A/N: I began this story well before Fleamontgate, and I have absolutely no plan to change everything at this date, especially since part of my plot hinges on the fact that Harry Potter is the grandson of Cassiopeia's little sister. I have adopted ShayaLonnie's headcanon, wherein Fleamont and Euphemia both absolutely detested their first names, and met and bonded over this at Hogwarts. They fell in love, married, and promised to only call one another by their middle names: Charlus and Dorea.
Beta Love: Auntie_L is truly amazing. A huge thank you to her for all of her help.
/\/\/\/\/\
No one had ever accused Cassiopeia Black of stupidity. After her very public upset at Harry's apparent abandonment at the train station, she immediately filed for guardianship of her great-nephew with the Ministry of Magic. With Augusta's and Griselda's help, she made sure that her efforts went unreported to Dumbledore.
As Chief Warlock, Dumbledore sat on any cases that were brought before the Wizengamot, and even if he did not hold a vote excepting in the case of a tie he still held enormous sway with the members. So Cassiopeia made sure that every petition she filed and every form she submitted would not need to come before the Wizengamot. Truthfully, most of Cassiopeia's efforts were automatically approved and sent on to the next department. The 'Black' name held a great deal of weight on its own, and Augusta and Griselda did their best at the Ministry to grease all the right wheels.
Once everything was set in motion, the Prophet broke the news. The timing might have seemed a coincidence, but it was not. Cassiopeia had arranged everything carefully so that Dumbledore wouldn't have a chance.
Boy-Who-Lived Abandoned by Muggles!
Harry Potter Left Alone at Train Station—Muggle Guardians Missing!
The article went on in lurid detail to describe Harry's "drawn, anxious face" as he waited for the guardians that never arrived. It painted Cassiopeia and Hermione in glowing terms as "proper pureblood witches who were overcome with worry for the safety and welfare of their family member." Even better, the reporter had somehow managed to track down Harry's supposed residence and discovered that the Muggle family had left their home with no forwarding address.
The uproar from the public was almost overwhelming. The average witch or wizard on the street was absolutely outraged that the Boy-Who-Lived had been neglected by his Muggle family. Popular opinion was that Harry Potter belonged with a nice, upstanding magical family that would take care of him. Many seemed to think that Cassiopeia Black had already proved her suitability for that role.
"Miss Black, thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice," Mafalda Hopkirk said with a polite nod.
"I am eager to straighten out my great-nephew's guardianship status," Cassiopeia replied smoothly and gave Ms. Hopkirk a smile.
"Of course; I understand completely," Ms. Hopkirk agreed. "I just need your signature here, here, and... here."
Quickly, Cassiopeia read through the documents and then wrote her signature at every spot that Ms. Hopkirk indicated.
"Is that everything?" Cassiopeia asked.
"Yes," Ms. Hopkirk said after she shuffled the papers into a neat pile and stamped each paper with a determination that was almost disturbing. "Harry Potter is officially your magical ward."
Once Dumbledore found out what had happened, he tried to protest, but it was too late and public opinion was such that he didn't dare risk fighting it too strenuously. Fortunately for Cassiopeia, he made the mistake of stopping her in the Ministry.
"I wish that you had come to me with your concerns, Miss Black," Dumbledore told her with an air of sadness and regret that made Cassiopeia want to punch him.
"I did tell you about my concerns, Mr. Dumbledore," she snapped, pitching her voice so that it could be easily overheard by the wizards and witches lingering nearby. "Every year for eleven years, I wrote to you, and every year you told me I was fretting over nothing, or it wasn't good for Harry's structure and schedule, or that Harry was perfectly fine with the Muggles; the very same Muggles that abandoned him. My great-nephew is underweight and malnourished, Mr. Dumbledore, and the healers are concerned about his diagnostic results."
Then Cassiopeia turned with a swirl of her robes and marched out of the Ministry. She waited until she made it home to let a smirk spread across her face.
/\/\/\/\/\
"Don't be ridiculous, Cassiopeia," Augusta snapped. "Of course the children will come to stay with us. You'll be far too busy with the trial, and they certainly can't be left alone while you're at the Ministry all day."
"They're my responsibility," Cassiopeia retorted.
"No one is saying that they aren't, Cassiopeia," Griselda said soothingly. "But you know that you don't want to take them anywhere near the Ministry, not with your guardianship so new. Let us help you."
"Fine," Cassiopeia muttered with ill grace. "I'll send Harry and Hermione to you during the day, but I want them home for dinner."
"Of course, Cassiopeia," Augusta agreed with a self-righteous smirk that made Cassiopeia long to smack her.
"You're worried about the trial, aren't you?" Griselda prodded gently.
"A little," Cassiopeia admitted. "The barrister has warned me that veritaserum will not be admissible in court. If one truly believes that what one is saying is true, the veritaserum will have no effect. In addition, memories are not admissible because they can be altered. I need proof that Sirius didn't kill Peter Pettigrew."
"It would also help if you could find proof that he wasn't the Secret Keeper," Griselda added.
"Well, he isn't a Death Eater," Augusta observed thoughtfully. "That should help him a little."
"It will definitely help his case, but I'm afraid that it won't be enough," Cassiopeia sighed. She rubbed at her temples absently. "The meddling Dumbledore has all but destroyed the Black family, and I fear that he is by no means done. How can I face Hermione and Harry and tell them that I failed?"
"You won't fail," Augusta argued. "The trial hasn't even begun. Be patient and let's see what sort of information you can find. The Potter estate must have papers that have been kept for Harry. Can you access any of them? Does Sirius have any papers? Were there any other friends that Sirius consorted with that might have more information?"
"I'm not certain." A deep furrow appeared between Cassiopeia's brows as she considered Augusta's questions. "It's just rumour, of course, but I believe that Sirius visited with Andromeda regularly after she was disowned."
"Would Andromeda be willing to receive you?" Griselda asked cautiously.
"There's only one way to find out." Cassiopeia stood and straightened her robes. "I'll just have to write her and ask."
/\/\/\/\/\
During the summer, Hermione went back to her pre-Hogwarts schedule where she spent at least three days a week with her cousin Narcissa taking lessons in various subjects. Draco usually spent some of that time with his father receiving instruction in his duties as future Patriarch of the Malfoy family.
Narcissa stared at the small, messy-haired boy who was fidgeting nervously next to Hermione. Cassiopeia had given explicit instructions about how she expected Narcissa to treat Harry Potter, and Narcissa had found those instructions both curious and telling.
"I am Draco's mother," she began in a quiet, calm voice. "But I am also your cousin Narcissa. Hermione has been taking lessons with me since she was quite small, but Cassiopeia has asked me to include you as well. She is worried that there may be some gaps in your education."
"Because I lived with Muggles?" Harry asked with a worried frown.
"In part, yes. Hogwarts presupposes a certain level of education, and goes from there. Without that knowledge, you may struggle in some of your classes, especially as you move forward," Narcissa said smoothly.
"What's the other part?" Harry had stopped fidgeting and was listening to her intently.
Narcissa shared a conspiratorial smirk with her younger cousin Hermione, and then both witches turned to Harry.
"Mother has serious doubts about the level of instruction offered at Hogwarts," Hermione explained. "Most of it has to do with the fact that Dumbledore tried to keep us from you. She doesn't think he can do anything right."
"Yes, well…," Narcissa coughed delicately. "It also has to do with the fact that the Defense Professor changes every year, the History Professor is a ghost who appears to be obsessed with the Goblin Wars, and the Muggle Studies course was outdated when the witch who teaches the subject took it."
Harry stared at the both of them with wide eyes. "Oh."
It was impossible not to smile at Harry's serious face. She shared another look with Hermione.
"Let us begin," Narcissa said with an encouraging smile at Harry.
/\/\/\/\/\
"Mum? Mum, are you home?" Tonks called. She absently dusted the Floo ash off of her Auror robes and hurried through the hall into the kitchen.
Standing at the kitchen table and bent over a bubbling cauldron was her mother. Andromeda had her wildly curly hair pulled back into a serviceable plait. Cautiously, Tonks edged her way around the table being careful not to jostle it at all. Andromeda straightened up and cast a quick stasis charm on her cauldron before she turned to look at her daughter.
"What are you doing home so early, Nymphadora?" Andromeda demanded.
Tonks was so excited that she didn't even flinch at the hated name.
"Mum, they're demanding that Sirius Black be brought to trial," Tonks blurted out.
Andromeda went completely still. "Who is?"
"Them, Mum. The Black family. Well, Cassiopeia Black, anyway," Tonks explained rapidly. She shrugged. "She's really the only one left, isn't she?"
Tapping at the window drew the attention of both witches. A great, black, sooty owl was waiting impatiently for them to take the letter from his foot. Tonks watched her mum stare at the owl for several long minutes before she became too impatient, and removed the letter herself. It was fancy stationery, very expensive. The delicate script that decorated the outside screamed wealth and prestige.
"It's for you, Mum." Tonks handed the letter to her mother.
Andromeda stared at the letter as though it concealed some sort of dangerous poison. She set it down on the table and proceeded to scan the letter with every diagnostic spell she knew. When the letter proved to be innocuous, Andromeda carefully broke the green wax seal on the back. As she scanned the letter, her face grew pensive.
"What's the matter, Mum?" Tonks asked worriedly.
"It's them," Andromeda replied. She stared at the letter and then looked up at Tonks. "Aunt Cassiopeia wants to know if I'll come to tea."
"Will you?" Tonks pressed.
"Of course," Andromeda said. She looked at her daughter and frowned. "How else will I know what they want?"
"You are such a Slytherin, Mum," Tonks replied with a laugh. She kissed her mother on the cheek. "Want me to come with you?"
"I think that might be a good idea," Andromeda agreed.
/\/\/\/\/\
The small parlour at Blackwell was unusually chilly and formal. Cassiopeia was sitting with her back ram-rod straight, staring at the far wall. Narcissa was mutilating a delicate lace handkerchief and avoiding Hermione's eye. The youngest Black huffed indignantly.
"I don't understand," Hermione repeated with a deep frown. "Who is Andromeda Tonks?"
"She... was my sister," Narcissa replied slowly, as if the words were being pulled from her reluctantly.
"Was?" Hermione's voice rose incredulously. She turned to glower at her mother. "Family is family. You taught me that."
"Family is family," Cassiopeia agreed with a stiff nod. "But the Black family has a long history of pruning its vines, supposedly to ensure the health and vitality of the vine as a whole."
"Why was Andromeda Tonks pruned?" Hermione demanded.
Cassiopeia sighed heavily. "She had the extremely bad taste to fall in love with a Muggleborn."
All of the blood drained from Hermione's face and she became even paler than normal.
"I'm Muggleborn," she whispered.
"I know that, Hermione. I wasn't the one who disowned her. In fact, I didn't even know she had been disowned for over a year," Cassiopeia explained.
"Before you came, Aunt Cassiopeia had a very bad habit of disappearing into her lab for months at a time," Narcissa added with a fond smile for her younger cousin.
"Mother," Hermione began and stopped and bit her lip.
"Patience, Hermione," Cassiopeia reminded her.
"Missy Dromeda is here," Ajax announced. He paused and sniffed. "Missy Dromeda brought a guest."
"That's fine, Ajax," Cassiopeia assured him. "I imagine it is her daughter, Nymphadora. Please show them in."
A woman with thick, dark curls very similar to Hermione's walked into the room, followed by a slender witch who was wearing ripped jeans and a flannel shirt. Hermione and Harry both stared at her brilliant pink hair. Cassiopeia rose to her feet and moved forward.
"Andromeda, welcome to Blackwell. I'd like to thank you for coming," Cassiopeia said with a small nod. Then she turned and gestured to Hermione. "My daughter, Hermione." She paused and then gestured at Harry. "And, of course, my great-nephew Harry."
Andromeda nodded in greeting to each of them, her gaze sliding over Narcissa who was hovering behind the settee that Harry and Hermione had chosen.
"Thank you for the invitation, Cassiopeia. It's a pleasure to finally meet the scion of the House of Black," Andromeda replied in a cool voice. She gave Harry a slightly sad smile. "Mr. Potter, I met your parents several times. I was very sorry to hear of your loss."
Harry stared up at her and then looked up at Cassiopeia who nodded in encouragement.
"Thank you," Harry murmured.
"My daughter, Nymphadora," Andromeda gestured to the pink-haired witch who scowled at her mother.
"Tonks," the pink-haired witch said firmly.
"Miss Tonks," Cassiopeia greeted her. "If you'll both please take a seat."
"No… it's just Tonks." The pink haired witch scowled at everyone.
One dark brow rose and Cassiopeia turned to Andromeda who rolled her eyes.
"Very well. Would you care for tea?" Cassiopeia continued on.
"That's very kind of you," Andromeda murmured as she took a seat. "But perhaps it might be best to get to the point."
Cassiopeia sighed. "We believe that Sirius is innocent."
"Innocent?" Andromeda scoffed in surprise. "Or perhaps a convenient Patriarch?"
"Family is family," Hermione blurted out. She stared at Andromeda for a moment and then frowned at Cassiopeia. "Or at least that's what I was told."
"Later, Hermione," Cassiopeia bit out between clenched teeth.
"Later when?" Hermione demanded. She stood up and waved her hands anxiously. "Later, when I find out I've got more relatives I didn't even know about?"
"Hermione!" Cassiopeia snapped, her voice like a whip, making Hermione flinch. "Can you keep your own counsel or do you need to retire to your rooms?"
Hermione paled and sat back down next to Harry, folding her hands demurely in her lap. Andromeda turned to Cassiopeia with a knowing smirk.
"Are you sure she wasn't a Black before you did the adoption ritual?" Andromeda asked. Cassiopeia's lips pressed into a thin line.
"There are days I wonder," Cassiopeia muttered.
"You really think that Sirius Black is innocent?" Just Tonks asked curiously.
"Mother says that he would never have kneeled before Voldemort," Hermione replied after a cautious glance at her mother.
"Sirius was too proud to bend for Walburga and Orion," Cassiopeia said with a shrug. "Walburga tried to disown him over it."
"Tried?" Andromeda blinked at that. "Didn't she?"
"Arcturus didn't sanction it," Cassiopeia explained with a little smile. "Walburga can destroy all the magical tapestries she wants to, but only the Patriarch can disown someone."
"I see." Andromeda's gaze flicked over to Narcissa, and then back to Cassiopeia. "And you assumed I would help?"
"I hoped that you would be willing to help," Cassiopeia amended. She tilted her head and looked Andromeda over. "If Sirius were the Patriarch, he would most likely reinstate you."
"You aren't worried about him disowning you or the scion?" Andromeda asked in surprise.
Narcissa snorted softly, but Andromeda ignored her completely, keeping her focus on Cassiopeia, who shook her head.
"Hermione has been pestering Arcturus to help Sirius for years. I'm sure there are records of his inquiries with the Wizengamot," Cassiopeia replied.
"Can you help?" Hermione asked with a worried frown. "Mother says that cousin Sirius' trial is stalling, and they may dismiss it without more evidence."
"I'm not sure what you think I can do," Andromeda protested, spreading her hands. "I wasn't a party to their plans… I wasn't there that night."
"Do you… do you have any papers that belonged to Sirius? Anything at all?" Cassiopeia asked.
"Maybe," Andromeda replied slowly, drawing the word out. "They used me as a waystation occasionally. I have a few letters somewhere."
"Thank you, Andromeda," Cassiopeia sighed.
The letters were sent between Sirius and his friends, and were very illuminating. There were several between Sirius and James discussing the Potter family's safety.
…it isn't just me anymore, Sirius. It's Lily and Harry and that damn cat. I'm responsible for all of them making it out of this thing alive. I know you hate the idea, but I think Dumbledore's plan is our best option…
…don't be stupid, James. Of course I realize that you have to protect your family. Yes, even that damn cat. It isn't that I don't trust Dumbledore, it's just… you know that this charm requires a Caster and a Secret Keeper, right? That's… I don't know who I trust to keep you lot safe. Harry's my godson, mate. It's a lot of pressure, yeah?
Thanks, Sirius. You don't even know how much I appreciate... Lily says to send her love, and that you're an arsehole for the…
Look, James, if Moody is right and there is a spy in the Order… word about the charm is going to leak out. Everyone is going to look straight at me—and they're going to be right. This is too dangerous. We have to switch. I'll never forgive myself if I'm the reason something happens to you…
As Cassiopeia read, she found herself agreeing with her great-nephew. Even she, locked in her labs and rarely coming up for air, knew of the closeness between James Potter and Sirius Black. Walburga Black wouldn't shut up about it to anyone who passed within a league after the boy had run off to the Potters. At one point, Walburga had tried to convince Arcturus to disown Sirius, but he had refused.
Finally, Cassiopeia found it—the evidence that she needed.
"Nimue's toes," she gasped as she read the letter over again to make certain she'd read it correctly.
"What is it, Mother?" Hermione hurried into the room.
Cassiopeia frowned at her daughter. "Have you been lurking in the hall this entire time?"
Hermione flushed. "No."
Cassiopeia rolled her eyes. "You must learn to lie better, daughter, or you'll never survive the snake pit."
"I know. Daphne and Pansy lectured me about it last year," Hermione muttered with a distinct pout.
"They were right," Cassiopeia said.
"Mo—other," Hermione whinged. "What does it say?"
"They switched," Cassiopeia said with a smirk.
"Switched what?" Harry asked. He poked his head cautiously into the room and Cassiopeia sighed.
"Secret Keepers," Cassiopeia explained.
Harry frowned. "Who was it?"
"According to this?" Cassiopeia held up the letter in her hand. "Sirius specifically tells James not to use Remus. His frequent absences made Sirius doubt his trustworthiness." Cassiopeia paused and frowned at the letter. "I understand Sirius' reasoning, but obviously their choice was the wrong one."
"Petter Pettigrew," Hermione said softly. "The wizard who died?"
"There is that," Cassiopeia admitted with a sigh. "He's considered a hero of the war—he was awarded the Order of Merlin posthumously, and gave it to his mother in some ridiculous ceremony that was plastered all over the Daily Prophet's front pages. It will be difficult to convince the Wizengamot of his guilt."
"Oh." Harry's thin shoulders slumped.
"Mother said it was difficult. She didn't say it wasn't doable," Hermione said firmly.
"Hermione is correct," Cassiopeia agreed. "This letter is admissible evidence. If we couple it with Sirius' lack of a Dark Mark… it might be enough to sway a majority of the Wizengamot." She sighed and shook her head. "I would prefer it if we had incontrovertible proof… something that they couldn't twist around, but I suppose we'll have to be satisfied with what we have."
The brilliant smile that stretched over Harry's small face, and the answering smile on Hermione's face, made it all worth it to Cassiopeia.
/\/\/\/\/\
July 28, 1992
Marchbanks Manor
The pre-trial court date was set for Harry's birthday. Despite Cassiopeia's money and social status, she hadn't been able to get the date changed, and even Augusta and Griselda weren't able to help.
"It's odd, is what it is," Griselda fussed. August nodded in agreement.
"Normally, anyone can file a request for a change in date," Augusta added.
"It's Dumbledore," Cassiopeia stated flatly. "The old coot probably thinks I'm stupid enough to bring the boy to court with me."
"So he picked Harry's birthday on purpose?" Griselda's eyebrows rose in surprise and she shook her head. "He has no idea how stubborn a snake can be, does he?"
"He's about to find out," Cassiopeia snarled. "If he keeps this up, I'll transfer the both of them to Durmstrang. See if I don't."
"We might be able to use that," Augusta murmured thoughtfully.
"You can leave the children with me," Griselda decided.
"Don't be silly Griselda," Augusta countered. "Neville's birthday is on the 30th. We'll do a joint birthday party for both children, and we'll invite several of their schoolmates."
/\/\/\/\/\
July 30, 1992
Longbottom Estate
The entire garden had been transformed by the House Elves. There were red and gold pennants and little topiary lions in different poses all throughout. The great trestle table from the formal dining hall had been moved to the yard and was covered in an eye-watering red and gold tablecloth. Harry had never seen anything quite so brilliant in his entire life.
"Come on, Harry," Neville called him. "Gran says that we need to be proper hosts."
When Harry and Neville arrived at the Floo room, Hermione was already standing next to Mrs. Longbottom. She was wearing a starched white pinafore over a black dress. Mrs. Longbottom eyed them both suspiciously. Neville grabbed Harry's hand and tugged him over by Hermione. Mrs. Longbottom nodded at them both and then turned to the Floo just as it flared green.
Out of the Longbottom's ornate fireplace stumbled a slightly sooty Seamus, followed by a disorientated Dean. Both boys grinned at Neville and Harry.
"Welcome to Longbottom Manor, Dean. Seamus. May I introduce my grandmother?" Neville said with a stiff little bow. "Grandmother, these are my House mates, Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas."
"Thank you for your kind welcome," Seamus recited. He sketched a short bow in Mrs. Longbottom's direction. "Greetings to the lady of the house."
Dean repeated Seamus' words stiltedly and made his own awkward bow. Mrs. Longbottom nodded to each boy.
"Welcome to our home," Mrs. Longbottom said. "If you'll follow Hermione, she'll show you out to the garden. The House Elves can get you tea or gillywater."
"Thank you, ma'am," Seamus and Dean chorused. They hurried after Hermione who had turned and was already headed out toward the lawn.
The Floo flared again and soon Harry was caught up in the ritual of welcoming his and Neville's guests. The Patil twins, Lavender Brown, a slender little blonde witch named Luna, Ernie MacMillan, Draco Malfoy, and a host of other people came through the Floo. Each person made their curtsy or their bow to Mrs. Longbottom and then fled after Hermione toward the lawn.
Finally, the Weasleys arrived. Fred and George popped through, followed by their younger sister.
"Ron's right behind us," George said with a grin.
The Floo flared green, but then it seemed to ripple oddly and a loud klaxon pealed. Mrs. Longbottom stiffened in shock and suddenly her wand was in her hand.
"Get behind me, all of you," she commanded.
"What is it, Gran?" Neville asked worriedly.
"It's the wards," Mrs. Longbottom said firmly. "Someone's attempted to gain entry and they've been trapped by the wards."
"But… it was just Ron," Fred protested.
"Did he have anything with him?" Mrs. Longbottom asked as she ran diagnostics for the wards. "Did he pick up anything at any of the shops on Diagon Alley?"
"No," George answered this time with a shake of his head. "He helped Mum make Harry's and Neville's presents."
"Somehow he picked up an extra guest," Mrs. Longbottom replied grimly. "There are two magical signatures in the ward field."
"That can't be right," Fred muttered.
"It could be Scabbers," their little sister suggested.
"Don't be silly, Gin," George said with a smile for his sister. He bumped her shoulder gently. "Percy's old rat wouldn't have a magical signature."
"I suppose not," Ginny agreed reluctantly.
"It appears to have been an animagus," Mrs. Longbottom said with a dark frown. "How long has Scabbers been a part of your family? Is he new?"
"No," the three Weasley children chorused.
In the end, Mrs. Longbottom contacted the Weasleys, the Aurors, and made Gringotts send out a ward expert. A huge group of people were milling about in the Floo Hall and arguing over the ward field's readings.
"It's my son in there," Molly Weasley exclaimed with an indignant expression, when one of the Aurors suggested that Ron might be involved with smuggling someone in to see the Chosen One. "He's only 12!"
"He might have been Imperiused," suggested the Auror.
Mrs. Longbottom shot him a look of disgust. "How in Merlin's name would anyone have gotten close enough to the boy to Imperius him?" She turned to glare at an older Auror who looked equally disgusted. "Is this the best your Academy is churning out these days, Scrimgeour?"
The older Auror sighed. "No, Augusta, it isn't."
Mrs. Longbottom tutted and Molly Weasley made a scoffing noise.
"Let's just… let's get the boy out," Auror Scrimgeour decided.
Gringotts' ward expert nodded and waved his wand in a complex series of motions. The swishing and flicking was happening so quickly that Harry's eyes crossed in the effort to follow the movement. Ron stumbled out of the Floo only to be snatched up by Mrs. Weasley and clutched to her chest. A round man with thinning hair and watery eyes stumbled out afterwards.
The adults gasped collectively.
"Peter Pettigrew!" One of the Auror's muttered in surprise.
"Incarcerous," growled Mrs. Longbottom.
"Augusta!" Auror Scrimgeour protested. "He's a war hero! You can't—"
"Where has he been for the last 11 years, Rufus?" Mrs. Longbottom demanded. "Why hide? Why not come claim his Order of Merlin himself?"
Auror Scrimgeour frowned at that and pointed at one of his Aurors. "Check his arm."
Everyone gasped again when his pale forearm was exposed and a strange, grey-looking tattoo was revealed.
"What's that, Mrs. Longbottom?" Harry whispered to her.
"The Dark Mark," one of the Aurors said faintly.
"Voldemort's mark," Mrs. Longbottom sneered.
"Scabbers!" Ron struggled in his mother's arms. "What happened to Scabbers?"
"That's Scabbers," Ginny told him, pointing at Peter Pettigrew.
Ron's eyes widened in horror. "What?"
"Shush, Ron," Mrs. Weasley told him.
"But… but… he slept in my bed!" Ron shrieked.
The Aurors all looked at one another and then at Rufus Scrimgeour.
"Let's haul him in," Auror Scrimgeour sighed.
"Just a minute," Mrs. Longbottom called out. "Sirius Black is on trial right now for Peter Pettigrew's murder. You might want to alert the Wizengamot that Peter Pettigrew is very much alive."
Rufus Scrimgeour gave a sharp nod to Mrs. Longbottom and then started barking orders to the Aurors. As soon as he was gone, Mrs. Longbottom was barking her own orders.
"Come on," Neville whispered and grabbed Harry's hand.
"What? Where are we going?" Harry asked as Neville dragged him in the other direction.
"To go tell Hermione," Neville hissed. "She's going to go spare when she hears!"
/\/\/\/\/\
Impatiently, Hermione smoothed out her robes and refolded her hands. Harry put his hand over hers and smiled at her.
"Aunt Cassiopeia said she would bring him home as soon as she could," Harry reminded her.
"What's taking so long?" Hermione worried aloud.
"Shouldn't I be the one who is worried?" Harry asked. "He's my godfather. What if he hates me? What if he wants to know why we didn't get him out sooner?"
"According to the letters Mother read, cousin Sirius adored you," Hermione said. "And we all know why no one could get him out sooner. That Dumbledore," Hermione spat his name out like a curse.
"Hermione… he's the Headmaster," Harry said nervously. "We… we shouldn't talk about him like that."
"He let your godfather rot in a beastly prison for eleven years," Hermione declared with an indignant expression. "He allowed those… those people to raise you. He might as well have let Voldemort have you for all the good he's done you."
"I think I like her," a raspy voice said.
Hermione shrieked and jumped in the air. They both turned toward the doorway to see a painfully thin wizard leaning heavily on Cassiopeia. Hermione gasped and then curtseyed deeply. She poked Harry in the ankle and he bowed awkwardly.
"Sirius, may I present the Scion of the House of Black, Hermione Cybele," Cassiopeia presented her daughter. Then she gestured to Harry. "And, of course, your godson and my great-nephew, Harry Potter."
"Harry." Sirius breathed his name as though he were saying a prayer. He pulled away from Cassiopeia and took a faltering step forward.
"Hello, erm, sir." Harry shuffled his feet and looked to Cassiopeia for help.
"Don't call me sir," Sirius said firmly. "Just… just Sirius is fine."
"What is it with this younger generation," Cassiopeia groused as she made her way to Hermione. "Just Tonks and Just Sirius. I never heard anything so ridiculous in my entire life."
"Mother," Hermione walked forward and took her mother's hand, moving to lead her from the room. "Why don't we have Ajax bring some tea?"
"We can call for Ajax," Cassiopeia told her daughter with a frown.
"Mother," Hermione hiss-whispered and tugged on her mother's hand.
Cassiopeia allowed her daughter to tug her out of the room.
"Well?" Cassiopeia asked.
"I thought they could use a few minutes alone," Hermione whispered.
"I'm not sure if that's a wise idea, Hermione," Cassiopeia murmured with a frown. "Sirius is very ill."
"We won't go far," Hermione promised. "It's just…"
Both witches peeked back into the parlour, where Sirius was hugging Harry tightly as silent tears ran down his cheeks.
"Perhaps a few minutes," Cassiopeia agreed.