AN: In no way am I connected to Harry Potter
Harry left a note with Neville to give to Professor McGonagall at their first lesson. It would explain why he was skipping lessons today. If they gave him reasonable detentions for not informing them sooner, then he would sit them. If they gave him unreasonable detentions or gave it for a stupid reason (such as Forbidden Forest at night for not having an escort), he would simply refuse.
Immediately following breakfast, Harry took the tunnel to Honeyduke's under his Invisibility Cloak. Easily dodging the staff, who were swiftly getting ready for opening, Harry rolled his Cloak and placed it at the bottom of his bag, underneath everything else. He dropped three sickles onto the counter in the Three Broomsticks and used the floo to get to the Ministry of Magic.
I hate floo travel.
This time, he jolted out of the fireplace several steps, but managed to keep his balance.
Looks like the Ministry has as bad security as Hogwarts does.
Harry dusted himself off before glancing up. The tension in his shoulders lessened slightly at the sight of Mr Tonks approaching him.
"Good morning Mr Potter."
"Good morning."
People were bustling around them. A few hesitated and gave him a long look, but then they continued on their way. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry and it looked like disorganised chaos.
Harry swallowed and looked around, trying to distract himself.
It reminded him a little of the London underground on his only trip just before his first year, reasonably enough. The walls were that shape but the ceiling was way too high to be practical. Another comparison to his trip through the London underground was that people were trying to rush and stopping to stare at the same time, only now it was at the Boy-Who-Lived and not at a very large man. Harry could understand the muggles' confusion, but today was grating on his already fragile nerves.
"Shall we head to Madam Bones' office?"
"Sure." Anything to get out of here.
If Harry thought the entrance was packed, it was nothing compared to the lifts. Everyone just seemed to pile in with no sense of order or personal space. His eyes caught movement in the air and his head shot up.
"Memos to other Ministry workers," Mr Tonks murmured in his ear.
They were paper aeroplanes. Harry hadn't seen a paper aeroplane since primary school. His had never come out right. Neither had Dudley's but he hadn't been trying while Harry had. It was something he could be better at Dudley at without getting into trouble for it.
"I would have thought magic would somehow make connected papers where, when you wrote on one, it would appear on the other." Was that possible? Was anything impossible as long as someone was willing to search for a way to do it?
Harry's mind began to think. Because if he was thinking on that, he wasn't thinking about the session he was here for.
"Not here."
A moving, updating Map of Hogwarts was possible but not two connected parchments?
I've got enough mini projects going on. Think. Duelling. What do I want to learn? Sirius suggested a shield and I like that. What else can I learn? Is there a way to put someone out of the fight without hurting them? What else? Maybe…Maybe…
The lift stopped. It had been moving sideways, then up. Harry only now realised that. After a gentle push from Mr Tonks, Harry stepped out and followed the man down the corridor.
Maybe…Household charms. There were a lot of household charms being used at the Burrow. How are the Twins coping without the Map? Household charms…Wood's going to be starting Quidditch practise tomorrow so cleaning charms so Filch doesn't kill me. Why is he there when the house elves do most of the work?
"We're here Mr Potter."
Harry had almost walked past the door. He didn't need to look in a mirror to know his face was red. "Right."
"A good phrase is 'I knew that', Mr Potter," Mr Tonks smiled.
His face got redder, but he took the advice. "I knew that."
"So you did." Mr Tonks raised a hand and knocked twice.
"Come in." Just by a voice, Harry got the impression that this was a no-nonsense woman. Harry couldn't say he had had a great experience with them. He could only hope she was closer to McGonagall (but did her job better) than Aunt Petunia.
"Can anyone just walk in here?" Somehow, Harry knew this was a stupid question, but he should have an answer.
"We just walked through the whole Department, but you understandably had other things on your mind. If Madam Bones is expecting you, the process is much quicker, so I highly advise you do not just 'drop in'. Visitors go through heavier security, but as a future member of the Wizengamot, it is seen as an insult."
"Being sensible in a society that has Polyjuice Potion and Imperius Curse is an insult?" A Second Year had managed to brew Polyjuice in Hogwarts (it was Hermione but the point stood).
Mr Tonks had that amused smile on his face. "Try not to insult your peers Heir Potter." He opened the door and waited for Harry to step inside.
The office was…surprisingly empty of personal effects. There was almost a wall sized row of cabinets on one side. If they contained crime files, there were a lot there. The desk had parchment on it, but piled into three piles and were very tidy. There were three quills sitting on the desk and three ink pots. Why? One is a spare, but why two spare? One chair for her on the other side of the desk. Two chairs were on the closest side.
"Mr Potter. Mr Tonks. Right on time." The door shut on its own behind them.
Harry stared at her for a moment before glancing at Mr Tonks. Why would she even mention that? Did people not show up on time?
Mr Tonks just gestured to the seats.
Harry took the one on his left. Mr Tonks followed on his right.
"Right Mr Potter. Mr Tonks has told me of your complaint. The documents in the Ministry, while legal and viable, are not very useful in determining the truth of what happened that day. What legal evidence can you give me that prove your suspicious?"
She was straight to the point. Harry liked that she was straight to the point.
Harry went into his backpack. The parchments were still in there. He checked them himself to be safe. These couldn't go missing today.
"This is the Gringotts documentation of the sworn Godfather Oath." Most people didn't do that with Gringotts, so Harry didn't know why Dad and Sirius did but he was so glad they did. "The lock of documentation for his arrest in the first place is suspect."
"You mean 'lack', Mr Potter?" Madam Bones held out her hand and took the documents with great care. He was okay with giving them up. Then he realised what she said. She continued before he could respond. "Mr Potter, as Lady Bones, I am impressed at your maturity towards this situation and can understand you are nervous. As Madam Bones, I must warn you that this case is as defined by the media, so if you need to, take a moment to take a few deep breaths before you speak if you are nervous or excited."
Harry swallowed. "Thank you. I will." Deep breaths.
Deep breaths would help.
She picked up the parchment pile closest to her. "Would you like to guess what this pile is, Mr Potter?"
"Err…" What was he supposed to say? Mr Tonks wasn't interfering. "Honestly, no ma'am."
She smiled. "This is one third of Sirius Black's kept Auror records. The key word there is 'kept'."
Harry thought. He took a deep breath. He thought. "Why would some not be kept? How do you lose Auror reports?"
"Good questions Mr Potter. Have you been told about the chaos of the department at the time?" Harry's mind went blank for a moment before it came back. He nodded, not trusting himself to speak. "It is possible some were lost accidentally. However, and this is off the record, my brother worked with Black to arrest Abraxas Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy's father. Yet according to records, nothing was filed."
Harry was getting good at spotting things and thinking of the worst. "So someone removed the files?"
"I couldn't comment on hearsay Mr Potter."
Harry stared, a little hurt.
"Mr Potter." Harry turned to Mr Tonks. "There are some things that cannot be proven in court and can harm your own reputation if you go digging too deep. In this case, it can't be proven so it didn't legally happen and, as you yourself said, Lucius Malfoy is close to the Minister. While used for deals and arrangements, there is nothing to be done legally until they turn up."
"If they're not destroyed, it's an insult how stupid the people getting away with crime are." A second too late Harry realised he shouldn't have said that.
Mr Tonks laughed.
Madam Bones was fighting a smile.
Harry swallowed. "That is something I don't say in front of my peers, isn't it?" He shouldn't have said that. He felt like doing a Dobby and smacking himself, but there was nothing to smack himself with.
Dobby.
How was Dobby getting on these days?
"Indeed, Mr Potter."
Harry ignored his hammering heart, trying to pretend it was a Quidditch match and he was competing with someone just as good. He went back into his backpack. He checked these documents.
"These are in order and I can confirm to the Wizengamot that they are genuine."
Harry took a deep breath. "My claim as Heir Black."
There was a spark in her eyes as she carefully took the documents. The confirmation of the Godfather's Oath was returned to him. He immediately and cautiously put it back in the backpack.
She studied them closely. "These are in order." She offered them to him. He had to fight himself not to snatch them. "You are going to upset a lot of people Heir Potter-Black."
Harry took a deep breath. He…honestly didn't know what to say.
"This would be an appropriate time for your previous complaints Mr Potter," Mr Tonks offered lightly. "Your argument would be that it is your right and those that are upset," Mr Tonks made an off-hand whisper here, "Malfoy." His tone went back to normal. "Tried to steal your rights. That's Line Theft. No one will refuse you then. Use their beliefs against them."
Harry fought a smile. "Like pointing out Lord Black, or Heir Black at the time, never got a trial?"
"Or even questioning," Madam Bones added. "They will immediately agree to try him. With the lack of evidence he was thrown in Azkaban for, they can't convict him legally. Convicting him anyway means I can arrest any of them based on very circumstantial evidence and throw away the key."
Deep breath.
Malfoy in Burgin and Burke's. Throw Sirius back in jail Lucius. You'll join him soon and then I'll bribe the Minister to get Sirius out.
Harry turned to Mr Tonks. "It is that circumstantial?" Harry had assumed there was something other than shouted accusations and muggle testimony. Harry didn't have a problem with muggles, but they wouldn't understand what they saw and so it wasn't a good idea to use their word alone. Even Harry could figure that out.
"Normally, your points are enough to throw extreme doubt and would exonerate him if he was not a Black."
There was nothing for Harry to smack his head on.
Instead, he bit his lip and made sure those swear words didn't escape.
Deep breath. Focus.
"'Normally'? This is where the Boy-Who-Lived comes in, isn't it?"
"Yes." Madam Bones entwined her fingers. "I can confirm your evidence is genuine and I look forward to seeing you in the Wizengamot session. Do you have any other enquiries? I have time before the session."
Harry glanced at his watch. It wasn't that he thought he would be late. He wanted to know how much time he had.
"Well, there were a few things…"
Mr Tonks smiled and relaxed back.
Madam Bones moved the piles further to the side. She then focused completely on him. "Well Mr Potter. What would you like to know?"
"Well…umm…The first one isn't about the law per se, but…There's something that confuses me." Harry hesitated as he thought how to phrase it. "Do you know about my incident of magic this summer?"
"I do. Mr Tonks informed me it was an accident and one of the Obliviators agrees she was a foul woman, so it was satisfied to all parties. Mr Tonks then informed me about the house elf at your house last year. Said house elf confirmed it and, along with further investigation with your aunt and uncle, I determined you were not to blame so I expunged it from your record."
Harry's gaze shot to Mr Tonks. He hadn't asked him to do that.
"I won't apologise Mr Potter. It is not that I want favours. However-"
"The topic came up when he approached me for queries on the Sirius Black case," Madam Bones interrupted. "It is my job to investigate incidents Mr Potter and the incident did result in you running away. I learned that from an Obliviator and Mr Tonks refused to discuss that with me. My job is to protect the public as best I can, including you."
Madam Bones did her job.
She did her job very well.
Harry couldn't really complain about that.
Mr Tonks hadn't sold him out anyway. She had found out by doing her job.
Why couldn't she be in charge when Sirius was first arrested?
Any doubt about talking to Madam Bones vanished from his mind.
Much of his nervousness vanished with it.
"Well, my question is different. My letter from the Ministry after the house elf used magic was to threaten with expelling me from Hogwarts. Mr Tonks said that the Headmaster was the only one that could expel me. Which is correct?"
Madam Bones' good mood almost instantly vanished. "Mr Tonks is correct. To my knowledge, that is not what the letters should say. I will look into that, but I can tell you it won't be soon as I'm going to have a lot of work to do after this session. However, I will make sure it is done before Hogwarts ends for summer."
Harry couldn't argue that but the relief was immense.
"Right. I hope I'm getting the wrong idea about this and my friend," Neville, "has told me different, but there definitely aren't different laws for purebloods and muggleborns, right? Or people on the Wizengamot and Ministry workers with the public?"
Her response was crisp. "Definitely not."
Mr Tonks coughed. "That is providing the evidence isn't 'lost' before the case makes it to trial."
Madam Bones' lips tightened, but she didn't dispute it.
Uncle Vernon used his influence to make sure his big bully of a son was never disciplined. That wasn't a problem just in the Wizarding World.
Harry waited a moment. He had had a list of questions and now he was struggling to remember them. That didn't normally happen. Usually he was good under stress.
Where's a dementor when you need one?
Anti-dementor lessons. That'll be after shielding. Disarming will do for now.
"New bills are put before the Wizengamot. I was wondering if I could be involved in that. My research has been…" what was the right word? "Outdated?" Now he said it, that sentence didn't work.
"Legally, you have a right to ask questions, but not to vote for or against the bill or anything else. Including Black's case review."
That was what he expected and what Neville told him, but Madam Bones would now say that in the Wizengamot if anyone questioned his right to ask questions. Like Lucius Malfoy.
"Right. What is the law about my leaving Hogwarts to be here today?"
"That is a grey area Mr Potter. Hogwarts is outside Ministry jurisdiction. However, if they tried to prevent you from coming, that could be seen as kidnapping. It is unprecedented for the moment."
That wasn't what Harry wanted to hear.
But if they didn't have the power to expel him, then that wasn't too much of a surprise. The idea of a Board of Governors was a good one. It was terrible in practice. When was the last time any of them even visited the school?
Madam Bones wouldn't be a bad idea, but she needs to teach the importance of evidence before accusations to her niece. Even her friend wanted more than I was a Parselmouth as evidence of multiple attacks.
Come to think of it, it was odd how focused Madam Bones was on legalities while Susan was strongly affected by gossip. Then again, it sounded like Madam Bones had a lot more to deal with beyond legal loopholes such as evidence going missing.
Snape had made Harry's potion go missing and probably would have kept doing it if Hogwarts hadn't slapped him down.
Not important right now.
"Shall we get going, Mr Potter?" Madam Bones asked as she stood.
Harry checked his watch. They would be fifteen minutes early but he didn't see that as a bad thing. It would give him time to try to relax.
There was no one wandering around now.
Madam Bones moved with purpose. The lift was empty save for the three of them. It took them down a few levels.
Mr Tonks stopped outside a huge gold door. "This is where I leave you Mr Potter. Good luck and do not make unnecessary enemies."
Harry gave him a nervous smile. "I don't intend to."
"After you Heir Potter-Black." Madam Bones gestured to the door.
I can do this. I've been the centre of attention before. I can do it again. For Sirius.
For Sirius.
Harry was ready.
Neville had described the room and circular. The tiers weren't separated by factions. The pedestal in the centre on the bottom row was for the Chief Warlock. He opened and closed the sessions, along with a vote, but he cannot ask questions himself.
The room was maybe three quarters full. When Harry entered, there was complete silence.
Madam Bones strode with purpose towards the tiers. She led him up to one seat in particular. "Heir Potter."
Grateful, but trying to remain professional, Harry nodded before taking his seat. It was more comfortable than he expected. He could almost be relaxed.
Almost.
But while some of the people were watching him with open intrigue, some were openly sneering at him. Malfoy narrowed his eyes, but then gave him a slight smirk and returned to his talk with Fudge.
Harry had completely overlooked the fact that Dumbledore was Chief Warlock.
He's not going to stop me. If he won't do his duty, I will.
Dumbledore frowned at him, but did nothing else. Harry got the impression he was disappointed, but Harry found he didn't care. The only thing he had to complain about was Harry skipping classes, which was a fair point, but Harry was about to make a lot more problems for him.
He would be making more problems for the Minister. Harry was looking forward to that.
"Hem hem."
Harry's eyes travelled a little farther along the lowest tier. Pink was the first thing he noted and it was a strong pink. The rest of the woman wasn't much better.
"Is there a problem Madam Umbridge?" one of the men higher up than her asked.
"Yes. Mr Potter is not yet able to be Lord Potter and as such should not sit in that seat until he can fill it properly." She said it sweetly, but that smile was anything but sweet.
"Ms Umbridge." A different man, closer to Harry, spoke very sternly. "An Heir is allowed and even encouraged to sit in the Family Seat if the Head or Regent allows. You on the other hand are only here as a guest to the Minister and have no right to speak during these proceedings. Would you like to leave now or can you hold your tongue?"
There was sniggering around the chamber. Even Harry grinned.
Umbridge's face was red. There was no sign of a smile.
"If everyone would take their seats," Dumbledore's calm voice cut through the amusement. "I believe we can begin."
There was no milling around. Everyone headed to their seats.
Madam Bones, who was acting as the Head of the DMLE and not Lady Bones, stood up once everyone was seated. "I apologise for the interruption to our normal procedures, but I have been shown evidence that someone has just sat in somewhere they are not allowed."
Fudge waved a hand. "Don't be silly Amelia. Everyone is where they should be."
Madam Bones gave a stern look around. "Does everyone here agree with that?"
Harry could guess where this was going, so kept his eyes on Lucius Malfoy. The man was completely calm and was very good at acting like he belonged there. He gave a strong affirmative answer just like everyone else.
"Very well." Madam Bones turned to look at Harry. "Heir Potter-Black, your verified documents, if you would."
Silence.
Malfoy's hand twitched around his cane.
Fudge scowled. "Lord Malfoy is the Regent for House Black Amelia until his son is ready to take his place as Lord."
"Rather difficult when there is still a current Lord with a different Heir," Harry interrupted fiercely. "Or is that the reason why you are so determined to have him Kissed?"
Silence again.
"Hem hem."
A woman Harry recognised as Neville's grandmother spoke up then. "Umbridge, get out." She hadn't even looked at the woman. Instead, she looked at Madam Bones. "The only Black I am aware of that has a Kiss on Sight order is Sirius Black."
"Correct."
Regent Longbottom's gaze went to Harry. He didn't squirm. "Heir Potter has verified documents concerning House Black?"
"I do. All are from Gringotts. They have been verified by Madam Bones." She nodded in agreement. "They contain a Godfather's Oath sworn by Sirius Black towards Harry Potter." Harry's gaze went straight to Malfoy. "They contain the disinheritance of Narcissa and Draco Malfoy from the Black family."
As one, every head spun to glare at Lucius Malfoy.
The grip on that cane was white. "Those documents cannot exist. Sirius Black is not Lord Black."
"Sirius Black was Heir at the time he was placed in Azkaban," Harry replied. "As Heir Black, I have access to their family documents provided I have permission from Lord Black-"
"Meeting with a criminal and not reporting it to the authorities is a crime Potter."
Madam Bones cut in. "As I gave evidence to last session, there is no recorded trial or even questioning of Sirius Black. Without a just conviction, he cannot be removed as Lord Black unless he steps down. As Heir Potter-Black's documents prove, Sirius Black is Lord Black due to the previous Lord Black's death. As Heir Potter-Black stated, I have read and confirmed those documents to be legitimate."
"I received no such notice," Malfoy replied.
"Irrelevant," Harry snapped back. He wasn't going to let Malfoy worm his way out of this, but the way the others were looking at him showed they wouldn't allow it either. "You know now. Your son and wife are disowned. You have no connection to the Black Family. Leave that seat."
Again, Malfoy's hand switched around the cane. He would almost certainly try to curse Harry if he thought he could get away with it.
But he stood and walked down the tiers.
He settle in a seat only one tier from the bottom.
No wonder he preferred the Black seat. The Malfoy seat is very low in the pecking order in comparison. In fact, didn't Neville say that was for the lowest recognised Houses?
"However, Heir Potter-Black does bring up a valid point." Regent Longbottom was giving off signals that Harry picked up as furious. "If there are documents that state Sirius Black is Lord Black, then he cannot have been convicted in a just trial. Therefore, the Kiss on Sight order is nothing more than an assassination attempt on the current Lord."
Fudge had been very quiet.
But Longbottom wasn't looking at him. "Chief Warlock, I request us to examine the documents that Madam Bones requested we investigate last session. Clearly, her concerns are valid. I would also like every one of us to confirm for ourselves that Heir Potter-Black did the Godfather's Oath. If so, he is innocent of the murders of James and Lily Potter."
Harry had been studying Dumbledore throughout this demand. He had been frowning deeply as she spoke, but he blinked at her final point.
Maybe…Dumbledore really did think he was guilty. But Snape was guilty of crimes he never stood trial for and Dumbledore got him out of trouble and even gave him a job. Sirius didn't even get a visit from his 'boss' he was fighting with his life for.
Harry didn't care. Dumbledore should have known or at least suspected it and not because he was Dumbledore, but because he was leader of this Order of the Phoenix. It wasn't that Sirius deserved a second chance; he had never screwed up his first.
But Sirius wasn't even in custody at the point I was dropped off at the Dursleys. Dumbledore had no intention of allowing me to be raised by Sirius. Did he deliberately accept the rumours at face value?
That had been Harry's fear since he had put the pieces together. Surely Dumbledore hadn't done that?
But if Dumbledore thought he was guilty, wouldn't he want to know why Sirius did it or who else he betrayed? Why just abandon him?
"Heir Potter-Black," Harry's gaze was torn, with difficulty, from Dumbledore to Madam Bones. "Please place the relevant documents on the surface in front of you."
Harry wouldn't call it a desk, but the stone slab in front of his was good for having parchment on. Obeying, he withdrew both the Godfather Oath and the disownment of Narcissa and Draco Malfoy, along with Bellatrix Lestrange.
The papers glowed green and duplicates appeared in front of everyone else. In their own time, each person began to read.
"In answer to Mr Malfoy's accusations," Harry started. Malfoy hadn't used any titles for him, so Harry wasn't going to say 'Lord'. "I was in Gringotts for separate matters concerning the Potter Family when I learned of Lord Black's permission from the goblins." He did not want that hanging over him. It wasn't even a lie; that was how he got these.
Fudge was still very quiet.
One of the men spoke up. "These are in order. Sirius Black is Lord Black and did not betray Lily and James Potter to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. However, was he responsible for the death of Pettigrew and the muggles? This does not necessarily mean he was not a Death Eater."
"One arresting officer does confirm there was no Dark Mark on his arm," Madam Bones reported. She placed documents on the slab in front of her and, within seconds, they were in front of Harry. He grabbed them eagerly, noting that there were only two sheets. One for each arresting officer and nothing else. "His wand was not examined and was snapped at the scene." That meant nothing to Harry save that snapping the wand was harsh, but he could tell from the raised eyebrows it was important in a way he couldn't see. "Also, it has been discovered that there is no curse that can destroy a body save for a finger. There is no evidence to suggest Peter Pettigrew died. This could have been a splinch from a rushed Apparition."
Harry needed to ask about Apparation.
But Madam Bones' argument was working. There were many people that were nodding along or frowning heavily.
One was continually shifting the papers. "Surely there is more than this, Madam Bones. Even if it is merely a form for moving the prisoner to Azkaban. This was all the evidence against Heir Black to send him to Azkaban without trial?"
Sirius had said others were sent to Azkaban without trial or got a Kiss straight away, so they should have been very open and shut cases. That this one was so weak and affected an Heir clearly bothered most of those gathered.
"That was all," Madam Bones confirmed. "I have searched extensively for any records on Sirius Black and he had the highest Death Eater take down rate along with James Potter. Those two alone were responsible for sixty percent of the Death Eaters captured at the time."
That was obviously news to them. It wasn't to Harry.
Harry searched each one carefully. Many seemed to be struggling with putting what they thought they knew about Sirius with the actual evidence. Some appeared to accept there was a mistake. Others clearly had no intention of admitting it, but also didn't want to get caught in a position where this could be used against them.
Malfoy was twirling the cane in deep thought. He probably knew from the beginning Sirius wasn't a Death Eater, but he wanted the Black prestige and if Harry wasn't Sirius' godson, Draco would have been the next in line.
Fudge was quiet, but Harry caught his eyes dashing around. He had no idea what to do.
There was nothing on Dumbledore's face that gave his thoughts away.
"And the thought that he was You-Know-Who's right hand man?" another queried.
"Rumours are rumours," Regent Longbottom snapped. "Personally, I believe that title belongs to Bellatrix Lestrange. Ramblings in a newspaper is not evidence."
Harry almost winced at that slap down and he didn't even know who Bellatrix Lestrange was, other than she was Sirius' relative.
"The Daily Prophet would not report without basis."
Harry took a deep breath. "I have in my possession many articles published on Sirius Black, both before and after his removal to Azkaban. The difference is very clear and, while there are many quotes from people, none are reported to being in the DMLE and most are based on his relatives' actions, not his own."
"I have also searched all articles I could find," Madam Bones added. "Purely to see if any one mentioned evidence that could have been misplaced in the chaos of the time. No quotes were made in official capacity and there is no basis on their reconstruction of events."
Madam Bones was very good at her job.
There were grumblings.
"So who was responsible?"
"Save for a further investigation, I cannot comment and neither can anyone else."
"I call for a vote." The man near Harry who shut up Umbridge at the beginning. "One regarding whether he was Secret Keeper of Lily, James and Harry Potter." Harry tried not to jump at his name's inclusion. "And a separate one regarding whether he was responsible for the death of Pettigrew and the muggles."
Well, they're going to clear him for the first because I am Heir Black by being his godson. The second part is more important though.
Harry couldn't vote here.
Is there any more I can do?
"I second that," Regent Longbottom boomed.
He thought furiously.
Nothing came to mind.
"Very well," Dumbledore stated. "Those is favour of finding Sirius Black guilty of betraying the Potters' location to Voldemort?"
There were…
No changes.
"Those in favour of finding Sirius Black not guilty of betraying the Potters' to Voldemort?"
Wands were lit.
Nearly all of them.
Harry swallowed.
One down. One to go. Come on.
"Sirius Black has been found not guilty of betraying the Potters' to Voldemort." Get on with it. "Those in favour of finding Sirius Black guilty of the deaths of Peter Pettigrew and twelve muggles?"
In a near cold sweat, Harry looked around.
Please. Please. Please!
Not. One.
Harry's heart skipped a beat.
"Those in favour of finding Sirius Black not guilty of the deaths of Peter Pettigrew and twelve muggles?"
…
Many less this time.
But still more than half.
Which meant…
"Sirius Black has been found not guilty of the deaths of Peter Pettigrew and twelve muggles. The accusations have been cleared to satisfaction and he is now a free man."
Harry stared in disbelief.
Then he desperately wanted to punch the air.
Fudge paled, but nodded once. "Very well. The Kiss on Sight is rescinded and the dementors will return to Azkaban. Sirius Black has the Ministry's apologies."
Malfoy was still idly twirling his cane. He didn't seem very bothered.
That worried Harry.
But not enough to vanquish the fire of joy in him.
You're free Sirius.
You're free.
"I will give one." Madam Bones stared firmly at the Minister. "To prevent this happening again, I will ensure all suspects receive a trial and nothing will be printed in the Daily Prophet about a suspect without personal confirmation from a Senior Auror at least."
Fudge squirmed, but said nothing.
No more arresting people behind her back 'Minister'.
Dumbledore spoke then. "Is there any other business anyone would like to bring before the Wizengamot?"
Many people looked at Malfoy Snr then. Some looked at Harry.
Harry knew the question. A snap decision and he opened his mouth. "It concerns me that Mr Malfoy fought so hard for a position that, was not only not his, but that he knew he had no claim to. Even if he is truthful that he wasn't told of the disownment before," which Harry very much doubted, "he fought for it even after I confirmed my claim."
There were many nods. This encouraged Harry to continue.
"I understand that the DMLE has a very heavy workload and I do not wish to burden them with more. I give Mr Malfoy a choice: donate three quarters of his fortune, and not including the dowry given by the Blacks, to the DMLE and leave this chamber entirely for future Wizengamot sessions or face charges of Line Theft."
The silence was deafening.
Line Theft normally works with bloodlines, so this should work.
Harry had no doubt Malfoy and his ilk were the reason that the DMLE's budget had been cut so much. He had also had no problem setting an unstable Basilisk (that had no way of telling muggleborn from pureblood) on innocent children, including his own son, to shoot down a bill.
No.
Harry had no issues with ruining him.
Whichever he 'chose', his life was over.
Need to talk to Flitwick for duelling lessons. Draco's going to be furious and he's too stupid not to do something.
"Do you not think that a bit harsh Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
Dumbledore.
Who knew Malfoy was behind the Basilisk.
"You have no say in this Chief Warlock," Harry responded as calmly as he could. "The choice remains with Mr Malfoy."
For once, Malfoy couldn't rely on his influence to get him out of this trouble. Bribes were most likely from the Black fortune, which he did not have access to and Sirius was in the process of reclaiming the dowry for a broken contract, which is why Harry excluded it. Those that were traditional would be furious he tried to steal another's inheritance and prestige.
Malfoy was on his own.
And he knew it.
"Hem hem."
"Shacklebolt, escort Umbridge out." Madam Bones did not add more.
In the corner of his eye, Harry saw an Auror he had not known was there approach Umbridge and grab her.
"How dare-"
She suddenly fell silent and he forced her out of the room.
"Your choice, Mr Malfoy," Harry pressed. It had been a crazy idea, but he now saw it would work.
No one was interfering. He was allowed to do this as the wronged party. They had no doubt of his guilt and no one was going to fight for him against this particular crime.
Malfoy was as still as a statue, pure loathing in his eyes.
It was obvious what he would choose. Line Theft (and he didn't have a chance in getting an acquittal) was a very long stay in Azkaban. Removing himself from the Wizengamot and giving up most of his money was far better than Azkaban.
"Fine." Harry broke the stare-off and turned to Madam Bones. "Madam Bones, I wish to file an official complaint-"
That was as far as he got.
Malfoy had abruptly stood and stormed out of the room.
Harry took a breath.
For a moment, there was quiet.
"Heir Potter-Black?" Madam Bones pressed. "Do you wish to file a complaint?"
Honestly, yes. But…
"For now, I will wait to see if he returns for next month's session or 'donates' the money for the DMLE. Determining his actions, I will act then."
Harry really wanted to press charges.
But by the nods around, he knew he had made the 'right' choice. This gave him the moral ground and meant that he could still make alliances and deals with others. They would remember this.
Harry would give them a little leeway as they had all been reasonable about Sirius.
Sirius is free.
No matter what happened with Malfoy, that fact put Harry in a very good mood.
Now I have to deal with the media.
Even that couldn't ruin his mood.
"Is there any other business anyone would like to bring before the Wizengamot?" Dumbledore repeated.
No one responded.
"Very well. I bring September 1993 Wizengamot to a close."
Sirius was free.
Harry grinned and began to make his way down to the floor.
One man stopped at the bottom and seemed to wait for him. He obviously wanted to talk. Not seeing too much harm, but squashing his joy a little so he could be on alert, Harry approached him.
"Heir Potter-Black. Lord Greengrass. I was pleased with your performance today."
Harry shook his hand. "Thank you Lord Greengrass. And thank you for responding to that woman for me. I didn't know who she was."
"Your welcome Mr Potter and it would be wise for you to learn. Undersecretary to the Minister Umbridge can be very vindictive."
"She doesn't seem to like me already," Harry noted.
"She does not like many people, save for our current Minister."
Harry glanced at Fudge in the corner of his eye. "We'll agree to disagree on that then." Lord Greengrass raised an eyebrow, but he didn't comment. Harry, a little relieved, continued. "Heiress Greengrass approached me on the platform. Once I become Lord Potter, I would be interested in an Alliance."
"I can confidently say the same," Lord Greengrass replied. "Thank you for your time Heir Potter-Black."
"Thank you for yours, Lord Greengrass."
The man nodded in respect and walked off.
Dumbledore then approached. "I'm surprised to see you here Harry. You're not supposed to leave the school without permission."
This time last year, Harry would be a bundle of nerves.
Harry just made his tone flat. "I am heading back now Headmaster. I do not need your escort." He strode straight past the man.
Regent Longbottom and Mr Tonks were waiting outside the room for him.
"Mr Potter," Mr Tonks started. "I hear you did very well."
"Thank you. Mr Tonks, I have another job for you, if you don't mind. I want you to pursue positive press for Sirius Black."
"I expected you to say that Mr Potter and I am glad to do so."
Regent Longbottom was a lot more intimidating when she was right in front of him. "I have heard many things about you from Neville, Mr Potter. I am impressed."
"Thank you. He was a great help."
She nodded. The trio naturally began heading down the corridor.
"How is Neville faring at Hogwarts?"
Harry smiled at the question. "He's doing well. His spell work and confidence has shot up recently. The only problem is that he can't seem to use his magic properly. He has to push more magic through his wand than the rest of us, but he can do the spells fine. I'm sure the professors can help him with whatever's going wrong."
Something flickered across her expression. "That is good to hear. I worry about that boy sometimes."
Mr Tonks waited a little in the quiet, but when the conversation died a little, he spoke. "If I may ask Mr Potter, do you intend to live with your godfather now?"
Harry missed a step.
"I…don't know if he'll still want me."
Sirius escaped Azkaban; checked up on Harry first; rejected heading to Hogwarts when he saw Harry running away; gave good advice to Harry; told him about Potter Manor, a home; stayed in Hogsmeade for him; didn't focus on his feud with Snape when asking about Harry's welfare.
Sirius did care.
Harry just couldn't…
"I would be open to correspondence with him if he requires a lawyer of his own wishes, Mr Potter."
Harry nodded.
They stopped at the fireplace.
"A pleasure to meet you Mr Potter," Regent Longbottom stated. "Pass my regards to Neville."
"Will do." Harry picked up the floo powder. "Hogsmeade."
Maybe I'm getting the hang of this.
Or maybe he was so excited that he didn't notice he was thrown out like normal.
Harry ran outside, glancing around. There had to be a black Grim around here somewhere.
Almost on cue, a black dog stepped out of the shadows opposite him.
Grinning, Harry approached with a spring in his step. "Hey Padfoot. I've got great news. Come on, can't wait to tell you." He began to run off towards the mountain. The dog was at his side in a moment.
Of course, he had to slow down to climb, but he didn't care. He found his feet easily.
Padfoot still beat him there. He shifted back to Sirius as soon as he could inside the cave. "You're in a very good mood. Won a Quidditch match today?"
"Don't ruin my mood Sirius."
Sirius frowned. "I thought you liked Quidditch."
"I do. I just don't enjoy the training sessions, my captain's a nut and this is his last year to win the Cup. Not going to be fun tomorrow."
"Ah. So what's got you so happy?"
Harry bounced on his heels. "I went to the Wizengamot today Sirius. They looked over your case again, properly this time. You're free!"
Sirius didn't react.
For about five seconds.
Then he collapsed against the wall. "Harry…What…?"
"You're free. No dementors chasing you. The charges are dropped. You're a free man."
Sirius still seemed to be struggling with that. He was quiet for a moment, but then…
"That would make it easier to live together. I mean…if you want…"
…
"Y-You mean that?"
"I can understand if you don't want to, but I don't intend to abandon you. I mean, if you want me in your life which you might not and I'll accept-"
"I'd love to live with you."
Those words were out of Harry's mouth before either of them could think.
But Harry didn't regret them.
Sirius…
Smiled.
A true smile.
"Well…Where do you want to live?"
Easiest question of the day.
"You have good memories of Potter Manor. We could return there. You said it yourself: it's safe. For you and for me. Riddle lived in an orphanage; he didn't have access to the Founder's magic. If he returns, we're safe there."
"You'll love Potter Manor. But you should go there first."
Harry's face fell a little. "I don't mind. It was your home first."
Sirius shook his head. "How about this. I hope you'll let me take you in?" With a gleam in his eye, Harry nodded eagerly. "I'll become your guardian as soon as I can and we'll go there one weekend. How does that sound?"
"…Brilliant."
Brilliant.
Sirius sighed. "Best to head back to school Harry. I'm willing to bet you're in enough trouble already and let's not go into the lectures you'll get if they find out you're with me. I'll give them to you at another time."
Harry frowned. "But you're free. You don't have to hide."
"Reputation is a funny thing Harry. It'll be a while before people are okay around me. Off you go. Maybe your captain will change his mind and start your training today."
Sirius had a point.
"Keep in touch, okay?"
Sirius laughed. "You'll be the first to know."
Harry left the cave at a walk. Was it easier to say goodbye this time? Knowing he would see him again soon? Knowing they had a future? He ran to the school.
He had to hide in the tunnel for a few minutes as a group of students passed by, but the Marauder's Map made it no trouble. Getting to the dorms was just as tricky, but just as doable.
Harry checked his watch. His next class was Ancient Runes.
His good mood was tempered slightly when Hermione didn't acknowledge him or even scold him for missing classes.
"Hey Hermione."
"Hello Harry."
That was it.
There's no way she hasn't noticed.
Harry glanced at Neville with a raised eyebrow. He shrugged but then raised one of his own. Harry gave him a thumbs up. Neville smiled and nodded.
"Alright, settle down everyone. Now, many people's homework contained the same error, so we will be going over that today…"
Following Ancient Runes was Herbology and then it was History of Magic, which Harry skipped the lesson and studied in the library.
If Harry wasn't already disillusioned with the staff at Hogwarts, the fact he made it to dinner without getting approached by any of them when they knew he snuck out of school and skipped classes would have raised a warning flag.
There was owl post at dinner.
Harry stared at them. That had never happened before.
But when Hermione let out a gasp and stared straight at him, he knew why.
The entire newspaper was about Sirius Black. Harry shuffled next to Hermione and quickly read over her shoulder, looking for certain words.
Okay, my name's in there, to be expected…but not too bad. Full explanation, complete lack of evidence towards guilty and plenty towards doubt…An exoneration from Madam Bones herself complete with quote.
Harry quickly glanced around. How did the Hall take it?
Those that were fast readers met his gaze. They were surprised, but didn't really seem to care. Others had disbelief written all over their faces. Most though were considering it carefully.
"Evil git," Ron muttered. "Probably bought his way to freedom. Can never trust a Black."
That put Harry completely off his dinner. "I'm glad to learn you're as bad as Malfoy Ron. Name and money really is everything to you, isn't it?" He stood up and strode out of the hall.
Ron's just surprised.
Ron was hiding Pettigrew and never realised something was wrong.
Why would he? He wasn't doing it on purpose and none of the other Weasleys noticed either, not even Percy.
Ron's a jealous git.
He's had his world turned upside down.
So have I and I kept an open mind about it. Sirius is my godfather; if anyone had the right to be angry about his 'betrayal' it was me.
Harry didn't realise where he was going until Medusa snarled softly at him. "Easy Heir. Your magic is angry and your grip is too strong. Let a little out, but tell it what you want to do."
"What do you mean?"
"You're angry and your magic wants to hurt what made you angry, but you've moved away from it. You're out of sync. Meditate and practice. Feel your emotions; don't bury them. Don't hurt yourself."
Harry's eyes focused on the pebbles that were scattered around the room. He sat down and thought.
Each one rose and began to fly around him. Remembering what he once saw, he willed all the pebbles to spin around him, like a tornado. Without hesitation, they obeyed. He had the picture in his head; him in the eye of a storm.
It was how he felt, on the inside.
This…did help.
Around and around. Faster and faster. All he could see was grey.
Around and around.
It was almost hypnotic.
Harry closed his eyes. He kept trying to track the speeding balls and that was giving him a headache.
No.
Adding to his headache.
In the eye of the storm.
Harry would have to face the storm eventually.
He had weathered the one today well enough.
How did Ron's comment get so easily under my skin? Sirius is free; that's all that matters. Sirius…wanted to stay with me.
Sirius wanted to stay with me.
Harry slipped into sleep, still in the eye of the pebble tornado.
Medusa slithered carefully to him. The pebbles froze in place and parted, allowing the large snake through. She carefully wrapped herself around the young Heir, making sure to give him a little space. He was safe here and she would take care of him.
The pebble tornado started around them again.
AN: Personally, I do believe Dumbledore genuinely thought Sirius was guilty. But it has always bugged me that Snape, who was a confirmed Death Eater and partially responsible for Lily's death, didn't go to Azkaban and Sirius did. I think Dumbledore was also hurt by the events of that night and chose to take it at face value and, if James was the one who told him 'who' the Secret Keeper was, he would have no reason to think otherwise given James' and Sirius' relationship.
Harry is thinking the worst of Dumbledore because he's angry and Dumbledore always seemed to have the answers before. He is also very angry about the Dursleys. That Harry was left with the Dursleys before Sirius was arrested is canon.
Thanks for reading.
