Chapter 17 – One Vision
Unfortunately, it was apparently clear to everybody that Minerva had not slept that night. Severus had taken one look at her that morning and then silently passed her a strong Pick-Me-Up Potion. It pays well, to be friends with a potion master, Minerva thought.
It was a rather chilled Sunday morning, that was until the Owls arrived. Minerva noticed there were definitely more owls than normal, considering few students were normally up at this time. Unsurprisingly, Minerva could see that Athena's close friends were already up and sitting at the Hufflepuff table. It appeared both Mr Longbottom and Miss Bones had received mail from home, while Miss Granger looked like she was trying to read The Daily Prophet newspaper over a Prefect's shoulder. The same newspaper had appeared in front of Minerva and the news title was as predicted:
SIRIUS BLACK
CLEARED OF ALL
CHARGES
Dear readers, you have read that correctly, for those who do not know, Sirius Black has been known as a mass murderer and the betrayer of the beloved couple James and Lilly Potter, for a decade. (For the full story of You-Know-Who's downfall, see page 12.)
But prepare readers, for a shocking twist in this well-known tale.
His innocence has been proven, as Sirius Black finally stood trial, for the first time in ten years.
Sources say, the trial left little doubt that Sirius Black was innocent however such a late trial surely raises more questions than answers?
Who was responsible for the betrayal of the Potters?
Why did Lord Black, last heir of the Black fortune, never receive a trial?
Why did Lord Black suddenly receive a trial?
For the full story, turn to page 2
Then next to this text, showed a picture of Sirius, when he first went to Azkaban, he looked like a caged animal that had succumb to madness. Minerva knew this must have been taken only hours after Pettigrew caused that explosion.
In the bottom of the corner, Minerva spotted another picture, this time of a younger Sirius, with his arms around the young Amelia Bones. The title showed:
Long Lost Lovers
Head of the Law Enforcement
Ex-lover Heroine?
Or are there other motives?
A love story by Rita Skeeter
"A story indeed." Minerva scoffed to herself. Upon further inspection, it seemed the Skeeter woman had written half the paper. With her writing it, hardly anything in the paper could be considered fact. Minerva didn't bother reading any more of the paper. She had plans to use the media, to share Sirius's real story. This would be the next stage in the plan, in a controlled way, Sirius would be able to express his interest in finding out why this misjustice happened to him and slowly the fingers would be pointed towards Dumbledore. It would be slow at first, enough for readers to raise their own questions.
But there was no way Sirius would give this paper a chance, if they wrote stories that could come between Sirius and Amelia now. Minerva had watched the few exchanges between them and there was a definite chance, the two could rekindle an old love the two once shared. Minerva had always told herself she stayed out of the student's personal affairs, yet she still found herself knowing every rumour that circled Hogwarts. And young Sirius Black had quite the reputation for breaking the hearts of Hogwarts girls but rumour would suggest, Amelia was the only girl to break his heart.
Minerva had yet to tell Sirius about the Prophecy, and she had not yet told the details to Ted. Real or fake, a Prophecy was a difficult thing, trying to prevent a Prophecy could very well cause a Prophecy to become true. Minerva was not sure if she should tell anybody. Of course, Minerva didn't know the Prophecy herself, she didn't want to know it, for that exact reason, nonetheless this was Albus Dumbledore's main drive, to mess with people's lives and Athena's life was in the centre of it and Sirius's life had been damaged because of it.
Minerva's thoughts were disrupted by Severus aggressively raising from his chair, in what appeared to be a grump, he strutted out of the hall. Such a drama queen. Minerva thought, she knew why he was upset but she also knew a part of him understood why it was right for Sirius to be free. A small part of him at least...
"I knew he wouldn't take the news well." Dumbledore said knowingly.
"I am surprised you didn't think to warn him." Minerva commented.
"Oh, I did." Dumbledore said. "When it became apparent nobody was planning to visit me yesterday evening, I took it upon myself to pay him a visit."
"I must say, he took it better than I expected. But then, one never truly knows what Severus is thinking."
Minerva could take a good guess, but she had chosen to stay quiet.
"How was your home visit yesterday, Minerva?" Albus asked politely.
"As well as to be expected Albus. I am pleased with the outcome." Minerva said calmly. It appeared that Dumbledore wished to speak in code as usual, even though there were few around.
Minerva looked towards, the Hufflepuff table again. It appeared Miss Granger had acquired a copy of The Daily Profit and she was reading it to those around her. With mention of the Potters and no doubt of Athena too, she was sure the paper would raise many questions for the group. Minerva hoped she wouldn't have to undo any incorrect 'facts' from this source and she was glad she planned to talk to the group before they saw Athena.
OOO
Hermione and her friends, arrived outside Professor McGonagall's Office. Hermione had so many questions, but most importantly, she wanted to know her best friend was alright. Hermione had read the paper this morning, it explained that Athena's Godfather, had been in prison for over ten years. It was previously thought that he betrayed and sold the Potter Family to You-Know-Who, Hermione had read about these events in 'The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts' but if Sirius Black, hadn't betrayed the potters, then that meant the books were wrong! How could the books be wrong? Did nobody check their sources before publishing a book? Why would somebody go to prison without a fair trial? That was barbaric.
Hermione was feeling overwhelmed by all the information and so she thought, goodness only knows how Athena must be feeling. Hermione wondered if she was with Mr Black now. She wondered, if Athena had returned to her family? Athena didn't talk about her home life very often but she mentioned an Auntie occasionally.
Susan, knocked on Professor McGonagall's door and instantly the door opened and they were greeted by Professor McGonagall who was standing in front of her desk, waiting for them.
"Thank you for coming, please take a seat." she said, as three chairs appeared in front of Professor McGonagall's desk. The three sat down as did Professor McGonagall.
Hermione felt like she was going to burst. "Is Athena alright? Is she with Mr Black? Why didn't Mr Black receive a trial? When will Athena be back? Everybody is asking us where she is? But we don't know if she is ok. It must be all so confusing for her at the moment." Hermione managed to slow down her words, she knew she had a habit of doing this, but it was worse when she was nervous.
Professor McGonagall slowly blinked twice. "Have a biscuit, Miss Granger." Hermione took a biscuit, but she didn't eat it. She wasn't a fan of sweet things, her parents rarely gave her sugar treats, Hermione was more partial to a packet of crisps.
"Mr Longbottom and Miss Bones, please help yourself." She said as she poured the children tea from a teapot.
"I think, I must start from the beginning." Hermione wasn't used to seeing her favourite professor lost for words. It made her uneasy and she didn't know how to fix it. "Firstly, I cannot impress upon you enough, the severity of this. And how important it is, that what we discuss does not leave this room, even to discuss amongst yourselves. Unless Athena is present. Even then, the highest of security is required."
Did Professor McGonagall just refer to Athena by her first name? Hermione had spent a long time in this new world, and most of it she admitted she didn't know or understand. But she understood the magical culture, was normally very formal. What is going on?
"Athena has granted me permission to offer you, full disclosure. Please understand, she has wanted to tell you, her friends, everything from the first day you met, however it was I who impressed upon her that that was too risky at the time." Said Professor McGonagall.
Hermione thought back to the day she met Athena; this was when the only thing Hermione knew about the magical world was the information that could be found in Hogwarts: A History. Once she was able to pick up books from the magical world, Hermione was shocked to find Athena's name in nearly every history book, and even in some fictional books. The fictional books were, of course ridiculous, but The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts, depicted the fall of You-know-who, it explained how Athena got her scar; how she survived the killing curse and how her parents died that night, trying to protect her. There was one thing about this information that didn't make sense, if the only person to survive that night was Athena, as a baby, then how would anyone know what spell You-know-who cast? Hermione knew she still had a lot to learn, perhaps somebody was able to detect the magic used? Why else, would it be decided that Athena survived a spell that no known person was known to survive?
From this information, Hermione learnt that her friend, had tragically lost her parents. Hermione couldn't imagine losing her parents, or worse never knowing them at all. It was hard enough being a part from them while she went to school, nobody knew that Hermione slept with the letters from her parents, under her pillow at night. Just so she could feel a sense that they were close, in some way. As sad as this information was, it still didn't explain why Athena came to Diagon Alley with her family? At first, Hermione thought perhaps she lived at an orphanage, and that came with complications. But then, occasionally, she would fondly mention an Aunt, Hermione couldn't imagine why an Aunt wouldn't want to come to help Athena, pick up her school supplies, even if they weren't magical.
There was a mystery around her best friend, and Hermione realised, she might get some answers now.
"Let me start from the beginning and then I will answer any questions to the best of my knowledge. I am sure you are aware, Athena tragically lost her parent at a young age, as a result, she was placed with her Aunt and Uncle, in the muggle world. At the time, this was thought to be for her own protection and for the best." Hermione, thought that made sense, it seemed more practical than Athena to grow up as a celebrity. "However, I discovered that this arrangement wasn't working out and I took Athena home with me, this Summer. I was close with Athena's parents and we believe they would also prefer this arrangement. Inconveniently, this brought Athena's guardianship up for question. Countless families would have been willing to take in The Girl Who Lived."
"We would have taken her in!" Susan interrupted.
"So would have Gran," Neville said, "but not as the Girl Who Lived, just as Athena."
Professor McGonagall smiled warmly at Athena's friends. "Athena is very lucky to have such loyal friends. But do not forget, this summer, you did not know Athena. Had things been different I believe you would have been friends with Athena a lot sooner." Neville looked like he understood the comment but he looked sad about it and Susan looked a little perplexed.
"As I was saying," Professor McGonagall continued, "The uncertainty of Athena's guardianship was something we didn't want to be made public. This is why Athena was asked not to discuss any of this for the time being. I assure you; she was not pleased keeping all of this from you. With the help of my legal advisor, I investigated, the process to adopt Athena legally myself."
She continued, "Upon investigation it was discovered that her Guardianship, was with one, whom everyone thought to be guilty of a horrible crime."
"Sirius Black." Susan commented.
"We discovered, Lord Black, was indeed behind bars, but he had never received a trial." Professor McGonagall confirmed.
"That is utterly barbaric. How is that possible?" Hermione demanded.
"It shouldn't be." Susan said quietly.
"Correct and correct, Miss Bones, it shouldn't be possible. A great amount of care has been taken to insure the misjustice has been corrected. And as you have read, it has."
"Athena knew all this was going on?" Neville asked.
"Yes, but as I said, she was sworn to secrecy, to ensure the media didn't get hold of such an event, before he received his trial." Professor McGonagall sternly.
"Oh, I just meant..." Neville said awkwardly, "That is a lot for Athena to process on her own. It's a lot for me to process, I've been raised to believe Sirius Black is evil."
"If there is any wisdom, I can impart on you children, let it be this, 'just because everybody believes something to be true, does not mean it is'." The three exchanged looks as this was something, they were already beginning to question themselves. So many of Hermione's books, explained that wandless magic was only possible from "Great Wizards" yet they had already proved magic flowed through us all the time. It was making Hermione question all her books, and this made Hermione very uncomfortable. Before Hogwarts all she had to trust, was books and her parents. Now she couldn't see her parents, books could be questioned and she trusted her friends more than anything.
Hermione's world had changed when Professor McGonagall showed up at her house. But it sounded like Athena's life had become something out of a story book? Why did she have to leave her old family? Hermione wondered.
"Is Athena ok?" Hermione asked again. "What happens now? Is Mr Black legally her Father now?" Hermione had more questions, but her priority was making sure Athena was ok.
"Lord Black, is her legal Guardian, technically he always has been." Minerva said, with a hint of sadness.
"Lord Black? You keep calling him that, doesn't that just mean he owns land?"
It was Susan who answered, "He is Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, he would have been granted this title, when his Father died. The House of Black, was believed to be no longer noble or Ancient as Lord Black should have been stripped of all titles when he was found guilty, but obviously, he never was. House of Bones, has not got a male Head of the Family, so we lost our Ancient label, when my Father was killed. Neville is expected to become Lord Longbottom, when he becomes of age, unless his Father..." Susan suddenly became very awkward, as she looked towards Neville, who looked uncomfortable. Hermione wanted to ask about Neville's Father, Hermione wasn't always the best at picking up social ques, often her need for knowledge overpowered her desire to be delicate. But seeing the colour in Neville's face drain, Hermione stirred the conversation away from him.
"Hang on, why can such a title not be passed on through a female line? What about the Potters?
"Don't. Even." Susan stated grumpily.
Professor McGonagall continued. "My dear child, if we were to discuss the legal rights of Woman verses the legal rights of Men in the magical world, I do not believe we would make it to dinner."
"But that's outrageous, not to mention extremely sexist and outdated." Hermione was applauded, what sort of world had she signed up for.
"This is exactly why I want to study law in the magical world, inheritance is so messed up in this world." Susan said harshly.
"That is a very noble cause Miss Bones, and I offer my services to you in any way I can but I feel we are getting of topic." Professor McGonagall stated firmly. "Is there anything else you would like to ask? I am sure Athena would be willing to talk to you when she returns." Hermione was grateful Professor McGonagall had been willing to share this information with them.
"So, did Athena stay with you over summer?" Neville asked. Hermione wanted to ask something like this as well, nobody could fail to noticed the informal way Professor McGonagall spoke about Athena.
Professor McGonagall paused to collect herself a biscuit. "As I mentioned, Athena's parents and I were close before their passing. Over the Summer, Athena came to live with me and we developed a close bond." She took another small bite of her biscuit and then continued. "The circumstances are rather personal but I have come to love Athena as if she were my own. Lord Black is now happily part of our family and it is now up to him to decide what is best for Athena."
At the mention of family, memories stirred in Hermione's mind, as she recalled the times Athena fondly mentioned her Auntie, it would be strange for this fondness to be in reference to an Aunt she no longer sees.
"She feels the same about you." She said, and this comment seemed to startle Professor McGonagall. "She didn't mention you directly, but Athena would light up as she would mention something her Auntie would have said. Something tells me this is not in reference to an Aunt she used to live with."
Professor McGonagall smiled warmly, Hermione had never seen her smile like this, it seemed rare that Professor McGonagall smiled at all but this smile was different. "A wise connection to make Miss Granger, under different circumstances I would grant points."
As quick as this warmer side of Professor McGonagall appeared, it then disappeared again. "At the moment, our relationship is not public and we would rather it stay that way for professionalism sake. Now Athena's guardianship is safely with Lord Black, that cannot be challenged. Therefore, this information is safe for Athena to share with her friends, but we would still rather the media was not privy to this information. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Professor." The three said confidently together.
"You have my assurance that Athena is happy and safe, and you have my promise that she will return just after this evening's supper. I suspect, you know where she would go, should I suggest that she would find you in the library?"
"Yes, Professor." The three assured her.
Now more than ever, Hermione really wanted to talk to her friend. She wanted to assure Athena that she understands the secretary and that she would be there for her in any way she could. She wanted to hear what Mr Black – or rather Lord Black, was like. Being in prison for that long, cannot be good for one's mental state. But she would trust Athena's judgment. She would continue to do her best, to be the friend Athena deserves.
OOO
Athena had had the most wonderful day. Her and Sirius had just finished dinner, and they knew that meant Auntie Minerva would be on her way soon, to pick her up and take her back to Hogwarts.
This weekend, Athena had learnt so much about her parents, and what they were like as student's at Hogwarts. Athena concluded that in a lot of ways she was like her Mum, they both liked to study, her Dad on the other hand, sounded like he had a certain disregard for the rules. Athena couldn't imagine having that approach to life, Athena would be so scared to disappoint Auntie Minerva in anyway. But then, Sirius made it sound like Auntie Minerva found their antics quite amusing, she harshly punished them when need be, but very rarely did she seem disappointed in them.
Athena learnt about their other friend, Remus Lupin and Sirius explained how her Dad and Sirius, had took it upon themselves to learn how to be animagi so that they could join Remus on the full moon. Now that sounded like the sort of project her and her friends would get up to. Thankfully, they didn't have the same reason to learn the skill, so young. Although, Athena knew as soon as Hermione found out it was possible to learn the skill at a young age, nothing would stop her from trying. That would be until somebody pointed out to her how horribly Illegal it would be to learn such as skill, so young. At least wandless magic wasn't illegal, Athena thought.
"There's something I need to ask you about. And to be honest, I've been putting it off – Not because I would be unhappy with the answer!" Sirius quickly added. "It's just all a bit of an awkward subject. I just want to assure you, I am going to be here for you, no matter what. I will love you, as a niece or a daughter or whatever you want – no matter what!" Athena could tell what Sirius was trying to say. Auntie Minerva had discussed with her the status of her Guardianship and what Sirius being free would mean.
But there was no question. Athena always knew was who she wanted as her Guardian but she wanted Sirius in her life as well. She hoped her choice wouldn't upset Sirius. She wasn't sure how to categorise him, he was like a Best Friend, but not like Hagrid or Hermione or Susan and Neville. She didn't really want to label anything. All she did know, was Auntie Minerva was everything.
Sirius took a deep breath as he fumbled his words. "Legally, I am your Guardian, I am not legally your Father – I could never replace your Dad. It's err..." Sirius was really struggling for the right words, and Athena hadn't seen him act like this all weekend. Athena couldn't help him because she was rather lost for words herself.
"It's ok Sirius, I think I get what you are trying to say." Athena offered.
"You do?" He asked hopefully.
Athena tried to find the right words, so that maybe this conversation could end sooner but how did she say it without hurting his feelings?
"I wish to stay with Auntie Minerva, but that's not because of anything you did! You have to understand, she saved me. Had it been you- oh..." Athena stopped as she was about to ramble about things it wasn't worth dwelling on.
Sirius nodded and smiled sadly. "It's ok I get it. Had it been I who saved you or if I had never gone to Azkaban, things would have been very different." he said knowingly.
"Why do you sound so guilty saying that?" Athena seemed to be able to pick up on Sirius's feeling, like he would always resent himself for what could have been. "It was never your fault what happened to you. Blame the government or something, but not yourself!"
"You are wise beyond your years, Athena. But there is so much you do not know." Sirius said painfully.
"Then tell me! Don't treat me like some kid who doesn't understand grown up problems." Athena demanded. Athena believed she had seen people be evil, being trapped in a house, where nobody would acknowledge you, could surely be compared to a prison. Growing up without a Mum or Dad, would make any child look at life differently to others.
"I would never do that to you Athena. I just don't want you to look at me differently. This weekend, we've been so happy."
"But..." Athena tried to work out what she wanted to say. "Look at the Dursleys, they weren't all bad, they still gave me a room and food. They could have left me on the street."
Sirius looked rather taken back by the different direction of the conversation. "But a child deserves so much more than that. You deserved so much more!"
"I know that now!" Athena explained, "Auntie Minerva has shown me what it's meant to be like, to be part of a family. I may never feel happy about how things were before, but I can still feel grateful for what we have now."
Thankfully, Athena saw some realisation in Sirius's eyes, she was trying to tell him, not to dwell on the past. "You really are, the most extraordinary eleven-year-old." There was no humour in Sirius's voice now.
A silence appeared between the pair; it wasn't uncomfortable but neither were sure how to remove it.
It was Sirius who found some words, "We have all the time in the world to get to know each other. This weekend, getting to know you, has been a dream come true. If it were up to me, and if I were a selfish git, I would sign the papers to adopt you today. But I am not a selfish git, and it is not up to me. As a non-selfish git, I will happily and proudly and honourably hand any guardianship I can, over to your Auntie Minerva. I can do this confidently, as I know she would protect you as fiercely as I would."
For the first time that weekend, Athena dashed to hug Sirius. She would happily have Sirius as a guardian if it was not for Auntie Minerva already filling that role in heart. But now, she didn't feel like she would be losing Sirius as a result, for the first time, she felt more whole than she ever had.
"But I am still here, I'll fill whatever role you need, for as long as you'll allow me." He said as he leaned back to address her.
"Just be you Sirius, I have another member of my family back. That is all I need." Athena said warmly.
The pair shared another hug.
"There is one other thing for you to decide. I am not sure how it all works, and honestly, Ted hasn't explained much to me, but I think I can either, transfer the guardianship to Minerva or I can grant her permission to adopt you?"
"Adopt me?" Athena asked slowly. "I could be, Athena McGonagall?"
OOO
Later than expected, Minerva dashed through her fireplace and arrived in her home. Upon arrival, she could hear Athena's laughter coming from the kitchen.
"You mean Dad walked around school with antlers all day and nobody questioned it?" Athena questioned and she laughed.
"Oh, I certainly questioned it." Minerva said as she walked into the Kitchen and this made the unexpecting pair jump.
"How do you manage that?" Sirius said as he clutched his chest dramatically with fright.
"I think you'll find Cats have fair better stealth than Dogs, Sirius." Minerva turned to Athena, who was moving to hug her, while still giggling. A pleasant sight indeed. "Your Father, convinced me that young Mr Black here, had used transfiguration as part of a friendly duel. Transfiguration should never, ever be used as a weapon. Sirius received a month's detention, what your father didn't expect, was for him to have received it for a week as well, for duelling in the first place." Auntie Minerva said sternly. "Of course, had I known what you boys were really up to, I would have had you in detention, every day until you were of age."
Sirius barked with laughter, "That, is a lie."
Auntie Minerva raised her eyebrows. "What you boys did was extremely unsafe, it practically goes against the laws of magic."
"That may well be true." Sirius chimed, "Had it not been for the book – YOU!" he pointed, "Conveniently, left on your desk called, How To Become An Animagus! Hell, had you not left that for James to pick up, I might not be here today! Another life dept I owe you!"
"Don't start joking about Life Depts Sirius, besides that's preposterous, I have no idea what you are talking about." Minerva said, as she knew very well, what he was talking about.
"Ok, so you didn't leave the very book we needed, on your desk, during James's detention and you didn't happen to nip off to get a biscuit, thereby, leave James alone with the book?"
Minerva shrugged, knowing she had been called out. "I like biscuits." Athena seemed to be looking at her in a completely new light, but she wasn't sure if it was just shock or something else.
But Sirius went on, "And you didn't happen to notice that said book, happened to be missing after James left?" Sirius asked knowingly.
"Well, in all honesty, I had hoped the book would have put you off, the amount of work it takes to become an Animagus –Merlin - to find your animal, alone takes -"
"Years." Sirius finished, "It took over a year for me to find mine, but I had found it by that time. It was James who struggled. When Remus found out what we were trying to do, for him, he was livid and scared for us, that we would get hurt but a few months later he was on bored too. It was him who found the potion, that would allow, us to have a vision of our animal within. The antlers, were a weird side effect of that potion, luckily, I was the only one who didn't have to take it." Sirius said rather smugly.
But Minerva was too shocked to be impressed. "You- You...You - But you were only in your third year! That's not possible you got that far!" Minerva lost all her nerve; normally Minerva was a well-spoken respectable woman. Sirius had mentioned they had managed the transformation at school, which was a most impressive feat. But to have already discovered their inner animals, before fourth year, went against all magical logic.
"If it hadn't been for that book, we would have never known how to progress. At least not that year, we were in the process of forming a plan to get that book from the adult section of Flourish and Blotts but age lines are a pain." Sirius said, still with a stratified look on his face.
"Surely, that book still put you off until after your O. W. Ls, even than, the chances of your success would have been slim." Minerva said, still shocked that the foursome had managed the feat, to add to the task they managed without any professor knowing.
"Do you remember..." Sirius said as he pretended to look thoughtful. "That year, that Electrical storm, at the beginning of Summer?"
Minerva did indeed remember that storm, it was frightful. "No... Surely not. YOU WERE Fourteen!" Minerva knew herself, the circumstances required for the transformation were very specific, very complex and the chances of everything aligning in time for an electrical storm where extremely minimal, for three fourteen-year-olds to achieve this, without drawing attention... it was just not possible. For a Fourteen-year-old, to have enough patience to hold a Mandrake leaf in their month for an entire month? Minerva was flabbergasted.
"Well, two of us did, some other member, took about five attempts." Sirius said harshly.
Minerva knew he was talking about Pettigrew and as much as she did not wish the praise the Rat, even that is extremely impressive.
"Can I take the potion to find out my inner animal?!" Athena asked, this was the same young girl who would have never asked for anything a few months back.
"Absolutely not." Minerva said painfully. Her fear for Athena's safety over took her fear to hurt Athena's feelings.
However, Sirius had other ideas. "One day." He said happily.
"Sirius!" Minerva found herself whining.
Sirius raised his hands in defence, "I am not suggesting she try next week, but with both our help, it's very likely she will be able to at least try. Besides, there's no harm in the potion to see your inner animal, we made it ourselves, well, Remus made it himself."
Minerva crossed her arms sternly. "I believe, James Potter's antlers would beg to differ."
"Please Auntie Minerva? I am sure with you making the potion, there would be no risk." Minerva looked at Athena with a raised eye brow. Two days, she has spent with Sirius Black, and she was already prepared to use flattery to get what she wants. Honestly.
"Nice try, "Minerva commented, "but those puppy-dog-eyes, need work."
Sirius leaned back into his chair, "Sorry Kid, we can't all have a dog for an inner animal." He laughed.
OOO
With Athena safely back at Hogwarts with her friends, Minerva and Sirius were able to go to the Tonks residence as promised. As soon as they both stepped through the fire place, they were engulfed with a welcoming hug. Minerva wasn't accustomed to being hugged before she met Athena. She wondered what made Mrs Tonks, think she was the hugging type.
"Oh, I am so please you could make it." Mrs Tonks, stood back a bit, and turned her attention to Sirius. "Oh Sirius, look at you... I am so sorry, the papers, they made it sound like you were found guilty, not just that you were a suspect. I am so sorry – I-"
"Andy, stop right now, I don't blame you, I get it, nobody knew who to trust back then." Sirius tried to reassure her.
Minerva observed that Mrs Tonks was a small woman and looked healthy for her age. She had very striking features, yet for a member of the black family, she had a very round face, the type that would belong to a caring mother hen figure. But her stance suggested a very fiery woman, as if her bite was just as violent as her bark. "Blame?" Mrs Tonks said menacingly. "Oh, make no mistake, when I get my hands on who is to blame, nobody will find a body!"
Ted appeared in the living room, "Now Andy, shall we leave talk of murder until after the appetiser?" he said pleasantly as he placed his and on her shoulder. His touch seemed to relax Mrs Tonks, as she welcomed Sirius and Minerva into the dining room.
The group enjoyed a pleasant evening, stories full of happy memories, were shared. Minerva learned once both Sirius and Mrs Tonks – or Andy as she preferred – were burnt off the Black Family tapestry, the cousins bonded through their distaste for the Black Family, and everything it stood for. Apparently, had the Potter's not been so insistent that Sirius stay with them, Sirius would have had a home here.
They received a message from Amelia, who apologetically explained she had been held up at the office and for them to please start without her. Luckily, Mr and Mrs Tonks, had prepared 6 courses, so there was plenty of time for Amelia to arrive.
It seemed that Mrs Tonks was an opportunist and wanted to make the most of Amelia's absence. "So, Sirius, you know I am not one to pry... But my husband could not help but notice the closeness between you and the young, Miss Bones?" If Minerva knew anything about Mrs Tonks, it was her desire to know others business.
Nobody failed to notice the glare Sirius shot Ted's way. "Mrs Tonks, I do hope you haven't been reading The Daily Prophet?" Minerva interjected.
"I have told you Minerva, none of this Mrs Tonks, rubbish, call me Andy." She insisted. "And I never read anything that piece of trash Skeeter writes. No, I have come to this conclusion, all by myself, based on what Ted has mentioned." Andy said triumphantly. Ted on the other hand, was sinking so far into his seat, the black lake wouldn't be deep enough for him to hide.
Minerva could see Sirius was irritated, but he also seemed rather accepting of Andy's questioning. It suggested that he was used to her asking about his love life.
"Now, don't give me that look Sirius, there is nothing wrong with this old memory. You two were inseparable. I was so happy that you and James had found partners and that you both seemed to be on the same track with your chosen partners. Until one day, you showed up here and drank my entire Whisky collection without saying a word. And I was devastated – for you – that it didn't work out. You never did tell me what happened?" Asked Andy, quite obviously prying.
Sirius did not look impressed with this direction of conversation, he simply responded "No, I did not."
Andy looked disappointed. "Forgive me Sirius. I suppose your love life is the last thing on your mind. I just want to help you; I want to make everything right for you. I have so much to make up for, I know it wasn't my fault what happened to you, but I wasn't there to fix it. I should have, let me help now?" She pleaded.
Sirius's defensive stance relaxed. He didn't say anything for a moment and Minerva did not know what to say, herself. "Andy... It was pointed out to me, by a very wise young lady, that the past is just that, it's the past, we can't fix it or make it better." Sirius wasn't looking at anybody, he focused on the glass of plain water in front of him. "Can we just focus on the now? Just for a little bit? Schemes for revenge, can at least wait until I have got a wand. And your schemes for my love life, can at least wait until I adjusted to the fact I can now, shower when I like, eat what I like. I am still not used to speaking out loud, Andy. Can I just be grateful for the things I do have, before we work out what I could have?"
Sirius's plea, had a powerful effect on the room. But it wasn't pity, that Minerva felt, she was proud. So, proud at how Sirius had decided to look at the situation. Sirius's character may have rubbed off on Athena, but it was also apparent that Athena's maturity had also had an effect on him. She was so proud of both of them, for trying to grow from their experiences, rather than be spiteful because of them.
"Don't get me wrong," Sirius added, "If I get my hands on the Rat, I will kill him." Well Minerva couldn't blame him for that desire.
Ted cleared his throat, "As your Legal adviser, I'll pretend I didn't hear that last bit." A slight chuckle filled the room, the conversation turned back to lighter things. Andy asked about Athena, and this gave Minerva a chance to talk more than she had all evening. Minerva noticed, Sirius also lit up, when talking about Athena.
After the fourth course, Amelia arrived just in time for the largest meal. "I am sorry, I am late." Said Amelia as she was shown to the table by Andy. "I have been in meetings with the Minister, he wanted to know what events led to Sirius's trial. And that vulture Malfoy was with him, I politely pointed out I had no reason to report, while a school governor was in the room. Of course, that made an uproar but I couldn't care less. Most of my day has been spent keeping journalists away from the ministry. They wanted all the court records and Merlin knows what else!"
Amelia slumped down into the seat which had been set out next to Sirius, Sirius reached out to massage her shoulder. "I'm sorry, all this has made more work for you." he said.
Amelia shot up straight, "Sorry!? No Sirius, none of this is your fault. I'd dual every person in the Ministry if it meant you were free." Amelia noticed everybody was looking at her. "I mean, to see justice done, I would do anything." She corrected. "How have your first two days of, rightful freedom been?"
The conversation flowed nicely, during the main meal and pudding. Minerva found out this wasn't the first time Amelia had been around the Tonks house. Minerva recalled, that Amelia and Sirius dated briefly in their fifth year, they went their separate ways and then recoupled at the start of seventh year. To everybody's surprise, they stayed together past graduation, but unfortunately, that year was a difficult year for everybody. Voldemort was at full power and he was recruiting at a frightening rate. There were two mass battles in Hogsmeade alone, that year. To Minerva's horror, her students were involved in both. The first battle, nobody was prepared for, if it wasn't for the defiant acts of some seventh years, many, many more students would have fallen, before the professors had arrived at the scene. There was another attack towards the end of the year, but this time, they were prepared. A group of students in Sirius's year, had arranged an escape plan, one that they executed flawlessly. Sirius and his friends were labelled heroes, and nearly everyone of that group, went on to become Aurors: Frank and Alice Longbottom, James Potter, Sirius Black, Amelia Bones, all joined the Academy together. Peter Pettigrew, was not recruited by the Aurors and Lilly Potter and Remus Lupin, were accepted to become Masters in their chosen field. Seventh year, was the year the Marauder's became an army. And it wasn't long before Dumbledore recruited them all, for his own Army. If only Minerva had questioned Dumbledore more back then, but nobody did, those kids trusted they would be safe under his protective spell. Why did he choose to send the two couples, who happened to be pregnant around the same time, into hiding? At the time, she believed it was to grant them extra protection, but given the fact he believes Athena to be a child of prophecy, could he also believe the same of the other child born around the same time? Was young Mr Longbottom at risk too?
"Minerva?" She jumped at the mention of her name, she looked around to notice everybody was looking at her with some concern.
"Forgive me." She replied. "Thank you both, for the pleasant meal," she said to both Andy and Ted, "but I am afraid there is some business we need to discuss."
Everybody accepted this as a sign the meal was over. Minerva, Ted and Sirius excused themselves, which left Andy and Amelia alone together. Minerva did not fail to miss the warning glance, that Sirius shot towards Andy. Andy returned the glare with the most innocent expression, but Minerva wasn't fooled. She would be surprised to find Amelia still here once they emerged from their meeting.
Once inside Ted's office, he sealed the door behind them so that no noise could travel outside. He explained this was a part of their client contract.
"Please take a seat" Ted offered. As the all seated, Ted continued. "There is a lot for us to discuss, I took the liberty to create a list of the things we need to cover. Sirius, I appreciate you are going to need time to adjust to – well, everything. But this list includes essential things, like arranging you a new wand, collecting the Black Family ring, and to consolidate your accounts at Gringotts and I think you would be surprised at the amount of hush money - I mean compensation money the Ministry is willing to pay you." He commented, "And of course, we are here to review the Guardianship of Athena Potter. I need you to both be aware, if you have a disagreement regarding this, I would understand if one, or both of you seek other legal counsel."
"That won't be necessary Ted. And regarding this Ministry pay off, I want you and Andy to have it. In fact, I was thinking, can I also transfer my Head of House status, to you, or better yet, to Andy, as she was born a Black -that will really piss of the purebloods." Sirius asked. Minerva couldn't help but chuckle.
"Sirius, I am flattered and humbled. But things are by no means that simple. Let us go through the list, one thing at a time. Besides, he glanced at Minerva and then back to Sirius, "There is a lot we haven't had a chance to tell you, regarding Dumbledore. We Believe..." Ted struggled to find the words to explain their theory regarding Dumbledore and his actions. But even Ted was not aware of all of Minerva's suspicions.
Ted looked to Minerva for support and she knew the time had come. "Firstly, something has been playing on my mind, there is information you are both unaware of." She glanced back at Ted. "I suppose, it would make sense to start from the beginning, so that we are all on the same page, as it were. The Potters left a Will, of course, this Will listed the possible guardianships for Athena, these were uncertain times, so of course, Lily was smart enough to have more than one option," Minerva addressed Sirius. "As you have gathered, then you went to – that place, the Potter Will was not followed, in fact, it was seal by none-other than Albus Dumbledore.
"Come again?" Sirius said unamused.
"This meant there was essentially, no Will to follow. Dumbledore had used his power as Chief Warlock to become Athena's Guardian, by proxy, with this power, he placed Athena with the Dursleys, against my advice at the time." Minerva looked down, ashamed of her past self. "I should have fought him; I knew those muggles were no good."
"No Minerva, No regrets. You have already fixed so much, when you took her away from that place." Sirius said firmly.
Ted added, "What makes this worse, is that Dumbledore, witnessed the Will being written. He had read and signed the Will; therefore, he knew Minerva could have taken her in."
"But he justified it by saying Athena should grow up away from the Fame of being the Girl-Who-Lived. And he suggested there was magic involved, that would protect Athena due to the blood bond with her Aunt."
"Fat load of good that really did." Sirius remarked.
"Indeed."
Sirius lent over and rubbed his forehead, "So let me get this straight, my going to - that place, meant Dumbledore could take control of Athena? Why?"
It was Ted's turn to carry on the Story. "Sirius, Dumbledore could have prevented you going there, he knew you, he could at the very least ensured you had a fair trial, even if he genuinely believed you were the Secret Keeper. He should have and could have ensured you received a trial. I am sure, when challenged, we will get some codswallop, about an old man and his mistakes, and for that alone he would probably get away with a slap on the wrist. But the evidence mounts, Sirius, this is why we need your status as Head of a Noble and Accent House, you being in prison, could have ended the Black line and purebloods won't respond well to that."
"You know, I don't care about my blood status." Sirius defended.
"But others do Sirius." Minerva explained.
"But we cannot simply call him out, first we need to build your reputation and we need to slowly cast doubt on Dumbledore's actions," said Ted.
"But your imprisonment, and Athena's placement were not the only events to occur at that time. After...We lost James and Lily, it would have been well known that you were the Godfather of Athena and next would have been her Godmother, Alice Longbottom." She explained.
"As you know, the Longbottoms were attacked the same night you went to Azkaban." Ted said painfully. "Earlier that day, Dumbledore had already placed Athena with the Dursleys. Legally, she should have taken Athena to the Longbottoms. Alice could have challenged the sealing of the Will had she known about it. Of course, the Longbottoms were already in hiding, based on Dumbledore's advice, might I add. That day, she would have been unaware, that you did not have Athena. Before she could investigate, they were attacked. Conveniently, for Dumbledore, Mrs Longbottom was in no position to take Athena in. Since the Will was seal, she would have been the only one to know of her right to Athena, Minerva, did not know we had the right, as Dumbledore had sealed the Will and this therefore, stopped the Goblins being able to inform her."
This left sinister thoughts in their heads as they all considered Dumbledore's actions. Sirius was very quiet and seemed to be thinking very deeply. "There is more." Minerva said quietly.
"There's more!?" Sirius exclaimed.
"This may be unrelated," She advised, "but there are things going on at the school. Dumbledore is holding a very valuable object at the school. He is using it as bate for an unknown evil. What I mean to say is, should you find out that your Goddaughter is in a school, where the Headmaster is handling dangerous matters, well I am sure the media would be quite interested."
"Ah, the bloody media." Sirius grumped, "I saw the trash that woman wrote this morning. Athena and I laughed over it and I shoved it in the fire."
"Unfortunately, that paper reaches every house in Magical Britain," said Ted. wither you agree with the opinions or not, people are reading it."
"Then we shall make our own paper!" Minerva declared.
"Actually," Ted interjected, "with the amount of money Sirius is being granted; he could buy all the shares of the Prophet, without making a dent in his fortune."
"Merlin be damned, you two don't think small, do you?" Sirius observed.
Ted shrugged his shoulders, "Perhaps, we could make an honest paper out of it, we could create a legal contract to ensure stories and speculation is based on evidence not fabricated rumours."
"This could work." Minerva pondered.
"Hey guys, once you two are done spending my money, which don't get me wrong, you are more than entitled to have it, can I just request one thing: Can we fire that Skeeter bitch?"
"Yes." Both Minerva and Ted answered together.
"Ok, Ok, another question, can you explain to this old dog how this helps us bring down Dumbledore? That wizard is throwing his political power around, like he owns Britain, and I want to know why! What is his motive?"
This was the moment Minerva was waiting for. Minerva did not believe the prophecy was real but she believed it was influencing events, it didn't matter if it was real or not.
"I fear I may know the answer to that... "Minerva revealed, "But I am apprehensive about revealing my conclusions, not because of trust, but fear giving it more merit than it's worth, could make things worse.
"Minerva, I think we need all the information; we will remain objective." Ted encouraged.
"I believe there to be a Prophecy, regarding Athena, and upon further reflection possibly the Longbottoms, as well. Dumbledore confirmed its existence, and more crucially he revealed his utter faith in its validity. I did not wish to know the words, as the utter load of rubbish could sway my judgment. However, my gut suggests this prophecy might be the only way we truly understand his motives."
"Minerva, you are right to be cautious, there is a reason Prophecies go straight to the department of Mysteries, they are fickle things. I do not know if knowing it is the right thing, but I agree, not knowing its contents, could be catastrophic." Ted argued
Without missing a beat Sirius spoke solemnly. "I knew it. SHIT" Sirius threw himself out of his seat, and paced the office. "It all makes sense, it all fits, how did I not see it before?"
Sirius continued to pace. "Sirius, please, what is it, help us make sense of this?"
Sirius stood still, he didn't look at them, as he spoke.
"'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches...
born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...
and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not...
and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives...
he one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies...'"
Silence circled the room; Minerva's eyes became wide. "When James told me, he was freaking out, Lilly was only just pregnant and suddenly they were being told this child in her belly, could be the one to end Voldemort? But not only, Athena, two other couples, fit the prophecy also."
"Wait, two others? Only young Mr Longbottom and Athena, were born in July that year? And the Prophecy said 'he', 'he shall be marked'?"
Sirius's eyes looked broken; it was as though you could see the heart rate in his chest, raise. "Another couple, thrice defied Voldemort that year."
Without warning, Sirius emotions boiled over and he collapsed to the floor. Minerva rushed to his side. "Nobody knew, Alice, Lilly and Amelia, all took the same anti-fertility potion. Apparently, the girls brewed the potion while enjoying a few too many drinks, but Lily was practically a potion master, she blamed herself for messing it up somehow, but Alice pointed out it was meant to be, Amelia however..."
Sirius was openly sobbing, Minerva didn't blame him, his emotions were understandably unstable, and if this memory drifted to where Minerva suspected it was going, well than, a few more things were going to make sense, yet more questions would be asked.
"Nobody knew Amelia was pregnant, not even me, she only told me, after she had, she had..."
"It's ok Sirius," Minerva tried to comfort him.
"It's really not, Minerva." Sirius almost laughed as he rocked in Minerva's arms.
"She had decided herself, that she was not ready to be a mother, she had dreams of a career first. It's her body, I respected it was her body, but she could have spoken to me first. We could have talked about it."
"Sirius..." Minerva wasn't sure what to say, she wasn't sure how to help Sirius process this. She could not see herself making the same decision Amelia did, regarding the baby. But she had to respect it was her body. Besides, at the time, Sirius and Amelia were not married, unfortunately the wizarding world did not respond kindly upon such a situation, which is why such a potion existed. Regardless of Minerva's opinion or the magical community, Amelia has breached the law, as she had, effectively ended the potential life of the blood Heir of House Black. It was a complicated matter for a young couple to be entangled. She had no idea what conclusion Sirius would have come too regarding the pregnancy, the problem was, he may never know, what the conclusion he may have made as he was never part of the decision. Perhaps, Amelia wanted to save him the pain of that decision?
"Have you spoken to Amelia about this since?" she asked.
Sirius attempted light humour "Been a bit preoccupied, the last ten years or so Minnie."
Minerva smiled, "Don't think your emotional state will get you a free pass using that name Sirius Black."
Sirius had regained some composure. "Honestly, when I first saw her, when I realised, it was her... None of that mattered."
"It matters Sirius, that is a huge event to happen in a young man's life. You need to grieve for it and you need to talk to Amelia, so that you may move forward." She advised.
Sirius climbed off of the floor. "I am done with grieving. Besides, it's in the past right?"
Minerva remained on the floor where Sirius was just curled up, as quick as his emotional disturbance came, it had then disappeared again. Minerva swore to keep a close eye on him, when these moments happened, she would be ready.
"In all that little girl's wisdom Sirius, I don't think she meant that."
"Sorry, to err, I wouldn't want to interrupt... but - I'm really sorry Sirius, for everything Sirius but aside from Amelia's part, in your past story er..." Ted continued to fumble his words, it was clear he didn't know how to respond to such an emotional outburst.
"What are the chances, that three women became pregnant, in the same cycle? Even with a dodgy protection potion, that seems unlikely. And, the chances of getting that potion wrong, regretfully, or maybe thankfully, students as young as fourth or fifth year, can make that potion. Someone about to become a potion master, should be able to make it while intoxicated. I'm sorry but that doesn't make sense..." Ted pondered out loud.
Minerva's mouth fell open, "You do not surely think Dumbledore had a hand in that too...?"
Ted's mouth fell open, "Well...I wasn't thinking that! Now, I bloody well am!"
"No - surely not! For a damn prophecy? A Prophecy that may well be a load of griffin shit!" Cried Sirius.
"Language..." Minerva said absentmindedly. She was trying to get her head around this. "Hang on, stop, we are getting ahead of ourselves. Let us just think for a moment."
Sirius had resumed his pacing, "Can't think, I am going to destroy him! Think! Three witches who happen to fit the prophecy, full pregnant at the same time? How did I never think of this?!"
"Sirius, she's right, we are getting ahead of ourselves." Ted argued. "I am really sorry, but you need to have that chat will Amelia. Maybe, she remembers something about that night. The night the potion was made."
Sirius slumped back down in to his chair. The energy in the room was electric, each sat thinking about the coincidences that lay before them.
Minerva spoke first, "Two witches, both young, healthy, both recently married, it makes sense that both couples might try for a baby. I never really questioned it. I always assumed it was planned that way. But accidents like this, do not happen, not with that potion. And when it does, it's hushed up very quickly..." She looked at Sirius. "Three witches... that is not a coincidence."
"Alright. Let us, take this one step at a time. Sirius, if it would be easier, perhaps, I could talk with-"
"No!" Sirius jumped, "I am sorry Minerva, but you are right, her and I need to talk about this."
"Very well Sirius, but we are always here. Should you want support." Sirius nodded with gratitude at Ted's words. "I think we've covered enough for this meeting, perhaps we could arrange another-"
"Wait, we still need to discuss Athena's Guardianship!" Minerva was grateful Sirius didn't want to leave without settling this. "Minerva, I spoke to Athena. Let me thank you again, for the love and care you have shown her. It was never a question to her that you are her Guardian, in every sense of the word. She loves you very much.
"And I her." Minerva added without a pause.
"The question was, not wither she remain under your care, but wither you do it as her Guardian or if you were to legally adopt her."
Minerva's heart sored, there was nothing she wanted more, than to legally call Athena her daughter.
"I think I know what you would rather," Sirius smiled, "and Athena's eyes said the same. But Athena was conflicted, she didn't want to lose her family name. But the clever little Witch had an alternative solution." Sirius turned to ask. "Would it be possible, for Athena to take Minerva's name, while she maintains her Potter connection? Her suggestion, and my request is for her to change her name to Athena McGonagall-Potter."
Minerva, felt so much joy, she honestly thought she might burst.