Chapter 37

The ball begins rolling

By some miracle Aries managed to avoid the mass of reporters outside Courtroom 7 and Floo to Black Manor. He had not expected that walk down memory lane with Snape as witness. What's more, he had no recollection of being under the influence of those potions. Of course the treatment demanded that the patient not know about it at the time or it wouldn't work, but why hadn't anyone told him after the healing was done? And who, for that matter had administered the potions in the first place?

Whoever it had been, had not spoken up. And because of that Sirius had always doubted himself. It was perhaps not the main reason, but one of the reasons he wanted to play decoy and not real secret keeper. He thought that if he could spill out Remus' secret in a fit of annoyance, what was to say he would not give away the secret while in pain. That he was at the age of barely 17 under a perception and un-inhibition potion had not even crossed him mind.

And Regulus had known.

If so, then the potions had to have been administered by his family, or the Black Medi-witch.

'Pan.'

'Master is back. How did the hearing go?'

'Better than expected. I want you to retrieve the medical files of Sirius Black from sixth year. Everything that you can find with the family doctor and Hogwarts.'

'Why?'

'It seems that there is something I have forgotten. Have them on my desk by this afternoon.'

Pan retreated just as Trill popped in.

'Albus Dumbledore is waiting outside the main gate.'

Aries raised an eyebrow. What did the headmaster want?

'Show him in and guide him to the study.'

Dumbledore knew that if he had a chance to turn this to his advantage he had to get the Black Lord on his side, barring that, he had to find something that would leave the other man incapacitated to do anything against him, take away his political power. But for either possibility Dumbledore had to start with knowing the man behind the title and that meant playing on the man's territory, Black Manor.

The grounds were covered by a thick layer of snow and the dark tree barks stood in stark contrast to the white blanket. The house elf that guided him looked ancient but his eyes were sharp, like those of a vulture. It was not a well-known fact that elves developed personalities to emulate their masters if they thought their masters were worthy. It seemed that this one was not just bound by elven magic to the Blacks but by earned loyalty too.

They entered the gothic manor and were immediately greeted by warmth. The six fireplaces in the main entrance were burning low giving the tall room with the winding staircase an eerie glow. The Black Marble floor reflected the floating candles above them forming the constellations, at their centre was Canis Major with Sirius shining the brightest.

'Master Black is waiting for you in his study. If the visitor wizard will give me his coat. I will guide him.'

Visitor, not guest, Dumbledore immediately spotted the distinctive term. So the elf did not consider him a guest, was it because its master didn't consider Dumbledore a guest, or was it simply because the elf had something against him? Those yellow eyes spoke of some hostility but it was well hidden, under a cold politeness that was perhaps demanded of all the elves in the Black Family. Dumbledore had been met by this cold politeness when he had come to visit the former Lord Arcturus Black and even before Arcturus, his father Sirius Rigel Black.

The first time, Dumbledore had been but a freshly appointed Transfigurations teacher at Hogwarts in the summer of 1903, but his friendship with Arcturus Draco Black, the younger brother of the Black Lord, had gotten him invited to a family soiree in honour of the beautiful Belvina Black's engagement with the Burke heir. Of course for him Arcturus himself seemed more lovely than Belvina but the scars that Grindelwald had left were still pulling at his younger self. Arcturus Draco Black had gone on to marry one of the Yaxley girls two years after that party, a marriage that Dumbledore knew had made no one happy. It was at that soiree that Dumbledore felt the gap between the extreme wealth and power of the Most Ancient lines and the rest of the wizarding world. He hadn't cared much about it, but it didn't sit well with him either.

His mind had wondered though times past until he found himself face to face with the open door of the main study.

'Mr Dumbledore, to what do I owe this visit?' the Black Lord was standing near the window, half turned towards the white grounds. The office was just as when he had visited in Lord Arcturus' time, all but a few new photo frames with people Dumbledore did not know.

'I have come to offer an apology.'

'Oh?' that seemed to draw the younger man away from the window, giving the headmaster his undivided attention. It was inadvertently that Dumbledore used the light form of Legilimency on the man when their eyes met only to be met by one of the strongest mental walls he had ever experienced.

'Yes, I have terribly misjudged your nephew and it led to an innocent man dying in Azkaban. I know I may not have been the one to sentence him there for life, but I could have given him a chance to prove his innocence. For my inaction, I am sorry.'

The silence that followed was uncomfortable for the headmaster, as were the piercing silver eyes looking at him from the face half in shadow. The fact that most blacks had such distinct features that made them unmistakably Black and some of them even looked like twins of their ancestors made Dumbledore think he was looking at the ghost of what Sirius Black could have become.

'That's it? That's all you are sorry for?'

'I do not know what else there is to say.'

'How about the fact that you allowed a three months incarceration period on a concussed man.'

'I was told he had been given the needed elixirs to stop the swelling.'

'But you didn't check that they worked. You didn't even care to look the man in the eyes before sending him to hell on earth. And that after he defended you in from of his grandfather.'

Aries pulled out a letter from the first drawer of the study and set it in front of him.

Dumbledore picked the letter up.

Lord Black

Your concern over my wellbeing is neither wanted nor welcomed. I saw how your concern aided my brother when he went and got himself killed by working for that mad man. The fact that you no longer have an heir is no concern of mine, and I will not step in those shoes after being disinherited by your lot. The time spent with your family taught me how biased and power-hungry you are. So I will stick to my friends and the people that have accepted me for who I am not what I am.

I trust them with my life, they would never betray me, and I will never betray them. As for your concern about Dumbledore, keep it to yourself. Dumbledore is a great man, he doesn't use people, nor does he ask them to do anything they don't want to do. I decided myself to go on the path to serve and protect all the magical people of this island, be they Muggle-Born or Pure Bloods. He didn't force me, nor did he torture me, like your precious Dark Lord does. I will say this only once: I will fight for them and I will die for them if need be, even if it is against you and our black hearted family.

Sirius Orion Black, adopted son of the Potter family.

'I…I don't know what to say.'

'I believe you came here to say your apologies, so that you might feel better about yourself. Or was it because you are seeking a way to ingratiate yourself to someone you feel is a threat to you and your grandfatherly image.'

'Why didn't Arcturus show this to me all those years ago?'

'And watch you gloat that you managed to destroy the last hope this family had at redemption? To have you say the letter was a forgery? No, you and your Greater Good team made it clear to him, his voice would not be heard. But you've forgotten one thing, the truth will always come out.'

'I would have perhaps doubted its origin, but I would have investigated. No matter what you think of me, I would never have allowed an innocent man to spend years in Azkaban.'

'Your actions speak louder than your words. The truth is you did allow an innocent man to be sent to Azkaban, a man that trusted you above his family. You spoke your apologies Mr. Dumbledore, but the dead do not hear and do not answer. And the living, well the living don't give a damn about a half ass apology meant to make you feel you had the higher moral ground.'

'So you will chose to enact vengeance in the name of a nephew you didn't even meet?'

'I can see why you think this is vengeance, but don't think yourself so important. You and your reputation will reap only what you sow yourself. I am only interested in justice, and creating a gentler world for future generations.'

'For that gentler world, would it not be beneficial to work together?'

'I've seen what working together with you brings about. And quite frankly, I think you are a man that can't do even one job right. Since I took my place at the head of this family, you've proven incredibly inefficient in at least two of your three jobs. You failed the justice system you are head of and managed to escape Crouch's fate only though a technicality, in that you are not the one directly responsible of appointing trials to convicts, and you failed to protect the students at Hogwarts leading to your continued probation state. Your role in the IWC has yet to been disputed, but I remember hearing more than a few voices of discontent to the lack of commitment of the British Magical Community in solving world problems. So, no. I do not think working with you will be beneficial to anyone.'

'I see you are determined to see only my mistakes.'

'On the contrary, you are a man to be admired and commended for the good that you brought about. The wizarding world will eternally be grateful for your defeat of Grindelwald, especially as it came at great expense to you personally.' Dumbledore felt his face drain of colour.

'That was a long time ago.'

'Quite. But all those good deeds spanning such an eventful and long life entitles one to a peaceful old age. I doubt anyone would view your resignations as anything other than a graceful way of allowing a youthful generation to take over and furthering the Greater Good, wouldn't you say?'

'You have given me a lot to think about.'

'I am sure that is why you came here.' Aries' voice was dripping with sarcasm.


Harry had hoped that the ritual at Hogsmeade meant that the students would be permitted to participate, unfortunately that had not been the case and though the Daily Prophet had been buzzing about it two weeks before and after the event had taken place, the teachers had not deemed it necessary to either explain or involve them. The only class that had given them a bit of insight, had been Ancient Runes, and since Hermione and Harry had answered Professor Babbling's questions the word got out that the two had assisted in a similar ritual in August. Both Hermione and he were after that accosted by 6th and 7th year Runes students to find out more. It was fine at first, but it seemed that as the ritual proved to be more than efficient as time passed, the higher class students became a bit too persistent. So Harry found himself using the invisibility cloak whenever he went alone anywhere in the castle.

He had used the cloak one late Sunday evening to go train in the duelling room. It was less crowded and he felt he could concentrate better. There were but three other pairs practicing and Daphne Greengrass who was using the practice dummies to hone her stunning skills. Harry had duelled Daphne twice in January and both times their match had settled into a draw. They were now both of them in first place with Draco still in second and Nott and Susan in third followed by Hermione in fourth. Both duels were intense and Harry had enjoyed them a lot. He thought Daphne was a bit stuck up and a bit cold, but she was extremely professional. Some thought of her as snobbish, Hanna and Terry being in that group, but Harry thought it was probably her upbringing as a noble and Ancient House Heiress.

'Hey, want to practice together?' Harry asked as he drew up the sleeves of his shirt. Daphne shot him a look that shouted mistrust.

'Where are your friends?' Daphne asked.

'Hermione is rewriting her Arithmancy homework, Neville is doing some extra credit for Herbology, and the Puffs and Ravens usually stick to house bonding and revision on Sunday evening.'

'And your red headed friend? I haven't seen him in class lately.'

'Ah, Ron transferred to another school.' Harry said turning away. Their reunion at the Burrow before the end of the winter holiday had left a bitter sweet taste.

'I heard he was attacked by that man Pettigrew. I am sorry for him and for you.'

'Thanks. He'll be fine though.'

'I'm sure.' A slightly uncomfortable silence followed before Daphne said 'So, practice?'

Harry nodded and smiled, though not his real smile. What was good about practice sessions was that there was no time limit. They duelled until one got the upper hand, so it could go on for a while. Harry remembered the duels between Susan and Hermione that took more than half an hour until the Puff managed to disarm his best friend. But for him, it was mostly over within 10 minutes, even while duelling Sue. This was not the case with Daphne though. Harry had to give it to her, she was an exceptional duellist that kept him on his toes and would exploit any opening no matter how small. That this was a practice session meant nothing to her, she gave it her all and Harry found himself pressured, but in a good way.

They had been exchanging spells for the better part of an hour when Harry had managed to disarm Daphne because of a second delay in her casting the shield charm and only because he had managed to dodge her last stunning spell by a fraction of a step.

The three other pairs practicing had stopped to watch them some time during the duel and were now clapping at them. Harry handed her back her wand and extended his hand panting from the exercise. Daphne took the wand and shook his hand curtly.

'It was a good practice.' Harry said as she turned to leave.

'It was, don't think you'll get this lucky next time.'

'Wouldn't dream of it.'

'You lot should be going to your respective dormitories.' Professor McGonagall had come in drawn by the applause.

'Professor, you should have seen Potter take down Greengrass.' Lee Jordan who had been practicing with Alicia jumped in and put a hand around Harry's shoulders grinning at their head of house. Harry looked sheepishly at Lee then at McGonagall and didn't see the angry look the Slytherin princess aimed at them as she exited the amphitheatre.

'I was lucky.' Harry said.

'Well, best be lucky in getting to Gryffindor Tower before curfew starts in less than five minutes.'

'Yes ma'am.' Lee said grinning and saluting and dragging Harry and Alicia away. McGonagall watched as they went on their way and sighed. It was a miracle that she kept herself from crying every time she saw Harry in class, but that sheepish look had been so like James, and Lee's attitude had been so like Sirius that she felt herself collapsing on the bench sobbing.

Harry was halfway to the tower when he remembered his invisibility cloak was still in the duelling hall. He turned back and hoped he wouldn't find any teacher before he got under the cloak. What he didn't expect however was finding McGonagall crying.

'Um, Professor? Are you OK?' McGonagall startled at finding Harry back there.

'Oh…Mr Potter, it's nothing.' She tried to pull herself together.

'It isn't nothing if you are crying.'

'Thank you for your concern, Mr Potter. But it is nothing you can help with. Why are you back here again?'

'I forgot my dad's cloak.' Harry said picking the invisibility cloak up and stuffing it in his pocket. 'With the upper class men asking about the ritual every second they can find me, it helps to move around the castle unbothered.' He explained. But McGonagall seeing the cloak seemed to burst once again into tears. Harry didn't know what to do except sitting down with her and petting her awkwardly on the back. McGonagall grabbed him in a hug as Harry stiffened he could hear her mumbling 'James, Sirius, I am sorry.' Over and over again.

It took her a few good minutes to calm down enough to realize what she had done and embarrassment settled in.

'Forgive me Mr Potter, I have not been myself lately.'

'Is this about what happened to my godfather?'

'I failed him when I believed he could…' she couldn't bring herself to say the words and faught hard to stop the tears from falling as she got up. Harry realized she had lost a lot of weight over the holidays.

'Professor Lupin gave me some of his memories about my father and…him. He seemed like a nice guy.'

McGonagall looked at Harry for a long time before deciding to speak again.

'Come to my office tomorrow after hours. I can give you some of my recorder orbs from when they were students here.'

'You don't have to. I mean, aren't they important to you?'

'They are, but I think both of them would have wanted you to have them more than me. Just, don't share all that content with the Weasley Twins. Those two don't need more ideas of how to cause mischief.'

Harry smiled and nodded before McGonagall escorted him out of the amphitheatre and sent him on his way.


The articles in the Daily Prophet after the trial at the end of January were anything but kind towards the ministry and the ones responsible for Sirius's lack of trial. Remus had read through half of the articles before he couldn't stomach them anymore. He felt guilty even more so than before. The revelation that Sirius had not betrayed him willingly in their sixth year, had been a slap in the face that Remus had not expected. He had visited his memories of those days and nothing, absolutely nothing had pointed out the potion regiment his former friend had been under. But he could not deny the truth of it, since Snape would not have revealed the fact unless he was certain. What had that family done to his best friend? Had James known? No, Prongs couldn't have known, or else he would have said something, anything. Regulus, Snape said. But the younger sibling was dead and could not provide any more answers than his own memories could.

He felt such anger at the Blacks for whatever they had done. They had been monsters, more so that he had ever been even on the full moon. Because of whatever they had done there had been mistrust between them, and it had ruined everything. His thoughts turned to the current Black that was on the lips of everyone talking and in every article, being hailed the best of them all, with the exception of maybe Sirius himself: Aries Black. Harry had defended his guardian, Lupin had been welcomed in the Black sanctuary that was Black Manor and had seen for himself the new Lord being nice to Half-Bloods, Muggle-Born, Squibs and Dark Creatures alike. Andromeda had spoken well of her uncle, though there was some doubt there still. Nymphadora simply adored him and found his collection of Muggle Music simply the coolest.

Black had made friends of Amelia Bones and Kingsley Shacklebolt, both light members of the Ministry. And yet, Remus couldn't shake the feeling that there was something deeply wrong with the man. He had gone home that evening from Black Manor without giving the Mead to Aries because he had not found the Black Lord in the study. But when he woke up in the morning in his shabby cottage, he had found himself shivering, not from cold, but from fear and a faint feeling of longing. Those two feelings had lingered and resurfaced whenever he thought of Aries Black. He just didn't understand.

What he did understand however, was the backlash in the newspapers that was now hitting not just Crouch, but the late Minister Bagnold and Dumbledore too. The Chief Warlock had gotten off unpunished by the justice system, the press was not as merciful, nor were the readers inclined to accept Dumbledore in the role of Chief Warlock any more. There had been 15 petitions asking for the headmaster's resignation from the Wizengamot all of them with distinctly different signatures from over 1000 people each. Rita Skeeter, an incredibly ruthless reporter had begun digging up dirt from the past, and sprouting lies about conspiracies with former Dark Lord Grindelwald. Conspiracies that saw both Dumbledore and Grindelwald as leaders to liberate the wizards and make wizarding kind rule over muggles. Remus couldn't believe it, but with Dumbledore's role in Sirius's wrongful incarceration there were many who believed and chose to see Dumbledore's mistake with regards to his friend as a part of a larger Machiavellian plan to rule the world. It was spiralling out of control. He knew his mentor would have to resign in the following days.

There were reforms of the justice system that were being discussed and new rules were set in place for a system of appeal that would make it possible for the current prisoners in Azkaban to get another trial. Old files of acquitted Death Eaters were being reopened. Crouch's decisions and leniency towards the use of unforgivable curses by the Aurors during the war were called into question and Rufus Scrimgeor was asked to hand in his resignation as head of the Aurors by none other than the Aurors themselves. He had lost their trust and had gained their disgust so much so that Amelia had to pull him out of the force all together and reassign him to her own division, because no one wanted to work with him. Gawain Robards took the Head Auror office with Kingsley as his second in command.


Andromeda had been trying very hard to talk to him, and he had been very good at evading her but she was stubborn about this. She wanted to apologize and get him to let her help with whatever it was that he was trying to achieve. Because Sirius was up to something more than just kicking Dumbledore out of office.

'Lord Black.' she curtsied as she entered his study.

'Niece.'

'I wanted to say that I am sorry. I am sorry for ever doubting you, I'm sorry that you had to spend such a long time in prison and-'

'Let me stop you there. I don't need your apology, or anyone else's for that matter. What was done is in the past.'

'But I…I said all those awful things to you.'

'You said what you believed at the time.'

'So you are ok with it?'

'You were truthful back then and you weren't the only one who thought more of the same.'

'Oh Sir-'

'Silence!' he glared sharply at her 'I am Aries Black, or have you forgotten?'

'But…'

'Do not mistake my understanding and your reinstatement as an invitation to do as you please. For the plans I set in motion Aries Black is essential. I will not have you putting everything in danger because you can't hold your tongue.'

'Then let me help you. I can help, with the plans with everything. I owe you that much.'

'Thank you for offering but I do not need your help.'

'Then why reinstate me in the first place?' Andy got angry. 'Why are you acting so, cold, so out of character?'

'The reason for your reinstatement is a strong united Black family, whatever it is left of it. I am not acting out of character, on the contrary, this is me very much in character, or did you think five years on that God forsaken island would leave me happy and ready to forgive and forget?' Aries stepped from behind the desk and advanced on her a little making her back away a step 'Did you and that fool Dumbledore think that an apology would simply wash away the mental and at times physical torture I was submitted to because no one, not one of my family and so called friends gave me even the benefit of a doubt? Should I be happy that my godson, who I had asked you to take care of in case something happened to both Lily and James and myself had to spend eleven years in an abusive home because you didn't even answer Silvermane's call to Gringotts when I was sent to Azkaban?'

'I…I didn't know it was about that.'

'What did you think it was about then?'

'I don't know. I was just afraid, afraid of being associated with you, with the family. After Bella was sent to Azkaban and Narcissa's husband narrowly escaped. If I had been accused of conspiring with you, the family would not have jumped in to save me. I just…I am so sorry.'

'It doesn't matter anymore. '

'It does. I want to make it right. I want to help you, in any way I can. So please…'

'You can help by keeping out of my way.'

'You can't go against the ministry and Dumbledore alone.'

'Who said I was going against anyone? Don't assume you know what is happening just because of what you read in the papers. Or didn't the mass murderer articles all those years ago teach you nothing.'

'But you do have a plan.'

'Andromeda, you're a Mediwitch, not a politician, or a great strategist. Keep to healing people and being part of this family.'

'A family shares their burdens.'

Aries sighed 'Fine, you want to help with something, find me the records of who administered the susceptibility potions to me in my sixth year.'

'You don't know?'

'Pan couldn't find any records with the family doctor. You have access to St Mungo's restricted archives. Research, discreetly and report what you find to me.'


'You wanted to see me uncle?' Narcissa curtsied as she entered the Head of House study at Black manor only an hour after her sister had left it. She had been inside the room only once before when her father and her sister requested Andromeda's disownment. Arcturus Black had urged his younger brother to reconsider but Pollux Black wanted nothing to do with his middle daughter. In fact, according to him, he had no middle daughter. The office had not changed much. The ebony and ivory desk was still the most impressive piece of furniture of its kind, the bookshelves looked pristine, the black marble fireplace warmed the room and the man behind the impressive desk though different from the previous Black Lord could instil in her both fear and a sense of security. She sat down opposite him.

'I was asked to fill in for Barthemius Crouch as the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation and have been invited to be part of the IWC in Dumbledore's stead.'

'That is wonderful Uncle. The positions could not go to anyone more qualified.'

'I have enough to deal with without these honours. I have however consented on two conditions. That Crouch's job be an interim position, which will last officially until the World Cup is over in August and that you be made my deputy which will leave you as the prime candidate to succeed me in September.'

Narcissa's eyes widened. To be offered such a post not even a year since she would have started working in the ministry was incredible.

'When I say prime candidate that will depend on your own performance and the support you will be able to gather for yourself.'

'I am ready for the job.' She said raising her head in defiance.

'We will see about that. You are to report to the ministry tomorrow at 7 o'clock sharp to receive your new office and the files Crouch had pending. His assistant was Madam Burbidge. She will be your assistant from now on. She has been an assistant for 30 years. So I expect she knows something of how it all works. It is your job to find out what she knows, asses it and if it is utter nonsense, dismiss it. It will also be your job to find her replacement since she is getting old in age and will retire in May. By the end of next week I expect you to have looked over all the files Crouch was working on and have them sorted by priority.'

'Understood. What will happen to the Chief Warlock spot?'

'It will be discussed at the next Wizengamot session. Until then, Madam Bones will act as interim Chief Warlock.'

'To think he got off with so little.'

'It is just the beginning Narcissa.'

'You have something more planned for him.'

'I don't need to plan anything. A wounded animal will always attract vultures.'

'I hope his demise comes soon. He has caused enough damage to our family.'

'You shouldn't put the blame on external factors. Our family grew the seeds of its own destruction.'

'You are right uncle, but it also has the seeds of rebirth.'

'If tended correctly. How is Draco getting along in school?'

'Better. Much better. We talked during the holidays. I think he understands now. His fellow Slytherin are also more open minded and the new Firebolt for Yule earned him back the spot on the Quiddich team. Thank you for that.'

'He has been getting decent grades in Muggle Studies.'

'I am not sure that is just his doing. He has been having help from Hermione Granger.'

'Well, as long as he learns something from it.'

'He has. He has even shown me how to work that odd small oven on the kitchen counter.'

'The Microwave?'

'Yes.'

'Good, it is not becoming of a Black family member to be ignorant of even the Muggle World. If you feel he needs more guidance from me other than during the holidays, let me know and I will drop by Hogwarts to talk to him.'

'I will, but I think we are good so far. Thank you for the opportunity to prove myself.'

'I wouldn't have given it if I didn't think you capable.'


A/N: I wanted to write more but it would have meant to keep you guys waiting indefinitely since my schedule has become rather busy of late. So you get the chapter before Christmas. If you are lucky I might find some time and inspiration between Christmas and New Year to post the next one, but no promises. Thank you for your reviews and for the weary wary correction. Also for the reviews from the Spanish speakers, I never learnt the language but because of watching telenovelas I can understand you without google translate, so muchas grasias (spelling?).

About the oath last time, all the tiny light at the end of the wands weren't exactly real oath material, just a show of support and solidarity and personal commitment to what Aries said. Definitely nothing like the unbreakable vows or anything like that. About Aries refusing the money, it is more a matter of principle as he said last chapter, to put a sum on a man's life or even his years of freedom is not okay, especially if the one getting the money is not the wronged person. If he had been Sirius Black, it would have been something different. In this case he just wanted to make a point, he also doesn't need the money and depleting ministry funds would not help the government reform itself. And this way he can get people like Fudge to give into his demands to show their gratitude for not bankrupting them. I hope.

Anyway, it is snowing. With a little luck, we might get a white Christmas this year, even if I won't be able to go home because of…well you know why. Maybe if we all wish a Corona free world for Christmas we might get it next year. If it works we could try it with world peace next. That sounds like a Miss Universe speech. Stay healthy everyone.