"Ha - Mr Potter I must ask if this is really necessary? Your godfather, I'm sure is in quite capable hands and I feel if you attend, he will merely be distracted and may reveal something best kept secret."
"Headmaster Dumbledore, as you are well aware, I haven't been called in simply as his Godson, I have been called in as a witness. Madam Bones herself as contacted me to ensure my presence, we have spoken at length of what could happen and we both believe it is entirely necessary. And before you even start on the idea of my friends accompanying me, you may remember that they each are heir of their respective families and their parents have given them permission to attend a trial the likes of which have never been seen before."
"Very well, I can see your mind is quite set, I will see you at eleven o'clock."
The three students said their goodbyes quickly, eager to get the day over with.
Neville had entered the floo powder first in black trousers and crisp white shirt open at the collar with day robes of black silk with an edging of red on the hem and cuffs and dragonhide boots, the Longbottom crest proudly displayed on the left side. He looked every inch the heir of an Ancient and Noble House, the lessons of etiquette that he hadn't used since being at Hogwarts came back to him as he steadied himself and stood near to the fire and glanced around him with an unaffected air that was in sharp contrast to the nervous energy he felt his gut bouncing with.
Daphne had disappeared next in a whirl of purple that had her eyes turning violet. Her hair was up giving her an elegant and mature persona, she also wore black trousers and dragonhide boots with a lilac shirt and her birthday robes. She carried herself with grace and those that saw her as she first stepped out into the Ministry of Magic mistook her for at least eighteen, she took her place next to Neville and glared at the fountain in disdain as she murmured her feelings about it to her companion.
Harry stopped just as he stepped into the fireplace and turned to Dumbledore with his face so stern and eyes so cold that for a moment Dumbledore felt fear. "My godfather is innocent, Headmaster. You know it and I know it therefore if anything should happen during this trial that would make him seem anything but I will hold you responsible. You let him rot in hell for 12 years to have more control over me, whether you thought him guilty then is no matter. You know better now. Do you understand?"
It was only after the headmaster had nodded that Harry called out his destination and stepped out last, gazing around with green eyes shimmering and confidence oozing from his frame. He wore the black trousers and dragon hide boots too but with an emerald green shirt and a black blazer. His open robes of acromantula silk were black with silver threads woven throughout, the Potter and Black crests displayed on the left and right side respectively. He had received them from Monsieur Allard who had noted that he was the Boy-Who-Lived and he needed to look the part for people to respect him and listen to him. After listening to Sirius talk about the power his own grandfather had excluded when walking into the room with finery Harry had agreed, willing to do anything that could help his godfather.
The three had cut a striking form as they walked through the foyer, handing their wands over to the security and not reacting to the guards shocked faces. After receiving them back they strode straight away to Courtroom 10 where Remus met them as they had walked through the door.
Regardless of the press and mindful of those already in the courtroom, Harry went straight to Moony and hugged him hard, giving him a manly pat on the back before retreating.
His former professor looked clean, determined and hopeful. He omitted a gentle form in grey trousers, white shirt and grey day robes. The scars on his face that last year had stood out starkly against the pale and thin face, now barely warranted a second look and after the hug his honorary nephew had given him a large grin was spread across his lips.
"Prongslet, its wonderful to see you! You as well Neville, Daphne you both look incredible."
"How are you doing Moony, really I mean?" At Harry's gentle enquiry the green eyes bled into amber before returning.
"Oh cub, we're almost there. I'm doing alright truthfully, I want this over but soon we'll be together again." The joy at having his pack member free shone from his eyes as well as the small amount of fear that he'd wake up and it would be a dream. Harry nodded understandingly.
"How are you three though? Its been a while since we last spoke." They all settled down in the witness stand and Remus put up a privacy bubble quickly.
"I think we're doing alright, aren't we guys?" Harry said with a grin towards the others. Neville picked up the hint and eagerly dove into conversation.
"We're doing better than alright, since Theo joined us we've been looking at more spells that we thought possible! He's also been able to give a whole load of information about the dark side of things and the way that people have reacted. He's a marvel at observation. And Harry has naturally been all great to him, I wouldn't be surprised if they're looking at adopting each other!" They'd all laughed but Harry had quietly agreed. He and Theo had connected through their shared past horrors, stuff the others couldn't imagine their own families doing to them. That had made them grow closer quicker, no illusion between them. Unlike with Neville who knew when to push and fall back, Theo seemed to be on the exact same wavelength as Harry.
"Plus" Daphne continued. "it seems the professors have finally realised how stupidly they've been treating Harry and allowing others to treat him and have been bending over backwards to be nice. Honestly they're losing more respect this way. And none of them have actually straight up apologised." That was also true, Snape had retreated to simply ignoring his presence but with the rarity that he did show up in that class he didn't care. McGonagall had gone from giving him disappointed looks and barely reacting to his presence to always complimenting him at every turn. The others were seemingly stuck between being indifferent to him and giving him maximum points for least amount of effort, Professor Vector(who he didn't actually have) had awarded him 20 points for apologising when he'd rounded the corner and nearly knocked into a second year.
Remus's face turned hard, his eyes once more bleeding into the amber of his wolf and he fairly growled. "I still can't believe the way they treated you, it was foul and cruel and the fact they are supposed to be professionals in charge of guiding young people's ideas."
Harry quickly reached out a hand and squeezed his arm. "Its alright Moony, the people who did believe me are the ones that matter, you and Sirius, Daphne, Neville plus Tracey. You've all stood by me for so long, I couldn't care less about the others." It was the conviction in his eyes that led to the man restraining the wolf and he took the privacy bubble down and returned the questions to their lessons until everyone was settled in their seats, Dumbledore sat in the high chair as the chief warlock and the public gallery was full.
"Bring in the accused and seal the doors."
Through the double doors came Sirius Black with two aurors on either side of him. He looked every inch the Lord and Head of House Black. The weeks in France had left him looking healthy and tanned, although his cheeks hadn't quite filled in from the lack of nutrients, they didn't seem sunken and only highlighted his facial structure more. The work with the mind healer had his face serene and his eyes calm, black hair pulled back with a leather hair-tie, everything about him spoke of straightforwardness and being comfortable in himself. His black trousers and grey shirt combination showed the body of a man who did physical fitness and the black dress robes with green and silver shot through it with the Black crest proudly displayed highlighted his stride as well as his heritage. All in all, he was far gone sight from the man who had ridden away on Buckbeak and from the hysterically insane madman on the wanted posters.
Monsieur Allard followed a few paces behind and Harry's first thought was 'Slytherin'.
Dressed in light blue conservative robes, Julian Allard displayed a charisma and aloof charm that had even Daphne beaten. A short hair cut displayed a thin, straight lined face, the dark features being highlighted by the colour of his robes. Brown eyes flitted around the room but in a way that made Harry think he had managed to catalogue each and every person in the millisecond his gaze rested on them. He was tall and lean and carried a briefcase. He was not smiling nor was he frowning, his face was smooth and bare of any hint of emotion and had Harry not known he was on their side he would have been worried, for Allard had a predatory gleam in his eye that reminded Harry of a documentary he had seen on big cats. The buffalo had been hurt and the lioness merely glided towards it, like she had known she had it and could take her time in getting to it, it was a look that screamed 'caught you'.
The first instance that Malfoy and his ilk knew this trial would not go their way was when Monsieur Allard caught sight of the chair and loudly voiced his objection. Courtroom 10 is famously known for the death eater trials that took place at the end of the first war, the layout was meant to intimidate those accused. The floor was rounded until it met the stands, at the base the witnesses, prosecution and defence sat, the next layer that rose above them and behind them were split into two sections by the chief witch or warlock's chair. Each section had three tiers allowing 5 people on each level. The public viewing was a rounded balcony area that was shield charmed and allowed the viewers to stare down at the single chair placed in the middle of the floor. This chair had a set of magically enhanced chains attached to it, and the accused would sit in and the chains would bind them in, they were resistant to magic, Animagus and lock picking.
As soon as the aurors started to lead Sirius towards the chair, Allard pounced on the opening it gave him.
"Objection! My client is no death eater and has been declared innocent in many other countries. He is here today out of understanding and patience to the British government who wish to right a wrong, there is no need to treat him like one of those that deserved Azkaban."
"Monsieur Allard, we have no wish to treat Sirius as a death eater, however he is under a trial and as such there are those that feel added protection is best." Dumbledore was giving his best ' I know better than you' smile but Allard did not budge, he didn't like the older man having seen straight through the letter he had sent offering his help and Allard was certainly not going to allow him to derail the proceedings.
"Pardon me Chief Warlock, my client may be referred to as Lord Black as is his due. There is no need for added restrictions to be placed upon him, you have taken his wand and he is here voluntarily. He has no wish to harm any in the audience and if they are not comfortable then they are the ones that may leave. My client will not be sitting in that chair and having the risk of those accursed chains binding him, he deserves far more respect than that. "
Madam Bones stood from her place in the prosecution box, although she personally believed in Sirius's innocence since the French trial as head of DMLE Fudge had asked for her personally to oversee the prosecution. She and Julian had been in regular contact, coming up with the specific questions that could be asked under veritaserum and any difficulties that they may encounter, they had even revealed Padfoot and all were agreed they would only tell of the animagus as a last resort. She too had seen through Dumbledores seemingly helpful attempts at trying to involve himself behind the scenes and she was going to ensure he behaved himself.
"Chief Warlock, Monsieur Allard is correct Lord Black although under examination; is here of his own accord and has afforded us every courtesy despite the travesty that befell him. I think we should show our trust in him by exempting him from the use of the bindings."
There was a lot of mutterings but eventually Dumbledore nodded though the twinkle had vanished from his eye as Allard drew his wand and quickly conjured up a simple wooden armchair.
"Lord Black, you have been brought here today to face the charges that were brought against you thirteen years ago –"
"Objection! My client received no trial and no formal arrest reasons were given therefore the charges are null and avoid and are merely accusations."
"Sustained, my apologies. Lord Black, today's proceedings will verify your actions thirteen years ago and the manner to which you conducted yourself since. You are brought before this gathering for us to question you on the deaths of James and Lily Potter as well as Peter Pettigrew and the 12 muggles that were caught in the cross fire between the two of you. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty."
"Very well. Defence, begin." Dumbledore sat back with an heir of indifference though inside he was slightly worried; Allard had rejected his attempts to help and now he had no idea what was going to occur, he also disliked the fact that the children, Amelia and Allard had refused to listen to his reasonings.
"Lord Black, I would first like to question you in regards to October 31st 1981. Do you understand?"
"I understand, Monsieur Allard."
"Excellent, I would like for you to start at your arriving at Godric's Hollow then, what lead you there and what events occurred after?"
"I went to Godrics hollow that night for the simple reason that I wished to see my godson and friends. The Potters and I have always been close and they even had their second bedroom made up for me as I spent so much of my time there. I went that Halloween night as I'd just been on a wonderful date and the first person I wanted to tell was Lily, she'd been trying to set me up since she and James had got married. When I arrived I saw the cottage in ruins." Sirius's voice became quiet and full of emotion and his eyes seemed to stare into the distance. "The top part was blown in like a bomb had hit it, I could see the blue wallpaper on the stairs, I burst in screaming for James. He had to have got out, but he was by the stairs. Just lying there, his face totally blank. He was in the jumper Lils had made for his birthday, he hated it, said it scratched like hell but she made it for him so of course he wore it. I heard Harry crying upstairs and had to levitate a few pieces of wood out of the way because the stairs were all blocked. I had to practically crawl into the nursery there was so much debris around, I saw Harry first. Crying in his crib but as soon as I held him he stopped, that used to drive James mad."
"It did as well, he was the only one that could get you to calm down from one of your fits." Murmured Remus his entire attention on his friend even as he squeezed Harrys hand.
"He was bleeding from his forehead and I gave it a simple healing and cleaning charm, I was just leaving the room when I saw Lily too. She was curled in towards the crib with her hand stretched out as though reaching for her boy. Her hair all around her and Harry had reached for her calling out for mama before I got him out, hiding his face. I was standing outside of it trying to figure out how to go after the rat when I heard Hagrid turn up."
"The rat?" Questioned Allard. "Who is the rat?"
"Peter Pettigrew, he is an animagus, a rat."
"How do you know this?"
"I watched him turn into it."
"Thank you, do carry on."
"Hagrid turned up, said that he was to take Harry to his Aunts place, Lily's sister on Dumbledore's orders. I said no, its wasn't right. Petunia hated magic, and I was his godfather, I was his guardian he belonged with me. Hagrid said that Dumbledore had a plan, that maybe it was for a few days before the paper work got sorted. I thought Harry would be safe, he'd be with family. And I'd be able to go after the rat! The scum that had killed James and Lily! That had betrayed us!" Although his voice remained semi calm, the storm in the grey eyes grew filled with pain, hatred, grief and anger before Sirius closed them taking a few breaths to centre himself and when he opened them again, the storm had lessoned to a swirl of despair. "I had to go after him, I needed to know why. I gave Harry to Hagrid, told him I'd be by soon to pick him up and that I loved him, gave Hagrid my bike and started on the trail."
"You started on the trail? And found him at 21? You managed to follow the trail?" Spoke in Felix Rosier, a neutral but with alliances towards pure-blood agenda.
"Although I wasn't one for very long, I was a Hit-Wizard during the first war. I know how to track."
"Ah yes, you and Potter were responsible for quite a few arrests I believe, worked very well together." Praised Augusta Longbottom.
Julian hid a smile as people started to murmur about the many takedowns the Potter and Black team had. They'd decided against bringing up his track record in the press, thinking it may come back to hurt them but it was certainly getting good results now.
"Order! Quiet in court!" Dumbledore said letting off a few sparks with his wand. "Please proceed."
"I cornered him in a muggle neighbourhood somewhere in London. I shouted at him, why? He was your friend. Why would you betray him? He said he was scared. That he didn't mean to! That the Dark Lord was too powerful beyond anything we'd ever seen! In that one moment he changed from one of my best friends to a traitor , to someone I barely knew. He yelled that the Dark Lord would rise, that he would be seen more than a lackey. He screamed that I had betrayed Lily and James. I had turned my back on the light. Then he blasted the street apart. By the time the smoke had cleared and I had made it to where he was, he gone. Vanished, his finger lay to the left and just beyond that was gutter. I knew at once what he'd done. Turning into a rat and scurrying into the sewer. I couldn't believe it. Out of us all, it was the rat! I started laughing, I couldn't believe it, it was some awful joke and James would pop around the corner and it would all be okay. I couldn't believe it. It was the rat after all that." There was still disbelief and grief in his voice as he recounted it and the grey eyes glimmered with tears.
"You say you know it was the rat, how did you know?"
"James and I had spoken about the fidilus charm at length. How it could have been broken and the ways someone could come out with it. We spoke about how everyone would assume it was me. We were brothers in everything, they would come after me to get to them. We decided we'd switch the secret keeper to Pettigrew, he'd be less likely to be thought of, they could remain safe for longer. I was there when they changed, I was so happy thinking we'd managed to find someone who could fly under the radar –"
"Excuse me, Lord Black what is fly under the radar?" Asked Madam Bones.
"Forgive me, it is a muggle term for when someone does something without being noticed. Peter was small, he had a low level job at the ministry, he wasn't a sociable person not really. We thought he could never be found or seen."
"Lord Black, at your arrest. You kept saying 'its my fault', why is that?"
"Because at the time and even now a small part of me know believes it. If I hadn't thought Peter was the better option, they'd still be alive. If I hadn't suggested that we switch, Voldemort would never have found them. In some way it is my fault." The conviction in his tone had Remus and Harry frowning while feeling a similar guilt in their own stomachs, Remus for not attempting to help Sirius and condemning him to Azkaban and Harry for he knew that by not killing Peter he had let him get away.
"Thank you, Lord Black. Madam Bones if you would like to continue your questioning." With a flair of his robes, Monsieur Allard sat down, confidence in every line of his stance.
"Lord Black, how did you conclude that Peter Pettigrew was a traitor? How come you didn't believe that he had had the information tortured out of him?"
"Peter had spent the last year gradually pulling away from us, he had been drifting away and meeting secret people. We even thought that he had a girlfriend for a while. And at the time I had brushed them off but having seen the cottage I remembered the amount of times I had seen him with suspected dark wizard's and he'd brushed it off. He had also started to say things, beliefs that he had never said before. That some wizards did incredible things but people didn't understand them and judged them. Things that at the time meant nothing but with the knowledge my best friends had been murdered suddenly the pieces connected."
"How did you resist the dementors for so long? Many of your guards have said you rarely seemed affected by them, at least in comparison to others."
"I believe that it's due to my innocence. Dementors cause you to relieve your worst memories but I knew I hadn't done it. It wasn't a happy memory, it was a fact and therefore I could retain that and not sink into my past."
"Thank you Lord Black. Is the Chief Warlock satisfied or is veritaserum necessary?"
"I think we'd all be happier if the Lord Black can confirm his story." Said Fudge hurriedly and Harry caught the quick glance he gave to Lucius Malfoy even though the man in himself showed no reaction.
"Very well, here is a list of prepared questions. I ask that the prosecution only asks these." Monsieur Allard handed the list to Madam Bones.
"Forgive me Monsieur Allard but why have you prepared questions? Surely your client had nothing to hide."
"Of course not Minister Fudge but my client knew some sensitive material as many did during the war and in his occupation, therefore this will protect everyone's interest. If you look over the list you will note that all the questions pertain to this case, you shouldn't have an issue with it."
They watched as Minister Fudge grew pale at the list of questions and handed it back.
"I have no issue with the questions but ask the maximum amount of veritaserum just so we can be sure."
"But of course Minister, Lord Black are you ready?"
"Is that your own veritaserum, can we trust him?" Spoke up Fudge again and this time several gasps of disbelief was heard.
Allard straightened is back and stared hard at Fudge and when he spoke Harry could practically see the ice coming from his words.
"I am a member of the Ministere des Affaires Magiques de la France, I have risen through to become a respected member of law. I have completed many trips as an ambassador between France and England. Do you dare to question your trust in me?"
Fudge was left stuttering as Dumbledore quickly held his hands up and smiled down at the Frenchman.
"I'm sure Minister Fudge gave a slip of a tongue, we are all feverishly hoping for Lord Black's innocence but I am afraid that old prejudices can resurface. Minister Fudge merely wants to ensure the safety of his people. And as we all know some people can resist the effects of it."
"Very well, his comment is forgotten" this time, was heard by all. "On any matter, this is a veritaserum that Madam Bones personally handed over to me I am sure you find her trustworthy? And I am sure my client will happily take an oath to swear to the truth which will allow the veritaserum to force him to confess."
At the acceptance, Allard swept over to Sirius who stated quickly.
"I vow on my magic to speak the full truth as I know it for the duration of this trial." A brief glow enveloped Sirius and he quickly opened his mouth to receive the 5 drops of the truth serum.
"What is your name?"
"Sirius Orion Black."
"When is your birthday?"
"November 3rd 1959"
"As you can hear Minister, my clients voice is monotonous and unemotional as well as answered the questions, do you believe he is under?"
At the ministers shaky nod, Allard turned back to Sirius.
"Are you Death Eater?"
"No."
"Have you ever been a Death Eater?"
"No."
"Have you ever agreed with any of Voldemorts beliefs?
"No."
"Were you the Potters secret keeper?"
"No."
"Did you tell Voldemort where the Potters were hiding."
"No."
"Did you kill Peter Pettigrew?"
"No."
"How did Peter Pettigrew escape?"
"He changed into his animagus form and ran into the sewer."
"Did you ever mean to cause harm to Harry Potter."
"No."
"How did he escape Az-"Quick as a flash, Allard had silenced Fudge before the man could finish his sentence.
"That is not something that Lord Black has to answer for." He held his hand up against the angry protests. "Lord Black was never a convicted prisoner therefore he should never have been there in the first place. We are also here to determine his actions of 1981 not 1993. We will be addressing them shortly."
"Agreed." Said Madam Bones with an angry look to Fudge who melted slightly. "We have agreed to the list of questions and we shall not stray simply because of idle curiosity. Please give Lord Black the antidote. I am satisfied that Lord Black is innocent of all supposed crimes from 1981. Chief Warlock if you feel the same I believe it is time to call a vote."
The vote was unanimous and even though Malfoy and several others were hesitant they raised their wands to clear the man.
"Excellent, Lord Black you are hereby declared innocent of all accusations against you and will be given 100800 galleons as restitution. Now onto the events of 1994 please.
Monsieur Allard once again stood and walked to Sirius who's beaming face was very obviously trying to remain solemn and still.
"Lord Black, when you are ready would you please explain your actions of 1993/4 starting from your escape.
"Yes, sir. In July 1993, Minister Fudge came to visit and left behind the Daily Prophet newspaper. I never cared for it, there was never any news that I cared about anymore. But the front page got blown into my cell and there was the rat! The picture was of a family standing in front of the pyramids and on the boys shoulder was the rat. I'd recognise him anywhere before you ask how I knew, he was thick and brown and a toe on his front paw was missing! The article followed the family's achievements and described how the youngest four were still in Hogwarts, that was where Harry was. The rat was going after Harry. That night I escaped prison, managed to slip between the bars of my cell that should give you a clue as to what they feed us." Several members of the audience looked uncomfortable at the reminder of the poor conditions. "Anyway I got out and swam for my life, eventually I made it onto the main land and from there I started my trek to Hogwarts. By the time I made it there it was October, I got into Hogwarts using the secret passages that I spent my school years running around in. I found a list of passwords to the Gryffindor common room and the fat lady let me in, although she was reluctant. I made my way into the boys quarters and to the boy who was in the photo, the rat woke up just as I reaching for him and then the boy woke up too and I ran for it escaping back to the shrieking shack. I tried to make my way in again but security had tightened and I had to travel to get food and warmth." Sirius took a sip of water and then carried on this time looking distinctly uncomfortable and ashamed of himself. "On the night of June 6th I had managed to make my way into the grounds and was surprised to immediately see the rat scurrying by followed by the ginger boy – Ronald Weasley I found out - I didn't waste any time, I grabbed him and dragged him through the whomping willow and into the shrieking shack-"
"Pardon me, how do you get into the whomping willow?" Asked Madam Bones but before Sirius could answer Dumbledore had lifted a hand.
"I would rather that information stay private, there are people here who I fear would enjoy the chance to leave school grounds during the day and if this question is necessary it should be kept between Lord Black and Madam Bones only. "As it had been Dumbledore to voice the objection it was clear that although many wanted to argue they remained silent as Madam Bones sketched a privacy bubble listened and then took it down a few moments later.
"The prosecution is satisfied, carry on Lord Black."
"I had been a little rough with him apparently and once we had settled into the shack, he kept clutching his leg and I believe it was broken at the time. I was just about to grab the rat when Harry and Hermione Granger came bursting in. They wrongly assumed that I was there to kill Harry! I explained I was there to kill the rat but they didn't believe me, it was only when Remus Lupin turned up – "
"And why did Lupin turn up, was he helping you all this time?" Shouted Fudge. Once again murmurings started, and Dumbledore had to call for order as Madam Bones addressed Fudge.
"Minister we are talking about the events of 1994 on your orders, if you disrupt the gatherings we will never get to the bottom of this!"
"You can't speak to me like that I am the Minister of Magic I am allowed to ask any questions I like!"
"No you can't! You are not in charge of todays proceedings; you are not here as the prosecution or defence of even a witness. Sit down Minister!" Madam Bones spoke with such authority that Fudge who had started to rise from his seat in indignation sat back down with a thump. "We are here to determine the harm that has been caused and the likelihood of Peter Pettigrew still being out there. We have investigated and are determining how such an event occurred such as Lord Blacks wrongful imprisonment and escape from Hogwarts. Please allow me to do my job before I ask for you to be removed from the court!" Utter silence descended as Madam Bones finished her tirade and stared at the quivering form of Minister Fudge.
"Right!" Said Dumbledore brightly as though nothing had happened. "I believe Lord Black was explaining that Mr Lupin had turned up."
At the light prompt Monsieur Allard turned back to Sirius whose face had morphed into a grin at the put down of the Minister.
"So Mr Lupin turned up?"
"Yes Monsieur, and I told him, I told him it was the rat. THE rat. That I wasn't the secret holder. I would never betray James and Lily. It was simply preposterous. I said to him look at the rat, missing a single toe. It was too much of a coincidence. He said he would do the spell to turn an animagus back, he asked how long they'd had the rat for. A common garden rat living for 10 years or so he knew something was off. Then for some reason Snape turned up!"
"Snape? Severus Snape?" Questioned Allard.
"Yep, he started a very dramatic monologue about how he would be the one to arrest the traitor Sirius Black and the dark creature Remus Lupin how we were both bound for the dementors kiss. We tried to explain but he wouldn't listen, the kids disarmed him but they put a bit too much power into the spell and he flew backwards and hit his head on the wall and fell unconscious. We turned our sights back to the rat. As soon as the man started forming the three believed us, they couldn't believe it but Pettigrew admitted! He admitted in front of us all that he had betrayed James and Lily that he was scared! That he wanted to be important. He dared to touch my godson! That his parents, the people he had killed would believe would want him to live a long healthy life. We tied him up and started to head back to Hogwarts determined that Headmaster Dumbledore was going to listen with four witnesses. Unfortunately Pettigrew managed to escape, we knew without him I'd never be considered innocent so we went after him however someone had decided that having dementors near school was a good idea and I got taken down by them along with the others. When I woke up I was in a tiny room, I figured I had been captured and was going to be heading back to Azkaban when there a knock in the window. I can honestly say that I thought I was dreaming, Harry and Miss Granger were riding a Hippogriff of all things, they got me out we said our goodbyes and then I left Hogwarts."
"Thank you, Lord Black. Madam Bones, your questions?"
"Where did you go." Asked Madam Bones quietly.
"First I went to Gringotts, I knew I'd still be considered my head of house and they would open for me, I still had Pettigrews wand and had managed to conjure a cloak. My account manager saw me straight away of course. He managed to secure me transport to France and food.
"What did you do when you arrived?"
"I spent a lot of time simply resting, the house elves were utterly appalled at the way I looked and insisted on getting me healthy before I did anything that might even cause me the slightest bit of stress, I only just managed to convince them to let me send a letter to Harry to let him know I was okay. So I got healthy and then I sent off a few letters, one was to Harry to let him know I was going to try and get some help and to not worry that I wouldn't do anything too stupid. The other was to Monsieur Allard, we had been contacts during the first war and had helped each other on numerous occasions, I saw his name in the paper and thought that I had nothing to lose. I sent along my memory of cornering Pettigrew and he sent back that he would ensure I received a fair trial if I turned myself in. On a leap of faith I did. We completed the trial and questioning and I was declared a free man in France within a week. Harry and I carried on exchanging letters, one of which suggested I go and see a mind healer. I admit my mind was a little fried due to the continuous existence of the dementors and I took his advice, it helped me to work through a lot of issues, a lot of grief and anger. During that time, Remus came to live with me and his presence also helped me through it."
"Lord Black, you had received a full trial on the continent, multiple countries have since spoken of your innocence and yet you come back to England to be treated once again as a guilty criminal. Why are you here?"
Sirius looked from Madam Bones straight to Harry and the look the two shared was full of warmth and affection.
"I want to be what I should always have been. A guardian to Harry."
Total uproar met his words, cries that the Boy-Who-Lived deserved more than a fugitive was heard. Chaos reigned as everyone tried to make their opinions heard and it took several blasts from Dumbledores wand before the level quietened.
"Thank you, Lord Black. I would like to ask Harry Potter to take the witness stand."
Harry stood to applause and made his way to the small high table that appeared left of Sirius and in full view of everyone.
"Mr Potter we would like you to tell us what happened on June 6th 1994. However if you would first swear on your magic that you will tell us the truth."
"Yes, Madam Bones. I swear on my magic that everything I reveal will be the truth. On June 6th Mr Weasley, Miss Granger and I were at Hagrid's cabin to keep him company when Hagrid revealed that he had Scabbers with him –"
"Pardon me, Mr Potter. Scabbers is?"
"Scabbers is Mr Weasleys pet rat, ma'am. He'd been growing weaker and more upset since the summer, we just thought he was finally getting too old and because Miss Granger had recently brought a cat and therefore he was scared. We were walking back up the hill when Scabbers bit Mr Weasleys finger and darted away. Miss Granger and I had only just caught up with them when Sirius appeared and started to drag Mr Weasley away. He pulled him straight under the willow tree and by the time we got in they disappeared, we figured we'd follow the passage. We made it into this dark creepy old house and eventually found Mr Weasley. Sirius Black revealed himself to us and explained the story, half way through Professor Lupin showed up and it didn't take long before he was convinced of Blacks innocence too. Unfortunately, that was when Professor Snape turned up, he refused to listen! Said we were all confounded and it would mean suspension at least and that Sirius would get the kiss. We sent disarming charms at him but we all sent one and he got blown over backwards. Then Professor Lupin revealed Peter Pettigrew and we decided that we would have to take him up to Headmaster Dumbledore who would no doubt believe us as we had solid proof. Sirius and I were distracted with getting to know each other when Pettigrew managed to escape, we ran after him but that was when the Dementors came. I tried to conjure a patronus but there was over a 100. When I woke up we were told Black was in custody. Minister Fudge believed Professor Snape when he said we were confused and we knew we had to act. We ran out of the castle because we had seen Buckbeak escape before his execution and Miss Granger and I flew up to the chamber where Sirius was and got him away. And that's really all that happened."
"Buckbeak is the hippogriff?"
"Yes ma'am."
"And he allowed you to fly him? From all accounts I heard that he was vicious and uncontrollable. Wasn't there an accident?"
"Oh no ma'am . You see in the lesson where the accident occurred, Hagrid and been extremely vocal in stating that hippogriffs were vain creatures and that we mustn't insult them, I bowed to Buckbeak and he let me stroke his neck as well as ride him briefly. Draco Malfoy was then loudly heard complaining about 'the big ugly brutes' and strode towards the herd without bowing or being slow. Buckbeak reacted to the threat and his talons clawed Malfoy's arm. As soon as he had fallen to the ground and was away from him Buckbeak calmed right down, he even came back to me for a stroke. We had seen him run into the forest from the top of the hill, maybe he got himself free somehow but we knew he was on the run too so used him to help Sirius escape."
"You helped a fugitive escape on the back of a dangerous beast that had injured my heir?" Came the silken tones of Lucius Malfoy.
"Technically sir, he wasn't a fugitive as he was never given a trial. And as for the dangerous beast that injured your son. We were all given fair warning that animals and people react when in certain situation."
"I am satisfied that he has told us everything he knows. Mr Potter, you may leave the witness stand. I would now like to call Hermione Granger."
Harry watched as his old friend took his place, repeated the vow and told it almost exactly as Harry had with a few more details about Snape refusing to listen and Buckbeaks escape. She also hadn't revealed anything about Remus's transformation or the time turner. He would have to thank her properly.
"Thank you Miss Granger. I believe my third witness of Ronald Weasley is unneeded and unnecessary as well as the fact he may not recall some details due to the pain of the broken leg at the time."
"Agreed. Ladies and Gentleman of the wizardengamont we shall now discuss the issues of whether Lord Blacks actions were necessary and whether he should answer for them."
Dumbledore quickly raised a shield and although they couldn't hear they could all see the hand waving of both sides. The public and witnesses were led out for a brief recess as Sirius fate was discussed.
"Well I think that is going very well don't you?" Said Remus, though his eyes looked worried.
"I think its going brilliantly, the fact you both swore oaths, and there's really no evidence against you. Harry this is really good." Daphne spoke passionately her hand squeezing Harry's tightly. He was about to reply when he saw Hermione standing by the refreshment table looking a little lost. Excusing himself he moved towards her and poured himself some water.
"Thank you, Hermione. You did a lot of good in there."
She smiled at him. "I meant what I said Harry, I really hope it works out for the two of you. I would never want to endanger that."
He nodded and quickly smiled before making his way back to his group as they got called in.
"Lord Black, we find that although your actions were not the most agreeable we cannot fault you for the methods you took. We ask that you compensate Mr Ronald Weasley the price of 500 galleons for the injury you caused him."
"Of course, I would be delighted." Sirius said hurriedly, his hands now squeezing the arms of his chair.
"Then you will be no longer questioned about the events of 1981 or 1994. Lord Black you are free to go." Dumbledore had barely finished his last sentence when Harry had flung himself over the barrier and had sprinted to his Godfather who eagerly wrapped his arms around the Godson and best friend once he had arrived a mere 2 seconds after Harry, a fourth body crashed into them and they all laughed as Neville said "I felt like I was missing out." Harry pulled back just enough to yank his girlfriend into the middle of the four of them and she smiled brilliantly up at him as Sirius exclaimed "feel like I only just got through that!"
Harry grinned up at his Godfather before catching the eye of his girlfriend and saying. "We can always get through things."
"But what about the killings, how are we to find Pettigrew? What about his escape? Madam Bones please these are questions that must be answered?" The snivelling tones of Minster Fudge had them all pulling away from each other and watching as the Minister way-laid the head of DMLE as she made her way out the door.
"I'm afraid I don't agree Minister, Lord Black has been found innocent there are certain things he has no need to answer for simply because he shouldn't have been there in the first place. Now excuse me I really must get on."
They watched as the Minister looked after the retreating form of the intimidating woman before he actually stomped on of his feet and threw his hands in the air before following after her.
"Well." Said Remus looking flabbergasted. "Who wants ice cream?"