I have A/N This will probably be the last update before my exams so after
this there won't be anything for…3-5 weeks, depending on how much work my
mum makes me do. But rest assured, this fic WILL be finished and I won't
forget about it. I may just take a while in updating.
I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Ashie. It's her birthday soon, May 23rd, and I'd like to give her a present like she gave me. I know this is very soon, but I'm taking a maths exam on the 23rd and I'll be lucky if mum lets me breathe let alone go on the computer. Also go read her fics, they're really good.
AND PLEASE READ THE A/N AT THE BOTTOM. I HAVE A QUESTION!!!!!!!!
Chapter 13
Harry felt uncharacteristically warm and comfortable. He wanted nothing more right now than to lie here and slip back into sleep. However, the person beside him seemed to have different ideas.
"Harry? Harry, are you awake?"
Harry gave a sigh and slowly peeled his eyes open. He peered into the blur of colours, trying to identify the voice and at the same time fumble for his glasses. He was rather surprised, and glad, when said glasses were handed to him and he was able to glare at the person who had denied him his sleep.
"Professor Lupin!" he gasped. "What-what are you doing here? Are you teaching again?"
Remus Lupin smiled indulgently at the rumpled teenager on the bed and pushed Harry back firmly into the mattress which he had promptly vacated upon discovery of his old teacher. But before he could open his mouth, Harry was bombarding him with more questions…
"Are you staying? Are you all right? Where's Sirius? What's happening-
Remus blinked like an owl caught in bright light, letting everything wash over him before he finally raised a hand to stop the torrent. He smiled at the boy and, finally, spoke. "Please relax Harry. Madame Pomfrey will have my hide if she thinks I've been taxing you. She told me in no uncertain terms that you were to rest…in surprisingly colourful language. Actually I do believe she used several different languages." He allowed himself a grin. "Now, as to those questions of yours. Firstly, please call me Remus. I'm not teaching here anymore. I am, however, staying. That is because I'm going to teach *you*.
"Next, I'll be fine after a good night's rest and some food and no, I don't where Sirius is. Sorry. As to what's going on…I'm afraid I have little more idea than you at this point in time." He finished and watched as Harry sifted through this information and he had to keep himself from smirking insanely as he watched Harry's beaverish mind latch onto the one statement that didn't make complete sense.
Harry frowned. "What do you mean you're teaching me?"
Remus did grin this time. "Just what I said. I'm here to teach you. Not the others, just you."
Harry frowned again. That didn't make much sense. True, he probably needed more protection that most but surely Professor Figg could provide him with that sort of teaching. Then, suddenly, he saw it. Plain as day and so logical that he wondered how he'd even missed it before. "The Order," he said simply.
Remus looked a little surprised at that statement. Almost as if he hadn't expected Harry to come to that conclusion. Slowly, the older man nodded. "Yes. Dumbledore asked me to teach you to deal with it, the link and the like. He also thinks it would be prudent to teach you duelling skills, although I must say yours are far better than most."
Harry beamed at the compliment. It wasn't often he felt good at something, except for Quidditch, but he had enjoyed the duelling lesson in Defence and, in his rather biased opinion, had been quite good at it. And besides…after last night he wasn't going to pass up any opportunity that could help him against Voldemort.
"Your extra training will start as soon as possible and Arabella is going to start teaching your year at a more advanced level than usual. Your year is in a little more danger than usual because Voldemort may try to get at you by getting your friends. The seventh years will need extra tuition too, especially the Slytherins, because they'll be targeted for becoming new Death Eaters."
Remus obviously saw the guilt and self-condemnation on Harry's face at this point because he stopped and sighed. Shifting slightly, he leaned over and engulfed Harry in a sudden spontaneous and awkward embrace. "Don't blame yourself Harry. This would have happened anyway. If he hadn't used you, he would have found another way. This time was bound to come sooner or later. And at least this way he has the weakness of mortality. People respect you Harry, they don't hate or blame you. They're proud of what you've accomplished and follow your example. People aren't as scared this time as they were fourteen years ago because they have you. You who has escaped him and thwarted him more times than many of us would like to count. People look up to you Harry for an example and for hope. Don't deny them that by wrongly blaming yourself."
Harry lay quietly in Remus' arms thinking this over. Did people really look up to him or was it just because of his fame? Did they really follow him for an example? Was he right to blame himself? He *had* been the cause of Cedric's death, of Sarah's death, but it had been Voldemort who had uttered the curse, who had killed them. It had been Voldemort who killed his parents, even if they had died because of trying to protect them. And they had succeeded. Voldemort had been defeated that night. Was it fair to blame Sirius because he had trusted Peter? No! And therefore, the logical part of his mind stated, it was wrong to blame himself for Cedric's and Sarah's deaths, maybe even wrong to blame himself for Voldemort's resurrection. Part of him still wanted to place the guilt squarely on his plate, but this new reasoning forced it to stay away. It *wasn't* his fault. It was *Voldemort's* and Harry was going to make him pay for it, for everything.
And he was going to go about that by learning everything he could. He'd read the entire library if he had to, but he would find what could defeat Voldemort, for good. And along the way, he'd work out all the little nuances that bothered him.
Harry sighed and let sleep claim him, content in the knowledge that others would help him, he wouldn't be alone and that no one really blamed him, that he didn't really blame himself anymore. He had people that cared for him and, although they couldn't always be there, they would do everything in their power to help and protect him. People relied on him so he'd give as good as he got and Voldemort would get what was coming to him. Life, he absently realised, had suddenly got a whole lot brighter.
The still sadistic part of his brain reminded him that, if people really looked up to him, they'd be in a right fix when he managed to get himself killed.
* * *
Sirius gave a low whine of despair before his legs collapsed beneath him and he tumbled to the forest floor. The night was cold, bitter and harsh in its strength yet despite that it soothed him for it helped to alleviate the raging heat of the fever that held him. He shivered helplessly as his unfocused eyes strained to see anything. The coherent part of his mind registered its frustration upon finally seeing his destination sparkling like a lost jewel in the moonlight. Hogwarts. It only lay a couple of miles ahead; he could see it over the edge of the lake. Yet for all its beauty and safety, it could have been light years away and it wouldn't have made any difference. His limbs no longer coordinated with each other and his lungs struggled to take in enough air to simply continue breathing.
Had he come all this way only to die now? Had he ran for hours, sustained only by the hope of seeing his godson, to die now in sight of his goal? Fate, he decided, was obviously on steroids tonight.
And then another image entered his mind, one that he didn't particularly like seeing. One of Snape bound and being tortured by Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Sirius didn't exactly love the man but, he had to admit grudgingly, he did owe the man his life…despite the fact he was now losing it. But even more terrifying to see in his mind's eye was the thought of what would happen once Voldemort got to Harry. Harry had no idea of the danger he was in and only Sirius could inform him. Even Dumbledore didn't know which, he thought absently, showed just how damn manipulative and subtle Voldemort could be.
He glanced again in the vague direction of Hogwarts. The moon had gone behind a cloud but, despite that, it still seemed to glisten. He had to get back to Hogwarts, had to…to help Snape and, more importantly, Harry. He…had to …tell Albus how… Voldemort was…linking with…Har…
Sirius dimly cursed himself as his body became numb and his mind began to lose all semblance of sanity. Because he was busy watching the trees walking past, he didn't notice the white candyfloss that settled on his side nor the rain storm that centred only on him. Sirius snuggled deeper into the blankets of his four poster bed and fell into a warm sleep where bell-like choirs sang eternal choruses.
* * *
Harry peered into the glass cage and fought the overwhelming urge to tap it. Beside him, Remus was talking quietly with Professor Dumbledore, occasionally throwing curious looks in Harry's direction. Harry frowned at the contents of the cage feeling as if he'd like to throttle it. To his surprise, the lardy grey rat froze and stared at him with saucer-like eyes before scuttling away and pressing itself as far into the corner as possible.
Harry blinked. He certainly hadn't expected that. After all, he had saved Pettigrew's life once. There was no need for the rat to be *that* scared of him. Maybe he should feed the miserable thing to the adder he had found lurking in the hydrangeas last week. She had certainly seemed hungry enough. The rat gave a high squeak and started running around the cage in tight circles, banging into the glass every now and then.
Remus looked up in surprise. "Good god Harry! What did you do to him? He sat and slept all morning then, when you appear, he loses it!"
Harry shrugged and moved away from the sorry-looking specimen. In hindsight, he supposed that the adder probably wasn't that desperate. He doubted if anything would ever be hungry enough to merit eating *that*.
Harry had woken that morning feeling refreshed and, for the first time in a long while, feeling as if he could take on anything…except maybe Voldemort right now. His first thought of simply laying around in bed all day had been scrapped when Remus barged through the door, told him to dress, meet him in Dumbledore's office in ten minutes, and had promptly hurtled off through the door again leaving Harry to deal with a very irate and flustered Madame Pomfrey.
Ten minutes later a very rumpled Harry was standing outside the gargoyle to Professor Dumbledore's office and having an argument.
"For God's sake. Just let me in! You *know* he wants to see me."
The gargoyle had glared at him, raising its forked eyebrows up its face. "You don't know the password. So, you're NOT COMING IN!"
Harry made an inarticulate sound in his throat and reminded himself to strangle Remus next time he saw him. The man had 'conveniently' forgotten to give him the password and now he was stuck here yelling at a piece of animated stone and flinging random glowers at the smirking statue.
Finally, after several rude comments made by the gargoyle, Harry lost it and rounded on the suddenly surprised gargoyle. "Look here you inane piece of masonry…"
Fortunately, for the gargoyle at any rate, Harry's curse got no further because the gargoyle swung away and Professor Dumbledore stepped out beaming at him.
"Ah, I see you've met Godfrey. A creation of mine. I used an animation spell. What do you think Harry?"
Harry thought that Dumbledore was mad if he actually *wanted* a talking gargoyle on his doorstep but, tactfully, refrained from saying so. "Well, he's certainly…articulate."
Professor Dumbledore's smile grew wider and he ushered Harry inside, obviously oblivious to the obscene faces he was getting from Godfrey. Harry had to stifle a giggle and, as the door swung shut, he could have sworn that Godfrey had winked at him.
Professor Dumbledore turned to regard him from beneath his half-moon glasses, his eyes twinkling merrily. "I have some very good news for you Harry. Remus found him and brought him in last night."
Harry frowned and was about to ask who had been found when the door opened and Harry spied Remus. His first thought was to strangle the man, as he had earlier promised himself he would do, but the cage on the table was far more interesting.
Not overly large, but spacious enough for a full grown rat, the cage was glass and sealed all the way around. Inside the cage lay a fat grey rat snoozing. Harry's breath hitched.
It was Pettigrew. There was no doubt about it.
Harry cast a questioning glance at Remus who nodded encouragingly and he moved closer to the cage until it was at his eye level. Behind him, Professor Dumbledore quietly shut the door and walked over to Remus where they both engaged in a quite conversation.
As Harry watched, the rat unwound itself and stared at him with fearful eyes before getting up and hastily backing away. *Yep* thought Harry. *No doubt about it. That's a human reaction.*
After a while, Remus turned to him. "Harry?" Harry looked up questioningly. "Do you realise what this means?"
Slowly, Harry nodded. "He'll have a trial which means Sirius will be free."
Professor Dumbledore nodded. "And he'll be questioned under Veritaserum which means Fudge won't be able to deny Voldemort's existence any longer."
Harry nodded. Things were starting to look up. "When's the trial?"
"Three days from now. There's an Auror coming today to pick him up. You'll be able to go to the trial if you like."
Harry smiled. "I'd like that." He looked back at the rat. Finally, Sirius would be free. And Harry would have a proper home to go to.
* * *
The trial came in a flurry of panic and a general state of nervousness. Ron and Hermione were uptight as well. Since they'd had 'dealings' with Pettigrew they'd be allowed to sit in on the hearing, as would Harry, but none of them would have to say anything.
For three days, the trio sat around the Gryffindor common room playing the occasional game of Gobstones or talking to the twins or Tony. Tony had been a real rock. He was always there if you needed to talk or to just play a game with. Unfortunately, they weren't allowed to talk about the trial as it was 'classified information' but that didn't stop the twins from prying.
As the three got up to leave on the Saturday, the twins made a beeline for them and started asking questions. Tony appeared out of nowhere and forcefully marched the two of them away while George complained loudly and Fred stated they'd see a lawyer.
They met Professor Dumbledore, Remus and McGonagall outside the portrait, Harry feeling particularly queasy. McGonagall gave him a rare smile and then indicated that they should follow.
The Ministry building located near the end of Diagon Alley was large and imposing. Harry wondered why on earth he'd never noticed it before. Beside him, Hermione leaned over and whispered to the two boys. "It's enchanted to only appear to those actively searching it out." Ah. That would explain why he's never seen it before.
The room they were led into was very like the one Harry had seen in Dumbledore's pensieve. The walls were bare and grey. There were several rows of seats for those invited to the hearing. At one side of the room sat the jury, and at the other side lay the box where the defendant stood.
Harry sat down in the seat saved for him and remained in silence with the rest of the group, twiddling his fingers. A few minutes later, the door flew open and a very bleary-eyed Peter was marched to the box and made to sit down. One of the men holding him down took out a small crystal phial and forced the liquid down the man's throat. Harry shuddered. Veritaserum. Pettigrew wouldn't stand a chance and judging by the look on his face, he had realised this too because he glanced imploringly at Fudge who was seated in the front row. Harry threw the Minister a spectacular glare before returning his attention to the man now slumping in the chair.
"What is your name?"
"Peter Pettigrew."
"Full name?"
"Peter Julian Pettigrew."
"Good. To the matter in hand. Were you the Potters' secret-keeper at the time when You-know-who killed them?"
"Yes."
There were several gasps from around the room and Harry had to keep himself from smirking.
"Did anyone know?"
"Only myself, the Potters and Black."
"How did Black know?"
"It was his idea."
"What idea?"
"Black reasoned that Voldemort," there were many shudders at this name and the questioner winced, "would be less likely to think of me as the secret- keeper."
"Then how did You-know-who get them?"
"I handed them to him."
Harry glanced up at Remus and was mildly surprised to see the usually calm and sensible man's face contorted with rage. Silence hung in the court room and Harry turned back in time to see the questioner gape and cough slightly.
"You were a spy for Him?"
"Yes."
"Were you a Death Eater?"
"Yes."
More whispers filled the court room and Harry could see that Fudge didn't like the way this was going. He also didn't like the look the Minister was shooting at Dumbledore. The questioner paused and looked at his notes obviously ruling out Pettigrew's innocence on this particular charge.
"Did Black kill thirteen muggles two days after the Potters had been killed?"
"No." Whispers this time accompanied the gasps and the Minister frowned sternly at the gossiping jury.
"Then who did?"
"I did."
"How?"
"With the wand behind my back."
"What did you do then?"
"I transformed into a rat and ran away."
The questioner nodded and looked briefly lost for a moment. Behind him, the whispers grew in volume.
"Where have you been until now?"
"Until just over a year ago I lived as a rat with a wizarding family. A year ago I returned to my master."
This time, the statement was met by several panicked shouts. Harry could see Fudge start to tremble and the questioner had turned a sickly shade of green.
"You returned to You-know-who?"
"Yes."
"But how? He's dead!"
"No. He was resurrected four months ago."
The room fell silent and Harry dearly wished he could sink into the floor around about now.
"What? How?" The questioner was obviously panicking. The high pitched voice sort of gave it away.
"An ancient spell. Flesh, Blood and Bone."
The questioner looked puzzled and turned to the Minister for guidance. When no advice was forthcoming, the questioner slowly turned back and licked his lips before asking a question that made Harry's insides lurch.
"What exactly does this spell involve?"
Everyone in the room, except for Harry, Dumbledore and possibly Remus who already knew, leaned forward to hear better.
"Bone of the father, flesh of the servant and blood of the enemy."
The questioner obviously ran this over in his head before asking the question that sealed Harry's doom.
"Who's blood was used?"
"Harry Potter's."
Every eye in the room swivelled to him and he could hear the murmurings get louder and louder until they were a little more than a monotonous hum. Harry tried desperately to block them out but to no success and it was with horror that he processed the next words.
"The court calls Harry Potter to the stand."
A/N Ooooh, another nice cliffie there! This chapter was originally going to be longer and have more Order stuff in it but the trial took longer than I thought it would and I had a sudden idea. So the stuff with the Order will come either in the next chapter or the one after depending on what I'm going to have happen when Harry has to speak at the trial.
From here on in things are going to calm down somewhat until May/June when the climax of the entire fic happens.
So, I'm going to pose a question. What do you want to see happen? Quidditch, lessons, extra Defence lessons, advanced lessons, Order lessons or duelling? Something else maybe? I suppose I could do all of them but it would take longer than I'd planned to finish the story and the story would end up being several chapters longer.
Please let me know. And don't forget to review.
I'd like to say I'm wowed by the response to the last chapter. I'm glad you liked it cos, in my opinion, I thought it was pretty poor.
sophie-took you long enough to get round to reading it! Glad you like it. POV stands for "point of view". Please come again!
Arizosa- as you may have guessed….no I can't resist cliffies. I'm glad you seem to like it.
Lily Evans- sorry I can't kill of the rat cos he needs a trial, and right now Sirius is delirious so uhh…well, all I'll tell you is that the prophecy *will* come true (ie, the hunting hound of the sky will fall)
The Red Dragons Order- wow, oh my god you like this? I looove your fics!!!!! They're great. Got round to reading them a couple of days ago. You made my day!
Bob-thanks. I think your on the way to becoming my favourite reviewer unlike SOME people who never review!!!!
Nuts- sorry abou the lack of Remus in this chapter. It got to long and I had to halve it. Actually, the next chapter looks set to do the same so Remus might not have a large part for another couple of chapters. Sorry!!!
Ashie- thanks. Sorry to hear about your comp crashing. I hope you get the story back soon. Enjoy your birthday chappie!?!?!?
Esmeralda- still simmering here…#
Quaila- THANKS!!! You made me feel really special, seeing as how you're a cool writer too. Enjoy!
Hyper Princess- thanks and good luck in your exams too! I'm sorry about how long these chapters are taking. I'll try to update more frequently after the exams! (
lella- thanks. I've read Mortalus' fic and I can definitely see the resemblance but it wasn't supposed to be there
Miranda Flairgold- wow, cool! Now I'm teo people's favourite list!!!! Thanks so much and I love your fics by the way. I think your really good at fighting scenes!
tolkienite- hah sorry about that, that pisses me off when it happens. I'll be happy to email you! (
jona- don't know how it happened either cos I know I emailed you but hey doesn't matter! Thanks loads, it's great to get praise from someone who's so good themself. And get a move on with Auriellis!!!!!!!!!!
Starlight- thanks, I do try to get these out fast but it never really happens. Sorry, you'll just have to wait
Nicky- glad to see someone enthusiastic, thanks for the review
Sailor Vegeta-…well three weeks isn't quite as long as a month…
I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Ashie. It's her birthday soon, May 23rd, and I'd like to give her a present like she gave me. I know this is very soon, but I'm taking a maths exam on the 23rd and I'll be lucky if mum lets me breathe let alone go on the computer. Also go read her fics, they're really good.
AND PLEASE READ THE A/N AT THE BOTTOM. I HAVE A QUESTION!!!!!!!!
Chapter 13
Harry felt uncharacteristically warm and comfortable. He wanted nothing more right now than to lie here and slip back into sleep. However, the person beside him seemed to have different ideas.
"Harry? Harry, are you awake?"
Harry gave a sigh and slowly peeled his eyes open. He peered into the blur of colours, trying to identify the voice and at the same time fumble for his glasses. He was rather surprised, and glad, when said glasses were handed to him and he was able to glare at the person who had denied him his sleep.
"Professor Lupin!" he gasped. "What-what are you doing here? Are you teaching again?"
Remus Lupin smiled indulgently at the rumpled teenager on the bed and pushed Harry back firmly into the mattress which he had promptly vacated upon discovery of his old teacher. But before he could open his mouth, Harry was bombarding him with more questions…
"Are you staying? Are you all right? Where's Sirius? What's happening-
Remus blinked like an owl caught in bright light, letting everything wash over him before he finally raised a hand to stop the torrent. He smiled at the boy and, finally, spoke. "Please relax Harry. Madame Pomfrey will have my hide if she thinks I've been taxing you. She told me in no uncertain terms that you were to rest…in surprisingly colourful language. Actually I do believe she used several different languages." He allowed himself a grin. "Now, as to those questions of yours. Firstly, please call me Remus. I'm not teaching here anymore. I am, however, staying. That is because I'm going to teach *you*.
"Next, I'll be fine after a good night's rest and some food and no, I don't where Sirius is. Sorry. As to what's going on…I'm afraid I have little more idea than you at this point in time." He finished and watched as Harry sifted through this information and he had to keep himself from smirking insanely as he watched Harry's beaverish mind latch onto the one statement that didn't make complete sense.
Harry frowned. "What do you mean you're teaching me?"
Remus did grin this time. "Just what I said. I'm here to teach you. Not the others, just you."
Harry frowned again. That didn't make much sense. True, he probably needed more protection that most but surely Professor Figg could provide him with that sort of teaching. Then, suddenly, he saw it. Plain as day and so logical that he wondered how he'd even missed it before. "The Order," he said simply.
Remus looked a little surprised at that statement. Almost as if he hadn't expected Harry to come to that conclusion. Slowly, the older man nodded. "Yes. Dumbledore asked me to teach you to deal with it, the link and the like. He also thinks it would be prudent to teach you duelling skills, although I must say yours are far better than most."
Harry beamed at the compliment. It wasn't often he felt good at something, except for Quidditch, but he had enjoyed the duelling lesson in Defence and, in his rather biased opinion, had been quite good at it. And besides…after last night he wasn't going to pass up any opportunity that could help him against Voldemort.
"Your extra training will start as soon as possible and Arabella is going to start teaching your year at a more advanced level than usual. Your year is in a little more danger than usual because Voldemort may try to get at you by getting your friends. The seventh years will need extra tuition too, especially the Slytherins, because they'll be targeted for becoming new Death Eaters."
Remus obviously saw the guilt and self-condemnation on Harry's face at this point because he stopped and sighed. Shifting slightly, he leaned over and engulfed Harry in a sudden spontaneous and awkward embrace. "Don't blame yourself Harry. This would have happened anyway. If he hadn't used you, he would have found another way. This time was bound to come sooner or later. And at least this way he has the weakness of mortality. People respect you Harry, they don't hate or blame you. They're proud of what you've accomplished and follow your example. People aren't as scared this time as they were fourteen years ago because they have you. You who has escaped him and thwarted him more times than many of us would like to count. People look up to you Harry for an example and for hope. Don't deny them that by wrongly blaming yourself."
Harry lay quietly in Remus' arms thinking this over. Did people really look up to him or was it just because of his fame? Did they really follow him for an example? Was he right to blame himself? He *had* been the cause of Cedric's death, of Sarah's death, but it had been Voldemort who had uttered the curse, who had killed them. It had been Voldemort who killed his parents, even if they had died because of trying to protect them. And they had succeeded. Voldemort had been defeated that night. Was it fair to blame Sirius because he had trusted Peter? No! And therefore, the logical part of his mind stated, it was wrong to blame himself for Cedric's and Sarah's deaths, maybe even wrong to blame himself for Voldemort's resurrection. Part of him still wanted to place the guilt squarely on his plate, but this new reasoning forced it to stay away. It *wasn't* his fault. It was *Voldemort's* and Harry was going to make him pay for it, for everything.
And he was going to go about that by learning everything he could. He'd read the entire library if he had to, but he would find what could defeat Voldemort, for good. And along the way, he'd work out all the little nuances that bothered him.
Harry sighed and let sleep claim him, content in the knowledge that others would help him, he wouldn't be alone and that no one really blamed him, that he didn't really blame himself anymore. He had people that cared for him and, although they couldn't always be there, they would do everything in their power to help and protect him. People relied on him so he'd give as good as he got and Voldemort would get what was coming to him. Life, he absently realised, had suddenly got a whole lot brighter.
The still sadistic part of his brain reminded him that, if people really looked up to him, they'd be in a right fix when he managed to get himself killed.
* * *
Sirius gave a low whine of despair before his legs collapsed beneath him and he tumbled to the forest floor. The night was cold, bitter and harsh in its strength yet despite that it soothed him for it helped to alleviate the raging heat of the fever that held him. He shivered helplessly as his unfocused eyes strained to see anything. The coherent part of his mind registered its frustration upon finally seeing his destination sparkling like a lost jewel in the moonlight. Hogwarts. It only lay a couple of miles ahead; he could see it over the edge of the lake. Yet for all its beauty and safety, it could have been light years away and it wouldn't have made any difference. His limbs no longer coordinated with each other and his lungs struggled to take in enough air to simply continue breathing.
Had he come all this way only to die now? Had he ran for hours, sustained only by the hope of seeing his godson, to die now in sight of his goal? Fate, he decided, was obviously on steroids tonight.
And then another image entered his mind, one that he didn't particularly like seeing. One of Snape bound and being tortured by Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Sirius didn't exactly love the man but, he had to admit grudgingly, he did owe the man his life…despite the fact he was now losing it. But even more terrifying to see in his mind's eye was the thought of what would happen once Voldemort got to Harry. Harry had no idea of the danger he was in and only Sirius could inform him. Even Dumbledore didn't know which, he thought absently, showed just how damn manipulative and subtle Voldemort could be.
He glanced again in the vague direction of Hogwarts. The moon had gone behind a cloud but, despite that, it still seemed to glisten. He had to get back to Hogwarts, had to…to help Snape and, more importantly, Harry. He…had to …tell Albus how… Voldemort was…linking with…Har…
Sirius dimly cursed himself as his body became numb and his mind began to lose all semblance of sanity. Because he was busy watching the trees walking past, he didn't notice the white candyfloss that settled on his side nor the rain storm that centred only on him. Sirius snuggled deeper into the blankets of his four poster bed and fell into a warm sleep where bell-like choirs sang eternal choruses.
* * *
Harry peered into the glass cage and fought the overwhelming urge to tap it. Beside him, Remus was talking quietly with Professor Dumbledore, occasionally throwing curious looks in Harry's direction. Harry frowned at the contents of the cage feeling as if he'd like to throttle it. To his surprise, the lardy grey rat froze and stared at him with saucer-like eyes before scuttling away and pressing itself as far into the corner as possible.
Harry blinked. He certainly hadn't expected that. After all, he had saved Pettigrew's life once. There was no need for the rat to be *that* scared of him. Maybe he should feed the miserable thing to the adder he had found lurking in the hydrangeas last week. She had certainly seemed hungry enough. The rat gave a high squeak and started running around the cage in tight circles, banging into the glass every now and then.
Remus looked up in surprise. "Good god Harry! What did you do to him? He sat and slept all morning then, when you appear, he loses it!"
Harry shrugged and moved away from the sorry-looking specimen. In hindsight, he supposed that the adder probably wasn't that desperate. He doubted if anything would ever be hungry enough to merit eating *that*.
Harry had woken that morning feeling refreshed and, for the first time in a long while, feeling as if he could take on anything…except maybe Voldemort right now. His first thought of simply laying around in bed all day had been scrapped when Remus barged through the door, told him to dress, meet him in Dumbledore's office in ten minutes, and had promptly hurtled off through the door again leaving Harry to deal with a very irate and flustered Madame Pomfrey.
Ten minutes later a very rumpled Harry was standing outside the gargoyle to Professor Dumbledore's office and having an argument.
"For God's sake. Just let me in! You *know* he wants to see me."
The gargoyle had glared at him, raising its forked eyebrows up its face. "You don't know the password. So, you're NOT COMING IN!"
Harry made an inarticulate sound in his throat and reminded himself to strangle Remus next time he saw him. The man had 'conveniently' forgotten to give him the password and now he was stuck here yelling at a piece of animated stone and flinging random glowers at the smirking statue.
Finally, after several rude comments made by the gargoyle, Harry lost it and rounded on the suddenly surprised gargoyle. "Look here you inane piece of masonry…"
Fortunately, for the gargoyle at any rate, Harry's curse got no further because the gargoyle swung away and Professor Dumbledore stepped out beaming at him.
"Ah, I see you've met Godfrey. A creation of mine. I used an animation spell. What do you think Harry?"
Harry thought that Dumbledore was mad if he actually *wanted* a talking gargoyle on his doorstep but, tactfully, refrained from saying so. "Well, he's certainly…articulate."
Professor Dumbledore's smile grew wider and he ushered Harry inside, obviously oblivious to the obscene faces he was getting from Godfrey. Harry had to stifle a giggle and, as the door swung shut, he could have sworn that Godfrey had winked at him.
Professor Dumbledore turned to regard him from beneath his half-moon glasses, his eyes twinkling merrily. "I have some very good news for you Harry. Remus found him and brought him in last night."
Harry frowned and was about to ask who had been found when the door opened and Harry spied Remus. His first thought was to strangle the man, as he had earlier promised himself he would do, but the cage on the table was far more interesting.
Not overly large, but spacious enough for a full grown rat, the cage was glass and sealed all the way around. Inside the cage lay a fat grey rat snoozing. Harry's breath hitched.
It was Pettigrew. There was no doubt about it.
Harry cast a questioning glance at Remus who nodded encouragingly and he moved closer to the cage until it was at his eye level. Behind him, Professor Dumbledore quietly shut the door and walked over to Remus where they both engaged in a quite conversation.
As Harry watched, the rat unwound itself and stared at him with fearful eyes before getting up and hastily backing away. *Yep* thought Harry. *No doubt about it. That's a human reaction.*
After a while, Remus turned to him. "Harry?" Harry looked up questioningly. "Do you realise what this means?"
Slowly, Harry nodded. "He'll have a trial which means Sirius will be free."
Professor Dumbledore nodded. "And he'll be questioned under Veritaserum which means Fudge won't be able to deny Voldemort's existence any longer."
Harry nodded. Things were starting to look up. "When's the trial?"
"Three days from now. There's an Auror coming today to pick him up. You'll be able to go to the trial if you like."
Harry smiled. "I'd like that." He looked back at the rat. Finally, Sirius would be free. And Harry would have a proper home to go to.
* * *
The trial came in a flurry of panic and a general state of nervousness. Ron and Hermione were uptight as well. Since they'd had 'dealings' with Pettigrew they'd be allowed to sit in on the hearing, as would Harry, but none of them would have to say anything.
For three days, the trio sat around the Gryffindor common room playing the occasional game of Gobstones or talking to the twins or Tony. Tony had been a real rock. He was always there if you needed to talk or to just play a game with. Unfortunately, they weren't allowed to talk about the trial as it was 'classified information' but that didn't stop the twins from prying.
As the three got up to leave on the Saturday, the twins made a beeline for them and started asking questions. Tony appeared out of nowhere and forcefully marched the two of them away while George complained loudly and Fred stated they'd see a lawyer.
They met Professor Dumbledore, Remus and McGonagall outside the portrait, Harry feeling particularly queasy. McGonagall gave him a rare smile and then indicated that they should follow.
The Ministry building located near the end of Diagon Alley was large and imposing. Harry wondered why on earth he'd never noticed it before. Beside him, Hermione leaned over and whispered to the two boys. "It's enchanted to only appear to those actively searching it out." Ah. That would explain why he's never seen it before.
The room they were led into was very like the one Harry had seen in Dumbledore's pensieve. The walls were bare and grey. There were several rows of seats for those invited to the hearing. At one side of the room sat the jury, and at the other side lay the box where the defendant stood.
Harry sat down in the seat saved for him and remained in silence with the rest of the group, twiddling his fingers. A few minutes later, the door flew open and a very bleary-eyed Peter was marched to the box and made to sit down. One of the men holding him down took out a small crystal phial and forced the liquid down the man's throat. Harry shuddered. Veritaserum. Pettigrew wouldn't stand a chance and judging by the look on his face, he had realised this too because he glanced imploringly at Fudge who was seated in the front row. Harry threw the Minister a spectacular glare before returning his attention to the man now slumping in the chair.
"What is your name?"
"Peter Pettigrew."
"Full name?"
"Peter Julian Pettigrew."
"Good. To the matter in hand. Were you the Potters' secret-keeper at the time when You-know-who killed them?"
"Yes."
There were several gasps from around the room and Harry had to keep himself from smirking.
"Did anyone know?"
"Only myself, the Potters and Black."
"How did Black know?"
"It was his idea."
"What idea?"
"Black reasoned that Voldemort," there were many shudders at this name and the questioner winced, "would be less likely to think of me as the secret- keeper."
"Then how did You-know-who get them?"
"I handed them to him."
Harry glanced up at Remus and was mildly surprised to see the usually calm and sensible man's face contorted with rage. Silence hung in the court room and Harry turned back in time to see the questioner gape and cough slightly.
"You were a spy for Him?"
"Yes."
"Were you a Death Eater?"
"Yes."
More whispers filled the court room and Harry could see that Fudge didn't like the way this was going. He also didn't like the look the Minister was shooting at Dumbledore. The questioner paused and looked at his notes obviously ruling out Pettigrew's innocence on this particular charge.
"Did Black kill thirteen muggles two days after the Potters had been killed?"
"No." Whispers this time accompanied the gasps and the Minister frowned sternly at the gossiping jury.
"Then who did?"
"I did."
"How?"
"With the wand behind my back."
"What did you do then?"
"I transformed into a rat and ran away."
The questioner nodded and looked briefly lost for a moment. Behind him, the whispers grew in volume.
"Where have you been until now?"
"Until just over a year ago I lived as a rat with a wizarding family. A year ago I returned to my master."
This time, the statement was met by several panicked shouts. Harry could see Fudge start to tremble and the questioner had turned a sickly shade of green.
"You returned to You-know-who?"
"Yes."
"But how? He's dead!"
"No. He was resurrected four months ago."
The room fell silent and Harry dearly wished he could sink into the floor around about now.
"What? How?" The questioner was obviously panicking. The high pitched voice sort of gave it away.
"An ancient spell. Flesh, Blood and Bone."
The questioner looked puzzled and turned to the Minister for guidance. When no advice was forthcoming, the questioner slowly turned back and licked his lips before asking a question that made Harry's insides lurch.
"What exactly does this spell involve?"
Everyone in the room, except for Harry, Dumbledore and possibly Remus who already knew, leaned forward to hear better.
"Bone of the father, flesh of the servant and blood of the enemy."
The questioner obviously ran this over in his head before asking the question that sealed Harry's doom.
"Who's blood was used?"
"Harry Potter's."
Every eye in the room swivelled to him and he could hear the murmurings get louder and louder until they were a little more than a monotonous hum. Harry tried desperately to block them out but to no success and it was with horror that he processed the next words.
"The court calls Harry Potter to the stand."
A/N Ooooh, another nice cliffie there! This chapter was originally going to be longer and have more Order stuff in it but the trial took longer than I thought it would and I had a sudden idea. So the stuff with the Order will come either in the next chapter or the one after depending on what I'm going to have happen when Harry has to speak at the trial.
From here on in things are going to calm down somewhat until May/June when the climax of the entire fic happens.
So, I'm going to pose a question. What do you want to see happen? Quidditch, lessons, extra Defence lessons, advanced lessons, Order lessons or duelling? Something else maybe? I suppose I could do all of them but it would take longer than I'd planned to finish the story and the story would end up being several chapters longer.
Please let me know. And don't forget to review.
I'd like to say I'm wowed by the response to the last chapter. I'm glad you liked it cos, in my opinion, I thought it was pretty poor.
sophie-took you long enough to get round to reading it! Glad you like it. POV stands for "point of view". Please come again!
Arizosa- as you may have guessed….no I can't resist cliffies. I'm glad you seem to like it.
Lily Evans- sorry I can't kill of the rat cos he needs a trial, and right now Sirius is delirious so uhh…well, all I'll tell you is that the prophecy *will* come true (ie, the hunting hound of the sky will fall)
The Red Dragons Order- wow, oh my god you like this? I looove your fics!!!!! They're great. Got round to reading them a couple of days ago. You made my day!
Bob-thanks. I think your on the way to becoming my favourite reviewer unlike SOME people who never review!!!!
Nuts- sorry abou the lack of Remus in this chapter. It got to long and I had to halve it. Actually, the next chapter looks set to do the same so Remus might not have a large part for another couple of chapters. Sorry!!!
Ashie- thanks. Sorry to hear about your comp crashing. I hope you get the story back soon. Enjoy your birthday chappie!?!?!?
Esmeralda- still simmering here…#
Quaila- THANKS!!! You made me feel really special, seeing as how you're a cool writer too. Enjoy!
Hyper Princess- thanks and good luck in your exams too! I'm sorry about how long these chapters are taking. I'll try to update more frequently after the exams! (
lella- thanks. I've read Mortalus' fic and I can definitely see the resemblance but it wasn't supposed to be there
Miranda Flairgold- wow, cool! Now I'm teo people's favourite list!!!! Thanks so much and I love your fics by the way. I think your really good at fighting scenes!
tolkienite- hah sorry about that, that pisses me off when it happens. I'll be happy to email you! (
jona- don't know how it happened either cos I know I emailed you but hey doesn't matter! Thanks loads, it's great to get praise from someone who's so good themself. And get a move on with Auriellis!!!!!!!!!!
Starlight- thanks, I do try to get these out fast but it never really happens. Sorry, you'll just have to wait
Nicky- glad to see someone enthusiastic, thanks for the review
Sailor Vegeta-…well three weeks isn't quite as long as a month…