A/N: Wow. I got a lot of reviews. For me that is. So by public decree there will be no HBP spoilers in my story. I let a friend borrow the book anyway so it all works out. I hope I've solved my spelling problem and am now fixing the past chapters, so this one should be error free! Should being the key word in that sentence!

Chapter Eight: Honesty, Family Ties and the Freeing of Sirius Black

Inside Honeyduke's, the group took a well-needed rest. Everyone was uninjured for the most part, Snape and Sirius being the worst. Snape was a pale green with the pain from his broken arm and Sirius was weak and shaking.

Lucius looked out the window. Even with the Dementors gone on a sunny vacation, the Death Eaters and the Light Vampires were still fighting. Hogsmeade was almost destroyed. The only bit of luck they had was that Voldemort hadn't shown up yet.

"They'll find us soon if we don't move." said Lucius, his face pale and bloody.

"Stay away from the doors and windows and we just might have more time." said Remus who was hovering over Sirius, concerned, before turning to Harry.

"Do you remember the way? I haven't been here like this in over twenty years."

Harry nodded before scrunching up his nose. "You didn't need to make it sound so dirty."

Remus blushed.

Pansy, who had been quietly resting began making her way over to Harry.

"Potter, just what in the hell was that you did back there? With the wind... and everything!"

She had faltered on the end, looking at the Veela in slight awe.

Harry shook his head. "Now is not the time to talk about it." He said looking at Remus to keep him quiet.

Pansy snorted. "Then when is? We all almost died back there!"

Harry was getting annoyed. They weren't supposed to know anything about his new powers!

"Well if you want to stay here and ensure your death while listening to me explain magic, fine. But I'd rather not be a vampire's slushie!"

Pansy backed down. "Fine. But you will explain it later, right?"

Harry didn't answer her but turned around and began making his way to the cashier's counter.

"Pick Sirius up, Remus. It'll be faster this way. We need to go down to the cellar."

The Slytherins looked confused.

"We go down in the cellar and we'll be sitting ducks!" hissed Draco, looking around, spotting his godfather's pale face. "And Professor Snape can't get down there!"

Harry got that weird feeling whenever Draco looked at him again but forcefully pushed it aside. Now was not the time to be attracted to somebody. And yes, he admitted it to himself; he was attracted to Draco Malfoy. Bloody brilliant.

"Well, there is a hidden passageway to Hogwarts down in that cellar. We're going there. And shouldn't one of the adults know a spell to help with the pain; two of them being ex-spies, one a teacher and the other an escaped convict?"

Lucius nodded. "He's right. Come here Severus." Lucius did a pain-free spell and a temporary healing spell before everyone headed down to the cellar. The Slytherins were quiet, ashamed that they, pure bloods had forgotten magic.

Down in the dusty cellar, Harry began to feel the floor for the hidden door.

"It's usually hidden right by a box of Every Flavor Beans." Harry mumbled to himself. Sirius nodded.

"Still? It was always by that box for us too."

Harry looked disgusted. "Remind me to never get any beans from this place again."

Everyone began to spread out, looking for the box when suddenly Harry and Remus perked up. Looking towards the door, both Gryffindors seemed to be concentrating on something.

"Shite!" Harry said before moving at lightning speed towards the cellar door, pulling out his wand and yelling " Colloportus!"

The door made a squelching sound and was sealed just before something big banged against it.

Frustrated, Harry turned back to the cellar floor and flicked his wand. "Accio hidden door!"

Amazing the flap flipped open, almost coming off its hinges.

The Slytherins all crowded around it but no one went in.

"Go!" said Harry

Remus shrugged and jumped down it with Sirius in his arms. Then one by one the students filed out, starting with Matt Flint and ending with a protesting Draco Malfoy.

Harry looked at Snape and Malfoy, making a 'keep going' signal with his hands. Apparently Snape didn't like that.

"You're still a student Potter!" he said, his face still pale. "As a teacher, it is my duty to make sure you get back to the school safely."

The banging on the door was getting louder and more forceful by the minute. Harry was royally pissed at Snape right now.

"With all due respect sir, you have a broken arm. That healing spell will only last a bit longer. No one will be safe if I have to drag your sorry arse back up to school with a bunch of Light Vampires and Death Eaters on our heels, now will they?"

Snape opened his mouth to retort, but Lucius pushed him down the tunnel.

Harry followed, but waited until both men were well away before shutting the door. Concentrating, Harry pulled out his powers again, this time glowing slightly green for a moment. The dirt that was guarding the entrance to Honeyduke's shifted and then grew to cover the door. Now anyone who actually found it would think it had caved in.

Madam Pomfrey was caught between shock at the amount of patients she had even a month before school began, and amazement that Harry was one of the only ones not injured.

"You know," said Harry standing next to Remus as they watched the medi-witch in her element, "I think she was disappointed that I escaped harm."

Remus chuckled. He and Harry were the only two unharmed in the attack, but Poppy still made them eat more chocolate than was necessary. "You know, I think you're right. We must be her most frequent patients. She might feel unwanted."

Anything Harry might have said was cut off when Dumbledore entered the Hospital Wing. All the anger Harry felt at the old man came back. When he was sure everyone would be okay, Harry was going to get his answers. Even if he had to attach himself to the old man's side.

"Is everyone okay, Poppy?" Dumbledore asked, looking concerned.

Madam Pomfrey nodded. "Here Remus, give Mr. Black this potion. He should sleep for a while now."

Remus nodded and helped a protesting Sirius drink his potion.

Poppy turned back the Dumbledore, wiping her hands on her gown.

"Severus had a fairly bad break in his arm. It will be weak for a day or two. Sirius is suffering from the effects of exposure to the Dementors. The rest were just cuts and scrapes. Amazingly, Mr. Potter avoided any injury. Along with Remus."

"Indeed." said Dumbledore in a voice that said he wasn't surprised at all.

Snape sat up on his bed, looking disgruntled.

"Albus, tell his woman I do not have to stay here over night. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

Dumbledore just smiled. "I think that Madam Pomfrey knows best, Severus."

The healer nodded in agreement. "I want them all to stay here for one night. Exposure to the Dementors is something that takes a while to get over."

Dumbledore nodded his eyes twinkling. "Although from the reports I've gotten, you won't have to worry about them much for a long time. Something about a golden tornado?"

All of the Slytherins looked at Harry, who fidgeted under the attention.

"Are you going to tell us how you did that?" said Pansy from her bed. She was still eating the chocolate Madam Pomfrey had given her.

Before Harry could open his mouth, Dumbledore had spoken.

"I'm afraid your question will have to wait, my dear." He said putting his hand on Harry's shoulder and steering him out of the ward. "I must ask Mr. Potter some questions about the attacks. Good day."

Harry allowed himself to be pushed out of the Hospital Wing by Dumbledore. They both walked in a tense, at least on Harry's side, silence.

"Smarties" was the password to Dumbledore's office. Still not a word was spoken until the Headmaster had taken his place behind his desk.

"I would like to congratulate you on gaining control of your powers so quickly. It took your mother until almost the end of her transition week to do it. You did it on the next day."

Harry stood stiffly. He had a feeling he would find out just what a transition week was in his book from Remus.

"Well, sir, you may be able to get rid of that many Dementors by yourself but us mortals need help."

The light that was usually always in Dumbledore's eyes dimmed a bit.

"Ah. I see you have regained your anger at me from last summer then."

"I never forgot it. Almost loosing Sirius for the fourth time today brought it back full force."

Dumbledore brought his fingers together and looked back at the Veela.

"The forth time? I don't think I understand."

He looked so much like a psychologist that it made Harry's blood boil.

"Well," he began in a falsely cheery voice and sat down. "The night I lost my parents, I also lost Sirius. He was put away and kept a secret from me for twelve years. Then in my third year when he was almost sucked dry by Dementors. A little over a month ago when he actually died and just down. Now I believe that if you count that is four times, is it not?"

Dumbledore nodded, still calm. "It is. But I promise you, when Sirius is free you may see him as often as you like."

"But not live with him right? That would upset the plan."

"You would not be safe there Harry."

"I'm not safe anywhere." he hissed back, now angry beyond yelling. "Not even in here with the Great Albus Dumbledore protecting the school and all it's 'you can't apparate in the school wards' protections. Wanna kill Harry Potter? Just apply to become the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher!"

Dumbledore still did not rise to his anger. "Remus did not have a hidden agenda to kill you."

"No but he was part of the plan. Part of the 'Control Harry Potter's Life' plan. Merlin, my life could be a biographic movie on some crummy independent channel on the television! And Sirius was still wanted for a crime he didn't commit."

Dumbledore was silent for a minute.

"I understand I have wronged you, Sirius, Remus and your parents in my lifetime, and with my decisions but they had to be made. During a time of war choices have to be made and lives have to be given for the good of the world. That is the power of choice."

"Yet, Merlin forbid, that I actually have a say in my life? And all those years Sirius spent rotting in hell was worth it?"

"No Harry." Dumbledore said with a shake of his head. "I regretted not believing Sirius ever since your third year. Everything looked right and logical. Sirius' family was known as big supporters of the Dark Arts and the war had finally ended, but I still had my part to play. The loss of Lily and James was a big one to me and with your protection in jeopardy how could I not believe that Sirius Black was guilty of murder?"

Harry let out a harsh breath. "Then you're a hypocrite. Hasn't it always been you who said that a name doesn't define who you are? I may look like James Potter, but I don't have the same cruel streak he had when he tortured Snape here at school. And is it not you who currently have ten infamously Dark families resting in the Hospital Wing discovered as spies against Voldemort?"

"Harry that is the point. If anything, the trials you and Sirius have faced to be a family proves that you make your own destiny, not who sired you, who you marry, or what house you were in at school. But when the time of choice comes, you must choose. I am human, no matter what people may think and I do make mistakes, mine bigger than others, due to the fact that they are harder to make. I could not risk believing Sirius and loosing you. If Sirius had been found innocent it was well within his right to claim you as his charge and I was fearful this would mean your death and Tom's resurrection."

Harry made a disbelieving noise in the back of his throat. He was doing pretty well in keeping his temper under control, the temperature having only risen a degree or two.

"I find it hard to believe that you could see Sirius, a man who loved my parents like they were his own blood, guilty of betraying them and then killing thirteen others in cold blood, yet believed the best of a nobody called Tom Riddle, who according to you, was a shifty looking character from the beginning! There's just one thing though I've been wondering." Harry leaned forward in his chair.

"Tell me, if Sirius wasn't convicted of those charges and found innocent, would you have willingly given me over to him?"

Dumbledore stood and walked over to his window. Harry followed him with his eyes.

"What you have to understand is that while Voldemort was gone, his followers were panicking. The Longbottoms were tortured for information on you and what had happened on that Halloween night."

He was stalling, Harry realized.

"Just a simple yes or no would be fine."

Dumbledore sighed and looked back at him.

"No, I would not have allowed Sirius custody of you if he was not imprisoned."

Harry starred right back at him. "Then that was all I needed, to know how sorry you really were for what happened to Sirius. He was the one my parents wanted me with."

"Your parents left no specific details-" Dumbledore began but Harry cut him off.

"That's bullocks! You know very well that they left a will for me when I turned eleven, considering you have to be present for it to be read to me. They wanted me with Sirius if anything happened. Do you honestly think that Sirius would have run after Peter so quickly and fell into that trap if he knew he had me waiting for him at home?"

Dumbledore sat back down. "No. If there is one true thing that still remains in this world, it is that Sirius Black loves you like a son. He has proven that by dying for you... and coming back for you."

That almost took all the wind out of Harry's sails. Almost.

"You're being awfully honest. I usually have to ask direct, complicatedly detailed questions and sort out your riddles when I get back to the Common Room."

Dumbledore gave him a small smile. "I believe I am beginning to see that honesty is the best policy when dealing with you, Harry."

"Then why'd you stop me from see my parent's will when I was eleven?"

"You already had so much to accept when you came here. I never thought that you'd be so ignorant of your heritage when you first came here. It was not your fault of course." he said at the look on Harry's face, but continued. "I guess that it should have been my first clue that Sirius was innocent when the magic that bound you parent's will didn't take his name off as your guardian. But I ignored it, thinking the magic just needed to be redone. Since you had no idea who Sirius or Remus were, I decided not to burden you with people you should have known and things you didn't know. At the end of this month however I will not stop you from hearing what is rightfully yours."

Something passed between the two after that moment. A bit of forgiveness was given and taken by both parties and the temperature returned to normal.

"Voldemort was not present at the attack on Hogsmeade."

Dumbledore's swift change in topic startled Harry. Now they were going to argue over that stupid piece of junk people called a prophecy.

"Well if he was, I didn't feel him. Could this Elemental Veela thing be the 'power the Dark Lord knows not'?"

Dumbledore smiled. "I believe so. If Tom had known your mother was an Elemental Veela he would not have attacked her. No one has ever survived an attack by an Elemental Veela. But even without your Veela powers you would have been a powerful wizard. More so than me or Tom could have ever been. Once we find your mate and train your powers up you'll be fine."

Harry looked at his shoes. "So really in the end this is all about who I am and not who my parents were, or the date I was born, or because of my scar? If I kill a person, who's to say I won't take his place? Power is gray, neutral until its channel chooses a side. And everyone can be swayed."

"Harry, look at me." Dumbledore said. "It is important you understand this. A prophecy does not take away your power of choice, it instead gives you the options you have in black and white, so to speak, if you're lucky enough to get a prophecy like that. Without that prophecy, Voldemort would have still attacked you, maybe later in life but he would have. Who your parents are, the date you were born and your scar are just signs that the prophecy gives the rest of us who doubt that it is you who can do this. If there had never been a prophecy you would still be the powerful Elemental Veela you are today, the powerful wizard that you are also. Could you honestly say that you would not want revenge on Voldemort for what he did to your parents even if there was no prophecy to go by? He would have hunted them no matter what. Your father was a pure blood, descendant of Godric Gryffindor while your mother was one of the most powerful witches to pass through these halls. Just the fact that they didn't join him was enough to make them a threat."

Harry nodded. "That and the fact that my mum being a muggle-born would remind him of his childhood and my dad would have had everything he wanted."

Fawkes trilled. "Yes Harry. You thought that I had taken away your right to make choices, decisions and mistakes and in many ways perhaps I did, but you still ultimately chose differently than Tom. Living in an orphanage made him think that he wasn't special or unique and that made him crave attention. He's afraid of death because he does not want to be forgotten. He does not understand that every end creates a new beginning. "

He smiled. "You, on the other hand, have done everything differently, even in the almost exact circumstances. Tom took his mother's death as a sign that said she didn't want him, while you saw Lily's death as a sign of just how much she did love you. While you lived with relatives, certain hints along the years have said that they were not favorable in having you stay with them. Their lack of attention, or in some cases negative attention, made you humble, and modest; and seek not attention but affection. You treat those different, man or creature, with the respect you give everyone while the people around Tom had to fight for his attention. And even in your first year, you chose good over evil. No matter what anyone says, always remember that you and only you can make that choice. One thing I know about Tom is that he gives everyone he kills a choice. Join him or be killed. Your parents were no exception."

Harry was silent for a while.

"So while I may be alive, by living I make my choice to defy him and the only way I could ever submit to him would be to die, knowing I didn't do all that I could to take that bastard with me."

Dumbledore smiled. "And I'm here, Harry, to make sure that you get that choice. The choice to live."

Harry smiled back. 'You know, I'm still miffed about all the lies."

"I know. But I will never willingly lie to you again, my boy."

Harry's smile widened. "I know a way you could make it up to me."

Dumbledore nodded. "If it is in my power to do it, I will."

"I'd like to see my parent's graves."

Harry followed Dumbledore still in shock. Not only had he agreed to take him to his parent's graves but told him that they were buried here: at Hogwarts. For the last five years Harry had been walking around them. They were walking, Dumbledore said, to the very center of Hogwarts but Harry wasn't listening. Was it Lily Potter that made him feel safe in his bed at Hogwarts and James Potter who made him feel at ease while flying? Harry had always felt these two comforting presences while staying here and had always felt a sense of belonging while at Hogwarts.

"Sir, why are they buried here? Why not Godric's Hollow?" Harry finally asked out of the blue.

"Because all of the founder's descendants are buried in this graveyard. It was what they wanted."

Finally they stopped at a door Harry had never seen before. It was like the entrance to the Great Hall, but this door was special. On its gold and silver surface was Hogwarts seal, an H surrounded by a lion, a snake, a badger and a raven with the words Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus across the bottom.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "On the behalf of Harry James Potter, son of Lily Jade Potter and James Dominic Potter I request that these doors open to the Gryffindor Graves."

Harry saw the magic rush out to meet him and Dumbledore before being sucked back into the door with a flash. Only Harry covered his eyes.

"I'm sorry about that. The magic is very old on this place. Very powerful." said Dumbledore before the door creaked open.

For a graveyard, it was the most beautiful place Harry had ever seen. May types of wild flowers had grown over all the graves, yet never covering the golden bricked path. They had entered right beside a statue of Godric Gryffindor done in a clear jewel of some kind.

"Ruby." Harry whispered in awe. Right below the statue were four graves.

"Godric had two daughters so the name of Gryffindor was lost after his generation." Dumbledore explained.

Harry grinned. "Yes, I don't think Harry and Gryffindor goes together so well."

Dumbledore led Harry down the middle of the graves and Harry tried to sneak a peek at his long gone relatives. Sirius was right when he said that many of the pure blooded families were related. Harry saw many familiar names, but one was a constant: Potter. The other names were slowly whittled down until there were just five headstones left. On Harry's right were his mother and father, Lily on the end and James next to what had to be Harry's grandparents. Lucas and Ella Potter were in the middle so the one on the far left had to be with Harry's aunt or uncle. Harry had to read the headstone a couple of time to actually understand what it was saying. His father apparently had had a sister. Rachel Potter-Snape was buried right next to her parents but her husband was obviously still alive.

Harry looked at Dumbledore. "She married Professor Snape, didn't she?"

Dumbledore nodded. "Nobody outside the Potter family knew about this arrangement. Not even Sirius or Remus. The night she was killed was the night Severus truly hated everything the Dark lord was."

"So I'm related to Snape?" Harry asked, still shocked. School hadn't even started and already it was weird.

"Yes Harry. Professor Snape is your uncle."

Harry never got a chance to respond as something began to let of a high-pitched wail.

Dumbledore took off a necklace with a red and gold Phoenix on it and spoke into it.

"Yes Minerva, I'm coming."

Then he turned to Harry. "Take all the time you need, then visit Madam Pomfrey. I would not want a woman like her to be mad at me because I let you go back to the dorms."

Harry just starred at the graves after Dumbledore left. What was he supposed to do? In all the movies he'd seen, people usually talk to the dead.

"Er, hi."

Harry felt like an idiot standing there when suddenly he felt it. Those warm feelings he got while flying or just before he fell asleep. It was them.

"What a year it'll be, huh? Not that my other years here haven't been exciting but wow. An Elemental Veela. You'd think I'd be used to abnormal things happening to me, but I still get surprised. I think something normal would stop my heart."

Feeling braver, Harry sat down on the smooth surface of the path and looked around.

"I still just can't believe that I'm here. That and the fact that my aunt was married to Snape. I can't really call him that though now. She was a Snape too. But I think I can understand him more now. Why he's so bitter. He's lost just as much, if not more than I have to Voldemort, and he still hasn't given up. I better stop praising him though, Dad might not like it."

The feelings stayed with him so he pressed on. It felt good to talk to them; his family.

"I can't believe that half of the Slytherin Sixth Years were spies though. They played their parts very well. I guess I'm just wondering what made them turn good. What's freaky is that they actually seem normal. Remus and amazingly Sirius want me to give them a try. They really miss you guys. I hate that they feel alone when they could have each other, but they wouldn't be Gryffindors if they weren't stubborn. Speaking of being together, I still have to find my mate. Everyone says that the need to find him or her will be strong after I'm through with the transition week, whatever that means. I'll have to read the book Remus got me. But I'm afraid. What if I can't find them? Or if they say no. What happens then? I mean, I have to spend the rest of my life with this person. The person who I'm beginning to think is a guy."

Harry thought about his mate. Something was calling to him. Screaming male!

"Okay so it is a guy. Is that even normal in the Wizarding World?"

The feelings pushed him to go back to his rooms and get his book.

"I'm going to go then." Harry said, feeling stupid again. "But I will come back."

A warmth wrapped around him and Harry felt like he was being hugged by a mother. His mother.

"I love you." Harry whispered before turning around and trudging back to the outside world.

Harry decided to actually go back towards the Hospital Wing and then go to his rooms. He was hungry and tired but wanted to read that book. Angry voices hit his ears like a hammer as he turned the corner to the Hospital Wing. Harry had to cover his ears for a second to stop them from ringing. Shaking his head, he listened.

"HOGSMEADE IS RUINED! Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape will be arrested for Death Eater activity, along with the others that were present, and thrown into Azkaban right this very instant if you do not let me take them in now!"

Harry knew that pompous voice. It was Cornelius Fudge, the Minster for Magic. Harry felt his blood boil. Now the man was trying to put more innocent people in jail! Didn't he ever learn?

Dumbledore's voice came next, still calm, but with a bit of an edge to it.

"Cornelius, they were victims just like the rest of the people in Hogsmeade. No jury would ever put them in Azkaban and the rest are just children!"

"Just like Harry Potter I suppose! That boy has ruined my stay in office ever since he came to this school! That was probably your doing Dumbledore! And as for your jury, well, if I get my way there just might not be one!"

"Are you saying," came Remus' voice low with rage, "That you would put an innocent in Azkaban without a trial?"

Fudge just had to be smirking. "I am the Minster for Magic. I can do anything I want."

Harry had had enough. Pulling out his wand, he quickly conjured up an envelope and walked up to stand in the entrance to the Hospital Wing. Everyone in the room could see him clear Fudge.

Everyone had stopped talking but Harry made a 'go on' motion with his hands and Remus started again.

"Well, I was also in Hogsmeade, are you going to arrest me too?"

Fudge looked at Remus like he was a bug.

"You're a known werewolf. I'm sure we can find someone bitten down in that mess."

Harry saw that the curtains were drawn around Sirius' bed before Pansy spoke up this time.

"What about Harry Potter? He was there with us!"

Fudge looked confused. "No! That thorn in my side is busy being pampered with his relatives. He may have the press under his thumb now, but just wait! Harry Potter is-"

"-Standing right behind you." Harry butted in making Fudge jump in surprise. Harry was tempted to say "Boo!" but he might end up giving the guy a stroke.

"Ha-ha-Harry!" The small man stuttered in surprise. "What a surprise! Great to see you again!"

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Really, I thought you were happy 'the thorn in your side was busy being pampered by his relatives'."

Remus chuckled as Fudge turned purple with embarrassment, guilt and rage.

"It is not polite to listen in on other people's conversations, boy." Fudge spat out.

The way he said 'boy' reminded Harry of his Uncle and he quickly dropped the calm face.

"Just like it isn't legal to imprison innocent people without a trial. You just threatened to do that to not only three innocent men but to nine wizarding children. Just like you did to Sirius Black."

Fudge glared at Harry. "And just how would you know that? Still talking to that murderer?"

Harry never missed a beat. "It's called a library, Fudge. There are plenty of newspaper articles on my family and not one of them states a trial in which Black was charged with and found guilty of murder. You just chucked him in there because you needed a scapegoat. The Ministry didn't do a damned thing to bring down Voldemort-" Fudge flinched at the name, "So you needed to look like you put away one of his biggest followers."

Fudge was still purple. "You think that just because you're Harry Potter you can tell me, the Minster for Magic, what to do? The people will never believe you. Society has seen Sirius Black as a mad, Dark supporting murderer since the night those thirteen muggles died. It would take more than the likes of you to change their ideas. But you're Harry Potter," he said the name like it was a filthy curse word. "You can do anything right?"

Harry just smirked. "Of course I can."

Fudge obviously didn't expect that kind of response. Harry continued.

"I've come to realize, after almost six years of people walking into walls trying to stare at my forehead that maybe I can use my fame for something. And I'm sure my good friend, Luna Lovegood would agree. I'm sure you've at least heard of Luna's father?" Harry asked as Fudge turned pale.

"He runs that magazine, The Quibbler? Well, I've just gotten a letter from him asking me if I want to do another interview for his paper. I'm thinking of telling about not only this bit here, you threatening to send the very people who have been spies to jail but that time in my third year. Not only did myself and Remus see Peter Pettigrew, but two of my other year mates did too. And since I told you a year beforehand that Voldemort was back, but you ignored it, giving him a year to get stronger, I'd say 'the people' are going to be more inclined to believe 'Harry Potter' over you."

Fudge was looking somewhere between murderous and sick with worry. "You wouldn't dare." he whispered.

Harry leaned forward. "Don't tell me what I wouldn't dare. I'd do just about anything to get your sorry arse kicked out of office." Fudge was silent. Most of the Slytherins in the Hospital Wing looked at Harry in shock and awe. Harry had better stop shocking them so much. He didn't know how much shock their systems could take.

He looked back at Fudge.

"Now this letter will still get sent." Fudge looked pale again. That couldn't be good for his heart.

"But the message I sent out to 'the people' will be different if you meet these three demands."

Fudge stood in thought, but found no way out of what Harry was saying.

"What?"

Harry smiled.

"First, you never interfere with Hogwarts again. The day you become Headmaster, which will never happen thank Merlin, you can paint everything different shades of pink and lavender for all I care, but for now you leave it alone. It is a school, not an army enlisting center."

Harry could see Dumbledore's smile out of the corner of his eye it was so bright.

"Next is that every spy in this room and anyone that Dumbledore says is one, because you know he knows who's who, will never be arrested on Death Eater charges unless they return to his circle, which is unlikely."

Fudge glared at the last one. "You can't honestly say you believe these... These, Slytherins to be innocent?"

Harry was starting to be annoyed. "Do you honestly think I'd be up here telling you to back off if I thought they were guilty?"

Fudge backed down.

"The last thing I want is, if you can get Amelia Bones here within the next two hours, I'll get Sirius Black here."

Fudge's eyes lit up thinking Harry was going to turn in his godfather. What an idiot!

"I'm sure a certain Potions Master in this school, who is innocent," Harry was reinforcing the point. "Would be willing to give a drop or three of Vertiaserum for the cause."

Amazingly Snape nodded his consent.

"And if- no when Sirius Black is found innocent, you will give him a full pardon and announce it tomorrow."

Fudge was shaking with rage. Harry had made it so the man had no way out.

"I want two Aurors here. My choice."

Harry shook his head.

"Two Aurors, my choice. Either way the story gets out. An inquiry gets made..."

Fudge relented.

"Who?"

Harry was quick.

"Tonks and Shacklebolt."

Fudge smiled. "Agreed."

Harry shook his head. "I want you to swear a Wizard's Oath."

Fudge looked outraged.

"For this? These petty demands? No!"

Harry shook his empty envelope.

"If they're so petty, you shouldn't have a problem in doing it."

Caught again, Fudge took out his wand.

"I, Cornelius Oswald Fudge, hereby do swear to abide to the three demands requested by Harry James Potter on the date of August first."

Harry nodded. "You got two hours Fudge."

The man left in a huff.

As soon as the doors to the Hospital Wing were closed and warded Sirius jumped out from behind his curtain and began to strangle Harry in a hug.

"Oh Harry! I'm going to be free! How did you do that?"

Harry, who was swiftly turning blue, finally got his over-excited godfather off of him and smiled.

"What, be mad at Fudge? Easy!"

Pansy stood up and came over.

"I can't believe you vouched for us!"

Harry shrugged now, a bit embarrassed. But the idea of the words Slytherins in Azkaban made his inner Veela shriek with anger.

Sirius, who had left Harry to strangle Remus had come back and swept Harry intois arms again.

"You've got to come and live with me and Remus! You can bring all your friends and your m-" Harry gave him a look. Sirius smiled nervously. "Your ... owl! Everything!"

Harry looked over at Dumbledore who was standing behind Sirius.

"You know I'd love nothing more than to come live with you."

Dumbledore must have gotten the hint because he came forward and clasped Sirius on the shoulder.

Expecting the worst, Harry lowered his eyes but Dumbledore must have decided it was Harry's turn to be shocked.

"I think it's a wonderful idea."

Harry looked at him.

"Really? You won't keep us apart for my own safety?"

Dumbledore smiled at the tone in which Harry said the last three words.

"I think you've just proven that you can take care of yourself."

Someone banged on the door. Fudge was back already.

"Quickest he's ever done anything." muttered Remus.

Sirius was seated on a chair and with an apologetic smile, Dumbledore chained him to it.

The wards on the door were released and in walked Fudge, Tonks, Kingsley and Madam Bones.

"Ready Potter? I doubt Black could..."

Whatever he was going to say stopped at the sight of Sirius chained to a chair.

Madam Bones looked around.

"Will these all be witnesses?"

Pansy nodded. So did the others. Snape had walked over and reached into his robes before drawing out a small bottle of Vertiaserum.

"I'm supplying the potion, so I cannot be included."

Madam bones drew out an official looking scroll. She quickly got everyone present to sign their names before putting a recording spell on the document. Apparently whole trials could be recorded onto a single piece of parchment.

Snape walked past Harry and administered three drops of the potion onto Sirius' tongue.

As he turned to pass Harry, Harry stopped him and whispered, "I think Aunt Rachel would be proud."

For the first time ever Harry saw Snape's eyes widen before he replaced it with his usual mask and nodded.

Sirius had that blank look on his face that all victims of the Truth potion had.

Madam Bones began with some easy questions.

"What is your full name?"

"Sirius Caesar Black."

Some of the Slytherins snickered. Harry smiled. Who in their right mind names their kids such odd names anyway? Only pure bloods.

"What is today's date?"

"August first, two thousand and five." (A/N: I know the date is messed up but I hate how it's all different from ours!)

Now she started in on the harder questions.

"Were you the secret keeper of Lily and James Potter?"

"Yes."

The room was silent. Fudge looked gleeful. Madam Bones looked at Harry. 'For how long?" Harry mouthed back.

"For how long?"

"Right up until the week before they were murdered."

Fudge deflated like a popped balloon.

"Who was the secret keeper then?"

"Peter Pettigrew."

"Did you betray the Potters?"

"No."

"Who did?"

"Peter Pettigrew."

Madam Bones cleared her throat and said, "The two charges of murder on Lily and James Potter and the charge of attempted murder on Harry Potter have been dropped."

She continued with the questioning.

"Did you or did you not kill thirteen muggles while cornering Peter Pettigrew?"

"I did not."

"Who did?"

"Peter Pettigrew."

"How?"

"He blew up the street we were arguing on just before yelling that it was me who killed Lily and James."

"Did you kill Peter Pettigrew?"

"No."

"Is he still alive?"

"Yes."

"How did he escape the blast?"

"He is an animagus. He cut off one of his fingers and transformed into a rat. All you could find was a finger."

"How do you know he's an animagus?"

Harry held his breath. This part might get bad.

"Because him, James Potter and myself all became one while attending Hogwarts."

Fudge jumped in.

"He's not registered! He can go to Azkaban for that!"

Madam Bones gave Fudge a glare that could peel paint.

"Why did you not register?"

"You cannot register until you are of legal age because the Ministry does not believe that it is possible to accomplish an animagus transformation until that time. Once of legal age, the animagus has five years to register. I was imprisoned before that time was up."

Madam Bones nodded.

"I hereby declared that Sirius Black is cleared of all charges of murder and pardoned in full."

The parchment rolled up and with a flick of her wand was off to the Ministry.

Snape gave Sirius the antidote and he looked at Madam Bones.

She smiled.

"You're free."

Harry smiled at the noise Sirius made.

He really wanted to read his book.

A/N: I'm stopping there. Harry and Dumbledore will still butt heads about a lot of other things but I wanted to get them back into some semi-trust. Dumbledore isn't a bad guy! I hope the freeing of Sirius wasn't too clichéd for anyone. Harry needs his help to get Draco. Sorry if anything sounds a bit like HBP. Anything I did incorporate was done so that you'd have to had read the book to know it was there. I wasn't really trying to but when I read it over, I was reminded of some of the things said in HBP.

Thanks to all who reviewed! I got so many I'm thanking you all together! So THANK YOU!

R&R

S. Tangerine