Chapter Four August 11, 1985
A/N First, I would like to thank all my reviewers. I'm blown away by the response so far. You really help me out, and encourage me to keep writing. Warnings for mild slash, Sirius/Remus and possible mentions of child abuse. Also, please let me know if I make any mistakes. Constructive criticism is always welcome.
The courtroom was full to bursting when Sirius was led in. He looked around, hoping to spot a familiar face. He saw Moony in the back of the public gallery and nodded at him. Moony nodded back, but there wasn't time for much else as the Minister of Magic walked in, followed by Amelia Bones.
As the members of the Wizengamot filed in, Sirius noticed that Dumbledore wasn't there. Wait a minute, he thought, wasn't it Dumbledore who found the letters from the Potters? Didn't he get me a trial?
He looked up at the bang of the gavel only to see Millicent Bagnold in the Chief Warlock's seat.
"Come to order!" said Bagnold, " Chief Scribe, please note that today, August 11, 1985, the trial of Sirius Black will take place in front of the full Wizengamot."
"So noted," said the Chief Scribe, pulling a roll of parchment toward him and inking a quill.
"Also note that, due to the fact that he has proxy for both the Potter and Black votes, Albus Dumbledore will not be participating in this trial."
"So noted,"
Not participating? Sirius thought, I can understand about the votes, but I thought he'd at least show up. As a character witness if nothing else. I mean, didn't he witness their wills?
Amelia stood up, "Amelia Bones, head of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement, for the prosecution."
Bagnold nodded, "and Mr. Black is representing himself?"
Sirius nodded, "yes ma'am."
"So noted,"
"Opening statements?" Bagnold asked. Amelia shook her head, "Mr. Black?"
"No," Sirius said, "I would like to request the use of Veritaserum and or a pensive."
Murmuring rose throughout the room. The people were not expecting him to ask for that, but they quieted when Bagnold banged her gavel.
"So noted," she said, "Madam Bones, you may begin."
Amelia rose, "you have seen some evidence already, but since Mr. Black has requested the use of Veritaserum, we'll simply get on with it."
Bagnold waved her hand as an auror handed a vial of clear liquid to Amelia.
Sirius opened his mouth and Amelia poured in the required three drops.
"State your name," she said.
"Sirius Orion Black."
"Were you ever a Death Eater?"
"No."
Murmuring again rose around the room. Bagnold banged her gavel to no effect, Amelia finally cast a concussion hex.
"Were you the Potters' Secret Keeper?"
"No."
Shouting this time, people were shocked. Bagnold banged her gavel. "Quiet!" she shouted over the noise, "or I'll have the room cleared!"
There was instant silence. No one wanted to leave.
Amelia turned back to Sirius, "who was the Secret Keeper?"
"Peter Pettigrew,"
"Is that why you killed him?"
"I didn't. I wanted to, but the little rat blew up the street and escaped."
"We found Pettigrew's finger, no one saw him flee."
"He cut off his finger, blew up the street, and changed into his rat form and escaped into the sewers"
"Pettigrew's an animagus? He's not on the registry."
"We all were James was a stag, Peter's a rat, and I'm a big black dog."
"When did you become Animagi?"
"End of fourth year."
"Thank you Mr. Black," said Amelia, as she gave him the antidote.
"I call for a vote," Bagnold said to the shocked and silent Wizengamot, "all who vote guilty, light your wands."
Very few wands were lit, and all of those, Sirius noted, were known or suspected Death Eaters.
"All those who vote innocent, please light your wands," Bagnold called.
This time the whole room lit up. Sirius smiled as the chains fell away.
Amelia came towards him, "Lord Black, on behalf of the Ministry, I'd like to apologize for what happened to you."
"That's all right," said Sirius, "I'm not one to hold a grudge."
"Thank you, Lord Black, I believe this belongs to you," said Amelia, handing him a wand.
Sirius felt like a part of him had been given back as he took hold of the wand, "thank you," he murmured.
As they walked out of the courtroom, reporters swarmed, "Lord Black, Lord Black!" came the multiple calls.
"STOP!" Sirius bellowed above the din, "I'll make a statement in an hour in the Atrium."
Reporters handled, he continued to the lifts. Moony met him there.
"Hey Moony!" he greeted enthusiastically.
"Hey Padfoot," Moony returned the hug, "listen, I'm sorry I-"
"Forget about it Moony," he said, "we-I thought the same thing, remember?"
Remus smiled, "yeah, I remember, where are you headed?"
"Animagus Registration Office," Sirius said, making a face.
Remus clapped him on the back, "sad to lose your alter ego?"
"Yeah," said Sirius, "Padfoot was my saving grace in there, ya know? One of the only reasons I didn't go insane."
Remus' face was grave, "I know."
Sirius stopped, "listen Moony, after I'm done with everything, maybe we could talk about…..you know….us,"
He scratched his head, "I mean, I understand if y-mph!"
The last bit was muffled as Remus pulled him into a searing kiss.
"Does that answer your question?" he asked.
Sirius just grinned.
"Good," he said, grabbing Sirius' hand, "now let's go get you registered, then we'll deal with the rabid reporters."
Sirius grinned back, "let's go!"
