A New Start Keeperoliver Chapter 4 Seriously Free

Sirius believed he had been forgotten. It had been seven days since he talked with Albus and Selena. The hope they gave him was fading as time slipped by. During that seven days, one thing kept slipping back into his mind. How Moony let Selena get away. She was beautiful back then, and drop dead gorgeous now. If she wasn't married and he wasn't in prison, well, that's water over the dam. Too late to be dreaming about what ifs.

Now he was looking at her in a different light. She left him high with hope only to drop him on his head. There was no way he was ever getting out of this place. He should have known better than to trust Dumbledore. He was too much of a trouble maker while in school, and Dumbledore was holding it over his head.

This was the mood he was in when they came for him to bring him back to London to face the trial he never had. Now all he had to say was "I hope all goes well and Albus is able to clear me of any wrong doing." No one was listening to him as they brought him into the Ministry and a waiting room. He would remain there until his trial came up. He found out that the Wizengamut had assembled earlier for Selena's hearing and could not reassemble for ten days. That was why he was left where he was.

He was rewarded the following morning with the news of his trial. It was set for this afternoon at two P.M. For the first time in years, Sirius ate a decent meal before the trial. He was now ready to face the music.

Once he was brought into the chamber, he sat and was about to be chained when Amelia stopped them, "They will not be necessary, Kingsley. I believe we have enough here to keep the prisoner at bay if the need arises."

"As you wish Madam Bones." before he left Sirius he leaned down and whispered, "Good luck Mr. Black."

"Thanks, I'll need it." Sirius whispered back. Then his spirits lifted even higher as he saw Selena walk in with a James Potter look alike. He knew this had to be Harry. He wished he could talk to him, but he knew there was no contact between the prisoner and the people in attendance. It didn't stop him from looking though, and he stared at Harry, hoping to get his attention. When he finally got it, he almost died laughing when he heard, "Selena, that's Pads. Look, see. Luna there's my Uncle Pads." Then he yelled out, "Uncle Pads, everything is going to be alright. Mum said so."

That was why Pads was laughing, and why Selena was crying. It was the first time Harry called her Mum. If they weren't in public and Harry wasn't so nervous about them, she would hug him and give him a kiss on the cheek.

Sirius was now more than ready to get this over with and he could get back to taking care of his god son like he should have been doing for the last seven years.

However, the surprises kept on coming. At that moment, in walked another person he knew as more than a friend. Remus Lupin came in and sat next to Selena. Harry was at it again. He jumped up from his chair and into Remus' arms yelling, "Uncle Moony, you're here."

Remus just sat there in shock. How did Harry remember him since it had been so long since he last saw him and he was only fifteen months old at the time. Remus knew him right off, as he looked so much like his friends. Lily's face and James hair. Harry didn't move from the spot he had taken and would watch the trial from the lap of his Uncle Moony. Remus had no complaints about it. In fact he relished the closeness. It had been something he had been missing for the past eight years.

Finally Amelia got the attention of all those there, "May I have everyone's attention. Thank you. As you all know, Sirius Orion Black was never officially tried for his crimes seven years, seven months and two days past. It was because of his own confession that this came about. However, a very good point has been brought up by a very competent source that was, what Mr. Black confessed to, was not what he was charged with. Mr. Black has asked to be given Veritaserum to prove what he is about to say is the truth. With this being such a high profile case, this request has been granted, unless there is one here that wishes to protest?"

A blond haired man in the back stood up when this was asked, "Madam Bones, every member here knows Mr. Black's history. He has on more than one occasion passed on telling the truth. There are also different things that could be done to cancel out the effects of the truth serum. Why are we trying him for something that he has admitted to doing. Maybe he did not kill them directly, but he was the overall cause."

"Mr. Malfoy, as we have said, there is a difference to what he admitted and to what he was charged with. As for his not telling the truth at all times, can you tell me who here has?"

"We are not on trial here."

"Yes, and Mr. Black is. Now then, on the second complaint. Are you saying that the Ministry is failing in it's duty by allowing Mr. Black to get possession of a substance that could fight of the effects of Veritaserum?"

Lucius Malfoy could not reply to that question without putting himself in bad favor with the Wizengamot. He sat back down and cursed under his breath at the turn of events.

Sirius was the given the three drops of the serum and was asked the test question. However, the question asked was not the normal question. Instead he was asked, "Mr. Black, are you an illegal Animagus?"

"Yes." He said without a facial expression. This showed he was truly under the influence of the serum as this was a very serious charge,

"Let the court know that the accused has admitted to this crime." and all there nodded their agreement.

"Now, Mr. Black, did you become Lily and James Potter's secret keeper for the Fidelious Charm?"

"No."

"So you did not pass on the information to the one known as Lord Voldemort?" the assembled drew in a deep breath when Amelia called out the name that any normal person would dare not speak.

In stead of questioning the crowd, she continued the questioning of Sirius. "And if it wasn't you that was the secret keeper, then who was it?"

"I did not pass on the information. Peter Pettigrew was made the secret keeper."

"Why the change?"

"Because I was the obvious choice to be the secret keeper. James and I agreed that it should be someone that no one would expect."

"You say that James agreed to this? What about Lily Potter, did she agree as well?"

"No. She was against it from the beginning. Peter had been avoiding us on a number of occasions and she didn't trust him. She wanted Remus to be the secret keeper, even over me."

"Why then, did you go ahead with Mr. Pettigrew knowing it was against Lily's wishes?"

"James and I felt it was Remus who was the traitor, since he was gone so much. We didn't think Peter had enough nerve to betray us."

When Remus heard this, a tear formed in the corner of his eye. His own friends believed he was a traitor.

"So, even Lily's conviction was passed on. Do you still believe that Remus Lupin is a traitor?"

"No, and since he is here I would ask for his forgiveness."

"Do you think you deserve it?"

"No."

"Yet you would still ask for it?"

"Yes."

"Now then, did you kill Peter Pettigrew for releasing the information as the secret keeper?"

"I did not kill Peter. He killed the twelve muggles then cut off his finger and turned into his Animagus form of a rat. He escaped down a drainage ditch."

"Is there anything else you wish to add to your statement Mr. Black?"

"Only that I still feel responsible for James and Lily's deaths. If I had listened to Lily rather than James, they would still be here with us. I also wish that Remus could believe this as well. I am so sorry for not believing in him."

"So, you are telling us that you are sorry for not being the secret keeper?"

"No. I still think I was the too obvious choice. I wish we had made Remus the secret keeper, like Lily suggested. She had more faith than James and I, in Remus. I should have seen it myself, the way he treated Harry. He was the one to always get Harry to sit and listen to stories rather than try to get him in trouble with Lily. I even bought a broom for Harry to make things worse. Lily almost killed me for that one."

Remus was now laughing as he remembered that night of Harry's party. Lily was ready to kill Pads. She was furious. Even at twenty years old, he acted like a child.

"One final question Mr. Black. If you are found not guilty, what will you do about your godson Harry?"

This time there was no immediate answer. He sat and thought on it for a moment, "I would ask Selena if I was able to visit him occasionally. I know she has used her rights as his godmother to get custody of him and I would not do anything to change that. I would also ask Remus why he was such an idiot"

"Why is that Mr. Black? He has nothing to do with Harry's upbringing."

"Now he doesn't, but he could have."

"Once again I ask you why Mr. Black?"

"Because if he had any courage what so ever, he would have stayed with Selena while we were in school. Instead, he let her go because of a problem he has."

"Oh yes, his problem. We know of it. Well, we see your point, even though it has nothing to do with your case. You have also raised some questions that Mrs. Lovegood will now have to answer. I see you haven't changed Mr. Black, even when you are drugged."

"Thank you Madam Bones. That is high praise coming from you."

Amelia blushed at Pads remark. Even under the influence he was a git. "I now ask the court to pass verdict on to Sirius Orion Black. All those who still think him guilty of betraying the Potters please raise their hand." Five members raised their hand, to include Lucius Malfoy. "Those who find him not guilty of these charges please raise your hand." Now, too many hands were raised to count. "We find the defendant Sirius Orion Black innocent of these charges. However, there are still the charges of his being an unregistered Animagus. All those who think him guilty, raise your hand." every hand was raised. "I don't think the next question needs to be asked. Sirius Orion Black you have been found guilty of being an unregistered Animagus. The sentence is one year in prison and a 100 galleon fine. Now, since you have served the time, all that is needed is for you to pay the fine."

Sirius was given the counter agent to the truth serum and was released. He walked towards Selena, Luna, Harry and Remus, but was stopped by a running Harry and Luna. They tackled him to the ground and got everyone in the room laughing except for Lucius. He just turned and strode out of the room.

Sirius finally was able to get up, and turned to Selena and Remus. It was a big mistake, as Selena slapped him in the face. Then when he stood back up, Remus punched him in the nose, breaking it.

Even through the pain, Sirius began to laugh when Harry asked Selena, "Mum, you have to use your spell again to fix Uncle Pads nose now."

Selena did this and then she hugged him. "Why have you got to be such a stupid git? You knew you were innocent yet you didn't do anything about it."

"It's not easy feeling you were partly responsible for your family's death, Selena. James, Lily, Remus, Peter and I were like family during school. Peter may have been more like a black sheep to the family, but we, and I do mean all of us, never thought that he would betray us. The lack of faith I had in Lily and the trust I had in Peter caused the death of the best thing that ever happened to me."

Remus made the next statement, "But why did you and James think I was the traitor? What had I done to make you think I would betray everyone?"

"You were gone all the time Moony. We hardly ever saw you and when we did it wasn't for long and then you were off again. Sure, you were gone at the request of Dumbledore, but anything could have happened in all that time. Maybe Peter was absent as well, but it was like we didn't notice it as much as we noticed you not being there. Since we are talking about him, why wasn't Albus here for the trial?"

Remus answered that one, "He said he had too much to think about and that he didn't think he could be of any help to you. Your agreeing to the use of the serum would be more than enough to prove your story."

Sirius didn't think much about the excuse. Albus always seemed to be a little too aloof for him. Like he couldn't be bothered by trivial matters. He picked up his god son and when Luna saw this she went to Remus and held up her hands. Remus laughed at the sight, but picked her up, and they left the court room together.

ANS-}

It was still troubling the Headmaster. He could not figure out why he felt someone was manipulating him. For almost eight years things seemed normal, then in a matter of a few days, everything changed. Harry was removed from the Dursleys. Sirius was brought to trial after almost eight years. All because Selena decided she wanted her god son. But it didn't seem like it was her doing the manipulating. It seemed she was also being led.

He listed all the people involved with what was happening. He began with Selena then Xenophilius, Sirius, Remus, Harry, and Luna. He crossed off Remus as he was surprised when Albus told him of the trial. He had tried searching Selena's mind for answers, but her blocks were too strong. He did not wish to expose himself to her, so he just used a gentile push. Xenophilius never was around long enough for him to try it. So that is where Albus centered his thinking for the moment. It was him to point out how Selena failed to uphold her duties as Harry's god mother. But what did he have to gain by Selena getting custody of Harry? Money? Did he know of the wealth that Harry was left by his mother and father? But he wouldn't be able to get any of it. Harry's fame? Possibly, for his paper. It would be handy to have Harry around for questioning him. But what would Harry know for him to use?

Albus also wondered why anyone would try to manipulate him for this purpose. Nothing evil was suspected in what had occurred. Harry was released from the hell he had been living with his relatives. Sirius was released from the hell he was living in prison. He was also the last person a Death Eater would like to see free.

It was all very confusing, unless who ever was doing it was doing it to correct things that should never have happened. But how would this person know these were wrong? Every question he brought up, brought up a dozen more questions. It was beginning to look like someone wanted to set up something that would bring about a better life for Harry and his new family.

He now changed directions on who it could be. Now Minerva came into the picture. It was her that told him before he left Harry on the Dursleys door step, of the mistake he was making. It was her that treated the Marauders special, especially Sirius. It was her that thought Lily had a love potion used on her to fall in love with James. Yes, she was another possibility.

Others that came to mind were Filius and Horace. Both had stated their affection for Lily Evans when she attended school.

Then last but not least was Severus. He knew of the love that Severus held for Lily Evans even before school started. He even offered to help Albus if he protected Lily from Voldemort because of the Prophecy. But he wasn't concerned about James or Harry, only Lily.

Once again, all this did was bring up more questions. Too many questions without answers. One question that he hoped was asked was the one he gave to Amelia to prove Sirius was telling the truth. That should put everyone's mind at ease.

ANS-}

Sirius and Remus enjoyed the first day of the feeling of being with family after such a long stretch. Remus also could not believe how Luna had attached herself to him since the end of the trial. Not that she bothered him, it was just that it was weird for anyone to connect with someone to this level when nothing was known about him.

Sirius on the other hand didn't let any thinking get in his way of enjoying this day. When he walked by anyone, he would reach out and hug that person for no reason what so ever. If it was Selena or Luna, he would dance around with them for a minute or two, then he would kiss their cheek and release them. If it was Harry, he would put him on his shoulder and ride him around. If it was Remus, he would say over and over again how sorry he was for not believing in him.

Even after Harry and Luna were sent to bed, the two stayed with Selena and Xeno to talk and just visit. It wasn't until 1AM that Selena finally said, "OK, either you both find a corner to sleep in, or go home. I am tired and I am going to bed. Stay if you like, as you both know you are welcome."

Sirius gave Remus the couch and he took a lounge with an ottoman. Xeno got them a blanket and a pillow to use and said his goodnight as well.

The next morning, Luna was up early and entered Harry's room and tried waking him up. Since he had got into a different sleeping pattern after leaving his relatives home, he was harder to wake up. She finally got him to respond and she sat on his bed until he was alert enough to have a conversation with her.

"OK Luna, I'm awake. What do you need?"

"Would you take a walk with me today Harry? I have someone I want you to meet."

"Couldn't this have waited for a more reasonable hour to tell me?"

"Probably, but this was more fun. Besides, I am getting hungry, and would love for you to fix me some breakfast."

"Remember what Mum said. What's the magic word?"

"Please Harry, will you fix me some breakfast?"

"Come on. You can give me a hand."

They ended up fixing breakfast for the entire family. When the aroma of the cooking breakfast hit everyone, they began to wake up. Selena was the first to respond and slipped on her house coat before running downstairs to kill Sirius for setting fire to her kitchen.

When she saw Remus on the couch and Sirius on the lounge, she then thought that Xeno was cooking which was just as bad as Sirius.

What she saw in the kitchen was Harry and Luna preparing breakfast. Harry had Luna making toast over an open fire. She also saw a pile of burnt pieces. She watched as Harry told her when to turn the bread, and when to change to a new slice. He did this while preparing the bacon and the scrambled eggs. The final results was a delicious looking meal. Harry ruffled Luna's hair saying "Good job sis. Couldn't have done better myself. OH, hi Mum. Breakfast is done."

"I see that, thank you both."

Luna smiled, "You're welcome Mum."

"Ya, you're welcome Mum." Harry laughed.

Soon, Remus walked in to the the aroma of breakfast and thanked Selena for the meal.

"You're welcome Remus, but I had nothing to do with it. These two are the chefs this morning. As you can see, it was a trial by fire. " pointing to the pile of burnt toast. And then at Luna.

Without making a comment he sat and filled his plate, like Selena, Luna and Harry had. Before they could start, Sirius and Xeno walked in. "Ah, just in Time I see. Thanks Remus." and Sirius took Remus' plate and sat down to eat. Xeno filled a plate and handed it to Remus, then filled his own. Remus was still glaring at Sirius as he ate the breakfast that Remus had made for himself. No one said anything, but you could see where Harry and Selena were holding back their laughs. Luna was too busy eating.

Xeno was busy eating and going over his headlines for his paper.

Remus saw this and asked, "What are you reading Xeno?"

"The headlines for this weeks paper, Remus. Would you like to see it?"

"Thanks. Um Xeno, don't you think you should give it some time before you go printing anything on Harry, and Sirius yet? I know it is news, but you have to give them both sometime to adjust before you make it known what's happening."

"Albus thinks I should write the truth before the Prophet spreads their lies about it all."

"Yes, I can see his point. The Prophet does tend to stretch the truth and bend it to fit their needs. Say, Xeno, you don't need an assistant do you?"

Xeno looked up at this. "Are you interested Remus?"

"Definitely. I was looking for something to do."

"They pay is not much I'm afraid."

"What ever you can afford is fine, as long as my meals are included." Remus smiled.

"Hey, What about me?" Sirius shouted. "I'm looking for something to do as well. I'm good at sniffing out stories."

"Goodness, I go from a staff of one to a staff of three in a matter of a few seconds. Like I said, I can't afford much."

"He...ck, I will work for nothing. Sorry Selena."

"For what?"

"Slip of the tongue."

"No problem, just don't do it too often."

"I can't afford to, if I want visitation rights to my two kids."

"Two?"

"He...ck ya. You don't think I will forget Harry do you?"

"Harry?"

"Ya, you know, your new son."

"Of course I know Harry. I thought you were talking about Luna."

"What about Luna?"

"You said that... never mind. I forget what we were talking about."

"Selena, you need to stay focused."

"Shut it Pads."

"Yes dear."

"Pads, you're not talking to Lily."

"I know that dear."

"Pads!"

"Yes dear?"

"Shut up."

"Yes dear."

"Men. Harry don't ever grow up."

"Yes dear, I mean Mum."

After breakfast, Selena and Remus cleaned up and Luna took Harry outside. "Harry, I was wondering if you would walk with me to go meet the Weasleys?"

"Do you think I should Luna. I just barely know you."

"Prat."

"What?"

"You know what. Now will you come with me?"

"Of course I will if you want me too."

"Thanks Harry."

"It's OK sis. Is there anything should know before I meet them?"

"Yes, if the twins are at the table when we get there, do not eat or drink anything unless I say it's OK."

"Really?"

"Really."

"This sounds like it could be fun. Anything else?"

"Yes, Ron is a nice enough fellow, but he can be a git."

"Which of the twins is he?"

"Neither."

"Hmmmm. OK, is there anything else?"

"Yes. Ginny is my friend and she is lovely, but feisty as a girl can get."

"I can deal with that. What else?"

"Watch out for Molly's hugs."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll find out."

"OK, is there anything else?"

"Yes..."

"I'm not too sure I want to go meet these people."

"OH come on, it will be fun."

"For you maybe, I'm not to sure about me."