Chapter 13

At first, she was confused. She had walked into her empty department; she usually was one of the first to arrive as a point of habit, but also just a sense of discipline acquired over the years. The Ministry was eerily quiet at this point in the day which did give her a nice head-start to the extra piles of work she knew that would inevitably come in as the proper day started. The break for Christmas and New Year was a welcome respite but knew that only meant a busier day for her now.

Walking into her office was always a sense of amusement for her. She knew that when it came to organisation, she was rather a poor example of leadership. Folders were strewn all over the floors, while mounds of parchments poured out of any place she could fit. Many doubted that she could find anything in there, but she did have a system that worked for her and justly believed her way of organising allowed more space for creativity than a perfectly kept office.

However, what was odd was the white envelope on her desk, with a blue shimmer surrounding it. That didn't make sense. Envelopes were only given to her assistant who then passed them onto her. This was often done to check for any curses beforehand, and while not common, one of her old commanding officers had drilled vigilance at all times into her. While she understood her assistant had yet to arrive for the morning, no one was usually around the ministry to give her this. Looking at it closer, she saw her name scrawled on the top, leaving no doubt this was for her.

Pointing her wand at it she cast all sorts of detection spells, but it appeared to be what it was, just an envelope addressed to her. Sighing, she grabbed it and started to read it.

Dear Ms Bones,

I am writing to you about an issue of utmost importance and discretion. I have a proposition that would prove quite beneficial to myself and a third party, but also ensure you the opportunity to correct a past wrongdoing. I would be delighted if you were to accept an invitation to my office this evening, around 10 pm if that works for you. I shall leave the floo open to you, the password for entry is cockroach clusters.

Regards,

Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Supreme Mugwump
Chief Warlock

Amelia's eyebrows raised into her hairline as she tried to decipher the message sent by her old headmaster. 'To correct a past wrongdoing' is what stumped her. Did he mean to say she had done something wrong or that the ministry had? Whatever it was, she had no idea. Sitting for an hour she stared at the letter trying to ponder its meaning, only to be interrupted by a knock on her door an hour later.

"Come in," she said, stuffing the envelope into her pocket.

The head of her assistant popped into the room. "Good morning Ms Bones, your appointment with the Head of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes is here to discuss the new legislation on obliviation."

"Yes… yes, of course. Send him in please Mandy," she replied, mentally preparing for the day ahead until she could get to the bottom of whatever Dumbledore wanted.

For the third time that day, Harry fell flat onto his face. This time it had been because of a well time-tripping hex. He would have had enough time to dodge it if he hadn't had to deal with the onslaught of icicles that had been sent his way. As usual, he wasn't quick enough to grab his wand as he fell; being summoned to the hands of his diminutive charm's professor.

"Well, that was quite a good fight this time Mr Potter," Flitwick squeaked as Harry got up onto his legs. "But do you know what you did wrong this time?"

"I spent too much time focusing on those icicles by trying to burn them?" Harry questioned.

"Well, yes and no. Indeed, you spent too long trying to burn those icicles. It is easier and quicker to banish them back at me. My additional issue is through the fight you tend to use more powerful spells than you need to," the professor explained.

"What do you mean sir?" Harry asked, wiping the beads of sweat off his forehead.

"Essentially, as I mentioned with the banishing. Using that spell uses a lot less power than using the incendio that you used. There were other moments during the fight where dodging would have been less taxing than shielding or trying to overpower me. I very well understand that for your age and even most wizards, you have vast magical reserves. But even these can be depleted, and in a long-lasting fight you will not be able to sustain such fighting."

Harry nodded his understanding. "Thank you, sir. Would you suggest anything else?"

"I do believe that you would be very benefitted by learning how to deflect spells. That means instead of blocking or dodging, you use your wand to send the spell back to the caster. This does not use much power but is very difficult to do because you must be incredibly quick and mistiming will lead to the spell hitting you. Let me quickly show you," he said, passing Harry's wand back to him. "Send a spell my way."

Harry nodded in response before promptly sending a stinging hex towards his professor. As quick as lightning, the professor flicked his wand as the spell was few inches from his face, sending it at rapid speed back to him, who quickly dived to avoid it.

"Like that," he said, chuckling at Harry's dive. "Well Mr Potter, it has been an absolute pleasure this last week to teach you some duelling tricks."

"I've learnt a lot sir," Harry replied sincerely.

"That's good. You have seriously improved in leaps and bounds this year. The transformation is just overwhelming. You won't catch me saying this in front of your peers, but I do reckon you could easily manage in some of my NEWT classes."

"Thank you, Professor! It will be a shame that the term starts the day after. I looked forward to learning with you. I feel better prepared for some of the tasks in the tournament."

"Ahh yes. I hope all is going well with trying to solve the clue with the egg," Flitwick responded. "Have you made any progress?"

"I think I've made a breakthrough," Harry replied. It was a bald-faced lie as he guiltily thought of the egg that he had left unopened, safely stored in his dormitory. He really should have tried harder with it, but with the break upon him and the next task in February he had been procrastinating about getting anywhere with it.

He had opened it once during the holiday, but it was the same pulsating heartbeat with swirling green lights that had appeared when he first opened it with Daphne in the infirmary. He knew he had a better chance with her to solve it. She was better than him when it came to deductive reasoning.

"Good, good! I'm pleased. Anyway, it is getting late and I must let you get some sleep. Try and not train tomorrow Mr Potter and just enjoy your last day of the break."

"I will sir," Harry promised. "Thank you, once again," he said, walking out the door.

Heading out from the charm's corridor, he stretched off the soreness he had received from the duels today taking the moving staircase up towards the Gryffindor common room. He still wasn't used to how empty the castle was without any students. He had ended up being the only student from Gryffindor who had stayed during the Christmas break. There were only five in total who had remained back, two Hufflepuffs, a Slytherin and a Ravenclaw.

None of them seemed that they wanted to be affiliated with him, but at the same time, they didn't seem to talk to the others as well, preferring to keep to their houses unless it was for mealtime. He did quite enjoy the informality of dinners which was just one big round table for all the staff and students alike. Many of the professors had also gone to their own houses for the respective breaks. The only people who had remained were the headmaster, and the heads of houses, which to his dismay also meant Snape. However, it had led to quite interesting conversations and he would often learn something about what was currently going on in the Ministry or around the magical world as the professors spoke about the latest news and political decisions being made.

Reaching the portrait of the fat lady he whispered the password before slipping into his empty common room. He rubbed his head sheepishly as he realised how much of the room he had used for his possessions, with his books laying all over. He set over to start picking them up, knowing that the train arrived tomorrow and he didn't want anything to get lost with the madness of students rushing in.

At the same time, he was excited to see all his friends. He couldn't wait to catch up with Fred and George who had been sending him letters of their latest inventions and the pranks they had pulled on Percy. He wanted to see Neville who he had kept in touch with, who had eagerly told him how the letter from Moody to his grandmother had worked and that he got a new wand. He hadn't tried it out but was eager to see if spells would now come slightly easier to him. Then there was of course Daphne. He smiled as he thought of her while getting ready to go into bed.

Settling into bed, he thought of the break he had, of course starting with that kiss. She had walked into the room of requirement with such determination, which he still didn't understand where it had come from. All she said was that she had missed him too and pulled him in. It only lasted a few seconds, before she broke it up and apologised because she had to leave or would miss her train. In response, he dumbly nodded, as he watched her run to go catch the train.

He was still confused as to what brought it on. Only the night before she had declared it would be a grand mistake for it to happen, only for her to come in the next day and kiss him. While they had exchanged letters, it seemed to him that they were both avoiding mentioning it until they met in person, instead of talking about what they were getting up to. He looked to his bedside table where her latest letter was open, with him getting it just this morning;

Harry,

In response to your last letter, the answer is no. Tracey stays here for the entire winter break. It's often a tradition our families have. Her parents come over here for Christmas and New Year as well. It just has always been like that, but I quite enjoy it, even though it means I can't get a break from her, (I only wrote that because she was peering over my head as usual, and this would annoy her).

Also! So jealous you get to have duelling lessons with Professor Flitwick. I remember hearing that he was some kind of champion in the sport many years ago so you are so lucky. I do not know how you sprung that, but I guess being the headmaster's favourite you get special privileges (just so you know I am sticking my tongue out you in a petulant manner). But so glad you get to learn under such a master. You better pay attention because will need you to teach me everything you've learnt; can't let you get too ahead of me.

Can't wait to get back to Hogwarts soon and start the new term. I guess it'll be okay to see you too, but will have to decide if I can fit you in my incredibly busy schedule, (once again the tongue has been stuck out).

Sincerely,

Daphne

He laughed thinking about it once again. He knew she would want to learn everything he had been taught by Flitwick. Although, he sighed when he thought about what she said in one part of the letter, "I don't know how you sprung that…". Now that was a completely different story, one that had resulted in a meeting a few days after Christmas.

Fawkes did seem to have some incredibly bad timing. Appearing into a ball of flames in the bathroom while he was in the shower, he dropped a small note, before dissolving into a flash of flames. Turning the shower off and grabbing the towel to dry off, he reached for the missive. It was just a simple note from Dumbledore telling him to come to his office as soon as possible.

Quickly changing, he headed out of the common room and walked towards the headmaster's office wondering about what the meeting could be about. They hadn't conversed over the break, so he was wondering if Dumbledore wanted to test him once again and see his progress. At the same time, they hadn't talked because Dumbledore didn't seem to be in the castle most of the time. He had of course been there for Christmas dinner, and at the start of the holiday, but, he had seemingly disappeared since then. Harry knew it must be something involving Voldemort but couldn't think what it was. Perhaps he was assisting Sirius and Remus with gaining more allies? But he knew there was much more to the headmaster's disappearance that was of vital importance. Although he knew he was not privy to that information just yet.

That thought frustrated him. The headmaster knew that Harry fighting with Voldemort was inevitable, yet he was kept in the dark. He was the one who told Dumbledore about the dream in the first place about Pettigrew and the mysterious servant. But still, he knew nothing about what was going on to prevent Voldemort from rising. What was the point of all the training he was doing, if he wasn't able to know what was going on?

Pushing those thoughts out of his mind as he reached the gargoyle, he said the password and entered. He was sure he heard the muffles of shouting as he climbed the staircase, only for it to cease as he got to the door. Dumbledore said enter before Harry knocked on the door, and so he walked in. He was surprised, to say the least.

The aged professor was sat at his desk looking thoroughly saddened at his desk. On the chair opposite was Remus sitting down, who offered him a light smile as he walked in, but it looked strained as if he was fighting to stay awake. Standing up was Sirius, his face slightly red as if he had been shouting, only for Harry to realise that was the voice he had in the hallway had been his godfather.

"Harry," Sirius said, breaking into a relieved smile as he crossed over the office and pulled Harry into a hug. Remus stood up to do the same.

"I don't understand," Harry asked quizzically. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Perhaps, we should all take a seat as this will take time to explain," Dumbledore spoke up, seemingly cutting off Sirius who had begun to talk. Sirius scowled at the headmaster but nodded his agreement. Harry's eyebrows rose at this, not understanding where this tension had come to be, but as he sat down, he looked at his two guardians. Both seemed to be wearing the same face of frustration with a slight tint of anger, while Dumbledore just looked overwhelmed.

"Okay I have to admit it looks like something major has happened here, but I'm thoroughly confused," Harry confessed looking at the three men.

"Harry… we know," Remus replied.

"You know what?" Harry frowned. "What do you know about?" Harry asked again, slightly louder when they remained quiet.

"Look Harry," Sirius started. "Before we begin, just know that we both love you no matter what and that none of this was your fault," he answered, shooting a quick side glance at Dumbledore. "We know about the Dursleys."

"What… what are you talking about," Harry replied desperately. Although looking into the eyes of the three men, he knew they found out.

"We visited the house, Harry," Sirius answered softly.

Harry shot up to his feet. "I'm not going to talk about this. There's no need… I'm fine. It's all fine," he replied firmly.

"Harry you are not leaving!" Sirius answered, standing up. "Listen to me right now. This is not your fault," he replied, emphasising each word. "There's no easy way for you to do this. None of us here know what you've been through. But we need to know. Because we want to be here for you. More importantly, you need to speak about this. You've been holding it in for too long…"

"Stop it," Harry cut in.

"… you need to release that pain, don't hold on to it," Sirius persevered.

"I said stop it!" Harry forcefully interjected, his voice raised louder.

"It'll make you feel better. If anyone knows anything about holding out stuff about their home life, it's me and I can tell you once I shared it with James and moved in with the Potters, my life changed…"

"Well, you had someone there for you didn't you," Harry shouted, finally reaching his breaking point. "Who do I have Sirius? Tell me! A man wanted for murder and a werewolf who is discriminated against everywhere he goes. I don't have any family. I do not have anyone. Do you not get that?"

"Harry," Sirius said, his voice still soft. "That may not be the case much longer."

"What do you mean," Harry replied, his voice raw, unwilling tears breaking out.

Sirius looked to Remus, who gave him a subtle nod. "We have a plan to get me my freedom. Dumbledore here is helping us, but we need to know what's happened."

"You're getting out?" Harry asked, a small sense of hope breaking out into his voice.

"We do not know yet," Remus replied. "And we didn't want to say anything yet because it is still a very long shot and we didn't want to get your hopes up. But yes, there may be a chance. However, if we get Sirius free, there may still be questions about his guardianship and whether he be fit to take care of you, seeing as he spent so many years in Azkaban. So, we will need you as a testimonial to say why you want it to be him and the truthful answer to why your current home is unsuitable for you."

"So, please Harry. We need to understand," Sirius pleaded.

Harry stayed silent for a minute, looking at Remus and Sirius. He shot a glance towards Dumbledore who seemed to be unable to meet his eyes but was sure there were tears there too. He finally nodded before taking a seat and telling them.

It felt like he had been talking for hours by the time he finished. He told them his earliest memories of being forced to sleep into the cupboard. How he had been given chores to do from the time he was 5, sent to school where he was mercilessly bullied by his cousin and his friends. Emotions that he held back for so long were released as he told them more stories about his life, explaining the missed birthdays, how he was told his parents died in a car crash. How he had never actually seen a picture of his parents until Hagrid showed him in his first year. How he hadn't even known his birthday until a teacher wished him in primary school. He spoke about the first time he got his first letter from Hogwarts, how Vernon had tried to burn them all and decided to move Harry to the room upstairs. He mentioned his second year with Dobby and his warning, which led him to be locked into his room with the cat flap and the bars on his windows until he was rescued. Then the story behind how his temper snapped leading to his Aunt Marge swell up into a balloon.

His voice was hoarse by the time he finished. He hadn't looked up once since he started the story, unwilling to see what his guardians would think of him now. Finally, he summoned his courage and looked up. Each of the men around him looked broken. Tears streamed down the faces of both Remus and Dumbledore, while Sirius had the same haunted expression that Harry saw when he first met the man as if he had just gone through another twelve years of Azkaban.

"I will kill them," Sirius spoke quietly.

"Sirius…" Remus cut in.

"No Moony! Tell me they deserve an any better fate. Maybe killing would be too simple, but perhaps get them into Azkaban and let the dementors run riot on their brains."

"Stop it!" Harry said forcefully. "I just want to be done with them, but leave them be. If there is justice in the world, they will get what is coming to them in due time. But leave them."

"Harry. You expect me to just let this go?" Sirius replied, standing up to face his godson.

"Yes. I'm the one who lived with them. I'm the one who gets to make this decision," he replied with the same force, staring his godfather down.

They stared at each other for a full minute before Sirius nodded, sinking into his seat and promptly started sobbing into his hands. "I should have been there."

"Padfoot!" Harry exclaimed, grabbing Sirius' hands. "I don't blame you for what you did that night. The truth is that if I had been in your place, I would have done the same. You would do anything for your friends. That is something I get, but you can't blame yourself when even I don't blame you."

"It's not that easy to just forgive myself," he replied with a humourless chuckle.

"Well, I do hope one day you can."

He turned to his headmaster, who once again had sat silently through the ordeal. Then it finally hit him. The tension between his godfather and the headmaster, the shouting he had heard upstairs. Dumbledore was the one who had put him with the Dursleys. He remembered him telling him that it had to do with his mother's protection that would keep him safe from harm there. Maybe that was true, he had never been found and hurt by anyone on the outside. Although the inside was a different story. Pushing those thoughts aside, for now, he spoke.

"So, you got my story. What is your plan now Professor?" he addressed Dumbledore bluntly.

Wiping the tears from his eyes and clearing his throat, Dumbledore replied, "I believe our next best move is to contact Amelia Bones."

"Wait, Amelia Bones? As in related to Susan?" Harry asked.

"Yes, her aunt," Dumbledore replied, "and head of the department for law enforcement. She is our best shot at Sirius' freedom."

"Why not just go to Fudge directly?" Remus replied.

Dumbledore replied with a sad smile. "Cornelius isn't pragmatic even in the best of times. He will not take this story at face value and if he were to know that I was in contact with Sirius, I do believe he'd try to make my life difficult. No, we need someone who is undoubtedly fair in matters such as these and will give Sirius the fair trial he deserves. I will meet with her privately, it would not do well for her to meet Sirius in our first conversation."

"How can I trust what you say to her privately Dumbledore? You haven't given me much faith recently," Sirius interjected.

"Sirius, it is for the best I do this alone," Dumbledore replied wearily. "I know you do not trust me, but you can see why it would not be very wise to have you in the first meeting."

"He's right Sirius," Remus broke in. "Wouldn't be wise for you to show your face so soon."

"Fine," Sirius accepted. Turning to his godson, he spoke once again, "I am sorry once again for having you say all that stuff to us."

"It's okay Sirius… weirdly I feel better. It was nice to finally share that with you guys. And if it helps in getting your freedom, I will do it again," Harry responded.

Sirius broke out into a relieved smile, pulling Harry into a hug. "Well, it is quite late. We should be leaving and Harry you should get some sleep," he said seriously.

"I'll walk out with you guys," Harry replied.

"Harry if you would stay back for a minute, please. I would like to talk to you. Preferably alone." Dumbledore spoke up.

"Dumbledore- ", Sirius spoke up threateningly.

"Sirius it's alright. Yes, sir, we can talk."

"Okay," Sirius accepted resignedly. "We will see you very soon Harry." They each gave him one last hug before Sirius turned into his Animagus form and the two left the office.

"Would you like to sit?" Dumbledore asked.

"Actually, would just prefer to stand. I do have a feeling about what you're going to say."

The headmaster seemed to age even more at the words, before standing up himself. "I do not expect you to forgive me, Harry. We are much past that stage…"

"Look, sir," Harry said cutting in. "I understand why you believe you had to do it. Fine, my aunt shares my blood. She would protect me. That's not what sucks." Looking straight into Dumbledore's eyes he continued. "It was the fact that you forgot about me. For eleven years no one had the decency to check up on me. See how I was doing," he sighed. "Merlin, the whole bloody wizarding world goes mad about me, calling me their 'boy-who-lived. But that's where it ends. My parents gave up their life for me and then I was cast aside."

"I am… I am sorry."

"I think we both know, that's just not enough," Harry replied. "I do… I do want to trust in you. But give me a reason to."

Dumbledore nodded in response. "Do you know what hubris is, Harry?"

"No sir, what's that got to do-"

"Hubris often means that you believe in yourself and can do anything better than anyone. In that sense, though you look at the world in a big picture, the big changes you need to make. In often doing so, I forget about the individual. In this case, it was you. To me, in the bigger picture, getting you out of immediate harm and away from the wizarding world was the best course of action. But I didn't think about you. What you may feel, what could happen to you. Some would call that my biggest flaw, and I wholeheartedly agree."

"Where are you going with this, sir?" Harry asked confusingly.

"Well, Harry. Often, because of thinking too much of my abilities, I keep my cards close. I am not foolish enough to not know that you are frustrated with me in knowing about my plans about Voldemort," he replied. Pointing at the chair, he gestured for Harry to take a seat.
"If you want the truth of the matter, I know just as little as you do about his current actions and whereabouts. Your dream provided me with the fact that he is alive but other than that I am completely stumped as to what his plan is. All I do know, is that you will be involved somehow, but I think you knew that too," he sighed painfully.
"Currently I am trying to acquire new members for a resistance group that I had started in the first war against Voldemort called the Order of the Phoenix. I have also been trying to find information on the past about Voldemort, but as you know Tom Riddle has notoriously very little known about him, and my research has yielded no fruit."

"What can I do to help sir. I know I can do something," Harry determinedly replied.

"Your courage is commendable. But you should continue to train and work hard. You are incredibly powerful, but you still have no chance against these forces. I do not want to discourage you, but I think we both know you have ways to go before standing up against him."

"So, I just continue training by myself," Harry spoke dejectedly.

"No. You still have a week and a half before term starts. While I am quite busy, I will instruct Filius to train with you. He is a master at duelling and the help he provides will be invaluable to you."

"Thank you. But just because of this, I can't just willingly forgive you."

"Nor do I expect you to," the headmaster replied with a sad smile. "I just know that I must start to correct the many wrongs I have committed when it comes to you, and try to work on that flaw of mine."

"Perhaps you can professor," Harry responded, standing up to leave. "Maybe it's never too late to make a change," he said before leaving the headmaster alone.

"Maybe you are right…"

"Looks like we're only half an hour away from Hogsmeade," Tracey spoke up, looking out the window.

Daphne put the book down that she was reading and looking outside too. "Better start to change then," she replied, pointing her wand at the door and sending all types of locking charms.

"So- " Tracey started as they were changing. "Excited to get back?" she said innocently, but there was a smirk on her face.

"Yeah actually. I hear we're doing some exciting things in charms this term… wait," she said as she caught the smirk on her friend's face. "No, shut up."

"So, not excited to see anyone when we get back?"

"Tracey stop!" Daphne whined. "Can we please not talk about this again."

"We haven't talked about this at all. And more importantly, you haven't talked about it with him even. I've read the letter he sent back. You guys didn't even mention your kiss once," Tracey responded.

"Firstly, you need to stop reading my letters. Secondly, there's nothing to talk about. We kissed. It lasted like five seconds and then I had to go."

"Yeah, well that was your first kiss and I'm assuming it was his too. That means something… if you would just open your mind to the possibility-"

"The possibility of what Tracey?" Daphne cut in. "The possibility of us dating? The possibility of him being my boyfriend even? We can't even be seen in public without both our houses causing a fuss. How exactly do you think people would take it if we started being together?"

"Merlin, why does it matter what others think? I went to the ball with Kevin and no one said a single thing to me," she argued.

"Kevin's in Ravenclaw! That's fine. We both know Harry and Kevin are not the same people. Barely anyone can tolerate him in our house and their hate towards him is so mislead and seeped in prejudice that you cannot change their views."

"What about what Susan told you? About how no one would dare touch you or anyone you know after that saw what he was capable of?"

"I agreed with Susan at the time, but then what? I go running to Harry anytime I have a problem in my house?" she replied heatedly. "Does he come to our common room to scold some people for treating you or Astoria badly?"

"Well obviously not, but you can also handle yourself, Daphne. You've trained with him, you're more than capable."

"I appreciate your belief in me. But I'm not capable to take our entire house becoming hostile towards me. You know they'll make life miserable for us."

"Fine Daphne," Tracey replied dejectedly. "Do what you believe is right, but one day you're going to need to listen to what your heart says instead of your head and I hope that doesn't happen before it's too late," she sighed. "We're here," she then said as the train pulled to a halt and started to walk out the cabin before Daphne could reply.

The fireplace blazed to life in Albus Dumbledore's office at precisely 10 pm. He chuckled to himself; Amelia was nothing if not prompt.

"Amelia!" he smiled and stood up to greet the woman. "It is lovely to see you after so long," Dumbledore exclaimed.

"Hello, Albus," she replied with a small smile. "I do wish I could say the same, but your letter left me with a lot of confusion and doubt as to what this meeting could be about."

"Well, this could take a while. So please take a seat and can I offer you anything to drink?"

"I'm good for now," she replied taking up the offered seat. "Could I firstly ask, why the secrecy? Couldn't you have just scheduled an appointment with me at the Ministry?"

"Ahh… well this situation for the moment needs the utmost discretion and I feared that showing up for an impromptu meeting with the head of law enforcement would turn some heads at the Ministry. I do understand the gossip rivals what we have here at Hogwarts," he replied.

"You can't be serious. What could possibly be inferred from you and I being seen together?" Amelia exclaimed.

"If the outcome of what I have planned comes to fruition; with our two positions in the Ministry, it cannot be said that I came to you with this. Especially as Chief Warlock where I must remain unbiased."

"The outcome of what Albus?" Amelia sighed. "Your letter did not give me much information and I still do understand what you meant to give me the chance to right a previous wrong. Are you saying that I have made a mistake?" she retorted.

"Not in the slightest," Dumbledore replied. "I do believe when this incident happened you were only a few years into being an auror. No, this itself was a mistake created by the last administration."

"Well then let's not beat around the bush. What exactly was the mistake?"

"Sirius Black."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees at the statement.

"Excuse me?" Amelia responded dangerously. "What mistake could have possibly been made with that murderer?"

"I do not believe in the slightest that he is a murderer Amelia," Dumbledore replied. "I do not believe he is responsible for any of the crimes he has been punished for "

"Enough!" Amelia cut in. "Where exactly would you be getting this information from headmaster? Are you possibly in touch with a known felon who is on the run?"

"I shall admit to no such thing Ms Bones. But please ask yourself why I may be defending Sirius Black when he sold out the parents of a boy that I have under my care. A boy to whom many have accused of me giving blinding favouritism to."

"I do not know Albus!" Amelia exclaimed. "Where could you have possibly gotten this deranged and deluded idea from?"

"Perhaps you can tell me why you believe he is guilty?"

Amelia gave him an incredulous look. "This must be some sort of joke. Of course, he is guilty. He was convicted-"

"Well, see this is where I believe our problem lies," Dumbledore interjected.

"What do you mean?" Amelia replied exasperatedly.

"To be convicted, one must have a trial. Sirius Black did not receive any such trial."

"Of course, he was trialled…"

"When Ms Bones? It is my belief if you were to go into the archives of your office and go to the year Mr Black was sentenced, you will find no paperwork for a trial. You will find no sentencing procedure, nor any defence is given to Mr Black," Dumbledore finished.

"No that can't be possible…" Amelia stuttered, doubts ringing in her mind. "No one could have overlooked such a major trial like that."

"But they did. You must remember how it was then," he replied. "The entire Ministry was in disarray, bankrupted and the procedure was barely followed in any department. In such a scenario it is no doubt that his trial just fell through the cracks. But do not take my word for it. If you don't believe me, have a check for his trial records and tell me what you find."

"Even if I do as you say. I go into my office and do not find his trial. It doesn't mean he was innocent. They found the finger of Pettigrew at that scene. He blew that poor man up. How can that have not been true?"

"Even if that was the case. It is in our laws that everyone deserves the right to a trial. As those who enforce the law, it is our duty to give him the trial. But can you imagine the outrage there will be if Sirius Black, the head of one of the oldest pureblood families is innocent and was put to Azkaban without trial," Dumbledore explained.

"You say all of this as if he were to get the trial, he would be proved innocent. So, tell me your version of the story then. I will then give my opinion on the whole thing," Amelia replied.

Dumbledore nodded, interlocking his fingers and bent forward as he told her what he knew. He had to give credit to Amelia who remained impassive through the entirety of the story; just listening intently as he told her about the incident in the Whomping Willow and the final escape.

"… and as you know, he is in hiding. I do not know his whereabouts at the moment and I doubt anyone would be able to find him either."

Amelia nodded in response. "I do think I'll take that drink now headmaster," she spoke.

Dumbledore chuckled before pouring his guest a glass of mead. She took a sip before speaking, "the story you provided me… it's… it's utterly fantastical, but yet I believe you. As hard as that if for me to hear myself say."

"It is up there with some of the stories I have heard. But it is the truth. It is now our job to convince the majority of the Wizengamot of this fact."

"There is a long way to go before that happens. Firstly, I must try to find these files. If it is not there, then I will have to think on the best way to proceed."

"That is all I can ask Ms Bones," Dumbledore replied.

"I guess I will be in touch soon," she said, finishing the last of her drink and moving towards the fireplace. "But Albus… our next meeting, Sirius Black will be there," she said forcefully. "I believe if you are motivated enough, you'll be able to find him," she said with a small smirk before dropping the floo powder into the fireplace and disappearing in green flames.

I'm back :)