Title: Wisdom From The Dark 13
Author: Jyrnn
Spoilers: All four books. Wait, can't say that now can I? Okay, PS, CS, PoA, and GoF. I'll probably pilfer whatever bits I can from The Order of The Phoenix. Incidently some of it can fit. Thank you J. K Rowling. Well except the part about Sirius.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor any of its characters. They are the sole intellectual property of J. K. Rowling and Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. I gain no monetary reward for this exercise and do not intend any copyright infringement.
Summery: A child has suffered enough, an intruder encounters unexpected resistance, and the careless words of Voldemort have the most unexpected results. Harry Potter is about to take a stand.
Chapter 14: The Will of Wealth and Power
Sirius Black sensed something was wrong. Call it intuition, divination or pure animal instinct, he could plainly feel that something was wrong with his current situation. He was ushered rather politely into the absurdly secure interrogation room and then released from his manacles. Time seemed to blur and he was no longer content to sit immobile in the unyielding metal chair. He started pacing. Not very productive but it was a way to vent without blatantly screaming in frustration. Suddenly Sirius remembered why pacing was contrary to a stable mental state. Whenever he paced, his paranoia grew in leaps and bounds. After only a few minutes of stalking back and forth across the room Sirius had managed to convince himself that Voldemort was poised outside to fire a Killing Curse when he dropped his guard.
Violently shaking himself out of his over zealous imaginings, Sirius reluctantly crept back to the cold seat. With a sigh he slumped down and waited for whatever lawyer or Deatheater walked through the door. He would be equally disgusted with either. The door swung open and three imposing figures walked in. The center man wore silk robes in a pastel blue and had greying hair at his temples. The man's expensive cologne tingled in the Animagus' sensitive nostrils. The women to the right sported a business suit and had her straight black hair was harnessed tightly in a bun. She would be devastatingly attractive were it not for the fact that she was scowling back in the direction they had come. The left figure was a cadaverous man of imposing height wearing jet black robes that seemed to permeate his personal space with an air of menace. His age was indeterminable at this distance. Whoever he was, his facial features were a mix of youthful eyes and sunken cheeks, Sirius guessed the man recently experienced either a great sickness or an even greater loss.
"Er.. Hello?" Sirius greeted the strangers. As varied as his experience was, he had never seen such an odd collection of people. This even outshone Dung's first and last Christmas party back in '78. The center man, presumably the leader, beamed a blissful smile. The haggard man motioned for the younger woman to sit as he cleared his throat.
"I am Wilhelm Henrik, the lady is Valerie Falkirk. The August gentleman behind me is our mentor Martine Marduk. Together we are the senior partners of the firm Marduk, Henrik, and Falkirk." The man's consonants were crisp and hard, definitely German. "One of our clients has taken an interest in your case. As his family holds our firm on retainer for well into the twenty second century, my colleagues have decided to intercede on your behalf." Sirius merely looked on doubtfully. *No one in my homeland defended me when charges were brought, why would a bunch strangers risk being associated with me?*
The seated woman schooled her features from the inexplicable scowl she once bore. Her voice was clear and her English without accent, like she was straining to ride herself of any inflection. "New testimony is being given by a reputable source. His information about your case and the current administration of Magical Britain should be enough to halt any deportation proceedings." Sirius could only shake his head in bafflement. The odds of new evidence turning up fifteen years after his trial were slim. He smelled a trap and leveled a glare at the supposed saviors assembled. It seemed his talent of intimidation had not completely exhausted itself. The woman quickly slide herself and her chair noisily away from the table. The tall German man shot Sirius a nasty look.
"I don't buy it. There are three people in this world I trust and none of them are here. Whatever this 'new testimony' is, it is either false or sabotaged." coldly stated the fugitive. Suspicion came naturally to him now . Henrik opened his mouth to let fly with a retort but he was interrupted by a silencing gesture from Marduk.
"Your concerns are both understandable and valid. You are quite obviously in a situation beyond your control and are lashing out at people who only mean to help you. Rest assured Monsieur Black, this is neither a trap nor a ploy to wrest a confession from you. Equally true is the existence of an informant who is, as we speak, testifying under Veritaserum as to your innocence. I believe him so I am forced to believe you as well." recited the Frenchman quickly. His eyes were no longer congenial, but weary. "While we do not expect gratitude for doing our jobs, we do require a measure of etiquette that you have yet to offer us."
Sirius was more than a little taken back by the man's bluntness. Marduk did not seem to be the type of man who would easily forgo pleasantries. *Well its not like I have anything to lose.* "Alright, what do you want?"
"Merely the answers to a few questions. You have been quiet while in custody here except for profanities leveled at the authorities. For piece of mind, The Dutch Ministry of Justice requires information regarding the events of Halloween 1981. As you saw them of course." This question was novel one for Black because his questioning had consisted more of comments like "Why'd you do it Black?" and "Who are your Deatheater friends?" A calm, rational question about the events which ruined his life had never been asked before. He paused to recollect the events of long ago.
"Well, I'd just gotten off my shift at work. I'd inherited a bar, "Black's Cauldron", from my uncle when he died. It was a little run down and was near the entrance to Knock Turn Alley so it attracted a less than savory sort of clientele. Since the sterling folk and the shady sort don't like consorting with each other, Black's Cauldron got some of the crowd that wouldn't set foot in Diagon Alley. Not the sort of place I'd drink myself, but it was turning a tidy profit. But I digress. It was about 1:30 in the morning when I got back to my flat and turned on the wireless while I nursed a nightcap. I heard the breaking news about James and Lily and took off towards Wales. Landed in the Hollow at little before dawn, I met the Gamekeeper of Hogwarts, Rubeus Hagrid. He had my little Godson and was going to deliver him to Dumbledore. Seeing he couldn't be swayed I gave him my motorcycle and Apparated off in search of Peter Pettigrew." Sirius paused to take a deep breath and continued on. "They had cast a Fidelius Charm a week before and it was suspected that I was their Secret-Keeper. But I wasn't. I'd switched with Peter but he turned out to be a spy for Voldemort the entire time. I hunted him down to that street in Sussex but he blew up the alley behind him all the time naming me a traitor. Remus and I, we had always underestimated Wormtail. He was so timid and useless that we had stick up for him at school. I regret every thing I ever said in defense of that lousy bastard."
It was Henrik who spoke up. "Who is Wormtail?"
Sirius sighed and cupped his face hin his hands. Muffled though his response was, it was intelligible. "Wormtail was Peter, Moony was my friend Remus Lupin, and Prongs was James. I was Padfoot. Stupid juvenile nicknames for stupid juvenile guys." He let out a bitter laugh. "We were the Marauders, the preeminent mischief makers at Hogwarts. Right full of ourselves we were too. Thought we were untouchable."
"And your escape from Azkaban?" asked Falkirk.
"Dug my way out when I found out Peter was alive and well.' Sirius said while carefully omitting the fact that he was dog at the time he dog the tunnel and that he noticed Peter while he was a rat. They needn't be bothered with such trivial details as three of the Marauders being unregistered Animagi. The lawyers sat back and digested the brief synopsis of the night. There were gaps in his story but he seemed sincere. It was obviously painful for him to speak of. As they sat in silence with Black cradling his sorrow filled features in his calloused hands the door opened. It was one of the Dutch officials.
He stood in the door and delivered his news. "The hearing is complete. Your man's testimony is irrefutable and more than adequate to cast doubt on any motions to extradite. Black will most likely receive political asylum here in the Netherlands and in any other nation you wish to petition Mister Marduk. Your witness' testimony was most enlightening and the actions of the British Ministry most appalling." Sirius raised an incredulous look at the Dutch man who had just pronounced him safe.
"So I'm free?" asked Sirius with a tenuous voice.
"Well here, but you cannot return to Britain until your Ministry settles the corruption charges the international magical community will soon be leveling against it. Your civil liberties were abused in a irredeemable fashion Mr. Black. Sentenced without trial and evidence as you were, it was a gross violation of the emergency powers that your government possesses." elaborated the Dutchman. "After the hardship you suffered at the zealous hands of our English brethren, we are obligated to extend a welcome to our country."
Falkirk's eyes shone with a calculating gleam. "We will, of course, receive copies of the transcripts of the hearing and your full cooperation of your office, yes?"
"Of course."
"Excellent. How fares the motion to release our client?" continued the Slavic woman.
"He shall be free within the hour. I trust you will handle the rest?" When he saw all three lawyers nod, he turned a left, letting the door close behind him.
"Well, that was relatively painless now wasn't it?" beamed Marduk.
"One wonders why it wasn't done fifteen years ago." growled Henrik.
"Regardless, he should be here soon." speculated Falkirk.
"Who?" asked a very relieved and a very confused Sirius Black. This was not what he had expected. All his problems seemed to be evaporating around him.
"Our client. A fine young man, though a bit demanding at times." Marduk explained as the vault-like door to the room swing open. In walked a slender, dark, and looming figure. There was a slight creak of a raw hide garment as the man stepped through the open door. He was young, with gently spiked hair and dark glasses. The creak came from the large over-robe, voluminous to the extent that only the hands and face were apparent above a swirling mass of black-brown leather. He seemed oddly familiar and there was faint smile upon his lips. 'I believe you have met," continued Marduk as the figure approached the table where Sirius and Valerie were seated. "His name is Harry Potter."
"Hello Snuffles." greeted the grinning features of his Godson
End 14
Author Notes:
Sorry for the lateness of the chapter, but for numerous reasons I found this particular instalment difficult to write. I had contemplated writing a court scene in which Harry reveals the truth about Sirius and the sheer foolishness of his government, but I didn't have the heart to bog down the story with even more legal jargon. Also I was left dissatisfied with the fate of Sirius Black in the OOTP and the memory of his character compelled me to make at least one chapter based solely form his point of view. I will eventually write the original scene I had planned and possibly reveal it in the form of the court recordings or a flashback in a later chapter or story. Believe it or not I have a very precise goal for this story to the extent that half my efforts are devoted shaping it to fit one particular scene in the future. Unrealistic though it may be I well continue on as best I can. Hopefully I can produce another chapter tomorrow. Thanks for reading. Amazingly enough this story is a fluke of nature. No really, I started last March during a blizzard that confined me to my house.
At this time I would like to thank three people in particular. Not that their praise was lavish or more meaningful than others but because it found me at the right time. To Nighttime Sunshine who was the first person to review the first piece of serious fanfiction I had ever committed myself to. To AJake for continued interest in my story even when it was ridiculously short. And to Lady FoxFire, whose first review was a challenge for me to keep her interest. I hope I have succeeded thus far and well continue to in the future.
To my reviewers I must bow and offer my most profuse thanks. That means you all: Nighttime Sunshine, peeweepotter Relle, AJaKe, cricket, sil, Zaln, Lady FoxFire, Them Girl, fan, Otaku Freak, Saiyan Seker88, bostonian, ADJ, Webster, Star Mage, Lilybee2003, ZeonReborn, gallandro-83, Paul, pablo5280, Imaginaryfriend, Destruxion, kapies, rosie. Bill Weasly, Myrddin Ambrosius Jr.book worm, litine, clingon87,Siri Kat, pan, Potatoes, PheonixMan,GREENDAY 9829, Elessar, Jason Gregory, Renee Fay and Rachel A. Prongs. You feedback is greatly appreciated and if I have missed anyone you have my apologies. I consider all of you suggestions.
Incidenty it has come up that I need beta readers. If you are interested or if you have any suggestions or questions about my work, feel free to e-mail me about them. The address in my FF.net account is accurate and I check my mail regularly. Bye.
Author: Jyrnn
Spoilers: All four books. Wait, can't say that now can I? Okay, PS, CS, PoA, and GoF. I'll probably pilfer whatever bits I can from The Order of The Phoenix. Incidently some of it can fit. Thank you J. K Rowling. Well except the part about Sirius.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor any of its characters. They are the sole intellectual property of J. K. Rowling and Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. I gain no monetary reward for this exercise and do not intend any copyright infringement.
Summery: A child has suffered enough, an intruder encounters unexpected resistance, and the careless words of Voldemort have the most unexpected results. Harry Potter is about to take a stand.
Chapter 14: The Will of Wealth and Power
Sirius Black sensed something was wrong. Call it intuition, divination or pure animal instinct, he could plainly feel that something was wrong with his current situation. He was ushered rather politely into the absurdly secure interrogation room and then released from his manacles. Time seemed to blur and he was no longer content to sit immobile in the unyielding metal chair. He started pacing. Not very productive but it was a way to vent without blatantly screaming in frustration. Suddenly Sirius remembered why pacing was contrary to a stable mental state. Whenever he paced, his paranoia grew in leaps and bounds. After only a few minutes of stalking back and forth across the room Sirius had managed to convince himself that Voldemort was poised outside to fire a Killing Curse when he dropped his guard.
Violently shaking himself out of his over zealous imaginings, Sirius reluctantly crept back to the cold seat. With a sigh he slumped down and waited for whatever lawyer or Deatheater walked through the door. He would be equally disgusted with either. The door swung open and three imposing figures walked in. The center man wore silk robes in a pastel blue and had greying hair at his temples. The man's expensive cologne tingled in the Animagus' sensitive nostrils. The women to the right sported a business suit and had her straight black hair was harnessed tightly in a bun. She would be devastatingly attractive were it not for the fact that she was scowling back in the direction they had come. The left figure was a cadaverous man of imposing height wearing jet black robes that seemed to permeate his personal space with an air of menace. His age was indeterminable at this distance. Whoever he was, his facial features were a mix of youthful eyes and sunken cheeks, Sirius guessed the man recently experienced either a great sickness or an even greater loss.
"Er.. Hello?" Sirius greeted the strangers. As varied as his experience was, he had never seen such an odd collection of people. This even outshone Dung's first and last Christmas party back in '78. The center man, presumably the leader, beamed a blissful smile. The haggard man motioned for the younger woman to sit as he cleared his throat.
"I am Wilhelm Henrik, the lady is Valerie Falkirk. The August gentleman behind me is our mentor Martine Marduk. Together we are the senior partners of the firm Marduk, Henrik, and Falkirk." The man's consonants were crisp and hard, definitely German. "One of our clients has taken an interest in your case. As his family holds our firm on retainer for well into the twenty second century, my colleagues have decided to intercede on your behalf." Sirius merely looked on doubtfully. *No one in my homeland defended me when charges were brought, why would a bunch strangers risk being associated with me?*
The seated woman schooled her features from the inexplicable scowl she once bore. Her voice was clear and her English without accent, like she was straining to ride herself of any inflection. "New testimony is being given by a reputable source. His information about your case and the current administration of Magical Britain should be enough to halt any deportation proceedings." Sirius could only shake his head in bafflement. The odds of new evidence turning up fifteen years after his trial were slim. He smelled a trap and leveled a glare at the supposed saviors assembled. It seemed his talent of intimidation had not completely exhausted itself. The woman quickly slide herself and her chair noisily away from the table. The tall German man shot Sirius a nasty look.
"I don't buy it. There are three people in this world I trust and none of them are here. Whatever this 'new testimony' is, it is either false or sabotaged." coldly stated the fugitive. Suspicion came naturally to him now . Henrik opened his mouth to let fly with a retort but he was interrupted by a silencing gesture from Marduk.
"Your concerns are both understandable and valid. You are quite obviously in a situation beyond your control and are lashing out at people who only mean to help you. Rest assured Monsieur Black, this is neither a trap nor a ploy to wrest a confession from you. Equally true is the existence of an informant who is, as we speak, testifying under Veritaserum as to your innocence. I believe him so I am forced to believe you as well." recited the Frenchman quickly. His eyes were no longer congenial, but weary. "While we do not expect gratitude for doing our jobs, we do require a measure of etiquette that you have yet to offer us."
Sirius was more than a little taken back by the man's bluntness. Marduk did not seem to be the type of man who would easily forgo pleasantries. *Well its not like I have anything to lose.* "Alright, what do you want?"
"Merely the answers to a few questions. You have been quiet while in custody here except for profanities leveled at the authorities. For piece of mind, The Dutch Ministry of Justice requires information regarding the events of Halloween 1981. As you saw them of course." This question was novel one for Black because his questioning had consisted more of comments like "Why'd you do it Black?" and "Who are your Deatheater friends?" A calm, rational question about the events which ruined his life had never been asked before. He paused to recollect the events of long ago.
"Well, I'd just gotten off my shift at work. I'd inherited a bar, "Black's Cauldron", from my uncle when he died. It was a little run down and was near the entrance to Knock Turn Alley so it attracted a less than savory sort of clientele. Since the sterling folk and the shady sort don't like consorting with each other, Black's Cauldron got some of the crowd that wouldn't set foot in Diagon Alley. Not the sort of place I'd drink myself, but it was turning a tidy profit. But I digress. It was about 1:30 in the morning when I got back to my flat and turned on the wireless while I nursed a nightcap. I heard the breaking news about James and Lily and took off towards Wales. Landed in the Hollow at little before dawn, I met the Gamekeeper of Hogwarts, Rubeus Hagrid. He had my little Godson and was going to deliver him to Dumbledore. Seeing he couldn't be swayed I gave him my motorcycle and Apparated off in search of Peter Pettigrew." Sirius paused to take a deep breath and continued on. "They had cast a Fidelius Charm a week before and it was suspected that I was their Secret-Keeper. But I wasn't. I'd switched with Peter but he turned out to be a spy for Voldemort the entire time. I hunted him down to that street in Sussex but he blew up the alley behind him all the time naming me a traitor. Remus and I, we had always underestimated Wormtail. He was so timid and useless that we had stick up for him at school. I regret every thing I ever said in defense of that lousy bastard."
It was Henrik who spoke up. "Who is Wormtail?"
Sirius sighed and cupped his face hin his hands. Muffled though his response was, it was intelligible. "Wormtail was Peter, Moony was my friend Remus Lupin, and Prongs was James. I was Padfoot. Stupid juvenile nicknames for stupid juvenile guys." He let out a bitter laugh. "We were the Marauders, the preeminent mischief makers at Hogwarts. Right full of ourselves we were too. Thought we were untouchable."
"And your escape from Azkaban?" asked Falkirk.
"Dug my way out when I found out Peter was alive and well.' Sirius said while carefully omitting the fact that he was dog at the time he dog the tunnel and that he noticed Peter while he was a rat. They needn't be bothered with such trivial details as three of the Marauders being unregistered Animagi. The lawyers sat back and digested the brief synopsis of the night. There were gaps in his story but he seemed sincere. It was obviously painful for him to speak of. As they sat in silence with Black cradling his sorrow filled features in his calloused hands the door opened. It was one of the Dutch officials.
He stood in the door and delivered his news. "The hearing is complete. Your man's testimony is irrefutable and more than adequate to cast doubt on any motions to extradite. Black will most likely receive political asylum here in the Netherlands and in any other nation you wish to petition Mister Marduk. Your witness' testimony was most enlightening and the actions of the British Ministry most appalling." Sirius raised an incredulous look at the Dutch man who had just pronounced him safe.
"So I'm free?" asked Sirius with a tenuous voice.
"Well here, but you cannot return to Britain until your Ministry settles the corruption charges the international magical community will soon be leveling against it. Your civil liberties were abused in a irredeemable fashion Mr. Black. Sentenced without trial and evidence as you were, it was a gross violation of the emergency powers that your government possesses." elaborated the Dutchman. "After the hardship you suffered at the zealous hands of our English brethren, we are obligated to extend a welcome to our country."
Falkirk's eyes shone with a calculating gleam. "We will, of course, receive copies of the transcripts of the hearing and your full cooperation of your office, yes?"
"Of course."
"Excellent. How fares the motion to release our client?" continued the Slavic woman.
"He shall be free within the hour. I trust you will handle the rest?" When he saw all three lawyers nod, he turned a left, letting the door close behind him.
"Well, that was relatively painless now wasn't it?" beamed Marduk.
"One wonders why it wasn't done fifteen years ago." growled Henrik.
"Regardless, he should be here soon." speculated Falkirk.
"Who?" asked a very relieved and a very confused Sirius Black. This was not what he had expected. All his problems seemed to be evaporating around him.
"Our client. A fine young man, though a bit demanding at times." Marduk explained as the vault-like door to the room swing open. In walked a slender, dark, and looming figure. There was a slight creak of a raw hide garment as the man stepped through the open door. He was young, with gently spiked hair and dark glasses. The creak came from the large over-robe, voluminous to the extent that only the hands and face were apparent above a swirling mass of black-brown leather. He seemed oddly familiar and there was faint smile upon his lips. 'I believe you have met," continued Marduk as the figure approached the table where Sirius and Valerie were seated. "His name is Harry Potter."
"Hello Snuffles." greeted the grinning features of his Godson
End 14
Author Notes:
Sorry for the lateness of the chapter, but for numerous reasons I found this particular instalment difficult to write. I had contemplated writing a court scene in which Harry reveals the truth about Sirius and the sheer foolishness of his government, but I didn't have the heart to bog down the story with even more legal jargon. Also I was left dissatisfied with the fate of Sirius Black in the OOTP and the memory of his character compelled me to make at least one chapter based solely form his point of view. I will eventually write the original scene I had planned and possibly reveal it in the form of the court recordings or a flashback in a later chapter or story. Believe it or not I have a very precise goal for this story to the extent that half my efforts are devoted shaping it to fit one particular scene in the future. Unrealistic though it may be I well continue on as best I can. Hopefully I can produce another chapter tomorrow. Thanks for reading. Amazingly enough this story is a fluke of nature. No really, I started last March during a blizzard that confined me to my house.
At this time I would like to thank three people in particular. Not that their praise was lavish or more meaningful than others but because it found me at the right time. To Nighttime Sunshine who was the first person to review the first piece of serious fanfiction I had ever committed myself to. To AJake for continued interest in my story even when it was ridiculously short. And to Lady FoxFire, whose first review was a challenge for me to keep her interest. I hope I have succeeded thus far and well continue to in the future.
To my reviewers I must bow and offer my most profuse thanks. That means you all: Nighttime Sunshine, peeweepotter Relle, AJaKe, cricket, sil, Zaln, Lady FoxFire, Them Girl, fan, Otaku Freak, Saiyan Seker88, bostonian, ADJ, Webster, Star Mage, Lilybee2003, ZeonReborn, gallandro-83, Paul, pablo5280, Imaginaryfriend, Destruxion, kapies, rosie. Bill Weasly, Myrddin Ambrosius Jr.book worm, litine, clingon87,Siri Kat, pan, Potatoes, PheonixMan,GREENDAY 9829, Elessar, Jason Gregory, Renee Fay and Rachel A. Prongs. You feedback is greatly appreciated and if I have missed anyone you have my apologies. I consider all of you suggestions.
Incidenty it has come up that I need beta readers. If you are interested or if you have any suggestions or questions about my work, feel free to e-mail me about them. The address in my FF.net account is accurate and I check my mail regularly. Bye.