Chapter Eleven: The Trial of Sirius Black

November 31, 2011/1775

It was the day of Sirius' trial, and Athena Potter-Washington was excited, to say the least. Today would be the day where she would (hopefully) see her godfather acquitted, and her life would take a turn for the better! She only hoped that Dumbles did not interfere too much with the trial.

Athena woke up that morning with a goofy smile plastered on her face, her black hair an absolute mess. She got out of her bed, and ran a hairbrush through her normally untameable hair. Humming to herself, she began to think about what she was going to wear to the Trial. Clearly, Athena thought, she should wear something that would make a good impression on the members of the Wizengamot.

Athena hopped into her trunk, and climbed the staircase (greeting the Potter portraits as she passed them) until she reached the clothing room. Once there, she slid open the sliding door of her clothes closet and started to select what she would wear. Hmmm…. George Washington's newest Lieutenant (yes, she had finally been given command in the Army) smiled wryly to herself as she selected a floor length pale blue dress that she planned on wearing with a white sweater. Grinning, she pulled on the outfit, while thinking about how to do her hair. After a moment of deliberation, she decided to put it up in a bun. Fastening her golden locket (George had given her it last Christmas) around her neck, Athena climbed out of the trunk and double-checked her appearance in the full length mirror that occupied one of the corners in the First Year Ravenclaw Girl's dorm.

"Wow, 'Thena. You look nice!" Exclaimed Hermione, who had just walked in to grab her Transfiguration textbook. Flora followed in after her, smiling.

"Are you ready? Today's the big day!" Flora squealed, bouncing lightly on her toes.

"Um… of course I am! Duh!" Responded Athena flippantly, reaching over to grab her leather satchel, which held her notes that she had taken in preparation for the trial in it.

"Well, then! Let's go to breakfast! Is Mr. Washington picking you up?"

Scratching her head, Athena thought for a minute before responding, "Yes he is, in about thirty minutes. Let's get a move on! TO BREAKFAST!"

Cheerfully, the brigade walked off, ready for whatever fate would throw at them that day.

After breakfast, Athena met up with George and Alexander in the entrance hall, greeting them cheerfully with a warm hug.

"Hello!" She chirped, grinning merrily as she took George's hand while they began to walk down to Hogsmeade, where (once they had gotten past the wards protecting Hogwarts) they had to apparate.

Soon, they arrived in the Ministry of Magic, and began walking confidently to Courtroom Ten, where the Trial was going to be held with the whole of the Wizengamot present. Cornelius Fudge was going to serve as the Chief Warlock for that day, since Albus Dumbledore was acting as the prosecution while Athena, George, and Alexander were on the defense.

"Hear ye, Hear ye! I now call this session of the Wizengamot to order! We are here today to try Sirius Orion Black, who has been accused of murder, betrayal, and passing secrets to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. On one side of the argument we have the prosecution, led by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. For the Defense of the accused, we have, dear me, His Excellency General George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Athena Washington-Potter. We now call the Prosecution to the stand."

Dumbledore stood, and strutted over to the podium, while Cornelius stepped down and sat in his seat on the side of the podium. The headmaster looked around, and his icy blue eyes twinkled when they saw Athena sitting with Washington and that Hamilton kid.

Albus began to speak, and the trial commenced.

An Hour Later

"This court has found Sirius Black innocent of all charges! In consolation for his unnecessary time spent in Azkaban Prison, he shall be given full pardon for his actions and is free to claim the lordship to the House of Black if he so chooses." Cornelius Fudge announced three hours later, much to the glee of more than half the courtroom, but especially to General Washington, Captain Hamilton, and Lieutenant Washington.

It was then that Athena completely forgot any and all sense of formality and raced to hug Sirius, nearly squeezing the living daylights out of him.

"PADFOOT!" She squealed happily, a goofy grin on her face.

Sirius blinked once, and then blinked again. No way… "Minerva?" He whispered, rubbing his eyes to check that it was indeed the daughter of one of his best friends.

"Actually, it is Athena now. For some reason, George over here prefers the Greek god names instead of the Roman ones." chirped Athena, her eyes twinkling.

George? Who is this George she speaks of? Wondered Sirius, before he spotted the tall, intimidating red-haired man standing off to the side. As usual, George was wearing his coat, looking as polished as ever, with a sky blue sash going across his chest and a sword hanging at his side. For some reason, "George" looked startlingly like the pictures of General George Washington that Sirius had seen in his History of Magic textbook. Too similar. Could it be… ? But, how? How was Min- okay, Athena, on first name basis with a historical figure that should have been long gone? (Not that he was complaining, of course.)

The intimidating man stepped forward. "I know you have many questions, Mr. Black, but let me answer one of them for you. I know this may shock you, but I am indeed General George Washington," He indicated the other man standing beside him. "And this is my Aide-de-Camp, Alexander Hamilton."

Sirius' jaw dropped. To look at a picture of a historical figure is one thing, but to actually meet one is another. And they were supposed to be dead as a doornail! How was this even possible?

"Come, Mr. Black. You, me, Athena, and Alexander have much catching up to do." Commanded George, helping the innocent man out of his chair as the crowd began to disperse.

"Where are we going, General?" Asked Sirius.

"Please, call me George. And to answer your question, I have a private room reserved for us at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade."

They apparated, appearing in Hogsmeade a minute later, the cold November air stirring the dead leaves on the ground. The quartet marched casually to the bar, making small talk along the way.

"So, how the hell do you know George, Athena?" Inquired Sirius, who was very curious as to how the two had met.

"Um, well, it is a rather long story."

"Oh, we have time. Please tell me? I really want to know." Sirius whined, giving Athena his best puppy dog face. Chuckling, Athena began to tell her tale once they had sat down in their private room and checked for any listening charms.

(Cue the unnecessary explanation about Athena's past that I am way too lazy to write! Also cue your usual shocked reaction to the news from Sirius)

"Right. Now that that is out of the way, we should likely decide our next course of action." Hamilton suggested, relaxing a bit. George smiled at the one man he looked at as a son, and pulled him close. Athena saw the interaction between her father and the Captain she thought of as an older brother, and also smiled. She was glad that Alexander was warming up to her father.

"We already have one!"Athens told him, a smirk spreading across her face.

"Well, what is it then?"

"Bring down Dumbledore, of course! I mean, what else would it be?"

End of Chapter

Author's Note: Hey guys! I FINALLY UPDATED THIS STORY! Gods, this was a rough chapter to write. I'm sorry if I do not include enough description, but I did not exactly have a lot of time to write this chappie. I will update WCCM soon, but I have not had a lot of time to write because of the end of the school year. Also, I am running for Class Secretary, so I have been working on my campaign and speech a lot lately.

Next Chapter: Hermione and Flora discover Fluffy, Binns starts talking about the American Revolution in History of Magic, and Athena discovers the Mirror of Erised.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, Liberty's Kids, 1776, or Hamilton. I only own Flora Franklin and any other OC's mentioned within these pages.