Chapter 29
The Trial Of Sirius Black
Author's Note: I'm going to be clear right now. Even if I lose readers because of this. Albus Dumbledore is not going to fall soon. There is still a long way to go with this story. He is the main Antagonist. The main villain. Dumbledore is, at this point, more of a main villain than Voldemort in this story! This story would become dull if I get rid of him so soon. I promise you that. I do not want that, and I am sure neither do you. I have a wonderful plan for his demise, but it won't happen anytime soon.
Yes, he will be thwarted many times, yes, he is being investigated throughout the entire story until his arrest. However, he is also countering these maneuvers. He has made a deal with Fudge so he won't get arrested for a while. He's trying to stop his secrets from getting revealed. Some secrets will be revealed. Some of his respect will be lost. But he will not fall because of these two things alone. He is too powerful for that. He has come a very long way and built himself up long before the events of this story, to fall so soon in this story.
I would ruin his character in this story, and I would ruin my story, if I got rid of him too soon. I am sorry if some of my readers disagree with this.
Also, due to what Amelia said about the Ball, some readers have mistakenly thought the Yule Ball is taking place the night of the trials. It is not. It takes place on the next Friday in-story. Amelia simply meant that Albus should focus on that for the next week. Sorry for the confusion.
Warning: Dumbledore Bashing
(Saturday, December 19th, 1994 – 2:00 PM)
Amelia stepped into Courtroom Nine, followed by Nymphadora Tonks, who was leading Sirius into the room, with Kingsley Shacklebolt following behind him. Ted and Andromeda Tonks, and Remus Lupin, followed at the back of the group. Amelia narrowed her eyes at the group of flashing cameras – muttering curses about how Minister Fudge had asked her to give the cameras back to the media. At least, this time, the media was limited to half-a-dozen journalists and their cameramen.
There were also very few spectators seated in the chairs, as had been ordered by Amelia herself. Andromeda Tonks and Remus Lupin walked ahead of Amelia and the others, and sat in the front row behind the Defense Table. Ted Tonks sat down at the Defense Table, and Amelia walked toward the Wizengamot Council. Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, was seated where Albus Dumbledore would normally be seated, as Chief Warlock. Fudge frowned as he looked down at her.
"You were supposed to be here before the Accused, Director Bones," Fudge said, with a sigh.
"I wanted to personally escort Black myself, Minister," Amelia said. "It was a good thing I made such a decision. Albus Dumbledore was trying to get past the two Aurors I placed outside the Courtroom to prevent him from getting in. I told him off and sent him on his way back to Hogwarts."
"Excellent," Fudge said, "Hopefully that will be the last of today's… complications. I assume you will still be Chief Interrogator, replacing the need for a Prosecutor?"
"Yes, sir," Amelia said, "I do not consider myself Prosecution today. Because I do not believe the Accused is guilty."
"Understandable," Fudge said. "Let us begin then."
Amelia bowed and walked over to the table usually reserved for the Prosecution. Her secretary, Samantha, had already laid out the documents and notes for her. She smiled at Samantha, who was sitting in the front row behind the table, and silently thanked her. Samantha smiled in reply.
Fudge smacked his gavel three times on the surface in front of him. Everyone went silent.
"Seal the doors!" he ordered.
The spiderweb of crisscrossed enchanted steel chains covered the exits of the Courtroom.
"Before we begin this trial," Fudge spoke loudly, as he stood up, "I have two things to say. The first is that I wish to personally give my promise, that the events that took place earlier this afternoon in Courtroom Ten will be fully investigated and the persons responsible for such a horrible tragedy will be found, apprehended and punished to the fullest extent of the law! I have spoken to Arthur Weasley and his two eldest sons, who were, unfortunately, present during the incident to witness such a horrifying tragedy. I have given them my personal condolences.
"Second. Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore has been barred from this trial, due to speculations that he was partially responsible for preventing the Accused, Sirius Black, from having a trial thirteen years ago. As such, I, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, will be Proxying as Chief Warlock for today's proceedings. It is my desire to make sure that justice truly prevails today, whether the Accused is innocent or guilty. If only to make up for my predecessor's mistakes."
He smacked the gavel again.
"So begins the Criminal Trial on this, the nineteenth day of December in the year nineteen ninety-four," Fudge said, "The Accused is identified as Sirius Black, the Lord Apparent of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. The Crimes of the Accused are as stated: Breaching the Statute of Secrecy; Conspiracy to Commit Murder of James and Lily Potter; Conspiracy to Commit Attempted Murder and Assault of Harry Potter; Murder of Peter Pettigrew and Twelve Muggles; and escaping Azkaban."
Amelia nodded at this. Fudge called Sirius 'Lord Apparent', because he couldn't be a Lord as long as he was a criminal. It was the law.
"Representative for the Defense: Theodore Edward Tonks," Fudge continued, "Law Officer of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
"Representatives for the Wizengamot. Chief Interrogator: Amelia Susan Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Secondary Interrogators: Minister of Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Rufus Sebastian Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror Department, and Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic. Court Scribe..."
After he finished the list a few minutes later, Fudge cleared his throat and looked at Ted Tonks.
"Law Officer Tonks," Fudge said, "Do you have any opening remarks before you make your opening statement?"
"Only that I wish for the Wizengamot to drop the charge against my client for escaping Azkaban," Ted said, "As my client was never properly sentenced, he was merely a resident of Azkaban and not a prisoner. Therefore, when he left his self-imposed incarceration, he did it completely within the law."
Amelia frowned at this. If Sirius' unregistered Animagus charge came up during the trial, it could be said Sirius should have indeed spent five years – and only five – for such a crime. But as he spent more than five years in Azkaban for such a charge, she was sure Ted would likely mention such a thing if it was brought up. He could simply say that Sirius spent seven years of – as Ted called it – self-imposed incarceration instead of twelve.
Fudge moved to Scrimgeour and Umbridge and whispered to them. Whatever they were saying, Umbridge seemed to be quite disagreeable with it. Then she looked disappointed as Fudge walked back to his seat.
"Very well," Fudge said, "We agree that, as the Accused was never sentenced to Azkaban by the Wizengamot, the charge of escaping Azkaban has been dropped."
"Thank you, Minister Fudge," Ted said.
"Your opening statement please," Fudge said.
Ted stood up and cleared his throat. "Minister of Magic Fudge. Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot. Media representatives. My client, Sirius Orion Black, should not be here. This trial should have taken place thirteen years ago. Sirius Black should have never spent twelve years in Azkaban. Just like we will prove today, it would have been proven thirteen years ago that Sirius Black is, indeed, innocent of all charges he is facing.
"My client spent twelve years suffering the horrors of Azkaban due to negligence and misrepresentation of justice. He has suffered greatly for his time in Azkaban, due to Dementor Exposure. He has recently begun treatment for what he suffered, and if – when – he gains his freedom today, it will go along way to make sure my client can heal – if not completely – from the injustice he has had to suffer.
"When this trial is done and over, it will be clear exactly what happened in the events surrounding that tragic Halloween in 1981. An innocent man, who has been wrongly and falsely accused of horrendous crimes, will hopefully be welcomed back into the society which has cursed his name for the past thirteen years, and has kept him from having the life he deserves with those he loves."
Amelia allowed a small smile as Sirius looked at her, after Ted's final line. Ted's part was mostly done and over with. Now it was her turn.
"Thank you, Law Officer Tonks," Fudge said, as Ted sat back down, "Chief Interrogator Bones, if you are ready, you may begin."
"I am, Minister," Amelia said. "Minister Fudge, Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, media representatives and concerned citizens. A couple days ago, I learned that, in the weeks before their death, James and Lily Potter created a Final Will and Testament. In the days after their death, Albus Dumbledore – in his role as Chief Warlock – sealed the Ministry's copy of James and Lily Potter's Will. Why? Those answers will be revealed soon. It starts with one fact. Albus Dumbledore was the Witness of James and Lily Potter's Will. So he knew exactly what was listed inside the Will. Things I believe he didn't want revealed to certain individuals in our society."
Whispers and murmurs were heard around the Courtroom. Fudge looked confused, as if he wasn't sure whether he wanted to frown or not at Amelia's ease of blaming Albus. His expression turned neutral just as quickly, however.
"The copy of the Will in the Ministry wasn't the only one," Amelia continued, "There was another at Gringotts, where the Will was penned and made. Last Sunday, Harry James Potter opened the Will, and discovered what was inside. A couple days ago, he gave me a copy of said Will. That is when I discovered that the Accused, Sirius Black, may not be guilty of the crimes he has been accused of."
Amelia walked over to the table and picked up the metallic scroll. She then pressed her thumb against the button on one side of the Will. It opened, revealing the Will as it unrolled.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Final Will and Testament of James and Lily Potter," Amelia said.
As murmurs and whispers were heard around the Courtroom, Amelia brought the Will over to Minister Fudge.
"Minister," Amelia said, "Would you please read – aloud - the first name – and what follows - under the Official Listed Guardians for Harry James Potter, in case of his parents' deaths?"
"It says," Fudge said, as he found the very line in the Will, "'Sirius Black – Godfather, per the Godfather Ritual, family friend and ally.'"
Several gasps and murmurs were heard around the Courtroom.
"Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour," Amelia asked, "For those who do not know what the Godfather Ritual is, would you please explain it for the Court?"
"The Godfather Ritual – otherwise known as the Godparent Ritual," Scrimgeour stated, "Is similar to the Unbreakable Vow. A father and/or mother of a child is present at the ritual, along with their child, and the individual in question who has been chosen to be the child's godparent. The Ritual creates a Vow, for the Godparent, in which the godparent must promise to never betray the parents and child in question. If the Vow is broken, it will kill the godparent in question. There is no chance of survival for this broken Vow.
"The Ritual is controversial in nature, but not Dark. It is merely rare in its use, because of the possibility that the parents of the child might harm the child, and the godparent would not be able to report such an incident. Because they would be betraying the parents, while trying to protect the child. Therefore, because of this risk, the Godparent Ritual is rarely ever used. Godparents are still named and chosen, but many do not participate in a Ritual. However that does not mean it is illegal. The Godparent Ritual is a completely legal and acceptable Ritual, even if it is risky to use it."
"So how is Sirius Black sitting here with us today if he took part in this Ritual?" Amelia asked.
"If he betrayed James, Lily, or Harry Potter," Scrimgeour said, "He would not be sitting here today. He would have been a corpse to be buried in the ground, thirteen years ago."
"So he couldn't have been the Secret Keeper for the Potters?" Amelia asked.
"He could not have revealed the Secret of the Potters' location and lived," Scrimgeour said, "There are only two explanations for this. The first is the possibility that the information in James and Lily Potter's Will was false. But as the Will was penned at Gringotts – and such documents are usually written with Blood or Honor Quills – it is highly improbable that the information in the Will is false. The only other possibility is that Sirius Black was not – as was rumored – the Secret Keeper for James, Lily and Harry Potter."
"Minister Fudge," Amelia said, "Peter Pettigrew is listed under the Inheritances in James and Lily Potter's Will. Would you please read what it says?"
"Of course," Fudge said; then he found the line in question, "'If we are dead, Peter Pettigrew is guilty of betraying us. He was our Secret Keeper at the time of our death. We made everyone believe it was Sirius, so Peter wouldn't be targeted. Wormtail, you rat, we give you 30 Sickles. Buy a ferry to Azkaban, you traitor.'"
More gasps and murmurs were heard as Fudge finished reading.
"Due to obvious private reasons, Minister Fudge," Amelia said, "I cannot submit the Will into evidence."
"As long as the evidence seen today can be recorded by our Scribe," Fudge said, "I will allow it."
"Of course," Amelia said.
Fudge nodded, and Amelia walked back to his chair and took the offered Will from the Minister. She walked back over to the table and set it down. Then she walked over to Sirius' table and stood a few paces away from it."
"Sirius Black," Amelia said, "We will begin with the Godparent Ritual. Please begin, where you feel it is appropriate, to explain how you became Harry Potter's Godfather, through the Godparent Ritual."
"Of course, Director Bones," Sirius said; then cleared his throat. "I suppose it begins on 31 July 1980, the day of the birth of my godson, Harry James Potter. I visited the Hospital Room at St. Mungo's where Lily was a patient, after giving birth to her son, Harry. I will always remember that day. The Dementors couldn't take it from me. When I first saw Harry, he was sleeping, curled up against his mother as she held him. James – he saw me enter the room and he stood up and embraced me. Lily then asked me something I'll never forget.
"'Would you like to hold your godson, Sirius?' she asked me. I couldn't believe it at first. But James was quick to assure me. There was no one better for the job. I did not accept immediately. Not until I held Harry in my arms. He… he opened his eyes a few moments after I started holding him, and I saw his beautiful eyes. I fell in love with the boy. That was when I accepted to be his godfather. I even told James and Lily I would agree to participate in the Godparent Ritual. So they could know that I would never let any harm come to that boy."
Amelia blinked back tears. Although she had visited James and Lily on the day of Harry's birth, she had not been there to witness them naming Sirius as Harry's godfather. But she could see the Hospital Room in her mind, as Sirius told his tale.
"A couple weeks later, James and Lily invited me to their home at –" Sirius suddenly choked, then he cleared his throat. "I… I'm afraid I cannot reveal its location due to the effects of a Fidelius Charm. I did not know it was still active."
"I understand, Mr. Black," Amelia said, "You may continue your thought."
"I visited James and Lily at their Manor," Sirius said, "This was well before they moved to Godric's Hollow. We participated in the Godparent Ritual that day. James held Harry as he said his part in the Ritual, then Lily did, then I did. Harry was a little champ through it all. He was perfectly calm, even though the magic was visible and wind whipped around the room as the Ritual continued and finished. He didn't cry once. I remember he smiled at me when the Ritual finished and I was officially his Godfather-by-Vow.
"The Ritual allowed one Test to make sure it worked. James and I stepped into the back yard. I drank a Draught that made me unconsciously angry at James. I pointed my wand at him, wanting to attack him, and I collapsed, unconscious immediately. I remember waking up, feeling exhausted and feeling as if my heart was ready to explode. I couldn't even do magic for twenty-four hours. That is what the Ritual allowed me to experience, if only to warn me about what would happen if I betrayed James, Lily or Harry ever again. I would never betray them. I would kill myself before that happened. It is why I agreed to do the Ritual."
"Any questions from the Secondary Interrogator about the Godparent Ritual?" Amelia asked.
"Who suggested the Godparent Ritual?" Scrimgeour asked.
"James Potter did," Sirius said, "He found it in one of his books in his family library."
Dolores Umbridge coughed. "Mr. Black? Were you forced to take part in the Ritual?"
"I believe I said I agreed to the Ritual, Miss – who are you?" Sirius asked.
Snickers and murmurs were heard around the room as Umbridge frowned at Sirius.
"Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge," Umbridge said.
"Undersecretary?" Sirius asked, then shrugged, "Never heard of it. Anyway, I agreed to the Ritual, Madam Umbridge."
"Were you told before you took part in the Ritual that there would be risks?" Umbridge asked.
"I was and I still agreed," Sirius said, "If there is ever a moment I would betray James, Lily and Harry Potter, it would be under coercion, probably an Imperius Curse."
Umbridge looked satisfied with this. "No more questions."
"You may continue, Chief Interrogator Bones," Fudge said.
"Mr. Black," Amelia said, "Were you witness to Peter Pettigrew becoming James and Lily Potter's Secret Keeper?"
"I was," Sirius said, then he snarled, "As was Albus Dumbledore. Dumbledore was the one to bind the Fidelius Charm! I wanted to do it, but he insisted!"
There were more gasps and murmurs around the room as it was realized that Albus Dumbledore not only knew Sirius wasn't the Secret Keeper. But also that he knew who was the true Secret Keeper.
"The event happened two weeks before that fateful Halloween," Sirius said, "Dumbledore was already present when Peter and I arrived. James and Lily asked me to be the Secret Keeper. Obviously they knew I'd die if I betrayed them. But I refused. I said I would be the obvious choice. I suggested Pettigrew be the Secret Keeper."
"Why?" Rufus Scrimgeour asked
"Aside from the fact that I felt I would be the obvious choice," Sirius said, "I cannot remember why I suggested Peter. There were others I could have suggested. We had plenty of friends – Allies – who would agree to the role. I do not know why I was so firm in my decision to suggest Peter."
Amelia suspected she knew the answer. Albus Dumbledore coerced him somehow.
"In their Will," Scrimgeour said, "James and Lily Potter seemed to already mistrust Pettigrew. In fact, they called him a traitor. Gave him thirty Sickles, thirty pieces of silver. The traitor's reward. Why did they agree to your suggestion?"
"I don't know," Sirius said. "They never explained it to me, nor did they express any mistrust in him to me. Perhaps they were getting paranoid in their self-imposed incarceration in the Godric's Hollow Cottage. I know how that feels. So I cannot blame them for that.
"I also felt mistrust in Pettigrew and I am glad I did. Because it allowed me to place an alarm rune under the doormat on the front step of the cottage. It would let me know if any Dark curses or other spells were used in the vicinity. It paid off two weeks later."
"Please," Amelia said, "Continue that line of thought. Tell us what happened that Halloween night."
"I was lounging around my flat in Diagon Alley on Halloween night," Sirius said, "I was waiting for a friend to come over. So we could spend the night together."
"Who was this friend, Mr. Black?" Umbridge asked.
Sirius looked at Amelia, who smiled and nodded. It was no secret.
"Director Bones," Sirius said, "We were a couple for four years at that point."
Amelia rolled her eyes and nodded. "He is telling the truth. Our relationship wasn't a secret."
Umbridge cleared her throat. "Minister, I must insist that we –"
"Continue your story, Mr. Black," Fudge interrupted, before Umbridge could imply that Amelia was too closely involved with Sirius to take part in the trial. "You won't be interrupted. I understand if this is difficult."
Umbridge huffed and Amelia smirked at her.
"My Alarm Rune that was keyed to the Rune under James and Lily's doormat suddenly started going berserk. I realized something was very off at James and Lily's House. I tried to Apparate, but I couldn't. I couldn't even Apparate from my flat. So I had to use my motorcycle. It has a flying enchantment on it, and an invisibility enchantment, so no Muggles could see me. I flew to Godric's Hollow and landed in front of James and Lily's cottage. The whole time I knew I would be too late.
"And I was. When I arrived, I came to an odd scene. Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, walked out of the house, holding little Harry in his arms, tears rolling down his cheeks. Little Harry was fussy and crying too. I asked Hagrid where James and Lily were. He told me they were dead. That was when I saw the hole above where I knew Harry's nursery was at. Smoke was billowing out of the roof. I ran inside yelling for James and Lily. I nearly collapsed when I saw James… dead… dead on the floor at the bottom of the stairs. I yelled for Lily and ran up toward Harry's nursery. She was there on the floor, dead. There was some type of ash on the ground. It definitely wasn't dust, or the debris of the ceiling. I could tell it was ash of some type. It was in front of Harry's crib.
"I made my way back out of the house and told Hagrid to give me Harry. I told him I was his godfather, and he was now my responsibility. Hagrid refused. He outright refused to give me my godson. He said Albus Dumbledore ordered him to bring Harry to him. I… I don't know why I agreed to that. But I did. I even gave Hagrid permission to use my motorcycle. As soon as Hagrid and little Harry vanished into the sky, I… I went mad with grief and rage.
"I knew at that moment that Peter Pettigrew was a traitor. I knew he had betrayed by best friends. I wanted to find him."
"Did you want to kill him?" Scrimgeour asked.
"No!" Sirius insisted, "I wanted to bring him in! I wanted to contact Amy – Director Bones. She was an Auror at the time. She would be able to bring him in. But I wanted to be the one to find him. So I apparated to the road where I knew his flat was. I made the next of several mistakes. I screamed his name, calling for him. My voice echoed around the neighborhood. Muggles started coming out of their houses, wondering what the commotion was. If I hadn't screamed for him… those Muggles might be alive today.
"All of a sudden Pettigrew came walking down the road toward me. Then he started screaming at me.
"'James and Lily are dead, Sirius Black!' he screamed. "You betrayed them! How could you do it?!"
"It was then I realized – he was framing me. How could Peter Pettigrew pull a prank… on me? Then I watched in horror as he sliced off a finger on his hand, with his wand, then pointed his wand at the road between us. Next thing I knew there was a loud explosion, the Muggles were screaming and the road had blown up. Debris was flying everywhere. But I was focused on searching for Pettigrew. That was when I saw him. He transformed into his Rat Animagus and scurried down into the sewer like a coward. I looked around at the scene. Muggles dead or dying. Other Muggles crying for their loved ones. Then cracks of Apparation from Aurors and others.
"That was when I started laughing, I think. Laughing because Peter Pettigrew framed me. He pranked me. The biggest prank he had ever done. Not just to me… but to the world."
"Are you telling us," Fudge asked, "That Peter Pettigrew is alive?"
"The last time I saw him," Sirius said, "Peter Pettigrew was certainly alive. Still didn't have that middle finger of his."
Amelia smiled. An excellent answer. It was the truth too.
"Did you say Peter Pettigrew is a Rat Animagus?" Scrimgeour asked.
"He is an unregistered Rat Animagus," Sirius said, "A fat brown rat with a bald tail."
"I looked through the Auror reports of the crime scene at that road," Amelia said, "Rufus Scrimgeour, you were a Senior Auror at the time, were you not?"
"I was," Scrimgeour said, "I was not on the scene, however."
"If you were, you might have come to the same conclusion I have," Amelia said. "Tell me this, Auror Scrimgeour. If Peter Pettigrew was killed in the explosion that day, why did the Aurors only find a finger? Where was the rest of his body? Blood, brain matter, gore, other body parts?"
Scrimgeour closed his eyes and sighed and shook his head. "I am truly sorry that I had never questioned this. I am truly sorry that the good people of my Department never questioned this."
"I find something else very odd," Amelia said, "Tell me, Auror Scrimgeour. The Aurors who were on the scene at the time. The Aurors who are noted as placing the Accused under arrest. Where are they now?"
Scrimgeour shook his head. "Three are dead. Killed in action somewhere between six weeks and eighteen months after that Halloween night. A fourth is dead too. He was on Guard Duty at Azkaban a year after that Halloween. Freak accidental victim of the Dementor's Kiss.
"One is a resident in the Permanent Ward in St. Mungo's, a few beds away from Aurors Frank and Alice Longbottom. He screams at me and calls me his dead brother's name when I visit. His brother's family – wife, son, and two daughters, including a baby, were murdered six months after that Halloween. He had a mental breakdown when he came upon the crime scene. He tried to Obliviate himself. It didn't work. It just made him what he is today.
"The final one was a Muggleborn who lost the love of his life eight months after that Halloween and begged to be Obliviated of his magical knowledge so he could go back to Muggle society and live out his life."
"There are no Aurors who were on the scene that day that could be available to report the findings?" Amelia asked.
"None," Scrimgeour said, "Before you ask, yes I find it odd. I don't know what to say."
"What happened after your arrest, Mr. Black?" Amelia asked.
"I was taken to a DMLE Holding Cell," Sirius said. "Wasn't there very long. I remember being offered a glass of water. I asked if I was going to get a trial soon. The Auror told me to drink up and stop asking questions. I grabbed the cup, and it turned out to be a Portkey. I arrived on the beach where the boat was that brought prisoners to Azkaban. I was stunned immediately, and woke up in a Azkaban Cell. I didn't leave for twelve years."
"Yes, explain why you escaped, please," Amelia said.
"One day, Minister Fudge visited Azkaban and walked to my Cell," Sirius said, "He gave me a newspaper, said he wanted me to see what I was missing out on."
Amelia turned to the Minister, who stammered.
Fudge cleared his throat. "I believe I do remember doing that."
"On the front page of the Daily Prophet was a family – the Weasleys," Sirius said, "It announced they won a Draw of some kind and were in Egypt on holiday. There, sitting on the youngest son's shoulder, was a rat. Not just any rat. Peter Pettigrew."
"The youngest son is Ron Weasley," Amelia clarified, "Pettigrew was posing as Ron Weasley's rat?"
"Yes," Sirius said, "Article said Ron Weasley was a Gryffindor and dorm-mate of Harry Potter, my godson. I realized the traitor was sleeping in the same dormitory as my godson. I had to save my godson from the traitor! I am told I said 'He's at Hogwarts' in my sleep. I am told you believed I meant Harry Potter. I meant Peter Pettigrew."
"I am not going to allow the details of your… leaving Azkaban to be revealed today," Amelia said, "Because those charges have been dropped."
"I'll allow it," Fudge said. "Mr. Black, do you know if Peter Pettigrew is still the rat of Ron Weasley?"
"I can answer that," Amelia said. "Ron Weasley said he lost his rat sometime in June. He witnessed it running away into the Forbidden Forest."
"So it should be assumed Peter Pettigrew is alive and well," Fudge said, "And a fugitive."
"I believe it should," Amelia said. "I am finished with my questions. Secondary Interrogators? Any questions?"
"Where have you been since your escape from Azkaban, Mr. Black?" Umbridge asked.
"As the escape from Azkaban charges were dropped," Ted Tonks said, "I am not allowing my client to answer that question."
"I agree," Fudge said. "Any other questions?"
Umbridge frowned and shook her head. Scrimgeour shook his head too.
"Law Officer Tonks," Fudge said, "You may begin your closing statements."
Ted Tonks stood up from his chair and looked up at the Wizengamot.
"Minister of Magic Fudge. Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot. Media representatives and concerned citizens," Ted began, "Let us go over the charges my client is accused of. The Crimes of the Accused are as stated: Breaching the Statute of Secrecy; Conspiracy to Commit Murder of James and Lily Potter; Conspiracy to Commit Attempted Murder and Assault of Harry Potter; Murder of Peter Pettigrew and Twelve Muggles.
"Let us begin with the Breach of the Statute of Secrecy. It is assumed this is because of what happened when my client confronted Peter Pettigrew that night my client was arrested. It has been explained that Peter Pettigrew is the one who used magic in front of the Muggles, and blew up the street. Therefore my client is not guilty of the Breach, Peter Pettigrew is. Peter Pettigrew is apparently alive, as my client has stated. Therefore his murder charge should be dropped. Peter Pettigrew is responsible for murdering those Muggles, not my client.
"Conspiracy to Commit Murder of James and Lily Potter; Conspiracy to Commit Attempted Murder and Assault of Harry Potter. As Godfather per the Godparent Ritual, my client could never have committed these charges. He was not James and Lily Potter's Secret Keeper. If he was guilty of these charges, we would not be here today. Because my client would be dead.
"Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot. My client is innocent of all charges. He should be cleared of all charges. He should be a free man, and he should have been a free man thirteen years ago. I humbly request the Council that you what is right by my client. Correct the serious miscarriage of justice that my client has suffered."
"Thank you, Law Officer Tonks," Fudge said, "Chief Interrogator Bones, you are finished with your duty, you may be seated in your chair on the Council."
Amelia bowed and made her way to the Bones chair amongst the Great Alliance, sitting between Augusta Longbottom and Minerva McGonagall.
"Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot," Fudge continued, "You have ten minutes to make your decision and go over the evidence and statements that has been given today. We will reconvene in ten minutes."
"You did a fine job today, Amelia," Augusta said.
"Thank you, Augusta," Amelia said, "I still have much to do after today. Arthur Weasley is still with his youngest two children."
"Oh, Merciful Merlin," Minerva said, "I know Ronald and Ginevra have done so much to Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, as did Molly Weasley. But… they didn't need this. Molly didn't need to die. Even if she was going to Azkaban."
"No," Amelia said, "She did not. Do you think Hogwarts already knows about what happened?"
"While I would rather say I hope not," Minerva said, "So that I could tell Fred and George Weasley, and give the news to Harry and Hermione, I truly believe I will enter the castle and find out everyone already knows. Harry and Hermione were supposed to have a Dancing Lesson tonight to prepare for the Ball. Now, I don't know. Will they even want to participate? They knew Molly, after all. They were close to her, no matter what she did to them."
"Then it should go on, Minerva," Augusta said, "They need something to distract themselves, the poor dears."
Minerva said, nodding. "I suppose you have a fine point. Very well. Amelia, something you should know. Harry led his first Children of the Great Alliance meeting today. I imagine you'll either receive a letter or mirror call from Susan about it sometime soon."
"That should be interesting " Amelia said.
Especially since she knew Harry would probably voice his… issues… with her niece. Her treatment during the Chamber of Secrets fiasco and after weeks after the Choosing Ceremony come to mind.
"So, Amelia," Augusta said, smiling, "I seem to remember you and Sirius Black were quite close before that tragic Halloween. My son and his wife talked about it all the time. They always wondered when you and Sirius would get married and have some babies of your own."
"You old gossip, Augusta!" Amelia said, smiling, "What are you asking? What do you wish to know to tell your knitting club for the next meeting?"
Augusta huffed playfully, then smiled. "If – sorry, when – Sirius regains his freedom. Can we expect wedding bells and baby showers in your future?"
Amelia blushed. "We'll see."
"Oh, Amelia," Minerva said, smiling, "You know if he asked you to marry him, the moment Fudge says he's a free man, you'd say 'about time!'"
Amelia's blush went deeper. "We need to go on a few dates first."
"So you aren't inviting him to go home to the Ossuary with you tonight?" Minerva said, "To celebrate?"
"Are you part of Augusta's knitting club, Minerva?" Amelia asked.
Minerva scoffed and playfully slapped Amelia's knee. "We only want you to be happy, Amelia. You deserve it. So does Sirius. Get married, Amy. Give Susan a few cousins. Give Lord Black a heir. Before it is too late and you regret it."
"Can he even give me children?" Amelia asked. "He might be –"
"Sterile?" Minerva asked. "Harry Potter wouldn't be second-in-line for Lord Black if Sirius was sterile. He'd qualify for the title of Lord Black."
"She's right, Amelia," Augusta said. "However, who knows how long he'll still be capable of giving you babies. Take our advice: give him a child, Amelia. Before you both lose that chance."
Amelia sighed and nodded. "I'll talk to him about it. When the chance comes up."
A few minutes later, Fudge smacked his gavel three times.
"Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot," he said, "It is time to make a decision. Raise your hand if you believe Sirius Black should be cleared of all charges."
Amelia immediately raised her hand as did most of the Light Alliance around her, including all of the Great Alliance. Most of the Neutral Alliance raised their hands, and so did a few of the Dark Alliance, surprisingly. Cornelius Fudge raised his hand. Lucius Malfoy hesitated for a moment, before he raised his hand. Minerva's cry of glee wasn't necessary. Amelia already knew what it meant. So, too, did Lucius Malfoy… he had raised his hand when he realized there was a majority.
"Raise your hand if you believe Sirius Black is guilty of any or all charges," Fudge ordered.
Dolores Umbridge raised her hand, as did most of the Dark Alliance, and a few members of the Neutral Alliance, who had Dark leanings.
"By an obvious majority," Fudge said, "Lord Sirius Orion Black, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, is cleared of all charges!"
Amelia stood up immediately and applauded, as did most of the Wizengamot, and several people on the floor. Sirius hugged Ted quickly, then turned and hugged Andromeda Tonks, then Remus Lupin the longest. Remus was obviously emotional as he hugged his friend.
"Lord Black!" Fudge said, smacking his gavel once.
The room silenced as Sirius turned back to Fudge.
"As Minister of Magic," Fudge said, "I believe I speak for the majority of the Wizengamot, the Ministry, and our society in whole, when I say I deeply apologize for the pain and suffering you had to endure because of the clear miscarriage of justice. This will never happen again. 1,300,000 Galleons will be placed in a Vault of your Choice – 100,000 Galleons for every year you have suffered under this miscarriage of justice. I know it is can never be enough to make you completely forgive the Ministry of Magic. But I hope it will be enough to help you move on."
"Thank you, Minister Fudge," Sirius said, "Thank you for giving me what your previous administration did not."
Fudge looked relieved as he smiled and started a round of applause. Amelia rolled her eyes, knowing Fudge was applauding the fact that Sirius was basically not putting any blame on him.
"Go see him, Amelia," Minerva said. "Go see your man."
Amelia smiled and didn't need to be told twice. She hurried down the steps and made her way over to Sirius. He stared at her for a moment, then a smile crossed his face. Amelia caught a sob in her throat, then lunged forward, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him square on the mouth. Sirius kissed her back as camera flashes erupted around them.
Amelia did not care. She was finally able to be with the man she loved again. And she would never let him get away from her again.
So there you have it! What did you think?
Next Chapter: We return to Hogwarts and get Harry and Hermione's – and Hogwarts' – reactions to the news of the incident in Courtroom Ten, then they speak to Sirius. And so much more. I am planning a few POVs. I don't know what all will happen. I am quite sure there will be a Dancing Lesson. Even if it just a short scene. I know I have a pattern of promising things that don't end up in the following chapters. I just have so much in my mind for what could happen on the remainder of this long Saturday.
