A/N- All the Harry Potter characters still don't belong to me, they belong to the lovely JK Rowling
Chapter 25 Trouble Is In The Air
"Those things will kill you," Amy said to Carissa, as they stood outside the Ministry of Magic building.
Carissa looked down at the cigarette in her hand, "I know that and I have tried to cut back on the amount I'm smoking, but sometimes the stress gets too much. Ask your boyfriend, he knows how difficult it is."
"Would you not say that out loud. I know that we have told you and Kingsley plus Remus and Tonks about us, but if anyone else finds out, it won't end well," Amy chastised Carissa.
"Whatever works for you both. I just think that you shouldn't need to hide it from the rest of the Order," Carissa said, as she took another drag of her smoke.
Amy shook her head. While she was glad that Carissa actually liked Sirius, she wasn't sure how she felt about them bonding over stress smoking. While Carissa may have cut back, she hadn't quit completely and Sirius had started smoking more as he tried to cope with the pressure of not only reentering the Wizarding World, but taking on the role of Lord Black. At least he hadn't increased his drinking again, so that was something.
"How much longer till we need to head inside anyway?" Carissa asked.
"Another ten minutes," Amy replied, looking at her watch.
"Are you sure that you want to do this?" Carissa questioned.
"I have to Carissa, you know that. Anyway most of the attention will be on Sirius and not me," Amy answered.
"Who are you kidding? You and Sirius are both going to end up as the new faces of this war. You are going to be a celebrity sweetheart," Carissa pointed out.
"I don't want the fame or fortune Carissa, I just want to help people," Amy explained.
"I know that Amy. What you are about to do will help people, but I also have to make sure that you look after yourself," Carissa replied
"I will, I just don't see any other way around it. We need to use today to get the upper hand on the death eaters and use the media to our advantage before Voldemort gets his hands on them," Amy said.
"Doesn't mean that I want my sister from another mister, to be the one who helps lead that campaign," Carissa muttered.
"Careful there. You call me that in front of anyone inside and they might think we are actually related," Amy joked.
"Bloody morons the lot of them. Honestly when you talk about anything muggle related in front of them, it's like you're speaking another language," Carissa commented.
Amy snorted, as she checked her watch again, "We should start heading inside, wouldn't want to be late."
Carissa nodded as she put out her cigarette and vanished it quickly.
As they entered the phone booth to go through to the Ministry's visitors entrance, Amy could feel her nerves starting to creep up on her. Even though she had already had two meetings here after her name had been cleared, those meetings had only been with select Ministry staff. This was completely different for her and Amy wasn't sure if she could make this work. Carissa was always the more outgoing and outspoken of the two of them, and in all honesty Amy liked it that way. She was definitely not the person who got interviewed for magazines and newspapers or tried to shake up the wizarding world. Amy was going to have to pull off the biggest act of her life and that was just to get through today.
Amy had been so lost in her thoughts, that she didn't realize they had already arrived at the visitor sign in desk. She looked up and saw Kingsley standing there waiting for them.
"I have Miss Carissa Stewart and Miss Amy Johnson here for the conference," Kingsley told the wizard behind the desk.
"Wands please, you may pick them up after you sign back out,"
Carissa and Amy both handed their wands over. This was Amy's proper wand, she still had the fake one at home though. It had been difficult for her not to laugh, when the Ministry had handed her back the fake one Kingsley had made before her name had been cleared. She ended up keeping it, as a memento of what Kingsley had done for both her and Sirius.
"Follow me please," Kingsley said to them, after they had finished handing over their wands.
Amy and Carissa followed Kingsley down a long corridor and turned down a narrow hallway. Amy hoped they didn't have to use the elevator this time, that thing was horrible to ride in. She was relieved when they finally reached the room that they were holding the conference in, without the lift being anywhere insight.
Both women followed Kingsley inside the room. Amy was slightly taken aback, over how many people were there to see the conference. Kingsley led them past the waiting media and over to podium, where they could take their seats. Amy saw Remus and Sirius sitting there already, with Amelia Bones and Cornelius Fudge next to them. Kingsley directed Amy and Carissa to their seats, and then walked over to stand next to the other aurors who were keeping guard.
The noise of the crowd started to die down, as soon as they noticed that everyone had arrived.
"Since the crowd has noticed that we are all here, I suggest we begin already. Do you agree Cornelius?" Amelia asked.
"Yes, starting a few minutes early won't hurt. Everyone is here already anyway," replied Minister Fudge.
As the Minister stood up and walked towards the lectern, Amy sat up straighter in her seat. While she didn't particularly care too much for what the idiot had to say, she thought that it was best to pay some attention to him.
"Good morning everyone. As you are all aware, we are here today in regards to the recent developments involving the pardon of Lord Black for the Potter murders and the return of He Who Must Not Be Named.
The Ministry wishes to issue an apology to Lord Black for his wrongful imprisonment under our previous administration. The government failed to thoroughly investigate the murders of Lord Black's friends, James and Lilly Potter and by doing so, allowed an innocent man to be sent to Azkaban.
While the Ministry cannot give back the years taken from Lord Black, we can at least try to right some of the wrongs of the past. We must ensure that something like this never happens again, and we also must make sure that the Potter's real betrayer Peter Pettigrew is brought to justice. From today Peter Pettigrew is officially the Ministry's second most wanted criminal, behind He Who Must Not Be Named. Anyone who has any information or tip offs in regards to the whereabouts of these Wizards, should contact the DMLE straight away.
We urge the public to stay calm and to remember that we are doing everything within our power, to make sure everyone stays safe. While we do urge extra caution, with He Who Must Not Be Named back, we must also continue to live our lives as normal as possible.
The Ministry also has some plans in place to make sure a case like Lord Black's does not occur ever again. I will now hand over to Madam Amelia Bones, to explain these plans in further detail."
As Fudge took his seat and Amelia replaced him at the lectern, Amy noticed that the crowd was a buzz over what the Ministry's plans were. She smiled internally, they had no idea just how much things were about to be turned upside. Amy pushed those thoughts aside as she tuned back in to listen to Amelia.
"As the head of the DMLE, it is my responsibility to make sure that justice is not only served but also that it is enforced in a fair and legal manner. In the weeks since the attack on Kings Cross and the Trial of Lord Black, it has become clear that the Ministry has not always worked in this manner. Following an internal department investigation, I cannot stand here in good conscience and tell you that everyone currently in Azkaban is guilty. I have been left with no choice, but to order a review of all the criminal cases put before the Wizengamot, dating back to three years before the last war against Voldemort began. Those who have received a fair and just trial, will remain locked away but those who haven't, will be given a new trial.
To make sure each case is reviewed fairly and without corruption, a committee has been set up consisting of Myself and Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt, 3 members of the Muggle MI5, Lord Black, Lady Longbottom, Lady Malfoy, Lady Greengrass, Amos Diggory and Amy Johnson. These people have been selected to create diversity among the committee, so that no witch or wizard who has their case reviewed will be treated unfairly. By working with the muggle security agency MI5, we can ensure that we are following correct legal procedures for dealing with potential suspects, and that we are not violating any basic human rights."
"What the hell Amy? You didn't tell me that Narcissa was on the committee," Carissa hissed.
"Look I know it seems strange, but it is better her than her husband. This way he can't try and get the Wizengamot to overrule anything that the committee decides. Narcissa would never be able to turn anyone on that committee into a death eater and Lucius can't have a hissy fit because there are no Malfoys on it," Amy explained.
"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer," Carissa replied.
"Exactly. Give them a little room, but leave enough rope so we can hang them if we need to," Amy said, as she looked up to see that Amelia had finished her speech and Sirius was about to begin.
"Firstly before I begin, I would like to offer my condolences to the Greengrass and Finch families, who lost loved ones in the Kings Cross tragedy. While nothing I say or do can bring Daniel Greengrass or Sarah Finch back, my thoughts are with both families at their time of need.
Next I must publicly apologies to Miss Amy Johnson. I never meant to have anyone else's name dragged through the mud with me but unfortunately after Kings Cross, Miss Johnson found herself on the run from the Ministry as well. At the time of the attack, I just wanted to protect my godson and was trying to get him away from Voldemort. Things didn't go to plan however, and I had to force Miss Johnson to help me. I am truly sorry for any distress that I may have inadvertently caused her because of my actions.
I must also thank Minister Fudge, Madam Bones and Auror Shacklebolt for not only giving me the opportunity to clear my name, but for making sure no one else has or will suffer from a miscarriage of justice like I did. I assure the wizarding community that the committee we have established, will be clear and transparent with their findings and if anyone has been unjustly convicted, we will work as quick as possible to grant a retrial.
To finish my statement I have one final thing to say and this for Voldemort and all his followers. You may try and scare us, but we will not back down. There is a Muggle saying that states that everybody wants to rule the world. I can promise you this much Voldemort, you will never rule this one. For every evil vile act that you commit, there will always be someone there trying to stop you. We will never bow down to you, and we will always defy you. For we as long as we stand united, you cannot divide us.
As for Peter Pettigrew, you had better enjoy your freedom while it lasts. We are coming after you. You may be able to hide behind Voldemort for now, but we will find you and you will pay for the crimes you have committed. We will scour the entire planet searching for you and will bring you to justice for the murders of not only James and Lily but the following twelve muggles who were killed that day-
Jack Simpson- A guitarist in a local band The Living Zombies, playing at the Royal Exchange pub. The pub was located right near where our duel took place
Celia Walsh- A police officer, who was off duty but ran towards danger anyway
David and Jessica Hopkins- A married couple, who had just found out that they were expecting their first child
Imani Okoye- A local business owner, who left behind a wife and three children
Anastasia Watts and Gabriella Davidson- A couple who were at the Royal Exchange to watch the Living Zombies play
Troy Dixon- Was just walking past, on his way to pick up dinner from a chinese restaurant nearby
Jeffery Tamil and Zayne Smith- Both were security guards at the Royal Exchange
Wade Pierson and Matthew Jones- Both bartenders at the Royal Exchange
These Muggles have never had their names published in any wizarding newspaper or magazine. They have always just been swept aside as random anonymous muggles. These people deserve to be named, they deserve to have their killer brought to justice, even if their families can't be told the truth due to our secrecy laws. They deserve to be remembered just the same as James and Lily.
Let us remember these people and remember the reason why we need to continue to fight Voldemort. He will try and burn everything that we stand for to the ground, but he will not win."
As Sirius stepped away from the lectern, the entire crowd erupted with noise. Amy was really starting to get nervous now. Sirius had effectively just come out and directly challenged Voldemort, which as they had already known, would send the media into meltdown mode. Now Amy had to stand up in front of them and deliver her statement.
As Amy stood up at the lectern, her hands started to shake and she could feel her heartbeat starting to quicken. She turned back to look at Carissa, who gave her a thumbs up in support. Amy took a deep breath and began her speech.
"I would like to begin my statement, by informing Lord Black that I wholeheartedly accept his apology. While at the time of the attack I was petrified of him, I now understand that he was just doing what he had to, so he could protect his godson.
I would also like to thank the Ministry for clearing my name after the King's Cross incident, but also for allowing me the opportunity to be apart of the new committee. As part of the wizarding world we must all work together to ensure a case like Lord Black's never occurs again.
The next point I must address is in regards to my muggleborn status. For most their lives in the wizarding world, muggleborns are looked down at, mistreated or ignored by those who think muggleborns are inferior to them. I have some interesting statistics for those who believe this to be true. Over the last twenty years, sixteen muggleborns or half-bloods have achieved the highest marks in their NEWT exams for their year. This means that for sixteen out of the last twenty years, a muggleborn or a halfblood student were technically the brightest and smartest students in their year. These impressive stats continue, as you go further back through NEWT records. So for those of you who think that you have to be pure blood to be better at magic, you are wrong. While being brought up around magic allows you to have a better grasp of it at an earlier age, if they work hard enough a muggleborn or halfblood can be just as powerful as a pureblood.
With Voldemort and his followers back we must put aside our differences and work together. Our future and our children's future depends on us staying united in this fight against him. We must work together to make this world not only a safe place but a better place for everyone. That is all I have to say for now and I thank you all for your time today."
As Amy returned to her seat, she heard the crowd start talking all at once again. She couldn't believe what she had just done, and was glad that it was over. Amy waited until Minister Fudge finished closing the conference officially and then spoke to Carissa, "Let's get out of here. I'm exhausted and just want to go home."
As they both stood up, Amelia Bones made her way towards them.
"Good morning Amy, how are you?"
" I am very well, thank you Amelia. I am certainly enjoying being free again, although I must admit that I was very nervous in the lead up to today," Amy admitted.
" You did well, especially for someone not used to being in the public eye. I won't keep you long, I'm sure you want to return home with Miss Stewert, these conferences can be exhausting after all," Amelia said.
"I'm glad that it's not just me who thinks so," Amy replied.
"Personally I hate doing them, but they are part of the job. I just wanted to let you know that our first full committee meeting will take place on Thursday at 11:00am, you will be able to meet everyone that you don't already know then," Amelia said.
"Ok, thank you. I am looking forward to it," Amy answered.
"You must excuse me now Amy, I have some other issues to discuss with Cornelius," Amelia said, as she looked over towards the Minister, who was currently talking to Sirius and Remus.
"Go head, Carissa and I should be leaving now anyway," Amy replied.
After Amelia left, Carissa asked Amy, "Did you want to talk with Sirius before we leave?"
"I'll catch up with him later. He looks busy anyway," Amy answered.
As they headed out of the room trying to push through the crowd that were blocking the way, Amy lost track of Carissa. As she continued walking down the hallway that they had come down originally, Amy felt someone grab her arm and pull her inside a nearby room.
When Amy finally regained her balance after almost being knocked off her feet, she looked up to see Ainsley standing in front of her.
"What the fuck Ainsley!" Amy yelled, as she snatched her arm back out of his hand.
"I'm sorry that I scared you Amy, but I needed to talk to you," Ainsley explained.
"Well you could have approached me like a normal person, rather than grabbing me like that" Amy retorted.
"I just wanted to talk Amy. You've been ignoring my calls and messages," Ainsley complained.
"Because we broke up," Amy answered.
"Please listen to me. I miss you and I want you back. I love you too much Amy, to let you go that easily," Ainsley begged, as he went to grab hold of her hands.
Amy stepped back from Ainsley and shook her head,"I'm sorry Ainsley, but it's over."
"Why? How can you say that? We should at least try to sort this out, before you walk away," Ainsley pleaded.
Amy hated doing this to Ainsley, but it had to be done. She didn't want to break his heart, but the poor man honestly believed the she still loved him. Maybe it was her fault for not talking to him earlier, but now she had to make it perfectly clear to him that there was no chance of them getting back together.
"I don't love you anymore," Amy blurted out.
A look of shock came over Ainsley's face as he tried to process what Amy just said.
"I don't believe you Amy. Do you really want to throw everything away that we worked for? Are you saying that you don't feel anything for me at all anymore?" Ainsley asked.
"I'm sorry but no Ainsley, I don't love you anymore. Maybe later on we could try and be friends, but for now I think it's best if we stay away from each other," Amy said.
"Prove it," Ainsley demanded.
"What?" Amy answered.
"Kiss me, then try and tell me that you don't feel anything anymore," Ainsley said.
"What are you like eleven years old? I'm not going to kiss you to prove a point. I'm a grown women, I know what I feel," Amy said, in disbelief.
Amy had only just finished replying, when Ainsley pulled her towards him and started kissing her. Before Amy even got the chance to pull away from the kiss, she heard someone clear their throat behind them.
Amy quickly stepped back from Ainsley and turned around to see who was there. She saw Carissa, Kingsley, Remus and Tonks standing there, and then her heart sunk when she saw that Sirius was also standing with them. This was not going to end well.
"Nice to see that you haven't been kidnapped by death eaters, Miss Johnson," said Sirius
While Sirius sounded calm, Amy could see the look of hurt and betrayal in his eyes. Something she had never wanted to do, was to hurt him. Within a few seconds Ainsley had probably destroyed all the trust Amy had built with Sirius over time.
Amy turned back around and slapped Ainsley, "I hate you!"she yelled.
When Amy turned back around again, she saw that Sirius and Remus had already disappeared somewhere. Shit, this really wasn't good. Amy then turned to look at Carissa,"I didn't kiss him Carissa, I swear. I didn't want him to kiss me, I told him no."
"Please Amy, don't pretend you didn't enjoy it," Ainsley scoffed.
"I didn't enjoy it, you fucking asshole. You can't just go around kissing people against their will," Amy hissed.
"Amy, why don't you leave? We can catch up later," Carissa said, interrupting the argument. She didn't need to add, go and find Sirius before he does something reckless.
Amy took off running out of the room, thanking Carissa as she ran past her. She had to find Sirius, so she could explain everything. Amy just hoped that he would at least be calm enough to listen to her.
"What the hell? Where is she going?" Ainsley questioned Carissa.
"Nowhere that you need to know about," Carissa snapped. She then walked over towards Ainsley and pushed him up against a nearby wall. Holding him up against the wall by his shirt collar, she spoke in cold tone,"If you ever touch Amy against her will again, I swear to Merlin himself that you will wish you had never been born. I will tear everything down around you and then I will rip out your heart and feed it to a hippogriff. Understand!"
Ainsley didn't reply at first, until Carissa spoke again, "Do you understand me?"
Ainsley nodded his head and Carissa gave him another shove against the wall. As she turned to walk back towards Kingsley and Tonks, Carissa had a bad feeling that this wouldn't be the last time Ainsley tried causing trouble. She felt around in her pockets for her cigarettes. After having to deal with that moron, she desperately needed one.
A/N- Poor Amy/Sirius, just when they thought things would start looking up, Ainsley comes back into the picture. Next chapter Amy will try and track down Sirius and there is a unexpected Order meeting.