Sirius Black: Murderer or Misunderstood?

By Rita Skeeter

A sensational announcement occurred in late January revealing that Sirius Black had been acquitted and has been living in France as a free man since alongside Remus Lupin, a known werewolf! This reporter had to do a lot of investigating before finally understanding what had occurred and she now feels it's the right time to reveal all.

Since his escape from Azkaban Prison in the summer of 1993 Sirius Black has been hunted for twenty four seven! Numerous members of our elite auror's have struggled in vain to unveil the (thought to be) mass murderer by using every imaginable tracker and tracer. Although suspected of wishing harm onto the Boy-Who-Lived – his own godson! - for his part in the death of his master, You-Know-Who. Sirius Black has not been seen anywhere in Great Britain since his almost arrest at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1994, therefore it should not come as a great shock dear reader, when this reporter reveals he has been living on the continent!

During the month of November Mr Black gained contact with an old acquaintance of the name Julian Allard who works within the French Ministry as a branch of the Law Enforcement there. Monsieur Allard was convinced of Lord Black's questionable innocence and managed to orchestrate a trial where the French Wizengamont found him blameless! Black, whom everyone knew to be guilty from the start was taken to Azkaban as soon as he was found in the street laughing; however in a twisting turn of events it has been revealed -according to the French court through the use of pensives and Veritaserum - that firstly it was Peter Pettigrew who was the Secret Keeper to the Potters and secondly it was Pettigrew that blew up the street full of muggles before he vanished from sight. This betrayal combined with the appalling loss and grief Black was already feeling caused his mind to break! Experts say this is the cause for his laughter and lack of other emotions at the scene of the crime.

The actions of the previous Minister of Magic, Millicent Bagnold and Barty Crouch Senior who was Head of Law Enforcement at the time led to the immediate incarceration of Lord Black without even allowing him to receive a trial! Minister Fudge says "Lord Black is a member of our community it is only right that he receives the trial he was so horrifically denied."

It is for this reason that Monsieur Allard and Madam Bones (Head of DMLE) are now working together in order to prepare for the trial of Sirius Black on the 12th March 1995. Although many are still unsure of his virtue, some including his Godson are sure of a positive outcome.

For more on the history of friendship between Black and the Potters turn to page 2

For more on the French trial of Sirius Black turn to page 3

For more on Peter Pettigrew turn to page 5

Harry threw the paper down in disgust, the double-edged article covered all the bases and was clearly done to make sure all the 'right' people could be smug whatever the outcome. The trial for Sirius in Britain was starting next month, and the news that Harry knew and supported him made for an infinitely more interesting conversation than the second task. Snape had turned even worse during Potions, now glaring at Harry that a ferocity that had caused even the Slytherins to shudder in fear. England or at least the English Ministry of Magic had become a laughing stock as the sham of not having received a trial and the botched failure of his capture at Hogwarts came out, everyone knew that by not accepting the acquittal and giving him his own trial was nothing but a publicity stunt of Fudge to prove that he was in control. Sirius and Monsiuer Allard were both unsure as to what to expect from the trial and although they knew Veritaserum would be used they weren't 100% sure that someone would try and sneak in a question that they didn't want answered.

He started on his breakfast again, enjoying the stillness that getting up early on the weekend provided. There were only a few people in the Great Hall; a few Ravenclaws, a small group of what he assumed were first year Hufflepuffs simply from the size of them and some seventh year Gryffindors. No one was bothering him or whispering about him and it felt good, the only teachers that were up was Professor Sinistra the astronomy teacher who looked like she was about to fall asleep. He had already seen Moody come and go and the man had clunked past him with a growl of "Potter, good job on the second task."

A lone Slytherin who ironically was his favourite walked through the doors and settled by his side giving him a quick kiss as she did so.

"I'm absolutely famished! Keeping me up half the night, what were you thinking?"

"Me? You were the one who kept wanting to try again?"

"I wanted to get it perfect! And your instructions were hard to follow."

"I'm pretty new to the whole teaching thing, Daph"

"Well at least it was better than the first time."

"Daphne a patronus takes time, it's not learnt overnight and you've only been doing it for a week, it took me six!"

"I know, I know but can we please do some more practice today?" She took his hand and looked pleadingly into his eyes, shamelessly using her puppy dog look to her advantage. He nodded with a laugh and kissed her quickly before turning back to his breakfast.

Ten minutes later Neville had joined them and more people were filling up the hall, most of them glancing at the trio that had settled nearer to the end of the Gryffindor table and whispering to their friends with the newspaper in between them.

"Hey where's Tracey?" Harry asked suddenly realising that the fourth member of their group hadn't turned up.

"Oh she has detention with Sprout for causing bodily harm onto another student."

"What?"

"She overheard Bones and Abbott talking about me and simply forgot to warn them that that she'd swapped Bubotuber pus for the baby snare's jelly mixture soil."

"I see, she won't be upset if we go and practise."

"Nope, she even encouraged it."

As the hall was now almost full the group decided it was time to leave and gathered the things, leaving to staring eyes and questioning conversations.

"Harry, can I have a word?" A timid, low tone thrust its way into the middle of Neville's story about falling into the fountain when he was nine and Harry shut his eyes, breathing deeply before turning to face his former friend.

Hermione stood about 3 feet away from them twisting her hands in front of her and raising them to push her hair behind her ears before it sprang forward again. Although her eyes flicked away from his own, there was a look of fiery determination that reminded him of when she had a problem and simply had to solve it before she burst.

"Miss Granger, I really don't think we have anything more to say to each other." As he went to step away her next words stopped him.

"I'm sorry!" They had burst from her lips with the power of someone who suddenly needed to get everything out and make people listen. "I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry that I didn't stand up for you, I'm sorry that I've said such horrible things to you since! I'm sorry about the article, I wasn't thinking I know you're smart of course I do I was just so mad and upset you hadn't told me! I'm sorry that through all this I haven't even considered giving you the benefit of the doubt and actually speaking to you about it! I know you hate the attention and I know you wanted a peaceful year and I was just so stupid!" She was staring avidly into his eyes now and he almost felt like taking a step back as her words crashed into him. "Most of all though Harry, I'm so so sorry for not believing you and deserting you. I'm so sorry and I know you may never forgive me but I need you to know that I am…Honestly I can't believe I was dumb enough to consider that you would want any of this and I was so thoughtless to what you must have been feeling and it was your explosion that made me realise how much of an idiot I've been…I'm sorry Harry and one day I do hope that I can regain your friendship and you can forgive me."

Harry broke eye contact with her unable to believe she actually believed him. There was a time where he had thought she was one of the greatest friends he could ever possibly imagine, her betrayal hadn't just stung it had broken a piece of his heart off. Now she was here and finally believing him but it felt a little too late, she had sought him out and practically begged for forgiveness though. He looked around the entrance hall, suddenly realising how big it was and how quiet it could be, as though the whole world was holding its breath. Flashes of her defending him when others called him the heir of Slytherin, people thinking he was going to cower in fear at the mere mention of Black, the many times she'd made sure he had extra treacle tart when his nightmares had kept him up and the extra research she did for his first quidditch game all raced through his mind as he faced her.

"Hermione, I can't forgive you. Maybe one day but right now I… I just…"

Hermione's eyes glowed with unshed tears but she nodded her head and even took a small step towards him.

"I understand Harry. I have behaved abominably towards you and" She motioned with her hand towards Daphne and Neville who stood a few feet behind him. "To those who stood by you. I'm sorry Neville, I suppose I have never treated you with the full respect you deserve and I feel I've lost someone who could have been a great friend. Greengrass, my only excuse is that I was jealous, the article quote was a cruel and spiteful thing to say and I apologise most sincerely and hope one day you'll see me as something other than a backstabber ." She turned back to Harry. "I just hope you know I am so sorry, I was so incredibly stupid –"

"If you're stupid I don't want to think about what I am." And for a moment it was like old times as they grinned at each other, then they remembered and although a spark of warmth was back in their gazes, the smiles were dropped.

"Well no matter, I was stupid and I promise I'll do my best to make up for it. If there's anything at all I can help with-"

"Thanks Hermione but I've got all the help I need, my girlfriend is a secret genius and she's done a pretty wonderful job this year. "He turned to his girlfriend whose face was cold but whose eyes were sparkling and held his hand out which she readily took.

"Daphne; this is Hermione Granger, an old friend of mine. Hermione, my girlfriend, Daphne Greengrass."

"Please call me Hermione and it's a pleasure Miss Greengrass, you have a wonderful boyfriend."

"Believe me, I am well aware and do call me Daphne. You're in my Ancient Runes?" The olive branch was offered and eagerly taken by the Gryffindor.

"Yes, hows your essay coming along?"

"I need to borrow Advanced Runes Translation but there are no more copies in the library, do you happen to have it?"

"Yes I do, I'll pass it along tomorrow. Now I think I have taken up enough of your time. Enjoy your weekend and Harry I'm so happy about Sirius I really hope it all works out."

"Thanks Hermione, I'll see you around."

With a small smile the bushy haired Gryffindor headed into the hall leaving the others to head to the library as they processed the apology.

They were getting through their homework when Neville spoke up, his voice quiet but concern tinged his easy tone.

"Harry, is everything okay?"

Harry sighed, laying down his quill and leaning back in his chair. He tried to put his thoughts into words but all that happened was his mouth opened and closed a few times. Neville grinned at him laying down the Herbology textbook he had been looking into.

"I can't say I understand but I think its okay not to know what to feel in this situation; you were best friends, she hurt you, you moved on, she said she's sorry, you want to have her back but are scared. Right?"

"Pretty much."

"Again feel free to tell me to shut up, but in this case you don't have to think much about this. She said she's sorry, time will tell if she means it. You don't have to go back to being her best friend again and you can't expect everything to go back to normal, she hurt you mate. Really badly and if you need space to be able to get past her apology then take it. She knows how wrong she had been these last few months and I wouldn't be surprised if she does everything she can to give you space but also make you aware shes there."

It was probably the first time that Neville had offered so much advice on something other than Herbology and Harry grinned.

"Thanks Nev, that actually helped a lot."

Neville smirked at him, humour lightening his eyes.

"Oh didn't you know, I'm an expert on giving people advice."

Daphne; who had tactfully retreated to 'find' a book at the start of their conversation, squeezed Harry's shoulder as she dropped back into her seat.

"Sure Neville, like whether or not the calming draught should be green or purple when it should be blue!"

"Oh Merlin, that was one time let it go!"

"Hmm sure, anyway, my runes is done now so can we go try the patronus again?"

Fifteen minutes later the three of them were entering the Room of Requirement which Daphne had thought of, large and rounded with a domed ceiling and large windows to let in the light of the rare sunny Scottish day onto a thick grey rug that lay in the middle. There were three chairs placed together as well as a couple of beanbags and a table with writing material on it.

Neville immediately sunk down onto one of the beanbags as Harry and Daphne headed to the rug.

"Right, lets try this again." Harry said with a weary grin that had Daphne casting a glare in his direction before her features softened again. She closed her eyes before raising her wand and said clearly.

"Expecto Patronum!" Just like the last three times of casting it a thick, silvery cloud flooded from her wand and sidled around the room. The glare was bright and Harry could just make out movement in the centre of it as though the creature was wriggling about but it just couldn't break through.

Several goes later nothing had changed.

"I can't do it!" She eventually yelled. "I'll never be able to get it right! I don't understand I'm saying it right. Harry, are you sure the wand movement is correct? I thought this memory would do it." Noticing the way her face was becoming closed off which usually happened when she felt vulnerable, Harry quickly pulled his wand out.

"Expecto Patronum!" As always Prongs burst through, immediately prancing around the room before turning to Harry as though to ask why he had been summoned. Turning all his energy onto Daphne, Prongs made his way over to the Slytherin who was smiling softly at him and nuzzled her cheek with his head before fading away. Daphne lifted her head to look at her boyfriend as he took her hand and caught her eyes.

"Daph, a patronus isn't based off the memory itself. A patronus is protection, love, joy, peace. It's everything good and pure. Stop concentrating on the memory so much and start to focus on the feelings, think of the warmth that infuses you at the thought, the power and strength of these emotions is what you want to replicate in the form of the patroni."

After a speech like that even Neville found himself rising to his feet thinking of the small memory he had of his parents; like Harry it was the joy of what could be that helped his patroni. Daphne once again closed her eyes. She remembered being on the boat, the security she felt, the relief he made it through. She felt the small spark of love she had for him grow in that instance, she thought of the joy that had warmed her all the way down to her toes as she'd opened her eyes and the first thing she'd seen was the fire burning in his emerald gaze.

"Expecto Patronum." Her voice was quiet as she said it this time and shook slightly with the emotions that were coursing through her, she didn't need to hear Neville's quiet gasp to know she'd done it she had felt the enchantment burst from deep within her heart. She felt the whisper of magic around her legs before it left her and as she opened her eyes she knew exactly what it was.

A Nebelung cat. It prowled through the room, holding its head high and although the glowing silver eyes reflected warmth there was an aloofness at the way it carried itself, as it turned back to Daphne she knelt almost reverently to hold out a hand and the creature moved to allow a glide along its back before it backed away and faded. Suddenly Harry let out a loud "Whoop" and Daphne found herself being picked up and spun around in his arms, she laughed placing them on his shoulder as she stared down into the eyes that were glowing up at her. As soon as she was placed back on her feet, she grabbed the sides of his face and crushed her lips to his trying to convey all she was feeling, she left his hands grab her waist and pull her closer and for a few moments all was perfect.

"Ahem." The sound almost didn't register and she slowly pulled back wondering what had made that sound, it wasn't until Harry had opened his darkened eyes and glanced over her shoulder that she suddenly remembered they weren't alone. She hurriedly stepped away and cleared her throt looking everywhere but at her boyfriend.

"So what are you waiting for Neville?"

"Expecto Patronum!" Compared to her tone earlier, Neville's was practically a roar and a four legged beast burst from his wand at a run snuffling round for any sign of danger. The bear was easily twice the size of them in height and about 8 ft in length, it moved around in lolloping strides and moved behind Neville slightly curling round him, Neville rubbed the head between the ears before it also disappeared from view.

"Not bad, Nev."

"I can't believe we actually did it. I have done a corporeal patronus!"

Harry laughed at the disbelieving tones of his best mate and walked over to slap him on the back, the atmosphere lifting as the three of them laughed.

"Can we show Remus do you think?" Daphne inquired, suddenly desperate to show the man that his student had become a teacher. Harry's face brightened and within a minute the room had created a fire place with a small jar of floo powder beside it. The three of them bent down, threw the powder in and called out.

"Chateau de Noir, Mauraders Hideaway!"

They stuck their heads into the green flames and Harry grinned as the sight of Remus who was snuggled into an armchair with what he suspected a hot chocolate by his side surrounded by books came into view.

"Alright, Moony?"

They laughed as Remus gave a jump, his wide eyes and gaping mouth quickly turning into a wide grin and lightened eyes.

"Harry, Daphne, Neville what a nice surprise! Oi Padfoot get in here! What are you guys doing here?"

"We wanted to show you something, can you stick your heads through. We're in the room of requirement."

"Of course, of course shoo shoo."

Harry winked at his godfather who had entered the room at a run and ducked out of the green blaze. The trio pulled back and stood as the heads of Sirius and Remus suddenly appeared in the fire.

"Now what on earth is going on?"

Raising their wands, the three spoke the incantation and smiled happily as a bear, cat and stag burst through and settled around them in a protective circle.

"Brilliant!" Crowed Sirius.

"Fantastic of all of you!" Said Remus grinning at them. "They're magnificent! And very much like you."

"We haven't researched the animals much to be honest, can you tell us what they mean?" Asked Daphne curiously.

"But of course, first of all the Nebelung cat. It is a rare breed of cat, Miss Greengrass which first of all shows its uniqueness and power. Cats in general are curious beings and full of kindness to those that share its loyalty and if not they show a fiery side too. The Nebelung is passionate, intelligent and usually a little remote and stand offish. They have great potential and power inside them and usually observe before making a choice, you should be very happy with this patronus my dear." Daphne smiled at Remus before watching her cat stalk through the air as though prowling for prey.

Neville stood tall and proud as his former professor turned to him and once again resumed his teacher lecturer tone.

"A brown bear, Mr Longbottom a most formidable and intense foe for anyone. The bear is a naturally protective creature, it can be slow and steady but ferocious when confronted. Their patience is long and their loyalty unwavering to those who treat them right. They're incredibly strong and courageous when they have to be but also quite peaceful and happy with their own company. They have great inner strength and are stable creatures that help those around them."

"They fit you guys pretty damn well in my opinion." Said Sirius, his eyes bright and smile wide.

"Yes because you know so much about them." Remus remarked dryly.

"I have great intuition." Sniffed Sirius.

The three teenagers rolled their eyes before Daphne suddenly spoke.

"Professor, what about Prongs?"

"Ahh yes, our magnificent stag he is wonderful…" And for a moment it was clear the ex-professor was lost in his memories as his eyes locked onto the animal before him that was tossing its head. He shook himself quickly but this time is tone was less teacher and more softer, kinder and a little hoarse. "The stag is a show for a Gryffindor Harry, it exhibits nobility, pride and courage. The creature rushes in to whichever situation to help out its loved ones with bravery and hot headedness. They're confident in themselves with a belief in their abilities even though they may not fully understand how or why they do. They show strength in any type of adversary and can grow into very proud creatures. As we found by James, their antlers fall off before growing back and could show that things grow back bigger and better. Your father would be immensely proud of you."

"As are we." Said Sirius in a quiet but strong voice, eyes steady on his Godson who found his throat closing up.

"Thanks you guys, hows it going with you all?"

"Eurgh your dogfather is driving me barmy! He keeps trying to set me up with the girl in the local bakery!"

The three of them burst out laughing at the pained look on Moony's face.

"Its not funny! She looks barely 20 and he keeps giving her all these innuendos that she has no idea so I'm the only one blushing and I'm thinking of having him neutered soon."

"Oi!"

"Okay so normal as ever, Remus has Hedwig set off yet?" Harry enquired, he had barely seen his beloved companion as they were using her to deliver the letters to and fro France, he had asked her after the third trip if she wanted to have a rest and they'd use a school owl and she had scratched his hand, shrieked in his face before snatching the letter and flying off. Neville still found that episode amusing.

"Yep, set off this morning so you should have her by tonight, she really is a very intelligent owl. How are you three doing after the task, I know your letters said it was all okay but you know, how are you all?"

"I think we're all doing okay, it was scary to actually get involved, seems worse somehow but haven't had nightmares or anything like that." Daphne was the one to reply and she saw the relief on the mens faces.

"Good we need you to keep out little Prongslet out of trouble." Sirius said lightly.

"And how are you guys with the trial prep?"

"Yeah its coming together very nicely. Allard got a fire call from Supreme Mugwump Dumbledore a few days ago about helping out and Allard shot him down straight away, said they had all the information they needed and they would see him at the trial. Apparently he was quite put out."

"Good, about time someone put him down a peg or two." Harry said strongly.

"Now about the map Harry, it doesn't sound serious but I'm glad to hear you keeping an eye on it. I think maybe we shouldn't underestimate what Crouch could be doing. He isn't quite all there especially after the death of his wife and son, so be careful around him."

"Its only because we actually rarely see him but he always seems to be here, he and Moddy especially seem close."

"Well Mad-Eye was a fantastic auror, he taught your dad and I in the academy. Completely barking mad and paranoid as anything but he took down a lot of bad people, not just in the war but he is a good man. Definitely considered one of the best aurors ever, he is responsible for probably 50% of the inhabitants of Azkaban, he and Crouch would definitely know each other. They could be talking over the security for the tournament?"

"Hmm maybe." Harry said still unable to shake the feeling something else was wrong.

"Something else on your mind?"

Harry sighed and glanced down.

"I erm…I had another dream, Voldermort again, he was happy I think, something is going well for him."

"Ah, that sucks."

"Sirius!"

"Well it does! What else am I suppose to say, Moony?"

"Oh I don't know maybe some comforting advice?"

"Like?"

Moony's face went comically indignant as he searched for an answer until Sirius looked gleefully back at the group though his eyes were stern.

"Anything in particular jump out at you?"

"Nope, though it was just Wormtail there and Riddle seemed to be instructing him."

"I see, how's your occlumency coming along?"

"Great, the basic defences are all in place and Daphne says in a month I'll probably be up to her level."

"Brilliant news, I have some books that might help you figure out the visions or why you're having them but don't worry too much. You have other much more important things to put your mind to."

"Sir yes sir! Goodnight Padfoot, Moony."

"Night Prongslet, night you two!"

After they had left the three settled into the beanbags though Daphne once more settled on Harry's lap.

"Well." Neville breathed out. "Is there nothing we can't get through!"