A/N: I do not own Harry Potter or the Advent of the Archmage. They are owned by J.K. Rowling and Mo Xiang respectively.
The world is a chaotic place. There is so much clutter around you, that it makes finding a path difficult. Her world was doubly so. She is a young girl trapped between two worlds. The muggle society and her newfound magical one. This will be her third year since stepping into this macrocosm of incredible feats, structured in rigid hierarchy and bias. For the first time in her life, Rose Potter found her path. She saw her target clearly, she made it her goal to reach it within her lifetime.
She wants to make it so that people like her best friend do not find themselves marginalised simply for being born different. While she may not be able to affect the muggle world much, she realised she was in a particular position of power in the wizarding one.
She is the girl-who-lived, loathe as she is to use that title, and also the future Lady Potter. A family entitled to a position in the wizengamot. She may not have as much influence within those chambers as veteran politicians, however, she damn will try to become one of them and hopefully a leader in the near future.
Her gait was steady as she walked the hallowed halls of the Ministry. The Granger parents had insisted on joining the two children as this was practically a court hearing for their son.
Luckily the missive they received contained a detailed method to enter the premises.
The main auditorium was a sight to behold. Considering they had gone down a magical elevator from the streets of London, via a phone booth, the space was massive. It would not be an exaggeration to say that you could fit a 5-story building in this single room.
Right in the middle of this great edifice, stood a golden fountain. An artistic piece meant to exemplify the unification of Magical Britain under the Ministry. A wizard stood tall in the centre, grabbing the most attention, whilst there were a centaur, a goblin and a house-elf encircling him. While the piece was called the 'Fountain of Magical Brethren', It was clear to anyone that the emphasis was placed on the wizard. Going so far as to put the Wizard on a pedestal, with light shining just so that it feels as though he emits a natural halo. Objectively a very beautiful piece of art. However, its sub-connotations were such that it marginalises all the magical creatures as a sub-class to wizarding kind. It could be said to be an accurate depiction of the Pure-bloods view on all not of Pure-Blood.
Wizards and witches walked about, most with a purpose and direction. A few ambled around, likely not used to the bustle of Magical Britain's seat of power. They were such people. Though Dan and Emma did garner some curious gazes as they were dressed in muggle garb. Some of the onlookers even had sneers as they guessed their non-magical heritage.
Not that they were much bothered. They had bigger concerns than bigoted bias.
Leading the group, Rose strode towards the first Auror she saw. Their red uniforms stand out as much as the muggle's blue ones. Probably more so.
"Excuse me, sir. Where is the Wizengamot Chamber? We have been summoned." She showed him the letter.
At first, the Auror was going to dismiss the group as he was pressed. He had to report to the office soon. However, he soon noticed the scar on the young lady's forehead. Bright red in the shape of a lightning bolt. The most famous scar in the world.
Figuring it wouldn't be a bad idea to escort the girl-who-lived, the Auror said.
"Just follow me, I'll escort you there, Lady Potter. Faster, and you will experience less hassle."
"Thank you"
She beamed at the man for his help.
Link was surprisingly silent this whole time. He was usually the one leading his friend around. However, since yesterday, as though a shift, Rose has experienced something few in this world or his have had the privilege of undergoing. Their purpose. He did nothing so as she may develop this new passion from fleeting embers to a raging inferno. He wanted her to burn all that may stand before her in her strength. He wanted her to be what he was before. A Leader.
She had purposely exposed her usually hidden scar today. Finally willing to embrace her full identity to accomplish whatever it is she wished. And Link had never been so proud of anyone in his life. Acceptance is a much more difficult foe than any person could hope to be. Especially when it was aimed inward.
Of course, Rose hadn't encountered anything particularly difficult. Nevertheless, the mere fact that she took the initiative to speak with a stranger, while fully exposing her identity shows how much the shy girl grew in such a short time.
Soon, the family stood before the massive doors of the chamber. The Auror had just left after explaining that there would be a dedicated Auror to check them in. All they had to do was knock.
Rose again took the lead by knocking. It took but a few seconds for the doors to open. An Auror looked at them with a raised eyebrow, her silent question obvious.
Rose took out the letter once more, showing it to the officer saying:
"Hello, we received a summons. Could we enter?"
Seeing as there was no issue with the summons and that it was cleared with the magic stamp on the paper, the Auror bade them in and escorted them to a corner of the Chamber. Not quite removed, but not entirely seen.
Soon the members came in and took their place. Dumbledore in his position of Chief Warlock, took his place on the podium and initiated the meeting.
Oblivious to his student's presence. Unaware of the major upheaval to magical society this single assembly will result in. Rose Potter was about to make her debut.
Dumbledore had been less than pleased for the past two days. Upset at the travesty he had heard about. Sirius Black was innocent. At least that was what he understood from Madam Bones. He is very disappointed with the lack of trial and bias executed by the system. More than that, he was disappointed in himself. His naivete and lack of proactivity might have caused an upstanding man to rot away in a prison, his name besmirched and his life stripped of any form of decency.
It is a gut-wrenching moment when you realise that the Potters will when read all those years ago, other than leaving everything to their child and a sizeable sum to be distributed to their friends, Sirius Black was named to be little Rose's caretaker in the likely event that something were to happen to them. Of course, this had been disregarded as the events portrayed Sirius as a traitor. No one wanted to leave the young girl in his untender mercy.
However, given the current circumstances, it was very likely that they had misjudged the situation. Hopefully, this trial clears things up.
Once within the Assembly's chamber, the Chief Warlock called for attention and described the purpose of the meeting today.
"Greetings Lords and Ladies. I'm sure that you all came here today to further discuss young Link's supposed cheating in his OWLs. However, an interesting piece of news had been brought to Madam Bones's attention. She felt this subject takes precedence over the quite honestly unfounded case. Director Bones, if you will"
"Thank you, Chief Warlock. Two days ago, due to certain circumstances, we found Mr Peter Pettigrew alive and well. Today we are to conduct his trial, and if necessary revisit previous decisions."
That was not news to the body, they had all read the Daily Prophet. They were well aware of the reason for this meeting. Link and Rose and done a bit of reading since they captured the man in rat form. Peter was a friend of Rose's parents but was later killed by their other friend Sirius Black who now rots in Azkaban.
Rose had been inconsolable when she read the part explaining the betrayal. How could Black betray her parents, he was their friend. Their closest friend.
She hated the man for all of 5 minutes when she was calm enough to realise that with Peter being alive, what else was false about what she read? She decided to wait and see, perhaps there might be a different side, or Peter was just a coward hiding for so long.
How lucky were they that they will bear witness to his trial?
"Send them in"
The word 'them' triggered the brains of those watching the proceedings. Them as in more than one person. Who other than Pettigrew is here?
The doors were flung open as Pettigrew was shoved in surrounded by Aurors. He was then forced into the prisoner's chair that automatically bound the person placed on it. The bonus side is that it prevented the use of magic by the suspect. So, Peter will be unable to change into a rat.
The wretched man was squirming and jittering. His gaze jumped from one person to another. Hoping to find someone, anyone that might be able to help. He dared not look at the Lords and Ladies of the dark faction, for he knew they would not help. They would sooner torture him to find out what he did that fateful night twelve years ago. No, he had to plead with the Light faction, for they still did not know he was a traitor. He has to get out before the Director explains what he said under veritaserum. Should what he said be exposed he will most definitely die. They would ensure it.
"Headmast-"
Before he could even begin his plea, the doors opened once more. This time the person walking leisurely through, even with Aurors surrounding him, elicited a gasp from the audience. Sirius Black sauntered in with a confidence rarely seen even amongst them, the people with the power in the wizarding world.
He was brazen and fearless. Even after years confined in that Merlin-forsaken prison, he maintained an aura of a mighty figure. That is not to discount his frayed mind. He hated Azkaban, every second there was hellish. But he will never let the people see that part of him. They will witness him as the bad boy Auror that he was during the war. A part of the Prankster kings of Hogwarts. A true menace.
However, all his mirth disappeared the moment he laid eyes on his fellow prisoner. Rage slowly consumed his mind.
Similarly, Peter's expression was transforming into one of pure fear.
"WORMTAIL!"
His roar shook the very foundations of the amphitheatre. Striking fear even amongst those not the target of his ire.
What followed next would shock the audience as well as set the tone for this trial. However, best of all, it affirms to Rose just what kind of person Sirius Black is. And how much she would have loved to be in his care all those years ago.
"You traitorous rat. How dare you… how dare you betray James and Lily. You fucking rat. I'm going to kill you before you try to hurt Rose"
Amid his speech, Black had broken through his entourage, dodged their spells and arrived before the cowering rat. Just before he could connect his foot with the bastard's face, and probably make due on his word and end the rat's life, Dumbledore had frozen him in mid-air. His few days in the holding cell were good for him, he had been treated and fed properly for what felt like forever. It did much for his physical and mental state.
"Peace Sirius, I understand your anger, but please leave it to the Wizengamot to do justice."
"Like that helped me before" was his snarling reply, but he did try to calm himself. "Fine, I'll play along for now."
Again, all this happened before Rose's eyes. She just witnessed a man, her parent's best friend, disregard his safety and possibly his freedom for the sole reason of avenging her parents and possibly protecting her.
If Azkaban is as bad as she had read about, as Link had explained to her. She could not help but admire the man that would willingly go back there, just for her. As far as first impressions go, Sirius Black is a man to remember and a person worthy of respect.
Soon after he was also strapped to a similar chair as his former friend, though at the other end of the chamber.
There were mutterings and dark glares from both sides of the 'Gamot. The dark faction was smiling gloatingly at Black. His absence is one of the best things to happen to their side. With him gone, the Black seat had been under Malfoy's care by proxy of his wife. Granting the man two votes, placing him in a powerful position. With Malfoy now gone, the seat had been dormant for a while. But at least it is not with the light faction as it would have been had Sirius taken up the mantle of Lord Black.
Of course, there is always the matter of whether he is eligible for the seat as he had been cast out by his mother long ago.
However, as there is no one else eligible for the seat, it is difficult to say who will take it up. But I digress, that is a story for another time, and if Sirius is even going to be let out in the first place.
As though nothing happened, Director Bones continued where she left off.
"Bring Peter to the front, feed him veritaserum. He has some questions to answer"
That caused an uproar.
"You are not allowed to give Pure-Bloods Veritaserum. It is against the law."
"Just because you are the head of the DMLE does not mean you can do whatever you want. This is a breach of his and our rights as Pure-Bloods." (A/N: It's not verified whether Pettigrew was Pure-blood or not, but I will go with he is)
"On what ground do we interrogate him? Was it not stated previously that he was a hero? He was also awarded a Merlin's Order: third class, post-humously. So what's with this… this farce?"
The dark faction predictably was against that. For one, they knew that Peter was the traitor. They had seen him present himself to the Dark Lord on multiple occasions. Secondly, it is not that they like the man, hell they can't wait to kill him, but he knew too much. They were trying to silence him to protect themselves.
Rose was a bit disturbed by the fact that the law protected only Pure-bloods. Does that mean that anyone else is fair game? Another for blatant bias in the laws. It's honestly ridiculous how far gone their ego is. Looking at Link from the corner of her eye, all she could think was 'What's so good about a Pure-Blood?'.
"Silence! Pettigrew was deemed suspicious enough and most uncooperative that Veritaserum is necessary. We will Proceed with the Serum." Interjected Amelia, knowing that the Minister and Chief Warlock were already on board. So there should be only little resistance.
Also, with Malfoy gone, there was still no definitive leader for the Dark Faction. They are like grains of sand in a hand full. There is no cohesiveness, eventually scattering in the wind.
What was surprising was that there were a few in the light faction that tried to defend Pettigrew, too ingrained in his belief that Sirius was guilty and Peter innocent.
Regardless, she will eventually expose the truth.
Although he tried to resist, Pettigrew was no match for the Aurors that forced open his mouth and poured the potion in. Soon his eyes glassed over his posture slack. He was now under its power.
"Mr Pettigrew, why were you hiding as a pet rat for the past 12 years?"
"I was afraid I will be caught by other Dark Lord followers"
"Why would they be after you?"
"So that they can understand what happened to our Lord"
When the word 'our' was uttered, there was a ripple effect throughout the chamber. Those from the Light faction were staring at the man with wide eyes. Though the Dark faction had very little reaction as they already knew the truth.
Only Sirius was vindicated as he let out a bark of a laugh. Finally, he might know justice and be freed. Hopefully, he would be able to get to be in Rose's life. If she didn't hate him for failing her and her parents. One can only dream.
"Who is your lord?"
"The Dark Lord is my Lord"
With the confirmation stated clearly, many were at a loss. This was the man that had died a hero, now was nothing but a traitor. Few are those that connected the dots immediately, but eventually, more and more heads were staring at Sirius Black. Could they have been… wrong?
The interrogation continued, unconcerned with the mutterings going around.
"What happened on that Halloween night in 1981?"
"I brought the Dark Lord to the Potter house. I told him the secret to the Fidelius charm"
Rose was staring daggers at the man. She never felt hate before, but she hated this man now. He robbed her of a childhood with her parents. It might not have been the best with the war going on, but at least she would be with her parents.
"What happened after that? With Sirius"
"Sirius felt there was something wrong. He tracked me down, trying to capture me. To question me. Maybe even kill me. He knew then that I had betrayed our dear friends. So I cut off my finger to stun him long enough to fire a random blasting curse. It just so happened to hit a muggle pipe, it caused a massive explosion. In the confusion, I ran away."
Stunned as they were, anger coursed through the Light faction's veins. They were duped. They blamed an innocent man and praised a traitor. They could not hope to begin making amends due to their blunder.
The Dark faction was still holding its breath on whether any more intrusive questions would be made. Their lives could very well turn on its head due to this, if not handled carefully.
"Do you have a Dark Mark, Pettigrew?"
"Yes I do"
This was it, the members of the Dark faction were about to risk it all to interrupt the questioning, but she was a beat faster.
"How do you get the Dark Mark?"
"It is bestowed upon us by our Lord"
"Can you be forced to take the Mark? Say through the imperious curse?"
They could not take it anymore, a few lords jumped up to cause a ruckus.
"What is the meaning of this Madam?"
"What does this have to do with the case?"
"We already know he is guilty, hurry up and carry out the sentence. We have other things that need to be discussed."
Unfortunately, their interruption was a tad too late. The question was already asked, Peter answered.
"I do not know"
That caused a weight to be lifted from the Death Eater's hearts. Although their obstruction might have been suspicious, however without proof of anything, it could be passed off as nothing but impatient chatter.
"Who are the members of he-who-must-not-be-named's inner circle?"
"I do not know"
His lack of answers was frustrating but understandable. The rat was not high up in their ranks. He definitely does not know enough about them. She asked these two questions as she had forgotten to ask them before, she also did not bring up the second wand. Voldemort's wand needs to be destroyed as soon as possible.
The Dark Faction was much more relaxed now. They will push for the death sentence either way. They didn't like the rat.
"As you can see Minister, Chief Warlock, members of the Wizengamot. This man is guilty of being a confirmed Death Eater. His very existence also liberates Sirius Black from wrongful imprisonment. I propose the motion to send Pettigrew to Azkaban. The second motion is to judge Sirius Black innocent of crimes previously accused of, and to grant him his freedom, including compensation by the Ministry."
A voice echoed over the temporarily silent chamber.
"Did you do anything creepy to the Weasley's?"
Everyone looked over, following the voice as it sounded too young to be part of their meetings.
They saw a young girl standing proudly by the corner. Her eyes never left Pettigrew, ignoring all the questioning and surprised eyes. There she stood, the girl-who-lived in all her young glory. They were surprised to see her, most even wondering why the 4 people were present.
Dumbledore was also surprised but pleased with the question as he was also most curious about that.
"I did not do anything to the Weasleys"
"Did you peep on them?"
"I did"
The answer caused every mother and father's eyes to narrow in disgust and anger. Madam Bones was thankful for the question, with everything going on she forgot to ask about that aspect.
This was it, the spark they needed to push for his death. They could kiss the girl for her well-timed question. Though most were still unhappy with her presence.
"I push for the accused to receive the Death Sentence"
"Seconded"
Though he disliked the idea of taking a life, Albus did not raise much of a fuss when requesting for the vote to proceed. His eyes hard.
The motion passed, though just barely.
Peter was in a frenzy.
"No, please don't. Please. I don't want to die. No. Sirius. Please say something. Sirius. SIRIUS"
The Aurors were quick to unshackle the man and escort him to the chamber of the Veil. The standard method for execution by trial.
Sirius never once paid the man any more attention. Not since he heard her voice. So similar to Lily, yet it contained a bit of James' undertone. Her face was a perfect blend of her parents. As though he had seen a ghost, all his scrutiny and focus was on her. He was choked with emotion, a tear sliding down his withered face. But he didn't care. His God-daughter was right there in front of him. So close he could almost touch her.
"With that over with, let us proceed with the trial for Mr Sirius Black" Said Dumbledor, wanting to free the man officially. He also wished to apologise to him.
"Should we really liberate the man? What will the people think if the Ministry was to admit that they made a mistake." Started Lord Nott, the man closest to becoming the head of the Dark Faction. Though two others were in close contention.
However, today they all decided to band together for the sake of keeping the House of Black out of the man's reach. They can't run the risk of having House Black vote for the opposing party.
"That's right. The Ministry does not make mistakes. After all, if we are to admit to one, why not another?" continued Lord Carrow.
"I'm sure none of us wants to have a retrial for the Lestranges. Am I right Dowager Longbottom?" finished Lord Greengrass, a taunting smile on his face as he looked at the recipient of his provocation.
"What nonsense are you lot sprouting?" screamed Augusta, unable to keep herself in check. The Lestranges were a touchy subject for her.
"This is in no way shape or form similar" argued another. "There is clear evidence that Sirius is innocent, the Lestrange have no such basis."
"Oh they might, or they might not. Who's to say? We need to proceed with another trial to make sure. Of course, the matter won't settle with just them. Every wizard or witch sent to Azkaban by the previous Ministry will need to be retried. Who knows what pieces of evidence might have escaped their eyes? We need to be sure."
Crouch had been silent the entire time, too embarrassed by his blunder to make much of a comment. However, when it was suggested that they take a closer look at all his previous cases, he could help but feel a bit of panic. They might look more in-depth at his son's case, after all, is said and done. He needed to stop this before it can gain momentum.
"Absolutely not. Sirius is guilty, let's execute him as well. None of the inmates are allowed to leave the island."
This was not much different from his usual MO, so not many were aghast by his statement. After all, the man sentenced his own son harshly. With no remorse. Him endorsing Black's execution was not surprising.
That did not mean they weren't against him.
"Crouch, that is a bit extreme. Sirius is innocent. How can you condemn an innocent person? Especially after he had been harmed extensively by your mistake?"
Intervened Dumbledore, making his stance known.
The Wizengamot was akin to a marketplace with all the chatter going around. Hardly could anyone hear from the person seated right next to them, much less from those across the hall. It was chaos. Not dissimilar to a kindergarten class during recess.
Through it all, Sirius kept his gaze firmly planted on Rose. He cared not for his fate, as long as Rose was well taken care of. She seemed to be healthy, and apparently in good care if her close proximity to the boy next to her was any indication. He smiled. A True genuine smile for the first time since he first carried her in his arms. A feeling of love engulfed him once more, her very presence reigniting his adoration. He was content. Even if he were to die, just seeing her was enough.
Rose had also been looking at Black, she saw his smile. She felt his love through his eyes. She felt an emotion that she could not experience enough of, familial love. She enjoys it every time she steps into the Grangers' house. Her best friend's parents were the uncle and aunt she wished for.
She knew then and there that she would like to get to know the man. And for that, he must not be allowed to die.
So she spoke up once more.
"Is this how things are done here, in this most important of settings? Like dead water, it's filled with rubbish. Scraps are boasted to be emerald and rot a beautiful tree. Is this how you decide things? This ditch of waste can not produce any modicum of justice. Might as well let the Devil take the reigns, let's see how far we'll get"
The people were still arguing when she started talking but slowly turned to silence. They were stunned by the girl's audacity. She dared to ridicule them. Madam Bones stifled a chuckle, the girl had guts. Nevertheless, she must maintain her professionalism.
Sirius had no such qualms. He threw his head back as he laughed out in glee.
"You, girl. How dare you… This is the Wizengamot. It's not a place a person like you has any say"
"That's right. We can't expect much from a girl with so little knowledge of our culture, but even basic respect seems to be absent from your bearing. Keep quiet while the adults converse. Alright, child?"
"Miss Potter, we appreciate your presence. But it will be better if you let the adults talk here."
While the Dark Faction were quick to belittle and disregard her, and the Light Faction were more accepting but still patronising. Dumbledore was looking on with a smile. It always brought him joy when his students develop before his eyes. He can't help but admire the little Gryffindor's mighty courage. She stands before the highest authority in Magical Britain but she yields not one inch, it was satisfying. She proved him right by replying straight away.
"Is that all you do? Malign and belittle people? Is this how our future is to be represented? I can only shake my head at such fickle minds. Hear it wide and clear, let my laughter reverberate in this palace of demons. I will become your nightmare so you may terrorise no one anymore."
Sirius would be rolling on the ground if he could, he was so tickled. An immense sense of pride was surging in him. Even if he were to be sent back to Azkaban, even with ten Dementors constantly consuming his joy, this feeling here would last another hundred years.
Dumbledore, Amelia Bones and Augusta Longbottom were staring at her with wide eyes like the rest of the chamber, though they were feeling anticipation and happiness that there was such a lion in the new generations. She is going to be a force to be reckoned with.
The Pure-Bloods were in a rage. How dare this half-blood mock them. Who does she think she is?
"You damn bitch, who do you think you are talking to. Learn to respect your betters. We are members of prestigious houses, lords of a calibre. You are still too young to be on equal footing with us."
Link who had been silent all this time, content with letting Rose do the talking, was proud and amused with her interjection. Who knew she was so eloquent? His parents were snickering the entire time. Happy with how Rose was handling herself.
But that all stopped when someone couldn't handle his anger anymore and insulted her.
"And who are you to speak to her like that? Do you think you are qualified?"
"Shut it, mudblood. You have no right to speak here, even less so than that bitch."
"I'd rather be a mudblood than a gremlin"
"Whos the gremlin? Do you have any right to talk about my looks when your appearance is as it is?"
That earned him a glare from Link's parents and Rose. She hated when people tried to bring her best friend down by talking about his looks. In her eyes, his stature stood tall above all those who think themselves handsome. Just when she wanted to retaliate, Link beat her to it.
"You are right, I may not be the best-looking person, but at least I'm pleasant at heart. But what about you? Your portrait might ward off Dementors. Hell in a bedroom it might ward off pregnancies."
They were stunned for all of ten seconds before the entirety of the chamber erupted in uncontrollable laughter. They could not help but crumble before this masterful reply.
Sirius was the loudest of the lot. He suddenly had an immense liking for the boy.
Eventually, Dumbledore brought back order to the Wizengamot and initiated the voting for Sirius' fate.
One house after another issued its verdict. With every vote against him, he did not fall into despair. Instead, he rejoiced in the small comfort that he got to see Rose one last time. Maybe they will allow him 5 minutes to speak with her.
What was surprising was the number of votes in his favour. They were almost equal. It seemed that his fate was not as cut and dry as he had thought.
It was a tie. A not so rare event, usually broken by the Minister's vote. So whoever had the Minister's ear could usually pass the more biased laws. Previously Madam Milicient Bagnold was firmly in Dumbledore's camp, after that Fudge had always been at Lucius' beck and call. But now with Lucius dead, it was unknown what will happen.
What was unusual this time was Dumbledore's vote, as he often abstains from voting to keep objectivity in his post. It was what tipped the tie.
Fudge was silent for a while, sweating due to the pressure he was being presented with. Everyone was staring at him now. He was hit by indecisiveness.
He finally decided that he'd rather curry favour with the Girl-who-lived. She seems to be a future leader in these halls. Plus he could spin this to his advantage with the press.
"Sirius Black is…"
Everyone was waiting for his decision with bated breath. It is a form of power he was rather fond of. Every one of these Lords and Ladies were waiting for him, HIS Decision. It was intoxicating.
"Innocent"
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter.