A/N: I'm sorry for the shoddy trial scenes, I did my best.
Chapter 3
Breakfast that morning was just a little shy of tense. The small chance that something could go wrong had them all in silent anxiety. Harry too was in low spirits, quiet and reserved. When Poppy arrived before lunchtime, her cheery nature was a welcome break to the gloominess that had settled over the cottage and Harry was able to send off his three favourite people with a smile and shy kisses to their cheeks.
The team gathered at Andromeda's house once more to go over the plan. The Tonks would floo directly to The Burrow while Remus, Sirius, Kingsley, Anthony and Minerva would follow with apparition, and stay outside of the wards. Remus, Kingsley and Anthony would enter first to capture Peter with Minerva and Padfoot outside as backup. Satisfied with their plan, the Tonks set off to the Burrow. Molly and Arthur were delighted to have them, even more delighted was Charlie who poked his head out from underneath his father's legs and beamed at Dora with a bright smile. Being both bright and cheerful children, they got along instantly and Andromeda and Ted exchanged customary pleasantries with Charlie's parents as the children got to know each other. Molly introduced Andromeda and Ted to her other children. The twins had particularly amused Andromeda and she wondered if they would end up in Slytherin house with their ambitious and pranking nature. When Charlie and Dora started talking about all the fascinating magical beasts and animals that existed in the world, Andromeda exchanged a look with her husband. They steered the conversation skillfully and asked Charlie what animals his family was raising now. The boy mentioned Percy's rat himself, calling him boring and when Percy's objections joined the noise, the couple was ecstatic.
Andromeda kindly placated Percy and convinced him to go get his pet rat and show him off for she was sure he was as interesting as Percy said he was, and agreed with him that Charlie was quite wrong. She felt only a little bad as Percy beamed and went to get his pet. Sirius had promised he would get Percy a dozen rats if the boy so desired it, or any other pet that he wanted to replace his previous companion. Ted excused himself discreetly to send a signal to the wizards and witches waiting outside. Molly and Arthur barely had time to react to the disturbance in their wards when they rushed in, wands in their hand pointed directly at Percy who returned into the living room, pet rat in hand. Both owner and rat gave a terrified squeak and the rat started struggling at once. With a quick flick of his wrist, Kingsley cast a revealing spell to revert Peter to his original state. Percy screamed and dropped his rat as he started to transform grotesquely. Ted secured Percy to his side at once, along with the other children and the shocked Weasley couple. He and Andromeda put up strong shields and wards and spells to protect the family. Molly shrieked when Peter's full form fell to the ground in a heap. Kingsley, Remus and Anthony had surrounded him and he was trapped.
Pettigrew was on all fours, sputtering and coughing. He looked up to meet the cold eyes of his old friend and blanched.
"R-remus, my friend!"
"You are no friend of mine," Remus said contemptuously, raising his wand higher. Peter shielded himself with his hands, shaking and whimpering. Kingsley shuddered slightly. When he first met Remus, the man was completely unlike a werewolf, gentle and polite, but now as he stared down at his former friend with something scarily close to murder in his eyes, Remus looked every bit as dangerous as his canine counterpart. Kingsley was sure that, if circumstances had been different, Pettigrew wouldn't have gotten the mercy of a trial.
"P-please Remus! Let's talk, it's not what you think! Let me explain!"
"You can explain in front of the Wizengamot,"
A low growl filled the air as Padfoot approached, looking dangerous and feral. Peter grew even whiter as he took in the dog.
"Remus, th-thats! Si-siru-"
He bared his teeth and bit the air inches away from Peter's face. The man shrieked in terror and curled up into a ball, cowering on the floor. Remus' grip on his wand loosened as a force clenched his heart. It was more difficult than he thought, facing Peter. He had thought the man his friend and innocent for a long time and to see him reduced to his current pitiful state tugged heavily on his conscience. Kingsley's wand swished through the air, decisive and powerful. Peter's body went rigid as the body bind spell hit him, with another wave of Anthony's wand, thick gleaming red ropes wrapped around his body, trying together in complicated knots and securing him further. Remus let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and lowered his wand with a shaking hand. Padfoot nudged his thigh and whined. Taking another deep breath, he brought his wand free arm to stroke Padfoot's head.
"Anthony and I will take him to the Ministry right away," Kingsley told Remus. "You should stay with Minerva and the Tonks to explain the situation to the Weasleys, I dare say we may have traumatised poor little Percy."
Remus watched them drag Peter away to the outskirts of the wards before taking him with side-along apparition. Once Peter was out of sight, Remus sagged in relief and he rubbed at his eyes which were beginning to water. Padfoot leaned against him, his weight a great comfort. Remus didn't hear Minerva and Tonks explaining to the very hysterical Weasleys what they had done and why, he felt numb and disoriented, eerily similar to how he used to feel before Sirius found him. The dog herded him gently and successfully to a chair and he sat, arms around Sirius.
"He…he really is the traitor, right? Or maybe…maybe like you he's just misunderstood." Remus said quietly, his whole heart longing for it to be true. He was just so tired of all the fighting and the conflict and the heartache. Padfoot whined and placed his big head in his lap, Remus resumed his petting.
"God Pads…will it ever get easier?" Padfoot moved his shoulder in an odd upwards motion, which Remus guessed was a dog version of a shrug. He leaned forward and hugged Padfoot tightly. No tears fell from his eyes but he held his friend while a battle warred in his heart, grieving for those he had lost. He didn't know how long he remained in that state but when he felt a soft grip on his shoulder, he looked up to the sympathetic eyes of Minerva. Kingsley stood next to her, wand at the ready.
"It's time, the Ministry wants Sirius in custody."
Padfoot gave a gentle lick to his face before following the auror outside. Remus followed their progress through the window and saw Sirius briefly giving him a reassuring smile before disappearing with Kingsley.
"Go home to Harry, Remus, we'll settle the rest."
That sounded like a fantastic idea. With an apologetic and guilty nod to the ashen faced Weasley couple and a hug from Andromeda, he apparated to the field near Cnoc Cottage. He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw Cnoc Cottage in the distance, standing just as proud and sure as its owner. As he approached, he heard a squeal of delight from above and looked in time to see Harry, two little palms pressed right up against his window to look at him. Remus smiled and waved and to everyone's surprise, Harry's hands went right through his window and then he was floating. Remus gaped for a split second before composing himself and running to catch him. Harry giggled and hugged his Moony tight.
"Moony! I did more magic! I wanted to come to you and my magic let me!"
"And it was brilliant," Remus said, kissing his cheek. "Now let's go back inside before Poppy dies of shock."
While Harry played with this ever growing collection of cat themed toys, courtesy of Minerva, Remus told Poppy of their success and that they'd probably hear of the trial tomorrow, plastered all over the Daily Prophet. Poppy and Remus kept Harry hidden in his room as people from the Ministry came and went, taking statements and letting him know that preparations for the trial were proceeding well. One Auror told him it was very likely the case would be expedited with Dumbledore at its back and the Wizengamot eager to rush through every Death Eater related case. Remus wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not, but the general opinion of the Aurors seemed to be in favour of Sirius so he forced himself to be hopeful. Minerva returned home for dinner and told Remus that the trial was to begin in two days' time. Both Peter and Sirius were now in holding cells in the Ministry and heavily guarded. The Wizengamot had already taken Sirius' memories to review in the pensieve but Peter had not given his consent to have his memories extracted, it was not a good look and would surely garner suspicion.
Like Remus suspected, the morning Daily Prophet came with news of the trial.
SIRIUS BLACK, INNOCENT AFTER ALL?
Everyone in the wizarding world was made aware of the crimes of Sirius Black on the first of November when the terrible incident that killed thirteen muggles and one wizard was reported to be the work of You-Know-Who's most faithful servant. But news of an astounding nature has reached us here at the Daily Prophet.
Peter Pettigrew is alive.
That's right folks, the very Pettigrew that allegedly went after Black for turning in their mutual friends, the Potters, was not dead like once thought but very alive and was hiding as a rat of all things! An anonymous source, though some say it to be Black himself, tipped off a pair of Aurors, Shacklebolt and Byers that Peter had been living as a pet rat to the Weasleys for two years. The family was understandably upset and was unavailable for comment.
In light of this new development, Albus Dumbledore himself, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock urged the Ministry to reopen Black's trial as he believes Pettigrew to be the traitor instead of Black. This shocking news might have been unbelievable two years ago, but we here at the Prophet have to wonder why an innocent man of all people would want to spend two years living as a rat.
The trial to decide the fates of these two wizards will begin the day after tomorrow and the ministry has opened it to the public for all to attend so you can count on us reporters at the Daily Prophet to be on our toes, eager to relay any and all exciting news as this case develops.
The article put Remus in a good mood, it discredited Peter to the general public and put Sirius into a position of intrigue. The ministry had always been weak to the masses' opinion, and this time it was now to their advantage. The article was accompanied by a picture of Sirius in Azkaban robes the day he was captured and the picture of the Weasleys' trip to Egypt with an annotation highlighting the rat's existence and its front paw. His good mood wasn't dampened by the knowledge that he wasn't able to see Sirius before the trial, he had no cause for worry, Amelia assured him there was no mistreatment and he believed her.
On day one of the trial, Remus left Harry with Poppy. He hugged and kissed the boy on both cheeks and promised to be back in time for dinner. Harry was sad but he sent him off with two of his own kisses. Amelia had given Minerva and he passes into the Ministry to watch the trial and Remus was amused to see the large reception of wizards and witches trying to get into the courtroom themselves, along with dozens of reporters. They seated themselves in the corner, behind the Wizengamot. Dumbledore smiled at them when he saw them and tipped his wizard's hat. He was seated in the centre of the Wizengamot, and every member was present, all dressed in their purple robes. Some of them looked interested while a few looked put out and annoyed. In front of them sat Barty Crouch, who looked sour and extremely displeased. Remus thought he knew why. Crouch was head of the Magical Law Enforcement Department and was the main driving force for the rushed trials or lack of them those days when the war had just ended. If Sirius was proven to be innocent, it would look bad on him and his career.
After everyone was seated and the press quieted, Sirius, Amelia and two accompanying Aurors came into the room. Sirius smiled at Remus, who smiled back and he stood at the stand. Amelia looked smart and authoritative in her black robes as she addressed the public, Wizengamot, and members of her department. She thanked them all for coming and giving their time to review the case then began.
"The trial for Sirius Black will now commence."
She cleared her throat and continued. "Before I question Black, I would like to confirm the pensieve memories he provided has been reviewed by all the Wizengamot before today. These memories show that Black found the Potters dead on the night of October thirty first, nineteen eighty-one, stayed with Harry Potter, then a baby of one year and a half old, for an hour before Rubeus Hagrid showed up on Dumbledore's instructions to bring the boy somewhere safe. Black handed Harry Potter to Hagrid with no objections then went seeking Peter Pettigrew."
She paused here until she received a sea of nods.
"Another memory he provided shows the discussion he had with the Potters urging them to switch their secret keeper to Pettigrew with reasons that You-Know-Who would continue to seek him out but he would never suspect Pettigrew."
Another sea of nods.
"Excellent. Now, in addition to providing pensieve memories, Black has given his consent to be questioned under veritaserum."
One of the Auror escorts placed a small bottle of clear liquid in front of Sirius and a potions master reviewed the bottle with spells and examinations to confirm that it was indeed veritaserum. Sirius drank the potion in one smooth gulp, and his dark eyes became vacant and neutral.
"Please state your name for the court,"
"Sirius Black,"
"When did the Potters make you secret keeper?"
"On the fifteenth of September, nineteen eighty-one."
"Did the Potters ever switch secret keepers?"
"Yes, I convinced Lily and James to change their secret keeper to Peter on October twenty second."
"Who was aware of this switch?"
"Only James, Lily, Peter and myself."
"What happened on the night of the thirty first?"
"I checked on Peter because he had not communicated with us in over a week. When I got to his house, it was empty and there was no sign of any struggle or destruction. This made me uneasy so I went to Godric's Hollow to check up on James and Lily. I found them dead in their home with Harry crying in his crib."
Remus choked back a sob. Hearing such mournful events being retold in the lifeless matter of fact voice that veritaserum commanded was heartbreaking.
"I took Harry from his crib and held him until Hagrid came and said Dumbledore tasked him with taking Harry and bringing him somewhere safe. I gave Harry and my motorcycle to Hagrid then went looking for Peter,"
"Why did you go looking for Pettigrew?"
"I wanted to kill him."
Shocked gasps and murmurs filled the whole courtroom. Amelia bit her lip, flustered at the admission and quickly sought to continue her questioning so that the attention would refocus.
"What happened when you found him?"
"I asked him if he had a death wish and if so I would gladly grant it, he then started yelling at me, asking me how I could betray Lily and James when they had trusted me more than anyone else. Then a large explosion happened and my hearing was impaired for several minutes. When the smoke cleared, I saw blood everywhere and only a finger where Peter once was. I laughed because I thought he tried to use a spell to defend himself against me but it had backfired and he killed himself."
It was clear that Amelia was growing more frustrated as Sirius spoke in this dubious immoral manner and Remus couldn't blame her. He was now seeing the disadvantages of veritaserum.
"The ministry found me soon after, I went quietly with them because I thought I could prove my innocence later at my trial but I was denied one and was brought straight to Azkaban,"
Remus smirked as more mutterings arose from this statement. Crouch especially looked red, as did his colleagues.
"When did you first realise that Pettigrew was alive?"
"Fudge came to visit Azkaban two weeks ago and I asked him for his copy of the Prophet. He gave it to me and the article on the front page was of the Weasleys winning the Grand Prize Galleon Draw. There was a picture of their family and on one of the boy's heads was Pettigrew in his animagus form, only now his front paw was missing a finger."
The courtroom buzzed again and had to be quieted before Amelia continued.
"How did you know that Peter was an animagus?"
"James, Peter and I became unregistered animagus at age fifteen, in our fifth year of Hogwarts. I saw him transform many times."
Crouch scoffed loudly at this and looked around triumphantly as faces of the Wizengamot started to doubt. Despite it being words spoken from veritaserum, it was suspicious. The process of becoming animagus was not easy and to think not only one but three underage wizards managed the transformation was unbelievable.
"I would like to bring Black back to lucidity before I continue my questioning,"
When no objections rose, the potions master came forth with an antidote. Life returned to Sirius' eyes and he blinked.
"Well that was a bloody weird experience,"
A few people laughed. Crouch frowned.
"This is not the time for jokes Mr. Black."
"My apologies Mr. Crouch, please continue Ms. Bones."
"Can you please describe to the court, your relationship with James Potter?"
Sirius's face fell. Amelia at least looked apologetic for making him speak of a sensitive topic. The man stood silent for a few moments, his eyes watery.
"James…James was my best friend."
"He was the first friend I made at Hogwarts and we were inseparable. When I ran away from home at sixteen, his family took me in. James would hear no argument, he told me it was only right that his brother-" Sirius took in a shuddering breath, "that, that his brother now lived with him. I loved him, and I swear to Merlin I would have died before betraying him and his family."
Remus wiped his own tears and heard Minerva blow her nose next to him.
"Thank you Mr. Black, that is all my questions for now."
Amelia brought Hagrid to the stands to confirm Sirius' story about the night of the thirty first and Hagrid, to his credit, managed to give his testimony without stuttering. Andromeda testified next, explaining Sirius' character from childhood to the last time they had steady contact, her confidence about his character was well received and Remus thought a lot of the Wizengamot seemed to believe her. The first day of the trial ended with an optimistic note and Remus was pleased. He was given a small window of opportunity to be close to Sirius before he was brought back into his holding cell and Remus hugged him tightly. Sirius hugged back and breathed in his calming scent. They said nothing to each other, not wanting it to be misconstrued and soon the aurors were pulling Sirius away.
The next day began with an article from the Daily Prophet summarising the trial from yesterday but Remus did not read it. Today, Peter would be giving his testimonies after lunch time. The first half of the day would consist of more character witnesses for Sirius, him included. When he got to the courtroom, Amelia gestured for him to testify first. He spoke simply of his relationship with Sirius and Sirius' relationship with James. He confirmed that Sirius had been taken in by James' family when he ran away from home and that Fleamont and Euphemia were especially fond of him. He added things that didn't come up in Sirius' testimony, like how he was James' best man and godfather to Harry. He admitted to accepting the public explanation of what happened two years ago but he defended himself by saying that his mental state was fragile with three friends dead and one in Azkaban.
After he finished, he was surprised to see Madam Rosmerta stand up to give her own testimony. She spoke clearly and with such conviction that her words seemed to have even more of an effect than his. She was steadfast in her belief that Sirius and James' relationship at school and even after was the closest of friends, even closer than those of blood related brothers. It was a bond forged through trials of youth and strife no one their age should have experienced. It was incredibly moving and both Remus and Sirius had tears for her beautiful words.
When the next person was called, Remus had to hold on to his chair post in surprise. Severus Snape sauntered over to the stands, looking irritable and surly. Remus thought he would murder the next person who spoke to him. As it was, he didn't murder Amelia when she spoke to him but he did glare.
"Please state your name for the court."
"My name is Severus Snape,"
"Why did you decide to testify for Black today?"
Snape pursed his lips.
"Because I believe I have information that will help him, as much as I detest being of any use to him."
Amelia furrowed her eyebrows.
"Oh? Are you not fond of Black? Then why are you testifying for him?"
Snape sneered and took a second to glare at Sirius who matched his gaze with suspicion.
"Oh yes, I absolutely abhor the man, but…unfortunately, he is innocent of what he's being accused of."
"And how do you know that?"
Snape sighed, his eyes flickered very quickly to where the Wizengamot sat but it was gone again before Remus could discern who he was looking at. Dumbledore? Did he put Snape up to this?
"As most of you know, I was a spy for Dumbledore and so I was privy to a lot of interesting conversations between the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters," Snape winced as several mutterings and conversations filled the hall. Remus frowned. If Dumbledore did ask him to do this, it was quite insensitive. A lot of people were still highly incensed that Snape stayed out of Azkaban despite only becoming a spy for Dumbledore after a year of being a Death Eater. To bring the knowledge up again in front of a whole crew of reporters seemed…unfair?
Amelia called for the people to be silent again then Snape continued.
"The Dark Lord did not reveal the identity of his spy to us, I'm not particularly sure why, he was never the type to protect his followers in any way, but I remember all the times he mentioned him. Cowardly and weak he called him, useless vermin, stuttering fool…as much as I detest Black, these are not his identifiers."
Amelia raised her brows. "Vermin…was the Dark Lord aware of Peter's animagus form?"
"I don't know."
"How would you describe Sirius Black?"
A nasty smirk curled up on Snape's face and he looked straight into Sirius's eyes as he spoke.
"Arrogant, reckless, exceedingly sure of himself. And never one to think of the consequences of his actions…" He paused ominously and Remus swallowed. He knew exactly what incident he was thinking of and he knew if Snape chose to reveal it it would be very bad for Sirius and himself. Snape looked on the verge of saying it. It would have been easy, it would have been his right but after a few seconds he closed his eyes, his shoulders sagged slightly and he opened them.
"Traits that have led him to his current predicament,"
Amelia shifted, unsure, before continuing.
"How would you describe his relationship with James?"
"Oh they were two peas in a pod, a very rotten disgusting pod. They were perfectly suited, each as big headed as the other, Potter slightly more so."
The crease in Amelia's eyebrows deepened.
"Do you believe that Sirius betrayed the Potters?"
"...No."
"Alright, that is all my questions for now."
Snape left quickly, not sticking around for the rest of the trial. His gaze wandered over to where Remus sat and their eyes met. Remus gave him a nod of gratitude which he returned with a sneer and a snarl. When Remus searched for Sirius' eyes, he found them hosting a storm of emotions. Guilt, confusion, anger, gratitude. Remus empathised, he was feeling all the same things. When he looked around, he saw that everyone else was just as perplexed about Snape's testimony as they were and for a few minutes while Amelia discussed the developments of the case with her coworkers and the Wizengamot, there was silent contemplation in the faces of everyone in the courtroom. In a split second decision, Remus went chasing after Snape. He found him in the hallway walking briskly so he ran a little to catch up to him.
"Severus!"
Snape turned with a raised brow and crossed his arms.
"Thank you, for your testimony,"
"You're thanking me for calling your boyfriend an arrogant big headed pillock?"
Remus laughed.
"He's not my boyfriend, but anyway, you're not entirely wrong. He is a giant pillock sometimes."
The corners of his mouth twitched.
"You don't need to thank me, Lupin, I didn't do it for you or Black…I did it for Lily and her boy."
Remus' eyes softened. Severus hesitated, looking down at the floor.
"The Headmaster tells me he has Lily's eyes, and her sweetness."
"He does…Would you like to meet him?"
"I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"...It's what Lily would have wanted. I know she would have named you the other godfather if she could, if things weren't so…complicated back then."
Sorrow filled the black eyes, Severus' expression was the most humanising he had ever seen on the man yet. A look of heartbreak and longing.
"I'd like to meet him, make sure he's turning out alright while being raised by literal wolves."
Remus huffed as the sarcasm came back to Severus' voice.
"You can swing by Cnoc Cottage tonight for dinner, I'm sure Minerva wouldn't mind."
Snape nodded curtly then with a dramatic furl of his robes, he turned and walked away.
When Remus returned to the courtroom, it was in chaos. All the reporters were in a fury to get the best pictures and when he looked to the front he saw why. Peter stood at the stands, whole body shaking as he cried loudly. The wizards and witches from the Magical Law Department were trying to get people to calm down while the still loud wails pierced the air.
"Goodness, it's a mess." Minerva said to him as he sat down by her side. "You'd think he was some rare creature."
"Well, he was thought to be extinct," Remus said, "by the way, I invited Severus over for dinner, to see Harry. If it's okay with you."
"What's the point of asking when you've already extended the invitation?"
Remus looked at her sheepishly.
"His testimony was absolute bonkers, I wonder why he didn't just stab Sirius in the face and be done with it."
"Despite his…creative word choices I think his testimony carries some weight. It certainly breaks up the pattern of his old friends calling him everything great. It shows even someone who hated him doesn't think him vile enough to betray his closest friends."
Minerva sighed.
"Yours was a complicated relationship in school, are you sure it's a good idea to have him for dinner?"
"...Harry deserves to know the man who used to be his mother's friend, who grew up alongside her and who could tell him stories about her that Sirius and I never could."
Minerva smiled sadly and patted his hand. The court was soon restored to peace. Peter was still crying but not as loudly or hysterically. Amelia cleared her throat to get his attention, then began her questioning.
"Were you the Potters secret keeper from October twenty second?"
"N-no, I was never Lily and James' secret keeper, that was Sirius!"
"Who witnessed Sirius becoming their secret keeper?"
"Remus, Dumbledore and myself. Dumbledore offered to be their secret keeper but James refused. He trusted Sirius before anyone else and it got him killed!"
He broke into sobs again. Amelia waited for him to quiet before asking her next question.
"What happened on the night of the October thirty first?"
"I-I was on the run, moving from place to place to avoid the Death Eaters when I heard the most terrible news. I was terrified but I knew I must avenge Lily and James! They were always so kind and generous with me, I owed it to them! So I went looking for Sirius, when he drew his wand on me I knew I would be facing my last moments. Sirius was much more powerful than me, that's probably why You-know-who recruited him to the Dark side!"
"I knew I wouldn't be able to block the spell so I thought may-maybe I could avoid it so I transformed and I hid from him in fear of my life."
"Why were you hiding as a rat?"
"I-I knew he could escape Azkaban and come and find me and finish the job. Or his Death Eater friends would come hunting me down for putting their strongest ally in prison, I was terrified, I didn't dare come out of hiding."
"You knew Sirius would escape Azkaban?"
"I knew he would try and with all the dark powers from You-know-who that the rest of us can only dream of, I knew he would succeed."
"Is there a reason you did not provide your consent to have your memories reviewed in a pensieve?"
"W-what memories? I can't disprove they switched me to secret keeper when it didn't happen! A-as for the muggle st-street incident, I can hardly help that it was a blur, I was wracked with grief and fear!"
Remus scoffed with disdain. So that's how he was playing it.
"Black's memories showed that the Potters switched their secret keeper,"
"He-he must have modified them, Sirius is an extremely capable wizard,"
"Snape said that it was unlikely You-know-who was talking about Black when he spoke of his spy."
"Of-of course Snape would say that! He's a Death Eater! He's helping his friend."
"It didn't sound like they were friends."
"An act! All acts."
Remus frowned. This case had so little real evidence and much more testimonial evidence it was near impossible to see which way the scale would tip. The most realistic outcome was that they may both be freed. There was too little evidence to keep either of them in Azkaban. The worst outcome was Sirius alone back in Azkaban.
"Black stayed with Harry Potter for over an hour on the night of the thirty first and the baby was completely unharmed. If he was You-know-who's servant why did he not harm the boy?"
Peter looked incredulous.
"I-I don't know!" he cried, throwing his hands up in the air, "ho-how would I know what goes on in the mind of a Death Eater?"
"You seem quite hysterical, would you like a calming draught?"
"O-of course I'm hysterical, even if my name is cleared from these unfounded accusations, who's to say S-sirius won't come after me now that I am exposed?"
On and on it went, every question Amelia asked him, Peter had a rebuttal for it. There was no way for an unbiased third party to see who was telling the truth. After Peter's first testimony was over they took a short break. Remus and Minerva sat together in silence, realising what had made them nervous all those times before the trial began. The uncertainty, the danger…for the first time, Remus felt a pit of worry settle deep in his abdomen. What if they put Sirius back in Azkaban, or worse still, what if they deem him beyond imprisonment?
The court adjourned for the day and Remus almost forgot about his offer to Severus until the man showed up at the door. Severus looked nervous, he was wearing his usual black robes and sour expression but his whole demeanour was made less threatening by the brightly wrapped gift in his hands. Their dinner party consisted of Minerva, Poppy, Remus, Harry and Severus. Poppy and Harry were still upstairs when the others made themselves comfortable at the dining table. A bottle of firewhiskey came whizzing out of the cabinets and started pouring itself for the adults. A large jar of orange juice came flying out of the icebox to pour itself into a small cup with two handles. Plates and cutlery arranged themselves, Remus had to dodge a platter as it came around his head like a frisbee. He looked unimpressed at Minerva who had her wand in her hand looking smug and unapologetic. Severus rose from his seat when he heard the animated voice of the boy coming down the stairs. Harry came hand in hand with Poppy, he didn't seem surprised to see him but he hid half behind Poppy all the same when he saw him at the dining table.
"Hello Severus! How are you?" Poppy asked kindly.
"I'm quite well Madam Pomfrey, and you?"
"Oh I've never felt younger and it's all thanks to this little bundle of joy on two legs," she rubbed her cheeks against Harry's and the boy laughed happily.
"Harry, this is Severus. He was your mother's good friend from childhood."
Harry looked inquisitively at him with those lovely green eyes he knew so well from another. The boy mostly looked like James, which had turned him off quite a lot and his shyness was unlike either of his parents. Those eyes though, they were all Lily's and he felt an undesired wave of affection course through his body.
"Hello," he said awkwardly. Harry fidgeted, then came out from behind Poppy to tug on his robes. Severus blinked, no kid had ever willingly approached him before.
"Hullo Mr. Severus," he said with a small smile, "Sirius said my mom was a terror and Minnie said she was very smart. What was she really like?"
Severus smiled in spite of himself.
"She was a very smart terror," he replied. Harry giggled.
"Your mother was the most compassionate person I had ever met, her bravery and warmth showed no limits and she cared fiercely for those that were hers. She probably loved you a lot."
Severus felt the tears stinging his eyes and he pinched them with a thumb and forefinger, he would not be caught crying at his former Professor's home in front of his old school nemesis and a child. To his surprise, Harry patted his knee in comfort.
"Lots of people cry when they talk about my parents, you can cry too, Poppy said it's good to cry."
Minerva blew her nose loudly, then took the clean side of her handkerchief to dab at her eyes. Remus watched the encounter with a candid smile. He wondered how much James would be rolling in his grave at this interaction. He amused himself idly with the image of James crying out in frustration watching the awkward Potions Master talk to his son while Lily laughed behind him and called him dramatic. Yes, Remus was quite sure in his decision to give Severus a chance to be in Harry's life.
Severus smiled sadly and patted Harry on the head.
"Thank you Harry, but I'm fine."
They ate dinner in lighter spirits than they felt, talking about everything but the trial. The only time it was mentioned was when Harry asked when Padfoot would come home and Remus bit his lip and said not yet. Dejected, Harry went back to his piece of pie and didn't ask about his godfather again. After dinner, the party settled themselves in Minerva's sitting room. There, Severus gave Harry the present he bought, which happened to be a 'My first Potions kit'. Remus laughed when he saw what it was and Severus pinked ever so slightly. Harry was a tad too young for such a set, despite it only containing low reactive ingredients and mild potions but the boy was still delighted and he thanked Severus politely with a wide smile. Severus remarked to himself that the boy smiled just like Lily, with his little eyes crinkled shut and teeth agleam. The Potions Master didn't want to overstay his welcome after dessert and made to leave. Harry and Remus followed him to the door and the boy tugged on his robes again.
"I hope you'll come again Mr. Severus and then tell me all about my mum and potions and Hogwarts!"
"Certainly, if you wish it," great, even Severus was now in danger of spoiling the boy. He chided himself, what if Harry grew up to be like his father with so many indulgent guardians around? He must be the opposite, to provide balance.
"That is to say, when I am free, I will come."
It wasn't entirely the opposite he was going for but it would have to do for now. He patted Harry on the head a couple of times then nodded curtly to Remus before walking past Minerva's wards and apparating.
Remus almost didn't want to go to the trials the next day, Sirius wouldn't be present and it would be more hours of hearing Peter nervously babble on with his lies and frustratingly unquestionable justifications. But he went, with Poppy at his side this time, Minerva was at home with Harry. Remus distracted himself bemusedly if they were to expect yet even more cat related toys once they got home and didn't notice the court session beginning until Poppy nudged his arm. He looked and felt deep guilt and shame prickling at his skin. Peter's mother stood at the stands looking solemn and gaunt. For a once plump woman, she was now thin and her skin sallow, she had wet eyes and only looked down at the podium while wringing her wrists. When Amelia cleared her throat, Mrs. Pettigrew looked up, almost fearfully.
"Hello Mrs. Pettigrew, how are you?"
"I'm fine, thank you Ms. Bones."
"Are you okay to start your testimony? Or would you like a few minutes with a calming draught to settle your nerves?"
"No, I am quite alright, thank you."
"Okay, please state your name for the court."
"My name is Enid Pettigrew,"
"Did you know that your son was alive?"
"No, I didn't."
"Did you know he was an animagus?"
"No, I did not."
"When was the last time you saw your son?"
"I…I'm not sure. I think it was sometime in October, nineteen eighty one."
"Do you remember what you spoke about?"
"Not really, there wasn't anything out in the ordinary…just that, he might not see me again for a while."
"And that was odd to you? Not being able to see him for a while?"
"N-not quite, there was a war and I know he was involved in Dumbledore's order, lots of members were disappearing or going into hiding, the Potters included."
"Did he speak about the Potters at all that day?"
Mrs. Pettigrew paused. Her eyes darted from Amelia to Peter so quickly that Remus was sure he had imagined it. The silence seemed to stretch for minutes before Mrs. Pettigrew took in a deep breath and looked down at the podium again.
"He did not…but when I mentioned them he…he dropped the tea cup he was holding."
She started crying silently to herself.
"It's not really that odd, Peter is a clumsy boy and I…"
"You would not have mentioned it if you didn't think it was worth mentioning Mrs. Pettigrew."
"No really I…"
"What exactly did you say about the Potters that caused him to drop his cup?"
"I never said that was the cause, I just…"
"My apologies, what did you say about the Potters before Peter dropped his cup?"
"I…I don't remember, I think I just asked him how they were doing. He was one of the only few people who knew where they were."
"Who else knew where they were?"
Mrs. Pettigrew paused to think.
"Sirius, Remus, Dumbledore I believe, and Marlene Mckinnon. And Peter."
"Did Peter ever mention to you about the Potter's secret keeper?"
"No, nothing. I thought it was Dumbledore."
"How would you describe Peter's relationship with his old friends?"
"Oh…he loved them. I was so happy to hear from him in his first year when he told me about the friends he had made." She started crying again and Remus looked down at his lap, unable to look at her.
"He…he was never gifted, my Peter. His friends helped him a lot in his studies. They came over to our house one time, I think in their sixth year. James and Sirius were as rowdy as teen boys often are and Remus was more quiet and polite."
"Was that the only time you saw them?"
"Yes…war was already brewing before they finished school and afterwards everyone just went straight into being soldiers…I didn't see anyone but my Peter."
"Do you believe your son is capable of being a spy for Voldemort?"
"No…he's too good and sweet, he'd never…"
"Then do you believe Sirius is capable of such a thing?"
Slowly, Mrs. Pettigrew shook her head.
"I don't believe it…his family was so…his family was so dark and full of blood supremacist ideals and he made it clear he hated it all. They didn't treat him well, in fact…I was pretty sure he was…abused, at least in some way."
"Are you claiming that neither are traitors?"
"I…I don't know, but we will never know right? Maybe, one of them was under the Imperius curse or both of them was or their memories altered, You-know-who had so many powers or maybe they were told different things by the order to hide the Potters better," Mrs. Pettigrew's voice gained in hysterics and speed the more she spoke, eyes now darting wildly around, her eyes still pouring with tears.
"P-please, I'd like to stop for now."
Amelia gestured for the Potions Master and Mrs. Pettigrew accepted the calming draught. An Auror accompanied her outside. The court took a break while Mrs. Pettigrew calmed down but when she came back, Amelia only asked her a couple of more questions that had unsatisfactory answers before the court adjourned for the day.
"Merlin, have mercy, what a mess," Poppy said with a sigh, Remus silently agreed.
To his surprise and apprehension, the court took a break from the trial while the Wizengamot and the Magical Law Department discussed the case. Again, visitors were not allowed to see the two accused and even Amelia was holding back on revealing what exactly was happening. It made Remus anxious and nervous, not even Harry's sweetness could quell his emotions. Harry was upset that his Moony was so absent in mind and he wished with all his innocence that everything would work out for Sirius. On the second day of the break, Minerva talked some sense into Remus and got him to come out of his stupor to care for his charge. Remus apologised to Harry with lots of kisses and cheered him up by transfiguring one of the throw pillows into a Padfoot plush. Harry loved it so much he carried it with him everywhere, but Minerva tutted and told Remus to buy her another pillow. Harry went to sleep that night buried in his cat toys and one small Padfoot, with Remus stroking his hair and humming softly. The third day brought the arrival of Hagrid and Snape, a most unusual pair. Hagrid brought with him a knitted scarf in Gryffindor colours which, when wrapped around Harry, covered his entire body from neck to foot.
"Ah, may 'ave forgot just how tiny yeh was, Harry."
"Thank you for the scarf Hagrid," came a muffled voice from under the scarf. Remus shook his head fondly and started unwrapping the boy.
"Really, a scarf? It's the middle of August." Snape drawled. Hagrid twiddled his thumbs.
"Well, it'll be October before we know it, he'll need a good scarf to keep him warm."
"Don't be a grouch Severus, you bought the boy a potions set he can't even use for a couple of years."
Severus looked affronted.
"It is educational."
They stayed for lunch, Minerva expressly forbade Hagrid from cooking, and, Severus, seemingly unable to help himself and desperate to prove his gift would be useful to the boy, set up the kit on the dining table after lunch and talked Harry through brewing his first potion; a heatless salve. Harry was fascinated when Severus showed him the only ingredient besides water, a big green leaf that he explained was from the anjelica plant, a magical herb cultivated for its soothing properties. With his tiny tongue poking out of his mouth, he used the small child sized mortar and pestle and enthusiastically grinded the leaves until Severus was satisfied. They measured then added the pulp to the cauldron then followed with the precise amount of water. After stirring twice clockwise and twice anticlockwise, the mixture turned into an opaque pale blue.
"Wow! It changed colour!"
"It did," Severus agreed.
Harry looked at his hands. "Is that also magic?"
"Yes and no. Potion making is an art, a precise concoction of subtle equations and science,"
Severus was just about to continue until he noticed Harry staring at him blankly, having lost him at 'concoction'. The man cleared his throat, replied simply that yes it was also magic, and urged the boy to scoop up the mixture into the provided tin. He was more conscious in his explanations afterwards and told Harry in simpler words how the salve he just made could be used. The green eyes sparkled as he looked at the salve in the tin.
"My first potion," he said in wonder. Severus smiled.
"We can brew others, if you like. I can show you."
Harry beamed at him then hugged him around the middle.
"Thank you Uncle Severus!"
Severus choked and looked down, face stiff and limbs awkwardly hovering around the boy. He thought he heard distant sniggering and badly stifled laughter. In the end, after a few short tense moments in which Severus tried to wrap his head around the fact that James Potter's son had just called him 'Uncle Severus' he placed a hand on Harry's back and patted him.
"Alright, that's enough now." he said, patting harder, "time to let go."
Harry let go abruptly with a frown, bringing his hands together.
"I'm sorry," he said in a quiet voice, his bottom lip trembled and Severus proceeded to freak out silently. Thankfully, Remus came in to rescue him.
"Hey Harry, alright?" He said soothingly, kneeling down and cupping his cheeks. Harry looked fearfully at Severus, and the expression had the man's heart lurching in displeasure.
"I…I made Severus mad because I'm not supposed to hug…"
"Severus is not mad Harry, you did nothing wrong in hugging him, except maybe not asking for his consent first."
"Consent?"
"That's right, some people like Severus are not used to touching and it is always polite to ask first before hugging them or otherwise. If they say yes, you can hug them and if they say no then you have to respect that."
"I'm sorry for hugging you without your consent Uncle Severus," Harry said. Severus looked around awkwardly before replying.
"It's okay…if you want to hug me you can, just not for very long."
Because he didn't want Harry to feel more badly than the boy already did about the hug, he stayed and talked him through another potion before Remus collected him for his nap. When the taller man came back down the stairs, Severus gestured to the sitting room and regarded Remus silently before speaking.
"What in Slytherin's name was that about? He looked…terrified when I told him to let go."
Remus sighed and sank into the armchair he was sitting in.
"It's a long story and I'm worried you'll want to go poison some muggles after it,"
Snape raised a curious brow and Remus launched into the story of Harry's abusive family. With every sentence Remus spoke, Severus felt the muscles in his jaw go tight. He didn't like Petunia at all as a child and now he downright despised the very thought of her. How could she ever let anything remotely close to what happened, happen to her sister's son? He thought back to all the times Lily talked about her sister, hurt that she didn't accept her magic, but optimistic in her alleged goodness and their past closeness. He glowered as his anger fizzled out, rattling the framed images on the walls.
"I understand how you feel but do try to calm down, you'll collapse the ceiling on us."
Severus took a deep breath and the rattling stopped.
"I don't suppose you'll enlighten me with their address?"
Remus laughed and shook his head.
"Harry doesn't need another person in Azkaban,"
"Who says I'll get caught?"
Remus laughed more at that and Severus, in spite of himself, smiled slightly.
"I should get going, check up on the poisons at my disposal," His black robes billowed as he stood and walked to the front door.
"Merlin, stop, Severus, I'm getting a stitch in my side." Remus said, following him. Hagrid had left earlier after lunch and Minerva had followed him to prepare some class materials so it was just Severus, Remus and Harry at home. After Severus left, it was just Remus and Harry. As Remus walked up the stairs back to Harry, he chuckled once more as he thought about how angry Severus had gotten on Harry's behalf. It made him happy to know that the grumpy, sour and ill-tempered man loved Harry enough to threaten poisoning his Aunt and Uncle, even if it was just a joke. At least he thought it was a joke, with Severus it was hard to tell.
Remus was just going to check up on Harry but he had fallen asleep next to the boy without meaning to and only woke a few hours later by a tapping noise on the window. Both man and boy roused in search for the sound and Remus saw a screech owl tapping impatiently at Harry's window. It had a ministry crest on his plumage. He scrambled out of bed and opened the window. The owl dropped the letter at his feet and Remus had already torn it open before the owl flew away. He read with bated breath.
Remus,
Something has happened that's thrown the whole case into reevaluation. Nothing bad, I assure you, in fact, it's a good thing. A very very good thing. I can't share the details with you yet, I just wanted to let you know it might take a couple more days before you can see Sirius. Do not worry or fret or do anything rash. I'm cautiously optimistic.
Amelia Bones
A grin spread across his face and he brought Harry into his arms.
"Did the owl bring good news?" Harry asked, hugging him.
"It did indeed. We might be able to see Sirius soon, any day now."
Harry smiled and hugged him tighter, one hand clutching his Padfoot toy.
Despite what Amelia said about not being able to see Sirius for a few more days, Kingsley showed up at Cnoc Cottage with a wide grin the next day and told them that Sirius had won. Remus cried out in relief. He felt his heart expand in happiness. After all the waiting, the anxiety, the fear, it was all over. Sirius was free, he would be coming home and they could finally be together. Remus laughed shakily, eyes wet and alight with joy. He scooped Harry into his arms and hugged him tight. Harry would finally have his godfather again, to take his rightful place as his official legal guardian. The boy was ecstatic at the news and for the first time in a few days, the Padfoot plush was left on the dining chair as he hugged Remus back. Minerva thanked Kingsley and shook his hand. Kingsley shared in their joy and told them Sirius was still at the ministry going over the technicalities of his release but Remus could go to him now if he wished.
It took some comforting words and reassurances to convince Harry to stay at home. They weren't quite ready to expose the boy to the public yet and there would no doubt be many eyes on Sirius today. Just as he thought, there were a dozen reporters loitering in the main hall of the Ministry, Remus winced as they caught sight of him and started taking his picture and rudely yelling questions after him. Kingsley threatened to have them removed, which made them back off quite quickly and he led Remus to the Magical Law Department on the second floor. Something dawned on him in the elevator that made his throat go tight.
"And what of Peter?"
Kingsley sighed before he replied.
"Life sentence in Azkaban, chance for parole after ten years."
Remus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It wasn't the worst sentence, and that conflicted him. Peter's actions had led to him knowingly causing the death of Lily and James, and Harry if Lily hadn't protected him, all to save his own skin. But…Peter had been his friend, shy and loyal Peter, who shared his chocolates and became an animagus for him and to think he would suffer ten years in that godforsaken place before any chance of seeing the sun again…it was hard. Justice, he told himself, but it felt bitter. He supposed it would always feel this way, that it was just something they had to live with for the rest of their lives, to know someone who they thought as a friend, betrayed them so terribly. All the good memories and fond recollections would forever be marred.
"We're here."
Remus was snapped out of his thoughts as Kingsley knocked on the door of what he assumed was an office. A voice from inside told them to come in and Kingsley opened the door to reveal Dumbledore, Amelia, someone he didn't recognise and…Sirius. With three long strides, Remus found himself with an armful of Sirius and suddenly everything else washed away. Nothing else mattered, not Dumbledore, not Amelia, not Peter. Sirius hugged him tightly, reminiscent of their first meeting after two years but this time the emotions were brighter, happy. Sirius pulled back and just when Remus was about to lean in to chase the embrace, he felt two rough hands grab his face and pull him down for a kiss. The reality of what they're doing doesn't immediately register in his brain. Remus hummed and kissed him back, wrapping his arms around his waist. One of Sirius' hands left his face and gripped his neck. When they broke apart for air, Sirius grinned at him brightly, a faint dusting of pink on his cheeks.
"I love you Remus, been in love with you since sixth year and I ain't waiting another damn second anymore. Go out with me."
Remus laughed and pressed their foreheads together.
"Okay," he said, "I'll go out with you."
Sirius' grin widened before going in for a second kiss which Remus happily returned before someone cleared their throat. They broke apart in one movement, Remus with his face red and Sirius looking completely unashamed, just a little smug. Amelia, who had cleared her throat, also had a red face. Dumbledore and Kingsley just looked amused while the person Remus didn't recognise just stood with their mouth wide open.
Remus coughed and smoothed the front of his robes.
"I'm terribly sorry for the unwarranted display."
"I'm not,"
Remus smacked Sirius' arm but he couldn't help the smile that creeped up on his face.
"Well, if you gentlemen are quite done sucking face in my office, I'd like to continue."
Remus and Sirius took their seats in front of Amelia's desk while Kingsley left, but not before winking at Sirius who winked back. The other person, who Remus learned was Jean Taylor, was Amelia's apprentice. She had short cropped black hair and pale skin, that was still vaguely pink from witnessing two men snogging passionately without warning. Remus would have felt more embarrassed and apologetic if he wasn't so happy. Sirius reached over and intertwined their fingers together. Remus thought he saw Amelia smile from his peripheral vision but she didn't comment and just started telling them about the conditions of his release. Sirius would have to stay in the country for at least a year and pay the fine for being an unregistered animagus and subsequently, register himself as an official animagus. Sirius lamented the loss of his mystery animagus form briefly but blinked away the regret as soon as Amelia brought up Harry.
She told them the Wizengamot was very hesitant to grant him custody of Harry but after explaining and reviewing the circumstances, they allowed it under the condition that their home life be reviewed by a Ministry employee with random inspections. Sirius was not worried and agreed to all the conditions and, after carefully reading all the documents, signed where needed.
"You are officially a free man, Sirius," she said with a smile. Sirius grinned and Remus, feeling brave, leaned a little to kiss his boyfriend on the cheek. Then, remembering something important, he spoke.
"Hang on, no one ever did tell me what happened, how did Sirius suddenly get cleared of his chargers?"
"Ah, well Pettigrew sort of…confessed." Amelia said.
"He did?"
"I confronted Peter down in the holding cells, wanted to give him a piece of my mind after all that venom he spouted in the courtroom." Sirius said with a dark look.
"He didn't say much at first except from his usual drivel, but when I mentioned his old master he became very panicky. So I told him, I told him what Voldemort's dearest supporters talk about in Azkaban, how they thought he was dead or he'd have to answer to them. He wasn't hiding from me all these years after all."
"Then he mentioned Harry I just…I wanted to wring his neck. I don't even remember what I said after that but he must have been terrified out of his mind because he started crying and probably cowering like the pathetic little rat he is and he just confessed. It didn't really sink in for me, I was too angry but a few minutes later some Aurors came to us and took Peter away and put me under a sleeping spell."
"The Aurors who heard your conversation saw fit to let it happen, a little odd since the accused aren't normally allowed to talk to each other. When they heard Peter's confession they thought perhaps you performed a wandless and wordless variant of the imperius curse, so they took him away for examination. Peter showed no signs of being under any spell except the ones we put on him and well, it was final evidence we needed." Amelia leaned back into her chair, a confident smile on her face. Sirius raised a brow.
"You wouldn't happen to know exactly why the aurors let me speak to Peter?"
"Absolutely no idea," she said with another smile. "Now get out of my office and start living your life."
Sirius laughed and stood. "We will, if you come over to Cnoc Cottage for a party. This calls for a celebration! Bring your niece! Harry needs more friends his age."
"Sirius, might I remind you that Cnoc Cottage is not yours to invite others to?" Remus said, amused.
Sirius waved a hand dismissively.
"Minnie won't mind, besides. Always better asking for forgiveness than permission."
Dumbledore chuckled. "A sentiment you unfortunately abided by in school,"
"I'll owl everyone the details! Oh Remus, we got to get an owl,"
With one last handshake with Dumbledore and an invite, they left Amelia's office hand in hand, ignored all the reporters at the entrance, and flooed home.
A/N: Just imagine Severus to be about 70% less of a bastard for this story, haha.