Disclaimer: Do not own Harry Potter, all belongs to JK Rowling. The two Black girls are mine though.
AN: Sirius may appear different these first few chapters, but he is grieving over his friends and angry at himself, Dumbledore and Peter. Constructive criticism is welcome.
Ministry of Magic 1st November 1981 1am
Albus Dumbledore apparated into the Ministry foyer, intent on fixing the holes that had appeared in his plans. The Guard on duty looked up in shock at who just appeared, but he regained his composure after a moment. "What can I do for you sir?"
Looking at the man over his glasses he said simply "I need to see the Minster, the DMLE head plus any Aurors that are currently here. Voldemort has been defeated but the one responsible for his downfall has been taken by one of his followers."
The Guard gasped at the name and his composure once again was long gone, the Wizarding world's greatest wizard and leader of the light has claimed that you-know-who was gone. "H-How... w-who" But Dumbledore knew he didn't have much time, every second wasted could give Sirius the chance to get away. "Not now, get me the Minister, DMLE head and the Head Auror" The Guard snapped out of his stupor and said "Yes Sir" Before running off to complete his task.
20mins later A tired looking Minister Bagnold, Barty Crouch Sr and Rufus Scrimgeour stood before Dumbledore, the Minister wanted to know why they were there as he was only told it was an emergency. "Albus, what is the meaning of this, what has happened to wake us up at this hour?"
Albus looked at each man in turn before saying "Voldemort has been defeated" The reaction was instantaneous. All 3 men gasped before processing what he said and looking at him like he'd grown a second head "What are you talking about Dumbledore" Rufus Scrimgeour muttered, he was never a fan of Dumbledore, the man had too many secrets and far too much power politically.
Sighing Albus explained "Tonight Voldemort attacked the Potter's, I advised them to go under the Fidelous charm so that they could not be found, the fact that he found their house means they were betrayed to the dark lord by whoever their secret keeper was" He let this sink in and mentally smirked at what he was about to say, he had used legilmency on Peter at an order meeting to determine who the secret keeper was. He couldn't control his pawns if he didn't know who was the most important piece and was shocked to see that Peter was the spy in the order and the Potter's secret keeper. He like most people who knew the Potter's would believe that Sirius Black would be the secret keeper.
"What are you getting at Dumbledore, we have no interest in the secret keeper, and we want to know what happened to you-know-who" Frowning at Barty Dumbledore stated "Because how he was defeated is linked Barty. Now Voldemort attacked James and Lily, their bodies have been confirmed to have been hit with the Avada Kedavra curse. However when Voldemort attacked little Harry Potter something went wrong, the curse must have rebounded and hit Voldemort instead."
Again the 3 men were speechless, the greatest dark lord in a century, beaten by a toddler. "Surely there must be a mistake Albus, I mean really a toddler" The Minster chuckled. "So where is this child Dumbledore, this boy-who-lived" Rufus asked having a nagging suspicion that Dumbledore was trying to play them for fools.
"Alas that is why I'm here, the man I sent to retrieve Harry to deliver him to his family has told me a man was already there with Harry, the man I believe the Potter's would have chosen to be their secret keeper. The same man who has now kidnapped the wizarding world's savior. Sirius Black must be found quickly before any harm becomes of Harry Potter" The reactions of the Minister and Barty Crouch were as expected. But the Auror head didn't seem to react at all to the news, his reaction was more of curiosity and calculation. Albus frowned at this. He never did get along with Rufus, too stubborn to follow blindly as he should. But Albus wasn't worried, he couldn't do much.
"Barty send your best men out to track down Black, Rufus I'll need you to coordinate your Auror's with whoever Barty sends out. We need to find Black and quickly. I'll head to the prophet. They'll need to update their front page I believe. I'll leave it up to you gentlemen" Bowing the 3 men separated to complete their individual tasks. Albus smirked, he'll deal with all the minor details like the Potter's will and instating himself as Potter's guardian in the morning, for now he will head back to Hogwarts and get some rest. And with that he flooed back to his office.
Black Manor 1st November 1981 5am
Sirius began to stir early the next morning when he was hearing a strange sound. What sounded like mischievous giggling could be heard and he would recognize it anyway, opening one eye to take a look he saw his wife standing over their daughter's cot. Curiosity getting the better of him he groaned having to leave the warmth of the bed causing his wife to take notice and roll her eyes, every day this was like a ritual.
Walking over he saw a sight that brought a smile to his face, his godson was in his daughter's crib watching her intently with a curious gaze. "What's with the giggling love? As amusing as this scene is I don't see what putting my godson in there will do"
Adriana struggled to contain another round before responding "That's what's so amusing, I didn't put him in there, when I got up to check on them Harry was already awake and watching Alyssa" Sirius blinked, looked to Harry, looked back to Adriana and smirked "Wow I think little Prongslet just broke the universal record for sneaking into a girl's room or in this case a cot" Earning a smack from his wife for the comment.
"Really Sirius, talking like that about them before they can even walk, I'm worried about what you'll be like when they are older" That got an odd gleam in Sirius's eye and he was about to speak when Alyssa decided to wake up. The 1 year old girl opened her eyes showcasing her mother's bright blue eyes and blinked.
Looking around she spotted Harry sitting watching her "Ha-ri" she squealed and her parents blinked at the sudden burst in energy that seemed to come out of their daughter as she started crawling over then stopped halfway and turned her head to the side. Harry himself seemed confused until he said "Lssa" That seemed to be the magic word as she crawled the rest of the way and pointed at his scar. "Hurty?" He sat there obviously thinking of what to say and shook his head "Pahfoo... hurty... gone" Alyssa looked over at her father, giggled and clapped her hands together. Obviously trying to thank her father the only way she knew how.
Sirius and Adriana each blinked looked at each other then back at the kids before snapping out of their stupor. Adriana was the first to speak "Alright who wants some food" Both kids looked at each other as if asking the other a question before Harry said "Yum-yum?" Adriana giggled and said "Yes Harry" Harry seemed pleased with himself and nodded his head while reaching his arms out, Alyssa seeing this did the same. So Sirius took Alyssa and Adriana took Harry and they headed downstairs to the kitchen.
Reaching the kitchen they noticed Blinky and Fiola were already there, Blinky preparing breakfast for Sirius and Ariana. Fiola doing the same for the kids, Alyssa seeing this said "iola yummies" Fiola smiled "Yes young Mistress yummies" Causing Alyssa to once again giggle and clap her hands. Harry meanwhile was studying the new toys that seemed to talk.
Turning the Alyssa he said "Lssa toy" pointing at Fiola. Alyssa shook her head pointed at Fiola said "iola", pointing at Blinky said "inky" and pointing to her parents "Mama Papa" Harry cocked his head to the side and pointed to Sirius and Ariana "Unle pahfoo Ate Ari" Alyssa watching this nodded her head pointed at her parents again "Mama Papa Unce Padfoo ante Ari" Harry seemed to understand and simply smiled causing Alyssa to clap her hands again.
Meanwhile Sirius and Adriana were watching the kids in amazement. They seemed to understand one another completely. Looking at each other they smiled realizing the kids would be fine growing up here for the next few years without contact with the outside world as long as they had each other. As Blinky put down the traditional Muggle English breakfast that Lily introduced him too he's had the elves prepare it for him whenever he could get away with it. Digging in he turned to his wife who was now watching Fiola and Blinky feeding the kids.
"Love, I didn't really explain last night what I'm going to do today and you might not like it" Instantly turning full focus onto him she asked "And what exactly won't I like sweety?" In a much too nice tone that made him slightly nervous. Steeling himself knowing he had to do this for both his family and Harry he continued.
"As you know Dumbledore will be on a mission to find me, to get Harry to those muggles. No doubt he's made out I'm the secret keeper, hell that was the reason we chose Peter, I'm the obvious choice. If I remain here without officially becoming Harry's legal guardian as soon as possible, Dumbledore could declare himself his magical guardian, thus giving him access to Harry's trust fund vault that refills every year."
Stopping to make sure she was following he continued "I plan to send Rufus, the Minister and the prophet 4 memories now before I leave, one of me convincing James to go with Peter instead as secret keeper. One of the Potter's will that had me and a Goblin named Griphook as witnesses so that they can get him at the court hopefully with the original recording. James, Peter and I becoming animagus to show our forms since I'm sure that Peter has gone in hiding which would make it seem as if I have killed him. Finally the memory of Hagrid talking to us, but only the part of me questioning why he was there and where he wanted to take Harry. That's just in case somehow Dumbledore manages to get me in Azkaban without a trial. Animagus memory so that he can't try and accuse me of being an illegal anigamus. The Hagrid memory will come in handy with discrediting his pleas when I reveal the Potter's will that states under no circumstance will their son be sent to Petunia."
Adriana listened intently to everything he said and nodded. It will be the safest option. By sending memories to the Minister he won't be undermining him. Sending a set to Rufus will ensure he will receive at least a trial, which is the part he was worried about me freaking out about. The set to the prophet is so they can't try and cover anything up if they backstab him. "It sounds like a solid plan love but please be careful love"
He smiled at her and leaned over and gave her a soft kiss "Of course love, I won't head out until later after I receive a response for a trial, no doubt that they will schedule it for today." Standing up he apparated to the potions lab and caught 12 vials, apparating back down to the kitchen he set to work coping his memories.
10mins later he had sealed the final vial and he looked over at Blinky "Blinky I need you to do me a favour, there are 3 sets of 4 vials here. I need you to take one set to the Daily prophet head editor's office, once set to the Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeor's office, and be careful it may be protected. The final set is to go to the Minister of Magic's office. Can you do that for me?" Blinky nodded enthusiastically and saluted "I is doing this Master Sirius, I will not fail" Summoning the vials he popped out. Now it was just a waiting game.
Daily Prophet Head Editor's office November 1st 6am
Barnabas Cuffe sat down after a stressful few hours. He was awoken at 3am that same morning by Minister Bagnold about a story that will be in the History books for years to come. What he was told made him rush to the office to reprint that morning's edition. You-know-who was defeated by Harry Potter, not only that but immediately after his downfall the alleged secret keeper of the Potter's took the Potter boy. What fate awaited the wizarding world's savior, the boy who apparently survived the killing curse? Just a short time after they finished the updated edition for 8am release a house elf popped in.
Bowing low Blinky spoke "Hello sir, my Master is asking Blinky to deliver these memories of events that took place last night, he says to give you this note as well." Placing both the letter and 4 vials down he popped back out. Usually he would check for spells on the parchment or vials but he was in such a good mood at that point that he didn't bother, opening the letter he began to read:
Dear Mr Cuffe,
Thank you for trusting that this note wasn't tampered with, I ask that you read this note and view the memories that will prove my innocence in the murder of my best friends. My name is Sirius Black...
Immediately stopping he began frantically running detection charms on both the parchment and the vials, seeing no results he looked confused at the vials and decided to see what the rest of the note said.
...and I was not the Potter's secret keeper, I convinced James to switch to Peter Pettigrew since everyone would assume that I would be their secret keeper. The memory in vial 1 shows this, the reason you have received a copy is just a precaution on my part in case I fail to convince the Ministry of my innocence and sent to Azkaban without a trial...
He was tempted to now watch the memory but he wanted to know what was in the other 3 vials.
Now the other 3 vials contain other important evidence for 3 other matters that could come up, 1 is that myself, James Potter and Peter Pettigrew learnt how to become Animagus during our 5th Year at Hogwarts, this vial contains the memory of when we first successfully achieved it and it will show you and whoever you show our forms. I believe that Peter has fled or has chosen to hide in his form and I believe the wizarding world should know if he is near for their safety, if he can betray one of his closest friends who can know what he could do to innocents. The 3rd vial contains my memory of the Potter's will in which I was a witness along with the Goblin Griphook, if I am sent to Azkaban I only ask that you confirm what is in that memory so that my godson will not be sent to those magic hating muggles as Albus Dumbledore wishes. The 4th vial shows the confrontation at Godric's hollow with a man named Hagrid who claimed to wish to take Harry to those muggles on Dumbledore's orders. I only ask that you do the right thing on my godson's behalf, he is safe and will remain that way as I promised that to Lily and James after they named me his guardian if they were to die in the war.
Thank you for taking the time to at the very least read this,
Sirius Orion Black, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black
20 minutes later had Barnabus for the second time that morning screaming for a reprint of the front page. This edition will be late but it will be remembered for years to come he declared to himself.
Ministry of Magic Head Auror office November 1s 6.05am
Rufus Scrimgeour was contemplating the events of that morning, not one of his Auror's can find a trace of his supposed traitor Auror Sirius Black. Personally he didn't think he would ever betray James no matter the price. He would have much rather died, serviing with them during the war only proved that point so what exactly was Albus Dumbledore up to. An alarm starting to ring in his office but his want was already out. Blinky popped in and froze, a man was pointing a wand right at him but he steeled himself and spoke.
"My Master is giving Blinky important mission, there are 4 memories in these vials, and this letter explains what are in each." Rufus considered the elf in front of him, he believes he knows who his master is but it would be good to check. "Who is your Master then?" Blinky who was not instructed otherwise said "I be serving the Ancient and Noble house of Black sir?" Rufus nodded and lowered his wand. Blinky placed the vials and letter on the desk and popped out. Casting a few detection spells just in case he opened the letter and began to read.
Ministry of Magic Minister's office November 1st 6.10am
Minister Bagnold sighed. Sometimes he hated the job, having to run it during this war was stressful to put it mildly. But he knew there were few others that could do it. Blinky popped in and he muttered "What now"
"Blinky is being asked to deliver these memories to Minister Sir. They prove master's innocence" This caught Bagnold's attention, are former death eaters already trying to worm their way to freedom before the hunt has even begun "Oh, and who is your Master?" Blinky puffed out his chest "I is serving the Ancient and Noble house of Black" Bagnold's eyes narrowed, what could Black possibly have that would clear his name at this point. Blinky placed the vials and letter on the desk and Bagnold cast every detection spell he knew, nothing came up. Sighing he began to read the letter.
20 minutes later had Bagnold exiting the pensive with a curious look on his face "Blinky was it, can I ask you to ask your master to come here immediately. We should discuss this matter straight away." Blinky nodded and popped away.
Minutes later Sirius popped in with Blinky "Thanks Blinky, you can head home now" Blinky bowed and popped away. "Hello Minister, thank you for seeing me so soon after I contacted you" Bagnold merely nodded and motioned Sirius to the seat in front of him.
"May I ask why Dumbledore wants you in Azkaban Lord Black?" Sirius sighed but responded "If I had to guess either he truly believed that I was the Potter's secret keeper which means we fooled him as well as everyone else as you've witnessed. Or for some reason he needs Harry out of the wizarding world until Hogwarts begins, the only reason I can think of that is the reason my friends went into hiding"
Bagnold raised an eyebrow, "That did indeed intrigue me, it didn't seem in either of the natures to run and hide considering their efforts during the war, may I enquire as to what it was that caused them to do that?" Sirius studied him for a moment before responding "No, I wish I did it would explain everything I believe. All I know is that Dumbledore convinced them into hiding from Voldemort, which means Voldemort was specifically targeting them as a threat. But the fact he attacked an innocent child and the fact that Lily and James were already dead makes me believe that it wasn't the Potter's he was after, it was Harry."
Bagnold sighed, the memory showed Sirius arriving to see the explosion and another showing Harry's scar where the curse must of hit and rebounded, it seemed he really was the boy-who-lived. "I must warn you Sirius, I have told the Prophet that you were the Potter's secret keeper..." Sirius interrupted joyfully "No need to worry I gave them the same memories, as well as Rufus. One to stop word getting out about me being the Potter's secret keeper, to know what Peter can become a rat so all wizarding families can cast detection spells on random rats. To stop the ministry's let's hunt Sirius Black game and finally to become the official guardian of my Godson. I should tell you for the next few years until Harry's older I'll be keeping him at home so he won't have to deal with being the boy-who-lived" Bagnold merely nodded agreeing with the statement and they began the process of making Sirius Harry's legal guardian.
Ministry of Magic Auror Office November 1st 7am
30 minutes later had Sirius smiling like madman, he was now the official guardian of his godson and he couldn't be happier. The Auror's were just debriefed by Rufus, Sirius and the Minister himself so no one argued the point. Alice Longbottom had immediately ran over and hugged him tightly sobbing and apologizing as she too had believed that her best friends had chosen Sirius and he had betrayed them. He just merely shrugged off the apology and stated loudly "Pffft just proves how good me and Prongs were at deceit" before a single tear rolled down his cheek, Alice hadn't let him go yet and Frank merely slapped him on the back.
He pulled them aside a short time later and told them his plan "Guys I know that Dumbledore convinced you 2 to go into hiding as well as James and Lily, I also know that Voldemort wasn't targeting James and Lily. He was after Harry, who means his other target was..." Alice merely nodded confirming his fears, like James and Lily only their son would have caused them to hide. "Listen just because their master is gone doesn't mean his followers won't still be after your son, be careful, I know James was your secret keeper. I suggest you get a new one, it is one of the best defensive charms." They both nodded and asked him to be their new secret keeper.
Black Manor November 1st 9am
The fireplace burst to life in green flames and Sirius stepped out only to be almost tackled to the ground by his wife who he couldn't tell was laughing or crying at the moment. "Love, I told you everything would be fine, no need for this" She just started a rant about how worried she was and all the worst case scenarios that were flying through her head.
Letting out a barking laugh he stated "Well at least I know you care" That earned him a smack and a "Prat" She looked at him "Why were you so late though, the papers wouldn't of taken you that long to sign surely, even with you probably wanted to add dramatic effect." Letting out another barking laugh he explained going to the Longbottom's manor and becoming their new secret keeper. Adriana seemed quite pleased with that excuse. She couldn't help but wonder if remaining death eater's might target them in vengeance since the Potter's and Longbottom's were obviously Voldemort's targets.
"Where are the kid's love?" Adriana got that same Mischievous look she had that same morning and giggled "They are in the playroom having a competition in who can walk take the most steps, they won't let anyone but each other help them up or they get upset. They are so cute together" She gushed as she reached the end of her explanation. Laughing once more he picked his wife up bridal style earning a squeal and blush as he marched off to the playroom to watch his daughter and godson.
Hogwarts, Headmaster's office November 1st 9am
Albus Dumbledore sat in his office feeling quite content, it was only a matter of time before Black was found and his pawn could be placed where he would grow to be easily influenced. Yes he didn't believe anything could ruin his mood that morning, oh how wrong he was. As at that moment a tap was heard on a window in his office. Walking over, taking the paper, paying the owl, shutting the window and sitting back down. He opened the paper and read the headline:
YOU-KNOW-WHO DEFEATED BY POTTER HEIR
Skipping through until he found what he wanted he froze after reading: ...betrayed by the one they trusted with their lives, Peter Pettigrew... flipping over the pages he read a few more headlines that were making him angrier by the second. POTTER, BLACK AND PETTIGREW ANIMAGUS AT 14. ALBUS DUMBLEDORE ATTEMPTS TO SEND WIZARDING SAVIOR TO PREDJUCED MUGGLES. SIRIUS BLACK NEW GUARDIAN OF THE BOY-WHO-LIVED. Albus Dumbledore fainted, all his plans laid in tatters, all because of one man.