High Security Wing, Azkaban, Prison Isle, North Sea
Sirius sat laughing and broken in the high security wing of Azkaban, as he had been for the last few days. His solitude was interrupted by a pair of Auror guards knocking open the gate to the cell and pulling him out.
"Looks like some self-entitled Death Eater family member of yours arranged a trial for you, Black," spat one of the guards with a fierce scowl.
"Lucky for you, Black," sneered the other one.
He was brought to the Auror command post where he was met by the Warden. After being searched and dressed in the prison outfit, Sirius was flooed under guard to a Ministry interrogation room where he was met by Amelia Thesmia Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
"Your grandfather arranged for you to have a trial one week from today in a special session of the Wizengamot," She began without preamble, "despite the misgivings of the majority of its members. As a member of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, you will be tried before the Wizard's Council. As set down in the Rights of the Accused by Merlin Emrys himself, you may be represented by a law witch or wizard of your choice, whom will work with you for the next week on your case."
Sirius nodded slowly before speaking roughly. "My cousin, Andromeda Tonks, is a registered law witch with Crawley, Drummond, and Tonks. I would have her represent me if she is willing."
Amelia nodded slowly and made her way to the door, when Sirius spoke again, "Amelia, you must believe me, I didn't do it."
Amelia turned, tightened her eyes and face and responded gravely, "We shall see," before leaving and locking the door behind her.
o.o.o.o.o.
November 9, 1981 – Wizard Council Rooms, Ministry of Magic, London
"Seal the doors," came the booming call of Director Bones as the presiding judge. The large ornate doors slammed shut and flashed with magic, sealing them closed until the Council is adjourned. By tradition, the doors were sealed to prevent assassination attempts from outside parties on Council Members or the accused. The doors would not open again until the court is adjourned and a verdict reached. "I hereby call to order this meeting of the Wizard's Council for the trial of the accused Sirius Orion Black, Heir Primus of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, charged with twelve counts of willful manslaughter, one count of murder for the death of Peter Philip Pettigrew, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder for the deaths of James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Potter (nee Evans), one count of conspiracy to commit attempted murder against Harry Potter, one count of breaching the International Statute of Secrecy, and treason against the Ministry of Magic." Amelia waited a few moments for the muttering to subside. "I call now on all present Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses to present their Sigil and confirm their right to attend this Council."
One by one, the present houses presented either the Ring of Lordship, or conjured the sigil of their family. The magic of the room would verify all of them for authenticity. Impersonating a house would result in instant death by the old magic of the room. Soon, a transcript appeared on a nearby scribe's desk. "All thirty-one Houses are accounted for. Twenty six Houses are present. House Opalline declined to attend. The Houses of Peverell, Morsely, Gaunt, and Astor have gone extinct."
"Very well. Bring in the accused." Amelia boomed as a small side door opened and Sirius walked in followed by two Auror guards and Andromeda Black.
"The accused Sirius Orion Black, Heir Primus of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, represented by Andromeda Irma Tonks, duly registered law witch and founding partner of Crawley, Drummond, and Tonks, accompanied by Master Auror Alastor Lahar Moody, and Auror Captain Alicia Jean White." announced the scribe.
Amelia waited for the defense to settle in their seats before speaking again. "Will you, the accused, voluntarily accept Veritaserum, knowing that this Council will only ask questions within their remit to ascertain the truth of the events of this past Halloween, October 31, 1981?"
The trial had begun.
o.o.o.o.o.
"By a vote of 15 to 11, with 4 non-votes from the extinct houses of Peverell, Morsely, Gaunt, and Astor, and one abstention from House Opalline, the accused Sirius Orion Black is declared innocent and cleared of all charges," declared Director Bones from the Chair.
Sirius blinked. He was free. The trial had gone smoothly and he had voluntarily taken Veritaserum when offered. Andromeda led them through the events of the Fidelius and the events of that Halloween.
Unfortunately, Peter had long since disappeared and there wasn't enough evidence for his existence, so there was little the Ministry could do.
Sirius and Andromeda were met outside the door by Arcturus and Melania. "Lord Black, Grandmother" Sirius greeted neutrally.
Arcturus frowned. "Now boy, is that how you talk to someone who just cleared your charges?"
"I'm sorry grandfather, but I had no way of knowing what your motive was." Sirius said, a small reluctant smile on his lips.
Arcturus harrumphed as Melania engulfed him in a hug and admonished him for not eating properly. Sirius mused that it was probably the Hufflepuff in her. Still, he endured it, as it was one more thing he never thought he would have a chance to endure again after being arrested. After she was done fussing, Arcturus spoke again.
"Britain is not exactly the best place for you at the moment… Perhaps try the villas in Rome and Florence for a time. I've confined your mother to her residence at Grimmauld Place for the time being and the wards will not let Bellatrix onto the properties after she explicitly disobeyed me, and married into the Lestrange family. Vile upstart French peasantry with no sense of pedigree, the lot of them!"
Sirius nodded thoughtfully. "But what about Harry? My godson?"
Arcturus' face hardened. "Dumbledore, the senile fool, had the Potter will sealed and declared that he had already made appropriate arrangements for the child. And he refused to tell anyone where he was placed. I shall try to find out, but I doubt I'll have much success."
Sirius looked enraged, but calmed down as Arcturus continued to speak. Finally, he acquiesced, and left for Marauder's Den so he could pack for his self-imposed exile.
o.o.o.o.o.
March 26, 1985 – Black Villa, Florence
Sirius somberly held the hand of his closest Italian friend Caterina Marguerite De Medici, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, the last direct daughter of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of De Medici, as she broke down. They had met a few months into his self-imposed exile when Sirius was shopping for new robes for the Italian Ministry summer Gala of 1982. They had struck up a conversation at the small upscale robe shop, and made arrangements to meet again for tea the following Saturday. Needless to say, a friendship quickly bloomed between the two.
It was a little known fact that though muggle side of the De Medici family had fallen into ruin, decline, and disrepute some centuries earlier, the magical side had survived and continued to flourish. That is, until Grindelwald rose to power.
Grindelwald and his followers had decimated the De Medici family for their defiance in not joining with him until only Caterina's mother, and two of her very elderly, very distant cousins were left. Caterina's father had died protecting her mother before she was born. And shortly after naming the child on June 4, 1952, her mother also followed on leaving her to be raised by her elderly and many times distant cousins. Both had passed the month previously.
In her grief and confusion, Caterina had mislabeled her potions stores and added porcupine quills instead of hedgehog quills, to a restorative draught. The naturally acidic porcupine quills reacted negatively with the potion base made of dandelion leaves, mandrake roots, unicorn hair, and milk of poppy causing a poisonous orange smoke to be released. Caterina had quickly realized her mistake, and made to escape the lab, but fell unconscious before reaching the door due to a combination of the gas, grief, depression, stress, and lack of sleep. The cauldron bubbled over and released more of the gas without any supervision, flooding the room.
Sirius found her like that an hour later when he came looking because she was late for the lunch they had agreed upon. He had quickly rushed her to St. Apollonaris, where she was immediately attended by no less than six Master Healers and Potioneers in the Gaius Xenophon Ward of the Potions Accidents wing.
It had taken long hours of healing to just save her life and neutralize the poison that she inhaled. Bezoars proved ineffective due to the nature of the combined poison and it had been some time before she received treatment. However, against all odds, she stabilized and an antidote was found and administered. She was kept for a week of observation and health checks before being released with a strict regimen of potions.
That was a fortnight past. Since her release and return to normal life, she had felt odd, as if something in her body wasn't right. It bothered her so much, that she had contracted an independent licensed healer to perform a thorough examination. The healer had just finished and left. But not before informing her that she was perfectly fine, if a bit pale, but the recent poisoning had made her barren and that there was nothing she could do about it.
"Don't worry, we'll get through this. You'll see." Sirius said. "You helped me get over James and Lily. Let me help you with this yeah?"
Slowly, the tears dried up, and Caterina mutely nodded her head as she regathered her composure and the remnants of her pride. She was a De Medici damnit, and if she couldn't have children, then she would find another way to pass on her family name. Resolved, she sniffed once, and asked Sirius to help her to the divan where she sat, lost in thought, as Sirius bustled around her.
o.o.o.o.o.
June 27, 1985 – Black Villa, Florence
Sirius was startled awake by the floo chime going off. Dressing quickly, he made his way to the fireplace and saw the face of his many times distant squib Uncle Marius.
"Uncle, what's happened?"
"Sirius, Artemisia, my daughter, found Harry. Come quickly."
Without another word, and eyes wide, Sirius grabbed a handful of floo powder and landed in the living room of one of the many Black Townhouses. This one was Number 24 Brookside Drive in Manchester and was the first time in almost five years that he had stood on British soil.
The first thing he saw after coming through was the incredibly green eyes of what could only be Hadrian James Potter. Words failing him, he grabbed his godson in a tight hug and all but collapsed in relief.
Harry was ok. Prongslet was ok.