The Contract
Chapter 35
Corvus truly did not want the magical world to know that he had custody of Harry. The outcry would be…devastating. He knew that, and Merlin only knows the chaos that would reign when that occurred. Harry would never know peace again, they'd overwhelm the boy, try their best to turn Harry against them. The mental anguish that would come with that…would be quite staggering. He was at the end of the day, just an eleven-year-old boy. It had always been a concern, but with smooth sailing thus far, it hadn't been a worry or fear he'd anticipated.
"Custody? Heir Clearwater…are you out of your mind?" Lord Slytherin asked, disbelief written across his features. "Mr. Black has just spent a decade in Azkaban prison. He is in no fit state to take care of himself let alone a child. He needed help getting in here for Merlin's sake…what you're asking is at the height of carelessness and stupidity."
Corvus zeroed in on Sirius' resigned but accepting face at the pronouncement. Perhaps Black wouldn't be as unreasonable as he assumed. He supposed he would need to remember that Black had spent a decade in Azkaban, it would change anyone.
"Let's not forget he did abandon his godson in order to go after Peter Pettigrew, to a half-giant," Lucius added smoothly, "He'd just lost his parents and he thought why not lob him off to a stranger? Not good form that. I certainly wouldn't want him around my son." Nobody was surprised by Lucius' pronouncement, he was very protective of his son.
Sirius grimaced at the words, oh, he so very much regretted leaving Harry alone to get revenge. Unfortunately, he hadn't been thinking right, he'd just wanted to get revenge on someone for what happened to his best friends. It's something he'd been thinking on for years…what would have happened to him if he'd stayed with Harry instead of going after Pettigrew.
"I very much doubt he was a stranger," Clearwater said dryly, trying to brush off the comments and not have them linger in the minds of the rest of the wizengamot. He could see that he had failed regretfully, he was under orders to ensure Sirius Black got custody of Harry Potter…he had to accomplish that at least.
"Really? They were on the run, at what time do you think Mr. Hagrid was able to spend time with Heir Potter? Enough so that the child was comfortable in his presence?" Corvus asked, a derisive scoff in his voice.
Clearwater was just about to open his mouth to further protest, his mind mulling over the best way to get what he wanted. Unfortunately, it was all about to be derailed and very much side-tracked.
"I think we're all forgetting one important aspect here," Lord Greengrass offered up, well aware of what happened to Heir Potter and where he was and how happy he was. Harry had befriended Daphne his daughter, and kept in contact with her, and a few of his friends presumably. "Heir Potter is eleven-years-old, soon to be twelve, he is old enough to choose to whom he desires to live with."
"It's true enough," Amelia conceded with a dip of her head, "Mr. Black…should you desire to get custody of your godson, you will need to go through the necessary channels. This is not a custody hearing, this is a trial, and truthfully, right now at this very moment, you would not gain custody of the child. You do not have the necessary points to be considered a good match for adopting anyone, let alone a child so adored by the magical community." No home, mentally impaired, not even able to look after himself, no means of income, he'd be laughed right out of the office.
Sirius, looking more haggard and worn – if such a thing was possible – just nodded. Exhaustion was swamping him in droves, as he tried very much to keep himself alert and awake. To listen to them, to hear what they were saying, and it was taking up every surmountable bit of energy he had and sapping it up fast.
"He needs health care," Lord Slytherin added, "He's just spent up to a decade in Azkaban prison. I suggest he should be placed in St. Mungo's until such time he can live on his own unfretted."
Sirius felt alarm skittering down his spine, the thought of ending up in St. Mungo's ward for the mentally impaired was a terrifying prospect. There was always a fear that you would never get back out again. "No way," Sirius rasped out, fear shinning through his grey eyes, terrified of them all agreeing to that.
"You intend to imprison my client further?" Clearwater barked out, fury seething through him, "He shouldn't by in the state he was if you had all juts done your job!"
"Not us, Heir Clearwater, as well you know, ex-Minister Millicent Bagnold is responsible for his imprisonment." Madam Bones stated sharply, furious that he would dare to blame them, they had no idea what the Minister had done…it had been during a very turbulent time, and nobody had raised questions about Black's imprisonment. They'd done so many trials during that time, they'd all blurred into one, plus, trials were done in groups due to the mass of wizards and witches arrested in order to make up room and try to get the magical world back to normal.
"Yes, which begs the question, how many others had been wrongfully imprisoned during that time? It's at the height of unlikeliness that Mr. Black was the only person to suffer a wrongful and unjust imprisonment!" Clearwater cried out.
"It will be looked into," Madam Bones declared seriously, giving him a solemn look, she would do her job and do it well. Regardless of how much time constraints it put on them, and how many trials they had to do over. With the new laws passing, she knew it was only a matter of time before the group trials they held would be called into question too. It had been illegal, and they hadn't had a chance to plead their own cases. By the looks of the legislation that had been going through…and the attention it received, there was little doubt it would pass, everyone seemed to agree. Even if they didn't, they followed the law, and the Muggle law said it was illegal, and they followed suit.
It wasn't going to be the only change of late, and it would all be centred around Azkaban prison and how the prisoners were treated. Not everyone was happy with the change, but they were a minority in the Wizengamot and the council of magic.
"It's easy to see my client is sound of mind," Clearwater changed direction, "He's cognizant, well aware of what's happening, he's in no way a danger to himself or anyone around him. Putting him in St. Mungo's…is the same as imprisoning him again. You owe him more than that. The Ministry owes him more than that."
"His history would decry otherwise," Lucius informed the wizengamot, "Dumbledore tried to keep it under wraps, but it is known in certain circles."
"What are you talking about?" Doge asked, glaring at Lucius with his beady little eyes.
"If rumour is to be believed, Mr. Black at the age of sixteen sent a student to the Whomping willow to be faced with a werewolf, if I recall it correctly. In fact I could see about finding out the werewolf in question," Lucius answered, giving Sirius Black a look that suggested he'd reveal everything if need be. He would never actually reveal it, but Black didn't have to know that.
Sirius swallowed thickly, judging by Lucius' words…and his not so subtle threat…Remus was still alive. Why hadn't he come here? Surely, he knew? No doubt there was something in the paper…plus, surely he kept in touch with the Order? Was probably close with Harry…what if neither believed he was innocent? What if his godson didn't want anything to do with him? "It's true," he rasped out, "And I've regretted it ever since." He'd nearly gotten his best friend killed after all. He didn't want to take Remus away from Harry…and if he got caught up in Lucius' conspiracy no doubt Harry would be furious with him. At least Remus had been able to be an uncle or father figure when he couldn't.
"This isn't about his past!" Clearwater snapped, everyone did something stupid without thinking the consequences through…admittedly not usually at sixteen but still…this was not going well. Dumbledore had been pretty damn clear what it would take for their debt to be cleared. "Using his past against him is underhand."
"That it may be, it shows that he has impulse control issues, is this someone we want with custody of Heir Potter?" Lord Greengrass joined in, doing as he had been asked. "I think perhaps a few weeks maybe a month at St. Mungo's is exactly what Mr. Black needs to aid him in recovering enough to become a constructive member of society. With mind healers giving him aid, we will have a firm and solid grounds on whether he should be given custody of Heir Potter when the time comes." Which of course, Corvus was going to ensure didn't come to pass, but it would give them time to plan a defensive manoeuvre.
Sirius frowned at that, they were making it sound as though he'd need to see a mind-healer before he got anywhere near Harry. His stomach shrank, he just wanted to see his godson…why the hell was everyone so against that? He wasn't a bad person…he didn't want to hurt him, he loved him, so very much, and it had been Harry who kept him sane throughout the entire decade of being in prison. Was that what they were implying? He was finding it a bit difficult to remain alert now…his body just wanted to sleep regardless of what his mind wanted.
"Then a healer can take care of him in an out care capacity and see a mind healer once a week!" Clearwater proclaimed in a fit of annoyance. "Heir Potter will only be there in the evening, while attending school." It was too bad Hogwarts was shut down and everyone was only attending during the day, otherwise he could have suggested that by the time the school ended Black would be fit enough for Harry to live with him.
"You seem to be missing the point, he is in no fit state to look after himself let alone a child." Lucius drawled, the wizengamot were all nodding in agreement, giving Clearwater looks that suggested they were wondering at his own sanity.
"I'll go," Sirius murmured, rubbing his tired eyes, "I'll…I'll go," he sighed, looking like a puppet with his strings cut.
"What?" Clearwater's eyes widened as he rounded on Black, this was not part of the plan at all, stalking towards the wizard, "Are you nuts?" he whispered in anger, "What do you think you're doing?"
"What's best for me, what's best for my godson," Sirius told him, eyeing the lawyer in deep confusion. The lawyer should be doing what was best for him too, and they were right, he was in no fit state to take care of Harry. If he wanted to be, he would need to go through this, get better, get well, before moving on with his life. Get better, see a mind-healer, get approval and hopefully build up a relationship with his godson…see if he wanted to live with him, if not then visitation at the very least. He wanted to be part of his godsons life.
"You're throwing your life away," he gritted out, his face flushed red, unable to suppress his anger, "Dumbledore worked hard to get you a damn trial and you're just throwing it in his face!"
Sirius blinked, staring at Clearwater, he couldn't even gather up the energy to wipe the spit the guy had planted on his face in his seething fury. Clearwater's reaction was off, but he couldn't pinpoint why, even just trying to think about it was exhausting. He just wanted to sleep, was it too much to ask? Just some sleep where he didn't have to listen to his worst memories?
"I think Mr. Black has made his opinion known…" Madam Bones declared.
"Unless you want to presume he is mentally incapable of making his own decisions now?" came a biting sarcastic retort from one of the ladies in the wizengamot.
Lucius supressed a smirk, Lady Smith was quite a silver-tongued when irked. Well, it seemed as if all their worries had been for nothing. Well, not fully, there would come a time when Black would probably fight for custody, but until then…well, Corvus was free and in the clear to paint Potter's mind.
"You're backing him into it! He want's custody of his godson enough to adhere to the restrictions you want to put on him!" Clearwater stated, turning back to face the wizengamot, no sign that he had lost his composure and let it slip to Sirius who had been behind it all. "There are many people who would help Mr. Black while he recovered with Mr. Potter…"
"Heir Potter," Lord Slytherin stated chidingly, correcting the wizard, titles were due respect, especially to those who followed the old ways.
"Heir Potter," Clearwater said sarcastically, throwing Lord Slytherin a look of derision, failing to note the reactions to his sarcasm. "Will be able to receive the care he needs while he gets to know his godfather," unaware of whom he was antagonising, otherwise he would have most certainly have reacted differently.
"Enough!" chief warlock Ogden stated firmly, "Once again, this is not a custody case, Clearwater," they were going around and around in circles, which would accomplish nothing. He did not want to put up with that until the late hours of the day. "You will desist at once."
"Yes, Sir," Clearwater stated, refusing to be cowed.
"Now let us decide," Ogden declared, waving his wand, preventing the lawyer or Sirius from being able to hear them. "There truly isn't a number one can give for over a decade of wrongful imprisonment." Ogden admitted, brow furrowed.
"No there isn't," Lady Smith declared, "For a year the compensation is twelve thousand and four hundred and forty-nine galleons." Which was £62, 000 pounds roughly, when you times that ten times… it was a blister of an amount. £682, 000.
Cornelius' stomach twisted, the sick feeling literally consuming him whole.
They all knew the total, G136,947 galleons.
"Is everyone in agreement?" Ogden questioned, slightly surprised that they were already coming to an agreement.
"Now wait a damn minute, I think maybe it should be reduced," Fudge blustered, it was a lot of money.
"It will be coming from the reserves, not your own personal bank account, Cornelius," Ogden pointed out, shaking his head, honestly, the way he went on about money, you'd think every Knut spent was his own personal account.
Lucius withheld his snort, Fudge liked to take from the reserves, he had best watch himself. He wasn't being as careful as he should be, he'd find himself in a sticky situation if he didn't stop. Well, it was obvious to him, the others were probably blind and thought he was too hippogriff shit to take anything.
"If anything it should be more, a year is one thing, but we're talking about a decade," Doge grunted, his aching bones were beginning to hurt. He was getting too old for this, perhaps it was time to step down…but the thought of disappointing Albus…well, it didn't sit well with him.
"Perhaps take it up to two hundred zero thousand?" Lady Abbott suggested, "He has been through hell, and I have zero doubt my husband would be able to easily raise it that far, for all his blustering, Clearwater doesn't seem to care about the compensation as much as Heir Potter being sent to live with Black."
Not surprising that most people had in fact picked up on that, they were quite adept at reading the situations and it seemed Clearwater had his own agenda. Whether he was just hyped up over the fact he could get a say in the 'Great and powerful Harry Potter The-Boy-Who-Lived' or something nobody knew.
Fudge remained silent, but you'd think he'd just taken a pepper-up draught, he was bright red and you could almost see the steam coming out of his ears. Perhaps he had been mistaken in his attempt to try and get it reduced, look what had happened instead…more money being taken out to placate Sirius Black! He had the Black estate to fall back on, he had no need for such a large lump sum. Mentally cursing his haste, he watched bleakly, as they discussed the things he'd need, a house, medical care, perhaps even long term medical care, potions, mind healers, clothes and help navigating society again, right down to replacing everything that had been lost in the flat fire. That was definitely NOT their fault! Why should they have to pay to replace that stuff?
They back and forth'ed it for a further half an hour, before settling on the Two hundred zero thousand galleons. To be fair it was a whole decade of his life that he'd never get back. His younger years, and a decade of Azkaban will have been hell on his body and mind. In the end, they weren't sure why they were arguing over so little when they definitely had to give him one hundred and thirty-six thousand nine hundred and forty-seven galleons according to law anyway. That was the least amount of compensation per year they were allowed to give.
"Very well, raise your wands if you concede to the aforementioned compensation?" Ogden said, speaking loudly, so the others at the back could hear, and not having to worry about the others at his back hearing, due to the silencing spell he had up enabling his normal volume.
Absolutely everyone raised their wands in agreement.
"Then it is so," Ogden declared, he would write the check and have Cornelius sign off on it immediately so that Sirius Black had access to funds while staying in St. Mungo's. He would personally also, give Sirius Black his key, since he'd be voluntarily staying there, he will be allowed his possessions, everything would need to be owl ordered. Perhaps he'd add a few of the newest Owl Order magazines as well.
The silencing charm came back down, as they all took their 'listening' poses and stared straight ahead.
"It has been decided, Mr. Black you will be awarded the compensation of two hundred zero thousand galleons." Ogden declared, speaking for the group as the chief warlock.
Sirius jaw wavered a bit, as if it was about to drop at the amount. Sure, his uncle Alphard had left him money, he'd had no heirs and had chosen to help his nephew out. It had been enough to buy a flat and live comfortably, or it would have been if Sirius had been more careful. He'd ploughed through it, without a care, James always helped him out anyway, so he'd never had a reason to be careful. This money would go a long way in helping him settle back into a normal life. it would never bring back all those personal items he'd lost…Merlin help him, everything was gone, all those special things, letters from Lily and James, the presents over the years…everything just burnt. Reduced to ash.
Corvus watched over Sirius, as he had done for the majority of the trial. He felt sympathy stirring within him. Not at the fact they'd pressured the wizard into getting help, no. It was probably what the wizard needed, he was skin and bone, you probably wouldn't be able to pinch his skin and come away with any excess, he was skeletal. His sons were the same, although they had put on a little weight, Rabastan more so, with getting regular meals and food he was allowed to ensconce in his cell. St. Mungo's would give him the potions and food he needed to get better.
In that time they had to figure out a way to ensure when Black was released he did not fight for custody. Which meant keeping him away from Clearwater and anyone Dumbledore could sent to fill his head with lies and manipulations. Including the mutt of a werewolf, Remus Lupin, who worshiped the ground Dumbledore walked on for the simple reason he'd gained a Hogwarts education. Never mind that nobody else was that lucky. Pathetic that he didn't even realize he was being used.
"Let's go Mr. Black," the Auror said, gripping his underarm, so that he could be eased up off his seat with help. The Auror at the other side did so as well, so that he didn't need to exert too much pressure to stand up.
They would be escorting the wizard to St. Mungo's and into the care of the healers and Medi-witches. Thankfully they would not need to walk him out of the building, they had upon their persons portkey's to get to St. Mungo's in the event of an emergency. The emergency usually being that they were injured in the field of course, or used on civilians that were seriously injured.
Sirius gagged at the feel of the Portkey transferring him from the Ministry to St. Mungo's, he had nothing in his stomach to regurgitate so nothing emerged. He was listlessly guided through St. Mungo's paying no attention – or unable to – to the people talking around him. He did come back to himself when he noticed the ward name. 'Marion Mungo ward' not the Janus Thickey ward, he hadn't expected that.
The Aurors quickly explained the situation to the team they were going to hand Sirius Black over to. They knew he'd been in prison of course, and were informed he was actually innocent. That he had agreed to come for help he desperately needed. Answering the questions they could answer to them, but they didn't know if Black was allergic to anything. Or what his mental situation was truly like, but they didn't believe he was a danger to himself or others.
It wasn't long before he felt the hands holding him upright change into more feminine ones. Years ago he would have relentlessly flirted with them, with a roguish grin, but not anymore. He could tell by the looks on their faces that they were horrified by the state of him. He could feel it himself, he didn't feel human sometimes. Just an empty husk, unfeeling, cold, twig that could snap in half at any moment.
More talking, but Sirius paid no attention to it, not even the word bath and then food penetrated the fog surrounding him.
"Harry…" Sirius murmured quietly, heartbroken that he hadn't just even gotten to see him, just for a second. What would he look like now? Last he remembered was a little beautiful boy with wide green eyes and messy hair like all other Potter's before him. The crying, the tears, the baby smell, Merlin, why had he gone after Pettigrew?
"Oh, sweetie," came the voice of the Medi-witch helping him, the forty-five year old motherly woman, rubbed his back. "When you are feeling a little more yourself, why don't you write to him? Hmm, I'm sure he'd like that, and you can meet up here, for a while, yes?"
Sirius heard that loud and clear, almost as if the touch was grounding him enough that he could hear it. He nodded, uncaring that his head felt like a bowling ball. Yes, he'd write to Harry, maybe he would get to see him...maybe he would want to visit. Remus would find out too he supposed, that he was innocent that way if they didn't hear about it in the Daily Prophet before.
"Now let's get that atrocious outfit off you and cleaned up, get you into something more comfortable!" the Medi-witch said, her voice never cheerful or chipper but not sounding horrified or disgusted. "A short shower then a bath I think…warm you up a bit!"
"You're cold to the bone," another voice added to the mix, as the shower stall was opened and the water put on. "Would you prefer Medi-wizards to help you, Mr. Black?"
Sirius just listlessly shook his head, no.
"Okay, let's get this off you," the Medi-witch declared, flicking her wand the disgusting garment disappeared of Sirius' frame. The muffled gasps barely penetrated his woozy mind, the warmth of the place finally heating him up a little.
The feel of the shower against his cold skin woke him up fully, causing him to gasp and shudder. Oh, that felt good, the showers he'd had in Azkaban had been cold and very rare. The shower tray filled up with black disgusting water, as they sluiced him down, the smell of dead sea minerals filling his nostrils, as they clinically removed a decade worth of dirt and sweat and Merlin only knows what else from his body.
By the time they were done, steam was billowing all over the room, as the Medi-witches eased him out, their uniforms untouched by the water, having made them impervious before entering the stall. He was then eased into a bath, and Sirius inhaled sharply, Merlin help him, that felt wonderful, so very wonderful.
His hair was next, they spent twenty minutes untangling the mess that was his hair, he felt the sniping of scissors as they cut it to a more manageable level. Surprisingly that eased the headache a lot. Then his full on beard was given the same treatment and they shaved him entirely, he no longer resembled a black haired and bearded Dumbledore. He was being well and truly pampered and he felt more alive, more human than he had when he walked in. He was no longer cold all the way through to his very bones.
"Are you back with us, Mr. Black?" the Medi-witch asked, watching him closely, as they dealt with his nails, both fingers and feet, "My name is Selma Selwyn, I'm going to be your Medi-witch during your stay here. Once you've had enough, we're going to get you settled into your room and get you something to eat and a few potions." They already had a mental list of potions he'd require, and it would be in his room by the time they did, their co-worker had already left with a new list of demands to make this as swift and easy as possible for Sirius Black.
"Yes," Sirius rasped out, it was nice to be able to smell something that wasn't rot or damp.
"Good, I'm glad to hear that, now Chief Warlock Ogden has been by and dropped off a parcel for you, and your key and some pamphlets for owl orders." Selma explained, "They've been dropped off in your room." which he wouldn't be sharing, unless he wished to have company, it's best to let him decide if it's something he wanted, so a single room was what he had at the moment.
"When…can…I…Write…" Sirius murmured, slurring his words, "Harry?" licking his lips, which was easier to do without his beard.
"How about tomorrow? Let yourself acclimatise to here and get a good nights sleep hmmm?" she suggested, she felt sympathy for him, but she knew her patients could get really angry if they saw pity so she always tried to keep her face peaceful for their sake. After dinner he would be getting a dreamless sleep draught. There was no ifs and buts, he'd definitely be taking it, he needed the sleep, it was the best thing for him right now. That's if he didn't fall asleep the second his body hit the mattress, he was exhausted, it was clear to see that.
He wanted to argue, to insist on writing to his godson now, immediately. Yet he couldn't articulate the words…and knew he wouldn't even be able to write let alone ask them to write for him. It would require speaking and those words he'd just uttered and caused an ache in his jaw…even just talking was exhausting. Instead he just closed his eyes and let himself feel the heat he was immersed in, tomorrow…he'd be well enough tomorrow to write to him.
He also wanted to know where Remus was, where Dumbledore was…what had happened to his wand…whether he'd get a new one before he was released from here…whether he was even allowed a wand on the ward…but he seriously doubted it. His stomach gurgling hungrily had the Medi-witches on the move, easing him out of the bath, despite his moue of protest.
He didn't get cold, as they flicked their wand and dried him completely, and dressed him in pyjamas that smelt clean and fresh and warm against his dry skin. A blue dressing gown was then eased onto his skeletal frame for added warm, as if the warming charms on it weren't enough. Slippers were then slid onto his feet.
"Let's get you to your room and get some food in you, hmm," Selma said, something bland for now, but she was sure it was better than whatever Azkaban offered the poor man.
Between the two Medi-witches they were easily able to get him from the bathroom to his bedroom with ease. They were used to handling people on a daily basis and were stronger than they looked, and Sirius was skin and bone, and easy to deal with. They could smell the rice, potato and fish soup which were all vital nutrients that Sirius needed to keep him healthy. With half a bread roll, there was only one ladle worth in the bowl.
The room might be small, but it was big enough for one person, it had a bed, built in cupboard, with drawers and a table, lamp and chair for both eating at and writing or reading when he begun to regain his former strength. Shelves for whatever he wanted to put on them, and two rugs to keep the chill of the floor from getting to their feet, most were vulnerable to an extent when they come here, so it was for health reasons.
They had to feed the small meal to Sirius, after ensuring he took his potions, one was a nutrient draught, his hands were regretfully too shaky to handle the food. It just spilled off the spoon and down his pyjamas. With the porridge like stuff they served in Azkaban which was like carboard, it was easy to eat regardless of the shakes…soup not so much. He was able to eat most of it, before he just shook his head, he didn't want anymore.
They were however, quite correct, the second Sirius was placed on his bed, he was out like a light. Quietly covering him, they left the room, the door slightly ajar so he didn't feel locked in like a prisoner. They were expected to stay in their rooms after curfew of course, but until then as long as they were not a danger to themselves or others they were free to roam the ward, visit the library, the day room, the gardens
"Do you think it's possible to get Black to turn neutral at least?" Corvus asked, as they stood outside the Ministry of magic, cloaked in a muffling charm. Nobody could hear a word they were saying, which was a good thing.
"Black?" Lucius snorted, "Doubtful, he's as light as they come."
"Yes, a decade ago," Corvus agreed, "Azkaban can change a man, if we could just let him know exactly how much the light…more specifically Dumbledore…let him down, perhaps he would be more reluctant to re-join the cause." It might take a few years for Sirius to recover fully, but he was quite a powerful wizard in his own right, not as much as him, Harry or Tom, but equalled to Lucius, even if the wizard wouldn't like to hear that.
"He wouldn't believe badly of the old fool," Lucius sneered.
"He may if it's Harry giving the evidence," Voldemort suggested with a thoughtful look on his face, "That sense of betrayal and no way to talk to Dumbledore will simmer." That sort of betrayal would sting and rub raw like an open wound. "That and if Harry was honest about…his home situation that would drive a irreparable wedge." Especially if Black actually loved his godson as much as he claimed, love was so easily used against someone. He should know, he'd done it often enough in the past.
"There's just one problem with that," Corvus said dryly, "Harry hasn't expressed the slightest inclination of getting to know Black."
"Indeed," Lucius said, "That does pose a problem." But not his problem, that would be up to Corvus to arrange. He doubted anything he said would be listened to by the teen, from everything Corvus and his own son had said…he wouldn't pay any attention to someone he barely knows giving advice.
Corvus sighed, "Well, I do believe I should get going, no doubt he's going out of his mind," no hint of impatience in his voice only fond exasperation.
Lucius glanced quickly and shrewdly at the elder Lestrange…hearing that found exasperation in his voice. Could it be that Corvus was truly coming to care for the boy? Then again, he had been given a stern warning that would have no way impacted the relationship he had with Potter. Even Narcissa had been on the receiving end of his dire warnings. Warnings he nor Narcissa would ignore. A glance at the Dark Lord, showed no emotion, evidently he wasn't surprised by it.
He made another more urgent mental note never to antagonise the teen. Not that he intended to, he was a good friend of Draco's and he'd never jeopardise someone who was a genuine friend to his son. Not like the likes of the Parkinson's who were just trying to up their status in his eyes. Using their daughter to accomplish it, distasteful so it was.
"I shall be in contact soon," Voldemort declared, making it sound more like an ominous threat than a farewell. With that he apparated away, his belongings were already back in his temporary accommodations abutting his estate. The building itself was actually ahead of the estimated construction time. Which pleased him immensely, but with the money he was paying them, he should like to think they were going to put their backs into it.
"You should bring Draco for a visit, I think Harry would like that," Corvus suggested, but it held a thinly veiled tone in his voice that suggested it wasn't a mere thought but a demand. Lucius might think he was 'high up' in the Death Eater ranks, but Corvus had never been marked and was considered someone of great importance to the Dark Lord, and they all knew it.
"For dinner perhaps?" Lucius suggested, his son had elected to attend the makeshift school that had been put up for them. He honestly couldn't blame him, after getting a taste of freedom he ended up back in the manor and without the freedom he'd gotten used to and without his friends over very often. He knew his son would be very happy to hear this news. "Tomorrow?"
"Consider it set," Corvus agreed, at least it would give Harry some more good news. He was so very easily pleased and happy with his lot in life. he deserved a lot more, of course, but if anything Harry knew humility after living the life he'd been forced to endure. Everything was new and pleasing even after all this time.
"Then I shall let Draco and Narcissa know," Lucius replied, "Good day to you, Corvus," and with that he apparated away.
Corvus removed the muffling charm and apparated himself back to Lestrange Manor. Smiling at the sight of his home, hopefully soon he'd be welcoming his sons back here after being proven 'innocent' he'd rather not have them on the run as was Tom's plan.
He didn't need to dally, he knew exactly where Harry would be, five minutes later he was proven quite correct. He was in the sitting room, with a few books open, diligently doing his homework, looking calm and composed, but judging by the way his head snapped straight up, work forgotten he had been waiting impatiently.
"How did it go?" Harry asked, holding his breath, green eyes roaming over Corvus' features trying to figure out himself.
"Mr. Black was found innocent of his crimes and agreed to spend some time in St. Mungo's to get well." Corvus explained, as he sat down beside the boy, setting aside the books, ensuring the places weren't lost. "During this custody of you did come up, but he was informed he would need to go through the official channels. Now it will take months before he's well enough to even consider such an option let alone hoping it would be granted." That might be only speculation but Corvus believed it to be true.
Harry let out a shaky relieved breath, "But it's only temporary…he might try for custody?"
"I do believe he will…unless someone gives him incentive otherwise…" Corvus gave Harry a look there.
"You mean me?" Harry asked, with a grimace.
"Yes," Corvus agreed, "You never know, you might find that you like him, I'm not suggesting allowing yourself to be adopted. Just that you might get along, that he might become important to you, just as you have come to mean to myself, Rabastan and Rodolphus. You can care about more than just us, Harry, and it is not a betrayal to do so." in fact, the more people he had on his side…the safer he would inevitably be.
"If I don't…Dumbledore will make sure Sirius does…wont he?" Harry said, his tone blunt.
"It's a very good bet, right now we have a perfect window of opportunity before Dumbledore is released." Corvus answered honestly. "Go a few times, if you should find it distasteful…we will find a different path." He promised him. even if it did mean revealing just who had custody of him. He would need to be told the real truth of what life would be like should they decide to traverse down that particular path.
A/N How would you feel about Sirius/Rodolphus? Or is that too much slash? Shall we set up Sirius and Rodolphus with women of high pureblood society? Well, what did you think of the Sirius scenes? I hope you're happy with how it's going! :D I rather enjoyed writing it, it was brushed over how Sirius coped out of Azkaban especially without help! It was little wonder he was half mad. Looks like I might be taking pity on him but how long that lasts who knows?! R&R please!
