A/N: Still can't see the reviews yet. And this keeps getting longer and longer. There's just SO MUCH that could happen if the Lone Traveler had influenced Fudge properly at the right time.

The Greatest Minister for Magic in History Part 4

Amelia Bones and Cornelius Fudge were meeting in his office. It was July 30th – two weeks after the Minister's inspection of Azkaban and the day that Cornelius had promised to Sirius Black that he would see his day in court.

"What evidence have you uncovered about his innocence or guilt?" the Minister asked.

Amelia looked at the Minister with a serious mein and said, "Normally, I wouldn't be telling anyone not of the DMLE this – even you – because it's legally an open investigation. In this case, I believe I can count on your discretion."

Cornelius chuckled. "Since I'm opening myself to a lot of backlash, you will not have to worry."

Amelia smirked back. "I think you have a little cushion – the report of the goblins promising not to revolt since your bill was signed gives you a little leeway – and that happened just a few days ago. How did you wiggle that?"

"Amelia!" the Minister said in cheerful reproach. "I can honestly say it wasn't something that I asked for – although they were quite happy with the new business when I ensured they could do the work the new law required."

Amelia wasn't buying it but let it go. "Well, it was definitely a feather in your cap. Anyway … I contacted the head of the Black family, Arcturus Black. He agreed to provide a barrister to act as his grandson's advocate."

"I thought he had been disowned?"

Amelia snorted. "His mother tried – she was a pretty stone cold supremacist and her oldest was not following in her mould. But neither she, nor her husband, were head of the family. He disowned Andromeda Tonks because of pressure within the family but even that he didn't want to do. He's waiting for his cousin Pollux, her grandfather, to die before reversing that – especially because I could confirm her daughter is a metamorphmagus."

"Oh?" Cornelius was curious.

"Yes. It happened to come up when I mentioned I was working on recruiting her because of her special talents. There is a history of it in the family and Andromeda birthing a daughter with the ability goes quite a bit toward forgiving her less than politically optimum marriage. The Blacks are purebloods – but certain things can cause certain other things to be overlooked."

Cornelius sat back and said, "You want to get in better with the Black family? Even beyond clearing Sirius if he's guilty?"

Amelia was curious. "How?"

"The next time you talk to Arcturus Black, suggest that he order Andromeda to get her husband a lineage test at Gringotts. He might be squib-born and not muggleborn. That might make her marriage a little more palatable."

Amelia was confused. "Where did you get such an idea?"

Cornelius sighed. "I've had a few talks with Gringotts about old vaults and such – how money can get back into circulation that's been lying around. I want to stimulate the economy. According to them, the best place to find those who qualify are muggleborns and halfbloods who have unknown magical relatives."

Amelia was staggered. "I never heard of such a thing. That information could rock our world." She paused. "I'm a little surprised you're giving me this rather than using it yourself."

Cornelius considered the head of the DMLE for a moment. Finally he decided. "There are a few good reasons. I've introduced a fair bit of change already and too much, too fast will get me labeled a liberal – and politically, that wouldn't be convenient. I KNOW the information needs to get out, but I really need to solidify my credentials as a traditionalist before I can take steps. The sheer amount of information I've run across since I've become Minister has been astounding. Get Augusta Longbottom to tell you what we learned when we visited Gringotts with her son. And, when we have a little more breathing room, I'll tell you how I was given a gift by magic which gave me the impetus to take the actions I do now. I think you'll be surprised." He paused. "As a matter of fact, we can go together. Talk to her about when it would be convenient." With a small look he said, "And ask her to ensure her brother Algernon is present. I need to have a word with the man."

Amelia looked at her nominal boss. "I think I'll look forward to the conversation."

"You should. Now: The evidence?"

Amelia quickly reviewed what she had, what was proven, what was speculation, and what seemed wrong. The Minister would have been shocked at the massive mistakes – but he remembered how relieved he himself had been 9 years earlier and how accepting he was of the Ministry's quick action to put things behind them. This mistake was obvious in how it happened – the desire for revenge was powerful. Too bad it was illegal too.

When it was done, Cornelius had a few suggestions if – if – the man was found innocent. Amelia nodded at the Minister's foresight. It would reduce the trouble which came out of this.

"Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! The House of Lords and Ladies Wizengamot is hereby called to session! Let all who have business before this body stand forth and be heard! Wizengamot Clerk: What is the first item on the agenda?"

Amelia Bones, Director of the DMLE, stood up. "The Department of Magical Law Enforcement asked that Wizengamot stand in Judgment for Crimes Against Magical Society."

Albus Dumbledore nodded. "Who is it that is to be judged?"

"I cede the floor to the Minister of Magic to explain." She sat down.

There were murmurs and sounds of surprise at this variation to normal procedure.

With some hidden trepidation, the Chief Warlock recognized the Minister. Cornelius Fudge stood up.

"A few days after my claiming of the Office on Minister, the Director of the DMLE approached me to schedule the annual inspection of Azkaban prison. It is a duty that is unpleasant but necessary to ensure that criminals are being properly punished according to the law.

"In preparation for this inspection, I asked the Director to furnish me with a list of prisoners, what they had been convicted of, and when each was scheduled to be released. I wanted to ensure that there were no irregularities. I have a responsibility to the Magical public to ensure prisoners are properly punished – and a responsibility to the prisoners that they are not unduly punished, according to law.

"A few days later, the Director of the DMLE approached me because she found that there was a prisoner incarcerated in Azkaban who had never been legally convicted. Further, this wizard had never been formally charged! And to make this even worse as far as the law goes – this wizard had been incarcerated in High Security for 9 years."

There were shouts of outrage at this violation. Dumbledore now guessed who this was, but could do nothing yet. He got the chamber back into order.

"Yes. I was just as outraged. Now, this wizard is considered a stone cold murderer and a Death Eater. He was imprisoned during the whole emergency with You-Know-Who." There was suddenly less outrage. "Still, every witch and wizard – EVERY witch and wizard – deserves to be legally tried. And so I ordered the prisoner moved to minimum security to allow the DMLE to put together its case and to prepare the prisoner to stand before you."

Augusta Longbottom stood up. "Yes, Madame Longbottom?"

"What is the prisoner's name?"

"Sirius Black."

Suddenly there were shouts of outrage that this scum was being treated as any other – magicals were so fickle. The Minister's face took on a hardened look as they settled down. "Just minutes ago you shouted in outrage that the law wasn't being followed. Now many shout because such a man doesn't deserve a trial. Make up your mind! I've already made up mine: The Ministry for Magic, while I am Minister, will stand for Justice always but Revenge never. The laws will be followed or I will resign. I will not countenance the rights of our citizens to be abridged outside of legal action."

That shut many up – the new Minister had earned some respect. "Now – the incarceration of a criminal is not, in and of itself, illegal. Even without a trial or formal charges. But – according to law – the ONLY person who can order this, legally called a Bill of Attainder, is the reigning Muggle monarch. When we separated from the Muggles and gained autonomy, the Wizengamot was charged with ensuring that the King's laws were followed within our society. The Royal prerogatives were NOT, however, overturned. In a recognized State of Emergency, the Minister, with the backing of the DMLE and the Wizengamot, may order such an incarceration. But, when the Emergency ends, each person so incarcerated MUST be legally tried. Unless a Royal Order for a Bill of Attainder is provided. As such, by law, we MUST allow even those whom we despise legal recourse. It is the law."

There was less disagreement and more interest in the chamber. "I will be honest with you: I cannot hate those who are housed in Azkaban, even the worst of them. As necessary as it is to keep them away from us, it is always a waste when magical talent is lost due to the crimes they commit. My ensuring they pay for their crimes does not require that I hate them for it.

"But my lack of hatred does not mean I will allow criminals to roam free. At the same time, I will also not allow witches and wizards to be labeled criminal unless legally convicted."

He turned to the Chief Warlock. "According to reports, the Chief Warlock has substantive knowledge and involvement with the accused – even if he wasn't then aware of the activities for which he was accused. The Director plans on calling him as a witness. I, therefore respectfully ask that he recuse himself from this case and allow another respected member of his choice to run these proceedings."

The Chief Warlock regarded the Minister with a small modicum of respect. As inconvenient as it was, it was fair. "As requested and as is proper, I do recuse myself. I ask Lord Ogden as the next more senior to take my place. He was not a party to either side during the conflict and so cannot be accused of bias."

Lord Ogden agreed and moved to take the position of Chief Judge for the case.

"Madam Director. Please bring in the accused."

The Wizengamot watched as Sirius Black was led in to the chambers by two Aurors in their dress uniforms. Along with the accused a man dressed as a well dressed man followed. Black was surprisingly calm and coherent.

"Acting Chief Judge, before you is Sirius Orion Black, accused of Conspiracy to Overthrow the Ministry, Murder of Peter Pettigrew, and the Murder of twelve Muggles, unnamed. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement stands ready to prosecute."

"Does the accused have an advocate?"

"Barrister-at-Law Hiram Bastwick, hired by the Black paterfamilias for this trial, stands for the accused," the well dressed man who accompanies the group answered.

"The accused and his advocate being present and the DMLE ready, let the case against Sirius Orion Black begin. Madam Bones, you may take the floor."

The Director of the DMLE briefly explained the charges against Sirius Black. She described what was known of his arrest and what followed. Finally she called the arresting Auror to the stand.

The Auror described what was found when they arrived. The evidence and statements, what little of it there was, was presented.

The Defense's questions clarified that Peter Pettigrew's wand was not found on the scene – only his finger.

The Auror who investigated the Potter's home was called. As the scene was described, many noticed that the accused wept. The Defense had no questions for that Auror.

The Chief Warlock was called and the Director led him through what he knew and what actions he had taken that night. He answered that he was not sitting as a judge during the trials at that time cleared him of any accusations regarding the lack of a trial.

Finally the Defense was allowed to question Dumbledore. "Chief Warlock. You were a close personal friend of the Potters before they were attacked?"

"I would say so, yes. They worked with me to do what we could to stop the madness."

"And you visited them after their home was placed under the Fidelius charm and before they were attacked?"

"Yes."

"To your knowledge, who cast the Fidelius Charm on the home of the Potters?"

"Lily Potter. She was gifted at charms."

"And who was the secret keeper?"

"To the best of my knowledge, Sirius Black."

"Were you told this by either of the Potters or Mr. Black?"

The Chief Warlock thought for a moment. "Not to my recollection. It was bandied about within the people we worked with, but I do not recall who actually said it."

"Who gave you the secret?"

"The accused did."

"Did he tell you verbally?"

"No. He gave me a slip of paper to read."

"To the best of your knowledge, was the slip you described which contained the secret written in Mr. Black's handwriting?"

Dumbledore was taken aback. "You know? I can't be certain. It was clearly written in block print but I cannot say I recognized the hand it was written by."

The Defense pulled out a piece of parchment. "I am handing you a copy of a report filed by the accused during that time period in the furtherance of his duties as an Auror. From your recollection, did the slip use the same handwriting?"

Dumbledore looked over the parchment. As was required procedure, it was in block print so that it could be easily read. But it wasn't quite the same. "I cannot say it did. This printing is much larger. The differences may be that the slip was written deliberately smaller or that someone else wrote it. I cannot honestly be certain."

"Thank you, Chief Warlock. I have no more questions."

Dumbledore was excused.

"The DMLE calls Rubeus Hagrid to the stand." The doors opened and the Hogwarts Gamekeeper entered the chamber. He looked somewhat nervous.

Suddenly a noise was heard. "Hm. Hm. Hmmm."

Everyone looked over to the source to find Dolores Umbridge, currenly proxying the Selwyn seat, trying to call attention to herself. The Minister recognized her only because her application to work for his office was on his desk – something that had been somewhat ignored with the various things the Minister was dealing with. He had also been warned by the Lone Traveler.

The Director reluctantly said, "Madam Umbridge? You have a question?"

Looking very inoffensive (or trying to) the woman said, "Can we really trust the testimony of this … man? He is known to have been expelled from Hogwarts and his wand snapped. Can his testimony be truly trusted?"

Cornelius almost cursed to himself. This was one matter he wasn't really prepared to deal with yet. He had learned of the situation from the Traveler but had wanted to wait for a more politically convenient time to deal with it. Wanting to curse the woman, he stood up.

Amelia's surprise was evident as she said, "Minister? You have something to add?"

"Yes. With all due respect to the Selwyn proxy, there is some information that I have become aware of that might be relevant."

Amelia nodded. "Please continue."

"I was asked, quite recently, by a wizard of good standing whom I am not naming, to review the status of Mr. Hagrid. Not wanting to raise this matter while other matters were taking everyone's attention, I was building the information necessary to see what the situation even was. I believe a few questions to Mr. Hagrid may clear up this matter. Does the Wizengamot give me leave to deal with this so as not to taint the case against Mr. Black?"

Ogden reviewed the Wizengamot and the Minister was given leave to do so.

"Mr. Hagrid. In 1943, you were implicated in the death of Myrtle Warren?"

"Yeah, that's righ'. They said it was me that opened the Chamber of Secrets and let out the beast and that it was my Aragog who killed her, even tho' he was innocent. The Headmaster at the time, Dippit, snapped me wand and expelled me. Nothin' came of it though, and Dumbledore asked to hire me as gamekeeper to let me stay at Hogwarts 'cause me dad had died and I had nowhere to go."

"I understand. Now, who is the one who brought your pet to the attention of Headmaster and accused it of killing Ms. Warren?"

"Twas' Tom. Tommy Riddle. He was the one who said it was Aragog. Got an award for special services to the school an' everythin'."

"I see. Now: You were never charged by the DMLE?"

"No."

"And what evidence was there that it was your pet that caused her death?"

"Well, none really. Aragog was jus' misunderstood. Cause' he was an Acromantula and people said they was dangerous, tha' was why they said it was him."

"Now, if I recall, Myrtle Warren's body contained no wound to account for her death? No mark which could explain it? Chief Warlock?"

Dumbledore nodded. "That is correct. That is why Rubeus was never charged."

The Minister nodded. "While expelling a student is under the purview of the Headmaster, it is normally occurs so that the wizard or witch in question can be turned over the DMLE. In this case, the DMLE determined that there wasn't enough evidence to charge him. So, instead of being found guilty or being cleared, Mr. Hagrid is left in limbo. I find that quite … unacceptable. I can't see how this situation makes him unreliable."

At Umbridge's hem hem, she was allowed to speak again. Her voice was quite annoying to the members. "But, he was expelled."

Cornelius nodded. "If you must insist, I have two questions for Mr. Hagrid, a question or two for the Chief Warlock, and then the Wizengamot can decide if the expulsion of Mr. Hagrid was warranted. And then we can get back to the reason we are here."

There were murmurs of agreement and a number of negative looks at the woman who somewhat resembled a toad.

"Mr. Hagrid? Who, again, was it that accused you of opening Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets and releasing the beast against the students?"

"Tom Riddle."

"And your pet was an acromantula and not a snake?"

"Tha's right."

"Chief Warlock. Tom Riddle is not a name that most people are familiar with. Is there another name that most people know the man by?"

The Chief Warlock was quite put out that he had been painted into such a corner – but it was obvious that the Minister knew and that no dissembling would work. "He later took on the name of Lord Voldemort."

There were many sounds of shock and outrage. The chamber had come to the obvious conclusion. "Final question: Who was more likely the culprit who opened Slytherin's chamber: Rubeus Hagrid, who had a pet Acromantula – spiders being the normal enemies of large snakes – or Tom Riddle, who later claimed to BE the Heir of Slytherin when he was going by … well, that other name?"

"It was Tom Riddle who was the most likely culprit."

The Minister nodded. He addressed the chamber at large. "Now, with the testimony that we have heard, I ask the Wizengamot to clear Rubeus Hagrid for any part in the fiasco that caused the death of Myrtle Warren. I also ask that, because it was Hogwarts that expelled him and snapped his wand and NOT the Ministry, that Hogwarts be ordered to take on the burden of buying Mr. Hagrid a new wand and taking on the effort of ensuring his education is brought up to OWL and NEWT standards so that he can be certified as a proper wizard. Does anyone object to this?"

There were murmurings and comments among the members, but none objected, even Madam Umbridge, who had a very pinched look. "Good. It is so ordered. Mr. Hagrid, as soon as you complete whatever OWL and NEWT studies that you are able to, I would suggest that you take the necessary steps to become recognized as a Master of Magical Beasts. From what I know, there is no one in Magical Britain who is more knowledgeable in these things than yourself."

"Yes, Minister. Ah'll do tha'. Thank ye and thank to ye' all for givin' me another chance." All saw the tears that fell down the large man's face.

"Headmaster? Do you have any problems ensuring that Hogwarts do as we ordered?"

With a gentle smile for his friend he Headmaster replied, "No. I have no problem and will quite happily ensure the Wizengamot's decree is followed."

"Good. I think that if you ask, you can receive approval from the Board of Governors to take down the Special Services award for Tom Riddle – I believe that its presence in Hogwarts hallowed halls is an offense against good wizards and witches everywhere."

"It shall be as you say."

"Now, I hope the Selwyn proxy is satisfied that Mr. Hagrid can be trusted to do nothing to aid you-know-who and his Death Eaters and that his testimony can be trusted to bear this out?"

Madam Umbridge once again said nothing, just nodding her head. "Good. Madam Bones, if we can get back to the reason why we are here?" The Minister sat down.

Hagrid's testimony that he went to the Potter's cottage on Dumbledore's orders to ensure the safety of anyone who remained alive was easily accepted. Hagrid described finding Sirius with little Harry and the Sirius turned over Harry to Hagrid's care without disagreement.

The Defense had only a couple of questions. "Mr. Hagrid. First of all, congratulations on your being cleared to hold and use a wand again. Now, I have a question for you: When you found Sirius Black, did he in any way seem happy or satisfied by the deaths of the Potters?"

"No. He was cryin' fiercely and wantin' to get back at someone he called Wormtail."

"Mr. Black did not prevent you in any way from ensuring Harry Potter's safety?"

"No. Actually he gave over his motorbike so I could get little Harry back to Hogwarts faster. He was quite keen that Harry not be unprotected."

"So, you saw nothing which said that Sirius was responsible for the Potters deaths?"

"Nuthin I saw 'bout that."

"Thank you. If the prosecution agrees, you may step down." Amelia nodded and Hagrid went to the area where the other witnesses who had already testified sat.

"The Prosecution calls Garrick Ollivander."

From the doors at the back of the chamber, the highly recognized Wandmaker entered the chamber. When he got near the witness box he paused and looked at Hagrid. He then continued forward to take his seat to testify.

"You are Garrick Ollivander of Ollivander's Wand Shop?"

"Yes."

"It is said that you have never forgotten a wand that you have sold. Is this a correct statement?"

"It is true."

"It is also said that you can recognize any wand's components upon inspection of said wand."

"Yes. It is my craft."

"Do you recognize the accused' advocate?"

He peered at the man. "No."

Amelia turned to the barrister and said, "You didn't buy your want at Ollivander's?"

"No. I bought mine on the continent as that was where I lived and went to school."

"You might now be familiar with the witness then. Do you have your wand?"

The Barrister took his hand from a sleeve holster. "So that Mr. Ollivander can demonstrate his expertise for the Wizengamot, can he inspect your wand?"

The man shrugged and brought his wand forward. Mr. Ollivander took it carefully and looked it over. "10 and 7/8ths. Birch wood. It contains the hair of a unicorn, freely given rather than gathered. It is the wand of a wizard who champions the truth." He waved it and shot a few sparks from it. "It has been well cared for but needs more regular polishing." He looked at the Barrister. "It is a wand suited to an honorable wizard in your position but it is also quite suited to healing. It was made in Switzerland about 110 years ago and waited in the shop for you to claim for 77 years … 11 years times 7. You are then 44 years old?"

The Barrister chuckled. "I accept his expertise." The man retrieved his wand and put it away. A few Wizengamot members chuckled in amusement as well.

Amelia laid out five wands. "Do you recognize any of these wands?"

He looked them over. "I made four of them. One was made by my father."

"Can you say which belongs to the accused?"

Ollivander nodded and picked one up. "Blackthorn, Dragon Heartstring, 12 ¼ inches precisely. Sold in 1971 to Sirius Black."

"Can you tell me what spells this wand was last used for?"

Ollivander took his own wand and cast a few spells. "It hasn't been used in 9 years." He then picked up the wand and cast a spell. Various faded images came out of the wand. "It was used in a number of apparitions. Before this, it cast an infant-healing spell. Before that, there was a personal cleaning spell. And finally, before that, a contraceptive spell."

At his place, Sirius blushed a little. He guessed that everyone could guess what he had been doing before he had gotten worried and checked in at the Potters.

"So, if you were told that this wand blew up a street before it was confiscated and stored, would you agree?"

"No. It is impossible."

"No more questions." Amelia ceded to the Defense.

The Defense had no questions and Mr. Ollivander was released from giving more testimony.

He moved to walk out but stopped. "Rubeus Hagrid. Bring the pieces of your snapped wand when you come for a new one." He then walked out, back to his store.

The Wizengamot was a little spooked because he hadn't been present when the order to allow Hagrid a wand had been given. Most attributed it to the man's craft and its arcane knowledge.

Amelia sighed. "I have one more witness to call. I ask that Sirius Black testify as the occurrences of Halloween 1981. I also ask that he submit to Veritaserum to ensure that his testimony is truthful."

The Wizengamot watched as Amelia looked to Sirius's Advocate. The man stood up and replied, "My client is quite willing to testify and, in fact, demands the use of Veritaserum so that his words cannot be questioned."

The potion was administered and the Wizengamot listened in growing horror as the details of that night were laid out in full. More and more, they were coming to the certainty that an innocent man had been incarcerated for nine years. When it was all said and done, none were able to say that they had any doubts to the man's innocence.

When the counter-serum was finally administered, Lord Ogden asked the Director of the DMLE, "Director? Do you have any motions for us?"

Amelia nodded. "At this time, I move that all charges against Sirius Black be dismissed. I also ask that the posthumous award of the Order of Merlin to Peter Pettigrew be rescinded and that he be placed on the wanted list. I move that Mr. Black's status as an animagus form be moved from the confidential DMLE list to the public record. I will have other motions when this matter is disposed of."

Lord Ogden nodded. "Do any members of the Wizengamot object to the motions placed before us?"

No one wanted to go on record as opposing it, so the matter was dismissed. Lord Ogden returned control of the chambers to Dumbledore.

The Minister stood to be recognized and was. "I propose that Mr. Black be sent to Gringotts to receive the procedures they have available to cleanse any Dark magic taint he might have received during his stay at Azkaban, the cost to be paid for by the Ministry. After this, I propose he be moved to St. Mungos to receive treatment for long term Dementor exposure, also to be paid by the Ministry. I propose he have an Auror guard until the public can be informed that he has been cleared of all charges. I also propose he be awarded the pay of a Senior Auror for the time he spent incarcerated – the pay for the position he most likely would have achieved if he hadn't been falsely accused. And finally, I ask the DMLE to investigate for any charges that might be applicable against those who either were involved or did not prevent this injustice. This shall be separate from any recompense Mr. Black may seek once he has been fully healed."

The motions were quickly passed and the Wizengamot, many still in a state of shock, was dismissed for the day. The Minister motioned for the Chief Warlock to speak to him. When Dumbledore came over to where Amelia Bones and Cornelius were standing, the Minister spoke. "Albus? We are going to have a problem. Soon Black will be healed enough that he will want to see his godson. Now I am certain that you have him squirreled away from magical society in order to prevent any harm from those who were not happy with what occurred 9 years ago. And that's fine. But, you had better make certain that the boy is healthy and happy so that Black has no cause to make any more trouble for us. You can make sure the boy is safe and kept hidden – but you will not deny the boy's godfather his right to visit and spend time with him. Do you understand?"

The Headmaster reluctantly nodded. "I will begin to make arrangements."

"Please do. And I will want to meet the boy – after he has spent time with his godfather. I'll not interfere with family matters. And no, Albus, I will not use the boy for my gain – he's a child and not a resource. I think we all can agree with that?"

Amelia nodded and Albus chuckled. "Very wise. I am a bit surprised to be truthful."

Cornelius nodded. "I understand. We are all of us politicians. But common decency must be served."

Dumbledore walked away, knowing that he had better take steps to ensure that Harry Potter was quite well. He did not need the extra headaches if he wasn't. He was not looking forward to the next few months.

Cornelius looked at Amelia. "Make certain that you tell several people you trust about the conversation we just had. I do not want any of us 'forgetting' in the face of future distractions. Or suddenly deciding it isn't needed."

Amelia looked at the Minister carefully. "You suggest he might act to avoid this?"

Cornelius looked at the DMLE seriously. "I am only buying insurance, if you get my meaning. Personally, I'm going to mention it to my Accounts Manager at Gringotts – I've got a very good relationship with him and they have the ability to take steps if necessary."

Amelia nodded carefully. "I'll make certain to make my own assurances."