A/N
Okay, for speed's sake responses are at the end and I'll forego the usual
self-pity and feeble excuses!
Suffice to say I apologise for the tardiness of this chapter.
Enjoy!
Chapter 59- Family Matters
"Do sit down Harry, Minerva." Dumbledore motioned them to two chairs positioned expectantly before his desk as though awaiting them.
Harry took the chair on the right hand side and tried not to wince as his muscles protested the movement.
McGonagall however declined. "I wonder if you wouldn't mind me facilitating your private office next door Albus. That is. if you don't mind. I was hoping I might browse a few of your textbooks. I'm still in the process of writing up the OWL papers for this year."
Dumbledore smiled obligingly at the Transfiguration professor. "Of course Minerva."
With a brisk nod McGonagall disappeared through a nondescript tapestry that Harry had never noticed before.
Now that he was alone with the headmaster Harry felt his shoulders slump and all pretence of strength leave his body. He was worn out from the attack through his scar, and even now twinges of pain still panned across his forehead.
"We need to talk Sir." He said
The headmaster was surprised by the gravity and tiredness of the boy's voice. "It would appear so. Tell me, what is troubling you Harry?"
Closing his eyes Harry thought carefully about what he wanted to say. He wasn't sure how to explain that he thought Slytherin had 'posessed' Voldemort's body, and that the former founder's power must have overwhelmed the link he shared with the Dark Lord.
"I see." Muttered Dumbledore suddenly, causing Harry to jump.
"Sorry Sir?" Asked Harry in confusion.
"Your suspicions, if verified will indeed have serious consequences Harry." Said the headmaster gently.
Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Was the headmaster finally admitting to the ability to read someone's mind? "Sir? How did you know what I was thinking?" He asked eventually.
"Why, you were telepathing Harry! Did you not realise?"
Harry's face went bright red in mortification.
"No Sir! I was simply thinking about what I was going to say!"
Dumbledore chuckled. "Perhaps then, it would be prudent to take care when thinking about things of a more personal nature Harry."
If it was possible Harry blushed even deeper. What if he started telepathing thoughts about Ginny!
To Harry's relief Dumbledore swiftly obliged in changing the subject.
"I shall just see if Minerva has exhausted my library, and then I have some news for you Harry."
***
Draco was desperately trying to find his tutor. He felt that maybe Harry's godfather would give him some straight answers.
He was confused and annoyed by the note on the door to Sirius' office that read.
'Gone Fishin'
After a moment's thought he turned on his heel and headed for Dumbledore's office. After all, the headmaster wasn't one for lying, even if he didn't always tell you everything.
As he hurried along he realised that he was still shivering slightly. He couldn't get over how Harry had seen through his cloak. He decided that it would be another thing to ask the headmaster about. Harry Potter's strange behaviour was something Draco could not overlook. He hated to admit it, but the Gryffindor youth had frightened him. And just where did Harry Potter's loyalties really lie?
He almost didn't realise that he'd reached the Gargoyle until the voice of the subject of his deliberations came echoing through the entrance to the headmaster's office.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me!" Yelled Harry, undiluted shock and panic evident in his raised voice.
"Now Mr Potter, please understand."
"Don't Mr Potter me! I will not be spoken down to like that! I can't believe you still treat me like a child!"
Draco stared at the gargoyle in surprise. He didn't know that Potter had the nerve to disrespect his head of house like that.
"Now Harry, please calm down. There's no need to make this personal. It is simply a matter of school procedure, are you suggesting that there ought to be an exception in your case?"
The headmaster's calmly spoken words were enough to stem Harry's tirade, and Draco just managed to catch the abashed mumbled apology.
"Now, I believe you would like to visit the Ministry HQ and see your Godfather. I believe that the hearing will be underway by now. If you hurry you should be there for the pronouncement. Professor McGonagall will accompany you."
After a short silence he heard Harry cough
"Yes sir. And I apologise for my outburst. I always seem to lose my rag when my scar. Anyway, I'm sorry."
There was a bustle of noise as Harry and McGonagall exited the office by Floo and on hearing their departure Draco decided to announce his arrival.
***
Harry stumbled out of the fireplace and stepped hastily aside as his transfiguration professor appeared from the flames a moment later.
They quickly deposited their wands in the designated holders and nodded to the security witch who had obviously been expecting them.
"Come along then Harry. Let's see if we can find them."
The two hurried along the corridors of the temporary Ministry HQ. Soon they could hear the loud cries of disbelief and surprise of a large crowd.
Unsurprisingly the mob were Ministry officials crowded round the door of the make-shift courtroom.
Murmurs and rumours that would have done Hogwarts proud were flying between colleagues and Harry had to fight not to laugh when he heard some of the speculation.
The crowd parted when they saw Harry Potter approaching.
McGonagall walked ahead glaring strictly at some of the younger more enthusiastic officials who seemed a little too interested in the Boy Who Lived. Soon they reached the doorway and after a quick eavesdrop McGonagall nodded and they slipped through the door.
The first thing Harry saw was Dawn Inigma, standing just in front of them with her wand in her hand.
"Professor Inigma." Whispered Harry, "What's going on?"
Dawn spun around and to Harry's immense surprise pulled him into a hug.
"Your Godfather's about to be declared a free man. Look!"
She turned Harry about and he saw his Godfather's face beaming back at him from the defendant's stand.
The judge stood up and cleared his throat.
"It is the ruling of this court that sufficient evidence has been provided for me to pronounce Mr Sirius Black, exonerated of all his former convictions. Furthermore, in view of Mr Black's unfortunate imprisonment I hereby award the sum of 20,000 galleons and the release of all previously impounded property. No charges shall be raised against Mr Black over the crimes listed in appendix D of the 'Black Dossier' and Mr Black is henceforth free of the custody of the Ministry of Magic."
The magical bindings that had evidently been restraining Sirius' wrists disappeared and Sirius jumped out of his seat.
"Harry!" He yelled, vaulting over the docks.
Harry, grinning wildly, sprinted through the mass of people and flung himself at his Godfather.
"Sirius. I. I don't know what to say!"
"Me neither."
The two of them were soon caught up in a tight hug and within seconds another pair of arms were wrapped around them as Remus Lupin joined the embrace.
"You're finally free."
Whispered Moony, his eyes bright with tears.
"Free." Sirius mumbled, his eyes dazed with almost disbelieving happiness.
The moment was quickly ended with the barrage of reporters and well-wishers who seemed to emerge from nowhere to engulf them. Amidst all the tumultuous gabble Harry could hear a familiar voice.
"Sirius Black. It seems I misjudged you."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
a/n
ONCE AGAIN SORRY!!
*Says a mantra 'I will write faster I will write faster.'*
RESPONSES TO MY WONDERFULL REVIEWERS.
bucky - Yes, I realise that it WAS an inexcusably short chapter. I think this one's a little longer. And no, I'm not gonna kill Harry. er. again. *grins*
Jeanne - As prescribed a free Sirius!! Hehehe.
franny - As usual you get straight to the point. Harry's ability to see through the invisibility cloak comes into the next chapter. *bites lip*. Sorry!
Nexus - Thankyou very much!
Joanna - It IS a long fic. Although I think it's probably too long. There are bits I would cut if I ever got around to re-editing the whole thing. I also think that my style has evolved. I've been writing it for a bit over a year now!!
Nuts - I giggled as I wrote it! Can't help thinking that the bemused expression on Draco's face would be funny!
chris - Thankyou! Yet more wonderful praise for this undeserving author!
Ady - Ahhh, my misleading trickery, mwuhahaha. Although, I think that Dawn IS a bit scary, she can be dangerous when she wants/needs to be.
Cygnus Crux - THANKYOU!!! I have nearly finished catching up on Mind War (Just one chapter left to read till I'm caught up) And I'll be sure to leave you a stonking big review that will probably set you on fire as my fury bubbles over!!! It's a killer story!!! (But brilliant and wonderful all the same) I am speechless that a talented author such as yourself would review my story! Thankyou so much!
Arizosa - *Joins the party with a cunning disguise for her own safety from irate readers* Thanks!! School is indeed icky, Slytherin IS the evil side of Harry - He semi-possesed Harry from 1 yr old and has therefore left his influence on Harry's mind.
Thorgood - As ever you are too kind. And yes! You should keep the paper version. In case the other copies get lost/burnt as fuel/used as toilet roll. etc.
abbey - I shall endeavour as always.
Greeneyes - I am totally ashamed. *appears bashful* It depends what your interpretation of 'relatively' is. *shakes her head in self-depreciation* No, no, you are totally within your rights to complain. I can only apologise and refrain from promising anything as foolhardy and misleading ever again! The green eyes ARE Harry's. Slytherin is borrowing them as a visual aid. I'll make him give them back. eventually!
Shrimpo/Jewels - Welcome back to the fold! I shall battle on till this beast is finished, I promise! Not much more to go! Thanks!
Elucreh - I am glad that you enjoyed so many of MY fave parts! Hehehe, rampaging kelpies. As for Dawn. She is a bit scary. She has been trained to be intimidating. Working for the ministry and such like. I may have overplayed it, but she's definitely NOT all goodness and light!! Cliffies ARE evil. But as I have claimed many times in my defence! I cannot help but write them. And yes, I KNOW there's another one here, but it ain't a bad one!!!
Heather - I myself have to re-read large chunks before I set about writing up any new parts. That's part of the reason new chapters are so long in coming!!
Narcissa Malfoy - Sorry for the delay! (Truly sorry)
wrenbirdy - Thankyou! I can't imagine what it's like reading the whole of this monster all the way through for people who aren't me. I'm glad you've enjoyed it thus far!
Thankyou All!!!!
jona
xxx
Chapter 59- Family Matters
"Do sit down Harry, Minerva." Dumbledore motioned them to two chairs positioned expectantly before his desk as though awaiting them.
Harry took the chair on the right hand side and tried not to wince as his muscles protested the movement.
McGonagall however declined. "I wonder if you wouldn't mind me facilitating your private office next door Albus. That is. if you don't mind. I was hoping I might browse a few of your textbooks. I'm still in the process of writing up the OWL papers for this year."
Dumbledore smiled obligingly at the Transfiguration professor. "Of course Minerva."
With a brisk nod McGonagall disappeared through a nondescript tapestry that Harry had never noticed before.
Now that he was alone with the headmaster Harry felt his shoulders slump and all pretence of strength leave his body. He was worn out from the attack through his scar, and even now twinges of pain still panned across his forehead.
"We need to talk Sir." He said
The headmaster was surprised by the gravity and tiredness of the boy's voice. "It would appear so. Tell me, what is troubling you Harry?"
Closing his eyes Harry thought carefully about what he wanted to say. He wasn't sure how to explain that he thought Slytherin had 'posessed' Voldemort's body, and that the former founder's power must have overwhelmed the link he shared with the Dark Lord.
"I see." Muttered Dumbledore suddenly, causing Harry to jump.
"Sorry Sir?" Asked Harry in confusion.
"Your suspicions, if verified will indeed have serious consequences Harry." Said the headmaster gently.
Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Was the headmaster finally admitting to the ability to read someone's mind? "Sir? How did you know what I was thinking?" He asked eventually.
"Why, you were telepathing Harry! Did you not realise?"
Harry's face went bright red in mortification.
"No Sir! I was simply thinking about what I was going to say!"
Dumbledore chuckled. "Perhaps then, it would be prudent to take care when thinking about things of a more personal nature Harry."
If it was possible Harry blushed even deeper. What if he started telepathing thoughts about Ginny!
To Harry's relief Dumbledore swiftly obliged in changing the subject.
"I shall just see if Minerva has exhausted my library, and then I have some news for you Harry."
***
Draco was desperately trying to find his tutor. He felt that maybe Harry's godfather would give him some straight answers.
He was confused and annoyed by the note on the door to Sirius' office that read.
'Gone Fishin'
After a moment's thought he turned on his heel and headed for Dumbledore's office. After all, the headmaster wasn't one for lying, even if he didn't always tell you everything.
As he hurried along he realised that he was still shivering slightly. He couldn't get over how Harry had seen through his cloak. He decided that it would be another thing to ask the headmaster about. Harry Potter's strange behaviour was something Draco could not overlook. He hated to admit it, but the Gryffindor youth had frightened him. And just where did Harry Potter's loyalties really lie?
He almost didn't realise that he'd reached the Gargoyle until the voice of the subject of his deliberations came echoing through the entrance to the headmaster's office.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me!" Yelled Harry, undiluted shock and panic evident in his raised voice.
"Now Mr Potter, please understand."
"Don't Mr Potter me! I will not be spoken down to like that! I can't believe you still treat me like a child!"
Draco stared at the gargoyle in surprise. He didn't know that Potter had the nerve to disrespect his head of house like that.
"Now Harry, please calm down. There's no need to make this personal. It is simply a matter of school procedure, are you suggesting that there ought to be an exception in your case?"
The headmaster's calmly spoken words were enough to stem Harry's tirade, and Draco just managed to catch the abashed mumbled apology.
"Now, I believe you would like to visit the Ministry HQ and see your Godfather. I believe that the hearing will be underway by now. If you hurry you should be there for the pronouncement. Professor McGonagall will accompany you."
After a short silence he heard Harry cough
"Yes sir. And I apologise for my outburst. I always seem to lose my rag when my scar. Anyway, I'm sorry."
There was a bustle of noise as Harry and McGonagall exited the office by Floo and on hearing their departure Draco decided to announce his arrival.
***
Harry stumbled out of the fireplace and stepped hastily aside as his transfiguration professor appeared from the flames a moment later.
They quickly deposited their wands in the designated holders and nodded to the security witch who had obviously been expecting them.
"Come along then Harry. Let's see if we can find them."
The two hurried along the corridors of the temporary Ministry HQ. Soon they could hear the loud cries of disbelief and surprise of a large crowd.
Unsurprisingly the mob were Ministry officials crowded round the door of the make-shift courtroom.
Murmurs and rumours that would have done Hogwarts proud were flying between colleagues and Harry had to fight not to laugh when he heard some of the speculation.
The crowd parted when they saw Harry Potter approaching.
McGonagall walked ahead glaring strictly at some of the younger more enthusiastic officials who seemed a little too interested in the Boy Who Lived. Soon they reached the doorway and after a quick eavesdrop McGonagall nodded and they slipped through the door.
The first thing Harry saw was Dawn Inigma, standing just in front of them with her wand in her hand.
"Professor Inigma." Whispered Harry, "What's going on?"
Dawn spun around and to Harry's immense surprise pulled him into a hug.
"Your Godfather's about to be declared a free man. Look!"
She turned Harry about and he saw his Godfather's face beaming back at him from the defendant's stand.
The judge stood up and cleared his throat.
"It is the ruling of this court that sufficient evidence has been provided for me to pronounce Mr Sirius Black, exonerated of all his former convictions. Furthermore, in view of Mr Black's unfortunate imprisonment I hereby award the sum of 20,000 galleons and the release of all previously impounded property. No charges shall be raised against Mr Black over the crimes listed in appendix D of the 'Black Dossier' and Mr Black is henceforth free of the custody of the Ministry of Magic."
The magical bindings that had evidently been restraining Sirius' wrists disappeared and Sirius jumped out of his seat.
"Harry!" He yelled, vaulting over the docks.
Harry, grinning wildly, sprinted through the mass of people and flung himself at his Godfather.
"Sirius. I. I don't know what to say!"
"Me neither."
The two of them were soon caught up in a tight hug and within seconds another pair of arms were wrapped around them as Remus Lupin joined the embrace.
"You're finally free."
Whispered Moony, his eyes bright with tears.
"Free." Sirius mumbled, his eyes dazed with almost disbelieving happiness.
The moment was quickly ended with the barrage of reporters and well-wishers who seemed to emerge from nowhere to engulf them. Amidst all the tumultuous gabble Harry could hear a familiar voice.
"Sirius Black. It seems I misjudged you."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
a/n
ONCE AGAIN SORRY!!
*Says a mantra 'I will write faster I will write faster.'*
RESPONSES TO MY WONDERFULL REVIEWERS.
bucky - Yes, I realise that it WAS an inexcusably short chapter. I think this one's a little longer. And no, I'm not gonna kill Harry. er. again. *grins*
Jeanne - As prescribed a free Sirius!! Hehehe.
franny - As usual you get straight to the point. Harry's ability to see through the invisibility cloak comes into the next chapter. *bites lip*. Sorry!
Nexus - Thankyou very much!
Joanna - It IS a long fic. Although I think it's probably too long. There are bits I would cut if I ever got around to re-editing the whole thing. I also think that my style has evolved. I've been writing it for a bit over a year now!!
Nuts - I giggled as I wrote it! Can't help thinking that the bemused expression on Draco's face would be funny!
chris - Thankyou! Yet more wonderful praise for this undeserving author!
Ady - Ahhh, my misleading trickery, mwuhahaha. Although, I think that Dawn IS a bit scary, she can be dangerous when she wants/needs to be.
Cygnus Crux - THANKYOU!!! I have nearly finished catching up on Mind War (Just one chapter left to read till I'm caught up) And I'll be sure to leave you a stonking big review that will probably set you on fire as my fury bubbles over!!! It's a killer story!!! (But brilliant and wonderful all the same) I am speechless that a talented author such as yourself would review my story! Thankyou so much!
Arizosa - *Joins the party with a cunning disguise for her own safety from irate readers* Thanks!! School is indeed icky, Slytherin IS the evil side of Harry - He semi-possesed Harry from 1 yr old and has therefore left his influence on Harry's mind.
Thorgood - As ever you are too kind. And yes! You should keep the paper version. In case the other copies get lost/burnt as fuel/used as toilet roll. etc.
abbey - I shall endeavour as always.
Greeneyes - I am totally ashamed. *appears bashful* It depends what your interpretation of 'relatively' is. *shakes her head in self-depreciation* No, no, you are totally within your rights to complain. I can only apologise and refrain from promising anything as foolhardy and misleading ever again! The green eyes ARE Harry's. Slytherin is borrowing them as a visual aid. I'll make him give them back. eventually!
Shrimpo/Jewels - Welcome back to the fold! I shall battle on till this beast is finished, I promise! Not much more to go! Thanks!
Elucreh - I am glad that you enjoyed so many of MY fave parts! Hehehe, rampaging kelpies. As for Dawn. She is a bit scary. She has been trained to be intimidating. Working for the ministry and such like. I may have overplayed it, but she's definitely NOT all goodness and light!! Cliffies ARE evil. But as I have claimed many times in my defence! I cannot help but write them. And yes, I KNOW there's another one here, but it ain't a bad one!!!
Heather - I myself have to re-read large chunks before I set about writing up any new parts. That's part of the reason new chapters are so long in coming!!
Narcissa Malfoy - Sorry for the delay! (Truly sorry)
wrenbirdy - Thankyou! I can't imagine what it's like reading the whole of this monster all the way through for people who aren't me. I'm glad you've enjoyed it thus far!
Thankyou All!!!!
jona
xxx