After a brief conversation with Lord Greengrass, Daphne and Rose took their seats in the upper gallery of the Wizengamot chamber. Usually reserved for family members and heirs of sitting members, the location gave the girls a clear view of the room. Marigold and Seeker Potter had done much the same, having asked Madam Longbottom (through Neville) to escort them to the session. In both worlds, Neville had asked to attend as well, a request his Gran quickly approved.
The five had sweated out every detail of the hearing, from seating to robes to the statement that would be offered at the end. Knowing what was coming gave them time to prepare, but Spellforged's experience was not as helpful as it might have been - they would not have the Goblin Nation behind them, for starters.
Nor would they speak from the floor. Spellforged, in wearing the crest of Clan Ragnok onto the floor of the Wizengamot, had been making a show of strength. While effective, it was not a move they could duplicate. There was no inherent strength backing an orphaned first year. No, Rose had argued that the more slytherin course was best - let known figures make statements on their behalf, and take the opportunity to observe responses. As Daphne put it to Rose, keep them looking at your beaters while you look for their snitch.
In the end, Daphne's argument (as described by Rose) was the winning one, and the five agreed. Seeker Potter, on hearing it phrased that way, wondered if his Daphne would be as easily befriended as her own. Rose had gotten a laugh out of that, but wished him luck.
They had not approached Lord Hillyer, in any of the three worlds, as he was still an unknown. But while Madam Longbottom would likely be taking Marigold and Seeker directly back to Hogwarts, Lord Greengrass had asked to meet with Madam Bones. At Rose's request, he also asked Lord Hillyer to meet as well. It would be the first opportunity for any of the five to take a measure of the man, and Rose was looking forward to it.
During the preliminary business, Rose asked Lord Greengrass for a copy of the quorum sheet, which he provided after a quick geminio charm. The desks of members were enchanted to duplicate parchment given to the Wizengamot by the clerk, and to accept (and duplicate) documents the other way. This let members enter evidence into the record, and ensured that each member received copies of anything being voted upon. No one could try to invalidate a vote on grounds that they didn't know what was up for a vote, when magic kept everyone informed.
Marigold and Seeker compared their sheets with Rose's, partly as a way to kill the time, and partly to compare their worlds. Rarely were three of them in the exact same place, doing the exact same thing, at the exact same time. It wasn't an opportunity to be missed.
As it turned out, the worlds were very similar, if the list of members present at the February 1992 meeting of the Wizengamot was any indication. Rose noticed that either her Lady Ashbrook was a Lord in both of the other worlds, or else he simply had his Lady serve as proxy for the day. The deputy clerk was different in Marigold's world, as well. Those were the only differences.
The agenda pressed forward, and Daphne offered her insights on the issues before the body, as well as the members for and against each. After a few votes, Rose began to realize that Daphne was a natural at this. In some ways, she reminded Rose of Lee Jordan doing quidditch commentary.
Neville, too, gave his own thoughts, and sometimes caught the same nuances as Daphne. Marigold, having heard Rose pass along a comment from Daphne, mentioned it to Neville, and he complimented her insight - which left the three chuckling to themselves over the link.
When the Chief Warlock asked for any other business, it was Madam Bones who stood from her podium on the floor. She wove a tale of an orphaned child, a brutal attack that took the child's parents, and of a betrayer who stabbed them in the back. Yes, we have the man in custody, but no he has not yet had a trial, and it's been some time, so an emergency trial is called for.
The words seemed much as Spellforged had described the Goblin Liaison's speech, and Rose only half listened as she watched reactions. Lord Malfoy had conferred with the Lord sitting next to him as soon as Madam Bones began speaking, but then nodded and returned to his usual disinterested sneer. The other members seemed suitably horrified. As before, Lord Hillyer made the motion to go to trial, with a second from Lord Greengrass.
Rose smiled when Lord Greengrass nodded to her in acknowledgement, making the move a personal one as well as political. Daphne chuckled at this - "I told you he liked you, Rose."
When Lord Hillyer made his speech to the Minister, Daphne leaned over. "Did you hear that?" Rose, her eyes still on the flustered Minister Fudge, shook her head slightly. "He said a girl has been orphaned. He knows what about to happen." She tilted her head. "And then he said that he doesn't give a good goddamn. That's not something you'll hear a pureblood say." Seeker asked his Neville about that, and got a similar response. A pureblood, Neville reasoned, would say something like Merlin-be-damned, whereas a halfblood or a muggleborn who had grown up in the muggle world might use goddamn in the same way.
It was unusual for a member of the Wizengamot - and not a detail Rose would have noticed.
As Sirius was brought into the chamber, Rose watched the reactions of the members - and of the Chief Warlock. She saw the conversation between Dumbledore and Lord Hillyer, but did not hear any of what was said. Both looked upset afterwards, the Chief Warlock moreso. Lord Hillyer, meanwhile, kept his focus on Sirius Black.
The interrogation proceeded much as it had with Spellforged, with the answers coming out the same way. This had been the critical moment - if important facts changed between worlds, they would show themselves here. With the details of the attack and the fact that Sirius was their sword godfather being so closely identical in each world, the five been comfortable with the risk - and if he was actually a betrayer in one of the worlds? Better to know now.
But in each of the trials, Sirius demanded and was given veritaserum, and in each he confirmed that Peter Pettigrew had been the true betrayer. Their final confrontation must have gone differently in Seeker's world, for there Sirius stated that yes, Peter was a marked death eater, as his mark had been revealed just before his so-called 'death'.
Fudge again tried to stall for time by asking for the victim to come forward. The five had been divided on this tactic, as they didn't know if he planned to discredit Sirius through them, or simply delay. None of them had spoken with the man, and so they had nothing to go on beyond his reputation. So they played it safe and had a brief statement read.
Lord Greengrass rose. "Minister Fudge, at the request of Miss Potter, whom I escorted here today, I have been asked to read the following statement. 'I have already endured more than ten years of uncertainty in life as a result of the unwarranted incarceration of my sworn godfather, Sirius Black. Justice delayed is justice denied. I trust the members of the Wizengamot to make a just and fair ruling in this matter.' Thank you."
Mentioning that he had brought her here defused any objections based on his reading of the statement, since traditionally it should have come from the proxy for the victim's house. The suggestion, from Marigold's Madam Longbottom, had been a good one.
The key word in the statement, and the one the five had focused on, was sworn. That Sirius was a sworn godfather almost got more gasps than the revelation about Pettigrew - but once the implications worked their way through the membership, the verdict became a forgone conclusion.
In all three trials, Sirius Black was exonerated of all charges.
Unlike Spellforged, the three of them were nowhere near the floor when the trial ended, so Sirius was shepherded off into an antechamber. Marigold and Seeker would reunite with their dogfather there, before being floo'ed off to Hogwarts while Sirius went to Saint Mungo's and the healers.
Rose, with the help of Lord Greengrass and Madam Bones, had made other arrangements. Before the crowd could begin asking the girls questions about what had happened, Lord Greengrass collected them and led them into the back hallways of the chamber.
oOoOoOoOo
Each member of the Wizengamot was given a working office. These were usually used for last-minute politicking, vote counting, or coalition building. More frequently, they let a member change into formal robes before sessions, or to have somewhere to eat lunch during a long recess. Rose saw several recognizable crests as they walked the back halls of the chamber. She recognized the crest of House Greengrass as they passed, before turning a corner - and almost running into an auror. The man nodded to them, before opening a doorway.
Rose had only a moment to recognize the House of Black crest, before she was ushered into the office.
Madam Bones was speaking quietly with the now-former prisoner, who had his back to the door. Rose almost stopped at the sight of him - from the high seats, he had seemed filthy but otherwise in decent shape. Up close, she could see how the years had taken their toll.
She found her eyes beginning to water. Before, when this plan had first come up, she had seen godparents - any godparents - as a better option than the Dursleys. It had been a risk-reward proposition, to her. She wanted out, and he might be able to help.
Hearing Chaser Potter describe his healthy and un-imprisoned Uncle Sirius, senior hitwizard for the DMLE and the current Lord Black, gave the impression of a loving and mischievous figure. Spellforged's telling, meanwhile, focused more on his side of the relationship - for Spellforged had known about Sirius' betrayal for far longer than the others had. He had a lot of his own emotions to work through.
Both had gotten her thinking about her own dogfather - and what role he might play in her life. Her parents had trusted this man, and Madam Bones trusted him - else she would not have helped them get him freed. Chaser Potter trusted him with his life. Could she?
Sirius turned away from Madam Bones, his haggard face lighting up when he saw Rose enter. She found herself walking toward the now free Sirius Black, her eyes watering. It was his eyes, she remembered those eyes. Just flashes of memory, but it was enough. For the instant he saw her enter, his face lit up and his own eyes watered. And when she whispered "Uncle Padfoot," he melted into sobs as they hugged in the center of the office.
To the surprise of everyone present, Rose Potter began sobbing only moments later.
oOoOoOoOo
After Sirius was safely on his way to Saint Mungo's, with promises of frequent owls and as many visits as they could manage, the girls had a light lunch with Madam Bones and Lord Greengrass in the House Greengrass office. Rose used the time to collect herself, and the Greengrasses were happy to give her the space to do so.
Rose shared a look with Daphne - and the girls nodded to each other. Game faces on, Rose thought. Such were her emotions that the link heard her thought, and the others wished her luck - all were curious about her next meeting. But they had also agreed that, of the five, she was the best one to take this first step.
The trio walked down the hall, but not far - in an effort to provide a neutral meeting place, Madam Bones had offered them the use of the office provided to House Bones. When they entered, they found Madam Bones speaking with Lord Hillyer, Head of House Hillyer and Proxy for the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter.
He was a younger man than Rose had expected, though it was hard to tell with wizards sometimes. Lord Greengrass had put him in his mid forties, an age consistent with having been a respected Lord in 1978. His hair was a dark blond, though she could see some hints of red. It went well with his piercing grey eyes. He still wore his Wizengamot robes, though Rose noticed a glove on his left hand.
Rose noticed that his robes had the Potter crest, with a smaller Hillyer crest below, showing that his Wizengamot seat stemmed from House Potter and not his own. The Hillyer crest featured a blue shield with a rampant lion in gold, surmounted by a stag - nothing overly familiar to her. The scroll underneath the shield had a phrase in latin, but she could not get a good look at its text.
Lord Hillyer was smiling as they entered, and his expression seemed to be one that smiled often - his was a kind face. Rose felt herself relax, ever so slightly, even though she could not explain why.
Madam Bones made the introductions, mostly for the girls as Lord Hillyer already knew Daniel Greengrass. Hillyer asked her to call him Joseph, to which she found herself asking that he call her Rose. The group took seats on couches, with Rose seated across from Lord Hillyer, who opened the conversation.
"I imagine you have many questions for me, Rose. I'd be happy to answer them for you."
She considered him, wondering where to start. "Daniel said that you were named as proxy by my grandfather?" Rose asked.
Hillyer nodded. "Yes. I met him through some mutual investments from which our families had profited, including an old muggle distillery that Foecleaver found. We became friends, Charlus and I." The smile on his face faded slightly. "He was a good man. And so was James, your father." He leaned back in his seat, his eyes holding her attention. "It was a different time, back then. James was about to graduate from Hogwarts, and already had talked about becoming an auror and fighting the death eaters. Charlus worried about the future of his house."
"If, somehow, the ministry fell to Voldemort, and they started putting puppets into the ministry, well - how long would it take them to start filling empty seats with proxies of their own? No, Charlus was not willing to let the Potter votes go to death eaters or pureblood bigots or the like." Hillyer brought his gloved hand to his chest. "Now, I am proud of my own house, but we aren't exactly ancient. My grandmother was the first witch in a long line of squibs, to the point where she considered herself a muggleborn when she went to school. But when Charlus and I would get to talking about the Wizengamot, and about how the meetings fascinated me and bored him to death, well, it was only a matter of time at that point."
Rose nodded, absorbing the man's tale. It matched what she and Spellforged had guessed about the proxy - their grandfather wanted the Potter vote out of play. "It sounds like a very slytherin approach, to be honest," she remarked, looking for a reaction.
Hillyer chuckled at that. "Perhaps. Only by association, on my side - I was sorted into the house of the Horned Serpent at Ilvermorny, a fact that Charlus teased me about endlessly, I assure you."
Hadn't expected that, thought Rose. "So, you are the Proxy for House Potter. Does that mean that I tell you how to vote?"
He shook his head. "No, not really. As we learn more about each other over time, I will get a sense of your ideals, your positions on important matters. From Daniel's telling, I suspect that we will agree on most issues before the Wizengamot. But if there's something you feel strongly about, I will of course vote as you would have me vote." He leaned forward again, keeping his focus on her. "My oath is - and will be - to House Potter, and to its sons and daughters. I am bound by other oaths, of course, but in this I represent your interests, not my own."
Again, the answer was mostly what she expected, having been coached by Daphne. "And if I choose another proxy? Not that I plan to do so, mind, but if it seemed wise to do so? Or if you retired?"
A laugh. "Sometimes it feels like I've been in this job forever, going to the same meetings over and over. But no, I have no plans to retire before you take over as the Lady Potter." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Unfortunately, the family magics will only recognize a proxy named by Lord or Lady Potter. So for the moment, we are stuck together, I'm afraid."
As Rose processed that answer, Daphne filled the silence. "Lord Hillyer… sorry, Joseph… Do you do any work outside of the Wizengamot? In the ministry, perhaps?"
Hillyer nodded. "In my real life," he said with a smirk, "I am an architect for magical buildings."
Lord Greengrass spoke up at this. "Madam Longbottom and I have been trying to convince Joseph here to make a proposal for the new ICW building in the Netherlands. Some of his designs are impressive."
Hillyer looked to his friend, one eyebrow raised. "Some?" He sipped his tea and tried not to laugh. "My designs are timeless, I'll have you know."
The group moved to small talk, discussing school and other matters. When it came time to end the meeting, Rose had one final question.
"Joseph, by any chance, do you know who holds the Regency for House Potter?"
Hillyer paused, turning to her. She could see him considering his answer. Presently, he sighed. "I do know, Rose. It's part of the family magics, you see. In the event that all adult members of the House are slain, the regency falls to a council of witches and wizards." He leaned forward. "I am bound by an oath not to reveal the membership of that council, unfortunately."
He could see that she was not happy with that answer, and so he pressed on. "I can tell you that each and every member has taken an oath on their life and magic to serve the interests of House Potter, if that helps."
"At some point," Rose replied, annoyed, "I'll have to learn who controls the business of my house."
Hillyer smiled again. "Yes, I daresay you will. I even know exactly when you will learn who sits on the council." He stood, removing his wand from a holster on his left arm. "On the day you take your place as a member."
He then lifted his wand. "Speaking of oaths," Hillyer said. "I, Lord Joseph Hillyer, Head of the House of Hillyer, swear on my life, my magic, and my honor, to faithfully serve the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter as its Proxy in matters before the Wizengamot of Great Britain and Ireland." Here there was a pulse of light. "I renew the vow I made to Lord Charlus Potter, of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, to faithfully serve and protect the sons and daughters of his house, until such time as they take up their duties as Head of House." Another pulse of light. "I renew the vow I made to Lord James Potter, of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, to guide his daughter in her duties as Head of that House." A third pulse of light. "As I say, so I swear." The pale wand glowed with a blue light, sealing the oath.
That's quite an oath, thought Rose. Not even a magical oath, but one on his life and honor - if he had wanted to reassure the Heiress of his house, he had succeeded.
"Thank you, Lord Hillyer, for your faithful service. I look forward to calling upon your wisdom." She bowed in recognition of the oath.
Lord Hillyer returned the bow. "My Lady, it has been a pleasure to finally meet you."
oOoOoOoOo
Once Rose and the Greengrasses were on their way back to Hogwarts, Joseph sighed and sat heavily on the couch. Catching a smirk from Madam Bones, he snorted.
"Amelia, you know how worried I was about this meeting."
"Nonsense," she responded, handing him a drink, before pouring one of her own. "It went quite well, I thought."
Hillyer had to agree - it had gone well, better than he could have hoped. Once she had taken her seat, he raised his glass. "Ego lapisque angularis."
Amelia acknowledged the toast with a nod, before taking a drink of her scotch. "Quite a toast. What does it mean?"
"Oh," said Joseph, with a smile. "Just the words of my house."
