Yo!
After months of waiting, the next chapter is finally here and with it, the Hiatus ends. My readers from other stories know what is going on, but to explain that long ago, after I released my first original story, I created a Patr-eon to support me as my writer. I don't offer any advanced chapters, but instead, I give my supporter the option to choose what I update next by voting in weekly pools. I also offer a few other benefits, be it related to writing (Insider Info, Q&As, beta work) or community (Discord roles, direct contact to me).
So if you would like to support me, join my discord or maybe read my original story then the links below will take you to the right place. (Remember my work is still fully free.)
Link: (standard pat-reon link as you can't type it on FFN)/chaos65 | Or Linktree: linktr .ee/Chaos65 | Or just Discord invite: b7JaQcpuc7
IMPORTANT INFO FOR OLD READERS: Due to a long break, I had some time to think about this story. I realized that while it is mostly fine, I didn't like a few minor details. As such, I went ahead and revisited every chapter already posted and tried to fix them. Here I will sum those changes for those that don't want to go and reread the entire story.
Harry and Alya are now 2 years older. So instead of being eight, they are ten now. I changed it for various reasons, that I can't be bothered to explain. Just know that it was an important change. Next, the System's attribute and skill ranking got a minor change where I deleted the F-rank, thus making E the lowest one. Also, I deleted the Power Regen from the Status screen. Nobody cares about it anyway and I just prefer to show how Harry manages his energy pool through writing. Another minor change happened during the first chapter and the initial meeting between Harry and Charlus. Now Harry has another reason to trust Charlus as Rigna foreshadowed their meeting. Apart from that, every chapter was checked for typos and made a bit smoother to read.
That would be all. Please enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 10. The truth
"Is this the only way into the ministry?" Harry grimaced as both he and Charlus tried to fit into the telephone booth. Whoever came up with this idea deserved some kind of a reward for stupidity...
"No," Charlus scoffed. "Normally we would have used the floo, but due to this being your first visit, we have to go through this farce. Oh, and trust me this is far from the worst entrances. Ask me another day and I will tell you about the incredible toilets. I have no idea how anybody can use those things..."
Harry shuddered as his imagination ran wild. What is wrong with this community. He had been part of this world for only a few weeks and the number of questionable or straight-up stupid things he discovered, was disconcerting to say at least. Maybe it will get better.
Seeing Charlus press a few digits on the phone, Harry arched an eyebrow when a female voice filled the booth. "Please state business within the Ministry of Magic."
Harry glanced at Charlus and saw the man rolling his eyes. "Charlus Potter, Head of House Potter, for the emergency Wizengamot meeting. And Harry Potter, Heir of House Potter, visitor for the emergency Wizengamot meeting." A moment later the telephone spat two silver badges with the same information Charlus just provided.
Heir Potter? Harry mussed as he took the offered item. Giving his grandfather a pointed look, he scowled when the older man ruffled his hair.
"Don't worry about it," he smiled. "It is just another fancy title. Nothing binding or requiring you to perform some special tasks. Only when you become a Head of the House you will have certain responsibilities. Or you can be like me and ignore most of them, it definitely saves money spent on a Mind Healer after some very interesting meetings."
Harry snickered when Charlus finished his explanation in a grumble. Though this laugh was turned into a gasp once his grandfather pressed another button and the entire booth shook. At once the floor began to move downwards, hiding the shady street behind the ground.
"An elevator?" Harry mumbled, eliciting a chuckle from Charlus.
"Indeed," he said. "For some reason, the ministry is full of them. They are quite convenient mind you, but every time a muggle-born comes into ministry, they are met with big disappointment. No instant teleportation and no portals, just some good old magical elevators. Probably the only amusing thing about this place, anything else is just a pain in the arse."
Interesting. Ever since Harry came to live with his grandfather, the older man always explained how the wizarding world always avoided using any kind of muggle equipment. And yet, here they were, riding an elevator. A pretty muggle thing if anybody asked Harry. He had to wonder if those purebloods that Charlus loved to rant about, even knew that they took this idea from people they discriminated.
"Here we are," Charlus muttered, bringing Harry back to reality.
And indeed the elevator stopped. Harry twisted the handle and both Potters stepped into a very small room with just one exit door. Frowning, he patted his robe, trying to smooth it out. Being squeezed in a small booth didn't help them keep their pristine condition.
"Here, let me," his grandfather called out, wand in hand. The elder wizard waved the small stick in a simple pattern and Harry flinched as his robe moved, every kink and dirt disappearing in a matter of a second. "Now before we go out there, I need you to remember to stick close to me. The ministry is like an ant colony, just a very chaotic one. One wrong step and you will be washed away along with the hundreds of people coming in and out," Charlus added and extended his hand.
Nodding, Harry grabbed the offered limb. His grandfather was the specialist here and the boy didn't fancy getting lost during his first visit.
They both approached the closed door and after a sharp tug, it snapped open revealing an enormous hall. Hundreds of people filled almost the entire room, some of them leaving or coming through the fireplaces located in each wall. The entire hall was illuminated by eternal lights hanging high on the walls and as Harry's gaze wandered higher he couldn't help but gasp.
The entire roof was painted in dark blue, but what held Harry's attention were the hundreds of symbols moving through the entire ceiling. Just like the people below, they sailed in every direction, sometimes bumping into each other and creating small explosions of light. Wow...
"Welcome to the Ministry Atrium Harry," Charlus spoke from behind him. "This is the only nice part of this godforsaken place. And I'm not saying that because this is the only place you can leave the ministry from. Now if only there were fewer people here...", he sighed. "Come on Harry, and remember what I said."
They weaved through the crowd, pushing towards the end of the hall. Harry had to fully focus on his emotions as every few seconds a random person decided to almost run him over. The desire to throw a small spike of ice at them was strong, but he didn't practice his mind magic for no reason.
Arriving at a set of golden gates, Harry still kept his glare aimed at the crowd behind him. "Is it always like this?" he asked as they waited for their turn to enter.
"Aye," Charlus sighed, following Harry's gaze. "And trust me, you're not the only one who wants to throw a bombarda at their lot. No culture whatsoever. I truly have no idea how only a dozen or so people get harmed here per month."
Harry gaped at his grandfather as the man spoke to the guard by the gate and gave him his wand. Dozen per month? And this is normal? How? Why? Completely stumped, Harry followed Charlus through the gate and inside another elevator. At least this one was large enough to carry multiple people and still have some free space. Almost everyone inside the lift tried to approach them, but one look from his grandfather stopped the wizards and witches in their tracks.
"Level Eleven, Wizengamot Chambers," another female voice filled the lift as the doors snapped open. Hand in hand, the two Potters moved through a few darkened corridors filled with portraits of wizards and witches.
"Who are they?" Harry asked, his eyes glued to the never-ending moving pictures.
"Anyone who was somewhat important in the wizarding world. Ministers for Magic, Chief Warlocks, wizard or witches that received an Order of Merlin during their lives, and much more. I'm pretty sure that in a few years you will find your face here too," Charlus chuckled at Harry's groan. "Overall it's just a glorified hall of fame that barely anyone sees."
Frowning, Harry kept observing the portraits until they came to the end of the corridor. There one could go in two directions. Either through the enormous, double door or into a small hallway on the left. Charlus led him towards the entrance latter, but he didn't go any further.
"The visitor box is at the end of this hallway. You just need to go through the door and find an empty seat. Which shouldn't be a problem considering this is an emergency meeting," Charlus explained, crouching before Harry. "I have to take my place in the Lord's lodge, so for now be a good lad and just enjoy the show. After we free Sirius, we can get something special for dinner in London if you want."
Harry grinned and gave the man a nod as a wave of warmth spread through his body. After years of being dismissed as a freak and unwanted child, he still wasn't used to anyone caring for him. Though, Harry often had to remind his grandfather that he wasn't like other ten-year-old children. He couldn't be, not after his stay with Dursleys and living through hundreds of bloody battles in his dreams.
"Great," Charlus' voice once again stopped Harry's thought. "Now go. There are only a few minutes left before the meeting begins."
With a weak push from his grandfather, Harry followed the short corridor until he saw another wooden door. Slipping through, he found himself in a long room filled with two rows of comfy chairs directed towards a glass wall that gave a perfect view of the entire Wizengamot chamber. It was a huge circular room with an empty space in the middle surrounded by stands from almost every side. Most of the chairs and benches were already filled and Harry even managed to spot his grandfather trying to reach his place.
For another few minutes, Harry just scanned the entire room with his enhanced sight, taking in every person inside and trying to memorize their faces. Who knew, maybe one day he would need such knowledge. And considering Harry's supposed fame, it might find some use sooner rather than later.
At last, the entire room fell silent as the banging of gavel echoed through the chamber. "The Wizengamot is now in session," A portly little man spoke as he stood from his seat. "As this is an emergency meeting, I ask Chief Warlock Dumbledore and Madam Bones to state the reason for this session."
As the man took his seat again, Harry's gaze went to Dumbledore who rose from his large chair. "Fellow wizards and witches," the Headmaster began. "I, along with the Head of the DMLE, called this emergency session to solve a mystery that was hidden behind layers of secrets about nine years ago. And as it was brought to our attention by Lord Potter, I will let him explain the situation."
Charlus gave Dumbledore a nod and also stood up. "Thank you, Chief Warlock," he bowed lightly. "As everyone here probably knows, a few months ago, I woke up from a long-term coma. I won't bore you will all the details, but I'm sure you can all understand my anger when I was told that most of my family was gone due to a betrayal, by someone I called a son no less. When my initial rage passed, I decided to find out what really happened during that horrible night. And so I came here, to the ministry, in hopes of accessing Sirius Black's trial records, but there were none."
A series of gasps rang through the chamber, but Charlus wasn't done. "That's we are here today. Sirius Black never received a trial after Bartemius Crouch sent him straight to Azkaban. Hell, he might have made the right decision, but that's not enough for me. I want to hear the truth from Black's mouth and find out if the man is really guilty of everything I heard about!" He shouted. "And so I hope that the Lords and Ladies of Wizengamot will grant this old man and his grandson some closure." With the last words coming out as a mutter, Charlus sat down, leaving the entire chamber in silence as some people nodded to the older man.
Harry fell back into his chair after he involuntary leaned closer to the glass wall during Charlus speech. His grandfather certainly knew how to work the crowd. They expected some people to protest for wasting their time or just straight up complain that such trial was unnecessary, and yet no one even said a word. And he says, he hates those meetings. Bunch of bull crap.
"Thank you, Lord Potter," Dumbledore spoke again. "As you just heard we gathered here today to finally resolve a case that was left open for too long. Madam Bones please bring in the prisoner and start the hearing."
A tall, grey-haired woman raised from her seat and descended to the empty area in the center of the chamber. She then nodded to the two men guarding the entrance before taking out her wand. So not everyone needs to leave their wands before coming here. Harry narrowed his eyes as a heavy wooden chair appeared next to the woman. She continued to wave her stick around the item but Harry had no clue why. I will ask Charlus later.
Not even a minute later, the entrance to the chamber opened again. The two guards returned, only this time, one of them was dragging a man that almost collapsed with each step. He had a gaunt, sunken face with waxy skin. His long, greasy hair looked like it forgot how water worked, and considering from where the man came, it wasn't far from the truth. Hell, even his grey, dirty outfit was barely hanging on his skeletal body.
Harry grimaced. So that's what waits for anyone unlucky to get sent to Azkaban... And he might be innocent.
The guards dropped Sirius into the chair and Madam Bones was quick to once again wave her wand. The wood came alive and bound the prisoner to the seat. At once Sirius gasped, his head finally snapping upwards, taking in the room he found himself in. "W-what?" He rasped out. "Why am I here? Did you all finally come to your senses?"
"Sirius Black, aged thirty and spent the last nine years in the wizarding prison of Azkaban," Madam Bones stated, ignoring Sirius' questions. "You stand before this body to be judged for your actions. The charges are. Manslaughter of serval muggles, murder of a fellow wizard, and an accessory to the murder of James and Lily Potter. How do you plead?"
Sirius looked at Bones, eyes wide. "A trial? After nine years you finally decided to give me a trial?" He let of a hollow laugh. "Why didn't I expect this..."
"I repeat," Madam Bones cut in. "How do you plead?"
"Fine!" Sirius shouted. "Not guilty! You hear me?! I didn't do it! I would never betray them," he finished, his voice barely a whisper.
"So noted," Bones nodded. "Do you admit to being the rumored right hand of the Dark Lord Voldemort? We already searched for the dark mark on your body and found it missing."
"Never," Sirius spat. "I would never bow down to that bloody wanker."
Bones hummed. "Almost nine years ago, on the night of Hallows' Eve, you were found by a squad of Aurors on a Muggle street. The area was completely destroyed, twelve muggles lost their life and the only part left of Petter Petergiew was a single finger. All the while you were screaming about how you killed them. How can you explain that?"
Every gaze in the chamber once again centered on Sirius. This was the moment of truth for everyone and not even Harry or Charlus knew what really happened after Voldemort killed Lily and James. They only had a confirmation that Sirius wasn't the Secret Keeper, but who knew if the man didn't kill those muggles and Pettigrew in rage after losing his friends.
"I didn't do it, but it could as well be my fault," Sirius whispered. "When I arrived at Godric's Hollow, I only found the bodies of James and Lily along with a screaming baby in the crib," his voice almost broke at the mention of his dead friends. "I didn't know that you-know-who was already gone so I had only two things running through my head. Getting Harry to safety and hunting down Pettigrew who was the real Secret Keeper."
Gasps rang through the entire chamber as people began to chatter. "Silence," Madam Bones' voice boomed before she looked at Sirius again. "You claim that it was Pettigrew who betrayed the Potters," at Sirius' nod, she spoke again. "Very well, please continue."
"I was the one who proposed the switch," A tear ran down Sirius' cheek. "After all who would have suspected Pettigrew when I was the obvious choice. Of course, the bloody rat was already on you-know-who's side and spilled everything."
"So in your rage, you hunted him down and didn't care about the collateral damage when you killed him?"
As if a switch was flipped, Sirius' head snapped towards Bones, his eye drilling holes in her body. "No!" he screamed. "No. After I left Harry with Hagrid, who insisted that he can keep him safe for the time being with Dumbledore, I tracked the bastard and I'll admit that I wanted to kill him. Only he never gave me a chance. Before I could fire off even one spell, Pettigrew used the incoming crowd to distract me and killed them all with an overpowered bombarda. I never had a chance to react when the bastard cut off his finger and turned into a rat."
Chatter again exploded between the members of Wizengamot and yet Bones never stopped her interrogation. "Pettigrew was a rat Animagus, yes?" Sirius nodded. "Even if that's the truth, then why didn't you try to explain yourself and just keep screaming like a mad man about killing them?"
"Because I did!" Sirius screamed again, the chatter dying out at once. "It was all my fault. Harry lost his parents because I offered to change the Secret Keepers. And those people died because I was stupid enough to chase that ratty bastard."
Harry groaned. "You aren't helping yourself... Just shut up," he muttered, ignoring the noise inside the chamber. They wanted to help him and if Black didn't stop spouting nonsense then it could get a bit harder. Harry even glanced at his grandfather, searching for any reaction but the man remained as cold as stone.
"Silence," Bones shouted again. "Mr. Black, do you have anything that might prove your side of the story?"
Sirius slumped in his chair. And just when he opened his mouth to probably answer in negative, Charlus' voice filled the chamber. "That won't be necessary Madam Bones."
If the situation wasn't so serious, Harry would have laughed at the face Black made. He was left gaping, his mouth wide open as Charlus stood from his seat and slowly descended towards Bones. "And why is that, Lord Potter?"
His grandfather reached into his robe and pulled out two documents. "I can't prove Sirius' innocence regarding the manslaughter, but I have enough evidence to support his first claim. Sirius Black was sworn as Harry's godfather, thus we all know what would have happened to him if he really betrayed my son," Charlus explained and handed the papers to Madam Bones. "The first file, provided by Gringotts, confirms Sirius' godfather status and the second is an unofficial will of James and Lily. They never managed to deliver it to Ministry, but it still remains signed and confirms that Petter Pettigrew was the Secret Keeper."
With his part said, Charlus gave Sirius a nod and went back to his seat. Harry observed as Bones inspected the files and announced that those were indeed legit documents. Almost instantly Dumbledore called a vote and with only a few people disagreeing, that part of Sirius' charges was dropped. What now?
As if to answer Harry's question, the Head of the DMLE spoke again. "Sirius Black, as a show of goodwill, this body is willing to give you an option to prove your innocence regarding the manslaughter. If you choose to accept, you will be interrogated again under the influence of Veritaserum combined with a constant Legillimency scan."
"Yes, yes," Sirius instantly replied. "Do whatever you need to get me free."
Harry's eyebrows raised. Charlus already explained to him how this method of interrogation worked, and to be honest they didn't expect someone to offer it first. His grandfather and Dumbledore either really pulled a lot of strings or they just worried for nothing.
It took another ten or so minutes for the second hearing to end. Sirius repeated his story word for word and no one in the chamber doubted his innocence after that. Though going by the few scowls Harry spotted, not everyone was happy when the second vote was called. At least they all voted for Black's innocence so the boy couldn't care less if some random wizards threw a fit.
In the end, Harry smirked as Madam Bones' voice reverberated through the chamber. "Sirius Black. As of this day, you are officially free. The Ministry apologizes for the horrible injustice you experienced. We will make sure that you are well repaid."
Time to meet my godfather...
And done.
This chapter was supposed to be out yesterday, but I just wanted to make sure it reads well. Thank you for reading and I hope you will enjoy the future content.
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