Successor
It took twenty four hours to get Sirius Black into the courtroom.
And Amelia was.
Not.
Happy.
Apparently Sirius Black was surrounded by dementors and moody had to call for back up to send extra patronus charms away from the man. Her patience was thin and growing thinner by the second. She may be stern on the law but she was sorely tempted to let crouch be tortured.
"I hereby declare the beginning of the trial of Sirius Orion Black, accused of having murdered fourteen people, thirteen muggles and one wizard by the name of Peter Pettigrew. Sirius Black is also accused of having betrayed the Potters to the Dark Lord Voldemort and of being the Dark Lord Voldemort's right hand. Aurors bring the accused." Said Amelia bones.
Lucius saw Sirius entering the room with his head held high and sat in the chair with the chains that was in front of the four judges as if it were a throne and he had to contain a smile. Well, no matter what they said about the man, there was no doubt that he was a Black. His skin was swallow , there were black bags under his eyes and it looked as if he had not eaten in years. But his eyes, his eyes were shining and had a mad look about them that made Lucius give an involuntary shiver. After Lucius was contacted by Magical Child Protection Services, he had known, that if Black was to be given a trial he would get control of Harrison. But Black was better than the alternative. So he had pushed for a hearing with the minister about custody, knowing that the wills would be read , thereby getting Black a trial. He only hoped that his mistress would go with him as well.
"Sirius Black, the Wizengamot was informed that you refused legal aid and that you agreed to testify under Veritaserum, as long as the court only asked questions pertaining to the crimes you are accused of, is that correct?"
" yes"
"Were you informed that you have the right to refuse the use of Veritaserum?"
"Yes, madam bones . Now get this over with, I have a godson that I want to meet."
" very w-"
" sorry I'm late I had business to attend to."
The entire courtroom turned to where the voice came from. It was non other than..
" Albus Perceval Wulfric Brian Dumbledore here to put forward the right to continue guardianship of Ms. Black and Harry Potter."
Madam bones sneered so fiercely for a moment Lucius thought she was his lord. Dumbledore looked as if he had won a second Christmas in bright blue robes with a pajama like quality to them, arms placed in front of him cupped together and a despicable twinkle in his eyes.
" I'm sorry Dumbledore , however that trial is over and done with." Lucius said standing."Your about twenty four hours late."
" pardon Lucius but I was informed yesterday that the court hearing would be held today."
" oh yes there is a hearing , however the accused is sitting the infront of you. I'm sure you know him. After all he was your student." Lucius smiled and he could tell that him smiling put Dumbledore on edge.
Dumbledore turned slightly eyes widening at the person in front of him. Black looked savagely upon Dumbledore , all were surprised when Black lunged at Dumbledore with murder in his eyes.
" TRAITOR! THEY TRUSTED YOU ! "
Those simple words caused total chaos and Lucius didn't even try to hide his he went to whisper in the ministers ears.
" if Dumbledore escapes, they will find out about your involvement of the vaults, and they shall see you as unlawful, if you let him go. You must detain him." Lucius cooed in the ministers pale ear.
"Order! Order!" exclaimed Bones, trying to gain back control, however only after several more tries, and some loud noise coming from the wands of the aurors did the crowd settle down.
"Aurors detain Albus Dumbledore !" Fudge hollered, and before Dumbledore could remove his wand however; ten seasoned aurors jumped and tackled him to the ground , as Sirius screamed a wand less 'expelliarmus' ripping the wand from Dumbledores hands.
" take him into custody until his trial and I suggest we continue this one before this courtroom turns into a bloody circus!" Fudge spurted .
After several more Minutes the courtroom Settled down.
" Now, shall we begin?" Madam bones exclaimed composing herself.
" I believe that would be a wise idea madam" Lucius spoke sitting down.
"Very well. Administer the Veritaserum." Fudge instructed and the auror closest to Sirius dropped three drops on Sirius' tongue.
"State your name." Bones instructed.
"Sirius Orion Black." Sirius answered monotonously, with his eyes unfocused and slightly glazed over.
"The Veritaserum is working. You may start the questioning Madam Bones."
"Thank you Minister. Did you kill fourteen people on the first of November of 81?"
"No." Whispers broke throughout the courtroom.
"Do you know who killed those people?"
"Yes."
"Who ?"
" Peter Pettigrew"
" is Pettigrew alive?"
"Yes. He blew up the street, cut of his own finger and disappeared down the sewers with the other rats."
"Why would he do that? And what do you mean by 'the other rats'?" Bones looked incredulous, but it was impossible to deny that it was the true, no matter how far-fetched it sounded.
"Because he knew that I was going to kill him. Peter is a rat animagus." again there was an explosion of sound, some were screaming about Sirius being a killer, while others looked shocked about the revelation that Pettigrew was an animagus. It didn't really surprise Lucius , as far as most people knew there weren't that many animagi around, what people failed to realize was that just because they weren't registered didn't mean that there were no others.
"Why would you kill him?" this time it had been Lucius that asked the question, the buzzing from before had disappeared completely, everyone present was completely focused on Sirius, anxious to hear what he was about to say.
However Lucius noticed understanding appear on several faces, and others were pale, they were starting to realize that they had send an innocent man to Azkaban.
"Peter was the Secret Keeper"
" keeper for the potters?"
" yes"
" why him?"
" because I was the obvious choice, James and I , were brothers in all but knew that if they went into hiding the death eaters would go straight to me."
" did Peter Pettigrew give them to Voldemort" Lucius asked
"Yes"
" was Voldemort the cause of the potters death?"
" yes He killed them."
" who bonded the Fidelus between The Potters and Peter Pettigrew?" The ultimate question had everyone on the edge of there seats.
" Albus Dumbledore"
Five seconds.
That was how long it took for the crowd to process what Sirius had said, after that there was pandemonium.
Most were outraged, it didn't matter if they were Light or Dark, betrayal like that was considered the worst thing that a person could do. Being considered a Secret Keeper was an honor, it was old magic, something that no one truly understood, because the secret wasn't in the Keeper's mind, it was in their soul, and soul magic, no mater which form, was something that no one truly knew how it worked. Being a Binder and Secret Keeper required complete trust , otherwise the charm wouldn't be able to hold, the binder would make the Secret be told to the Keeper, but it wasn't really spoken, it was from one soul to the other, and something like that didn't work without complete trust. The Keeper could share the Secret however he wished afterwords, but before the charm is completed, the one telling the Secret to the Keeper must truly trust them. In the eyes of all those present, for Peter and Dumbledore to betray something like that, was worse than anything they could think of, and the scorn they felt for Peter and Dumbledore was visible for all to see. It was rather obvious that more than one of them wished that Sirius had been able to kill the traitors.
"Are you or have you ever been a Death Eater?" Lucius Interuppted, after several minutes. His voice cut throught the crowd like a hot knife through butter even he looked disgusted and had to have a few moments to control himself.
"No."
" administer the antidote." Fudges whisper though soft could be heard but he entire courtroom.
The auror obeyed. It was clear that Bones and Scrimgeour wanted to ask more questions, but they already knew everything related to the crimes he was accused of, and those were the only questions that they could ask under Veritaserum. Technically they could pose several other questions and make them relate to the crimes, but Fudge was the minister of magic and they couldn't go against him.
"I think we heard enough," declared Fudge, standing up looking solemn and pale."I Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, declare Sirius Orion Black free of all charges. For every year that you spent unjustly imprisoned in Azkaban the Ministry will give you five hundred thousand galleons. I know that no gold in the world will make up for what you went through, however I hope that it can help in some way, no matter how small. Your titles are to be restored as is your honor. You also have Custody of Harrison potter as is stated in the will of Jamison And Lily for the custody hearing for Raven Black , since to are the Head Black, where she is placed is your decision. Your choice Lord Black?"
" She is a Black, Thus my responsibility. Rafter I get therapy for my time in Azkaban, I shall claim Her as well as Harry Potter as my wards And children."
" Very well i wish you luck,Also since your wand was snapped you may keep the wand you took from Albus Dumbledore. Court is adjourned."
Sirius pov (six hours prior)
I couldn't believe it ... I had been sitting in my cell in azkaban , when i hear and see many patronuses, fly buy my door. i don't move in fear that the dementors are close buy and soon i had to turn away from the light showing the my now open cell , an
Order member during Voldemorts rein came in looking gruff and hideous as ever.
" Black"
I stare at him. Wondering if he's come here to taunt me. Make me relive my friends betrayal and death .
" stand up black." He stepped further in my cell. I sneer at him as he turns up his nose at my humble abode.
" and what do I owe the pleasure to have you come visit my lowly cell Alestor. My apologies I would have cleaned up the place if I knew you were coming." My voice hoarse and raw.
Moody snorted," as if you could even attempt to cleanup this shithole Black. I've come on behalf of Lucius Malfoy and Amelia bones. "
" oh and why do I care what my oh so loving bother in law wants. That traitor can go to hell for all I care-"
"Oh shut your trap Black. If I were you I'd be more grateful. Malfoy put in a petition to get you out of here and in your rightfull place as Head Black and guardian to Harry Potter."
Snarling I stood , and almost laughed when moody stepped back." Don't you dare lie to me!"
" I'm not," he sighed as if a great weight was on his shoulders," apparently Potters and malfoys boy are good friends along your niece Raven Black . I'm here to take you to your trial that he requested . Well I'd say he blackmailed the minister but, who am I to be making accusations." A conniving smile appeared on Moody's face as I'm sure my jaw was on the ground.
" my niece?"
" aye... Bellatrix blacks little girl. Born a year before potter. Orphaned as well since her father is unknown and her mother is a crazy bitch locked in azkaban here with you."
" so I'm...I'm going to get a trial? "
" Aye... Withe Veritaserum and defender. Paid in full by Malfoy. And he wrote it in writing that you'll owe him nothing for it. So if I was you I'd take the Veritaserum . Apparently your niece is quiet the little charmer. Has Malfoy rapped around her finger."
I couldn't stop the snort coming from my mouth. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
The trip out of the prison was a long one. We walked down the stairs, and all the prisoners were rattling and banging there'd chains on there cell doors. A flight down I heard a vey familiar screeching voice.
" Black! Black! Wait!"
I turned to where it came from and saw Bellatrix , my deranged cousin.
"Please wait!"
Now normally I would walk away, but there was something in her eyes that begged me to stay. And she said please , she never says please. I walked over, moody at my side. Probably to keep me in line.
" What do you want Bellatrix ?"
" please !" She croaked her voice as bad as mine." If you get out, you have to care for my daughter."
Incredulous I look at her," why should I?"
Her eyes, even though haunted looked pleadingly into my own.
" please , I have never asked you for anything, and I know you don't like it but you are Head of the ancient and most noble house of black. Her father nor I can take care of her and I fear what has happened to her in our absence. So I am asking-no begging you to take care of an innocent child that belongs with her family. She's a black through and through. She is your responsibility now. I shall owe you a life debt in return."
Knowing that the child is never at fault for the parents actions I nod accepting her debt and responsabilty.
" I, lord Sirius Orion Black do hererby accept responsibility of Raven Black and I hereby accept the lifedebt of Bellatrix Cassiopeia Black."
Magic swirled in a comfortable in race around us both, and for the first time I see a genuine smile upon her face as she turned to go back in her cell.
I jumped upon hearing moody speak.
" you Blacks are crazy."
Hogwarts
Raven was walking thought the library looking for a book that could catch her eye, and apparently she's been wondering around for a while because madam prince came over.
" for the love of magic girl what do you need?"
" oh I'm sorry madam, but I've read book after book and I'm not getting what I truly want. I've read about runes, math, history, light magic dueling, dueling etiquette , manners, astronomy, Herbology , potions, and almost every subject I can think of but I can't find something I truly have a passion for."
Raven sighed in annoyance. Neville had Herbology , harry had defense and transfiguration, hermione had history and well...every subject she had a passion for, Ron had charms, Draco potions and raven had zilch. Oh don't get her wrong she loved all the subjects amd got straight o"s in them, but nothing that sparked that fire in her, nothing that genuinely interested her inner soul, her passion.
Madam pince looked at her with vigor a interrogator would be proud of.
" I might know a couple tomes you haven't read yet, but I must make you proimse to treat these books with delicacy and respect. They are very old and valuable, but they are also part of my private collection. Do I have your word Ms. Black?"
Raven was curious and nodded her acceptance of the terms.
Out of no where, which was probably true as this was magic, madam pince pulled out six thick tombs. They were VERY old and looked like they could fall apart at anytime. There were two that had squiggle like markings that she could vaguely see, but she was moving so she couldn't focus on them.
"These tombs are ancient so you'll have to refresh the preservation charms on them after you learn how. These two were written by the Great Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts, and the greatest Potions Master, a master of the DARK and Black art, healing spells and the first human able to speak the snake tongue. DO you see where I'm going with this? The last four were written buy Helga hufflepuff." She was holding out the books to her with that 'I know something you don't ' smile on her face. Taking the books raven noticed that the squiggles were slowly starting to make sense in her mind, one was titled " Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Parselmagic", the other was "Transitioning from Dark to parseltounge ". Raising another eyebrow she started to think. The other four books were titled, ' The Beginners Guide to Healing', ' Common Maladies and How to Heal Them.', 'Dark and Light Healing; How toBecome a Mediwitch', ' Gobbledygook; goblin language'.
Raven touched the beautiful tomes gently as if afraid to break them.
" thank you"she whispred
Madam pince looked down at her and her eyes softened.
" I trust they will be safe in your care?"
Raven nodded her head softly still stroking the books
" oh yes I promise."
Harry pov
Harry inwardly sneered. The looks he was receiving from his peers were beyond irritating. He supposed he should have been used to it. What with his status as a rule breaker and troll beater. Still, the looks, the jeers, leers, anger, lust, even confusion. They were all rather intense leaving him with the feelings of being crowded and chained up. He was only s first year, he couldn't imagine if he had seven years of this crap.
He eyed the plate of food before him with distaste. He really didn't feel like eating. He would much rather munch on his bag of sunflower seeds and chocolate frogs . Not this potion laced bilge. It seemed not even the Slytherains noticed the food was laced.
Which meant that it was either very carefully hidden, or the effects were to subtly increase their love of Hogwarts foods. Possibly also a controlling agent or two in there.
He found out that little nifty thing when he snuck into Dumbledores office and found endless bottles of potions. All were marked "dinner"
Itching beneath one of the bandages on his hand, Harry shifted his attention to his potions master. The older, stoic man was shooting him looks of worry. If one peered close enough, there seemed to be a twitch about the wizard's person, as if he longed to get away from the Head Table and join his snakes.
In all probability, it was most likely the case.
Harry raised a brow in question. The dark haired man moved his hand in a secret gesture that translated to 'we need to talk'. The ravenclaw snorted but inclined his head before returning his attention to his full plate. Scowling, he flicked his hand and the plate was replaced with a bowl full of various nuts, which he proceeded to eat; checking every mouthful for cleverly hidden spells of potions before placing them in his mouth.
It was in between his fifth mouthful and his sixth when he noted the looks that Draco was shooting his way. Bristling at the blatant lack of privacy, he dropped his bite back into the bowl and returned the stare.
"What?"
Draco appeared startled with being addressed and shook his head before gazing at his godfather then back at Harry. His grey eyes were calculating yet curious.
" For the past two days you've been crabby as hell."
" so."
" He's trying to ask you why you seem in a bad mood Harrison." Interjected raven gracefully gliding to her seat.
" forgive me sister , but I am just not in a good mood, I'm sure you understand."
Raven could taste the sarcasm , she rolled her eyes and dragged out some pistachios and started munching.
" Attention students." Everyone turned to where they saw a very pale McGonagall near he podium.
" now I know your enjoying your dinners, however things have come to light that you need to be made aware of. Headmaster Dumbledore is not here at the moment because he was ...detained at the ministry. So if any of you have any problems I am here to take care of whatever you need.."
She walked away from the podium face taught and pale, and walk towards raven and Harrison.
" I need you both to come with me." Not waiting for a reply she walked out of the great hall , and a curious Harrison and raven diligently following.
McGonagall didn't speak the whole way towards the headmasters office. And only when they past the gargoyle and shut the door did McGonagall two reds the children.
"I was going to tell you that today I was going to take you to your guardian,however; that is not longer possible."
Raven tensed, Harrison's eyes widened then went blank. " and why not professor, you swore that we would be able to go home, and visit during Christmas. Has Dumbledore put you up to this?"
" no he has not Harrison , and I told you as long as your guardian was there I would take you back to him. As I said, that is no longer possible."
Ravens mind began working in high gear. No letters, not possible to go home without a guardian there, no letters from Charlie. She inhaled a sharp breath, and looked at ,McGonagall who nodded, her face grim and sad.
" I'm afraid your guardian has passed away, he passed one week ago, heart failure. I'm sorry , . I truly am sorry." McGonagall turned and left the office knowing they would need sometime.
She left just in time to hear anguished cries ring through the halls .