Chapter 7: The Trial Part One

If Sirius couldn't sit still before, today was impossible. One and a half hours left before his trial, Remus promised to stop by before then, and soon he would have his freedom, living with his last friend and his godson. His heart was pounding in his chest with worry, nervousness, and hope. Though, if asked, he would deny the fact that he was nervous or worried. There was a small amount of excitement and relief. With those emotions going through him, there was no possible way he could sit still. Madam Pomfrey, though, knew him too well. The door was locked from the inside in case he decided to do anything 'foolish', like walk the halls with a bunch of students walking around. He wasn't that stupid. He would have turned into a dog first. With nothing else to do, he paced…and paced…and paced…and paced. He walked around the room until he was out of breath.

The door opened and he quickly turned around, glad for a distraction, any distraction. He froze. Remus stood in the open doorway, staring back at him. His face was void of all emotion, but Sirius could see the faint movement of his fingers playing with the hems of his sleeves. A nervous habit he had back in Hogwarts. A habit Sirius swore he had outgrown by the time Harry was born. However, its presence comforted Sirius, knowing Remus was just as nervous as he was. Neither of them said anything for a long moment.

Remus finally pulled his eyes away from him and glanced around the small private room. Sirius stared at him before following his eyes around the familiar space. He glanced back at him and saw he was still staring at the bed. "It looks the same…" Sirius finally said, realizing he would need to be the one to break the silence. "…from when you were living here." Remus nodded as he continued to stare at the bed. Awkwardly, Sirius nodded along with him, remembering visiting Remus the day after the full moon in this same exact room. They had often teased Remus about living there since he was always in the same room. "Except for the occupant, of course." Remus still didn't glance at him and Sirius shifted his feet uncomfortably. He couldn't help but feel there was a white elephant in the room and neither one of them wanted to be the first to address it. "How's Harry?" He asked.

Remus finally snapped his head back to him and nodded. "Fine. Harry's fine. At school right now."

"Oh." Sirius said awkwardly. "Right."

"He wanted to come."

Sirius tilted his head in confusion. "What?"

"Harry. He wanted to come to the trial today." Remus finally walked forward and closed the door behind him. "I wouldn't let him. He had a test today. He shouldn't miss it." He explained.

Sirius nodded, not sure if he really wanted Harry to be there to hear his crimes. "I understand. You're right. He shouldn't miss it." They stood there in awkward silence. Sirius struggled to find something to say, to break the silence. His mind went around in circles, hoping their friendship wasn't going to stay this way. His head snapped up and his heart started to pound in his chest as something came to him. He should take this chance to tell Remus he was sorry for suspecting him as a spy. He shouldn't hear it at the trial, as it would, no doubt, come up at some point. He wasn't sure how to tell him though. With his blood rushing through his veins, Sirius opened his mouth. "Remus…" He started softly as he looked nervously away.

"Hm?"

Sirius took a deep breath. "There is something I need to tell you before the trial." He looked at Remus, his eyes pleading for forgiveness. "When James and Lily were killed…" He paused and took a shaky breath. He saw, in his mind's eye, James lying at the bottom of the stairs, his dead hazel eyes staring up at him lifelessly. His pale skin…the look on his face…his glasses laying broken next to him…the crying of a baby upstairs…the dark hallway…the broken furniture…the eerie sound of the breeze coming in through the open door…the crunching of leaves under his feet as he walked towards James' body…He quickly shook his head to chase the nightmarish image away. "It was a dark time you remember and the Order was losing. People were dying left and right. No one knew who to trust and there were rumors of a, well, they weren't really rumors. We knew it was true, but it was just so surreal. Most of the Order didn't want to believe it." He knew he was blabbering, but he couldn't help it. He was nervous. "Anyway, we discovered there was a…"

The door opened, interrupting Sirius attempt at an explanation. He groaned part in disappointment and part in relief. "Ah, good, you both are here." Dumbledore said joyously. "It is time to go to the Ministry."

"Already?" Sirius asked. "I thought I still had an hour or so?"

Dumbledore gave him a glance over his spectacles. "The trial starts in an hour and a half, but they want you there early."

"Oh. Right." Sirius said as he headed for the door.

"See you at the trial." Remus said quietly when he passed him.

Sirius paused and gave him a questioning look. "You aren't coming now?" He asked, feeling the nerves of going through whatever the Minister would put him through alone. He would feel much better if Remus was by his side.

Remus shifted his feet and shook his head. "They…they wouldn't allow me." Translation, they didn't want him there because he was a werewolf. Sirius felt the burning anger at the Ministry for their prejudices. "But I'll be there at the trial. I have to be. There's a chance they'll call me as a witness." Translation, in normal settings they would call him up, no questions asked, but, since he was a werewolf, they might not. "You have my support, Sirius."

It felt like a weight was taken off his shoulders. His heart calmed in relief. He had his support. Remus would be by his side, even if he wasn't there physically. It calmed him just knowing that. A week ago he feared Remus would discover him and demand a Dementors Kiss. Now, Remus would fight against him receiving the Dementor Kiss with everything he had. He thought it before, but he'd think it again, Harry was in good, capable hands. Remus did a much better job than Sirius would have done with raising him. "Thanks…" He gave him a quick grin. "…Moony." He said before following the Headmaster out. His friend believed in him. That meant everything to him right now. It felt like he could go to the trial without fear of a corrupt politician putting him right back into Azkaban.


Amelia Bones was conducting the trial, much to Remus' relief. She was a rather fair judge. She wouldn't try to cover up the truth to save her own skin like Cornelius Fudge and Bartemius Crouch Sr. would have. Minister Millicent Bagnold was presiding. That made Remus nervous. Bagnold was the Minister when James and Lily died. She did nothing to stop Cornelius Fudge from sending Sirius to Azkaban without a trial in the first place. She was an unknown to Remus. Was she the type to be easily influenced by money and reputation or was she more like Amelia Bones? Which brought to a worrisome question; would this trial be fair or corrupted?

Remus sat in the second row. The first row being reserved for family, not that Sirius ever thought of the Malfoy's as family. Although, Remus was glad to see the Tonks there. Surely, Sirius would be comforted by seeing his favorite cousin with her muggleborn husband. He kept glancing down at his watch as the minutes passed. The trial should have started ten minutes ago and they haven't brought in Sirius yet and Albus was still unaccounted for. The courtroom was buzzed with small mummers of the occupants. He was not surprised to find it somewhat full. Disowned and the white sheep of the family, Sirius was still a Black and the heir of the family with the death of his brother and parents. Just his name alone would have grabbed the interest of the public. Add to the fact that he supposedly handed the Potters over to Voldemort, an event that 'killed' the dark wizard; his story became more famous than his name. Safe to say, Remus didn't blink at the number of people in the courtroom, people that had nothing to do with the trial, non-related, and never even met Sirius Black in person.

A door off to the side opened and Albus came in with Sirius following right behind him in chains with two Aurors acting as guards. The moment Sirius came in the room became silent as everyone's eyes were on him. The only sound was the rattling of the chains as Sirius shuffled into the room. Remus' spin stiffened at the sight of the chains around Sirius' ankles and wrists and his eyes narrowed. There was no need for the chains. He knew it was just for appearance sake, but it looked horrible. By the expression on his face, Remus could tell Sirius didn't particularly like being placed in chains either. The two guards sat him in the wooden chair in the middle of the courtroom and chained him to it. The chains rattled noisily when Sirius tugged at them. He scowled when he realized they weren't coming off. He glared at the guards before glancing around the crowded room. The courtroom burst into a million whispers as everyone talked quietly to their neighbors about the physical state of the accused mass murderer and what they thought of his conviction. Sirius didn't seem bothered by the whispers as his eyes continued to search through each face of those in the courtroom. Search, Remus believed, for his face. It didn't take him to long to see him amongst the numerous of unfamiliar faces. The moment they connected eyes, Sirius shoulders seemed to relax and he took a calm breath. Remus couldn't do anything but stare right back. His friend, his innocent friend.

"Silence!" Madam Bones called out to the murmuring crowd. Sirius turned away from him and faced her. Remus quickly did the same. "Court is now in session!" The murmurings slowly diffused to utter silence. Madam Bones waited a moment before continuing. "The case of Sirius Black, accused November first of 1981, for the murder of twelve muggles and Peter Pettigrew, working with the Dark Arts, and allegedly working with the dark lord known as Lord Voldemort." There were several gasps and flinches among those in attendance. "He was sentenced to lifetime in Azkaban. However, please note for the records Mr. Black was never given a trial prior to being sent to Azkaban. The trial was called due to new evidence brought forth by Professor Albus Dumbledore. First of all, Mr. Black." She turned her attention to Sirius. "How does the defendant plea?"

"Innocent of all charges." He said in a firm voice.

Madam Bones nodded. "Sirius Black pleads innocent of all charges. Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Order of Merlin (first class), Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot will be recognized as Mr. Black's advocate, correct?"

Albus, who had been standing next to Sirius, step forward. "That is correct."

"And Cornelius Fudge will act as the respondent, correct?" Madam Bones asked as Fudge stood up.

"Yes. That is correct."

She nodded at him and turned her attention back to Albus. "You may start your questioning, Professor."

"Thank you, Madam Bones. First, I would like to call up Madam Poppy Pomfrey, the Matron and nurse in charge of the hospital wing at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Sirius Black's healer to state his current physical and mental health, as I am sure it's a concern many citizens have after spending eight to nine years in Azkaban."


Harry entered the classroom with many of his classmates and headed straight for his backpack hanging along the wall with the other coats and backpacks. He unzipped his bag and shoved his empty lunch bag into it. He turned and watched the other chatting students do the same before zipping his back up. Hermione appeared next to him and place her lunch bag neatly into her backpack. He turned away from her and glanced up at the clock hanging above the ABC poster on the wall positioned above the chalkboard. 12:26 pm. He sighed.

"Harry, what is it?" Hermione asked, glancing up at the clock as well.

He shook his head. "The trial would have started a half an hour ago." He answered quietly. They slowly made their way to the front of the classrooms to their seats in the front row. "It's just weird, you know?" He added as he sat down at his desk. Hermione sat next to him. Their classmates continued to chat amongst themselves, taking full advantage of the fact their teacher was still in the hallway talking to another teacher. Some of the students sat back in their sits, but others were scattered around, standing together to chat.

"What is weird?" She asked in a whispered, not wanting to attract the attention of any of their classmates.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "When I get home today, there might be a stranger living in my house. A stranger that's been in jail for several years. Innocent or not, jail changes a person."

Hermione nodded in agreement. "Yes, I heard that too. It hardens a man. But, Harry, he's not really a stranger. You've known him for a whole year."

"No." He shook his head in disagreement. "He's a stranger. I've known him as a dog, 'Mione. I am sure it's not the same thing as knowing him as a human. I'm just not sure I'm completely comfortable with it." He admitted.

"Did you tell Remus that?" She shifted in her seat to face him more comfortably.

Harry laid his head on his arms on top of his desk. He turned his head to face her. "No. How can I? Sirius Black is his friend. His friend, 'Mione." He stressed. "Remus doesn't have many friends. He barely talks to anyone. He barely even talks to your parents. He only hangs out with them when all of us are together. He deserves friends. And, besides, Sirius Black knew my parents and Remus. He could tell me about them." He chuckled. "Even stories Remus doesn't want to tell me."

"Like embarrassing ones?" Hermione asked with a grin. Harry nodded and chuckled again. "That's true. That would be entertaining, learning what Remus doesn't want us to know." She chuckled at the thought.

The grin left his face. "So, it's not that I don't want to get to know Sirius Black, but…but…" He lifted up his head. "It will just be so weird and awkward having him live with us when I don't even know him. This was just so much less complicated when he was just a secret dog friend."

Their teacher finally walked into the room and their conversation was at a standstill as she called out for the students to pull out their math books.


With the help of Veritaserum, which Sirius gave his permission for them to use, they went through all the old evidence or lack thereof first. After Pomfrey gave her report that Sirius was mentally sound, but physically malnourished, they called up several Aurors that had arrived at the blast scene that night the muggles and, assumingly, Peter was killed.

"He told you he killed them, Auror Sharski? When you arrested him?" Cornelius Fudge asked the auror on the stand.

The elder man with gray hair and hard lines nodded. His dull brown eyes flickered over to where Sirius still sat and chained. "He muttered that almost to himself, but he kept repeating it over and over again. There was no way I missed heard. I wasn't the only one who heard him uttering that sentence."

"Did you ask him to explain what he meant?" The Headmaster questioned afterwards, when it was his turn to question Auror Sharski.

Auror Sharski shook his head. "Regrettably, no, Professor. At the time, I had thought he was obviously talking about the muggles and Peter Pettigrew."

Then, later, Albus asked Sirius about it. "Mr. Black, do you care to explain to everyone here what you meant when you said you killed them?"

Sirius gave a heavy sigh. "I wasn't talking about the muggles. I was blaming myself for the death of James and Lily Potter." Whispers throughout the courtroom, like they took this as him saying he was the Potter's betrayer. Madam Bones quickly silenced them and told Sirius to continue. "As I was saying, I blamed myself for the Potter's death because…because, I was the one that convinced them to change their secret keeper to Peter Pettigrew without telling anyone."

And then came the heart stopping truth that turned Remus' body numb with shock.

"Why, Mr. Black, didn't you tell anyone?" Albus asked.

"It was the perfect ruse, Professor. Telling everyone would have defeated the purpose of the ruse." Sirius answered under the influence of the truth potion.

"Why did you not tell your closest friend? Surely he would be able to keep your secret and act as a witness to your innocence."

"I had thought he was a spy working for Voldemort. I did not trust him." There was no question who it was Sirius did not trust. Remus at first felt cold and he couldn't tear his eyes away from his friend. He didn't notice Albus eyes flickering over to him to gage his reaction.

Luckily, sensing that further questions in that area would bring up the Order of the Phoenix and might damage the already fragile trust between the two men who desperately needed each other, Albus quickly switch the direction of his questions, but the damage was already done. If Remus was seated closer to the exit, he surely would have walked out, but he didn't want to draw any attention to himself. Sirius and the Potter's thought he was the spy? Why? How? His mind raced until his body turned numb. He tore his eyes away from Sirius and stared at the ground in shock. Why did they think he could…how did they think he could possibly…He couldn't even form full questions inside his head. Surely it wasn't just because he was a werewolf…hopefully it wasn't because of that at all. After all that time trying to convince him not to dwell too much on his affliction, they would think he would turn against them because of it. No…his friends were smarter than to believe that, right? But Remus couldn't think of any other reason for them to think he was the spy, that he could possible betray the only friends he ever had, the only friends that stuck by him through thick and thin.

Remus pulled himself out of his thoughts the best he could when he noticed Fudge standing up to question Sirius. A few of his questions that he asked to save his own face were easily deflected by Albus.

"Mr. Black, how did you escape from Azkaban?" Fudge asked.

"Objection." Albus interrupted, preventing Sirius from answering. "That question has nothing to do with Mr. Black innocence or otherwise."

Fudge faced Madam Bones. "It is, if he used dark magic to escape."

Madam Bones nodded. "I will allow it, Professor Dumbledore."

"Of course, Madam Bones." Albus turned to Sirius. "Did you use dark magic to escape from Azkaban, Mr. Black?" He quickly asked before Fudge was able too.

"No." Sirius answered.

Remus held back a grin when he realized what Albus just did. He protected Sirius from incriminating himself with a different crime. Becoming an animagus was illegal if he wasn't registered and Sirius was still unregistered. Fudge would no doubt try to place that crime on him if he couldn't get him for the murder of the 12 muggles.

Albus grinned. "There you have it, Mr. Fudge. He didn't use dark magic." He quickly moved off the topic with such ease that Salazar Slytherin would have been pleased.

The trial went by very slowly. It took hours to by all the old evidence, mainly because Fudge just couldn't drop a subject. He was trying his best to save his own hind for having a hand in dispatching Sirius into Azkaban without a trial the first time around. As the hours passed, Remus spent more and more time glancing at his watch. Harry would be home from school soon and they haven't even got through to the new evidence. He would just have to leave early if they don't end anytime soon.


"Professor Dumbledore, you have recently received new evidence, is this correct?" Madam Bones asked. Finally, they were moving on. Sirius thought as the Veritaserum potion wore off. His butt was really starting to hurt from sitting on a hard wood chair for hours on end. And…He looked off to the side where he had seen Remus before the trial. Remus was look down at his feet. Sirius stared at him, hoping he would sense his eyes on him and look up, but it did no good. Sirius looked away, feeling guilt eat away at him. If only he was able to explain to Remus beforehand. "Then we will adjourn here. We will continue tomorrow at four in the afternoon. Mr. Sirius Black will return to Hogwarts under the care of his healer, Madam Pomfrey. Thank you." Madam Bones said before standing up.

The courtroom buzzed with noise as aurors undid his chains. As soon as the chains were undone, Sirius stood up and stretched. "There is no way I can be guilty after all that." He declared to Dumbledore.

Dumbledore chuckled. "No, indeed. You never would have gone to Azkaban in the first place. I am not worried about losing this case. Anyone could see you are innocent. The memories aren't even needed."

Sirius grinned before turning away to see if he could catch Remus' eye, but he didn't see his friend anywhere. He had somehow slipped through the crowd and out the door without a single word to him. His shoulders slumped in disappointment, despite the fact he was expecting that.

"Give him time." Dumbledore said from next to him. "It is not every day one learns he was distrusted by his friends."

"It wasn't because he was a werewolf, Professor. Well, not completely. It was Pettigrew. He said things and I…I believed them. I need to explain to Remus." Sirius said. "I need to tell him James and Lily didn't suspect him. It was just me. They didn't even know I thought he was the spy."

"I know and you will, Sirius. And, please, call me Albus. I am no longer your professor." Sirius nodded absentmindedly.

"Come. Come, Mr. Black." Pomfrey came from behind them. "Let's go. We have a big day tomorrow it seems. Then, this whole thing would be over."

Sirius nodded and allowed himself to be taken back to the Hogwarts hospital wing.


It's late...3 in the morning...and I wrote most of the chapter in one night. Sorry for any grammar mistakes or typos. Let me know right away so I can fix them as soon as possible...Thanks!

Writing the trial was hard! Please tell me how I did or give me pointers for the next part of the trial! Please answer the poll on my profile page!