A New Beginning

Chapter Seven

Sirius

Azkaban Prison

In the end, Moody and Shackbolt refused to allow Severus to join them. They didn't trust the man, especially in a location containing so many of his former allies. Remus had argued in Severus' favor, but eventually Severus told him he would remain behind, the answers they needed were too important to argue. They worried about his own loyalties, he knew, once he requested their help. He originally had no intention of mentioning concern about a second traitor until he realized it was the only way to gain their help, and even then… Dumbledore had been sowing seeds of doubt about him and Severus.

Both men would remain just outside the cell, and would be listening into the conversation, which meant he would have to be careful with what he revealed. He had no intention of letting Sirius know that he'd had contact with James' son even without eavesdroppers, but it meant he couldn't mention Severus' involvement in the search either. He sighed as they slowly made their way toward the shore, "I know you do not trust my actions. Nor will you truly believe me, but my only concern is the safety of that child."

"Then why turn your back on Dumbledore and the order boy?" Moody grumbled.

"I do not trust that Dumbledore and I share the same goals anymore." Remus admitted, knowing it was probably the worst thing to say and at the same time it was the truth. "He has spiraled greatly the last few years and I fear for his mental stability."

"He says he sent you to watch over the Boy, but you have failed to keep him updated in the child's condition." Shackbolt frowned.

"I have sent weekly reports since my arrival." Remus frowned again. "There isn't much to report. The child is happy, well adjusted, and protected by his adoptive family. His adoptive family is aware of the danger the boy is in and have taken measures to prevent Death Eaters from coming into contact with him."

"Accept for Severus Snape who Dumbledore also sent to spy." Moody grumbled unhappily.

"As you say, Dumbledore sent him." Remus nodded. He had already tested the limit of his vow with the generalized information he had just passed on, had it not been for Edward's agreement that he was allowed to say they had taken measures to keep the boy safe, he wouldn't have been able to reveal even that much. He couldn't properly defend Severus without being hindered… at least when it came to Dumbledore's mission. His overall character, on the other hand, Remus could and would defend. "Severus is not a bad man, or a cruel one. He has made mistakes…haven't we all? He regrets some of his choices, especially putting his faith in men who hadn't deserved it in his youth."

"He is a Death Eater." Moody grumbled.

"He was a Death Eater, until he realized that they were intending to kill children, then he became a member of the Order. Then he learned- "Remus realized as soon as he was cut off there were things he had only learned thanks to his vow. Things he wouldn't be able to pass on, thinking quickly he changed his sentence before the other men noticed. "He learned that there were members who had similar ideals. Now he is independent, as am I."

"So, of course you are off being independent together." Moody snorted.

"That does not make any sense." Kingsley frowned.

"It doesn't make sense at all; it isn't true either. We are friends, but we are not working together against anyone." Remus frowned. Though it wasn't entirely true, the only one they were truly plotting against was Voldemort. Dumbledore was really more of a hurdle than an enemy unless he tried to harm the child himself.

They arrived before the other two could respond, not that it was going to have been a pleasant conversation if their expressions told him anything. They were lead through the corridors to Sirius' cell, where Remus was allowed to enter alone with the others waiting just outside.

"Hello Sirius." Remus began quietly, not wanting to startle the other man.

"Remus. Please, tell me you didn't go looking for Harry! Not with Peter out there somewhere also looking to find him." Sirius sounded miserable and desperate, though mostly same, just as he had last time.

"Where is Peter Sirius? Where would he have gone?" Remus asked.

"If I knew, I wouldn't be in here. I would be out there, killing the little rat." Sirius growled.

Remus cringed. He knew full well Sirius' words would be taken as proof that he too had been involved in the Potters murders but the longer he thought about it, the more Remus felt Sirius' version of events made the most sense. Not enough to tell him the boy's location though. He would not trust anyone with that knowledge, even if he was able to share it. "Surely you must have some clues though."

"How would I when I have been here all this time? You would have a better chance of finding something out there." Sirius huffed. "Am I to continue to rot until he is found then? Dumbledore still refuses to help."

"Dumbledore can't see past the bottom of his next bottle." Remus scoffed. "He still insists that you are where you belong and there's nothing he can do. He is too focused on his plotting and his sorrow."

"So, it is hopeless then, until Peter decides to show himself." Sirius frowned he wanted to pace but knew that would draw the attention of the men outside the room.

"I am trying Sirius. I have one other matter to discuss with you." Remus sighed, expecting this conversation to go badly. "Your brother. Do you know what became of him? Is it possible he hid something somewhere before he disappeared?"

"I hadn't spoken to him in years Remus. He was a Death Eater just as mother desired. The perfect son, unlike me. No one knows what befell him, however. Mother was distraught for weeks, then the Potters were killed, and I was imprisoned so I really would have no idea." Sirius frowned. "Why would he have hidden anything anyway"

"Very recently it came to my attention that You Know Who had several powerful objects hidden among the Death Eaters to be kept out of the hands of the authorities should something go wrong with his plans. I was simply hoping Regulus had one of them it would make finding it easier."

"Well, if he had ever had such a thing, I would think he would have hidden it in the house. You know how Mother was about security." Sirius grumbled. "Unfortunately, the only one who can unseal the house is me, and I am currently indisposed, or I would let you search for it."

"Thank you, Sirius. I will try to write again soon. I'm not sure if and when I can arrange another in person meeting. It causes others to question whether I belong in here as well, so far, I have managed to keep anyone from growing too concerned but I would rather not push my luck and tie my hands." Remus said sadly.

"I knew it was unlikely you would be allowed to return a second time, let alone additional visits." Sirius smiled. "It's enough that you trust me enough to at least look into what I had to say."

Remus nodded and they said their goodbyes, before he knocked to be let out of the cell. He made his way back to the boat silently, glaring when Lucius Malfoy spotted them, and rushed to the bars to demand release.

Lucius was only given two years for his threats against the school governors and would not be allowed on the grounds of Hogwarts for an additional three years, which to Remus was not nearly long enough. If only they could prove his status as a Death Eater. He managed to convince the world in general that he had been a victim but no one in the Order believed his lies. They still currently believed he had murdered his wife and son, but with no evidence he had never been convicted on it. Remus knew it was pointless to concern himself with that either. The Ministry had declared they would add charges should Hogwarts fail to produce an Owl for the boy, but Remus assumed Draco's invitation letter would arrive on time just like Yuery's.

Remus was not surprised to find Albus Dumbledore waiting for them when they returned from the trip to the prison. He sighed, now it would be difficult to simply say his goodbyes and head back to Xerxes. Dumbledore would surely wish to speak to him, if for no other reason than to try to get him to push the child toward Hogwarts.

"Hello Remus. Imagine my surprise when I heard you had arranged a meeting with Sirius Black." Albus said pleasantly. "After all we had already agreed that asking for additional meetings would lead to unnecessary attention being drawn to your activities."

"We agreed to nothing Dumbledore. I asked you to aide me in settling the matter of Sirius' probable accomplices. You refused but I proceeded without you. Upon interviewing him, I was presented enough evidence to suggest not only was he not the traitor but that you were aware of it." Remus said, as he ignored how the men behind him stiffened at the suggestion. "I continued my investigation as I could and have nothing to contradict this. When We discussed it before, you suggested that your hands were tied, though you were in fact aware of his innocence. I asked to speak to him today to ask for clues as to where Peter may have hidden, as he is still a very real threat to the child."

"Are you suggesting that Dumbledore let an innocent man sit in prison and that he is withholding information from the Order?" Moody grumbled.

"It wouldn't be the first time, for either, would it Dumbledore?" Remus sneered. "I know what you have kept hidden, even if I'm oathbound."

Both men frowned at this and watched the Headmaster and Professor stare at each other uncertain what to believe. Albus sighed a moment later before visibly relaxing his stance. "Take care what you say Remus. I am afraid I am unable to shield you in your new chosen home should anyone discover your situation."

Remus laughed humorlessly at the threat. Moody and Shackbolt both continued to frown in confusion. They were both aware of his condition and assumed that Remus kept whoever employed him and was close to him informed as well. It made little sense for Dumbledore to threaten him …unless he was correct that Dumbledore was no longer purely on their side. After all, he may not have admitted that Remus was being honest about Black, but it certainly seemed like it.

"Wait, Peter? As in Peter Pettigrew? Isn't he dead though?" Moody demanded.

"The most they found of him was a finger." Lupin said. "Conveniently, no one thought to look further. Which was as much mine and Sirius' fault as the authorities. We never thought to inform anyone he is an Animagus even after being arrested Sirius said nothing."

"He doesn't seem the type to be smart enough to master that kind of spell." Moody said.

"He wasn't, but James and Sirius were, and they helped him work it out." Lupin frowned. "I didn't feel Dumbledore knew either, even after learning that Sirius and Peter switched as Secret Keeper. I only suspected that he knew recently, when he suggested that I could also be found at fault for their behavior. After all, they did it to keep me company during the Moon."

"Regardless. Surely you know how it looks to continue to visit him Remus. That is why I attempted to refuse your request." Dumbledore smiled sadly. "That man has turned you against me, as he has several of my agents. I do not know what he has promised to ensure your loyalty, but I can assure you he is not trustworthy. After all, he is only involved at all because he decided to steal a child."

There were many things Remus would love to say about that statement, none of them could he say thanks to his oath. All except one. "Go ahead and try to prove it. He is very publicly a devoted and kind father. He is adored by his people, and he is probably one of the most powerful people you have come across, yet you continue to send us to fight him instead of trying to work with him."

"I would like to speak to this man myself, then." Moody frowned. He hadn't lived this long by not digging. He never truly trusted anyone at face value.

"I can see what I can do, but I wouldn't hold out hope." Remus sighed. "He does not like or trust western wizards. Especially those who associate with Dumbledore."