Here's the second part of the bit with Black. Thanks for the reviews and as usual I own nothing.
"How dare you, Reginold. I will not let you get in the way of justice," growled Fudge affronted that his authority had been questioned.
"Justice? You call twelve years imprisonment without trial justice?" shouted Black from the Dementors, he was scared out of his mind by their presence but so far they didn't seem interested in him.
"This is ridiculous, arrest them all, except the children," hissed the Minister to the Aurors.
The two men moved forwards as Luka's grin stretched her black lips.
"I don't believe I've fought you before," she said sweetly as she inclined her head.
Her words made the men falter, it seemed her reputation had preceded her but not to the point where they were completely deterred. The one on Fudge's left cast his Patronus which looked like a crup causing Luka to bark in laughter. The wizards all looked at her as if she was mad, until one of the Dementors decapitated it with his scythe causing the enchantment to dissipate. The Aurors stopped dead in their tracks, their one weapon against Dementors... useless.
"I suggest you back off and let me deal with the case, unless of course you wish to end up like the Patronus," smirked Luka, her left hand tapping the hilt of her sword.
"That is enough Luka, Severus, get the Veritaserum. Now, I believe we should take this to my office," remonstrated the headmaster, at his request the sullen Potions master departed.
"The children are to stay here Headmaster! They've had quite enough trouble tonight and being escorted by Dementors. Are we trying to send them into shock?" interjected Madam Pomfrey.
"I agree Poppy, Luka, dismiss the Dementors. I will make sure that Sirius Black remains unharmed," replied Professor Dumbledore.
"You cannot be serious Dumbledore. You are honestly going to let this Dark creature dictate to us how we carry out our business?" asked Fudge incredulously as he leaned heavily on his walking stick.
"I am afraid we have little choice, after all, you did station more than a hundred Dementors here at Hogwarts. If she has dominion over all of them as well as her Inferi we are quite outmatched, twinkled the headmaster.
The Minister chewed his cheek in irritation. He knew full well that Dumbledore could tackle the threat Reginold and her allies posed if he had the aid of the school staff and Aurors.
"Very well, we will take this farce to your office Dumbledore," growled Fudge.
"As you wish, Luka, will you dismiss your Dementors?"
"Of course," smiled Luka sweetly, any sign of deception on Fudge's part would be easily remedied by their return if necessary she thought before turning to the creatures in question, "your payment, gentlemen,"
The assembly watched nervously as she passed a conjured demijohn of orange liquid to the nearest Dementor. She smiled as the creature accepted it, Dementors were a surprisingly picky bunch. They wanted their victims to be easy targets but at the same time remain fresh. The Sanity Salve would help get the prisoners of Azkaban regain some stability, not enough to recover them from a complete mental breakdown or insanity but just enough so that they weren't the stale bread of the Dementor world. Soul suckers cannot live on detritus alone.
"What was that?" asked the headmaster, the twinkle gone from his eye.
"Payment," Luka replied with a tone of finality.
Professor Dumbledore did not press the issue but continued to watch Luka with suspicion before turning and leading the assembly to his office. Once assembled with Professor Snape back with a vial of Veritaserum the Minister turned to the condemned.
"Well, since we're here we may as well get on with it. Dispense the potion Snape,"
The Potions master acquiesced but seething resentment was still coming off him in waves as he poured three drops of the liquid into Black's mouth.
Taking his seat at his desk the headmaster watched with satisfaction as one of the Aurors readied themselves to make a dictation of the interrogation. He had known as soon as Sirius had started talking to him that the man was innocent. It had been quite a surprise to see Remus again and for Luka to be the one to step in and defend Sirius. That relationship had proved its worth, Luka could be drawn into the Light and possibly into the Order.
"What is your name prisoner?" sneered the Minister as he took his seat and began the questioning.
"Sirius Black," replied the condemned.
"What is your crime?"
"I have not committed any crime," Black said calmly under the influence of the potion.
"Did you turn the Potters over to You-Know-Who?"
"No,"
"Who did?"
"Peter Pettigrew. I told the Potters to make him the Secret Keeper as he was the least obvious choice,"
As the questioning continued and Black retold the same tale the Minister ground his teeth. It was impossible to lie under Veritserum, not even layers of delusion would protect those subjected to the potion. A full Wizengamot hearing would now have to be held, it was inescapable. The press were going to have a field day...
"Very well, Black will remain here until dawn under heavy guard. That means you Reginold, before being transferred to the Ministry holding cells. An emergency Wizengamot hearing will be held later this morning to determine the innocence of the prisoner," Fudge sighed, at least he hadn't been Minister when Black had been incarcerated.
"I don't see why you are so despondent Fudge, after all, wouldn't it be good for your reputation if you were perceived to be the one who had corrected a grievous injustice?" smirked Luka.
Fudge glared at the insolent wench, not for a moment did he believe that the monster had changed its ways during its term at Hogwarts and was now acting for the good of the Wizarding world.
"Speaking of security, I am told that more guards are needed for the World Cup. Would it be alright with you, Dumbledore, if we transferred Reginold back to the MLE for the summer? She will be returned before she is needed to help with the preparations for next year," enquired Fudge.
"Of course," smiled the headmaster genially.
Luka cursed inwardly, it was if she were a library book to be loaned out as these men pleased. It wouldn't matter a jot to them if she was on the brink of passing through the interview stages with flying colours to get to her internship, as far as they were concerned she was just an asset. At least Sebastian never tried to sugar coat the fact that he owned her, the wizards on the other hand tried to hide behind the veils of justice and false civility. Such hypocrisy.
Hearing that there was a chance that his newly found godfather could possibly go free Harry punched the air. Next to him Hermione smiled, with the Dementors gone everyone was feeling far more cheerful. However that wasn't to last long.
"That brings us to another member of your staff Dumbledore," Fudge paused as he pointed to Lupin, "did you know that you had a werewolf working for you? It has been the law for some time that no werewolf is to work with children,"
"Yes, I knew Remus was a werewolf. I believed that the skills he brought to the post outweighed the fact that he is afflicted with lycanthropy," replied the professor sagely as he stroked his beard.
"Regardless, the beast is to be no longer in your employ and I expect to see him registered no later than today," said Fudge coldly.
Luka growled audibly in anger at her friend being ousted from the job he had worked so hard in. Why wasn't Dumbledore fighting it? Oh yes, now she remembered, he wanted to keep the Ministry sweet so when Voldemort resurfaced they would obey his command. Idly Luka wondered how many people the old wizard would let suffer for the cause of the 'greater good'.
Behind her the children moved to protest but Moony motioned them to be silent. His human side had always known that there was a chance that he could be fired if his condition was revealed. At least he had made the most of his tenure and he had seen his students through their exams.
The journey back to the hospital wing was quick. Once there Madam Pomfrey was informed that she had a new patient. The matron wasted no time in loudly admonishing Luka for bringing Dementors into the hospital wing, by the end of the tirade Luka's overly sensitive ears were ringing. Now with her ire quenched the matron busied herself with handing out copious quantities of chocolate and dragging Black towards the bathroom with Lupin following closely behind.
"Luka, Severus, would you follow Madam Pomfrey to the private rooms a moment. I need to talk to Mr Potter and Miss Granger," smiled the headmaster.
Reluctantly the pair followed the through the side door, behind the next door they could hear Madam Pomfrey telling Black to take his clothes off and that she'd seen it all before. Crossing his arms the surly Potions master eyed the nephilim, he watched with slight curiosity as she pulled a strange looking comb out of her pocket which she used on her feathers after she had picked some twigs out of her wing. During Black's questioning she had asked Black if he had ever committed a crime that could result in a stint in Azkaban, that had not gone unnoticed.
"Why did you ask Black if he had ever committed a crime?"
Luka sighed, she'd hoped that no one would ask her about that.
"Because, Severus, I believe that Black deserved his twelve years in Azkaban. The pen pushers at the Ministry just got the crime wrong,"
Professor Snape backed off slightly, frowning. Was she taking his side in the matter of his attempted murder? No one took his side, not even the headmaster! Feeling uncomfortable he swiftly changed the topic to the nephilim's Potion studies for the coming year. She wanted to take her OWL? Fair enough, on her head be it. Not to mention they had rules to discuss now that they were, the Potions master gritted his teeth in disgust, 'roomies'.
Meanwhile the headmaster was talking quickly with the two students.
"Now, I know how much effort the three of you," he indicated to an unconscious Ron, "and the rest of the student body has put in to try and save Buckbeak. I may be getting sentimental in my old age but I think you should have the chance to try again on that front. Now, Miss Granger, you must not be seen. Seven turns back should be sufficient and then five to return once the deed is done. Good luck," the headmaster instructed before leaving the hospital wing. The double doors could be heard locking behind him.
"Good luck? Seven turns? What's he talking about? What are we supposed to do?" Harry asked Hermione as the young witch began fishing through her clothes.
"Harry, come here," she said urgently, "quick!"
Harry edged over, he had no idea what was going on but it seemed that Hermione knew exactly what to do.
"Ready?" Hermione asked as she tossed the fine chain she had brought from under her clothes over Harry's head.
"What are we doing?"
"You mean when are we going," corrected Hermione as she twizzled the Time-Turner.
As the world dissolved in a blur Harry felt his head spin. As soon as he felt solid ground underneath he turned back to Hermione who had unhitched him from the chain and was replacing the hour glass beneath her robes.
"Hermione, what's going on? Why are we now in the Entrance Hall, in the day?"
"We've gone back in time, we're going to Buckbeak from his execution," replied Hermione as she dragged Harry out of the sight of any prying eyes.
XXX
"It was a good thing you wanted to stay and see who cast the Patronus, if you hadn't we'd all be worse than dead," said Hermione as they trotted back to the hospital wing. Buckbeak was safe in the Forbidden Forest and a note was on Hagrid's dining table telling him where to pick the animal up.
"Yeah... I can't believe I thought it was my Dad," replied Harry as they neared the doors.
As the pair halted the headmaster slipped through the doors and locked them behind himself without sparing the children a glance. Once he had straightened up he turned to the two panicked students with a smile.
"Well?"
"We did it! Buckbeak's in the Forest, Hagrid's got the directions to find him in his hut," replied Harry breathlessly.
"Well done-," beamed the headmaster before cocking his head to the side listening intently, "yes, I think you've gone, too. Get inside- I'll lock you in. I doubt Madam Pomfrey wants anyone to wander in now that she has a 'notorious criminal' under her care,"
Once inside they made their way to their beds as the lock clicked behind them for a second time that morning. Nearing his bunk Harry pulled his Invisibilty Cloak out from under his jacket and put it on the bedside cabinet, he'd recovered it after watching Professor Snape take them all away on stretchers. Now sitting in bed he hungrily nibbled on a bit of chocolate, after about a quarter of an hour Sirius emerged. In fresh pyjamas and with detangled hair he looked more gaunt than ever. Madam Pomfrey was fussing over him in a whispered tone whilst Lupin looked on in amusement. Professor Snape on the other hand retained his mask of hatred and his hands seemed to twitch as if they wanted to reach around Black's throat. Between the two extremes was Luka who seemed quite ambivalent.
As Black was ushered into the bed next to Harry's groaning was heard from Ron's bed as the red head finally woke up. Groggily he asked what the hell was going on and Hermione quickly gave a breathless summary of the night's events. Lupin and Black listened in rapt silence before the latter turned to Harry.
"So you've had a busy evening?" he asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I'm just glad that the Wizengamot will review your case and we got Buckbeak to safety," replied Harry sheepishly.
"If the Wizengamot release me I will need a little time to get my own place. My mother has left me the family home but it hasn't been inhabited in years and was far from a cheerful place in its heyday," said Black a little solemnly, he didn't want to disappoint Harry after offering the boy a home but he had to be truthful. At this point in time if he was released he didn't really have anywhere to go apart from the Leaky Cauldron.
"That's ok," chirped Harry still happy that the offer was open.
"If you have to return to Grimmauld Place I will help you fix it up and my mate will too, won't you Luka?" Moony called.
"Yeah,sure," answered Luka distractedly she wasn't quite sure what she had just signed up to since she'd been going over Snape's ground rules with the Potions master. From the sound of things the man had clinical level OCD.
As Luka turned back to the largely one sided conversation Moony narrowed his eyes, it was bad enough that his mate would be sharing rooms with another man but they didn't have to be friendly. With a sharp glance aimed at his former colleague the werewolf dragged Luka away from him. Once he had returned to his seat by Sirius' bed he pulled her onto his lap, his arms comfortably resting under her wings around her waist.
"Forgive me for not making the proper introductions earlier, Sirius this is Luka, Luka this is Sirius," beamed the werewolf as the two shook hands with awkward smiles.
As the topic of conversation turned to an enquiry into Harry's everyday life Luka looked Moony over. She could see that his features were edging closer to normality; his eyes were going green and his nails were now slate grey. It was also clear that he was very happy that he could show her off, however his natural possessiveness could prove problematic should the wolf come into contact with Sebastian. Hearing the course change again Luka returned her attention to the conversation.
"I just wish that there was some way we could get your side of the story out so even if the Wizengamot do say you're guilty, which they won't, people get to hear the truth," said Harry.
"But how? It's not as if we can owl everyone in the school," replied Hermione.
"I know a way," said Luka after a moment's thought, "'The Hogwarts Express', I think the editors could put out a special edition without too much trouble. If we owl Colin Creevey I'm sure he'll drag someone down here to take down the story before we have to go to the Ministry,"
"Who's Colin Creevey?" asked Black, things were moving awfully fast.
"A photography crazed second year Gryffindor who works for the school paper, his curiosity alone will ensure his attendance," replied Luka.
"But we don't have an owl," pointed out Ron.
"Yes we do," rebuffed Luka as she pointed to the window, on a branch of a nearby tree Hedwig could be easily seen against the foliage, "since he idolises you Mr Potter I think it would be best if you wrote the note,"
Harry nodded as he accepted the paper and fountain pen before trotting over to the window to let in his owl. He quickly penned the message in between stroking Hedwig. Once finished he told her to deliver the note immediately and the owl departed with impressive speed.
Fortunately the moon had just begun to rise allowing Luka to return to her human form and Lupin to appear as his completely ordinary self before the press entourage arrived. Luka had checked that Professor Snape had left the doors unlocked when he had left. As the minutes ticked away the nephilim picked up the sounds of three sets of footsteps. When the doors finally opened she lifted an eyebrow in surprise and she wasn't alone for in the doorway stood the diminutive paparazzo, equipped with his camera, and the Weasley twins.
"What are you two doing here?" asked Ronn incredulously.
"What?"
"We can't visit our little bother,"
"Who's in the hospital wing,"
"With a broken leg?" replied the twins in their distinctive style. Luka wondered how the mischievous pair had found out about their brother but so long as one of them wrote accurate notes she had no objections.
"They're the only ones that would bring me here, Richard said it was too risky with all the staff patrols so he gave me a dictation quill," replied Colin happily.
"We did have a near miss with Filch," added Fred, or was it George?
"Shall we get started?" piped the smaller Gryffindor as he scuttled towards the beds.
Lupin conjured some more chairs and the new comers seated themselves as Colin began his quick fire questioning. Luka had left Lupin's lap when she had heard the students approach and was now watching the proceedings from her place at the wall trying to make her swigs of Wideye potion look as subtle as possible. Fist Colin asked about what had actually happened with the attack on the Potters, then Black's escape, his journey to Hogwarts and the incursions into the castle. After that bit was concluded a couple of photographs of the whole group were taken. Sirius was sitting in bed with Lupin at his bedside and Harry and Ron on the bed as well. The latter had been quite nervous when Luka had approached him with a crackling white ball of energy but once told that it was merely healing energy he did calm down. With his leg healed but still weak he had limped over on crutches and once he was settled Hermione sat by his side on another conjured chair. Luka remained out of the photograph on the grounds that her maid outfit would look out of place.
"I also have an announcement that I feel would be better read firsthand," Lupin began sadly as the three students rose to leave, "it is with a sad heart that I must leave Hogwarts on health reasons. As you have no doubt noticed I have been absent for quite a few lessons over this year,"
"You can't leave, you're the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher we've ever had!" squawked Ron his sentiments echoed in vehement nods from the other students.
The ex-professor smiled, "Thank you but I must go. It has been a pleasure teaching everyone and I'm proud of the progress you've all made. I will write a note for whoever fills the post next telling them what you've covered this year,"
As the three Gryffindors left the twins picked up fragments of the continuing conversation.
"It's a shame you have to go Moony,"
"I know Padfoot, but there's no way around it,"
Hastily the Weasleys glanced back at the older wizards. Could it really be that they had just met their idols?
"C'mon Colin. We need to get that on the press pronto," said George as the twins hurried the younger Gryffindor along.
And so the night owl staff of the 'The Hogwarts Express' swung into action, the quill's dictation was checked over by Lee Jordan and the Gryffindor editor Richard before the photographs were sent for development. In a mere few hours the paper was out and stacks delivered to each common room by floo. A couple of seventh years had sent off Patroni to alert other house members of the special edition.
Meanwhile the small group in the hospital wing were dozing with the exception of Luka. As Black's guard she had to keep a constant look out and since it was now seven o'clock they would probably be leaving for the Ministry soon. Blinkingly wearily she watched as Lupin woke with a start. He made as if to look at his watch but it too had come off when he had transformed last night.
"What time is it?"
"Just going past seven,"
"I should go, I need to start packing," he said as he stood up, looking back at Black's sleeping form he continued, "you'll look after him in the Ministry?"
"Of course... Remus, where will you go?" asked Luka worriedly.
"I'll go to the Leaky Cauldron whilst looking for something more permanent," replied the werewolf as breezily as possible.
Luka nodded and kissed him on the cheek. Watching him leave she noted that if nothing else he seemed in particularly good health considering that it was the morning after a full moon. Shortly after Lupin had left the Aurors who had accompanied Fudge returned to announce that Black wold be immediately transported to a Ministry holding cell before his hearing at the Wizengamot. This did not go down well with Madam Pomfrey who bristled at their attempts to interfere with someone under her care. As far as she was concerned Black wasn't to leave until after eating breakfast, imbibing restorative potions and having a final once over. A few harsh words were exchanged with the Aurors attempting to pull rank but eventually the matron managed to make them capitulate, much to the amusement of the patients who were all now awake. Once the matron's instructions had been followed they were cleared for departure. Black was back in his prison robes but it was clear that the Hogwarts house elves had been at them. Instead of being dressed in filth encrusted rags Black's robes had been washed, ironed and, to some degree, mended. In the company of the Aurors Black and Luka, who were now magically handcuffed together, made their way to the Apparation point. Apparently the children would be following later accompanied by Professor Dumbledore himself and due to his not quite human status Lupin was discounted by the Ministry as a witness.
XXX
Out in the Great Hall students and staff alike had had a busy morning. All the students had found either by though direct perusal of the article or by subsequent gossip that not only had Sirius Black been captured but that he was believed to be innocent by the boy whose parents he had helped have killed. This along with the news of Professor Lupin's resignation had caused curious students to besiege the prefects and any nearby teachers with a deluge of questions. The staff did not receive the inquiries particularly well as they had all been woke up in the early hours by the headmaster to tell them of the night's events.
Now in his office Lupin finished putting the last of his possessions into storage. He had no desire to return to his life before his job at Hogwarts; the poorly paid jobs, constantly on the move before anyone realised what he was and the dingy, decrepit cottage in Yorkshire where the only thing staving off pneumonia was his ability to cast warming charms. At least he had hoarded his earnings from his tenure at Hogwarts so he would be alright for a while. Placing the Marauder's Map in the breast pocket of his last 'good' jacket the werewolf gave a small start as he heard a small knock at his open door. Turning he saw the familiar face of Colin Creevey.
"We didn't have much time but we made you this card professor," chirped the second year before Lupin could ask what he was doing there.
"Thank you Colin, please tell everyone that I really appreciate this gesture," replied Lupin as he accepted the card, seeing that his job was done the diminutive blonde scuttled off after saying good bye.
For a moment the werewolf leaned against what had been his desk and scanned the card. It appeared that the card had done the fastest lap of the school possible with signatures from all four houses present. One set in particular stood out a mile; 'Thanks for the map, we solemnly swear to continue to do no good. Fred and George'. So that was how Harry had gotten hold of a map that had been confiscated so long ago. Smiling broadly he read some of the other messages, quite a few were illegible due to the extremely squashed print and the speed that they must have been written with.
"Your carriage is at the gates, Remus," said Professor Dumbedore as he broke Lupin out of his reverie.
"Thank you, Headmaster and good bye. There is no need to see me to the gates, I can manage…" replied Lupin as his smile faded and he picked up his old suitcase and the empty Grindylow tank.
The headmaster nodded in return and moved aside to let the werewolf pass. Head slightly bowed Lupin made his way to the thestral drawn carriage. Yawning he decided to go to The Three Broomsticks and ask Madam Rosmerta if he could use her floo to get to the Leaky Cauldron where he could have a brief nap before going to the Werewolf Registry.
XXX
Walking though the Ministry again proved to be quite amusing. The aerial-like weapon detector had shown both Luka and Black to be clean much to the Aurors' chagrin, apparently they wanted a reason to use the wands they were holding. The statues had yet to have their original subservient countenances returned and the people in the atrium were giving them a wide berth although Luka wasn't sure whose presence that was down to. On the Aurors' barked instructions they made their way to the holding cells. Luka made her way straight to the more comfortable looking cells she had seen when she had been brought there all those years ago. For more than an hour they waited. In the tense atmosphere hardly a word was uttered as the Aurors kept watch. Once the time of the Wizengamot hearing had come the group made their way to the court room. Making their way into the imposing chamber Luka craned her head to look around. The entire place was full to the rafters. Witches and wizards in robes of black and burgundy watched with mixed expressions of disgust and stoicism as she and Black were directed to the dock. As Black sat down the chains on the arm of the chair glowed gold before snaking their way around his arms. For a moment Luka wondered why such restraints had not been used in her trial before coming up with the idea that they had probably been deemed pointless. The nephilim was disturbed from her thoughts as Black jerked to the side. Following his lie of sight Luka saw the trio of Gryffindor students smiling at him and giving him thumbs up. Beside them were Professor Dumbedore and not only a stern looking Madam Pomfrey but also a clearly irate Professor Snape. As the proceedings began they took roughly the same format as Luka's trial had, the main difference being the more numerous calls for order due to the native response Black's protestations of innocence engendered. After he had entered his plea Black was ordered to give his testimony under Veritaserum. Once that was done a pensieve the size of a paddling pool was brought in to display the prisoner's memories for all to see. After Black came the testimony of the children. Their words were immediately drew claims of Confunding, an assertion furiously disputed by Madam Pomfrey when she took the stand. Finally, Professor Snape was called on to not only describe what he had witnessed but to vouch for the efficacy of the Veritaserum that he had used in the headmaster's office. Once the witnesses were finished the party was sent outside whilst the Wizengamot deliberated on the verdict.
"Should they rule in my favour I intend to immediately petition for full custody of Harry," Black told Professor Dumbledore immediately after Professor Snape and Madam Pomfrey had left.
As he spoke Luka watched Harry's mouth broaden into grin and Ron gave him a thumbs up. The headmaster, on the other hand, looked grave.
"I am afraid that that is unwise, he is far better protected with his Muggle family Sirius,"
"But they hate me!" squawked Harry in panicked tone, his dream of a family seemed to be slipping from his grasp.
"It was what Lily and James wanted. It's in their will, if I press the issue the law will support me," growled Black.
"He's better off with Sirius Black, those Muggles are evil! Last year me and my brothers had to rescue him from his room. They'd put bars on his windows!" added Ron.
"That is irrelevant Mr Weasley, the fact remains that Harry is safer in Little Whinging," replied the headmaster calmly as if he was completely unaware that Black's cheeks had changed colour upon hearing Ron's statement.
"Then why did you let him stay at The Burrow?" enquired Hermione.
"It was only for a short time and I was keeping a close eye on him," said the professor.
At this Luka couldn't help but narrow her eyes. The headmaster was spying on the children? That was just plain creepy. As for the whole safety angle it didn't really work, the nephilim had managed to dig up quite a lot on the Black family when she had still been trying to track the prisoner down.
"I am sure that any domicile Sirius chooses will not be wanting in terms of safety enchantments. Am I correct in recalling the fact that the family home is unplottable? As for the boy moving in with a man he hardly knows I am sure a transition period can be arranged where he spends days with his godfather or spends the night until it can become a permanent arrangement," said Luka calmly.
Everyone bar the headmaster nodded vehemently in agreement with the Luka's words although Black did look slightly apprehensive when she mentioned his family home. For a minute or to Albus Dumbledore contemplated his options. It was stated in the Potters' will that Harry was to go with Sirius upon their deaths so the courts would give him custody regardless of any challenge. That and Grimmauld Place was a very well protected house indeed, not to mention the fact that when Voldemort returned the Order would be recalled and they would need a headquarters and The Burrow was too well known and small to suit that purpose.
"Very well, I will not contest your custody of Harry. I am sure Grimmauld Place will be a nice home for him. However, to maintain the enchantments that protect both him and his relatives he must go to Privet Drive for at least one fortnight over the course of the holidays,"
XXX
In the Werewolf Registry things were going surprisingly well for Lupin. Amos Diggory had been sent to the Registry on a permanent basis as part of his punishment package, something which he had waved off breezily as being better than being sent to the Centaur Office. Thanks to their mutual acquaintance of Arthur Weasley and Cedric Diggory's letters to his parents praising Lupin the fine was reduced to the smallest amount possible. However it was still large enough to make Lupin blanch a little and make him glad he'd resisted the urge to splurge when he received his month's pay. As he left Diggory's office he blushed as heard the office secretaries gossiping over him.
"Who would have thought a werewolf at Hogwarts?"
"I bet the Minister caught him just in time,"
"Those poor children, they'd be terrified if they knew…"
What neither Lupin nor the secretaries noticed was the shiny black beetle by the stack of not yet enchanted outgoing memos.
XXX
"Sirius Black, on the count of the murders of thirteen Muggles and Peter Pettigrew you are hereby acquitted. A notice will go out to the Auror Corps and Hit Wizards that Peter Pettigrew is a wanted wizard. However, you are guilty of being an unregistered Animagus. You are to report to the Improper Use of Magic office to register and pay a fine of thirty Galleons. It is also advised that you visit St Mungo's for an evaluation of the mental and emotional damage that may have occurred due to your incarceration," decreed the monocled Amelia Bones.
Upon hearing the verdict Black seemed to fold in on himself as if he were in shock. At the edge of the courtroom the children broke into whoops and applause much to the displeasure of the Wizengamot mages. As they all filed out one of the Aurors who had escorted Black to the Ministry came forward with a box of items that had been taken from Black when he had been made a prisoner. Under Harry's beaming gaze Black picked up his old wand with a shaking hand and caressed the robes that had belonged to a free man.
"I strongly suggest you take up the offer of the check-up Sirius, more than a decade of exposure to Dementors could have left a mark," said Professor Dumbledore gently.
"I suppose so," replied Black sullenly, he didn't want any question of his mental health getting in the way of his custody of Harry.
"Good, good. Luka I expect you to escort Sirius to the hospital just in case any passers-by want to try to apprehend a 'mass murderer'. Once you're done return to Hogwarts," continued the headmaster. Luka nodded in acknowledgement before checking how much Wideye potion she had left.
As Professor Dumbledore began ushering the children away so he could take them back to school Harry hung back.
"So I really do get to move in with you?" he asked hopefully.
"Of course, as soon as possible," grinned Sirius as the young boy knocked him off balance with a hug.
Making their way to the Improper Use of Magic Office Black and Luka were met by Lupin, and much to Luka's annoyance, Arthur Weasley. After the latter's exclamations of shock and a very poor attempt to get to his wand Lupin managed to explain the situation as Black gladly told his friend that he was now a free man again. Once the flustered wizard hard calmed down talk turned to Lupin's fine as Black swiftly began trying to persuade the werewolf to let him pay the fine since it was because of him that Lupin's condition had been revealed. As the haggling continued Weasley turned to Luka with smiling eyes before launching into a series of enquiries about Muggle life. Half asleep Luka answered as completely and as quickly as possible in the hope that he would just leave her alone once he had burned out. Alas that time ever came, it was only until one of his colleagues came along and he had to take his leave that the pressure was finally eased. Taking a swig of the dregs of the Wideye potion Luka looked over to the two wizards. Apparently Black had managed to bargain to the point where he would pay half the fine. Seeing that Luka was now free of the over enthusiastic red head the trio set off for the office. Once there Luka busied herself by looking around for evidence that could put it on her to destroy list of Ministry departments. So far there was nothing. Mafalda Hopkirk was sat behind her desk smiling benignly as the three walked in, her desk covered in parchment and her quill seemed to have a mind of its own as it zoomed across yellowed pages. The birdlike witch went through Black's paperwork in a surprisingly efficient manner, the only hang up was the distinguishing features of his Animagus form. He didn't really have any apart from his sheer size.
After that was the visit to St Mungos once Black had changed from his prison robes and some glamours applied by Lupin so the sight of the wizard wouldn't cause a mass panic. Luka found it interesting to see the magical hospital since she had never been there before having never gone for a psychiatric evaluation herself and the mustard gas had been sent with Elise. The dingy department store was a good façade especially with the recent recession having closed down so many city centre shops. Once inside the 'welcomewitch' was torn between sending them to Spell Damage and Creature-induced Injuries as there was no specific mental health ward and long term Dementor exposure wasn't really in the same league as imbedded stings and bites. Finally a Healer came to the receptionist's aid and they made their way to Healer Smethwyck's office on the Creature-induced Injuries floor. Deciding that on the basis of patient confidentiality that it was best for her to stay outside Luka leaned against the corridor wall as Black underwent the consultation with Lupin in there for support. After what seemed like an eternity of boredom and fighting off sleep the two wizards finally emerged with the Healer whom, as he locked his office door with a swish of his wand, turned his gaze on Luka.
"You look a little pale, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, it's my normal complexion," replied Luka with a grouchy tone as she fought the urge to close her eyes.
Healer Smethwyck looked less than convinced but knowing a lost cause when he saw one he turned away.
"Right, I'm off then. It was nice meeting you Sirius, I'll see you soon Remus," said Luka with a small smile as she turned to leave.
"Wait, where are you going?" asked Lupin worriedly.
"I was only told to escort Sirius to St Mungo's and I have to look over the moving arrangements for my things,"
"How long have you been awake?" Lupin continued as he noticed Luka sway.
"Erm… it's half one so… 'bout twenty eight and a half hours," replied Luka.
"And you intend to Apparate?"
"Yep and then shadow gates to get through the castle,"
"Oh no you don't. You're not fit to Apparate in your state; you'll get splinched or lost in purgatory when you try to use your gates," said Lupin with a slightly pleading look.
Luka shifted uncomfortably. She hated being thought of as weak regardless if her state did merit that description but Lupin's look of concern was getting to her. Why had she decided to date someone so proficient at puppy eyes? If it had been Sebastian his look of amusement would have annoyed her into kicking him in the shins and Apparating jus for the hell of it. But that look… she would just feel too guilty if she left.
"Fine," she said with a sigh.
"Good," replied Lupin with smile as he took her arm, "I've got a room at the Leaky Cauldron where you can rest. Are you coming too Sirius?"
The other Gryffindor broke out of his seemingly deep thoughts to nod in assent . In record time the three were in the dingy pub and Lupin ushered an increasingly weary Luka up the stairs to his room. Once alone in the room and with a bed so temptingly close the knackered nephilim merely pulled off her shoes before flopping onto the bed uncaring of the fact that she was still fully clothed.
Downstairs the wizards waited for the lunch Black had ordered when Lupin had been busy with Luka. Idly toying with his bottle of butter beer Black decided to ask the question that had been bugging him since the morning's earliest hours.
"So, your girlfriend… what is she?"
Lupin paused for a moment, he had no idea how to explain he was dating a Slytherin let alone a Dark witch/werewolf/nephilim who had sold her soul to demon for revenge.