As always, I'm only playing with JK Rowling's toys. All credit goes to JK Rowling, her publisher and all the other people involved in bringing her work to life.

#

No one left the courtroom, the chatted and mingled; discussing this and that, but they all remained. The murmurs were that Black would be found innocent of all charges, but he would be remanded in a secured hospital wing indefinitely. It was clear that he wasn't stable enough to be around Harry Potter. Did you hear how he spoke to Dumbledore?

Harry was glad to be sitting on his own, specifically since he told Minerva to go and meet an old friend that was in the public gallery. He needed time to think; he took the opportunity to close his eyes. Outwardly it seemed to everyone that he was taking a few moments of introspection when, in fact, he was going over his plans for the soul fragments.

If he had it his way Sirius would not be going back to Grimmauld Place, it held too many demons for Sirius and Harry would never subject his godfather to such horrors. In his original timeline, only the diary had been destroyed before the tournament. Now they were down the diary, his scar and the cup. Well, they would be if the Nation had actually destroyed the cup. They were crafty little buggers, and if they could squeeze out an advantage from having all the remaining fragments in one place, then that is precisely what they would do.

'Are you alright Son?' said an unfamiliar voice

Harry opened his eyes and saw, and older gentleman standing to his right 'Excuse me, Sir. I didn't see you there' he said.

'How could you? You had your eyes closed. If you could see without opening your eyes, I would ask you to teach me, that would be a formidable skill to have.' said the man

'I dare say that it would be sir, My girlfriend suggested that I should take a moment to try and centre my thoughts, it's been a rather trying day so far' Explained Harry

'If anyone has earned the right to take a moment, I would argue that it's you. I'm Peter Berresford' said the man.

'Pleasure to meet you, Mr Berresford, I'm Harry Potter.' said Harry as he extended his hand towards the older man.

'You of all people need no introduction, young man. Not with that hair, you father was cursed with the same unruly mess that your sporting.' said Peter.

'You knew my dad?' asked Harry

'I did, we spoke at great length about his plans for the Wizengamot and what kind of laws he wanted to be seen put in place. Did you know that he had secured enough votes to trigger a debate on the trace on muggle-born wands? He felt that was unfair to penalise children because of the circumstance of their birth' said Peter

'Really? I never knew that' lied Harry; before he came back, Harry had read every single piece of legislation that's his parents had proposed and supported. He knew that the bill that Peter was talking about had been proposed by Amelia and seconded by James.

Peter then asked 'What do you think the verdict will be?'

'Mr Berresford, I'm sure that the readers in your publication would like nothing better than to read all about Sirius and the trial. Unfortunately, they won't hear about it from me.' said Harry.

Peter looked at Harry with a mixture of awe and confusion on his face; he opened his mouth to say something only to be cut off.

'Let me give you some advice, Rita, do your research properly. It's on public record that it was Amelia Bones and Sirius that proposed that bill' said Harry

'How did you know?' asked Rita

'A couple of ways, the most obvious one is Peter Berresford is a muggle historian. I've read a couple of his books, the other one is the faint aroma that lacewing fly gives off.' explained Harry

Rita turned to walk away. Harry grabbed her hand and said 'Your next move will be significant, Rita. Come after me, my family or my friends and I promise you I will find you and it will not be quick. However, that being said, work with me, and I can promise you exclusives that will make you even more famous. Think about it and owl me your thoughts.'

Rita briefly nodded before walking away.

That was one less thing for him to concern himself with, he looked up and saw Sirius looking at him. He got up and walked to the barrier.

'Who was that, pup?' asked Sirius

'That was Rita Skeeter; poly juiced as a muggle writer. Don't worry; she'll not bother us again.' said Harry.

Sirius looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow 'How did you know that she was using poly juice?' he asked.

'It's a long and wondrous tale of daring-do, full of thrills spills and the occasional death-defying episode' said Harry with a smile.

'Fine, keep your secrets.' sighed Sirius.

'Are you sure you don't want to hear it, there's a bit about a magic ferret and an albino dragon called snowdrop that thinks she's a cat?' Harry said innocently

Sirius laughed and said 'I'm sure it would be a ripping yarn, but a magic ferret and a dragon that thinks its a cat? You've over-egged the pudding just a little bit.'

'You don't believe me?' asked Harry in a feigned hurt whisper 'I was gone take you to meet snowdrop after this. She'll be ever so disappointed.'

'Ok, ok I believe you, Tell me about this magic ferret' said Sirius

'His name is Draco Malfoy, and he got turned into a ferret, only for a short time, though, but it was hilarious. He ended up getting stuffed down his friend's trousers. We don't speak of it to him, but by god it was funny.' explained Harry

Sirius looked shocked at this revelation, was Harry actually telling the truth?

'And Snowdrop?' he asked tentatively.

'She's one of the security Dragons in Gringotts. When she purrs, it sounds like a diesel engine, it's amusing watching her play with a huge ball of string.' said Harry.

'You're weird, Harry, did you know that?' asked Sirius.

Harry grinned and said 'yeah, I've been told that. Now get back to your seat, Lady Marchbanks will be back out in a minute. I'll see you right after the verdict, ok?'

'Alright pup, we'll talk after' said Sirius as he reached out and squeezed Harry's shoulder before going back to his seat.

In the general hubbub, no one noticed an elegant figure occupy the seat next to Harry; however, this was something that he had expected.

'Lady Malfoy, you honour me with your company' he said in a hushed tone.

'Mr Potter, my son, has written to me about the goings-on at school these past few weeks. My understanding is that you are the catalyst for many a change.' Narcissa said without making any eye contact.

'Please call me Harry, and yes you could say that I have made some changes. Your son and I reached an understanding on the train journey, and I am pleased to say that he has honoured his side of the agreement' said Harry

'I am pleased that not all of his fathers' teaching have taken, tell me, Harry, what was your side of the agreement.' She asked before slowly turning her head to look at the young man beside her.

He turned and looked her in the eye; Emerald green meeting Smokey blue and said,

'I promised him that I would post pieces of him back to you if his campaign against the muggle-born and half-bloods didn't stop, specifically my girlfriend and godbrother Neville Longbottom. For far too long has the dogma of the blood purists gone unchallenged; people like your husband have enslaved themselves to an egotistical maniac that lied about his heritage. Forgive me if I speak out of turn, my lady, but my parents did not sacrifice themselves so that the status quo could remain.'

Narcissa gasped as Harry spoke yet was unable to take her eyes off him, the passion in his words was frightening and exhilarating. As a Black, she knew nothing came before family, so she refused to be branded by the dark lord, much to the chagrin of her husband. After they argued over it, Lucius didn't speak of it again.

'I assure you, Harry, we do not all share my husband's views. It may come as some surprise to you, but I knew your mother, only briefly. We met when we were both pregnant, she was...' Narcissa's voice trailed off as the memory of Lily played in her thoughts.

'She was my friend when I had no one; I mourned her passing as I do every year on the anniversary. Hopefully, in the future we can be friends, Please know that I support you, as do many pureblood families.' said Narcissa before she stood and headed back to her seat.

##

'Albus, I will not send that young many back to that hell hole. He has done nothing to warrant being there.' Griselda barked at the headmaster.

'Then I urge you to place him in St Mungo's for evaluation. He is clearly unhinged and needs treatment' beseeched Albus

'Listen very carefully Albus; my decision is final. You are only on my advisors' panel as a favour to Mr Potter. He requested that you be included. Unfortunately, he has badly misread your character. He said that your "judgment is unparallel and are as unbiased as any three men combined" now if you are entirely finished, I have a judgment to give' Griselda said as she stood up and made her way to the door.

The remaining panel members looked at Albus and shook their heads before standing up and making their way to the door that lead to their seats. Griselda looked to the Auror and nodded.

He walked through the door, 'ALL RISE' he called out.

Everyone in the room stood as Lady Marchbanks, and her advisory panel re-entered the courtroom.

She rapped her gavel and said 'Please be seated.'

'Sirius Orion Black' she called out, Sirius and Ted stood.

'I had expected that this case would have taken most of the week to preside over, given the nature of the charges levied against you. The prosecutions admission, combined with your testimony under veritaserum, have shed light on the many shortcomings of our government.'

Griselda stopped to take a sip of water.

'My judgement is this; you are found innocent of all charges' said Griselda before she rapped her gavel.

'My Lady Marchbanks may I address the court?' came a voice from the back of the court.

'Who speaks?' she asked

'I am Severus Snape, I am the potions master at Hogwarts and I have recently been compelled to atone for my part in this sorry tale.'

'This is highly unusual. However, I will allow it.' said Griselda

'I attended Hogwarts with Mr Black and James Potter for seven years, they tormented me; however, I gave them back just as much as I got. In our fifth year, something happened that brought us to today, and I fear that it was my doing that caused the deaths of the Potters. It is no secret that Lily Evens was my best friend until that fateful day. I called her a name that I will not utter here out of respect for her son, who is sitting behind me. it was this day that I joined the Death eaters and killed any chance that I had at regaining that friendship with Lily.' said Severus

'In the months running up to that day Lucius Malfoy and his friends had invited me to meet them in Hogsmead, it was there that the seed was planted and over the next few weeks, it was cultivated by constant letters and meeting with some of his followers who were still at school. I regret that I was easily swayed. Not long after we had all left school, I was in the Hogshead awaiting an interview for the vacant potion masters position. I grew impatient and made my way to the room that Albus was interviewing for another vacancy. It was here that I overheard something that to this day I wish I had not. I rushed off to inform my master and set in motion a series of events that caused the deaths of James and Lily Potter. I have spoken about this with Young Mr Potter, and I hope that he can forgive me.' said Severus

'May I ask why you are bringing this up now?' asked Lady Marchbanks

'I received a letter penned by James Potter asking for my forgiveness for his actions.' He said

'Did you give the location of the Potters to the Dark Lord?' asked Kerry Dovetail

'No, I didn't know that what I heard was in any way related to the Potters until about a week later when I was summoned to Hogwarts by Albus Dumbledore, it was then he told me that the information was about her and her child. I begged him to protect her, to keep her safe. He demanded I swore an oath to him, that I would work as a spy against the dark lord for him. I agreed, and he told me that they would be moved to a secret secure location. Two months later she was dead, and Harry was alone.' said Severus

'Why are you offering up this information now?' asked Carmella Beetle

'Since the beginning of the school year, I have had my eyes opened to many things, chief amongst them was my attitude to Harry. I have been given an opportunity to prove my quality, to honour the friendship I once held so dear with his mother. I wish it to be on the public record that the chain of events that led us here began with me.' Severus explained as he bowed his head.

Lady Marchbanks rapped her gavel, bringing the attention on to her.

'Professor you are not on trial today, and I can see from your testimony that you have committed no crime. The impertinence of your youth has caused you significant anguish, but the only thing you appear to be guilty of is choosing the wrong allies.' She said to Severus.

'To the matter at hand, Sirius Orion Black it is the view of this court that you be released and all charges against you stricken from the record books. Go and take up the mantle of your house and the custody of your Godson. As compensation for your unjust incarceration, I order that the ministry pay you a sum of no less than five thousand galleons for every year you were imprisoned and issue a full public apology.' Griselda rapped her gavel one more time ending the trial of Sirius Black.

##

Tiberius McLaggan was furious; his nephew was in the hospital wing, expelled and running the risk of having his wand confiscated for a year over some jumped up charge about assaulting a fourth-year girl. Well, he would see about that.

He alighted from the carriage before storming through the main doors. He was a man on a mission, and the headmaster would see him.

'You there' He shouted at the first person he saw, 'get Dumbledore down here right now' he barked

Professor Flitwick turned and looked the man up and down before turning away to head off to his next duty.

'GOBLIN! I GAVE YOU AN ORDER!' Tiberius roared.

Filius sighed and turned 'Who are you to presume to give me any order, Wizard.' He demanded

'I am Tiberius McLaggan, I demand to see Albus right now.' Said McLaggan

'And that means what exactly? Besides the headmaster is not available nor is the deputy head, you will have to speak with the acting deputy head' explained Filius.

'Then get him down here this instant.' Tiberius shouted again.

'I am already here you buffoon. I assume that you are here to collect Cormac?' Filius asked

'I am here to see that his expulsion is overturned and the person that lied about him is duly punished. Now see to it Goblin.' Tiberius demanded.

'No. We won't have would-be rapists in the school. He is currently sedated and in no fit state to travel, and if you say Goblin to me again in that disrespectful tone, you will join him in the hospital wing.' Filius said calmly

'Oh really, and what exactly can a bog trotting half breed like you do to a pure-blood wizard like me?' laughed Tiberius.

The crowd of onlookers slowly edged back into the great hall; they knew that what was coming next would be spectacular, albeit short.

Filius flourished his wand with such speed that for years to come, most could not say that they saw it move. He unleashed a barrage of silent spells on the unsuspecting Wizard the like of which none had seen before.

Tiberius sailed through the air, bound and gagged, before crashing against the closed great oak doors. Filius walked over to the prone man and said just loud enough for Tiberius to hear.

'As a retired and undefeated seven-time world duelling champion, there are many, many things that I could do to you that would leave you as nothing more than a puddle on the flagstones. However, in this instance, I will give you one warning; Run. Just run because when His Grace, the earl of Monmouth, finds out what your nephew attempted to do to his girlfriend, there will be nowhere to hide.' Filius smirked and flourished his wand again and levitated the bound man and floated him to the hospital wing.

Neville and Hannah sat quietly with Hermione in the library; she had calmed down significantly but was still shaking somewhat.

'Are you ok Hermione?' asked Hannah

Hermione nodded, not once breaking eye contact with her hands that where clenched in her lap.

'No one thinks less of you, Hermione' said Daphne Greengrass, who had just appeared at their table.

'I think the rest of us girls are relieved that he's been put in his place and he's been expelled. You have done so much for every girl in this school, Hermione, you have nothing to be ashamed of.' said the Slytherin fourth year.

'What...what will Harry think?' asked Hermione

'I don't know Harry as well as any of you, but I think that he'll be relieved, then really pissed at himself for not being here then he'll go after Cormack with cold fury and tear him apart with his bare hands' said Daphne

Neville nodded his head in agreement with everything she had just said and added 'if the rumours are true, then Dumbledore and McGonagall will get both barrels from Harry.'

Hermione looked confused and asked 'What rumours?'

'That he's been caught in compromising situations on more than one occasion, and it was the influence of his uncle that kept him here with free reign to do what he wanted. It's just sheer luck he has raped no one. I'm looking forward to seeing Harry gut the prick if I'm honest, any guy that treats a girl like that deserves everything coming his way.' explained Neville.

The three girls just sat and stared at him in shock.

From where had this assertive and confident young man come? Being Harry's friend had had a positive effect on Neville.

##

'You know, if I hadn't seen this with my own two eyes I would never have believed it' said Sirius as he watched Snowdrop frolic with the conjured ball of yarn, the disbelief in his voice was evident.

'If you are quite finished, we have to go and see Ragnok, be warned you are going to hear a few things that you probably won't be prepared for.' explained Harry

Sirius looked at him with a raised eyebrow and said 'I'm a Black; there is literally nothing that could shock me, Harry.'

'We'll see' his Godson fired back

Their escort led them back through the tunnels towards the offices, several times a Goblin would stop and bow to Harry, who in turn would bow back. Eventually, Sirius asked 'What's with all the bowing, pup?'

'Well, you know that I and a few others were recognised as kin to the nation?' Harry asked

'Yeah'

'It turns out that during the procedure, that you haven't been told about yet, the Goblin gods spoke and named me as their chosen one' said Harry with a hint of embarrassment in his voice.

'Can you ever just have a normal day?' asked Sirius

'It's not like I actively seek out the weird and the wonderful' exclaimed Harry

'No, it seems to know exactly where you are at all times, Brother Harry' said Ragnok

'Director Ragnok, you honour us' said Sirius as he bowed

'It's good to see your Director' said Harry, extending his hand which Ragnok shook firmly.

'If we can retire to my office, there are a few things that we need to discuss, and hopefully, it will be profitable for all of us.' said Ragnok as he opened his door.

In the centre of his office were two chesterfield settees either side of an ornate oak coffee table. 'Sirius, your family has been steeped in the darkest of magic for generations, would I be correct in saying that you will be familiar with rituals for immortality?' asked Ragnok

'That would be fair to say; there are several books in the Black Library that discuss the rituals without giving instruction. My Grandfather sought to remove and destroy these tomes just as Voldemort started to grow in power. Bellatrix may have taken one or two books before he got to them.' Sirius replied

Harry turned in his seat and faced his godfather and said 'do you know what a Horcrux is?'

All colour drained from Sirius's face as the word sunk in.

'How do you know about that word, Harry?' he asked

'I know because I had one in my scar' Harry replied, Sirius dropped back on the settee in a dead faint. Harry looked across to the grinning Director and said 'That went well.'