Writ in Stone – Chapter 5 (First Steps)

Callum Flint had taken his wife's words to heart. He hadn't hesitated in going to the Ministry to speak with Amelia Bones, the current head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. He had been by her office several times before, especially when it concerned matters of Wizengamot. But now this held a touch of a personal matter.

He wanted answers for himself as did Ciara. He should have thought of it first, but the feelings of grief still threatened to overwhelm him. How did you cope getting past the deaths of your friends? That didn't mean he was going to show everyone else his true emotions. Just like in Hogwarts, he placed his Slytherin mask over his facial features. Nobody else mattered, no doubt they would use it against him.

But perhaps not, a lot of wizards and witches knew of James and Lily Potter. Some of them were even friends with them and they all felt their loss. As much as he was glad for the end of the war and fear. Callum wished it hadn't been at the cost of their lives. And then there was the worry of where Harry Potter was. He definitely was not with any of his godparents.

Perhaps that was another answer that Amelia may be able to provide for him.

But the sight that welcomed him when he opened her office door was her looking down at paperwork, quill in hand.

Her eyes glanced up and was surprised.

"Lord Flint, I did not expect to be greeted with your presence," she commented.

"I thought that this conversation should not be in a letter," he commented.

Amelia nodded, "how can I help you?"

"What happened at Sirius Black's trial?" Callum jumped straight to the point.

"Trial?" she repeated.

"Sirius Black was sentenced to Azkaban a few nights ago. It was reported to Prophet," Callum replied, not liking the way this was going.

Amelia's eyes narrowed, "for what crime, may I ask?"

"They said he sold out Lily and James, which he did not."

Amelia questioned, "how would you know that information?"

"I was there when the Fidelius Charm was cast, I am surprised that Dumbledore hasn't breathed a word to you," Callum had to hide a smirk, despite the situation.

"Dumbledore?" she repeated, as she didn't hear that correctly.

"He performed it himself. Sirius was never there."

"And who was the Secret Keeper?" Amelia asked.

"Peter Pettigrew," he answered.

Her quill moved across a spare parchment in haste. She hadn't listened to any of the rumors that had been going around, trying to keep her mind focused. She did her best work when she was focused and not letting petty rumors get in the way. There had been several witches and wizards that had lost their lives to the war. James and Lily Potter had sadly been part of that. But she hadn't been informed on who the Secret Keeper had been.

She was still in the midst of the paperwork of the aftereffects of sentencing three Death Eaters that had been caught torturing two of their own Aurors. Bellatrix Lestrange had been one of the Death Eaters apprehended. She had still been in the process of organizing that trial.

Both Aurors would be alright after some time in St. Mungos. Others had not been as lucky. But the Healer had assured her that they would make a fine recovery. Though it may be expected to have some temporary memory loss.

"Am I going to have your word that you will look into this?" Callum asked bluntly.

"Lord Flint, as much as I do respect you. Do you really believe I would allow someone to be sentenced to Azkaban without a trial?" she asked, a bit annoyed.

"Would you?" Callum challenged. "Is there ever a time that the Head of the DMLE is not at a trial?"

Amelia's lips thinned, "I understand your point, Lord Flint. But I am required at each and every trial. If anything, to determine if the verdict was placed in fairness of the law. I will look into this matter and will make sure there is a trial myself. If that is all, I need to look into this."

"That will be the least of your problems. But you may be able to help me with this."

Amelia furrowed her brows, "what could be more problematic than one of our own Lords not having a trial and in Azkaban?"

"Harry Potter is missing," Callum revealed.

Amelia dropped her quill, "missing!?"

"I was at Godric's Hallow personally after I heard about the attack. He is nowhere to be found and I found no magical signatures to tell me anything. He could be anywhere or dead."

Amelia paled, like everyone else, even she had heard about Harry Potter vanishing the Dark Lord. She hadn't believed it at first, but the attacks had died down immediately. Plus, she now had two more bodies to add to the count. But people were beginning to call him the Boy-Who-Lived. Even she had been puzzled on how someone could survive a Killing Curse.

Despite how she had gone pale, she had first doubted that anything could be more important. But if anyone were to find out that their savior had gone missing, their world would be in an outcry.

But she was also furious, Albus Dumbledore had assured her that he was in a safe place. At the time, she had been relieved as that was something she didn't have to worry about. But perhaps she should have looked into the matter. She had assumed that Dumbledore may have placed the young baby with his godparents. But now it looks like she had some more digging to do. And more importantly, she had a letter to write, to a very certain Headmaster.

It was one thing to know about how horrible Azkaban was. But it was another thing entirely to experience it yourself. And before that moment, Sirius Black had never experienced what it was like to be around Dementors.

He had learned the Patronus Charm in his seventh year. And the most he had dealt with Dementors were learning about them in his books. But his wand had been snapped before being sent to Azkaban. The only thing that seemed to bring him any sense of comfort was being in his animagus form. It seemed to dull the effects a little bit as his mind thought back to what he lost.

Lily and James… both were gone… dead… And it was all his fault. Harry… his godson…

Where was he now? Was he with Alice or Frank? Or perhaps Callum and Ciara? For the first time, he couldn't muster up any hatred or dislike for the Slytherin. He had seen the pair of them with their son, Marcus. He had grown up in a family that was dark and parents that hated him. He knew that both of them loved their son dearly and would treat Harry the same way. Even with being stuck in here, that seemed to make it alright. And he knew that Ciara would adore Harry, he didn't have any doubts about that. He had seen it with his own eyes.

Though he wished he was able to see Harry one last time before he decided to chase after Peter. He had felt so betrayed and wanted revenge. But Peter had gotten the better of him, which had surprised him. All during Hogwarts, he, James, and Remus had been the smartest of the four. And now, Peter had gotten away while he had been thrown in the worst prison for wizards.

How long would he be able to survive this place?

Sirius honestly didn't know and wished he thought things through. Lily would have lectured him for it. She would have thought things through before making an impulsive decision.

Would he be able to let Pettigrew get away without chasing after him? He doubted it.

Nobody would help him and that was a depressing thought. For once, maybe his parents would be proud of him. Getting himself thrown into Azkaban. Known as a supporter for Voldemort.

It felt like the people that actually felt proud of him was Dorea and Charlus. Would they be disappointed in him?

That thought was a depressing one, he had never wanted to disappoint them. They were the first family he ever had. He didn't consider Walburga or Orion his parents. Charlus and Dorea were the only ones that felt family to him. A real mother and father. Which he had found ironic at the time, Dorea was born a Black, as was Walburga and Orion. Yet she had cared more about him than they ever had. But to him, Dorea was a Potter as was Charlus. It had even made him despise his last name. To him, Dorea was his mother and Charlus was his father. He had even tried to forget that Walburga and Orion had been his parents.

But Dorea had let him still retain some pride in his name.

"Don't let them ruin your name, Sirius. You are a Black at heart. Just because Walburga and Orion couldn't see the treasure in front does not mean you should throw it away. You are talented and skillful. If you can't be proud of being their son, then be proud of what you have accomplished. You are Sirius Black and I am proud to have you in this family."

Sirius felt a stray tear fall. It had been the first time he felt to be proud of his last name. Apparently not all Blacks were dark, and dark didn't necessarily mean evil as he thought. Though his parents didn't help matters. A lot why he hated Slytherins, they represented his parents and didn't want anything to do with them.

Even while stuck in this cell, surrounded by Dementors, Sirius wished he could tell Dorea he was sorry. To feel her arms wrapped around him like a caring mother would. It almost felt like a childish wish.

Would James and Lily be disappointed or mad at him? He didn't know. He knew it was possible, he hadn't even thought about his godson. All he wanted was for Peter to pay for his betrayal. What would they think for him abandoning their son? Harry was only a year old and he didn't even think once about him. He should have been the first thing on his mind. Besides the fact that both Lily and James were both dead.

These were the thoughts that were swarming around in his mind. But apparently thinking was all he could do. It wasn't like there was anything that could distract him from thinking. He was stuck in this cell and he didn't even know for how long either.

He did try to keep in his dog form when possible. Though when Aurors would be patrolling around, he had to remain as a wizard. Even while suffering in this place he knew he couldn't let them find out. He shivered. Was this place always this cold?

How much time had passed? Days? Weeks? Months? He didn't know.

How could anyone dare to stand this place? Probably why it was known as the worst place on earth and the Dementors certainly didn't help.

He still didn't know how much time passed. It felt like everything just blurred together.

But he was surprised that one of the Aurors actually came to his cell.

They had never stopped by any of the cells, just keeping watch as they patrolled. He knew they hated this place as much as he did. So, this was definitely out of the norm.

His hand shook as he was handed a piece of parchment. It had been folded several times. Sirius didn't open it until the Auror had walked away. He sat on the pathetic excuse you could call a bed. The floor was honestly more comfortable.

The handwriting was familiar. It was written in an elegant scrawl.

We are working on it.

That was all that was written but for the first time, Sirius felt a sense of hope. He hadn't had any hope since he thrown into this place. It was hard to since the Dementors sucked it all out of him.

They were the last people he expected to help him. He knew he probably wasn't the biggest fan to the wizard. But for right now, it seemed he was his only hope and option.

So, if there was one thing that Sirius was hopeful for, was that he came through.

Sirius was in a state of shock on the day they had released him from Azkaban. He didn't really pay attention to the words said to him about it being a misunderstanding. All he could think was… he was free.

He wouldn't be a prisoner of Azkaban. He didn't even know what day or month it was. He had no conception of time.

At first, he had thought it was all a joke. He wouldn't put it past them to give him false hope. But there the door to his cell stood open. It was being held open for him. His legs felt shaky, not from lack of use. But from the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Despite knowing that there were people working to get him free. He wouldn't have believed it until it happened. He knew just how much false hopes could damage you.

But a Slytherin… a Slytherin had kept his word. It was hard to wrap his mind around. He didn't even consider the fact that it wasn't just him. He may have been a Slytherin, but he was also married to a Ravenclaw.

But here Sirius was, being led from his cell in Azkaban to where he could be apparated. He could still feel the Dementors around him, though the Patronus near the Auror helped. It gave him some warmth which was better than none at all. That didn't stop the occasional shivers that ran through his body.

Someone had to catch him upon the landing. His knees almost buckled beneath him. Had Azkaban weakened him that much?

"Easy there, Black," a firm voice said. Their hands had a firm grasp of the man, so he didn't fall. He didn't tease the wizard for his state, he had seen much worse in Azkaban for a lesser time. He was surprised that Black was still holding himself together. He slowly guided Black to the lifts and to the Head of the DMLA's personal office.

Her eyes narrowed, "you made him walk instead of flooing to my office?!"

The auror gulped, he could immediately tell Amelia Bones was not happy.

"He was already in bad shape in Azkaban in his cell. I didn't think he could handle it."

Amelia snorted, "and yet you still thought he was strong enough to handle apparating and being put on display for the entire Ministry. I will talk with you later, you can leave."

Amelia didn't pay any attention to the Auror. Her focus was solely on Sirius Black, who had slumped into the seat he had fallen into. She could see the heavy shadows beneath his eyes and was very thin. She, herself knew that Azkaban could take its toll, she had seen it herself countless times when the trip warranted it. But that didn't mean she was heartless when it happened to an innocent witch or wizard. But even she knew that the effects had been bad. If only she was able to process everything sooner. But they kept blocking every inquiry she had made. She wouldn't have been as successful if Lord and Lady Flint had not been in the process as well. Even she knew that his influence had been necessary. She still wished she could curse the Minister for what he did, but he was facing his own repercussions for what happened.

Sirius Black would still have to face his own trial. He may not be facing the charges for aiding in James' and Lily Potter's murders. But there were still the charges about wizards and witches that had been killed. The sentence had been reduced but it had been agreed that Sirius Black was to have a trial. There would need to be addressing on the count of a trial being thrown out as well.

"Callum," Sirius' voice was raspy from lack of use.

Callum Flint had been standing in the corner of Amelia's office. His eyes watching as Sirius was guided in. He had been expecting the Floo to be activated. He was annoyed that Sirius had to walk through the Ministry as well. He would hold Amelia to her word or there would need to be some repercussions.

There were no words spoken on if Sirius was alright, it was obvious that he wasn't. And he did not like asking pointless questions.

"Are you hurt?" Callum asked instead. He was pleased when Sirius shook his head.

Callum knew even if Sirius was telling the truth and he didn't detect a lie. Sirius need to be looked at by a Healer. Being in Azkaban over seven months was nothing to joke about. He would need potions and examined to find the extent of damage done. Not to count his mental health of being near the Dementors.

"Any word on the date?" Callum looked over at Amelia.

"I told them to confer with St. Mungos," Amelia confirmed.

"You have my thanks," Callum said.

Amelia nodded, "use my floo."

Callum let Sirius use his arm as he helped the man get up. He knew that Sirius would be very weak. Fire was burning in the fireplace, but he did not let go of Sirius. The man was in no shape to Floo by himself. With an arm wrapped around his shoulders, he guided Sirius into the fireplace. But not before taking some of the floo powder with his other hand.

"St. Mungos, Floor One," Callum called out.

He could feel the sensation of the floo but made sure his grip did not slacken. He took the first step and let Sirius walk out. Sirius probably would have fallen if he wasn't expecting it. So, he took it step by step until he saw the healer waiting for them.

"Lord Flint and Lord Black, the healer greeted.

Callum nodded his head in respect.

"I am Healer Ainsworth. Lord Black, I will need you on his bed. The effects can be easily controlled as long as you take the potions that I give you."

All Sirius could do was nod before being helped into the bed.

The Healer handed him some chocolate before starting his diagnostic scan.

Sirius chuckled slightly, even Callum grinned.

The healer raised an eyebrow.

"Just… I used to joke that Remus was a chocoholic…"

"I used to think he could live off it," Callum remarked.

The healer didn't say a word, though a grin was on his lips. He was happy to note the feelings of positive emotions for Lord Black. Something that was hard for a lot of witches and wizards to feel or express after Azkaban.

Chocolate helped negate some of the feelings from the Dementors.

"Were you given any chocolate upon being released before being escorted to the Ministry?" Healer Ainsworth asked.

Sirius shook his head.

He frowned before making another note.

"You are very malnourished, which isn't uncommon for those that have suffered under the affects of Azkaban. I will be prescribing several nutrient potions as well as bone strengtheners. Your bones will be very weak, almost brittle. You will not have an appetite for a little while. I will have a potion that will help with that as well. I will have some potions that will also help with the nausea. I also have some Dreamless Sleep, but I will warn you, you must not be dependent on this. Then it becomes ineffective. I am hoping that two weeks and then we can start to ease you off depending on the severeness of your sleep patterns and nightmares. I will be monitoring your progress until I can verify there won't be any everlasting effects."

Callum nodded; he knew it would be serious. But it was a bit different hearing it, especially when it concerned someone he looked as a friend. He would make sure that trial was held off until Sirius could stand by himself.

"Then let's get started," Callum said.